Taste of Home Entertaining from Reader’s Digest

Ty, this is a company with unlimited potential. It is unique in its design that it encompasses what you do TO food, and what you do WITH food! Noone else does that. Its leader, Bill Shaw, is top notch and visonary.
The company will let Consultants start signing up in Jaunary, with the company going live in May. There will be only 3,000 Consultant kits from Jan-May. Reader should know that there is a consultant team out there that is showering the internet with misleading websites and ads stating that they have a unique website that somone can log into , and basically pre-register and get a kit when they come out, and its exclusive to them. This is not true- they cant guarantee that- and they themselves are not even signed up as consultants yet. They also claim to have the largest team in the country- again- no one but the 30 Founding Consultanst are signed on yet, and they have no clue how many people the other Founders have contacted for their own team. So, you can’t prove you’re the biggest if you don’t know the size of everything else out there. They also claim that they get info from the company about whats happening th fastest. Again, there are 6 “direct to company” launch team heads. They ALLL get informatio down to their teams- not just this one in the midwest. We will not make such claims. Check our website.

What an incredible opportunity this is! With the combination of excellent leadership and 29 years experience, Bill Shaw is bringing his incredible success record to a brand new ground floor opportunity. Even though it meant leaving a large team with another party plan, I knew in my heart that I wanted to work with Bill again and with Taste of Entertaining being headquartered in my home state of WI, I know it will be a huge success!

Well, it continues.
This person is still disseminating misinformation. Read this latest piece:

“January is coming soon and TOHE will be opening up to the public! But I just wanted to let you know that those of you that do sign on with our pre-launch team. Will get a starter kit reserved for them BEFORE TOHE opens to the public! There has been some mis-information on the Internet that says that you can’t sign up before the launch. But that is NOT TRUE. You CAN sign up with our pre-launch team and get your spot before it opens to the public.”

sorry - what you say is still “NOT TRUE.” I have personal communique from the head of the company that this will be “shut down”, and noone will have a “unfair advantage”. Maybe you’re confused, and think that the “opening to the public” happens in January? The main public LAUNCH is in May (not January), and there are 3,000 kits available before that to get the company going (starting in January.) However, no one has any dibs on them. Interested parties DO NOT have to sign up with YOU or your team to obtain one of them! You are under just ONE of SIX Direct To Company Team Leaders. I doubt the other 5 will just sit by and let one leader “grab it all.” Nor will the head of the company, and I think I will believe what he personally told me before I believe (or anyone) the advertising posted around by your team.

It is a shame that this topic had to go open instead of going away - which it will, somewhere in early January but I ‘m not going to sit by while the falsities are still being used in the open for gain.

Here is the most accurate information I have to date. There are eight Directs to the company. Each Direct has five Launch Team Coordinators. Those who are using the team web site (I am one of them) are aware that it is for leads generation only until we are open to open enrollment sometime in January. What we are doing wth that web site (and I am just a consultant) has been reviewed and is still woking well. We are all very clear about what we must do with our own sign up procedures with regard to those who have “made a resevation” which is no different except with the ease of the process as those who are building their porspective businesses differently.

The company time line as I understand it is as follows:

Open-to-public online sign-ups in January (no exact date given)
At that time a Credit Card number will be taken down and verified as a legitimate card, but will NOT be charged until March 15th.
Kits ship out on April 15th.
One can hold shows as soon as their kits arrive.
Online ordering of shows held begins May 1st.

I hope this infomaton is helpful to you all,

Nondy

Thank you Nondy! Yes, several teams have developed online sites to aid in the distribution of information. Yes, one site was password protected until it was approved from corporate to distribute this information to the general public. Yes, when you give your information to your sponsoring consultant you are in a sense making an informal “reservation” or commitment if you like to start your business. When you do this, you are giving yourself a jump start in the sign up process, as the sign up process will be a top down process. The 8 direct to the company will be entered first, then their 5 Launch Team members, and from there the downlines will be loaded. Now it is up to each prospective consultant to be proactive and enter the information in a timely manner so they get one of those first 3000 kits. However, more kits will be made available throughout the spring with a major push in early summer. This is for inventory purposes, so those who do have kits can order products for the first parties starting in May. Those that may have to wait for a kit will still have a consultant id and can still recruit and build their teams just like the consultants with kits. So obviously it is a huge benefit to connect yourself up with an actively recruiting team that is well organized and focused on building and strong and diverse business early on. Please contact myself or one of our leaders and ask questions - any of us will answer questions about the business and the sign up process.

Heather

It might have helped if I had typed my web site address correctly! You are free to contact me now. No new information since yesterday to report…

Nondy

Thank you ladies and gents for sharing this info. I have already joined a team, but this is very helpful for recruiting when we have exact information! To all of you.. Much Success!!

Joan Curtis

Do you feel the excitement? The fireworks are ready! Readers Digest was on the ball when they got Bill Shaw to head this team. I have never seen such excitement with the launch of a direct sales company. Buckle up, take off begins soon!

Barbara,

The only thing I can feel is the hype. I certainly wish you well with the opportunity, but I would caution folks to be very careful. Remember, no one has made a penny with this company.

Ty,

Of course you can feel the “hype”! That is what it is all about when launching a new business. I do not doubt that Robin and Bill have put together a great opportunity, but that is all it is, an opportunity. Robin and Bill will not be making the pennies for us and they do have their work cut out for them in making the corporate side “work”. Having said this, I was with SLAH when they went through some growing pains and feel very confident in the ability of our corporate leaders.

As with any business opportunity, the prospective consultant should do his/her homework before signing on. Make sure the business plan, compensation plan, and products are something that they can work with and believe they can succeed with. Starting up with a new home party company is certainly a risk, those of us that have worked and built businesses in other similiar companies also understand the tremendous benefit to starting with the company now though.

As always, research the company you are considering joining. Talk to consultants for a variety of companies that interest you. I will not say that you will “miss the boat” if you do not join now - the opportunity will still be there down the road - but we are in the process of a huge build up and to take advantage of all the “hype” can only help you build your business and launch it well.

Please contact a consultant for TOHE to find out the facts and learn if this opportunity is in fact for you.

Heather

Do you know the definition of hype?

Hype is deception and exaggerated claims.

Is that what your business stands for?

Is that what you stand for?

Ty,

Yes, I conceed the exact definition as defined in Websters AND that all YOU can feel is the “hype”. I can feel the excitiment and eagerness to get started! Have you taken the time to gather the facts as I have urged in both of my postings for potential consultants. “Hype” weather good or bad gives me an avenue to discuss my new business and to empower people with the facts about this company and to make their own decisions. Obviously, it is not good business or ethical to build a business on “deception and exaggerated claims”. I certainly am not. I do not fault anyone being cautious when investing any dollar amount into a new company - but what I would truly like to know is what is it about the “hype” that you seem to find so deceptive and exaggerated? What I am personally offering and the company is offering is an opportunity, not instant riches or easy street. It is a business and it will be what you put into it.

I regret that you felt you needed to make a personal attack against me as well. I think it would benefit those that read these postings for you to list or explain the issues you have with TOHE so that we know exactly what deceptive and exaggerated claims we have made. I would also like to know what specifically I have said that you find falls into these catagories as well.

Again, I urge anyone interested in TOHE or any other party plan company to researched the company, talk to consultants and ask questions before signing up. Make sure that the business plan, compensation plan, and products are a good fit for you. On a personal note, I have enjoyed the opportunities party plan companies have opened up for me and my family and find the opportunity to start up with a proven leader in the industry a great one.

Heather

Have I gathered the facts?

I wrote the article. = )

I am a big believer in Network Marketing and Party Plans. I am not a big believer in hype. Telling me that you can “feel the excitement” reminds me of the Emperor in Star Wars.

Unless you are a jedi, I would say to trust your instincts and the facts.

The facts are, this company has not sold one thing or paid a single bonus check, they may be a great company and they may be around for years or they may be Bill Shaw’s stepping stone to the next big thing.

Lastly, I have never made a personal attack on this web site, ever and I am offended that you implied that I did.

You implied that hype is a good thing, I disagree with you and I think that most people in this world would agree with me.

That’s all. Not a big deal.

One more thing. Hype does not offer you the chance to discuss your business. This site does and you might want to have a look at who the author is before you falsely accuse me of a personal attack.

I have looked and I apologize if I took your comment in a different light than it was intended. I just wanted to add some information to clarify a few points that were made here. The debate is about the use of the word “hype”, not one I wish to pursue any longer.

I am looking forward to launching my new business in a positive manner and do not feel that adding any further comments at this time would benefit a potential consultant or TOHE. If someone has a specific question or point to make I would be happy to help out with an answer if I have one. Speaking in generalities does not help anyone answer the question of “do I want to do this?”.

To those of you that have already signed up - good luck and I will see you at our first convention. To those that are just doing your research - keep looking and make the right choice for yourself and your family there are many sources of information that you can use to make your decision.

Heather

I am excited about this business but I agree that people should be a bit weary when joining something so new and unknown. The great thing is that its not like we’re losing anything by signing up as consultants. I think its fun and exciting and being cautious is a good thing.

“So obviously it is a huge benefit to connect yourself up with an actively recruiting team that is well organized and focused on building and strong and diverse business early on.”

and implying that this exists only at hometeamsite.com (or partyplanzone) is ridiculous. How do you know who IS organized and who isnt? You think no other team is interested in building a strong business? plus, you STILL have the word “reserve” on the website by the contact form. The policy had to come out again because of the way your team has danced around the spirit of the first policy and recruiting in general. Its irrelevant because you have already “made your getaway”, as signon is this week. Hype about the company itself can be understood as just your own personal excitement and expectations- and thats your feelings and its ok. We;re all putting forth our best based on our beliefs in the company. Hype about your team, implying that you are the only organized ones, or need to join your team to “get in at the top ” (thank goodness THAT slogan is gone) is pure….

I would agree that there are several well organized teams out there. All of them are unique in the way that they are organized, recruit, and promote the business and products. Part of researching a new business opportunity includes researching the options when joining. If you decide that TOHE is what you want to do, the next step is who you want to do the business with. That can be a close friend, relative or a complete stranger. Some people will benefit from a team that has leadership in close geographical location. Others will only need the phone/email/internet connections to make their businesses grow. So when I say research the company and talk to consultants that is part of it. Make sure you want to join and work with the consultant you are talking to.

About the website ~ each team has chosen to recruit or gather information on potential consultants in different ways. The form on my page of our teams site allows me to collect the vital information needed to make contact with a potential consultant about upcoming deadlines and events. I am asking them to “reserve” a spot on my team - not with the company as it clearly states that they will have to follow through with the contract and payment for the kit in January.

There are many ways to collect this information from potential consultants and this is just one of them. Both of your sites have contact locations in them asking potential consultants to join your team! That is great! It gives another avenue for potential consultants to get their contact information to you so you can follow up and get them the information they will need to become official at the end of this week.

I hope that your recruiting efforts have gone well and that the launch in May is as great a success as I think it will be for all of us.

Heather

Jenna,
Your comment is so true. People should do their homework before signing up with a brand new company. I always tell people you have to feel comfortable on what you want to do. When I heard about TOHE and my passion for entertaining, I knew right away I wanted to be part of the excitement!

My best to all of you.

I, too, am very excited about this opportunity. Every company started somewhere, and to be in on the ground floor level, to me, I feel the only place to go is up!! And how far up depends upon the eagerness/anticipation of the consultant. I feel that I am a go-getter but need direction as to where to start. To be included (possibly) in the launch of a company that has the backing of Readers Digest and Taste of Home, 2 very respected publications, is a definite plus right from the start. I foresee nothing but good things!

Can someone post information as to what steps I can take in the beginning to start a team? I am not sure where to begin. As I said, I need that direction, I have worked for several different home party plans over the years (for the past 26 years to be close to exact) and probably at least 3 different companies (some more than once) but I have never felt the enthusiasm and excitement of being on a starting level. I want to know what I can do to realistically get started without spoiling the anticipation. Thanks alot.

Nikki,

If you have committed yourself to a sponsor, she/he is the best source for guidance, and is your best resource for assistance. I know that with all my team, I send out regular email blasts about the leadership calls, launch metings, and any information I can think of to assist them. I also have a seven-page packt that I send out so that they will have something in hard copy to get them started…

Hope this is helpful to you,

Nondy

Can’t we all just get along?? All the posts that you see on the internet would make me leary to sign….being in another HUGE home decor party plan we are all civil to one another and respect the others space…I don’t see that with TOHE…it is as if everyone is so eager, which is understandable, to have everyone under them that they have lost what this business is all about..helping another person get what they want from their business…not so you, their sponsor, can sit back and reap the benefits. There will be enough people to go around once it is made public but lets not get greedy…makes for a poor rapport with the general public that might be interested in this opportunity.

Momathome,

You’re SO right. I think some people feel fear that there will not be enough people to go around. That fear brings out the worst in some folks. We lve in a land of abundance, and should appreciate that there is plenty of business for us all. We do expect between 12,000 and 15,000 consultants in our first year, and I believe that since we only have 3,000 kits until May 1st. everyone is a little over-anxious to get them for their teams. I am finding the general public to have a very favorable feeling toward Taste Of Home Entertaining because so many are already familiar with the Taste Of Home brand.

Nondy

“‘I am asking them to “reserveâ€? a spot on my team ‘”

that didnt stop someone who entered “‘… the vital information needed to make contact’” on one of those forms from telling Bill Shaw that she is “already signed up!” at one of the information sessions. The policies from corporate couldnt be emailed out fast enough after that. The question is, HOW many other people unknowingly think they have something reserved for them?? (Because until recently, that and another site wilfully promoted that they would). All those people should be told, so they can decide whether or not they still want to stay with those teams. Its a good thing that the “reserve” language has been stopped- its an injustice if the users of it get to keep their gains.

I am not surprised AT ALL that with so many people who are responding to all of the different online promotions, that some will not understand the process.

Any prospective consultant who goes to the trouble of helping folks to “reserve” their spot, or, as was taken off of one web site I came across… “There are a limited number of Charter Kits available, so contact me today and find out how you can reserve one!” That somene who filled out their contact information would, in error assume that they were already reserved a spot.

For those who have filled out their contact information that I received, tomorrow will be a big day. I have made sure that each one knows the process that we will be following tomorrow, and they fully understand that until their regstration online with the company is complete, nothing is official. Everyone that I have contact with on our team is using the same system of notification. No matter how well we think we are communicating, someone will not understand, and that’s a universal truth.

Have a great day tomorrow!

Nondy

Ladies,
I was surfing the web for home party plans and by chance found the new opportunity of joining TOHE. I was with a home party plan for the last 7 years and was a leader with a down line. I left that company in August 2005 because my sponsor got turned into the company for something she did, and she falsely blamed me. I decided to no longer stay with the company as I was becoming more and more stressed over the situation with each passing day and viewed my health more important than keeping a down line and remaining under a sponsor that I couldn’t depend on any longer.Reading the e-mails that are going back and forth between those of you on the web reminds me of this past situation. Having a down line or recruiting isn’t “All about you”. It is about helping those who might have no other way ahead in life except for what you might offer them. It might mean the difference between food on their table, keeping their electric from being turned off, or even just giving them some confidence in themselves…It might be a means to help their family financially after loosing income for some new mothers, or a relaxing evening just to be among other women and share ideas. Hype? Excitement? Anticipation, whatever, are only words. You are doing yourselves and this brand new company more harm than you could possibly imagine bickering over such a frivilous thing as DESCRIPTIVE words and their meaning. You are like children fighting over who got the biggest piece of the candy bar!It makes me think twice about joining if this is the type of leader I might be assigned to.
Shar

Sharon,
Well said!

Sharon,

I know what you mean!! I have been with a home company for almost 9 years and have left to join TOHE. I can HONESTLY say that my business is my business, just as your business is your business. I love to help train and motivate people…it’s such a joy when they learn and/or experience the positive aspects of home sales (i.e. paying bills, staying home with kids, friendships, recognition, etc.) I have always wanted my upline to wish well for me…even if it meant only 1 show a month, ya know?

Well…look out! I am going to working my “fun job” and I can’t WAIT!!! I am so excited…I have to calm myself down when I start to get that way I can’t wait to positively motivate others to help them achieve their goals.

Good luck everyone!

If anyone is near Memphis, TN…I’m going to be holding some training sessions this weekend through end of February. Look me up in Lakeland if you need directions.

Can someone please post or email me as to what I have to do to get started and have a kit held for me. I have been very excited since last week when I first saw about this plan starting. I have emailed the company (site that was posted in the magazine) to email or contact me with more information. As of yet I have heard nothing. I am in Vermont and at this time an unemployed. I am looking forward to starting something like this in the Northeast as to my knowledge there are no other consultant plans. I have done party plans before, but this is all very foreign to me. The startup with a new business is exciting, but unfortunately with all the controversy on this post, it is somewhat intimidating. Can someone pleae fill me in from the beginning? Thanks very much. I hope I don’t come across as sounding mean, but I am just really excited and unsure of where to start. And you know how it is, when you are unemployed you want to get started like….yesterday!! Thanks again

Thanks for your encouraging comments. I have dealt with the public,team members and leaders for what seems like a major part of my life. I have enjoyed helping others succeed in the home party plan business and watch them grow as individuales. Direct selling is not for everyone, but for those who have the desire to succeed and stick with it, it can bring such a rewarding satisfaction. It takes persistance, determination and a desire to reach ones personal goals. I have always strived to help others reach their goals, not what I wanted for them, but what they wanted for themselves. Everyone does not always shoot for the same star. It is important to help each individual obtain their dream, and not get so caught up in the almighty $$$ that they earn for you as a leader, that you loose sight of why you invited them into the company in the beginning. I wish all of you the best in your new endeavor. Set your goals, then break them down into smaller steps. As you reach the first goal aim for the second, then the third. Before you know it you will be beyond where you ever imagined you would be!

Sharon, which company are you working with now? I imagine that a person could learn a lot from you!

P.S. Nikki, I started by googling Taste of Home Entertaining and tried to find out as much as I could about the company. Once you feel that you know enough to be satisfied with signing on as a consultant, you can go to the corporate website and sign up or you can find a consulant and be sponsored by one of them. Almost every one of the ladies that are posting on here are consultants and if you click on their name, it will take you to their websites. Good Luck!

[…] Ty Tribble - MLM Business Opportunities - em Taste of Home Entertaining from Reader’s Digest […]

Jenna,
I just left a home decor party plan, prefer not to mention the name as we are on another party plans web page. As I mentioned before I was with them 7 years untill this past August. I left for personal reasons and really miss the business. I am looking into the TOHE opportunity and haven’t made a definate decision yet. I have been praying and seeking Gods will for my life at this time, and haven’t been getting any green lights so far…I like the products and the few people I have talked with but just can’t make a commitment at this time.
You seem like a go getter with compassion for others and I wish you the best!
Sharon

Stu, Please do not include me in your accusations (your above note). I have followed the company policies and do NOT engage in misleading people to get them to sign up. And if anything, messages posted here saying so just adds to the gossip and misinformation, and provides the wrong impression of the company and the kinds of people who are involved.

I wish you well, and all those involved in this ground floor opportunity. And if we do become the fastest growing home party plan out there, there will be plenty of recruits to go around. I continue to spend my time on my team and giving them the tools they need to succeed. However, did feel the necessity to defend my team and partyplanzone site.

Christine Strong
(In-House) Launch Team Member
Indep. Charter Consultant

I have had nothing but great experiences so far in dealing with this Company, my team AND other Consultants. I am not sure what went on here, but for me everything has going very smoothly. I could not believe how quick and simple the application process was…literally took 2 minutes, and I received my ID# right then! Taste of Home Entertaining seems to really have their act together and I can’t wait to get my catalog…which I’m hoping will be this week!

This business IS really about helping others. If that is not your “geniune” focus then I would not recommend it. It’s all about giving your heart and best service to your team, hostesses and customers. There is NO better feeling than helping others…and in this business we have the opportunity to do that in so many ways.

Best wishes to all!
Sandy

“It’s all about giving your heart and best service to your team, hostesses and customers.”

Sandy–just wondering how your “heart” and “best service” is affected by being actively involved in 2 competing party plans simultaneously. Seems like both would have to be sacrificed to me.

I have heard of other SLAH women who have made the decision to join Taste Of Home Entertaining, that they will give up their current business, and will not be doing both. That is my understanding anyway. This is what usually happens when switching companies…

I see no conflict in terms of service since there will be a change in companies.

Best regards,

Nondy

That’s a great question Mindy! I happen to be extremely good at multi-tasking! Many people probably couldn’t handle it. I, however, built my “other” DS business to 70 Consultants in a year’s time WHILE running my Residential Cleaning business AND my household which includes a 2 & 4 yr. old, 3 cats and supportive husband. Having a supportive husband was the main reason I was and am able to do both. Staying up til 1-3 a.m. MOST nights is another reason. I sold my cleaning business in Dec., which was perfect timing! I can now use some of THAT time on my new TOHE business.

Women who work a job whether P/T or F/T should NOT be discouraged in taking on a Home Party business. Their success will be based on the commitment and time management skills they put forth (plus the support they receive from being on a GREAT Team, and the support they get at home).

Sandy