Year end message from Stewart Hughes - Chairman & CEO Unicity International
Dear Friends,
At this time of year I find myself reflecting on an experience I had many years ago. It was 1997 and a fellow Franchise Owner (I will call him Jon) in one of our international markets had been insisting that I come and spend time with him and his downline. I put it off and used every polite excuse I could think of to get out of the trip. He reminded me that I had promised. I boarded a plane and made the long trip there. I was mildly resentful and just wanted to get the trip over with. As I landed, the humidity hit me, my exhaustion hit me and my prejudice of this trip hit me. I was not happy to be there. I went to catch a taxi was overwhelmed by the mass of people all trying to get downtown. The heat and smells of the city were making me wish I were home. I checked into the hotel and found that a message was waiting for me. The message was that the meeting had been pushed up and would begin in just 30 minutes. I was frustrated; I wanted to eat, clean up and rest. Instead, I brushed my teeth and went to the lobby.
As I entered the meeting room, I was thronged by people I didn’t know. Everyone was speaking at once. I felt anxious and ready for some quiet. My host took the microphone and over the noise asked everyone to sit down and prepare to begin. Slowly, everyone took a seat and quiet came over the room. I was relieved to sit in the calm for a moment. Jon welcomed everyone to the meeting. Jon discussed the agenda and announced I was the keynote speaker for the event. He looked at me and he stopped. He lowered his head and then looked up again to speak. He paused. An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Then he began: “Everyone, please know that this man is here for one reason. He keeps his promises. He wants success for me and for you. He is here not because he wants to, but because he couldn’t do anything else. He made a commitment.” My heart melted and with it, every prejudice I had about Jon, his downline and this trip. That moment changed me forever. That moment defined me. I made a promise. I made a commitment.
I committed to you, two years ago, that I would make a difference. I promised I would. We have introduced a Franchise Development system. It’s about making you successful in your market in your best way. We have new tools in the US and EU. We have new products specifically designed for the markets in Japan, Thailand and South America. On the corporate side, we are hiring the best talent we can find and training them to build our business. We are traveling to be with you at every opportunity. We call you, write you and support you.
It’s not enough. I made a commitment, but I have not yet kept my promise.
This New Year is wonderfully exciting to me. We get to join together in nine months in Pusan, Korea at our 2008 Global Leadership Convention. My vision is to define who we are even more. My vision is to reach out to those who are looking for a better life. My vision is to create, grow and reward. I want to be more committed. I want you to know that I have extended the same challenge to every employee in every market. I have challenged our Franchise leaders. I want to bring a sense of wonder to this business. I have to – I promised.
You’re the one – each one of you – I recommitted to that day, many years ago. I hold myself to that standard for 2008. Between now and then we’ll talk, and I hope you’ll hold me to my promise. Make that promise to yourself. Only the very best for 2008!
Best wishes, |
