Twenty-five years ago, Canada was already fully eco-aware, and recycling was a weekly national practice. The only thing they didn’t have was access to our safer, effective, affordable Melaleuca products and our unequaled revenue- sharing program. Canadians were ready for Melaleuca, and we couldn’t wait to share it with them. The opening of the Canadian mar- ketplace was a significant event for North America, positively impacting the environment and offering Canadians a business option to change lives for the better all across their nation. It is vividly remembered by those who pioneered the process. There is both celebration and laughter in looking back on the singular challeng- es and satisfying rewards of conducting business beyond the US borders for the first time. The Athas enrolled in August of 1994. Their respect and enthusiasm for the products was rooted in a thorough understanding of their safety and efficiency. “Green was just a color then,” Myrna says, “so we said ‘environmen- tally friendly, biodegradable ingredients.’” The Athas’ knowledge positioned them per- fectly for educating the new Canadian mar- ket about the unique value of the products. “For instance,” Mark says, “the Canadians were used to walking across a street to the grocery store to purchase products, so they asked a reasonable question: why should they call a phone number to order shampoo and MelaPower ®, then wait for delivery? We had the answer to that question.” “We learned to focus on training custom- ers on the many advantages of the Melaleuca products and showing them the benefits,” Myrna says. The Athas decided to hold an educational event at least once a month for their team to invite potential and current customers. “At these events, we talked through every product so customers would clearly see their exceptional value. The information helped to build belief and gave new customers a solid reason to adapt their shopping habits to the mail-order process.” Myrna remembers how she and Mark used the packs to full advantage. “We would open the box and unpack it in front of everyone, and teach the features and benefits of each product. Our average order was really high because we did a thorough job of showing the value of ordering a pack.” “It was all about building trust,” Mark says. “We were ambassadors of trust.” CORPORATE DIRECTORS 3 MARK AND MYRNA ATHA
We took our first step into the international arena with the introduction of Melaleuca of Canada, Inc., in May of 1994. It was a bold yet right move. Today, Canada is our fourth-largest market worldwide. MELALEUCAOF CANADA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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JUNE 2019 | MELALEUCA.COM
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