Life Lessons from Mary Kay

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I know this is an old post but JMitch, your comments just don't hold up. First you do not have to have a ton of product to start Mary Kay. It is a good idea to have enough product so you can sevice your customers instantly instead of making them go to a web site and purchase online(which they can do as well). Would you go to a store that didn't have any products on the shelves? But you can start MK with no money! If I come across women who are very determined & motivated, I will give them a certain amount of product to go and sell. They then return 50%(my cost) to me and keep the other 50%(profit) so they can then buy product for themselves and it didn't cost them a penny! As for buying a red jacket, it cost $65 dollars for the jacket, & MK reimburses you $60, It is also a tax write off. Many large companies make you pay to go to seminars, and most of them don't even come close to the ones MK puts on. As for the "company car", you are right many companys do have company cars, but not every employee can get one and they are generaly not Cadillacs. If you are willing to put in the time & effort, MK can be very rewarding. around 80% of small businesses fail within the 1st 2 years(more if it's a restaurant)& MK is no different, starting and running a business is hard work, & most people are not willing to put in the time & effort. As for Daniel above, if you don't think that women want or need make-up & skin care products, try taking your wifes or girlfriends away from her and see what happens.

MKsuccess of NV 4:24PM January 25, 2009

Yes . Good job Mary Kay. I too am a business owner and very successful at what I do. I too in reviewing The Mary Kay book agree with some of the principles. Amazingly most of the principles I have been practicing for the past twenty years because its true business basics that came natural to me.Treat others how you want to be treated. Be positive. Its not rocket science. The one thing I would never do is to use them to manipulate dedicated hard working employees into buying the " dream ". If the company is truly so outstanding then why force these new consultants to pay for excessive amounts of products upfront. Thats old vacuum cleaner sales strategy.The employee buys one to show and one to sell !!! Why not encourage the consultants to leverage Mary Kay and use their warehouse in place of their own money. Why does Mary Kay charge these hopeful women to attend their big conferences.It should be FREE. Why does Mary Kay charge these consultants to purchase "red jackets" when a new staus is achieved.You would think a jacket would be given at no cost. There are no free cars either. They are leased. Big deal. Most large companies issue company vehicles.
I find it also amusing that sales prizes are awarded like rings and watches you could buy for 5 dollars. I have seen firsthand women disappointed after committing time and money with this organization. Put your money where your mouth is Mary Kay. Try using your principles " for real " on your own consultants.

JMitch of IN 1:40AM August 30, 2008

Thank you for informing an "uninformed" man about the woman many of us have come to admire even though we have never met her. I am a Future Director in Mary Kay Cosmetics and know I will also be making six figures shortly doing it my way, on my time and for me and my family. As we all know, if it were for only the money, many of us would not still be around. We are grateful for a business that truly let's us do the right thing and honor those most important to us and in the right order. Thank you Mary Kay - I am proud to offer our products and pass on this opportunity to as many women as I can. It's an honor!

Susan from Illinois of IL 3:26PM August 15, 2008

Women do not need to be convinced to purchase cosmetics. The "source" is the point. Mary Kay(a friend of mine). Had a wonderful plan and an incredible business. Her way is God, Family, Career. In that order! She taught woman to build a business by building friendships with woman and offering an awesome service to those who appreciate what we do. So many times people want to look at the negative in something that is so wonderful. Well here is the positive: Mary Kay gave away and still does, more free cars that any company in America (or the 40 other countries we do business in)! Mary Kay created more Woman Millionaires then any other company, she shared the wealth unlike most all the other companies in America, she allowed woman an unlimited opportunity! Why do we think so highly of company owners that keep all of the good stuff for the owners??? There are more woman earning a 6 figure income in this company then in any other company in the world!! In fact only 2% of American woman earn a 6 figure income and 87% of the 2% are consultants/ Directors in Mary Kay! Oh look at her taking advantage of these poor woman who have been able to change their lives in ways they never dreamed or imagined!! Boo who! I am a stay at home mom with a 6 figure income. I have 100's of loyal customers who love the personal service I offer them because they are too busy with family and a demanding job away from their family to shop for make up! This company is the best company with the number 1 best product on the market. Forgive her for changing the lives of so many woman and touching the lives of their families and their customers in a way corporate America would NEVER understand!
ANYONE WHO DECIDES THEY WANT THE BEST OPPORTUNITY WITH UNLIMITED GROWTH AND INCOME CAN DO THIS! We do share!
Are you telling me that it is smarter for women to try to go to the mall on their day off and waste their time, end up buying things that may or may not work for them. Throwing the things they do not like under the sink and then doing it again if and when they can find time, only to create more wealth for the cosmetic owners that pay their employees just over broke so that the owners can get richer?? Great Idea, As for me I'll offer this "Mary Kay" opportunity to as many woman as I can. I will continue to stand proud knowing that I played a small part in changing lives and helping those who are bright enough to "GET IT" build a secure and rewarding business and future for themselves and for their families!! Forget the source?? I DON"T THINK SO!!!

Kim of OH 6:35PM July 12, 2008

Making others feel important, listening, following through and having enthusiasm are all wonderful habits. Doing those things to sell pricey cosmetics to people who don't really need them and to convince thousands of others to do likewise----less so.

Daniel David of NM 1:27PM July 11, 2008