Melissa Gulbranson
Vice President of Marketing

These days, it takes more than sparklers and kazoo-playing monkeys to attract customers to your business. Luckily, 21TEN has Melissa Gulbranson on their team. With 10-plus years in the network marketing industry, she's the brains behind the 21TEN's strategic marketing and branding campaigns for both corporate and Distributor initiatives.

Just How Hard Is It To Swim 18.5 Miles?

August 30, 2011

You all know about Bruce Gordon, the everyday hero from Colorado who has decided to swim the Kaiwi Channel. That’s 26 miles of open ocean between the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Molokai.

It’s filled with sharks. Jellyfish. Dangerous currents and huge waves.

In fact, it’s one of the Oceans Seven, which are seven of the most difficult swims in the world. No one has ever completed all of them, that’s how difficult they are.

So, yeah, Bruce’s decision to swim the Kaiwi Channel is a pretty amazing and ambitious goal, and we’re glad to say Life Shotz is part of Bruce’s everyday training.

But we do more than help Bruce build endurance and recover from intense workouts. Last weekend Bruce came to Coeur d’Alene to swim Lake Coeur d’Alene, and we were there to support him.

For every mile of his swim, 21TEN was beside him, tossing him liquefied food, water, and Life Shotz, and we were there to encourage him, to admire his toughness, and to show him that what he’s doing is so much more than one guy swimming a long ways.

After all, Bruce’s Kaiwi Channel swim will benefit the Fisher House Foundation, a charity that helps military families to stay close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.

His Coeur d’Alene swim was also proof that you can accomplish anything when you want it bad enough. When it becomes part of the vision of who you are and will become, you can make it happen—whatever it is.

That’s why the 18.5 mile swim in Lake Coeur d’Alene was so powerful. It was the furthest Bruce had ever gone, and he didn’t know how it was going to work. Would his body take it? Would he have the endurance to keep swimming? Was he mentally tough enough?

It was all a complete unknown—like most things in life.

Working in shifts with several small boats, the 21TEN support crew was there from the moment he stepped into the water. As the temperature rose and the lake became crowded with boats, the 21TEN crew helped guide and protect him.

Each time he rested, he told them what he was thinking, about how his vision was keeping him focused and how his body was just doing what it was supposed to do.

But even “resting” wasn’t really resting. Instead he just treaded water. He never touched the boat. All together, he “rested” nearly 40 times—and that added nearly an hour to his total time.

That’s a lot of treading water.

But through all the pauses, 21TEN was there. Chief Visionary Officer Richard Brooke was even there for most of the swim.

And when Bruce felt the sand of the Coeur d’Alene Beach 12 hours later, in the pitch black of an Idaho night, it was an amazing experience to watch him climb out of the water, almost like Superman.

A handful of supporters and surprised beach goers were there to greet him. One girl even asked for his autograph.

And we’re glad she did, because Bruce is the type of hero we all need to admire. Best of all? Bruce says he feels great and can’t wait to keep training, and he swears that he couldn’t have done it without Life Shotz.

Cheers,
Melissa

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Bruce Gordon, life shotz, Swim

Summer Summit … Had Me A Blast!

August 22, 2011

The Summer Summit brought the Carmel Escape alumni to sunny Coeur d’Alene for a weekend of luxury, fun, and training … and it was spectacular, if we do say so ourselves. These growing leaders are an amazing group of people who have set the world on fire, and this was a chance to thank them for all that they do. It was an honor to have them here, and we’ve never laughed so hard or been so inspired.

Thursday

The Summer Summit winners flew in from across the country, and the first order of business was a tour of the 21TEN office. They met the team, had the 21TEN paparazzi chase them through the building, and then headed off for cocktails by the lake.

Beverly’s, one of the top-rated restaurants in America, is home to the Pacific Northwest’s largest wine selection and has been a paradigm of Northwest cuisine since its creation. Plus it has a spectacular view of the gorgeous blue waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene—all of which makes you really want to get out on the water.

Which we did! The winners boarded Richard Brooke’s amazing boat Bliss before heading to a laughter-filled dinner on the lake. After a game of “Name that DJ” (the winners had all chosen their favorite inspirational songs, and we’d made an epic CD called the Summer Summit Mix), it was time to call it a night.

Friday

The day began with a boat tour of the lake and quickly turned into a day of serious relaxation and fun.

One group joined Richard at the Golf Club at Black Rock (one of the top 12 golf communities in the country), and the second group hit the luxury of the spa.

On the course, everything was laughter, fun, and more fun. John Riddle came agonizingly close to a hole-in-one, Jenny Robertson played her first round ever, and after losing only 48 balls (ha!) as a group, Mike Herlihy beat Richard on a course filled with waterfalls, spectacular views, and absolutely amazing landscaping.

Spa goers were busy getting relaxing stone massages at one of the region’s premier spas. Rumor has it some of the spa showers cost more than $100K each! Then it was time for the infinity pool overlooking the lake, a private beach, a private cabana, and a piña colada or two … or three.

After a long day of fun and relaxation, it was time for dinner at Black Rock—and as amazing as the food was, the company was even better, and it was great to hear the stories about what everyone had done.

Saturday

Saturday started with a high-level strategy session with Richard, and if you’ve ever had the chance to sit down with him and really pick his brain about building a massive network, you know how powerful a strategy session can be.

Leaders shared their successes, asked questions about how to best build their empires, and came away completely fired up and ready to grow their teams. They even jumped on the 21TEN national call to share everything they’d experienced.

They also discovered one of the “hazards” of living and working on one of the best lakes in the country: awesome hydroplane races. They were literally right outside the windows. Other common lake “hazards”: fishing, kayaking, hot air balloons, and parasailing.

After the session it was time for sushi at Bonsai Bistro, and then the Summit Summer winners set off to explore the city that Barbara Walters called “a little slice of heaven.” Soon it was time for dinner and drinks at Seasons of Coeur d’Alene. The atmosphere was great, people laughed, and it was a perfect evening to celebrate all that the winners have already accomplished and everything they’ll accomplish in the future.

Sunday

After a dockside brunch and a debriefing with Richard and Chris Brooke, leaders shared their goals, their Vegas strategy, and some of the amazing things that their teams are accomplishing. This group never fails to impress us, and this was no exception.

Then it was time to go home, to keep building, and to keep being amazing people. We can’t wait to meet with all of the amazing leaders and Distributors again!

 

WHAT THEY SAID

“I couldn’t be more blown away by the Summer Summit. I’ve always believed that the most important thing I can do for myself is be surrounded by the most unbelievable people in an environment that is in alignment with the lifestyle I want to live. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the Summer Summit. It’s just another reminder for me that 21TEN is not just a company I’ve chosen to partner with. It’s my home, and more importantly, my family. I couldn’t be more excited to empower my friends to be a part of these unbelievable trips that 21TEN keeps providing us. Thanks to the whole 21TEN gang for everything you’ve done, and I’m looking forward to a mind-blowing future with this company.”

- Mike Herlihy

“The boat ride was spectacular. It was the best part of the trip because of the team factor. We’ve grown so close to these people! There was an energy that was there—the boat was running on synergy, not fuel. It was just so much fun on the golf course, too. The whole experience—seeing this lifestyle and this luxury, and to see that this is possible for us—really, it has put the opportunity into perspective.”

- Colleen and John Riddle

“My husband and I had more fun on this vacation than we’ve ever had. We were relaxed, and I was able to give my husband something amazing. He’s spent his whole life working hard to build our home and business, and with this company we get to go on fabulous vacations and not worry about the price tag. And I get to share it with my son and family, which seems unbelievable. It’s a phenomenal experience, and I’m looking forward to the next event!”

- Annette Machado

“We’re united in what we think, and one of the highlights was meeting the team at corporate who are behind the scenes in everything we do. It was just an absolutely fantastic experience. It was a perfect blend of leadership, strategy, and relationship building, and playing full out. We left inspired.”

- Tim and Tricia Sevison

“It’s gorgeous! We have so much fun hanging out with all the leaders. Fun is at the heart of this company.”

- Jenny and Duncan Robertson

“It’s been fun since the first month we enrolled. It’s fun seeing the business grow. It’s fun seeing the responses we get from people trying the product. It’s fun being at the corporate events. It’s fun winning a trip to Coeur d’Alene and getting to cruise around the lake on Richard’s boat. The whole ride has been fun.”

- Steve and Amoreena Machado

“There’s lots of laughter and so much fun, connection and camaraderie! That’s the culture of 21TEN. We truly are a family. We’ve got each other’s backs, and we love to laugh and have a great time. That’s the best part!”

- Lisa Jimenez

“I’ve had so much fun on this trip to Coeur d’Alene. The laughter has been one of the best things!  I just love being around people who are going in the same direction. They’re positive, like-minded and want to travel and do things. You have a higher level of conversation. You’re talking about dreams. You’re riding the boat and looking at the lake, you’re enjoying the good things in life … and at the same time you’re brainstorming and helping to pull each other along. ”

- Janine Avila

Cheers,
Melissa

2 Comments

Contest, Leadership, Summer Summit

The Summer Summit Is On!

August 18, 2011

Hey 21TENers!

This weekend we’re excited to have the Carmel Escape Alumni coming to Coeur d’Alene for a weekend of luxury, fun, and celebration! It’s called the Summer Summit, and we’re going to have a fantastic time in one of the Northwest’s most beautiful and natural cities … our home!

There will be golf. Day spas. Amazing weather. Fantastic wine and food. The most pristine nature anywhere in Northwest.

And it’s going to be awesome!

The Summer Summit winners are the phenomenal leaders who won the first Carmel Escape Contest in May, and after the retreat of a lifetime, they just kept on growing and doing amazing things with their businesses and leadership skills.

(We’ve got a new Carmel Escape Contest going on right now, and we’re doubling points until September 16. Check it out, and see what it’s like to win a FREE vacation to one of the nation’s most prestigious and exclusive retreats!)

The Summer Summit was a contest solely for Carmel Alumni, and you can read all about it here. It’s just one of the ways we like to thank the hardworking and growing leaders of 21TEN. You can see what we’re doing as part of the Summer Summit on Facebook, too. We’ll be posting photos and updates all weekend long.

Success breeds more success, and so we’re excited to welcome the Carmel Alumni to our corporate home!

  • Russ DeVan
  • Michael Herlihy
  • Annette Machado
  • Steve and Amoreena Machado
  • Colleen and John Riddle
  • Duncan and Jenny Robertson
  • Tim and Tricia Sevison

And they’re excited, too! Check out some of the messages they left on the Carmel Escape Alumni page!

“I’m thinking we’re gonna see some fireworks this July (and I’m not talkin’ about the 4th)!”

- Steven Machado

“All this momentum totally inspires me to keep rockin’ and rollin’.”

- Michael Herlihy

“We are learning more with each presentation. Thanks to Russ … he’s helping a lot too. I love this team!!!”

- Colleen Riddle

It’s in the bag. Or, as Bill Murry would say, “It’s in the hole!”

- Duncan Robertson

I can’t wait to see all of you next month. This is our time, and it’s up to us to take it.

- John Riddle

Anyone can win the Carmel Escape Contest, and when you do, you set yourself up for a lifetime of success, fun, and residual income!

Cheers!

Melissa

2 Comments

21TEN, Carmel Escape Contest, Summer Summit

Why Testimonials Matter

August 11, 2011

Quick: what’s your favorite Life Shotz testimonial? Do you have one?

Because if you don’t, you’re missing out.

Testimonials might just be the most powerful way for you to grow your business.

  • They give you third party credibility and can help convince people to try Life Shotz.
  • They show people that Life Shotz is for real and is actually changing lives.
  • They prove that the pros—doctors, nurses, athletes, national organizations—believe in the power of Life Shotz.

It’s pure social proof that Life Shotz does exactly what we say it does!

But it’s so much more than that. We don’t throw a lot of statistics around, but when we do, they matter. Check out this little fact from a recent online marketing study about customer reviews and testimonials.

  • Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers turn to user reviews before they buy, and nearly two-thirds read at least four testimonials before they buy a product.

Nearly 9 out of 10. That’s practically everybody.

This is why testimonials matter, and it’s why we have what your prospects and customers need.

Let’s say you’re talking to an athlete—even just a part-time athlete. How many people do you know who play hoops some weekends, like to jog, enjoy yoga, or maybe compete in a soccer or bowling league?

Perfect! The NBA’s greatest basketball coach has endorsed Life Shotz. You can turn to Ironman competitors, national wrestling groups, endurance runners, swimmers, and everyday heroes who feel better, get more done, and recover faster with Life Shotz.

Click here to view Athlete Endorsements.

Talking to someone who really believes in the power of experts? Fantastic! There are doctors, nurses, health professionals, and dieticians who believe in the science behind Life Shotz and have shared their Life Shotz love!

Click here to view Health Professional Endorsements.

Now think of the hundreds of everyday people who share their testimonials. Think about what it takes to write the company of a product you use. When’s the last time you wrote to Google to thank them for their search engine? Or to Starbucks for changing your life for the better?

To give a testimonial shows that a product is transformational and revolutionary and that it literally changes lives.

We get new testimonials every day.

Click here to see them all.

Tips on how to make Life Shotz testimonials work for you

  • Make a list of your favorite testimonials. If you find yourself talking to certain kinds of people (athletes, people who worry about their looks, people who don’t sleep well), you might even make a few lists, one for each kind of person.
  • Print them and use them as third-party credibility.
  • Include at least two or three testimonials at the bottom of each and every email you send to your prospects.
  • Share the link www.LifeShotz.com! It takes people straight to the testimonials page.
  • Share your own testimonial, and ask your customers to share theirs. It makes a huge difference, and we read every single testimonial. We even send them around the office. Why? Because the entire 21TEN family wants to change people’s lives for the better, and the testimonials are proof that we’re doing it together.

So start sharing, and start making the power of testimonials work for you.

Cheers,
Melissa

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21TEN, life shotz, testimonials

No Limits

July 26, 2011

If you know Janine, you know that wherever she goes, she brings motivation, inspiration, and fuel to light your fire. That’s why thousands of people have turned to her as they build businesses and incomes that last a lifetime.

Janine’s unstoppable!

She’s been traveling the country as part of the No Limit Tour, and she’ll be in Southern California on Saturday, August 6.

Date: August 6
Time: 10AM – 4PM
City: Valencia, CA
Where: Hilton Garden Inn Valencia Six Flags

Ask yourself, “Who do I know in Southern California?” They need to be at this fun event. Check out the info on the website.

This event is all about building momentum as you prepare for the Ignition Conference in Las Vegas, and there’s no one better to show you how it’s done. She’s one of the world’s top trainers, and she’s bringing her “A” game to help you…

  • Grow your team.
  • Discover the tactics that help you boost your income.
  • Find out how you can win the retreat of a lifetime with daily action.

Commit to building your team and your income, and commit to getting your team to this amazing event with Janine.

“If you are serious about building your business, there’s nobody that knows more about it than Janine! Janine’s heart, passion, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge combine to build the belief of anyone you put in front of her.

When Janine was done, every person in the room, even each skeptic, was on fire and committed to weekly get-togethers, playing to win the fabulous Carmel Escape Contest, and leading a big team of their own into Las Vegas for what promises to be the Ignition event of all time.”

Duncan Robertson

You’ll need to contact Janine at janine@janineavila.com for more information and to confirm your attendance, and you don’t want to miss this amazing opportunity.

We’ll see you there!
Melissa

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Action, Business Building, Ignition

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