In recent times, Mom developed taste in the products of a plastic container company . The company has presence in 190 countries and a factory in Haryana. Mom wanted to attend a marketing cum training program of this company .She intends to sell these plastic containers and become a millionaire ... Ok that is exaggerated . So, the rule of the program was to get one "guest" who would pay Rs .100 and is willing to sell the product . Mom , couldn't get anyone for the program as her business is less than three months old , hence I "had to" accompany her. Though she paid for my registration , I had already blown double the amount in Taxi fare and I was an hour late .
The auditorium was filled with women . Around 300 may be, I was amused at the number of women trying make a cut in network marketing .Network Marketing is a big business - It operates on principal of advocate selling and getting a commission. The more member you add more business you get. I remember , an autorickshaw driver who also sold some supplements for weight loss through network marketing . He used his journey time to talk about the product . I asked him about what was his conversion rate from traveler to customer ? he told its 1 out of 10 . Also , when I asked him why sell these Medicines , he replied that he has two kids and wants a better living for them . Their school fees , tuition fees and expenses need another source of income . Driving "auto" only is not an option .
Now this program ,was presented by a guy who was in early thirties , possibly an MBA from some or premier institute . He was perfect example of a typical marketing professional . He assumed himself to be the star of the evening . He was also an "Alpha" male without whom these women in the auditorium won't achieve their dreams. Remember the way class teachers asked us the question in 1st standard . The fellow conducted the program in similar manner while distributing prize (key chains!!) for right answers. The program had just begun to roll and so did aspiration in eyes of my Mom. It was like before the release of Tees Maar Khan , Yeh toh trailer hai , picture abhi baki hai mere dost!!!!
Remember those tele marketing programs, dubbed in Hindi;
" Is product ne toh meri zindagi badal di',"
"Mujhe toh laga hi nahi tha meri iss problem ka koi solution hai,"
" Mera confidence kafi low ho chuka tha , tab mujhe mere dost ne yeh product use karne ki salah di."
A similar live version begun where the company claimed of changing lives . The women from the crowd were invited to share their stories. These women claimed that they are now financially independent . They buy things for kids and pay tuition fees of kids. Most of these stories in changing lives were scripted. This segment had many stake holder, the two main distributors who were at top of 'pyramid' and the marketing manager who would later show this in his appraisal. The story teller themselves weren't exactly set to win anything from it. The two main distributors of the company had left no stone unturned to please the marketing fellow. A houseful auditorium and a prospective layers to Pyramid. It was a superhit program!
The next part was , 'guest sharing their dreams' , their dreams were similar like the autorickshaw driver, better lifestyle , a vacation abroad and of course more money .These women were essentially housewives , some of them were actually from lower middle class who thought the guy standing there holds key to their success . The difference between the telemarketing program and these guest was -the guest were real .
To further boost up the interest of crowd , there was cake cutting ceremonies for Birthday. The marketing fellow boasted how these women got an opportunity to come on stage and celebrate birthday with 300 people . There was lucky draw too . Oh wait, did I mention the Lucky draw was not an easy thing . One had to match up their dream with one of the main distributor of the company . I kept cribbing to Mom about how hungry I am and she promised me a good snack if I kept quiet. Later to my delight the organisers had arranged or some snacks (samosa to be precise) and also a small gift ( Mom's 100 Rs. paid off) .
While leaving from program , I told Mom not to take this seriously . If she finds buyer - good and if it she doesn't - still good. Don't let anyone sell you - your dreams.
The auditorium was filled with women . Around 300 may be, I was amused at the number of women trying make a cut in network marketing .Network Marketing is a big business - It operates on principal of advocate selling and getting a commission. The more member you add more business you get. I remember , an autorickshaw driver who also sold some supplements for weight loss through network marketing . He used his journey time to talk about the product . I asked him about what was his conversion rate from traveler to customer ? he told its 1 out of 10 . Also , when I asked him why sell these Medicines , he replied that he has two kids and wants a better living for them . Their school fees , tuition fees and expenses need another source of income . Driving "auto" only is not an option .
Now this program ,was presented by a guy who was in early thirties , possibly an MBA from some or premier institute . He was perfect example of a typical marketing professional . He assumed himself to be the star of the evening . He was also an "Alpha" male without whom these women in the auditorium won't achieve their dreams. Remember the way class teachers asked us the question in 1st standard . The fellow conducted the program in similar manner while distributing prize (key chains!!) for right answers. The program had just begun to roll and so did aspiration in eyes of my Mom. It was like before the release of Tees Maar Khan , Yeh toh trailer hai , picture abhi baki hai mere dost!!!!
Remember those tele marketing programs, dubbed in Hindi;
" Is product ne toh meri zindagi badal di',"
"Mujhe toh laga hi nahi tha meri iss problem ka koi solution hai,"
" Mera confidence kafi low ho chuka tha , tab mujhe mere dost ne yeh product use karne ki salah di."
A similar live version begun where the company claimed of changing lives . The women from the crowd were invited to share their stories. These women claimed that they are now financially independent . They buy things for kids and pay tuition fees of kids. Most of these stories in changing lives were scripted. This segment had many stake holder, the two main distributors who were at top of 'pyramid' and the marketing manager who would later show this in his appraisal. The story teller themselves weren't exactly set to win anything from it. The two main distributors of the company had left no stone unturned to please the marketing fellow. A houseful auditorium and a prospective layers to Pyramid. It was a superhit program!
The next part was , 'guest sharing their dreams' , their dreams were similar like the autorickshaw driver, better lifestyle , a vacation abroad and of course more money .These women were essentially housewives , some of them were actually from lower middle class who thought the guy standing there holds key to their success . The difference between the telemarketing program and these guest was -the guest were real .
To further boost up the interest of crowd , there was cake cutting ceremonies for Birthday. The marketing fellow boasted how these women got an opportunity to come on stage and celebrate birthday with 300 people . There was lucky draw too . Oh wait, did I mention the Lucky draw was not an easy thing . One had to match up their dream with one of the main distributor of the company . I kept cribbing to Mom about how hungry I am and she promised me a good snack if I kept quiet. Later to my delight the organisers had arranged or some snacks (samosa to be precise) and also a small gift ( Mom's 100 Rs. paid off) .
While leaving from program , I told Mom not to take this seriously . If she finds buyer - good and if it she doesn't - still good. Don't let anyone sell you - your dreams.
