Drs. Chen Host 400 Sunrider Business Leaders at the Leadership...
2008-02-28 19:04
Sunrider International
If you polled the 400 North American Business Leaders who attended the Leadership Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, held during February 17 – 24, all of them would give it "two thumbs up!" The setting at the luxurious Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa overlooking a wide stretch of beach and the Pacific Ocean was a paradise and it just got better and better as the week went on.
We started out on Monday afternoon, loaded on nine buses, with a visit to the famous Polynesian Culture Center, where we spent eight hours enjoying a taste of South Pacific culture, visiting native villages, and viewing an IMAX presentation. We then were treated to an authentic luau and an amazing and spectacular two-hour show with a cast of over 100 that kept the audience riveted.
Tuesday's tour to the Pearl Harbor monument was relevant and moving. We watched an historical film depicting the events of December 7, 1941, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and then took the ferryboat to the Arizona Memorial, which sits on top of the sunken hull of the battleship USS Arizona. This memorial honors the crewmen who lost their lives during the attack. It was an emotional tour and we were touched by it.
We had a delicious buffet lunch following Pearl Harbor at an upscale Japanese restaurant and had the entire place to ourselves! The city bus tour took us to places of interest giving a prospective of island culture, history and landscape.Wednesday and Thursday were "free" days allowing Sunriders to select leisure activities of their choice, which for many included hiking, snorkeling, shopping, or island hopping. During this time we also had seven Opportunity and Training meetings featuring the sought-after John Teng. Approximately 250 people attended these productive, positive, and informative sessions, including guests from Hawaii. 
Thursday and Saturday mornings, selected key leaders and guests were invited to a special meeting with Drs. Chen.
Friday's General Meeting, which was emceed by Jeff Smith, was open to everyone and it was inspirational and exceptionally motivational. There was energy in the room and Dr. Chen really was at his best – and most of you know how powerful his message can be! He reiterated his Business Building Advice, focusing on the 4-step approach techniques. Dr. Chen then went on to urge the IBOs to make approaches a habit and said that when they do this, sponsoring will happen naturally. To get to this point, Dr. Chen talked about what they have to do: (1) change their mindset; (2) have the courage the face the ensuing challenges; and (3) work hard to achieve their "optimal" goal. No one does it better than Dr. Chen as he mixes humor, business acumen, and logic to drive home the point. Based on the feedback I have received, he did drive home the message.
Mrs. Chen followed him with her energy and enthusiasm and presented a PowerPoint on Frequently Asked Questions. She feels these are extremely important and that all business builders should learn them and be able to answer them with confidence and clarity. She asked the questions and had the IBOs answer the questions.The lunch that followed at the hotel was like all the meals we shared in Hawaii – EXCELLENT! We got more compliments on this conference, food-wise, than on any of our conventions or cruises. As a matter of fact, all the comments on the Leadership Conference have been extremely positive, if not glowing.
Friday evening was an exceptionally enjoyable event. The two-hour Alii Kai Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise was a resounding success! Sunriders were treated royally and had the entire deck reserved exclusively for them. Everyone had a great time listening to Polynesian music and dancing. The entertainers also did a fantastic job in getting all IBOs to participate in dancing with them, even after the boat docked back in port. Once again, the food was delicious and it was a fun-packed evening.
Finally, the week was drawing to a close, but the Saturday evening Banquet was a grand finale to a fabulous week. Don Caster emceed the evening and kept it going. The buffet dinner was sumptuous, and the highlight of the evening was the IBO performers! There were seven groups that were creative, imaginative, and entertaining – worthy of American Idol! A great moment was when Dr. Chen serenaded Mrs. Chen singing, "I can't help falling in love with you." Even the staff was talked into a karaoke version of "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Dr. Chen once again brought his single-minded passion to the evening and inspired IBOs to make a commitment to change, and approach using the 4-steps and make sponsoring a habit. Mrs. Chen held a raffle where over 50 excited and happy winners won innovative products such as the Antioxidant, Brightening Eye Cream, Color Compact Cases, and new Lip Colors – all of which will be launched during Grand Convention! It truly was a memorable evening.
IBOs enjoyed another incentive from our marketing plan – a free vacation in Hawaii! The average Travel Incentive Check was $2,200, which fully paid for a week-long vacation in a setting where the rich and famous play! When they get back to their homes, the challenge to the IBOs was to have the courage to make the changes that Drs. Chen urged everyone to make. We have no doubt that they will make that commitment to change – I have heard that from many. We are also looking forward to the IBOs making a concerted effort to promote and attend the upcoming Grand Convention in Anaheim, California, with their downlines so they too can immerse themselves in the grandeur of Sunrider while enjoying the global camaraderie, inspiration, and pride this most important event provides.
Aloha, Sunriders, until Grand Convention 2008 at Anaheim!
Aloha, Sunriders, until Grand Convention 2008 at Anaheim!
Ras Jeyakumar 
Director, Regional Operations
North & South America
Director, Regional Operations
North & South America
