Speaking Guidelines for IBOs

Our mission, as Independent Business Owners, is to offer people a business opportunity and a guide to them in the development of this opportunity.

It is important to stay business-focused and not use the stage as a platform to excessively promote your personal religious, political, and/or moral stands. Note that inappropriate comments typically fall within one or more of the following areas:

• Spiritual/Religious

• Political

• Moral/Social

• Business

The following guidelines are intended to further clarify, by example, statements and subjects that would be considered appropriate and those that would be considered inappropriate.

Spiritual / Religious

Appropriate

• When sharing his/her personal story, a speaker may make reference to the importance of their religious belief or walk with God. Their comments should be brief and tied to their independent business expertise.

• IBOs can be invited to attend an optional nondenominational worship service. Other options should also be included, such as attending a local church or other place of worship. It should be explained very clearly that the worship service is not a formal part of the weekend function.

Inappropriate

• Statements that indicate an IBO must be of a certain religious belief or doctrine if they are going to succeed in the business.

• Excessive reading from or reference to religious writings.

• Follow-up materials at religious services that promote membership in a specific church or denomination.

• If free-will offerings are taken at a business meeting, they should be for the benefit of a recognized 501(c)3 charity (U.S.) or registered charity (Canada), preferably one that is clearly established and has a proven record of results and financial responsibility. (Great care should be taken in handling any cash gifts.)

Political

Appropriate

• Statements regarding capitalism and the free enterprise system and the importance of preserving it.

• Effects of higher taxes and excessive government regulation on small business, in particular this business.

• Importance of voting and being informed on issues and candidates.

• Specific teachings of America’s or Canada’s founding fathers and the lessons of history as they relate to the business climate and economic health of these countries.

• Character and integrity as important issues in our business and in our elected/appointed government officials.

Inappropriate

• Endorsement or denouncement of specific candidates, political parties, and/or ballot issues, unless specifically related to this business.

• Statements encouraging registration in a particular political party or cause not directly related to this business.

• Inflammatory labels or personal attacks on the character or integrity of elected or appointed government officials.

Moral / Social

Appropriate

• Positive statements related to traditional values such as trustworthiness, honesty, integrity, responsibility, commitment, individual initiative, etc.

• Importance of the family unit and respect for authority.

• The role of the husband/wife in a healthy marriage and the importance of faithfulness (monogamy) to the health of the family unity.

• Patriotism and respect for national institutions such as the armed forces and the country’s flag.

• Dangers of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, pornography, and inappropriate sexual relationships.

Inappropriate

• Negative impact on society of television, the movie industry, and the press.

• References to homosexuality, gays, and/or lesbians.

• References to the abortion issue.

• Statements regarding the societal roles of males and/or females that would be considered demeaning or discrediting.

Business

Appropriate

• Refer to the appropriate merchandising representations.

  To describe our traditional business:

  -We are an international wholesale/retail distribution business.

   

  To describe our Web-based business:

  -We are a Web-based wholesale/retail distribution business.

  -We are an e-commerce development business.

  -We are a Web-based business, using the Tridigital Commerce model, which combines business ownership, member benefits, and online shopping.

  -We are a network development business, using the Internet as a technology tool to automate the distribution of consumable products.

  -We are a relationship marketing business, using the Internet to provide a unique high-tech/high-touch business ownership plan.

   

  To describe a combination of the two business channels:

  -We are an international wholesale/retail distribution business, using a variety of marketing channels, including the Internet, catalogs, and toll-free ordering.

   

• Speakers should represent that as an IBO’s business begins to grow, he/she may want to acquire support materials or attend motivational and business-building meetings. These are optional, and the decision is the IBO’s.

Inappropriate

• “Quoting” or stating specific incomes beyond verifiable experiences.

• Guaranteeing of specific or exaggerated income figures.

• Implying there are tax advantages beyond what is normally expected.