Marketing Ethics: An Open Letter To My Daughters- Infinite Evolution News

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Marketing Ethics: An Open Letter To My Daughters

Posted on 9 Jan 2011 - by Stephanie In: Motivational

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I'm currently sitting in 1st PLACE in a contest and there's a "bounty" on my head to see if anyone can topple me and it's based on getting people to signup for this FREE Gift Here: http://infiniteevolutioncenter.com/endorses/conversion

Now here's a question that my 9-year old daughter Marina (a mini marketer herself) asked me last night:

"Mommy, what's more important - winning or helping people on your list?"

Whoa! Indeed!

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Now, you have to understand a little background as to why she'd even ask this question…

First, I've always played a little game with these leads contests that only a few people know about.

I don't count winning prize money as part of my income - it's a perk that I've always used as a learning experience for our two daughters.

So anytime I win a leaderboard contest - the money goes to them. And it's NOT for a toy or some "fluff" that will be forgotten on a shelf in a week - we usually pick something together that we'll enjoy as a family - building a memory, having a learning experience together or something that will enhance our lives or someone else's life.

The message has always been: Set a goal, work to achieve it and when you succeed use the rewards to better yourself or others.

Cool message that always worked real well… until recently which brings me to my second point…

You see, I recently ran an event and offered a similar type "bounty" contest for my own JV partners - it was to be a clean, fun contest and my own daughters got into the spirit of things and prepared to watch the outcome.

Sadly, the events that ensued surrounding this 48 hour mini contest were far from the message I had hoped my daughters would take away.

So in light of that - here's an open letter to my daughter, but also one that I want to share with all of my valued subscribers and readers:

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Dear Marina,

You asked a profound question indeed - 'Mommy, what's more important - winning or helping people on your list?'

Without hesitation sweetheart, Helping Others is FAR more important that winning - because in doing so you are ALREADY a winner! And no one can ever take that away from you.

I am disheartened that you had to stand by recently and see an ugly side of Internet Marketing for a brief moment in my recent giveaway - but what happened was only a tiny blip on the radar compared to the 1000s of people the event helped and the difference it made in their lives. So don't ever think that all of mommy's efforts in running the giveaway were anything but worthwhile - we set records, we launched careers and we helped others to build a better life! And that is truly the spirit in which I do everything you watch me do each day, honey.

In fact, the person who ended up winning Mommy's event is a young, up & coming role model - the kind of marketer Mommy & Daddy like for you to meet. So we will probably take a day trip real soon so you can shake his hand in person! So "Uncle Shane" better rest up and get ready to meet us Mulacs, right? LOL

But at the same time dear, on a more serious note - this is the real world and there are still lessons for not only you to learn here, but for all of the people on my list who have grown to trust me.

You see, Mommy now has a bounty on her head and the timing is ironic - but I guess it's the Universe's way of getting a good chuckle.

Unlike what you have just seen one "bad apple" do in my event - I will not EVER send a message to you that "winning at any cost" is the way to run a business or build a brand reputation. Far to the contrary - winning by trashing your competition or misleading your audience makes you a loser with a capital "L"

The contest that mommy is in is for a product I believe in - and that is the ONLY reason I want people to get it!

If 1000s of people get it for the right reasons, then I too am already a winner - regardless of where I show up on the leaderboard. And since you watch the videos for this product with me - you already know what it does and how it will help Mommy's subscribers.

This is why you see me spend hours of time reviewing things before I share them with others - so that I can look you and your sister in the eye!

In fact, I've never told you this before…

But many of the decisions I make are based around me imagining I'm looking YOU in the eye while I'm selling or promoting something - and that's what's called a "litmus test."

It means that I do a little "internal, ethical check" and say - would I recommend this to my own daughter that I'm teaching "life" (and marketing too…) If the answer is a resounding YES - then and only then will I share it with the rest of our subscribers, list, and online family!

As you continue to grow and develop your own online business Marina - you will be where many of the others who are reading this right now sit. Some of them are literally 10 times your age - but have told me before that YOU inspire them! What an honor that is and one to NEVER take lightly my dear!

Like them, you will build a brand, teach others, and be faced with choices…

My lesson to you today is to simply ask yourself, "Would this be something I'd recommend to my own mother? If YOUR answer is yes… then you know you're already a winner!

I Love You!
Mommy

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So with all of that said - there IS a contest that I am in, there IS a bounty on my head to topple me from the #1 spot by noon on Monday, and I DO want you to grab a free gift right here: http://infiniteevolutioncenter.com/endorses/conversion that will help me maintain the top spot on the leaderboard.

But… I want you to do it for the right reason:

Because it WILL help you improve YOUR business! Plain and Simple!

I've reviewed it - endorse it and believe that if you follow it - it will make a difference in your bottom line. Will it make you a millionaire overnight? Heck no! Geeesh, if it did - I'd be off on a vacation right now!

These are tips & techniques to MAKE YOU BETTER - not a magic bullet that is your ticket to a free ride. You'll have to put in some effort - but the rewards will be ten-fold and it will give you a perspective that you've heard few other places!

So yes, please do grab this FREE gift here: http://infiniteevolutioncenter.com/endorses/conversion

But even if together we don't "win" the bounty - know that YOU and I and my own daughters are already winners and together we will continue to fight the good clean battles as we endeavor to win the war!

May you be victorious in ALL that you do and the choices you make!
Stephanie

P.S. I encourage you to ask me ANY questions about this product and/or to leave any comments below about how this post has made a difference in your own life as well as any words of encouragement for our daughters - who will be reading (and maybe even responding) to your comments!

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25 Responses to “Marketing Ethics: An Open Letter To My Daughters”

Davin Ogden
August 28th, 2010 at 1:58 pm

Hey fantastic post Steph.
Also a very important message that you sent to your daughter. Very nicely worded and explained. It's unfortunate that there are a few bad eggs out there, that do try and cheat the system, and continue to contribute to a problem that most marketers face..which is gaining the trust of their prospects and customers.
Thankfully, there are still people who do find genuine trust in us at times…despite the fact that many decietful and dishonest markters have given a lot of people a "bad taste in their mouth".
Hopefully in time..there will be better ways to get rid of the filth out there..and each of us can all work towards helping one another in a positive light..which is what it's supposed to be about.
Once again Steph, great post my friend..and fantastic message as well.

Cheers
Davin
Terry
August 28th, 2010 at 2:02 pm

Great blog post and an open letter to your daughter Stephanie. It really hit home for me as I too have a 9 yr. old daughter. You are definitely a great source of inspiration to your family and subscribers as well. Keep up the good work and I'm going over to the free link right now to check it out and help you stay on top God Bless!
Bill Toebes
August 28th, 2010 at 2:03 pm

Hi I wish to thank you for all the gifts you brought to the table to chose from.I appreciate this gesture and generosity.Although I know there are strings attached with e mail joining as a member here and there.However you display generosity of spirit.As you notice I have no website as yet.Simple reason low on cash flow and my own efforts looks like ghosts escaping from a Grimms Fairy tale.I think i speak for most newbies we are not in need of more literature to read.Which as an aside most don't in the first place what we need is helping hand to find the path to the promised land of Internet success.I have a computer system full of software,e books coming out of every orfice of my body plus some expensive gizmos of "none" software paraded around with great elan as being software. While I paid for worthless pieces of dreck. flowing from a crooked mind.Intent on helping himself while helping us his customer to a fairy land of more junk.I thing what we really need is a give away of sorts like.Real instruction on how to do things. Not some thrown together over night e book where it get you to the where your wipe you feet to go inside then bump into the door because it closed on you.Many of them have come from the same regurgitated copy cat crap.Without real information of what to do next unless you plunk down another bundle of cash.Nevertheless I applaud you daughter who sees the real issue with the clear eyes of a child.I write you because you seem to have the same integrity Thank you for the gifts which work. Regards Bill Toebes
Chester
August 28th, 2010 at 2:06 pm

You never stop learning until you "know it all."
Richard Wehmeyer
August 28th, 2010 at 2:57 pm

Great post, Stephanie,
I definitely loved the letter to your daughter, it shows the bond you have with her as well as the great character you obviously have. The saying,"from the mouths of babes", comes to mind and for it to give you pause and do some soul searching makes me glad I am one of your subscribers. So I guess I will head over and do what I can to make sure no one collects that "bounty".
God bless you and your family,
Richard "Steve" Wehmeyer
Barry
August 28th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

Hi Steph, while just having my morning shave & contemplating life in general & BEFORE i read your comments to your daughter , i was thinking how i could leave a legacy to my 7 year old son ( Im 62) the conclusion i came to was to be in a financial situation to not only secure my families future but those more in need. So i was estatic to feel part of a unique group of people with good intentions & not working soley for money .Great post Stephanie , Barry Trotter
Rhonda Tardif
August 28th, 2010 at 9:47 pm

It's so refreshing to come across such integrity.
John
August 28th, 2010 at 9:52 pm

Hey Steph,
Thanks for a great post. You're absolutely right.. winning isn't nearly as important as helping others. It may be fun, but when it gets to the point of such competition that someone want's it "at all costs" there's something amiss there.
I was part of your recent giveaway also and would like to take this time to thank you. I now have my first list. It's small, but it's a start. So thanks, both for the post, and for the giveaway.
Cheers
John Michael Christian
Sherry Bowers
August 28th, 2010 at 11:17 pm

Stephanie,
What an amazing gift you are giving to your daughters! To teach them life's tough lessons and the importance of staying true to your personal code and ethics even in business. The world needs more business people following that path and teaching that path!
I have only been on your list since this past May, your "way" impressed me then and still impresses and ispires me. I was a contributor in you recent blogging giveaway and loved the way you set everything up so it was helpful and encouraging to everyone even the beginners.
Wishing you all the Best both Online & Offline,
Sherry Bowers
PS. BTW I will check out your link, good luck
Clementine MCcrowey
August 29th, 2010 at 12:11 am

Stephnie and Family,
I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for everything
that you have done for me.I can tell everyone for sure that you really care about helping people because you have helped
me to grow.I always look forward to reading your emails.You are very blessed to have a mommy who loves you so much.Weather you win or not you have,like you said already become a winner in the hearts of those who trust and are grateful for you in their lives.May God bless you and keep
you now and forever.The world is a better place because it
has people like you in it.
Love and peace
Clementine MCcrowey
Brocha Weiss
August 29th, 2010 at 12:12 am

Hi Sephanie,
This post had a terrific lesson that we can all learn from. I couldn't agree with you more! It is very important to have the right priorities and attitude, doing so automatically makes you a winner
I'm looking forward to more great posts from you
I've learned so much already from you
Thanks,
Brocha
barney
August 29th, 2010 at 12:21 am

Stephanie, Steph, Hey You?
Your missive to your children is impressive, obviously heartfelt, timely … any number of adjectives could be inserted here, and many would be appropriate.

Too bad most of your fellow marketers don't seem to have your daughter's input, nor an inclination to answer her question. Well, unless it will make sales, of course.

While I'm not involved in IM, I do subscribe to a _lot_ of IM lists. And ethics of any sort are sorta hard to come by on those lists. I'm subscribed to those lists just to see the travesties of trust that occur daily in my inbox.

To be clear, I do not accuse you of such - but many of your compatriots are not so innocent. Their only goal is the almighty buck. Too bad you cannot have the affect upon them that you will certainly have upon your daughters.
WomensWebCoach
August 29th, 2010 at 12:28 am

as per usual - love your fresh approach to Internet Marketing - great post -
Rose Mis
August 29th, 2010 at 1:45 am

Stephanie I want to thank you for being such a GREAT ROLE MODEL for your daughters. Life has its ups and downs. And we get to show the world who we really are when we hit the "down" parts. doing the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing means that you really do WIN big.
I have to tell you … I was a contributor to your last giveaway event. It was a HUGE success for me and I hope that the gift I gave is a huge blessing to the people that decided to receive it.

Thank YOU for being YOU !!
With every good wish and blessing to you and yours …
Rose Mis
Val
August 29th, 2010 at 7:01 am

Great letter. I think you said it all when you said, when you help others you already won. And contests are fun when done in the spirit of fun and challenging and motivating yourself to "kick it up a notch". But when you start to hurt or use people - then it's a problem.
Thanks for sharing your letter. And good luck!
Dean Greenstreet
August 29th, 2010 at 7:43 am

What a beautiful letter and a philosophy of life to teach your girls-I do believe that you receive much more back when you give of your own free will with out any strings attached-I have the report which I downloaded from one of your other e-mail suggestions-please tell your girls that after 80 years of living and I plan on a few more years that your mother and father have the right philosophy of life and do not let anyone tell you any different-some wil try but tell your girls to ignore these people because they are losers-I have not won this fight of getting my internet life and business going but it will happen and with what I have learned over the last few months I will be arriving on the scene soon-We have a brick and mortar service business and the economy really hit us hard and took a lot of my time to think things through of should we sink or swim and decided to swim no matter how rough the water gets-but I am determined to keep it going because we support 6 families and even if I have to put some of my internet earnings (when they start) I will- just to say thanks to our six people who have and are sticking with us through these economical times and been with us for 5 years. You will win-but if you do not just know that you fought the best fight-I remenber in college I lost a student body election by one vote and even though I felt bad I also felt proud of what I had accomplished as I was a new comer on campus as a Community college transferee.-I wish you, Greg and your daughters the best-Dean
Peter Davies
August 29th, 2010 at 9:21 am

Great post Stephanie with some great wisdom. Its very important that you instill your values to your little ones which you have done very well by the looks of it.
I will look at your offer later on Tues when Im back working.
Take Care
Pete
Robert Palmer
August 29th, 2010 at 3:14 pm

Great message for even youngsters like us 70++and encouragement for us newbees to continue in the correct direction.
Love and Blessed Be
Robert
a smith
August 29th, 2010 at 8:04 pm

Hi Stephanie,
You checked out great on im report card. How can I check you out on the BBB? $497 is indeed a lot of bread - especially when you're unemployed like me right now. I've also seen Chris Farrell's website - why would I choose you over him? I do like your idea of getting a "headstart" whereas Chris takes you from step 1 all the way up so you learn everything bottom up. Wouldn't I learn the skills better(though not as quick as yours)with Chris? What don't I know about Chris that would push me your way? I'm asking these questions because I'm on the fence as to which way to go. Before getting your email I thought Chris was the way. Your emai is hauntingly effective. I need to make a decision quickly so please reply as soon as you can and please answer my questions - it'll help with credibility and trust. Also, would we be able to space out the payment through Paypal - tremendous help for me. one last question - if I'm dedicated, follow your instructions, consistently work at it, simply follow you word for word diligently (I ain't no kid) what are some of the problems I could encounter to keep me from my goals of being financially successful? That one really requires honesty. $500.00 is a big chunk for me to loose right now so I'm in it to win it, but you know sometimes the best of plans go awry. So, what could possibly go wrong if I carry my end?
Look forward to hearing from you,
A.
Gary Moore
August 29th, 2010 at 8:10 pm

Great Post My Lady, like the old saying goes, it's not if you win or lose, it's
how you play the game! Have a great weekend, Gary
krim Abdelaziz
August 29th, 2010 at 11:07 pm

Only winner can help looser can't do any thing
for this reason i find this sentence :"Helping Others is FAR more important that winning - because in doing so you are ALREADY a winner!" correct
Ralston Heath
August 30th, 2010 at 9:20 pm

A great lesson for all, to help the people who are desperatly seeking for a better way right now. There are too many people, mainly some IMers who are taking advantage of the desperation of so many people, some of the "earn at home" stuff is just crap, more of it is more crap, and what little percent of what is there is worthless as it is missing parts and will not work for anyone. I respect your honesty and integrity, it is refreshing in such a dirty market.
Stay good and Be Blessed
Stephanie
August 30th, 2010 at 11:48 pm

Hi A. Smith,

I wrote you a mini novel of a reply and sent it to the email address you used when you left your comments. Your questions were very valid and I wanted to make sure I did them justice. But it was far too long to leave it here - so I sent it via email.

Thank you!
Stephanie
Augustus @ han solo costume
September 15th, 2010 at 9:59 pm

Hi Stephanie,
Very insightful and informative article. Really took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. Marketing ethics proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It is always good when you cannot only be informed and, but also educated!
Art Smith
September 30th, 2010 at 6:54 am

Hi Stephanie,
Wow! Great Blog. I've followed up on your recommendation and joined up with James. I didn't realize it was a 2Fer with Tim Bekker magically appearing as the curtain was closing. Hopefully this will double the fun. I want to thank you for putting me with a program that seems to be more suited to my comfort level. I'm very hopeful that this will build a solid foundation and allow me to take it to the next level, all the while focusing on joining your group for the ultimate experience. Please keep me on your email list it lets me vicariously feed off your energy and philosophy and to maintain a healthy attitude and focus.
Art