Russian Big Day

Nikken has a "Big Day" every year. This year over 300 people won a place to this inspiring event. The guest speaker was Claude Dalla-Palma from Switzerland, who gave a lovely account of his time in Nikken. Also new Diamond Distributors were recognised, new products and incentives were launched. It was great to see the company and the Distributors having such a great time. The few pictures here show the office team, the audience when I was speaking, Claude with a couple of Russian Distributors and our new Diamonds Alain Banon and Aline Pouchkova with Olga Fastova from marketing. For more picture click here

Russian Distributor Of The Year

This is the first time we have awarded this in Russia. It was won by Наталья Козупеева, or for those of you who cannot read Russian - Natalia Kozupeeva. She is a lovely lady who lives down south in Росто́в-на-Дону. I met her a couple of years ago when we opened the pick up centre. At the time she told me she would be doing great things and she was true to her word.
We announced this at Cafe Pushkin and invited a couple of other top leaders, who were also very close to wining, to join in the celebration.

Russian Gold Congress

I spent a lovely few days done in the south of Russia, just by the Black sea, in a place called Sochi. It's a nice time of year, it never drops below freezing - so that's a refreshing change from other parts of Russia. About 50 Distributors gathered to hear new announcements, hear business building tips from international leaders like Jean-Marie Gilbert and his wife Marie. A bit if fun was had on the second day when we all got up to do some exercise. It's been a long time since I was involved in a sack or egg & spoon race. The limbo was the highlight and it was good to see everyone enjoy themselves, bonding as a team and setting their sights on bigger and better things.

Russia again

This trip was different as it was not to do something with Distributors. Every year we have to create a plan for the next year. Without targets how do you know you have succeeded? So I was in Russia with Rod, our CFO, to do a final review of the 2008 plans. I can only tell you it looks GOOD. Russia is growing nicely and the plans for next year will ensure yet another record breaker. Well done and thanks to everyone connected to Nikken in Russia.

Russian Convention

It's always a pleasure to visit Russia and their convention is not to be missed. The theme was very nautical. All the staff wore sailor outfits. The Distributors cheered and everyone had a great time. Thanks to Dave Balzer, it was his first trip to Russia and he did a great job explaining our technologies.

Russia grows stronger

Russia is growing very nicely. It is already the second largest Nikken country. Here Vitaly, Olga and I are planning strategy for the rest of the year. Shortly after this we joined the Direct Selling Association as prospective members. All new members have to wait a year as prospective members. During this time the company is monitored and the method of operation audited. If everything is OK then we will be allowed full membership. This usually takes a year. We are already members in UK, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and USA.