Did Someone Say Pyramid?!

I have now been in the network marketing business for over year which is not something I really thought was for me….ever.  Yes, I had tried a couple other companies and failed miserably to build any sort of business.  With doTERRA, I am succeeding.  It is truly amazing but I know for certain, it is not me….it is the products.  They really will sell themselves.  

Anytime I share the oils or teach a class, the same few comments come up.

"These pyramid schemes are not for me!"

"I am not a salesperson and really do not want to pressure my friends and family to buy stuff from me."

"I have no time or money to do my own business."

So let's start with how you make money with doTERRA.  The compensation plan has many ways to make money.  Fast Start Bonus, Power of 3, Unilevel and of course Retail.  The great thing about this compensation plan from others I have been involved with is that with the Unilevel Commission is structured differently.  As your levels go deeper, you percentages go higher.  Typically, I have seen your first few levels…where you have less people…earn you a larger percentage and your deeper levels…where you have more people, earn you less.  It can really be the difference in of thousands of dollars if you have grown a large organization.

So let's look at the first comment….the stigma of Multilevel Marketing or Network Marketing.  There are many out there that have set up their "pyramids" and then found a product to plug in to make money.  Those companies tend to sell the opportunity more than their product.  doTERRA is focused on the products and not the opportunity.  I encourage and attempt to educate my "oil lovers" (users of the oils) as much as my "oil junkies"(my business builders).   I just want everyone to incorporate the oils in their daily lives so they are healthier.   

But lets look at a typical business model…NOT AN MLM…..there is a pyramid there too.  I work in a standard American business.  I am an employee.  I have a manager who has a manager and so on.  The requirements to move up at my company require very long hours.  I have three kids and a husband I love to spend time with so long hours don't appeal to me at the moment.

Now, I won't say there is anything wrong with these companies.  I simply want to point out that in every business there are always levels of leadership.  In both instances, someone motivated can move up the ranks from Employee to CEO or Consultant to Presidential Diamond.  Network marketing simply gives you more flexibilty because you advance at the speed you want to the rank you want.  A job opening, is never required.  Both "jobs" do require work.  

Comment #2 - "I am no sales person and I won't be pushing my friends and family to join."

My comment back to them is always, "I absolutely do NOT want you to push ANYONE."  Why?  Because it always backfires.  I encourage you to share the oils and offer them a chance to learn about the oils.  Learn about them and then decide.  That is it.  Most people, especially those who care about you, are willing to give you a little bit of time to listen and learn.  

Then I ask them this one question…."Do you ever offer them advice on restaurants or clothing choices or products you use now?"  The usual response is "Of course I do.  If I find something I love and think they may like too, why wouldn't I?"  

Even kids love sharing their doTERRA!

Well, then you have what it takes to share doTERRA!  Use the products and fall in love with them.  You will have a harder time NOT talking about them than talking about them.  Soon you will find yourself saying, "Oh yeah, there is an oil for that!"  Yes, when they ask you where the can get them, it can feel akward that "I sell them." is your answer.  What I have found is that if you truly are listening to their needs, the fact that you share something you sell becomes a bonus.  Hand them a sample, give instructions and tell them you will check on them in a couple days.  More times than not, they call you back first!

And by the way…..most businesses spend milions on marketing their products to you via radio, print and TV.  Think of the millions on just the ads during the Superbowl.  doTERRA chose to engage in MLM where individuals do the marketing and get compensated for doing so.  Does that favorite product of yours that you suggested to your bestfriend give you money for the business you generated for them?  Word of mouth marketing is free but powerful.  Why do you think that is always a selection on a survey?

Comment #3 - "I don't have time or money."

Now, I will not assume everyone's situation is like mine.  I know it isn't.  Many of you are in far better shape and some of you might not be.  Some of you have lots of time on your hands and some don't have a minute's rest.  The question you have to ask yourself is "what do you want now and in the future?"  If your current situation is exactly what you want, then nothing I will say will ever make you want your own business.  If not, what are your options to change it?

For me, I want more time to be with my family and have more say in my schedule.  I want to go to those dance and soccer practices.  I want to go to the class parties.  With my current schedule, I don't really get much of a say.  It adds a lot of stress and guilt to the mommy guilt I already feel.  If you are a dad reading this, I know there is daddy guilt too.

To get started in a doTERRA business you need a couple things. 

Get enrolled as an IPC

          Get as many oils as you can afford

          Get your Loyalty Rewards order set up

Get educated on how to use the oils  

Starting a typical franchise of McDonald's requires a minimum of $750,000.  Yes, it will probably make you millions but do you have that kind of money right now?  I don't.  If you have around $150, you can start your doTERRA business and have options to share the oils and help people.  Quite a bit less, than $750,000 and better for your health!

So yes, I am a network marketer.  Yes, I am making money.  Big money…not yet but slow and steady wins the race right?  doTERRA announced the average earnings for their consultants for the 2013 year.  Check it out!  I have met more than one Blue Diamond level consultant.  They have been nothing but helpful to me.  Their backgrounds have a wide range of experiences and previous careers.  The one constant is they want to help others. 

doTERRA is really about the oils and the wellness of people.  I believe because the focus remains on helping others, the sucesses of many including me will continue.  Serving others is a good thing!

Want to join or learn more about being an IPC? 

Contact me or visit www.mydoterra.com/stephaniebader

Freezing, Fatigued,Fat and Frustrated!

Do those four words describe you most of the time?  For over 10 years, it was exactly how I would have described myself.  While everyone else in the room was comfortable or even warm, I was wishing I had a giant quilt covering me.

Despite, my layers of fat covering me, I could never keep warm.  

Of course those layers of fat would not budge even with a disciplined diet and exercise program.  Everyone was doing the Atkin's Diet and dropping 20-30 pounds…and cheating.  I was strict and dropped 7 lbs in a year.  Completely unfair.

The culprit?  My thyroid.  I had long suspected my thyroid was not running at optimal levels but doctor after doctor tested me and I was "normal".  I would hear from these professionals all sorts of things….perpetual jet lag from my job, just one of those "cold people", and more times than I care to say "you must not be dieting and exercising like you claim."  Talk about ticking off a person.  

Frustration was a constant for me.  I tried every diet trend that came along.  The weight never came off despite truly valiant efforts.

Before finding doTERRA,  I had my first baby.  I had lots of complications that really could be connected with a malfunctioning thyroid.  For one, my baby was small due to IUGR.  It was a small amount found in the placenta but because of her size, we both went through a rough time of testing.  Me, as her mom watching my sweet baby get tested and tested and ultrasounded.  Her….well you take a nice warm, snuggly baby and prick her foot or make her cold and she screams.  I would too!  I also was unable to breastfeed her due to the fact my milk never came in.  I did everything suggested and dried up after 3 1/2 weeks.  My lactation consultant asked me if I was hypothyroid.  

Talk about feeling like an inadequate mother.

After attempting Weight Watchers again, and losing a whole 4 lbs in 8 months and losing so much hair my part was almost an inch wide, my doctor finally said, "Your thyroid isn't working.  You would be what we call a textbook case of Hypothyroid."  

Can you hear the angels sing?  I actually started crying in her office.  I was relieved that someone finally agreed with me.  It was a relief I needed.

So a small dose of Synthroid was started.  I soon got pregnant with #2.  She was a BIG healthy baby who to this day, rarely gets sick.  I could breastfeed her up to 4 months which felt like a huge victory.  My job got more in the way than my body.  

Then I started my lose the baby weight and more diet.  40 lbs came off…..I needed to lose more but I took this as another victory.  Then it stopped.  I needed a dose adjustment.  Frustration rolled in again because doctors are slow to do that.  Bring in baby #3 to the pick and they really don't want to change things even when it is reccommended that increase your dose during pregnancy.  I consulted the Modern Essential book, oils that help and support your thyroid are Clove, Lemongrass, Myrhh.  I had the oils so I started layering Lemongrass and Clove over my thyroid.  It helped.  It was a good pregnancy and I breastfed that hungry boy for over 6 months.  Again, work got in the way, not the body.

During the last pregnancy, I found doTERRA oils.  As I am back in the "lose the baby weight mode", I have noticed many nasty hypothyroid symptoms reappearing. Once again the doctor was reluctant of a dose adjustment.  That  forced me to look at the oils even more as a way to boost and support my thyroid.  My joints hurt, my head hurt, my hair was leaving my scalp so fast I could have made a wig with the hair on the floor.  I can't be a tired, freezing and crabby mother of 3.  Kids don't get that it is hormones.

Everythingessential.me offers other protocols.  

Protocol 1

• 2-4 drops Grounding Blend and Geranium

• 2-4 drops Lemongrass and Myrrh

• Alternate the above two combinations weekly.  Apply them directly to the thyroid area, the reflexology points on the feet (great toes), and on the wrists multiple times per day. For ease of application Grounding Blend/Geranium blend and Lemongrass/Myrrh blend can be in roller bottles.

• Some also suggest supplementing with Peppermint and Clove

Protocol 2 (simpler)

• 5 parts Lemongrass

• 5 parts Clove

• 2 parts Frankincense

• Prepare the above blend in a roller bottle and apply topically to thyroid area (and reflexology points on feet) 3 times per day

Protocol 3 (also simpler)

• One person found simply putting 2-3 drops of Frankincense topically on the area 3 times a day reduced the size of the goiter caused by hypothryroidism.

Symptomatic relief 

• Pain - dilute Soothing Blend and apply topically

• Tiredness and depression - Joyful Blend, citrus oils, Peppermint

• Anxiety and irritability - Grounding Blend and Melissa

Consistency of application is important.

I have done a version of Protocol 2. Instead of Frank, I used Peppermint.  I have used drops and drops of Grounding Blend to help with the irritability I feel with feeling lousy as well as the frustration of delayed dosage adjustments.  Soothing Blend has helped with the joint pain.  2 drops of Frankincense under the tongue was suggested to me long before anything else so I have been consistent with that as well.

To be completely honest on here, my dose was increased finally a week ago.  This was after 3 months of complaining to my doctor.  I was testing "normal" again.  I am still using Protocol 2 that I modified with Peppermint to help.  The dose increase has helped my stubborn fat layers to start shedding and helped keep me feeling good enough to exercise.  The oils I feel have helped with the transition of the Synthroid.   I have always found when my hormones are adjusted, I can feel pretty weird for a few weeks.  After just a week, I am feeling pretty darn good.  

I am not always great about the multiple applications of the oils but those who are have given some great testimonials.  Check out this testimonial from EverythingEssential.me:

Cheryol - I am beyond amazed! I have had hypothyroidism and a huge goiter for the past 11 years. I decided to try the Frankincense on my goiter last night. After only 3 applications directly to the thyroid/goiter area, and a few drops under my tongue...the goiter is almost down to nothing! I am so excited. This is something the doctors told me would not go away or shrink. I can't wait to go to my next Doctor's appointment! 

Another big help to my thyroid….well to my overall health is using the Long Life Vitality vitamins.  

I can always tell when I have not done my daily regiment well.  It does make a huge difference.  By giving your body what it needs, you can help it heal.  Eat clean and wholesome foods, avoid the processed junk and soft drinks and you will be amazed at how much can change in your life.

If you are looking to do a Wellness Consult and would like my help, please send me a message.  We can do them in person or over the phone.  It will give you a great plan of attack to take charge of your own health.  Doctors are great but they are busy with lots of patients.  Be sure to look after yourself.  You are the only you in the world!

You Are What You Eat….Choose Wisely

As I browse through the selections on Netflix, I came across the documentaries section.  I was very intrigued.  If I had been at your standard video store, I seriously doubt I would have even noticed they had that section.  But I started to look and see what was offered.

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead was a choice.  I  decided to see what that was about.  After all, I am really trying to get myself into a healthier routine using more natural methods.

Joe Cross documents his journey from being overweight and on multiple medications to help with a autoimmune skin condition to healthy and medication free.  The problem…he was fat and the drugs weren't working.  So he started juicing.  My first thought was…"man he had to be hungry and he did this for how long?!"  Seems weird when you hear it but I kept watching.

I am hypothyroid.  I have struggled with controlling my weight and have been griped at by doctors for years.  Finally, four years ago, I found a doctor who finally agreed that I was hypothyroid and actually prescribed Synthroid for me.  I soon was pregnant with baby number 2 and that pregnancy was by far different than the first.  My baby was much bigger and healthier.  To this day, she rarely gets sick.  Her older sister, constantly fighting colds or runny noses.

After baby #2, I went on a major diet and successfully lost 40 lbs.  My thyroid was working.  I was succeeding at weight loss and I felt great.  Then, my thyroid stopped working as well and my weight loss came to a screaching halt.

Despite my TSH levels changing, my doctor became reluctant to change my dose.  After three tests showing my TSH going from .9 to 1.8 to 2.3 in a manner of a couple months, she finally agreed.  I felt much much better.  Then came baby #3.

Fast forward to today.  My TSH levels are trending out of normal again and I am getting lots of pushback on a dosage adjustment.  Want to know normal levels….click here!    I am getting lots of griping on losing weight.  I was even given a diet plan by the doctor which shocked me.  It was filled with horrible processed food choices.  Too much salt, too much white flour and hidden sugar.  I eat healthier options than this plan suggested.  My portions are in check.  I am moving…..remember 10,000 steps a day? 

So I am frustrated.  I watch this documentary and start thinking…..why not try it or something similar?

My husband said, "I will do it with you.  Maybe it will help my skin issues."

DING DING DING…folks we have a winner!

We plan to do a full 3 day juice fast next week.  We may do a 5 but we will see after three how we feel.  This week we are kind of priming our systems with 1-2 protein shake/green smoothies per day.  Some people could just wake up and start but we have kids and don't have the ability to spend a day in bed if day 2 or 3 is a full on feel lousy detox kind of day.  

So what have we been drinking?  doTERRA Trim shakes and lots of fruits and veggies.

Here are some of the "recipes" we throw in our Vitamix:

 Peaches & Cream Plus…all made for 2 people or 2 shakes so half all this for one shake.

4 scoops of Vanilla Trim Shake
Large handful of Spinach or any dark leafy green
3 Strawberries
1 avocado
1/2 cucumber
2 stalks celery
1 1/2 cup of Frozen peaches
1 1/2 cup of Almond Milk - Vanilla
Splash of OJ and Water.

Blend all the fruits and veggies first with the OJ/Water.
Add the protien powder and Almond milk.

Blend well
Drink it cold!

Berries & Chocolate….again made for 2 people or 2 shakes so half all this for one shake.

4 scoops of Chocolate Trim Shake
Large handful of Spinach or any dark leafy green
2 medium carrots
1 small beet
1 1/2 cup of frozen Mixed Berries
1 1/2 cup of Almond Milk - Vanilla
Splash of water

Blend all the fruits and veggies first with the water.
Add the protien powder and Almond milk.

Blend well
Drink it cold!


Really the possibilities are endless so go with what you like!  Don't worry, most greens don't give flavor to the shake especially when something like berries or peaches are involved.  Just make sure your blender can really puree the fruits and veggies.

I have been surprised at how full I am staying.  The days I had one for breakfast and one for lunch, I was sure I would be starving by dinner.  I had a light snack between lunch and dinner…a piece of fruit and cheese and was not ravenous.  I ate my portion controlled dinner and didn't want seconds.

One key to this is to drink lots and lots of water as well.  That is no problem here since I have always been a big water drinker.  Water is very important though.

So back to the doctor……she reccommended I take Metamucil and Colace.  I opted for these smoothies.  My theory, more nutrients, better results.  Unfortunately, I was given a bit of a hard time by her nurse that food was not going to solve my problems.  Interesting huh?

I remember as a kid being told by doctors…"you are what you eat."  When did the medical field's philosophy change?  Now, I will talk to the actual doctor and see what she says but I was amazed at her nurse's attitude towards improving your diet.