The Difference MAKER (Part II) - What Your Attitude Can Do for You

1. Your Attitude Makes a Difference in Your Approach to Life

Our performance will likely match the expectations we have upon ourselves or the expectations we allow others to impose upon us. In fact, it's very difficult to behave in a way that's contrary to self-expectations.


2. Your Attitude Makes a Difference in Your Relationships with People

Many factors come into play when working with people, but what makes or breaks interpersonal skills, is a person's attitude. In my book Winning with people, I describe 25 principles of working on replationships with people. Here are a few to consider:

• The Lens Principle: Who we are determines how we see others.
• The Pain Principle: Hurting people hurt people and are easily hurt by people.
• The Elevator Principle: We can lift people up or take them down in our relationships.
• The Learning Principle: Each person we meet has the potential to teach us something.

3. Your Attitude Makes a Difference in How You Face Challenges

Circumstances appear to be instrumental in the creation of great leaders and thinkers, but such is the case only when their attitudes are right. Your attitude is the PAINT BRUSH of your mind. It can color your world with brilliant optimism or dark veneer of negativity. 

For years, I have tried to live by the following statement:

I cannot always choose what to me, but I can always choose what happens in me. My attitude in circumstances beyond my control CAN be the difference-maker. My attitude in the areas I do control WILL be the difference-maker.

Excerpt from The Difference Maker by John C. Maxwell

The Difference MAKER (Part I) - What Your Attitude Can't Do For You

1. Your Attitude Cannot Substitute For Competence

In my leadership experience, I made the mistake of looking for attitude and discounting ability. I thought that positive people will eventually get the job done, even if they didn't have the exact abilities for the role.
Unfortunately, there's no substitute for talent. An attitude of confidence cannot replace competence.


2. Your Attitude Cannot Substitute For Experience

Idealists have an intense desire to change the world and often have a courageous attitude to match their ambition. However, without experience, an idealist's wave of enthusiasm will crash onto the shores of reality. Certain leadership positions (due to the scope of their responsibility) demand the kind of experience that is earned solely through experience.


3. Your Attitude Cannot Change The Facts

By itself, attitude cannot stem the tide of an evolving industry. For instance, newspapers must adjust their  advertising strategies to confront the fact that consumers are flocking online for news. Regardless of the attitude, the industry has to face the facts of the evolving market.


4. Your attitude Cannot Substitute for Personal Growth

Attitude fills us with hopes that we might reach our dreams. However, hope without action proves false. Never stop dreaming, but also never cease growing if you expect your dreams to come true. In the words of the musician, Bruce Springsteen "A time comes when you need to stop waiting for the man you want to become and start being the man you want to be."


Excerpt from The Difference Maker by John C. Maxwell

Cotabato Trip - Ron Cristian Pangilinan (Ron)

Hi Appco Philippines! Here is Ron's side of the interview on their Cotabato experience with UNICEF...
To read Ayie's part of it, please click Ayie's Interview 


Recently, between 19th and 21st July 2011, two of Appco Philippines' FRs were given a great opportunity to be a part of a 3Day 2Night trip to Cotabato which is located in one of the most controversial region of the Philippines, Mindanao. Maria Lourdes Resayo, better known as Ayie and Ron Cristian Pangilinan, better known as Ron were both given an opportunity to travel along with UNICEF delegates Kristine Carbon, Michelle Borromeo, George Velardo and Angela to experience first hand, the feeding and health care programs provided by UNICEF to children in Cotabato city. Both Ayie and Ron were moved by their experience with the children of UNICEF and Appco Philippines has exclusive details of their trip, right here on Appco Philippines Blog. Here is an excerpt from some of Ron's experiences throughout the trip.


1. How did you get the opportunity to be a part of this trip?

We both had acquired many long term donors for Unicef, we have very low attrition rate and we were also told, it was because of our good work ethics when we were on the field.

2. How was the environment in Cotabato when you arrived? 

We landed in Maginadanao since the airport is in Magindanao. Cotobato is 40mins to 1hr journey from the airport. Every 800m-1km has a checkpoint. It's like an inactive war zone. We can't go out at night without the permission of the Unicef staff. There was this incident, we called for McDo and Jollibee for delivery at night but their services end by 5pm. So we ordered delivery from a restaurant which was just 3mins walk, just because the Sun is down. We have to be back to the hotel before the sun goes down because It's not a very safe environment after sun down. Most parts of Cotobato are still under-developed. There are a large number of NGOs there.

3. What were the activities done by all of you in the course of the 3 days?
On our day 1, we went to Unicef satellite office. I learned that Unicef has only one satellite office here in the Philippines aside from their office located in Makati. It is because, the situation in cotabato and Maguindanao is quiet severe, where the poverty is extreme and can be compared to Somalia. We discussed on some protocol for security purposes. We can’t roam around cotabato without the presence of UNICEF delegates. We also discussed why UNICEF focuses in Mindanao when it comes to severe acute malnutrition and the programs that's being implemented to solve the problems faced in the region.On our day 2, we went to a rural health unit in Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat. I’ve been a registered nurse for quiet sometime and have seen a lot of malnourished children in some part of Luzon but never have I seen a situation which compares to Maguindanao. Infants and toddlers are literally approaching death due to severe acute  malnutrition. We saw this first hand in a case presented to us, of a 3 month old infant with a “wasting” situation. It was really alarming and heart breaking.
On our day 3 we went to some Poblacion. It means baranggay to them. We saw the aftermath of the flood. We also saw some residual marks of the flood in the roads, houses and streets. Following that, we also went to the evacuation center. Some people still live in the evacuation center because their houses were completely destroyed by the flood. We also visited a tertiary Hospital which has a high success rate in implementing CMAM (Community based Management of Acute Malnutrition). Lastly, we visited a site where some volunteer Doctors were doing stress management for the flood victims.





4. What did you manage to learn about the steps/actions taken by Unicef to provide proper support for the malnourished children?

I can see that Unicef's program really work. They keep the children in the program until the children are out of their malnourished state and at a stable healthy condition. I can clearly see now, the dedication Unicef Philippines has to helping under-nourished children. They first give the families emergency packs. After that, they provide them with health care support, and then comes, malnutrition program. I am really impressed by their dedication as they always make sure there's an abundance of stock  of their emergency packs and they prepare them way before so that they're always ready. They also make it a point to follow proper system when treating the children. It's Great Effort!

5. How was your experience being with the affected children and their parents?

I was very shocked to find that children here in the Philippines actually die very young due to malnutrition. There was a 3month old baby who we rushed to the hospital due to severe malnutrition. We managed to revive the baby at the time, but just two weeks later, we received news that the child did not make it. It's very sad, cuz you really see all these happening and they are just  2hrs plane ride from where we are. It's quite moving for us, seeing these kids. However, they also bring us happiness through their smile. We see good improvement in most of the children. You can see they are better nourished as they go through the program. There are children whose records show that they have very much improved in health since few weeks before. When you see improvements like this, it serves your purpose of working very hard on the field for them everyday.

6. How did this trip help you with your interaction with potential donors on the field?

Now, I have a higher purpose at the back of my mind when I talk to customers and don't tire easily because I have seen how much my efforts are of help to the children. Besides that, I have a clear picture of how an individual's contribution will support the children. Therefore, I am now able to share the process of it with lots of clarity.

7. Did you face any disadvantages being on the field after the moving experience you had in Cotobato? If yes, how did you overcome it? 

During my first few presentations after I came back from the trip, I faced some struggles as the experience was still fresh and every 'NO' became more difficult to accept because I knew what a person is potentially saying 'NO' to and how their refusal will impact the helpless children. I would say, I did become a little emotional. However, I managed to recover myself very quickly as I understood TWO things clearly. Firstly, there will be people saying 'NO' to us. Our duty is to find the ones who say 'YES'. Secondly, I realized very quickly, as the person responsible for finding support for these children, I cannot give up hope or let it affect me..If I get disheartened, who is going to sign up with me and help the children? So I just focus on my numbers and work to find the Type 3 people who can help! 

8. What's you advice to people out there as a brand awareness representative for Unicef?
(Click PLAY on the video below to find out Ron's Answer to this question)

A Huge Thank You to Both Ayie & Ron for spending some time with us to tell their stories...

Go Appco Philippines!!

Cotabato Trip - Maria Lourdes Resayo (Ayie)

Recently, between 19th and 21st July 2011, two of Appco Philippines' FRs were given a great opportunity to be a part of a 3Day 2Night trip to Cotabato which is located in one of the most controversial region of the Philippines, Mindanao. Maria Lourdes Resayo, better known as Ayie and Ron Cristian Pangilinan, better known as Ron were both given an opportunity to travel along with UNICEF delegates Kristine Carbon, Michelle Borromeo, George Velardo and Angela to experience first hand, the feeding and health care programs provided by UNICEF to children in Cotabato city. Both Ayie and Ron were moved by their experience with the children of UNICEF and Appco Philippines has exclusive details of their trip, right here on Appco Philippines Blog. Here is an excerpt from some of Ayie's experiences throughout the trip. 
(Be sure to catch Ron's Experience during the trip in the Next Post!)


1. How did you get the opportunity to be a part of this trip? 

According to Zelina, our branch manager, Ron and I were chosen because we are both part of sales excellence award and and we have low attrition rate with the acquiring of donors and there were no donor complaints.

2. How was the environment in Cotabato when you arrived? 

When we arrived at the airport of Cotabato, it was different from all the provinces I’ve been to. There’s a lot of military checkpoint, but the journey was safe wherever we went to. We rode in a diplomat car with some UNICEF delegates. The security is quiet high and our safety was ensured. I was scared at first because of all the news that I've heard from the television, but after a while all the terror that I felt was gone after seeing Cotabato. The place itself is beautiful. People’s way of living is very different from Manila. They live in a simple way. Most of them earn from agricultural farming and fishing.  I like also the way women dressed and most of them are wearing veil. Its so amazing to see a community where Christians and Muslims live together.

3. What were the activities done by all of you in the course of the 3 days? 

On our day 1, we went to Unicef satellite office. I learned that Unicef has only one satellite office here in the Philippines aside from their office located in Makati. It is because, the situation in cotabato and Maguindanao is quiet severe, where the poverty is extreme and can be compared to Somalia. We discussed on some protocol for security purposes. We can’t roam around cotabato without the presence of UNICEF delegates. We also discussed why UNICEF focuses in Mindanao when it comes to severe acute malnutrition and the programs that's being implemented to solve the problems faced in the region.


On our day 2, we went to a rural health unit in Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat. I’ve been a registered nurse for quiet sometime and have seen a lot of malnourished children in some part of Luzon but never have I seen a situation which compares to Maguindanao. Infants and toddlers are literally approaching death due to severe acute  malnutrition. We saw this first hand in a case presented to us, of a 3 month old infant with a “wasting” situation. It was really alarming and heart breaking.


On our day 3 we went to some Poblacion. It means baranggay to them. We saw the aftermath of the flood. We also saw some residual marks of the flood in the roads, houses and streets. Following that, we also went to the evacuation center. Some people still live in the evacuation center because their houses were completely destroyed by the flood. We also visited a tertiary Hospital which has a high success rate in implementing CMAM (Community based Management of Acute Malnutrition). Lastly, we visited a site where some volunteer Doctors were doing stress management for the flood victims.

4. What did you manage to learn about the steps/actions taken by Unicef to provide proper support for the malnourished children? 

Unicef made an amazing amazing job for the people in Cotabato and Maguindanao. The CMAM program was implemented properly. Everything was very organized. Children who had severe acute malnutrition were treated properly. UNICEF along with the partnership of local government unit and some NGO’s are doing a truly great job! They are saving the lives of these children..

5. How was your experience being with the affected children and their parents?


It was an eye opener for me to see the eyes of a parent with a dying infant in her arms. It was really heart breaking. You could see the sorrow and disappointment within her, but on the brighter side, most of them are graduating from the CMAM program. It means that their children are getting well and I was happy to see the joy in them. 

6. How did this trip help you with your interaction with potential donors on the field?


It helped me with my presentation. Now, I paint stories more passionately, that their tiny amount which is 20php/ day can make a huge difference for a kid. It literally saves life. It also helps me to encourage them more to step up and become partners of UNICEF in championing children’s right. 

7. Did you face any disadvantages being on the field after the moving experience you had in Cotobato? If yes, how did you overcome it?


Disadvantage….hmn… the only disadvantage that was brought to me of Cotabato experience is, whenever I remember the 3 month old infant it really breaks my heart and I feel sad. To overcome it, I told myself that am going to work harder for them.

8. What's you advice to people out there as a brand awareness representative for Unicef?

My advice for everyone is, we should not take things for granted. We are so blessed in life. All these children need, is a 3 meal a day to live, yet its like reaching for the stars to them. We have the power to change someone's future today. If we can collaborate and carry out our individual social responsibilites well, our country can definitely move forward! WE can Build, Save, Manage, Plan and Organize a better future for the Filipino children!

Quick Chat with Our High-Roller Zoe Manguilimotan

Zoe Manguilimotan, better known as Zoe, is a core leader in Zenith Marketing Group. She is a graduate in Economics from University of Philippines. She is the second of three siblings who are all girls. Zoe who is the sole bread winner of her family, is famous for her consistency in High-rolling the entire Appco Philippines. However, she is also  described as "rather quiet, except when she's with her team and friends" by her Branch Manager, Zelina De Vera.

Here are some excerpts of a quick chat with Appco Philippines' highest earning high-roller ever so far, Zoe Manguilimotan…

1. How did you start in the Business?

I was previously working with John Clements Consultancy, working for Harvard Business Review. When the time came for me to move on to a new position, I was in a dilemma. I was offered a position in P&G for a pay of Php 28,000 per month. At the same time, I was taken out for observation by my 'would be' trainer Lalaine, who told me that she was earning Php 20,000 a week! P&G was inside an office, but working with Appco means I will be out on the field everyday. I was unsure what to do at first, but I finally decided to take up the offer with Appco Philippines. First week in Appco, I made Php 8,000 (working 3 days). However, I was still worried that I might not make good progress in sales as I have never had sales background before. My worries intensified when I was hospitalized on my second week in Appco due to fatigue and my parents who came to visit me in the hospital were completely against what I was doing. They insisted that I quit immediately. In the mean time, I also got a visit from my trainer, Lalaine, and it was a good feeling as I felt really cared for by her. I then decided to give myself a chance in the business and went back to work the next week. That week, I hit my leadership criteria and the next week which marked my 4th week in the business, I went on a road trip to Lucena, Quezon and earned myself Php 20,000 in just a week. I have never looked back since!

2. What is your highest earning so far?

Php 41,000 net. I earned this in my recent GenSan (General Santos City) Road Trip just last week(WE: 07.31.2011). I also won a Blackberry with the highest number of points in a recent competition. Just a week after that, I won another competition and received a Samsung PL120 digital camera! Those are some of my highest earnings recently.

3. What's your secret in consistency in sales.

I always look back at my purpose to earning the income I want. Appco offers us an opportunity to earn as many income as we may need, provided we follow the system and acquire the right skills. It all comes down to our work ethic and most importantly the purpose behind the sale made. Being the sole bread winner of my household, I have a major duty to support my family expenses and my younger sister's education. I make it a point to always think of my purpose when I'm out on the field. That helps me stay in focus, indirectly making me high-roll consistently.

4. What are your 3 Tips for our FRs who are looking to improve their sales skills?

     

     a. Make sure, yours is a Quality Pitch

     b. Build good rapport(within 20-30seconds) and get their  

         'Hot Spots'     

     c. Always Re-hash

5. What is your motivation to pursue this business?

My biggest motivation is of course, my family. I want to be able to provide for them properly and I want to do more than just provide them their basic needs. Besides that, I am also very interested to open up an office in Seoul, Korea. I'm a HUGE fan of Kimchi and K-Pop! I constantly visualize myself running an office in Seoul, and that really motivates me to bring myself forward in the business.

6. What are your future plans with Appco Philippines?

    Q3: 

    I am looking to be promoted as a Team Manager by my upcoming birthday(September 3rd, 2011).

    

    Q4: 

    I am looking to promote my first Team Manager by 3rd week of December, 2011, which will    

    automatically make me a Branch Manager.

    I also look forward to starting HSBC campaign in Q4. 

    

"The three-letter name is absolutely a supernova. She has the highest energy and enthusiasm that often outshines everyone in the office. ZOE is hardcore on the field. She is the best in sales. Last week, she broke a new record for the highest earnings in a week. Eight months back when I did her interview, I knew she is going to make it big. She has the personality so strong that people get easily influenced. She became the best at what she does because of several factors. First on the list is her family. Her sincere and selfless heart is on them. Everything she does is to provide for them. I still remember the day when she sent money to them upon getting her first paycheck. I still remember how much she reminded me about her sister's 18th birthday celebration and how excited she was when she showed me the watch she bought as a gift for her. Second is her passion to continuously improve and develop herself. She is now more prepared to transcend to a bigger role as she has been taking more responsibilities in managing her team of 4 people. Last but definitely not the least, is her drive to be successful. She is very ambitious that no matter what happens she can make things happen. I am certain that Zoe is the next BIG in the Philippines."

- Marlalaine Castillo, Assistant Manager, Zenith Marketing Group

"Zoe is definitely one of the highrollers in ZMG and in APPCO Philippines as a country. Three months from the day she started, she was the Top 2 FR in The Philippines during our Annual Convention in Malaysia. Five months after, she's still at the Top 10% in The Philippines. A true symbol of consistency in sales. In my opinion, Zoe's success in sales is because (1) she made sure she has upgraded herself in terms of acquiring sales skills really fast esp in objection handling and building rapport; (2) she has strong personal reasons to make lots of money: her family; and, (3) she's extremely competitive and has a lot of aggression in breaking records. To Zoe: Keep up your great performance, don't lose the aggression, and most importantly, pass on your skill to others!:)" 

-Zelina De Vera, Branch Manager, Zenith Marketing Group

Catch Up with Appco Direct's Team Manager: Apple Rae Trinidad

Apple Rae Trinidad, more famously known as Apple is the second of 4 children. She was a Communications major in University of Philippines. She first joined Appco Philippines on November 2009 and quit after just one month in the company. She moved on with other things but just 3months later, she was re-recruited by one of her trainers and was given another opportunity at the business. She has not looked back since. With her signature RED lipstick and chirpy personality, she is definitely one of the most enthusiastic and energetic person in the office!

Here's a quick catch up with Apple after being officially promoted as a Team Manager in the recent Mid Year Rally, 2011.

1. How did you start in the Business?

I was recruited by my ex-boyfriend who was recruited by his trainer, JR in November 2009. I was enjoying the experience at first, but soon after, I was influenced by the negativity of my ex-boyfriend who already quit the business after 3weeks. Let's just say, I wasn't getting with the right people. Eventually after just 4 weeks into the company, I decided that the business wasn't for me and moved on. However, what I didn't realize at the time was that I was really going to miss all the fun and the opportunities I had in this organization. I went on to work in another office, but I noticed that I'm a changed person ever since I joined Appco and my current work at the time could not compare to the growth I had in Appco. Therefore, when JR(my ex-trainer) accidentally met me in my village one day and offered me to come back, I took the opportunity and went back again to Appco. Looking back today, I'm very happy I made the right decision a year ago.

2. What is the main contributing factor for your return to Appco?

I was really hungry for the right opportunity and being one of the two bread winners for the family (my eldest brother being the other), I knew that this business offers a better shot at my success than any other position I've taken up before. I am also a very fun oriented person and Appco is a fun oriented business! Losing the fun atmosphere after leaving Appco has taught me that this business is rare and unique, so it was not a difficult decision for me to return here.

3. How long did you take to become a Team Manager?

I took 1 year and 2 months to become a Team Manager. I made some mistakes earlier on such as becoming relaxed very early in the business and having self doubt at times. However, I started realizing the mistakes I was making and have put conscious effort to improve myself as a leader by focusing more on my team and spending more time with them and just taking control of my business.

4. How do you keep your team united and excited?

I'm naturally a fun person to be around, so I always make sure that I have lots of fun with my team. I also constantly keep the education going on in my team. I help keep them excited by encouraging them to be part of competitions in Appco.

5. What are your 3 TIPS for leaders who are struggling to get to Team Managership?

a. Do not stop training even for a day. If you fall back on a day's training, you're falling a day further from your promotion.

b. Dare to fail, as failure makes you stronger.

c. You have to do what you have to do, in order for you to get what you want to get. Always go back to your purpose.

6. What are the benefits of becoming a Team Manager?

    

    a. Travel opportunities

    b. Attendance to international meetings

    c. Higher confidence in training people

    d. Running the office in the absence of the Branch Manager

    e. Acquiring Team Manager Overrides

    f. Socializing with top people from other branches of Appco Group

7. What are your future goals?

    Short Term (3months)

    a. 15 Guys on the field

    b. Assistant Ownership promotion

    

    Mid Term (12 months)

    a. Branch Management

    b. Open up Credit Division

    c. Run Charity Division

    Long Term (5 years)

    a. Organizational Head

    b. Country Manager of the Philippines!!

"Apple with her trade mark red lipstick has always made her presence in the office. Team Gold in Appco Philippines has the highest sales averages in the Events division. With her Passion and Commitment, I am very confident that Apple has the potential to be one of our next Assistant Manager". - Vishnu.

UNICEF Cotobato Trip_Preview

COMING SOON...
Here are a few snap shots from our recent Cotobato trip with UNICEF.
Check this space out for more information on the trip and exclusive interview with representatives of Appco Philippines who were a part of this heart warming experience...