Guest post by XANGO Chairman Emeritus Gary Hollister

I’m writing a guest post on Aaron’s blog to share good news with you. The Power 50 — the list of the fifty most influential people in direct selling — is out and XANGO holds two of the top spots with our group of founders and Aaron, individually.

This is another important accomplishment for XANGO…and one (two!) that is a direct credit to our nearly two million distributors worldwide.

In the age of social media, the badge of “influence” tends to refer to followers, fans and “retweets.” We all know that’s not that way influence works in the world of business and those criteria certainly do not decide influence in the business of direct selling.

Influence is more than building a following; it’s leading a following to take meaningful action. That’s a founding premise of direct selling. That’s how leaders are defined.

In founding XANGO, we brought a vision of a powerful brand, a global community that would evolve the business of direct selling. And that vision is realized everyday by the leaders who bring XANGO to life in the field. Your actions, your leadership are the true measure of influence…and that power is realized in two million XANGO businesses, two million entrepreneurs telling this story, two million budding leaders.

In naming my partners and Aaron specifically to the 2011 Power 50 list, Keeper Catran-Whitney, CEO and Founder of the media company that issues the list, says XANGO’s founders “lead in technology, brand and innovation.” The Power 50 ranking of XANGO’s founders references the realization of our founding vision — driving positive change in our industry.

Aaron, who has made this list now four years in a row, was again recognized for an innovative vision that differentiates XANGO from the pack. The Power 50 is again celebrating Aaron’s leadership in XANGO’s constant evolution as a global brand built on a foundation of service to our distributors.

When I first met Aaron, I knew there wasn’t a ceiling high enough you could place over him. I’m so proud of Aaron and every one of my partners for again representing XANGO’s influence in evolving the industry we love so much.

And I’m so proud of all of you who have now built XANGO’s influence around the world in our business for nearly a decade.

Cheers…and may today’s shot of XANGO Juice be a global toast to what we have again accomplished together.

Gary

Along with my partners, I’ve traveled around our international markets since our momentous GO! Convention in September. Without question, the Bold Strides we announced have generated a surge of momentum and excitement.

And our Bold Stride of Empowering Women in Every Market XANGO serves has especially attracted a powerful outpouring of support.

As you know, XANGO announced five Bold Strides at Convention – initiatives that we would build upon and continue to advance a new era of growth and industry transformation.

Empowering women is an initiative XANGO has invested in since the early days of the company. Indeed, under the leadership of our Senior VP Beverly Hollister, XANGO has served as an industry catalyst in listening to our women leaders and helping them build a network of mentors and events dedicated to developing the role of women in our business and in our industry.

According to the Direct Selling Association, there are 75 million women active in direct sales. In XANGO nearly half of our top 20 earners are women…and we’re seeing women taking a stronger role in recruitment too…both in those sponsoring and new sign-ups.

XANGO is now taking this opportunity to advance our empowering leadership platform and our important industry leadership role. As we have expanded around the world, we have found that women don’t always get equal treatment and circumstance. Driving meaningful change for women means expanding our initiative to every market we serve.

XANGO is a place where women have a powerful voice. We are advancing what we’ve started and making it a global program…to be a company where women are encouraged and empowered to lead…and, in turn, our women leaders will empower XANGO to lead.

It’s a partnership with our leaders globally and it’s officially named Women Building Bridges. Our meetings have stretched from the U.S. to Portugal, Italy, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. The Women Building Bridges breakout session at convention was packed beyond capacity.

XANGO is a place where women can connect and collaborate with peers and mentors on how to grow their businesses…a place where moms can be home with their families and build powerful organizations. This will be a focus in everything we do and how we build our global presence.

A recent Fast Company magazine feature reported that women will be the difference-maker in emerging markets and global economies in the next decade.

XANGO has known that since we launched!

Take a few minutes to watch this video on Women Building Bridges and what this movement is all about. And be sure to visit the website too http://www.womenbuildingbridges.com.

This is one of the most important blog posts I’ve posted to date. It’s one of our Bold Strides…a powerful vision that we revealed at Convention last month. A vision for XANGO, for your distributor business and for the global business of networking. It’s a vision for today…a vision for how we will build our future here and now.

We have learned much over the years as we built XANGO around the world. And one of the most important learnings we’ve gained is it’s time to evolve how and who we recruit, how we grow and who will drive your business forward.

As an industry, we have too often focused on finding the leader. And that has us pouring our energy into pursing a select few while we look past others who can be breakthrough discoveries.

I tell you now, the biggest earners in XANGO’s new era of growth haven’t even signed up with us yet. They haven’t even been introduced to this opportunity. They may have never done networking before. They are out there, they are seeking answers and they have the core talents to succeed in this business.

Think about it. Underemployment in the U.S. is over 18%. Unemployment is over 9%. The jobs crisis is a crisis the world over. There are millions of smart, talented people who cannot find the work they seek. They’re restless, they’re seeking greater opportunity, and they are not yet aware of how XANGO and the business of direct sales can change their lives.

They live in the wealthiest communities and they live in the most impoverished communities. They are teachers, landscapers, bankers and factory workers. They are Millennials, Gen Xers and Boomers. They are moms and dads, young and educated, restless and weary. They are our neighbors, family and friends who have been feeling the pain of this economic crisis.

XANGO can be part of the solution. Your business can be part of the solution…at a time when solutions are in short supply. Now is our time to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs…to encourage those looking to do something they will enjoy…to support those looking to connect with new people and new ideas…and empower those looking for a greater sense of security.

Remember, XANGO was launched during an economic downturn. We didn’t let that hold us back. We made progress and we achieved historic growth by creating a brand that people from all walks of life wanted to build and make it their own.

People new to networking were a big part of building XANGO. Similarly, the “rookies” will be an important part of our next era of growth…they will be the next generation of networkers…and we will lead the way.

”Quit trying to find the big leader.” My partner Joe Morton says this and I think it’s tremendous advice. “You’ll look forever. Look in front of you. Be the leader. Build that leader.”

Make that Bold Stride. The next generation of networkers awaits.

And I’ve asked…how many company leaders would receive the worldwide mourning that has come with the passing of Steve Jobs?

Visionary. Pioneer. American Innovator. Those were some of the most common tributes to Steve Jobs and what he accomplished in his 56 years of life. I humbly offer another…one that really emerged for me as a source of inspiration…Steve Jobs was a transformational figure. He changed the world. He made it a better place. One of the top ways Steve Jobs did that is he TRANSFORMED us, he transformed culture and he transformed and the roles of technology, entertainment. communications and business in our lives.

He didn’t just create new products. He created new lifestyles around technology, making us more mobile, more connected, and more informed than ever before.

He transformed our relationship with technology. Thanks to Steve Jobs, technology from the computer to the music player became more personal and less intimidating. It became something that went from our offices to our homes to our pockets.

I often talk about those who are on my list of misfits…revolutionaries who, at times, look like they don’t fit. Then time reveals them as those who changed the way WE fit. It’s a famous story…Steve Jobs founded Apple, then was pushed out of Apple, only to return years later and take the company from the brink of dissolution to the heights of the world’s most valuable.

Even in the time he was away from Apple, Steve Jobs transformed us with ventures like Pixar Animation Studios, turning the graphics firm in the Oscar-winning studio home of “Toy Story,” “Cars,” “Finding Nemo,” “Up,” and “Ratatouille.”

Steve Jobs had his setbacks. There were products and projects that failed. We won’t remember those. We’ll remember Steve Jobs as an incredible success. He didn’t let setbacks stop him. He learned from them and he pushed those who worked with him to try again, try harder, Think Different.

In even his greatest challenge — the illness that claimed his life — he shared his lesson with us. Perhaps it will be his greatest lesson…a reminder that our time here is limited and making the most of it should be the mission of our lives.

“Death is the destination we all share. It’s life’s change agent. Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of someone else’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”

Changing a logo can be a riveting experience. Those of us who love the science of brands (yes, you can call us marketing nerds) have learned to appreciate the stories around brands who change their logos.

For many, it’s a drama. For some, it’s a horror film. And for a select few, it’s a love story.

I’m so happy to count XANGO among those select few.

While designing new logos is not an exact science, it’s pretty clear why XANGO’s new look was embraced so enthusiastically.

It was made by all of those who built this brand.

Our new XANGO logo was nine years in the making. It starts with our Southeast Asian brand heritage reflects what we’ve become — a powerful and passionate global community — and how we will grow in the years to come. This new logo was shaped…even forged…by the hands, the heads, and the hearts of every XANGO Distributor around the world.

Our new logo was painted through the brushstrokes of every culture woven throughout XANGO Nation. This new XANGO identity, like XANGO itself, captures the energy of 2 million smiles, the power of 2 million handshakes and hugs, the poise and passion of 2 million talented leaders.

As I revealed our new logo at Convention I could feel the rush of energy in the Hall. It was an amazing moment in our history. Like holding up a big mirror for 10,000 strong to see their beautiful reflections in the brand they’ve built. And since, as our new logo rolls-out online and on-packaging, it seems like it’s been there the whole time, just waiting to reveal itself.

Congrats on your new look, XANGO Nation. And thank you.

Hugs,

Aaron

Our GO! International Convention was an historic, breakthrough event for XANGO Nation as well as for direct sales. And GO! On Demand marked an important industry first – the first time an industry event was truly global and reached so many so quickly.

Starting during Convention and available for a limited time, GO! On Demand broadcasts this industry-changing XANGO event in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese and Italian. All three General Sessions and eight breakout sessions led by some of the industry’s most talented and accomplished distributor leaders.

As with everything else XANGO has done as a first, we heard the fear and the doubts. “You’ll hurt attendance. “People won’t come if they can watch online.” “Being at Convention won’t be as special.”

With this innovation, XANGO did what we’ve done with the other doubts. XANGO stepped forward as a leader and did it first…A leader making bold strides.

Why? Because it was time. Every chair at Convention was filled. 10,000 strong in Salt Lake City. They came indeed. And we couldn’t fit any more in the hall. XANGO Nation comprises a robust 2,000,000 distributors and counting in over 30 markets around the world and they all have a right to hear the message from GO! 2011.

When the NFL began selling the rights to broadcasting events, team owners had concerns: that with replays, multiple camera angles, and no traffic to fight, one would come to the games. Guess what? Broadcasting events turned the NFL into one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world and turned the Super bowl into the planet’s most watched television program each year (and they sell every seat too).

We wanted to be sure those who could not attend – for whatever reason – could hear the news, see the speakers, experience the announcements and take action to grow their businesses.

GO! On Demand can’t replace the being-at-Convention experience. Nothing online could replace the feeling of being there, feeding the energy, networking with thousands of other distributors and living all of the hallway conversations and after-hours events our cameras haven’t captured.

Yet, for those who could not attend in person GO! On Demand helps to inform, unite and mobilize — and those who watch can know now and build on these announcements.

GO! On Demand is one of our Bold Strides-to SET A NEW INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR COMMUNICATIONS. In the next several posts I’ll discuss the others…the way forward…what we’re doing now to grow XANGO and to help our many entrepreneurs to grow their individual businesses.

So check out this amazing Convention – again or for the first time. GO! is just a click away.

Hugs,

Aaron

On the way cycling up one of the steepest climbs in Utah on a recent mountain biking run, a group of skateboarders going straight down passed by me at about 60 mph. They went by in a blur. I turned around, waved them down and struck up a conversation.

They were young, cool, athletic, fast and they moved together like a flock of birds. They knew how to GO. And, since we already had GO! as our 2011 Convention theme, we decided to feature this group in our pre-event promotional video.

This group…and the video…says a lot about what we’ll focus on at Convention…moving forward — fast, focused and confident — together, as a whole…XANGO Nation as a global power.

This young group shared some of their tips on racing as a team with me. Interesting how these tips for starting with speed, picking up momentum and moving as a team also apply to running a XANGO business. I share them with you now to get the conversation GO!ing…

1. It takes ten times as much power to launch as it does to ride the course. You have put all of your energy, might and focus into a fast and powerful start.

2. Momentum requires a sharp sense of direction and taking advantage of the landscape. Instead of fighting curves in the road, make them work for you.

3. When moving as a team, be sure to establish communication with your teammates. The more you work together, the better you’ll move together.

4. In navigating obstacles, see the road ahead and anticipate the challenges yet be mindful of where you are. Speed is all about the moment.

5, Keep your eyes and attention on where you’re going. Any distraction or lapse in vision can cause you to crash.

I encourage you too share this video and the tips with your team members and even with your kids. It’s part of our youth movement…and part of getting our GO! on even before our global Convention, September 14 – 17, 2011 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Register now: http://www.goxango2011.com/en/registration

Photo by Alayna Garrity

MAKE BOLD STRIDES

I’ve recently returned from a family vacation in Alaska. We unplugged from cable TV, cell phones and text messages (try to do that with three kids!) for a week to enjoy adventures with nature as a family.

We went fishing, clamming and glacier viewing. We went on tours to view whales and other wildlife and we hiked in the magnificent Alaska backcountry.

On our hike we encountered some big hills and had to wind around trees and rocks to navigate the terrain. It was beautiful and challenging. We had to watch carefully where we were going, we had to help each other over obstacles and we had to make long, powerful strides to ascend the to the top.

That hike, and how we did it together as a family, reminded me of the early days of XANGO and how we have taken on challenges along the way to building the most powerful brand in direct sales.

There is a reason we call it XANGO Nation. We’ve been bold and unified since the beginning. That has defined the brand and way we’ve brought change to the industry. And we’ve done it by knowing where we’re going and helping each other along the way.

When we founded XANGO, we had a dream to create a company that would change the industry of health and nutrition. We had a dream to create a company that would change the philosophy of networking. We had a dream to lead…in innovation, creativity, culture, generosity and reward.

We wanted to build a brand that encompassed all of those things and more…so when people thought about XANGO, they would not only think about a product or a company…they would think about an experience. And, with our distributors, we did it.

XANGO is a company that is made of the greatest collective talent of distributors, staff and executives the industry has ever seen. Truly, we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. And, with our vision guiding us, we will move ahead to our next threshold of growth.

I tell you now…and ask you to commit to XANGO’s brilliant future, and to each other, that together we will MAKE BOLD STRIDES…strides to change lives for the better.

We have big plans that we will execute with precision.

We’re going to work hard and we’re going to work smart. We’re not going to take our success, our brand or each other for granted. We’re going to make every day count. We’re going to build momentum now…and when we get to Convention in September, we’re going to take it to the next level.

As we approach our first decade in business, we will indeed Make Bold Strides…and we will do it together. We are proud of the great things XANGO has achieved. Going forward, we indeed will achieve even greater things.

MOXIE: ARE YOU MAKING IT COUNT?

I just returned from meetings in Russia where our business is growing to amazing new heights. One of our CIS distributor leaders came up to me at a meeting jammed with distributors, recruits and abundant energy and said, “Welcome, Aaron. Can you feel the moxie here?”

Oh yeah. You bet I could.

Moxie is a word we’ve used since the founding days of XANGO. It’s something that has set us apart…from our corporate offices our families in the field. Moxie was a XANGO building block…and it’s a key ingredient to our global future.

What is Moxie? It’s a deep-seeded swagger…a distinguished savvy…a genuine confidence and a belief that fuels commitment, action and resilience. It’s when you know you’re onto something special and you’re not only going to be part of it, you’re going to be a KEY part of it. Moxie is that sensation that makes your eyes wider, your smile bigger, your stride longer. Moxie keeps you up at night because you’re too excited to go to sleep. It keeps you focused and it keeps you driven.

Moxie cuts through the clutter. It empowers you to ask the right questions and seek the answers with a vengeance. Moxie takes on challenges without giving in to distraction. It’s there to support you in making the tough decisions and taking powerful steps forward.

Moxie is an essential for entrepreneurs. Simply put, it’s why we do what we do. Yes, it’s about pursuing our ultimate goals, yet the sensation we get everyday is what keeps us going. That’s Moxie. It just feels that good to go after your dreams.

Here’s something else I’ve learned about Moxie as we’ve built this company with our distributor partners around the world: Don’t take it for granted. And don’t neglect it along the way.

Moxie requires your energy and your attention. Your focus fuels it. Likewise, the distractions you allow erode the power of Moxie. When you take your eye off the ball, your faith in yourself and your mission is compromised. Keep that in mind the next time you catch yourself wasting a day. It may be more than productivity on the line.

Leaders drive the power of Moxie. They inspire and instill Moxie in others. And they work to build it and protect it from erosion. That’s a key way to making it count…and it’s essential to making Moxie work for you and for others.

So…do you have Moxie? And…if you do, are you making it count?

MOST VALUABLE GLOBAL BRANDS

A new report released this week places Apple at the top of the list of the world’s most valuable brands. According to the research by Milward Brown, Apple has overtaken Google, ending a four-year reign for the Internet search leader.

Milward Brown researchers credited Apple’s “meticulous attention to detail, great products and great experience” for fostering consumer desire for its offering and building the brand’s value to such heights.

As I looked through this list — Microsoft, Coca-Cola, IBM, McDonald’s — I thought about the early days of these companies. They all started with entrepreneurs who were passionate about their new ventures, who believed they could build something special, who partnered with key people who shared the vision. Without a doubt, they all began with a mission, yet they have reached this level of value through their most important resource — people.

And I thought about my partners and all of the home-based entrepreneurs I’ve met through XANGO. I thought about how we started this company, how we built the brand and how we achieved incredible levels of success in just eight years.

A couple weeks ago we had a top leader looking at XANGO. We sat in the board room and he asked, “What’s your mission statement?,” as if that would be the deciding factor as to whether or not he would join. I told him, “I used to talk about our mission statement when I was raising money to start XANGO.”

“Then, a funny thing happened on the way to a billion. I stopped talking about our mission statement and started talking about our people. Our founders, our distributors, our new sign-ups, our employees. This is where our leaders come from. They are our greatest resource. It’s the source of our stories and our inspiration. Our people represent our brand.”

When recognizing leaders became XANGO’s mission, we had found our true mission statement. We had defined our brand. We had found our way to lead. And we were already living it.

Indeed, fostering and recognizing leaders at every level was how XANGO began and how we have built the brand to this day. When an organization’s philosophy is tied to its very DNA and everyone feels it…magic can happen. Built on leaders, XANGO has given the industry one of its most valuable brands. It drives the way we present ourselves, the products we offer and the events we hold. It’s the way we treat our distributors, the way they are compensated, the way we honor our employees and so much more.

We lead and we strive to lead at every level. That’s XANGO. That’s our mission.

The brands on the “most valuable” list probably began with a mission statement too. But that’s not how they achieved at the highest levels. It’s not how they built billions in value and changed the industries they operate in. They did it by getting the right people involved. People, leaders, empowered these brands to live and evolve their founding vision.

And that’s what made put them at the top of the most valuable in the world.

THE BUDDING OF NEW LEADERS

A surprise spring snow shower during my bike ride this morning sparked my thinking about new leadership. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Spring. New life. New leaders. Yes, but if you think this post is going to be all about blooming flowers and the return of red-breasted robins, think again.

Remember, it was a snow shower — something decidedly not like spring — that sparked me to write this.

Spring is all about renewal. Waking from the winter, thawing and blooming again after a long, cold slumber. Yet, spring isn’t all about the return of warm weather. There are some mighty cold days in spring too. It can be a violent transition. Often, we get a few beautiful days with perfect weather then, BAM!, the next few days are brisk and cold again, even frosty.

Those early spring days can even fool the flowers that start to bud, only to be doomed by the frost that follows when winter is not quite ready to say goodbye.

Spring can be mysterious and unpredictable, like my April snow shower. Think about it — that winter-to-spring tug-of-war exemplifies the path to new leadership.

Often, I see new network marketing entrepreneurs start fast. They get into the business with energy and confidence. They sign-up, stock up, jump into training and recruit their first team members. They’re excited to place orders and talk to people. They set their plans for growth and success, come to meetings, mark their calendars for Convention and project when they’ll hit the next ranks.

Then, after a few rounds of progress, their leads get cold. They face their first rejections. They hear the first cold words of doubt from family and friends.
They my even lose a few new people who just signed-up a couple of weeks ago. Their progress slows. Their confidence falters. And, like those new buds caught in a spring frost, they are suddenly at risk.

Remember what we see in the spring. Those cold days are part of the path to full trees, brilliant gardens and simmering summer months. Frosty spring days are an essential part of the journey.

New leaders are not just born; they are developed. They evolve by being tested. What true leader can say they haven’t doubted, they haven’t faced fear and rejection? How can a leader lead if they haven’t shared those hard experiences?

Every leader I know, from my partners to some of the biggest XanGo leaders around the world faced — and learned from — those chilly times of doubt.

To me, those who come through the cold and turn the corner are among the most promising new leaders. They’ve survived the tests and they’re bringing new life, new experiences and new perspective to the organization. They can say “that happened to me too and here’s what I did to grow.” They can share advice from living it and people get value by listening to their experiences.

So, come on snow showers! Bring your cold, blustery best! I know that tomorrow gets me closer to a season of barbecues and soccer games. I’m sure we’ll get there…and those warm, lovely days will be followed by others. And new leaders will be there with us to enjoy it.

May we all learn from the dignity of Japan

I’m enjoying a weekend in Monaco with some of our top distributors.  Spent the past week traveling through CIS, hosting 1,000 leaders in mountainous and beautiful Kazakhstan and had a chance to visit with friends in Paris.  It’s been a rush of travel, meeting people, celebrating leadership…and continuing prayers for Japan.

Everywhere I go we talk about Japan, what has happened there and how XANGO Nation is showing its support.

As I’ve traveled, I’ve continued to get news from Japan and daily updates from our general manager of Japan and our employees and distributors there.  Together with our staff and our charitable partner AmeriCares, XANGO is identifying numerous ways to support the Japanese people through this crisis. We’ve also formed other critical partnerships with organizations that will extend our collective relief efforts.

Even before founding and building XANGO, I spent a lot of time in Japan working with industry leaders.  One has only to spend a few days in Japan to get a sense of the honor code that is an integral part of the national culture.  I can best describe it as a powerful sense of selflessness…a dedication to duty, neighbor and discipline that has become especially evident during the earthquake, tsunami and ensuing nuclear plant crisis.

In every account I hear, both news and personal, the Japanese people are enduring these hardships with a profound dignity and grace. It’s an example the rest of us should strive to emulate. They’re waiting patiently at railroad stations and airports while the transportation infrastructure recovers.  They’re cleaning up shattered towns, taking account of lives lost and gathering survivors. Their store shelves are bare, not from looting, but from need and yet they wait patiently for more supplies.

Perhaps it is the image of the workers at the stricken nuclear plants that best exemplifies this sense of sacrifice for me — these workers, exposing themselves to dangerous, even deadly, doses of radiation to protect their fellow citizens may become the lasting image of selflessness from this series of natural disasters.

Yes, we should pray for Japan and give generously to the recovery efforts.  It is also important that we learn from the Japanese and the example they are setting.  By this noble example, we can all be better when honor is needed the most.

Hugs,

Aaron

We’re pleased to announce a corporate matching program. Throughout the next few weeks, XANGO will match a portion of donations made to aid Japan. Simply visit www.xangogoodness.org, click on the “Donate” button and specify “JAPAN” in the purpose field. We pledge that any amount you donate for Japan will reach those in need. Our corporate match program has also been extended to donations from our employees who are eager to help. In fact, our employees will participate in a corporate activity, to be carried out over the coming weeks, to assemble relief and comfort kits for survivors.

Photo via CNN

Praying for the people of Japan

As I write this post, I’m watching the latest news coverage from Japan. The crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and the risks workers are taking — literally giving their lives — to address the meltdown dangers are giving more reasons to stop, bow our heads, and pray.

All of that is happening while the Japanese experience waves of powerful aftershocks. Some are fleeing Tokyo. And the country is still working to account for those lost and missing since the earthquake and tsunami that struck less than a week ago.

I started this post with the intention of writing about the meaning of resilience and what I learned about that during my extended stays in Japan. That post will wait for another time. Today, I simply want to say…

On behalf of the Garrity family…to those who are enduring this string of disasters…to those who are grieving tremendous loss…to those who are searching for loved ones…you are in our thoughts and in our prayers.

In many ways, we feel helpless…yet we know there are ways we can help…and we will, in every possible way. And that starts with us joining hands, praying for you and pledging our support through this difficult time.

Know that we will work to support you in the long recovery process ahead. Yet, today’s challenges and threats require a focus of their own. So, we pray and we encourage our readers to help in any way you can.

I’m posting this blog just as I’m about to depart from Italy and head back to Utah.  After a few days of meetings here with some of the most exciting leaders in Europe, I’m reminded about the pride I have in the business of network marketing and the talented entrepreneurs I meet.

Networkers are some of the hardest working people I know.  They love what they do.  Sure there are tough days — as there are in any business — but I would venture to say the good days are better than anyone outside of our business could imagine.  I often hear about experiences in the field — how new distributors discover their abilities as they come into XanGo and how people who once questioned the business of network marketing learn more about it and make it a central part of their lives.

Without a doubt, network marketing continues to be misunderstood by those who have not yet taken the time to understand how it works.  Distributors in the field have a challenging assignment of tackling these myths as they grow their businesses.  I suppose that’s part of how we all grow and how we continue to represent an industry we love.

Direct selling has been around now for well over a century.  It is a globally recognized and regulated industry.  Companies in this business who, like XanGo, are members of the Direct Selling Association (DSA) pledge to a Code of Ethics, a commitment to ethical business practices and consumer service.

“The DSA Code of Ethics speaks to both the consumer and the seller. It ensures that member companies will make no statements or promises that might mislead either consumers or prospective sales people. Pyramid schemes are illegal and companies operating pyramids are not permitted to be members of the DSA.”

We are held to a standard, yet our industry is still is too often taken for granted, even in challenging economic times like these when every job counts, every earned dollar makes a difference and every growing business represents another key building block to recovery.

Some important reminders of how our direct selling industry contributes everyday…

* Direct sales/network marketing companies employ thousands of people.  Our business is a major producer of jobs across the U.S. and around the world.  It’s more than the employees who work directly for companies when you take into account the manufacturers, delivery drivers and range of services who are employed because of our industry.  Estimates range from 15,000 to 20,000 U.S. jobs nationally directly tied to our industry.  XanGo is proud to employ hundreds of people in Utah and we continue to create jobs at home as well as in other markets, in addition to the Southeast Asia farms where we grow our mangosteen and the manufacturing plants and UPS drivers who are a part of our extended business.

* Direct selling/network marketing companies generate billions of dollars in annual revenues and economic impact.  The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations has reported that companies and distributors in our business have accounted for over $114 billion in sales in a single year, with positive economic impact in countries around the world, from major cities to rural communities and even hard-to-reach underserved areas.  The DSA estimated over $28 million in U.S. sales in 2009 — during the Great Recession.  XanGo distributors are now working toward our second billion in sales and we just celebrated our 8th anniversary in business in November 2010.

* Direct selling/network marketing provides opportunity for millions of home-based entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.  Compared to most businesses, the start-up costs are low and every new distributor has access to experienced leaders who can show them the ropes.  One of the most impressive characteristics of XanGo leaders is the dedication they have in teaching the business to new distributors.

* Direct selling/network marketing companies and distributors have driven global public education on natural products and botanicals.  How many people in the U.S. knew about the mangosteen before XanGo?  While most of these botanicals are known and celebrated in some part of the world, our industry has driven an expanded awareness and education that has created a global demand and provided new streams of commerce to countries in need.  We’re proud of that.

* Direct sales/network marketing companies make philanthropy a core part of the business.  Through the work of our distributors, the XanGo Goodness Foundation has helped rebuild a Thailand village destroyed by the 2004 tsunami, partnered with Operation Smile to provide life-changing surgeries to thousands of children affected by cleft lip and palate, and distributed thousands of XanGo Meal Packs to undernourished communities worldwide.  Read more about our charitable action projects here: http://www.xangogoodness.org/projects.php

I’m proud of our industry. I’m proud of XanGo. And I’m proud of every one of you who are part of our business.  You all create jobs, generate billions in positive economic impact, fund charitable action and bring business opportunity to other aspiring entrepreneurs.

It’s a message — and a pride — worth sharing.

Here are four observations from our Super Bowl experience:

1. Passionate fans create cultures and brands. Amazing to see two of the storied NFL franchises in the big game. No doubt about it, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers have fans all over the country. Green Bay is considered the smallest market for an NFL team yet, like the Steelers, the Packers are one of the winningest NFL teams with a deep history and a national fan base. Both teams have immensely passionate fans who have helped their teams transcend the level beyond sports franchise. Indeed, the Steelers with their Terrible Towels and the Packers with their Cheeseheads, have created their own cultures. These are teams rich with symbols, legends and memorable moments in time. That’s what it takes to create a brand. Passion makes all the difference and, at XanGo, we know the feeling. For business, it’s a central question: are you working to inspire your most important ambassadors to be passionate advocates?

2. Experience counts yet great moments are driven by hunger and talent. There was so much talk about “experience” at this Super Bowl. The Pittsburgh Steelers had players up-and-down the roster with Super Bowl experience, the Green Bay Packers had none. Then came kickoff on Sunday and “experience” was no longer a factor. Fact is, both teams had players with the hunger and talent to win. And it all came down to which team made the bigger plays and fewer mistakes. I see this all the time with entrepreneurs and in networking. New faces come into the business. They’re hungry and they want to build. Now, those with experience certainly play a teaching role, yet it all comes down to how hard you’re willing to work and how you prepare for those key decisions and pivotal moments in the building process. For those who are building a business, the Packers’ Super Bowl victory is a story to share about how to make the most of your moment — even if it’s a first.

3. Winning sets a standard worthy of repeating. We stayed for the presentation of the Lombardi Trophy. Really cool to see that moment live with all of the players around that stage with their families, passing that beloved trophy around, holding it up and kissing it. Then, all of the Packer fans started chanting “Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!” These players are touching the NFL championship trophy for the first time and the fans are already talking about next year! Winning feels good doesn’t it? We have felt that many times at XanGo key moments, certainly at Conventions. We arrive at that next threshold in the business, such as our millionth distributor, another market opening, our billionth in sales — and the challenge is immediately evident: How do we repeat this success? Yes, winning feels that good.

4. Think of every strategic way to share your story. I was at the game so I had to check out the commercials afterward. As a guy who loves and studies brands, the Super Bowl commercials are a special part of the game for me. This year, my favorite spot had to be Volkswagen’s “The Force” commercial featuring a baby Vader trying out his powers. That’s a fun commercial. And VW made an innovative move, posting the spot on YouTube days before the game. Know what? That commercial had 13 million views before it aired in its Super Bowl slot. 13 million! Shows that it pays to think of all of the strategic, creative ways to tell your story, share your work…and spread the word.

Any of your own Super Bowl observations? Key moments watching the game? Favorite commercials?

Those who know me know I’m a tech-junkie. I love to experiment with high-tech gadgets…much of which plays a big role in my business.
CES (the annual International Consumer Electronics Show) is a headline event for me every year. It’s a techie playground, and this year there seemed to be even more innovation, more energy and a more bullish atmosphere. Two halls, major brands, hundreds of thousands of attendees and some of the newest, coolest gadgets you’ve ever seen. Here are my favorites products and trends from the show, wrapped this week in Las Vegas.

BlackBerry PlayBook
Confession: I’m a BlackBerry addict. I’ve been excited about RIM’s tablet, the Playbook, since the announcement. Had a chance to experience the PlayBook at CES and now I cannot wait to have one of my own…and give it to my fellow BlackBerry addicts. At 7″ and less than a pound in weight, the PlayBook is ultra portable and the LCD display (1024 x 600 resolution) is the most vibrant screen I’ve seen yet on a tablet…and most laptops. Music lovers like me will appreciate the Playbook’s stereo speakers and library offering.

PlayBook also looks to be a multi-tasking marvel, allowing me to scroll through and activate features, web and apps while playing music and videos. This tablet is designed to amplify the BlackBerry experience, bridging to your mobile device and bringing BBM and other features to life in a richer, new environment. Key reasons I’m a BlackBerry loyalist are performance and reliability and PlayBook looks to live up to the family name with security features, QNX technology, 1 GHz dual-core processor and now a 4G offering. With our newly created XANGO apps and more to come, the BlackBerry PlayBook is an absolute winner.

Glasses-free 3D
Yes, I liked Avatar. I’d like to admit that I have not yet bought-into the 3D craze for home entertainment…TVs, computers and game systems…but I have. Wearing those clunky glasses is a real buzz-kill. I was hoping CES would give me some hope to enjoy the technology without the face-wear.

Good news on latest developments. Toshiba is prepping to go global with its line of glasses-free 3D TVs and glasses-free 3D laptops are “in development”. Nintendo 3DS, coming soon, seems to have a good head-start on providing a glasses-free 3D gaming experience. Overall it looks like glasses-free 3D technology still needs some work, yet the brand leaders are getting the message (from sluggish 3D sales) that, for all of the interest in the trend, consumers still want a 3D experience with the usual healthy helping of convenience.

Cool Wheels
Part of the amazing experience of CES is a glimpse into the future of tech. Much of it is about experimentation and, though some if it seems kooky, it’s still a lot of fun and it often has influence on what the market eventually embraces. The Uno from BPG Motors may or may not be the future of motorbikes, but it will be something I try out, especially if it can handle the rougher Utah terrains I enjoy taking on with my family and friends. The Uno is the kind of transportation that would be part of a Terminator’s repertoire: a transforming tricycle that balances, pivots and fits through tight spaces. Check out the orange model in this video and tell me if you’re thinking what I’m thinking (brand it XANGO and prepare for a Convention giveaway!): http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/a-look-at-bpg-motors-amazing-transforming-self-balancing-uno/ . Really cool.

The Sound Egg
As a guy who is lucky to get a few select slices of free time, I really appreciate devices and environments that help me unplug…in a tech-way, of course, which means a plug is involved. Few activities will replace biking up a mountain with my headphones blaring, yet The Sound Egg makes a big play for a quality time-out, especially if I’m in a time crunch or weathering a snow storm. Surround sound and a subwoofer envelope you in soundtrack, seat is comfy and you’re surrounded by thick foam that locks the sound in (and insulates against distractions). It’s a real getaway to enjoy music, movies, games and even apps.

So, were any of you gadget-lovers at CES? Feel free to share your favorites and recommendations in the comments below.

Such a wonderful sense of optimism with a new calendar.  It’s a wave of inspiration with that stroke of midnight — a belief that all things are possible again with a new start.

As entrepreneurs, inspiration is a pretty powerful asset.  We’re driven by our dreams and our vision.  When you run a business, though, you can lose sight of that.  Daily stress and challenges can distract from the feel-good part of why you do this.  So, if you’re inspired by a New Year’s celebration, go with it.  And while you’re still spreading the New Year cheers, make a promise to yourself.

Instead of a list of resolutions, give yourself the gift of Resolve while you’re feeling generous enough to make the investment.

Resolve will give you more than that list of resolutions.  Resolve will prepare you for the year ahead and will remind you how you felt at midnight on January 1st when you, once again, believed that it was all possible.

• Resolve to give your ideas another shot.
• Resolve to go another round and to give it your very best effort every time.
• Resolve to remember why you started all of this and what your vision was coming out of the gate.
• Resolve to LISTEN, to really benefit from the information others provide.
• Resolve to be more patient with those around you…and with yourself.
• Resolve to see it all through, even when it’s hard to see the road ahead through the fog.
• Resolve to learn from every setback.  You will get to share that knowledge and help someone else one day.

My recent mantra is: Success is not a matter of chance, it’s a matter of choice. When you’re starting or running a business, every choice you make will affect the opportunity to realize your vision.  Resolve is the most earnest of the decisions you will make — and it will affect every choice.

For many of us, January is a month for deep reflection. We consider lessons learned last year and how we’ll move forward, more prepared, this year. In fact, January is named for the Roman god Janus, who is usually depicted having two heads that face in opposite directions. One looks back to the year departed, and one looks forward to the year ahead. The god Saturn bestowed upon Janus this ability to see into the future and past. His name comes from the Latin word ianua, which means “door.” Janus is the god of doors, gates, doorways, bridges, and passageways, all of which symbolize beginnings and ends. (source: Dictionary.com)

Your New Year is a new beginning. And, during the coming year, you may find other opportunities to move through new doors, take new paths, cross new bridges. Such is the path of the leader. Just remember the Resolve that you’ve given yourself today. I assure you, this gift will make provide inspiration on the days you need it most.

Wishing you a Happy, Prosperous and Resolve-driven 2011!

The story of XANGO began with the simple dream of the young Joe Morton. Today the XANGO business flourishes in more than 30 countries throughout the world featuring a brand that has touched the lives of millions. To put it simply, XANGO has achieved unprecedented success…yet the business is just beginning.

Some might assume that the company’s success came easily. Not so. XANGO’s success is defined by great vision, tremendous struggle and overcoming the odds. Many of the greatest distributor leaders in direct sales are a part of XANGO. Many more soon will be. The momentum is so exciting to watch…to be a part of.

With eight years of growing a billion-dollar brand, there is one thing my partners and I have come to know: success doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by choice. And what it takes to choose to be successful is what I shared with XANGO Nation last month in Orlando.

Yes, we have come a long way in the past eight years, but the focus of my speech was on the first 17 days. Why? Because it’s always in the beginning where the tough choices to keep forging ahead are always made. When the commitment is limited (in this case time), one can justify quitting. But that was never the case for XANGO. My partners and I and the leaders who joined us from the start were deeply committed…committed to each other and to the success of this company…and committed to forging ahead in the face of adversity.

The challenges didn’t matter. They had no power over us because we were united, determined and focused. At the same time we were having fun…loving every minute. Nothing has changed since those beginning days in terms of those drivers behind our success.

The California dock strikes, our initial shipments of mangosteen getting lost and spoiled in transit, competitors attempting to stifle our momentum and put us out of business, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate challenging our name…none of it would have power over XANGO because we chose to succeed…despite the setbacks. Every time we were faced with a challenge, we got to work, we made a choice to move forward, we made good decisions and we had each other’s backs in the process.

For those who had the notion that XANGO’s success came easily, we presented the reality during my speech that our success was not luck…our success was earned. And our success was our choice. It had to be. Otherwise we might have easily given in to the pressure, thrown in the towel exclaiming “This wasn’t meant to be! This is too hard! The odds are against us!!!” Instead, we chose to believe.

Choice is a powerful difference-maker. It’s empowerment. It’s determination and direction. Choice gives you the power to determine your destiny…even if the path and the destination changes along the way. Choice is not a sure thing, it’s a vision and it’s a commitment to see that vision through.

Do you know the story of Mark Herzlich? In 2009, Mark, a Boston College linebacker, was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and projected as a potential first round NFL Draft pick. Then Mark was plagued by a lingering leg pain. Doctors found a cancerous bone tumor called Ewing’s sarcoma. They told Mark he would never play football again.

Herzlich began his treatment and recovery program. While chemo zapped his strength and his hair, he built his spirit with daily prayer for the fight of his life. He made a choice, a promise to himself not just to survive. He made the choice to play football again.

Herzlich underwent seven months of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation. He now has a titanium rod running the length of his lower leg. Yet, with his hair growing back and nearing his playing weight, He prepared for a new season, and on September 4, 2010 he made his triumphant return to the gridiron. Mark’s story is heroic and inspiring. He reminds me of many of the great XANGO distributors I have been honored to meet throughout the world. So determined, especially when facing a great challenge. Like Mark Herzlich, they see through the present adversity to find that something great awaits them.

Choice drives the direction of our lives. Choices can be weak or strong…resolute or passive. There is the choice to let the circumstances of our lives control our happiness or to control the way we face those circumstances and be happy in the process. There is the choice to be a leader or the choice to follow the herd.

When we founded XANGO, we made the choice to be different. We made the choice to build a brand, the choice to have focus, the choice to build a category and be a pioneer, the choice to invest more in our employees, our culture and our distributor relations. We made the choice to face challenges head-on and to innovate every step of the way.

In the past few years, in the midst of economic turmoil, we made the choice to invest in the business. In the wake of a savage global economic downturn, we made the choice to open eight new countries. We made the choice to reward our distributors with greater commissions and incentives. We made the choice to launch new products, categories, tools and systems. We made the choice to work as hard as we did in those founding days to ensure XANGO emerged bigger, better and stronger than before. Those result of those choices are now paying off. The organization is growing. Distributors are expanding. New leadership is developing and leaders are coming in to the organization.

Choice is a major component of leadership…and leaders are defined by the choices they make. 

Many of you were in Orlando for my speech…I’m honored to continue the discussion here and I welcome your thoughts on the role choice has played in your success.

By the way, welcome to the new look of AaronGarrity.com! A few months ago, I made the choice to redesign my site and add new content and features. More will be coming, so please take a look around and let me know what you think.

Hugs,

Aaron

Day 1 in November 2002 felt historic.  We opened the doors, turned on the fax machines and the applications began to roll in.  The momentum continued on Day 2.  The business was immediately moving.  I told my partner, Gordon Morton, “I hope we got enough financing to fulfill all of these orders!”

Day 3 changed everything.  Dock strikes were announced in California.  The impact of the work stoppage was far reaching.  The whole world seemed to be thrown into commotion.  With the holiday season fast approaching, all types of goods were coming from Asia to the U.S. by boat.   But the boats couldn’t dock to unload.

Mega-companies like Wal-Mart made drastic decisions to ship by air.  XanGo was three days old with orders rolling in.  Fresh mangosteen had been harvested, frozen and flown out of Thailand.  The refrigerated containers only had a few days of power.  The plane with our first stock of mangosteen landed in Taiwan to refuel when shipping companies got word that the price per kilo of air cargo had skyrocketed from $2.73 to nearly $14…and major companies continued to drive the bidding for air freight.

Our mangosteen containers – our first orders, our life savings – were unloaded and lost in a vast sea of dumped shipments.  LOST!

We picked up the phones and began a frantic search to fund our lost crates of mangosteen…to be sure they were refrigerated…to be sure the refrigerator was plugged in!  Four days later, the container was found, unrefrigerated, with spoiled mangosteen.

We could have thrown in the towel there and taken the loss.  But we didn’t.  Failure was never an option.  My partners hit the phones.  Joe Morton stayed up for three days straight, working on harvesting, packing and shipping.  Bryan Davis was on the phone with Taiwan trying to find the original containers.  Kent Wood was reassessing our finances and coordinating the reorder and our upcoming ADP.  Gordon, Gary Hollister and I continued to do pitch after pitch to distributors that were coming in by the hour.

We made a decision: XANGO had momentum and nothing was going to stop us.  We closed a round of financing, reharvested in two days, chartered a plane and flew our mangosteen direct.

And we fulfilled EVERY order, on time, as promised.

Sometimes people talk about XanGo like the company was born under a lucky star.  We have certainly been very blessed.  Yet this kind of success doesn’t happen by chance.  It happens by CHOICE.

In just a few days at our Convention in Orlando, I’ll take the stage to tell more of the story of what XanGo faced in our founding days.  And the challenges we continue to face today.

Check back after Orlando for a recap…and exclusive content here, where some fun surprises await our faithful visitors.

I look forward to continuing our discussion

My Partners and I enjoying the moment during our most recent video shoot for our upcoming XANGO 2011 International Convention.

Hugs,

Aaron

DISNEY’S FOLLY

The life of WALT DISNEY is one of America’s greatest success stories.  Few names are as recognizable around the world across so many different ages and cultures.  Mention his name and some will immediately think of a trip to one of his theme parks.  Others will recall one of his films, one of his characters, or one of the television shows he created.

The famous turning point in Disney’s career was the release of the full length animated motion picture Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  It stunned the industry, becoming the most successful film of the year, introducing new technologies and standards in animation, and giving Disney the financial clout to launch what many would call his “Golden Age.”

Yet the road to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was filled with letdowns, failures, and betrayals.

AS A YOUNG MAN Walter Elias Disney attended the Kansas City Art Institute and developed a love for drawing. He became friends with Ubbe Iwerks and together they launched their first studio “Iwerks-Disney Commercial Artists”.  The studio eventually failed but they partnered with a local movie theater to screen their cartoons.

They found success and broke off to form another studio, this time under the name “Laugh-O-Gram” which enabled them to hire new artists. The high salaries eventually caused the studio to close.  Instead of giving up Disney and Iwerks decided to relocate to Hollywood, California and begin again.

Along with his brother Roy, Walt Disney and Ubbe Iwerks opened Disney Brothers’ Studio and found success in a new live action/animated series called Alice’s Wonderland. Walt also created a wildly successful cartoon character named Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

As their success grew Disney attempted to negotiate a higher fee per film with his distribution company.  They refused and informed Disney that not only were they lowering his fee they had signed their own contracts with his artists.  Outmaneuvered, Disney lost his animators, his distribution company, and even the rights to his own creation, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Only his longtime friend and partner Iwerks refused the new contract.

ONCE AGAIN, Walt Disney had failed.

Walt did not return to Kansas City.  Nor did he remain in grief over the loss of the lucrative Oswald the Rabbit, who would become a television star familiar to children the world over. Disney reached inside himself and pulled another rabbit out of his hat, only this time the rabbit was a mouse.

Technology unknown to him, such as videotapes, would only echo his earlier successes, proving again the virtue of his perfectionism. Failure was never an ending but the door to a new beginning.  The Disney Empire was built on the determination, passion — and yes, setbacks — of one man and the world is a happier place for it.

September 11 will forever hold a place in history in the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.   At XANGO, it represents the day we decided to take a stand for freedom and to create a company that would allow whoever was a part of it to do the same. Indeed, God has blessed all of us.

Thanks to my wife Tiffany for believing and ever supporting.  Thanks to my partners Joe Morton (who started it all), Gary Hollister, Kent Wood, Gordon Morton and Bryan Davis for allowing me to share in their dreams and in their vision.   Thanks to Beverly Hollister for providing lunch for us (for several months) when we had no income (she did at the time…and we had to eat). And a huge thanks to all the XANGO distributors who every day are changing lives for the better.

XANGO rocks!

Hugs,

Aaron

For entrepreneurs, bold choices are required. If you’re not willing to break from the herd and make your own call, you’re in the wrong line of work, my friend. We certainly felt that when we started XanGo. We had to leave our full-time jobs, put our reputations and homes on the line and dive into the deep end without a lifeguard nearby.

And that was just the jump in. It took bold choices to build the business too.

We decided on a more aggressive distributor compensation plan. We decided on a powerful brand image and single product focus. We decided to create a new category instead of wading into the shallow waters of wider, established offerings. We decided on a culture that recognizes and rewards leadership at every level. And we decided on a company that gives — to charities, partners, distributors and employees.

All of those choices are now part of XanGo’s story. Yet, in 2002, they were bold decisions that went against the direct sales industry grain. From the moment we made those decisions, there were those who said it wouldn’t work, that it was wrong, that we should follow a more paved path. And, as XanGo has achieved success, the critiques have only gotten louder.

Whether you’re starting a business, moving to a new job, or making a personal decision, there will be a bold choice to consider. It takes guts to make those calls. And it takes guts to stick with it…even in the face of attack.

In the end, you may not have the proof that you were right. You may just know it in your gut. And that should be enough.

Sometimes, though, there is another level of validation that you were right all along.

As XanGo now nears it’s 8th year, we’ve been through plenty of that…and our validation points are well-known: nearly two million distributors worldwide, $2 billion in sales, a globally recognized brand, a dominant mangosteen category share. Yet, there are those points that we’ve known in our gut that sometimes get a more subtle, yet just as powerful proof point.

When I walk through our call center, when I meet distributors, when I stop to talk with our employees…and they talk about XanGo, they smile. It’s a warm smile, it’s authentic, and it’s personal. And it’s one of the greatest stamps of validation I could ever ask for when it comes to the the culture we’ve created here.

Yes, we’ve won some terrific “Great Place to Work” and “Most Creative Place to Work” awards. Yet, those smiles shows me our culture goes beyond our walls. And we’re one the right path in the ways we recognize our leaders…wherever they may be.

Summer is a great time to go back to our roots. Like ours, a lot of families take vacations to familiar locales where they have established memories…whether it’s a beach, a cabin or a creek where the fishing is almost legendary.

It’s important to remember where you come from. And it’s a good reminder of the road you’ve traveled to get to this point in your life…and renew the direction you’re headed.

I grew up in L.A. Going back brings a flood of memories. It also inspires me. We didn’t have a lot growing up. My mom, one of my personal heroes, worked three jobs, including at the Los Angeles Times, to support us.

That motivates me to this day to work hard to support my family…to thank my mom often…and to help other families who I see who face the same struggles.

Sometimes, we get to take it “full circle,” to give back to the people and places that have given us so much. My recent trip to Chonburi, Thailand reminded me of that too.

XanGo traces its roots to southeast Asia and Thailand, home of the mangosteen, the Queen of Fruits. We source the world’s most delicious fruit there and we take our leaders there every year to celebrate the culture that helped us create a new category of nutrition products.

On my recent trip to Thailand with Operation Smile we brought medical treatment to many children and families in need. It was a spiritual experience. I continue to be humbled and inspired spending time with the families and the children we serve through the XanGo Goodness Foundation.

And it’s a reminder of the importance of taking it the “full circle.” Remember where you’ve come from. Remember who helped you along the way. And remember to say thank you…and say it often.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

For those of you who know me, picturing me snoozing in a sleeping bag under a canvas ceiling may be a bit of a stretch. That image may even provoke a chuckle or two.

It’s no secret that I’m particular about my surroundings. I like a certain order to my environment…to my life at that. That preference is often challenged in a frenzied business travel schedule. And it’s downright discarded when I spend a few days camping like I did last week with my son and 14 of his friends–troop 847 of the Boy Scouts of America.

And, though I have to adjust to the grit of “roughing it,” I can still appreciate the experience of stepping out of my comfort zone, particularly to be reminded of what teamwork looks like when you’re literally on the ground.

From the moment we arrived at camp last week, the scouts were in charge. They knew where to set up camp, how to pitch the tents and what the schedule would be until we broke camp at the end of the week.

Yes, there was a schedule. Our kids ran the show. And the slate of activities included gathering wood for fire, checking supply lists and deadlines for each merit badge, service project, game or meal..

Our kids not only had the schedule, they knew how to get it done.

“Dad, hold this spike in place while I tie the other end of the tent.”

“No, that kind of branch won’t work for the campfire, dad. You have to get this kind of branch.”

“Fill this pudgy pie with cherries, dad, and hold it over the campfire.”

Pudgy pies? They handed me two long spatula-looking pans and showed me where to sit. I plugged into my BlackBerry browser to get the scoop on pudgy pies. No signal. No worries. The 12-year-old next to me is already explaining how to fill it and cook it over the fire without burning it. “We don’t waste any filling, so be sure to watch the time and pull it when it’s ready.” Perfectly explained.

Watching and listening to all of the direction and tips really wowed me…and made me smile. I was so proud…here were the boys that we meet with every week in scout meetings applying their skills and learning to get things done.  The boys made it all look so easy. Their instruction was easy to follow. Told with such patience. Clear and concise.

Every one of them had a role, knew it and did the job. If a tent pole fell, a scout passing by picked it up and tied it down. If the wood was too heavy to carry, two scouts were there in a second, helping their fellow troop member get it from point A to point B.   Newly cleared camp grounds in our area and Class A Scout Uniforms warn during all Scout Flag Ceremonies made for one award that few scouts ever see: the White Buffalo Award.

We ate three meals a day under the sun and stars. And we closed each day next to the burning embers of a camp fire telling stories.  I marveled at the experiences and perspectives our scouts were expressing. Who knew?!!

As I crawled into the tent Friday night my son was already fast asleep. I slipped into my sleeping bag…on the ground, in a tent…and started thinking about how proud I am of the young man my son is becoming….how good it felt to step away from the laptops and mobile phones for a week…and how I am a better persona for the experiences I was able to enjoy throughout the week.

Just then, my son awoke, unzipped his sleeping bag, crawled over to the tent entrance and pulled the zipper closed on the netting.

“Gotta be sure the tent is sealed all the way, dad, or the mosquitoes will eat us alive.”

Oh yes…and making sure to cover all the bases…and help someone out if they miss a step.

Aaron Garrity shares deep stuggles in his life and in the story of XanGo at XanGo Thrive 2010 in Las Vegas that could have led to dispair, yet through leadership and hope led to new records that were shattered. It is always the darkest before the dawn.

As a leader, you can choose success. You can choose light over darkness. Choose light and rally your team to greatness.

Over the years I have featured a brand wall in my office—a list of Category Creators…FIRST to markets…market definers. Companies like Coca Cola, Disney, Harley Davidson, Aston Martin, Tiffany’s, Google, Apple, Virgin, MTV and others (even the Beatles) have made it to my wall. Each has a hero…someone who loved the brand, who loved the company and who sought to reward those who would do the same.

Over the next several months I will share some thoughts on some of these companies…the stories, the leaders, the risks, the rewards, the triumphs and the heartache. Here’s the first. Enjoy.

Sir Richard Branson never seems to sleep. For him (and his empire), that’s a good thing. Whether he’s creating a new insurance company or launching the first business class spaceship, Branson is the consummate entrepreneur of our day. His latest initiative, PitchTV, levels an often impossible mountain for starting businesses down to an even playing field.

Running on full throttle is nothing new to Branson. Born on July 18th, 1950 Branson quickly learned to use his ability to connect with people to overcome his mild dyslexia. At the age of 16 he launched his first successful business, a magazine he published called Student. In the 70’s he opened up a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, which paved the way for him to open Virgin Atlantic Airways in the 80’s and continue to expand the Virgin Records music label into the 90’s.

In addition to his many entrepreneurial successes Branson is also well known for his humanitarian efforts. Heavily influenced by Nelson Mandela, Branson was able to help launch “The Elders,” a group of leaders who objectively solve global issues. Virgin Unite continues to lead the way in fundraising for charities and recently Branson began to seek innovate efforts to promote corporate environmental responsibility with former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales, and Google’s Larry Page.

World record holder, titan of industry, generous philanthropist and innovative genius, one would think that Richard Branson would desire a well deserved rest on Necker Island, his 74-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands. But with Virgin’s new foray into the healthcare sector with Assura Medical, Virgin Galactic’s soon to be launched spaceship the VSS Enterprise and the newly launched PitchTV, rest does not seem to be on Branson’s mind.

According to his recent blog, Richard Branson is ready to once more change the face of corporate business. PitchTV allows budding entrepreneurs to upload a 2-minute video in which they pitch their business idea. The best of these videos will then be shown on Virgin Atlantic’s in-flight entertainment systems. Hundreds of business professional that regularly frequent these flights will be able to view the pitches, obtain contact information for the ideas that stand out to them, and possibly help these ideas become reality.

Branson writes on his blog, “When I was starting out, I wish I could have had the chance to pitch my business ideas directly to people who could make my ambitions a reality. We can now make that happen for you.”

While the idea of allowing beginning entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to possible investors is not new, Branson takes this concept to a viral level allowing anyone with a great idea and a webcam to broadcast to hundreds of possible investors. Writes Branson on his blog, “who knows – among the viewers might be someone with the power to bring your idea to life.”

In our current corporate climate where downsizing and cut backs are the norm Branson has brilliantly expanded the potential for expansion and innovation in the marketplace. PitchTV just being one of many initiatives he is pursuing, not the least of which is trying to launch the aforementioned spaceship.

This tireless pursuit has served him well in the past and will continue to keep him as the industry leader in the future. While many visionaries try and fail, Branson has time and time again refused to quit and seemingly refused to rest. New idea upon new innovation has been a constant thread in Branson’s life stretching back to his early days in school connecting with people and publishing a magazine.

Sir Richard Branson never seems to sleep…and the global business landscape, emerging entrepreneurs and the world’s dreamers are all the better for it.

Richard Branson photo credit: David Shankbone

With the screening process finished, the Operation Smile surgeries began today in Chonburi, Thailand. What a day. Nearly 30 operations took place, from cleft palates and lips to facial reconstructions to the removal of tumors, the surgeons and support staff (all donating of their time and talents) worked miracles in the lives of these children in such desperate need.

One by one these professionals entered their work zones for the day. Looking at our XanGo staff and Distributors, they made it a point to thank the entire organization for its willingness to carry through on this mission at such a critical time.

Unfortunately, much of the world has steered clear of Thailand in recent months due to political unrest.

As Operation Smile Executive Director Christina Krause said, “This was not a scheduled mission for Operation Smile this year. Had it not been for XanGo, this never would have happened.” I hope you can all feel a little responsibility for making this mission happen, as well as a little joy from the invaluable change that it’s bringing into whole families’ lives.

To watch these surgeons—contenders for life—work miracles during these operations was amazing. They have such confidence… knowing what to do and how to do it. The phrase that sprung to mind was “healers of men and women.” Their work is really no different from the successes at XanGo. It is a humbling thought to consider the many lives that have been healed along the way as our XanGo Distributors have worked so tirelessly. I am blessed to be a witness as healing perpetuates healing and success breeds success. What a wonderful way to live.

Wade Hooton, director of the Western States for Operation Smile, ended the day with a story from one of his first missions to Nairobi. There he met a little girl named Lucena. She was born with a cleft lip and palate, and she spent most of her childhood looking at the ground… ashamed to have her face seen. In her home country, her name literally means “mistake.”

Undoubtedly her name was a testament to the shame both she and here parents felt they were forced to carry. But all of that changed one day when an Operation Smile mission came her way. Hope replaced grief and eyes streaming with tears transformed into a smile that brings smiles to all she looks upon.

There is no doubt in my mind that tomorrow, when these little ones awake from the night’s sleep, they will awake with a smile and (more importantly) a light that beams from their very souls. And it will happen because others chose to care about helping someone they didn’t even know existed until now—all of us here in Thailand have witnessed it.

And the only thing that needs to be said is, “Bring out the next 30.”

Hugs,

Aaron

Every now and then I catch myself in a thought of how I love to be a father. My parents were divorced when I was just one, so during my young age I grew up as many do…in a single parent home.

Only now do I cherish the moments when I step back and see what a wonderful blessing parents can be to a child—especially when both are in the home and actively engaged in the development of that child.

As many of you know, XANGO’s roots are in Thailand—the home of the mangosteen fruit. It’s no wonder that we seek to return here often with distributors and employees alike for company events and charitable missions.

We are on such a mission this week as XANGO hosts over a hundred surgeries with Operation Smile. After a long day at the hospital, the XANGO and Operation Smile attendees took a detour to a local orphanage: Baan Jing Jai Children’s Home. Most of these children lost their parents in sickness or accident. Others were abandoned. Nearly 100 strong these boys and girls show a resilient spirit…and they all proudly display a beautiful Thai smile.

Though these children find themselves without parents, they are not without love. They are cared for by four tireless women who tend to the children’s needs with limited support from the government. The rest?…they depend on the good acts of others. And on days like today…the love and kindness comes forth from those they didn’t even know existed: champions of happiness.

When contacted, the orphanage had a very humble request: four ceiling fans, shampoo, conditioner and soap. That all. Not only was that and more provided, but the cheerfulness adorned as foreign suitcases were opened and toys, stuffed animals, colors and coloring books, reading and writing materials and a whole lot more were poured out a plenty.

To think how wonderful the world could be if every child could grow up in a home with loving parents. Until that dream is achieved there is something each one of us can do to make life just a little sweeter.

Hugs,

Aaron

Do you remember when you were a child?  Waking up on your birthday or a holiday with anticipation to open presents was an unrivaled thrill.  Yet, that excitement faded once the presents were opened.

As we matured, we started to learn that “getting” was a fleeting experience.   By contrast, “giving” brings its own anticipation followed by long-lasting fulfillment.  The lesson learned?  Giving is better than receiving.

This month, I am preparing for a trip to Thailand.   After I spend time with some of our top distributor leaders at our annual Discovery Club trip, I’ll head to Chonburi, Thailand with the Operation Smile team.  We’ll spend a week working to provide multiple surgeries to children of the farmers who harvest mangosteen fruit for XanGo Juice.

Anyone who knows the XanGo story knows that giving is part of our company DNA.  We’ve supported causes for children and families around the world since the day we founded the company.  We knew that to achieve true success – lasting success – we needed to be a company that would lead with the heart, giving back to worthy causes.

Yet, today, I’m going to write about what the experience has given me personally.  I can tell you that I’ve been inspired and humbled by being part of the work in our global philanthropic program.

And I can tell you, without doubt, that giving can be an amazing part of your comeback…part of your resurgence in life.  I was taught as a child that if ever I was feeling unhappy…those feelings would go away if I did something nice for someone else.

Revered writer and poet Kahlil Gibran tells us: “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

It’s one thing for XanGo to write checks to charitable causes.  We should give back.  Many successful companies do.  It’s another thing to block out time on your calendar, roll up your sleeves and get involved.  I love how XanGo nation has embraced this very concept…at all levels.

As I prepare for Thailand, I feel excited and reflective and I even feel some pretty big butterflies.  This trip will be difficult.  We’re heading to a place where we will confront a “need” that is a powerful reminder of how lucky many of us are.

I’ll spend part of my week working at an orphanage where many of the children never had a chance to even be held by their mothers.  As I write this post on Mother’s Day, that thought seems especially hard to grasp.  I’ll get to work with the doctors of Operation Smile as they perform surgeries in children born with a cleft palate, a painful and debilitating condition.  Did you know each year more than 200,000 mothers give birth to a child with the cleft lip or cleft palate?

Every time I make a trip like this, I come home even more grateful for my children and their good health.  I’m even more grateful for my wife and my mom.  I feel especially humbled to be so blessed.  I’m grateful to work with such tremendous souls who make it a core part of their business practice to raise funds for work like this.

And I’m especially grateful for the people I meet…the children, the parents, the doctors and the organizers of these expeditions…people who have come through tremendous challenges to represent strength, goodness and hope against all odds.

For me, giving has been a reminder of where I’ve come from and the road I’ve chosen in life.  It’s been an affirmation that reminds me, especially on those days when business is a grind or I’m waging a personal battle, to take a deep breath and put things in perspective.

Giving is a privilege and, yes, it’s a sacrifice.

For many of you who continue to trudge through some monumental life challenges, giving can be a game-changer.  You don’t have to go all the way to Thailand to do it.  There are needs in your community where your talents, your passions and your drive can serve a significant cause.

There are local causes that need your help.  Whether you’re making phone calls, organizing events, delivering care packages or even just talking to those who don’t have someone to talk to…there is something you can do to serve.  By doing so you’ll be reminded of all that you have to offer.

While the doctors are performing surgeries in Thailand, I’ll again be sterilizing their tools and serving patient needs.  I’ll be a nurse’s aide.  And, in that challenging environment, I will again be reminded of how little actions can make a big difference.

I’ll be sharing some of these experiences here on my blog, so check back often.  I welcome your thoughts and support in this journey.

And, perhaps you’ll consider the role giving can play in your comeback.  Giving gives back in such unexpected ways.

Do you listen as often as you should? Really listen? When was the last time to listened to yourself and appreciated the value of your own thoughts and reflections?

Too many of us are caught up in the mad rush of the Digital Age. We don’t listen, we text. We post on Facebook and scan the comments. We nod our heads when someone is talking while thinking about what we have to get done this afternoon. We pay to hear someone speak, then whisper back-and-forth with the person next to us. We attend important meetings and engage instead with our Blackberries. Many consider listening an endangered skill.

Yes, listening is an art. And listening can be a tremendous asset to your comeback.

Anne Mulcahy tells a great comeback story. She was the president of the other X. Not XanGo. Xerox.

In the year 2000, Xerox was on top of the world. The company was growing and profitable. The future was rosy.

Yet, in late 1999, Xerox’s circuits were getting overloaded. The company had tried to grow too fast. The world economy weakened. Competition for Xerox stiffened. And Xerox had to admit to decisions Anne Mulcahy called “not so good.”

You ever do that?

Inside Xerox they called it the perfect storm. By May, 2000 they were in deep trouble. To hear Anne tell it, “revenue and profits were declining. Cash on hand was shrinking. Debt was mounting. Customers were irate. Employees were defecting. Shareholders saw the market collapsing. “ Chaos.

It was then, that Anne was appointed president and chief operating officer. Congratulations captain, now pilot us through the perfect storm.

Xerox was on its way to a $273 million annual loss. And that’s after a considerable investment in becoming a “computer company.” At one point an overwhelmed Mulcahy pulled her car off to the side of the road and let the traffic pass by. “I don’t know what to do,” she said. “I don’t know what to do.”

Ever feel like that? All of us have.

Anne pulled herself together and got back to work. Xerox got humble in a hurry. They spent time with customers. Time with employees. Time with industry experts.

And how did Xerox turn it around? They listened! Xerox’s prospects and customers led the way. They told Xerox how they would re-engage, what they liked and what they wanted to see change.

And all of that listening helped achieve a miracle for Xerox. The next year they dramatically cut their losses. In a few short years, Xerox doubled its equity, increased earnings, fattened bank accounts and started buying back its stock. Now, it earns billions by being the kind of business it is supposed to be…and continuing to listen.

Listening is a great investment. Each one of us could all be a lot more successful if we would listen. Listening saves careers, companies and even marriages.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote, “It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.”

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In this series of blog posts, we’re discussing stories and elements of real-life comebacks from leaders and rising stars around the world. I welcome you to join the discussion by adding your comments or email me with your comeback stories.