Episode 259: Can't Miss Convention!

doTERRA: Every year as September approaches, the excitement starts to build for doTERRA annual convention. Thousands of people will soon head to Salt Lake City to join in a gathering of like-minded people who are passionate and motivated to make a difference.

Welcome back to Essential Oil Solutions with doTERRA, the podcast where you'll hear exciting, useful, and simple everyday uses for essential oils from experts in the field. Today's episode is brought to you by Lavender, a plant that's been treasured and revered for almost 3,000 years. Wherever you're headed on adventures this summer, make sure that Lavender is always with you so that you stay doTERRA ready.

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Convention is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in essential oils to get the inside scoop on new doTERRA products, learn more about how to use essential oils in their lives, and hear from leaders in the community. The 2023 Becoming convention starts on September 13. And before we get there, we want to take some time to share with you a few of the things that make convention a can't miss event.

First, we're going to talk to Mike Mendelsohn, senior director of business development at doTERRA, about his experiences at convention. Mike, thank you so much for joining us today.

Mike: Yeah, you're welcome. Happy to be here.

doTERRA: So to start off with, how many conventions have you been to personally?

Mike: Okay. So if I think about real hard, it's one. Okay. Last year was my very first convention, and it was so exciting.

doTERRA: Well, since last year was your first, it's super fresh in your mind. What do you remember most about your first convention?

Mike: Honestly, my first thought was how big and involved everything was. I mean, there was just the detail know. I mean, I had had the opportunity to sort of behind the scenes a little bit, you know what I mean? Being a little bit new to doTERRA, it was still just amazing to see it come together, but it was still did not expect everything that I saw, the grandeur of it, the immensity of it, the detail of it, and coming in. So that was kind of my first thought.

But the energy was so amazing when people started filling in, you know, being there a couple of days before helping to set up. And then when people came, it just changed the whole dynamic of everything. And I think that was it was pretty amazing. They were just people were so excited to be there and experience convention together. And if you remember, we launched MetaPWR and there was so much anticipation about MetaPWR. And so being there, when we announce that MetaPWR on stage, it was really an emotional moment for people to be honest. And so anyway, really incredible. Well done.

doTERRA: Yeah, I think it's something that has to be seen to be believed for sure. The videos, the pictures, all of that stuff. It doesn't do convention justice until you're there seeing it yourself.

Mike: That's true.

doTERRA: So why do you love being at convention? I know we talked about a couple of things already, but what is it that you love the most?

Mike: You know, your question was great about what was my first impression. And I think this question is, okay, "So then after convention, what was sort of the takeaway?" I loved being together. I think that and being together with just so many people that were like minded and had a similar interest and focus and and it is like the ultimate support group, you know what I mean? Because people just are so closely related and kind. And there's this doTERRA culture that kind of comes together. And so I remember that being probably the best takeaway from me.

My team spends a lot of time on the road. We meet with leaders helping to support them, and there's just really something special about after doing that, coming back home and everybody coming here together in one place and being able to rekindle some of those relationships again. So I would say it's really just about the people.

doTERRA: I absolutely love that. Now there's a lot that we can't talk about yet. There's a lot that's going to be surprises, but what are you most excited about this year?

Mike: It's hard to narrow down maybe to one or two things because there really are several things now that I'm a veteran, however, of convention, as an attendee, I'm excited for just about everything. There's anything and something for everybody, right? There's the Expo. You can go and experience everything there and all the different setups that are set up for you to go and have an experience and learn and get educated about it to filling the now Delta Center right that we have formerly known as. And it was it's great to just sort of be together the the feeling and the loud and everything.

And I think, again, it just comes back to that being together again. And I think that was even a theme of ours at one point, right, together. And that's really kind of the key piece. So I'm most excited about that. But we have got some fantastic products and I mean, I would love to share and I just have to not ask permission. I think that's my problem is and maybe I should just ask for forgiveness, but we're excited about the products that we have and the education that's going to happen. And really we're excited for what people are going to take from convention. What do they do with this once they leave? And is it going to be impactful? So excited.

doTERRA: Absolutely. And on that note of what are you going to take? How is it going to be impactful? What are your top tips as a now veteran for getting the most out of convention?

Mike: Okay. So I would say come to learn and get refueled. It seems to me like this is from a lot of people and I've got several thoughts on this, I think. So if I can just dive in a little. People when they when they come here, they always talk about how awesome it is to be together, especially the in-person piece of this, you know, where they can sort of sit kneecap to kneecap and chat with each other and have those conversations and sort of feel that camaraderie in that special feeling that they get only by being together.

So come learn and get refueled. I think there are many areas for you to get info and education on, to experience what doTERRA is. And we mentioned the the Expo. There's fun places, there's the Marketplace, go get some new swag. There's and I don't know if everybody can fully appreciate or understand how much thought and preparation goes into preparing for an event like this. The detail that goes into it is just unbelievable. So we have tried to think of all of these amazing experiences for people to go and see and, you know, kick the tires and have some of those experiences and get the education.

So I think that's part of it and pay attention to the messages coming off the stage, whether you're in general session or you're in TERRA Talks, oftentimes we hear these messages and people are talking and they're sharing the education and whatever it is and their experiences and testimonials. And sometimes if we're not taking the notes, we miss key details that are going to be shared. And I think that's maybe my biggest fear is that someone will come spend the time and miss something that's maybe a critical piece that, "Gosh, if I just would have paid attention or if I would have taken a note or something."

Come and network. Like, this is your opportunity to come and share experiences and mastermind together and be able to play off of each other a little bit to say, "What's working for you?" And "Hey, I'm struggling and I'd like to know if you've got a solution for that," and maybe you have something to offer as well.

So come to network. Think it's a great opportunity as a customer, a builder, or a leader to get answers to questions directly from specific departments like account management, business development, marketing, product, Healing Hands. These are all departments within corporate that you've got someone there because it's all hands on deck. When we talk about corporate employees, we're all there because we need to help to support. So you have a captive audience, so to speak, with our corporate folks, and you can get it right from that department's mouth in terms of some of the answers that you might be seeking. So really come to have those great opportunities.

doTERRA: Those are all fantastic recommendations. Mike, thank you so much for talking with us today, sharing with us a little bit more about the amazing, exciting energy that comes with convention.

Mike: Thank you so much. Grateful that could be on with you guys.

doTERRA: It's always so fun to hear firsthand how amazing the energy and excitement of convention is and how to get the most out of it. Now, every year we try to pack as much education, inspiration, and fun into convention as we can. And one of the ways we do that is through TERRA Talks. TERRA Talks are short, specific, informative, and sometimes interactive training sessions on many different topics. They can cover everything from the latest findings in essential oil science to new doTERRA products and research and even business building. And they allow you to really customize your convention experience. Just take a listen to a few moments from TERRA Talks last year.

TERRA Talk Excerpt: So I used to typically reach for something sweet in the afternoons to get me through. I'd have it with coffee or something, and then again after dinner, I'd want some dark chocolate or something. I always had that craving. So here's how I was able to kick this. All I did was in those times when I was typically reaching for sugar, I would add two drops of the MetaPWR blend to about 20 oz of water. And I would drink that first. If I was out on the go, I would pop the gum. And it was really amazing to me how quickly it helped to dissipate that craving.

TERRA Talk Excerpt: So here are some tips to keep it simple and make sure that you're using oils safely even with our feline friends. So number one, stick with prediluted oils. The Touch rollers and Kids blends are already purrrfectly diluted for our dog and cat companions. And if you do want to dilute your oils, number two, go with a 1–3 percent dilution. To keep that simple, that's just 1 to 3 drops per five mL of carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil. Number three, you cannot go wrong with diffusion. Use 3 to 4 drops in your doTERRA diffuser so you don't overwhelm their sensitive noses. And be sure to keep the diffuser in an area where your pet can't knock it over when they when they get the zoomies. Leave the room door open if they want to leave. Number four, avoid Tea Tree and Wintergreen topically and internally with dogs and cats.

doTERRA: TERRA Talks are an amazing part of convention and you get to choose which TERRA Talks to attend. You get to tailor your learning experience and find out a little bit more about whatever interests you most. And if you can't join us live, you can watch all of the TERRA Talks with a Leader Premium Virtual ticket.

We also want to make sure that we do our best to keep you updated about all the excitement of convention. So during convention, we're going to be bringing you something very special. For each day we're going to release a recap episode that will include all of the highlights, announcements and reactions from the day.

At its heart, doTERRA convention is really all about connection and being together. And if you can't be here in person, we're so glad that you'll be able to join us through the podcast. We'll be releasing new episodes each day, so subscribe to make sure you get all the inside scoops we have to offer.

Now, one of the most exciting things that happens every year at convention is the announcement of brand new products. We definitely don't want to ruin the surprise, but we do want to give you some hints about just a few of the new products coming your way. And remember, the only way to get early access to these incredible new products is with a convention ticket.

First, we have some revolutionary changes that incorporate all of the latest research. We have a product that's going to help you have the best day ever. And we have an oil inspired by centuries of history and appreciation.

Now, that's all I can give you today. But you can get all the exciting announcements and education about the new products by watching convention live. If you want to join in on all that convention has to offer this year, you can still get tickets to join us in person and virtually. Go to convention.doterra.com or click on the link in the episode description to purchase a ticket for the 2023 convention. You won't want to miss out, but you don't just have to take my word for it. If you're still wondering why you should attend convention, here is what previous attendees had to say.

doTERRA: If someone has never been to a convention, why would you tell them they need to come next year?

Previous attendee: There's so many reasons. So first, the freebies, so many freebies. Second is the environment. Being around like-minded people is awesome. Meeting your team members, fellowshipping with them. Fantastic.

Previous attendee: Up until the time while you're experiencing the oils, they feel good, they smell good. But when you're here, they become electric, they become alive. Everything is so vibrant. Everyone is so, I mean, it's just amazing because they're just pictures at first, the people and what they do. But you really see their heart. You really see they genuinely love what they do and they really mean what they say.

doTERRA: Why would you tell them they need to come next year?

Previous attendee: Oh my God, this is my first time. And the energy here is so high. I've learned so much. I feel the love, and it is just an exciting place to be. You cannot miss this.

doTERRA: So if you're ready to join a passionate group of like-minded people, as you learn more about essential oils and natural wellness products, buy your ticket today.

Thanks for joining us and congratulations on living a healthier lifestyle with essential oils. If you want to try any of the products you learned about, click on the link in the episode description or find a Wellness Advocate near you to place an order today. And remember, if you liked what you heard today, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen.