Q.   Will Seaborne Software be at Seminar / Leadership / Career Conference? 

Being the husband of a National Sales Director has its many advantages, but also a few disadvantages in my case.  On the plus side, I get to know a lot about the company and its workings from the most successful people in Mary Kay and from Corporate Staff at the highest level.  I travel with them and share many informal moments, which gives me a very thorough understanding of the innermost workings of the company. I have access throughout company functions, on the floor, backstage and in classes. Like you, I use these opportunities to increase my knowledge of your business and its workings. 

On the downside, the company does not particularly like the fact that Seminar and similar company functions attract a gang of vendors trying to sell things to the sales force in the field. They feel the vendors distract the sales force from their real job and the company's own promotions, and I have to agree with them. I heard from Mary Kay herself that she is dismayed by the fact that at Seminar or Leadership, she gathers together the best teachers in the Company to train her sales force, only to find them skipping classes to go shopping for plastic pins.

The company has in fact tried to shut the vendors out of Company functions, but cannot do so legally. That's why the vendors are in their own area, with very little official recognition in the company literature. (Have you ever wondered why you have to go searching for where the vendors are?) At the very least, vendors are expected to stay out of the official company venue. 

Therefore, if I were to set up shop with the vendors, I would not only be saying to Mary Kay's memory that I didn't care how she felt, but I would not be able to attend classes, luncheons, receptions, awards nights or even view the events from the audience. Although I might sell more programs, I would miss learning more about the business, seeing good friends and sitting beside my wife or applauding her as she walks across the stage (for which I would never be forgiven). I think it's worth giving up a few sales to be able to stand up and applaud my bride, don't you? 

Most importantly though, I have to be very careful that I don't look like I am trying to take advantage of my position and my connections to further my business. Therefore, I have chosen to take the "high ground" and decided not to try to promote the DCMS through company functions.  I hope you understand this decision.  I know it will cost me business, but it's a decision I feel very good about making.  Besides, after you hear from Mary Kay's lips that she doesn't want vendors setting up shop at Seminar, could you do so with a clear conscience? I can't.
 

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