Life isn't about finding yourself; it's about making yourself. Things happen and opportunities appear most often when we're moving, not when we're standing still.
-- Michael Josephson
How true! You'll never catch Sherman Unkefer, 500K Premier Select, standing still! He is traveling the world making things happen, not waiting for them to materialize. Sherman traveled well over 300,000 miles last year and I think this year will prove that he has chalked up even more miles! In addition to traveling throughout North America, he's been to South Africa, Poland, Germany, England, Norway, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the list goes on and on!

  He is enjoying the experience of working with established and emerging Leaders who are planting great big wonderful seeds, expanding the brand throughout the world! And everywhere Sherman goes, production absolutely explodes! Why? Because he teaches them a simple, inexpensive, yet absolutely proven successful system that can be used universally to not only jump-start new countries, but to sustain growth of organizations throughout the world! Need proof? Steve Tan, our personally sponsored distributor, achieved 100K Premier status in just ONE MONTH using the Magic Wand System! This veteran network marketer has seen it all, and the system he uses is the Magic Wand! Why? Because it works! Steve has broken all records in achieving that significant pin level in just one month. Steve's downline is developing Leaders at warp speed using this system. They proof, as they say, is in the pudding!

  While a jump in production is exciting, it is critical that this growth is sustainable. Are the distributors still here a month from now, three months from now, a year from now, or did they jump on a high-hype band wagon only to drop off because after the hype died down, there was nothing of substance for them to build upon? We've been in this industry for nearly a quarter of a century and we've seen companies who have had initial tremendous growth because of hype, empty promises, and compromising integrity. When reality set in (as it always eventually does) then they experienced a precipitous drop translating into dramatic reduction in commission checks and ultimately stunting the growth of the company itself, which ultimately resulted in distributors leaving in droves because they felt that they couldn't make a legitimate and significant income there.

   That's why we have developed a system that is simple, powerful, yet inexpensive and reliable. A universal system that one can be engaged in with pride and confidence.

   Check out our Magic Wand System on the link in this newsletter, and look for the link to sign up for the absolute Best website that not only addresses the needs of distributors, but is a safe place for you to go and for you to send your downline because we do not keep the data base of contact information of the subscribers, that information is confidential, will never be sold, rented, loaned or used for any other purpose than to subscribe for its intent, the website.

Hard work spotlights the character of people: Some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.
-- Sam Ewig

   This quote sounds as if Sam was an MLMer!

   When I read this quote I thought of people who became Distributors with one goal in mind, to make a success of the opportunity presented by XanGo. They turned up their sleeves, put the blinders on and went to work. To find a person who will turn up his/her sleeves and get to work building their organization is a true gift, and those people are often called Leaders.

   Leaders are defined in the fact that:

• They do the things that others don't want to do, therefore they achieve and have things that others do not.
  
• They strive to make themselves knowledgeable about the company and the product.
  
• They have a clear goal in mind. They acknowledge the fact that every well-planned route has unexpected twists and turns, and they mentally prepare themselves for that eventuality.
  
• They have the same obstacles to overcome as you do, such as; fear of rejection, time management, financial challenges, disappointments, frustrations, criticism from even their friends and family, regional limitations (the town they live in is too small, too large, there are no meetings close by, etc., etc.). They know that these are not dead-end situations, they are merely obstacles, obstacles that they pledge to put behind them as quickly as they can. They come across situations that can sabotage their success, they don't whine and complain about them, they CHANGE those situations!
  
• They conduct their lives and their business with integrity, honesty, even when it exposes them to unwarranted and unfair criticism. They value those qualities in others and count like individuals as their closest friends and confidants. I can never over-emphasize the importance of honesty and character in building your business. Leaders are never lured by short cuts that promise financial gain at the expense of others. When hucksters have had their say by trying to exploit others for their own financial advantage have come and gone, it will be those who were steadfast in their honesty and wouldn't compromise their integrity that will remain standing, the backbone of the company, the backbone of your organization, because they have earned the trust and respect of others.
  
• They establish a regular method of communication with their downline. They return phone calls, they return e-mails, they reach out constantly with encouragement and information essential for the success of their distributors. Going the extra mile isn't a burden, they consider it a blessing and a privilege.
  

I really believe that there is a Leader in everyone, just waiting to emerge. Bring out the Leader within you! You have so much to share with so many others.

   I thought of those who turned up their noses at the opportunity, whose minds were closed even before taking time to learn about our product and our company.

   Those who turn up their noses are defined as such:

• They are called Prospects.
  

ALL Prospects are worth your time and patience. They can't be forced, coerced, intimidated or cajoled into signing up, if they did sign under those circumstances, they most likely would never become productive.

   We signed up an incredible man, his name is Ed Johnson, 100K (almost 200K) who was one of those folks who turned up his nose when we presented the XanGo opportunity to him. It took nearly a year of sending him gentle e-mails, keep-in-touch phone calls before Ed's "parachute" was open. In Sherman's Magic Wand Presentation he says that a mind is like a parachute, it has to be open to work. But when Ed's "parachute" was finally open, he sprung into action and has become one of XanGo's most important, outstanding, successful and vibrant Leaders. And then I thought of those who don't turn up at all. We've all experienced these people, the ones who say that they will attend the business op meeting, but never show up at all.

   Why don't they turn up?:

• They might be trying to be polite and don't know how to say "no" to you. They are hoping you'll "get the hint" by their simply not showing up.
  
• They might be forgetful. If that's the case, then it is up to you to remind them. When it comes to inviting them to a meeting, they surest way of getting them to attend is to pick them up and drive them there.
  
• They really are not motivated to be open to something new that can positively change their lives. Your discernment comes into play here, and unlikely as it seems, there ARE some people who will never have any interest in XanGo. When you discover this, you can only move on because pursuing them will sap your energy and be a constant discouragement to you. But, don't give up on them. Occasionally (emphasis on the word "occasionally") mention XanGo as a matter of conversation, such as, "I spent a great week in Utah, it was my first time there and I really liked Salt Lake City. I was attending XanGo's Fifth Annual Convention. We had a great time, and the whole trip was a tax write-off! Where did you go on your vacation this year?" Just drop the "X" word and then skip along in your conversation. You might get a response such as, "Are you STILL doing XanGo?" And that, of course, opens the door for you to say, "Yes, I am. I'm putting a lot of effort into establishing a residual income, and its coming along nicely." They might come back with, "You wrote off your trip to Utah?" And you reply, "Yes, it was a business expense. I was deeply moved when I learned how XanGo is very involved in charities that help children and grown-ups throughout the world. I'm so proud to know that a percentage of every bottle I purchase goes to support these charities. I had no idea we would have so much fun, we're still talking about it. XanGo even gave away TWO brand new cars! We were just one number away from winning when they drew the winning ticket! Everyone was saying that it was the best event they've ever attended. Have you ever been to Utah?" Don't get on the soap box, you've said enough, unless they ask you more questions. But keep it casual, don't get that "desperate-to-sign-you-up" sound in your voice! You've interested them, now let them move toward you, don't pounce on them! You are not a cat, and they are not a mouse!
  

So it is with every aspect of life, it seems, these three types of people we've identified. Recognizing that is the first step in dealing with those who turn up their sleeves, or noses or never turn up at all, and helping you design a game plan that will help you build your business.

"Whether or not we realize it each of us has within us the ability to set some kind of example for people. Knowing this would you rather be the one known for being the one who encouraged others, or the one who inadvertently discouraged those around you?"
Josh Hinds
Syndicated Columnist and Author

   How are you presenting yourself to others? Are you "giving" of yourself for the pure joy of giving or are you giving only with the attitude of receiving? When you give unconditionally of yourself, you will be amazed at the abundance that will return to you. Those who only do what is minimally required are missing the opportunity to reap wonderful and unexpected benefits. One of the unseen benefits is how people observe you and what you are doing, your attitude, how you deal and greet others. Your reputation will be built on what you say and do, and how you say and do it. Your downline will do as you do. Sherman often says, "The Speed of the Leaders determines the rate of the Pack." Are you lazy? Expect your downline to be lazy, too.

   Do you go to meetings? No? Then don't expect your downline to attend either.

   Are you on two-case autoship? No? Then neither will your downline be on two-case autoship. Why is two-case autoship so important?

• You need two cases, at least. One for you and your family to consume, and another case to build your business. What do you do when a Prospect asks you how the product tastes? What do you do when you sign up someone who is anxious to have a bottle of XanGo immediately while they are waiting for their order to arrive? You need a case to drink and a case to share.
  
• If everyone in your downline who is on one-case autoship doubled their order, imagine what that would do to your unilevel check, and to theirs, also, because they will follow your lead and encourage their downline to go on two-case autoship.
  

Are you wearing your "tired," your "cranky", your "bad day", your "anger," on your sleeve in front of your downline, their Prospects or your own Prospects? What impression are you leaving with these people? Be assured you ARE leaving an impression. If it is a good one or a negative one is up to you. It is true that first impressions are lasting impressions, and keep in mind that you might never be able to make a second impression.

   I see the unsung heroes of XanGo who make enormously good impressions on others. These are the helpers who are setting up for the meetings, they drag in boxes of brochures, CDs, DVDs, tools designed to help you build your business. Is it fun dragging in heavy boxes, setting everything out, managing the sales, answering the questions, etc.? It is if YOU think it is! And it can be if you have the right attitude. "Wow, look at all of the tools we have to offer. I can't wait to tell everyone about this new CD, I listened to it and it has really inspired me. I'm glad I can help my upline create such a professional setting for our Speakers and Guests. I'm committed to being a great Ambassador for my company and my upline." They bring value and enthusiasm to what they do, and that is contagious.

   I'm glad that I have never personally observed helpers at meetings I've been to having the attitude of, "Oh, no, here comes someone else with questions about all of this stuff on the table here. I'm tired, can't they just look at it and read the cover on the CDs, DVDs, brochures." "Why don't these people go home, the meeting is over and I want to get this stuff packed up so I can go home, too." "I've heard this Speaker before, so I'm going to sit back here at the table, read my book, or check my voice mail, or chat with a friend, no sense in wasting my time."

   Remember, someone is watching you, and you can either encourage them and make them feel as if they are a part of something very important, or you can discourage them from taking XanGo's product and opportunity seriously. Its all up to you, you create your own attitude.

   I came across this poem, author unknown, that I thought you'd enjoy:

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is *** with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won if he'd stuck it out.

Don't give up, though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are -

It may be near when it seems afar;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

- Author Unknown

   Need a Special Christmas gift? Here are a couple suggestions that might appeal to you.

   Dr. J. Frederic Templeman wrote an exciting thrilled called "Covered Lives." Wow, what an exciting book! If you think Dr. Templeman is an eloquent Speaker, wait until you read this novel! Dr. Templeman has at least three mysteries going on at the same time in this book, each one enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, but when you get them all in one book, be prepared to stay up all night reading! You get an insight of Dr. Templeman that you have never seen before as revealed in his creation of characters, the development of the story line, his articulation and descriptive passages. The personality and temperament of each character is so unique and vivid. The story starts off with a bang, literally, just wait until you read it. The first page will get you hooked. What a wonderful gift to give to those special people in your lives, a book written by someone you know and respect, the one and only Dr. J. Frederic Templeman. After reading this book, there will be great demand for him to write even more novels! Time to clone Dr. T.?

   Another gift is one that will continue to give to those who desperately need you. I received an e-mail from an animal rescue organization that I support, telling a story about a female dog. It included her picture and she looks like a Golden Retriever mix. She had been uprooted from the home she knew, from people she loved who obviously didn't return the affection and unceremoniously dumped out on the cruel city streets by her owners because she was pregnant. The dog pound caught this frightened, confused and sad dog who gave birth to a beautiful litter of puppies the very next day. Thankfully, one of the volunteers of the organization came by and rescued mom and her pups and brought them to a foster home.

   Did you know that animal shelters will euthanize puppies born at the shelter because they don't have the time, money or room to house puppies until they are old enough to be removed from their mothers and adopted? That is so incredibly sad.

   Many of you know that I am a dog lover and have fourteen of them at my home. One is a beautiful Belgian Malinoit that I rescued from a shelter in California. I also bred little Havanes/Maltese dogs. One of my little females, Cricket, had a litter of two female pups. A couple came to my home and the husband fell in love with one puppy, while the wife fell in love with the other, so they decided to take both. I never let my pups go until they are ten weeks old. They are weaned and eating dog kibble by then, and emotionally the mother and pups are ready to release each other. This couple, however, wanted the pups when they were nine weeks old. I thought that would be fine since they were eating on their own and occupying themselves happily away from their mother, but oh my goodness, Cricket didn't think so. After the couple took the two puppies, Cricket searched the house from one end to the other, looking for them. She turned the little bed and blanket that they slept in upside down. Her eyes were so sad, her body language revealed her despair and her sorrow was almost too much to witness. Several days later my daughter-in-law (and Assistant) Laundy suggested it was time to wash the puppies' blanket and I agreed. Cricket saw her take the blanket to the laundry room. She chased after Laundy barking and crying until we had to put the blanket back in the little dog bed where Cricket would sleep and be comforted by her puppies' lingering scent. It was a hard lesson for me to learn, and was a poignant demonstration at the breadth and depth of a dog's love for her puppies. When I saw this article about the Golden who would have had her puppies taken from her and euthanized, my heart was suddenly chilled and ached for what could have been.

   I have also been reading a book called, Miracle Dog, by Randy Grim. This is a true story about a Basenji mix dog, now named Quentin, who was to be euthanized in a gas chamber at a dog pound. He was sedated along with many others dogs before he entered the lethal chamber. For fifteen minutes carbon monoxide was pumped into the chamber, and as dogs were perishing all around him, Quentin remained standing, peering out of a tiny glass window, standing on top of the pile of dead dogs who had entered the chamber with him. A bell sounded, indicating the deed had been done. Oxygen was then pumped into the chamber so that the workers there would not be overcome by the lethal fumes when they opened the chamber door. When the attendant opened the door, she couldn't believe her eyes. There stood Quentin, legs a little shaky, but alive. Never in her many years of working there had this happened before, no one had escaped the chamber and cheated death. She didn't have the heart to re-gas him so she called a man she knew rescued animals, and there began a new life for Quentin who became a living symbol of the horrors of this type of euthanasia. Why did he survive? No one knows. There is no logical or medical reason to explain this event. But he did survive. I believe it was a miracle by the Hand of God.

   If you are a dog lover, or know a dog lover, a donation to no-kill shelters would be a great gift (hint hint to Sherman, this is what he can give me for Christmas).

   I support the following agency as well as the ASPCA, but you might have a favorite one that is a no-kill shelter needing donations. You can check this site out. If you are looking for a specific type of pet, I'll bet you can find it at the link below. Please check it out.

Click Here to go to 1-800-Save-a-pet.com

   If you have to release your pet, please find a no-kill shelter in your area. But before you do, think about the unconditional love you are giving up. Also, be a responsible pet owner, if you are not a breeder, please spay and neuter your pets so that they don't wind up in an over-crowded shelter.

   Christmas is right around the corner and I can't fathom where the year went.

   Looking back I think of the outstanding corporate events that inspired and excited the attendees. I remember with a grateful heart the many times corporate has helped and assisted us and our downline, making the XanGo experience smoother and adding to its success. I remember the Founders so generously sharing themselves with Distributors all around the world, connecting with them, encouraging them to feel safe in dreaming again.

   I remember the Learn to Earn seminars we had. Thank you all for making them enormously successful. The seeds planted from L2E there have germinated into lucrative businesses for the attendees. How do I know? Because I get voluminous e-mails, letters, and phone calls from so many of you thanking us for presenting these life-changing seminars.

   I fondly remember our Appreciation Dinner that we held for our downline 20Ks and up this past October in Salt Lake City. What an elegantly beautiful setting that Tim and Sharon Filuk co-ordinated for this event. We were so pleased to have so many of you be our Guest and have the opportunity to thank you for being on our team, the XanGo Team.

   I think back upon the many distributors who have communicated with me, those who I met, those who shared their thoughts, hopes and desires with me.

   I remember and miss those dearest friends who passed on this year to be with their Heavenly Father.

   Memories of Sherman's sharing the stories of his experiences worldwide travels, the people he's met, the Leaders he has seen emerge, the different and exciting cultures he's observed, have enthralled not only our distributors and me, but many of our grandchildren as well.

   So much to reflect upon of this year that is rapidly coming to a conclusion is not only nostalgic, but fills me with excitement at what the New Year will bring to us all.

   Most of all, Sherman and I want to thank you for being such a crucial part of it all, whether you are a high pin level, a brand new Distributor, or someone who simply wants to enjoy the juice, you are ALL important to us and we are very grateful for your being a part of XanGo.

Have a XanGorific Week, and a Merry Christmas!
Sharon Davidson Unkefer, your humble and grateful 500K Premier Select

Psalm 30:11 - 12 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.