How I Did My Homework Before I Joined Rodan and Fields Dermatologists
- Step 1: Is it believable? Set out to prove that the information is correct or false or somewhere in between.
If you’re like me, you can’t stand to be sold a pile of rubbish. I can’t tell you how much money I have spent in the past on products or programs or opportunities that just didn’t do what “it” was suppose to do. I have literally spent thousands of dollars on weight loss, eBooks, vitamins, digital products, work at home opportunities, and so much more. YES, I’ve bought skincare products too. The point is – I have lost so much money that I can not afford to buy into something without doing my homework first. And neither should you. Do your own homework. Don’t just take my word for it.
- Step 2: Is to actually verify the information you are given. That’s actually the hard part of research on the internet. Sometimes you have to apply a little common sense and logic to the source of information.
Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about. When you want information about a company or product, the first thing you do is type the name into Google search or whatever your preferred search engine is. Then you get a list of websites that have the same “keywords” you typed into the search box. The first problem that you will encounter in the verification process is to determine which sites came up naturally because the search engine thought it was appropriate for your search words and what sites came up because someone is paying to be there.
Obviously, I enjoy the sites that show up through keywords because it means the information contained in the website should match my query more accurately. The sites at the top, right side bar and the bottom of the screen may appear as “sponsor” sites. What that means to you is someone paid to be listed first. A natural (sometimes referred to as organic) site has relevant information that made sense to the search engine. It might actually be more closely related to getting your answer(s) then the paid for site. The paid for site has an agreement that will rotate in and out of the view of internet users according to the terms that were established in the pay per click agreement. Does a pay per click site have bad information? Not necessarily. What I’m saying is that, we can’t always judge a site as credible because it’s the first one on the list. Know if the site earned it’s way to the top or paid it’s way to the top.
- Step 3: Determine the validity or purpose of the site. Is it there to provide you with solid information and useful tools or products that make your life better or easier? Or is it just a way to get your money or your time? Does the site serve the greater good?
Step 3 is a little more complicated because there are sites that people go to, just to buy a product. When I go to Amazon, I’m there to buy a product. There’s nothing wrong with that. But I can do so much more with Amazon then I could with a “get the money“ site. Here are some of the things I can do. I can browse for ideas. I can read reviews. I can compare products. I can see what other people bought. I can also see the percentage of people who bought the product I‘m interested in. I can even write my own review. Amazon is a great site because it has valuable content and plenty of useful information that allows me to make an educated buying decision. It’s important to note that Amazon wants our money, but they are willing to go a step farther that helps us decide if we’re making a good investment. Do you see?
There are some sites that just creep me out because if your not paying attention, they’re so well laid out that you can mistake them for a credible site. An example of this could be a “review site.” (I am not saying ALL review sites do this, but many do) “Review sites” intentionally compare products from various manufactures and bash everything except what is being promoted for purchase. If you look carefully you’ll notice that some of those sites have a bunch of BIG name manufacturers listed and they all get cut from the list because the product is “supposedly” lacking something. Come on now. Put your thinking caps on . If you see lots of major brand names not making the cut, especially in the skincare industry and some unheard of product as being touted as the NUMBER 1 product for 2009… Do I really need to say more? Strike that source OFF your list.
I love using .org and .edu sites because the criteria is different from a .com site. www.Wikipedia.org is one of my favorite sites. Here’s an example of what I found on wikipedia: As I was trying to determine the validity of the claim “ground floor opportunity with Rodan and Fields” I asked myself if it is a true ground floor opportunity? How can I prove that? As I searched the internet, I thought about Avon. Avon has been around forever and is quite successful. Where could I be today if I had started with Avon many years ago?
Then I wondered. How many representatives does Avon have? So I typed my phrase into the search engine and one of the results was from Wikipedia. Wikipedia says there are approximately 5.5 million people with Avon. That’s huge! I tried to find how many people were with Rodan and Fields the same way, but my return was a big fat zero. Wiki told me nothing. Arghh! Now what?
Well for me the next step lead me to facebook. I found the official company Rodan and Fields fan page. On the fan page, I saw less then 2500 fans at the time. I felt like I had stuck gold. Here was my first piece of real evidence that indicated the Rodan and Fields business opportunity is truly a ground floor opportunity. I would be among the first independent consultants spreading the word of Rodan and Fields Dermatologists. I realized very quickly that this is what it would have been like to be at the beginning of Avon.
Now think about that for just a moment. You could be at the very beginning of a huge new company. What’s your next step? As exciting as it is to be at the beginning, you still need something to market. Rodan and Fields Dermatologists market a skincare line. With that in mind, I asked myself, “What is the demand for skincare?” I found the answer at www.terapeak.com . Terapeak gives REAL numbers about sales completed on EBay. Ebay is the largest seller of product on the internet. How nice it is to have a tool that could verify whether or not skincare products were in demand. It’s one thing to just assume. It’s another thing to see the proof from a reliable source. By the way, Terapeak offers a free trial, so you can see for yourself.
Now for the actual product(s). First, I started with who made the products and what were they known for? The products were created by Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields. Two of the most respected names in the field of dermatology. Not only are they Stanford University trained doctors, they are also the doctors that brought the concept of “whole face” skincare to the forefront with their first product, Proactiv. Everyone knows how successful Proactive is. It would never survive the market place if it didn’t work for a majority of people. So what does this mean? It simply means there is MORE credibility that I can add to my arsenal of proof. I needed to know if these two doctors were capable of making something that actually works and people will use.
Yes, I was excited again because I found another piece of proof that I was onto a good thing with Rodan and Fields Dermatologists. The last thing I needed to know was guarantees. If I buy your product and I’m not satisfied can I get my money back? Who doesn’t ask “what if it doesn’t work for me?” Rodan and Fields Dermatologists has a money back guarantee for a FULL 60 days. Now I need to tell you right here that I found a little bonus in that 60 days. Most of the products I have purchased in the past lasted for 30 days. If you ever used skincare products, you know that 30 days isn’t always enough time to see the results. Kudos to the company for filling that gap. They saw a common complaint among product users and solved the problem. They give you enough product for 2 months and stand behind their stuff with a money back guarantee.
As you evaluate Rodan and Fields Dermatologists products and opportunity, you need to do your homework. There will be many people joining Rodan and Fields as customers and as consultants, I hope to make your adventure a little easier by giving you my personal thoughts about the company and their products. My thoughts will be a conglomeration of evidence, common sense, consumer usage and just plain old experience. Always remember, that I am an independent consultant for Rodan and Fields Dermatologists, but I’m a very tough shopper with high expectations above all else. And you should be too. Never settle for anything less then the best.
If you’re considering the products, perhaps you should start with the solutions tool on the company website.
If you’re considering the opportunity, you should go to the company’s .biz site.
And while your there… It doesn’t hurt to check out all the major advertising coverage Rand F gets in the media. I’m referring to the stuff that magazines and newspapers and TV stations pursue.
Here’s your summary on how to use the internet to do your product or company homework
1. Always verify what you’re being told.
2. Find adequate proof of fact or fiction from credible sites. Be aware that sometimes things are grey, but that’s a whole different story.
3. What if you miss something in your research? Know what your guarantees are.
Again…comments and suggestions are welcomed. If you’re a consultant for Rodan and Fields, we welcome your thoughts and stories. This site will always be a source of information for my down-line, up-line and cross-lines. Rodan and Fields Dermatologists is a “whole team” first, just like the “whole face“ concept. We grow together.
And finally, the way to tell that you’re at an official consultants site is that it will have a .myrandf.com or the .myrandf.biz as part of the URL. This site www.supremeskincare.com, is not a company site. It is just a wordpress blog that I use to convey information to all that are interested. I have listed my official company websites below that were designed and provided by the company, Rodan and Fields Dermatologists.
As always, everyday is SUNday,
Renee Olson
Independent Consultant #043774
Team Builder https://supremeskincare.myrandf.biz/
Products https://supremeskincare.myrandf.com/ There’s a special gift available until the end of December 2009. Go to the website for the specific details of receiving a gift.
13 comments
Hi Renee- I have been in sales for 14 years and am considering the Rodan and Fields business opportunity. Here are my concerns:
1. Price is high for today’s economy
2. They don’t have a lot of products. They only have several “sets” of products that they sell as a regimen set.
3. Who are your customers?
4. Who are your Good customers?
5. Who have you gotten involved in the business under you?
6. Have the people you got involved been succesful?
7. (I am assuming you like the products)- But, why do you like the products?
8. What specific results have you seen?
9. How long did it take for you to build your business?
10. How long did it take for the people you got involved to build their business?
11. Has your return on investment been enough to justify all the time and money you have spent on this business and why (whether yes or no)
12. Are the majority of your customers single consumers, or spa/salon owners?
13. How much time a week do you spend on your business?
Hey Renee,
Thanks for your awesome website. I’d love to see your answers to Randi’s 13 great questions! Also, how many reps does R&F have as of this moment?
Thank you so much!
Bob Anderson
@ Randi and Bob, Thank you for your interest in Rodan and Fields. All of Randi’s questions are very good questions. I would think it to be odd if one didn’t ask similar questions before getting involved in any business.
So here are my answers. Keep in mind that these are MY answers, the way I see it.
1. Statistically (according to EBay, use Terapeak to verify) skin care will hold up in spite of our economy. If someone stops using skin care, it’s not because of the price, it’s because the products don’t work.
2. Even though skin is a complex issue, why does a product line have to be complex? Use the solution tool and see what it reveals about your skin. R and F uses multi med therapy to address the most common skin conditions presented to dermatologists. When the right products combine in the right order, people see results. Isn’t that what it’s about? Getting results. I’m sure they will add new products as technology improves, but the products need to actually address skin issues.
3. My customers are typically women between the ages of 30 and 65.
4. My good customers are women between the ages of 30 and 65.
5 and 6. My friends and family and their referrals have taken on various roles in the partnership with Rodan and Fields. Some are business partners, some are product users and some are referring sources. Every role is important. R and F is very different then what you may have been exposed to in the past. As far as success, your question is too broad. My idea of success may not be the same as yours. I have set my business to make 6 figures by September 2011. Is that your goal too?
Every consultant must have goals… If you set your goals and achieve them, then you are successful.
7. Yes, I use the product. If you don’t use the product and actually like it, why would you sell it? Well, of course, to make money. There’s lots of products on the market that don’t work AND just as many people who sell stuff that doesn’t work. (Just my opinion)
R and F products have shrunk my crater size pores significantly. It’s cleared up an acne issue that I didn’t know I even had. I thought my monthly flare ups didn’t count. My light brown spots on the right side of my lip have diminished and my deep creases have been reduced tremendously. I go to network meetings and get up close to other women and point out that my swimming pools are gone.
But the long and the short of it is… I was an internet marketer looking for a product to sell online. I didn’t know when I joined, if the products really worked. If they didn’t work , they could join the rest of the products in my bathroom that don’t work. 6 months later, I can’t live without my products. I feel pretty.
I wasn’t avoiding your questions all this time, I just knew I couldn’t answer your questions in one sentence. This blog started out as a method to attract prospects, but will never be as productive as what I can do with a phone, email, facebook, MySpace, chamber meetings and networking events.
8. Has been answered above.
9. I will always be building my business. I want to work hard for 3 to 5 years and then maintain.
10. Some join immediately. Some join after they use the products. This business is not for everyone. Never chase people. It’s either a good fit for them or not. Do you really want to MAKE someone do their job? Or would you rather work with someone who says, “show me the way.”
11. Yes and no. As I’ve said, I’m an internet marketer. So I spend a lot of time on the internet doing things that are not specific to the system of Rodan and Fields. This blog for instance is a huge drain on my time. It is certainly not part of the R and F system, but I felt compelled to at least build the site. Truth be told… I use the two websites from corporate and drive traffic to that.
My husband and I own a commercial programming business that runs on autopilot for the most part and generates residuals. We’ve had that since 1998. We had an interior design store that went under and we lost over $100,000. If you want to be a business owner, you have to grasp the fact that this is a cheap buy in.
12. I don’t pursue salons…
13. I used to work about 10 hours a week. Now I have reworked my hours to 30.
Randi, I have to admit that it feels like you want me to convince you to do this business. Or maybe you feel you should compare yourself to me. In either case, you’re doing yourself an injustice. All you need to ask yourself is… am I coachable. If the answer is yes, you should become a consultant. If you don’t, you may end up “shoulding” on yourself. Why look back in life and say…”I should have joined Rodan and Fields.”
HI Renee- Your bolg helped me a ton! I did join ALexis Ferguson’s team in AUstin Texas. It is the Best decision I have ever made! Thaks for your help!
Randi,
I’m glad you decided to become a part of our our Rodan and Fields team. I hope you’ve registered for convention. I would love to meet up with you in New Orleans.
Great blog!
Just joined yesterday in Alabama … Very excited about the possibilities.
Love the info. helped my make the decision to get in, in montana. We are just starting a team and looking forward to great things for both my skin and business!
Renee, Thank you for this.It will be a helpful tool in getting people informed on this great company. Who could pass up and amazing opportunity like this? See you at convention!
Chrissy, I will see you at convention. Did you register yet?
I a m really thrilled with this post. It has given me enough insight on how to approach the internet, especially when doing products research.
your blog is very insightful. I was approached by a high school pal because I live in adifferent state & would be the only person in this particular state. I am still very much on the fence. I am not a marketer, I would only be able to purchase the $45 portfolio at first, and I wouldn’t be able to devote a lot of daylight time to this. I work in security for a major pharmaceutical company. How do residuals work?
Hello Melody,
Your comment is very interesting. You have addressed several ideas and the question at the end regarding residuals just doesn’t quite fit into the comment, so I will do my best to read between the lines.
The first thing I have to share with you is my honesty. The timing may not be right for you. Being the first in your area could be a blessing or not. The benefit of being the first is you get the first crack at introducing this business to your community. Which the end result could be very lucrative for you. But the other side of the coin is you’ll need to get your comradery from the business partners via technology. Personally, I marvel at technology and enjoy meeting people all over the world through the internet.
My suggestion to you is to first decide WHY you want to do this. Figure out exactly what you will get from this business if you pull the trigger and come on board. If the rewards are great enough, you will be motivated and thus productive. Which leads me to the next part of your comment… I would never presume to judge someone for their financial position because we have many great leaders who start with little. They are successful because they are committed to do whatever it takes to win.
So the question back to you is… Are you going to do what it takes to make a living and let this business be the answer to your dreams? If the answer is yes, perhaps you would reconsider the kit you purchase. A $45.00 dollar portfolio is all you need to get started, but it is seriously lacking in business tools. Unless you’re an internet marketer who will meet with their business partners or preferred customers through the world wide web, you may want to reconsider the kit you purchase and how you will use it to your benefit. How are you going to present your business? Online, offline or a combination. I happen to prefer using both strategies.
I’m not trying to deter you from joining the company because at this stage of development, you might be crazy if you didn’t. However, I can absolutely assure you that we are not looking for just warm bodies to fill a void on our team. We want warm bodies with a PULSE. I’m looking for people who want and can see the possibilities of a brilliant future that will satisfy their every desire. Rodan and Fields Dermatologists could be the answer for you, but you will work for your future. Understand?
Rodan and Fields is NOT like other direct selling companies. We have far too many pluses going for us that we don’t chase people to join our teams. We will not spend precious time trying to convince you to do this business. We know there isn’t another company on this planet that has to offer what we have. There isn’t another business or company that has stacked the potential for success in YOUR favor like the doctors from Rodan and Fields.
So if your on the fence, you need to decide what you’re willing to do to be successful because this is business. It is netWORK marketing, not netLAZY. Your sponsor will train you to do this business and it will be up to you to follow the system.
Residuals is an easy concept. It simply means you will get paid over and over and over for the work you have already done. Work properly in the beginning and you will always be paid for what you started. I know that’s a little simplified, but you have other things to think about…like, are you a go getter or will you let things get in your way? Are ready to change your life?
Let me leave you with something to ponder: You know that Proactiv® Solution is a WORLD famous acne product created by the doctors in the early 90′s. It’s a brand worth almost a billion dollars today. Can you imagine the struggles and financial stress Rodan and Fields went through to get that product launched? Launching that product was everything other than a walk in the park. The 2 doctors risked everything to get that product to the public and in the end, it is the number 1 acne product world wide. Today, the doctors are on a mission to have the number 1 anti aging program on the market. America currently spends 2.5 billion dollars on anti aging products. If you apply common sense, you’ll realize the shift out of department stores to us [direct sellers], is incredible. We will consume a large portion of the money being spent in this niche industry. Will you be taking a piece of it?
10 seconds of thought, should lead you to the “AHA.” Use your imagination. You might see yourself and your future. But if you don’t, we’d be happy for you to try our award winning, fully guaranteed products. And of course, we love to share our story with everyone you know. No pressure! Really.
Take care and thank you for considering Rodan and Fields. Feel free to contact me again. Use my email supremeskincare@gmail.com to start a chat.
Renee Olson
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