Saturday, September 24, 2011

Co-operation Rather Than Competition


By Tom J. Kennedy

Backgrounder:

In the mid-1960’s, I began my career as an elementary school teacher and set out on my life’s journey satisfied to survive with a salaried income as I married and began to raise a family. Little did I know of the future twists and turns my life would take in this incarnation.

In the late 1970’s, I was introduced to what was known then as the multi-level or network marketing industry through the Amway business opportunity - one of the pioneering, part-time, opportunities of the industry. I have a statement etched in my mind spoken by Rich DeVoss, one of the co-founders of the Amway Corporation. I heard this statement at the first Amway meeting I attended in the spring of 1979, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Rich DeVoss said and I paraphrase: “This industry has the potential to market everything from hairpins to airplanes.” Indeed, Rich DeVoss’s vision has proven to be on target.

I quickly recognized the power and potential of this innovative, sales and marketing strategy, but over the years, I have been dismayed at the number of charlatans whose greedy actions tainted this almost, perfect, marketing model. In an effort to leave behind the negative images associated with multi-level and network marketing and move forward with renewed vigour and new visions, myself and other associates in the industry created another name - the SDI (Self Directed Income) industry.

During the 1980’s, I pursued free enterprise on a part-time basis with an SDI enterprise, while continuing my full time career as an elementary school teacher and my role as a husband and father of three children. In the early 1980’s, I was also fortunate to learn the “truth” about modern, money creation and how the design flaw of usury is the killer machine that keeps debtors in financial bondage to creditors for generation after generation.

As well, in the 1980’s I was introduced to the usuryfree community currency movement. I learned that by simply introducing a usuryfree software to replace the malfunctioning, usury-bearing software used in our orthodox, economic system, everyone on planet earth could potentially experience a usuryfree lifestyle.

For almost 30 years, I have held the vision and worked towards twinning the best aspects of the SDI industry with the optimal elements of the usuryfree community currency movement to initiate a proven and workable, co-operative model of free enterprise where all participants would be winners - potentially living a usuryfree lifestyle.

Over the years, I have written numerous letters to CEO’s of leading “home office” companies in the SDI industry suggesting creative ideas to implement, but as of this present date no “home office” of a leading SDI company has responded with a positive intent to implement any of the suggested concepts.

I have often been told that my ideas are creative BUT there is not sufficient political will to motivate conventional entrepreneurs who are still holding on to the “competitive model” of free enterprise to change their way of doing business. “Not sufficient political will” can be translated to mean “not sufficient numbers of debtors who double as SDI entrepreneurs,” and who are willing to risk implementing the co-operative model of free enterprise. I daresay, our time to pursue the “co-operation model” of free enterprise is coming early in this 21st Century

In the late 1990’s, I launched my first website to teach what formal education neglects to teach and what the mainstream electronic and print media dismiss as “not newsworthy.”

In 2001, I created the NoUsury Network which later evolved to become The UsuryFree Network. In 2005, the UsuryFree Network in co-operation with the Family Life Foundation and other active usuryfree creatives launched the first annual UsuryFree Day (November 13th) and UsuryFree Week (November 13th to 19th). This year (2001) we will be celebrating the Seventh Annual UsuryFree Week from November 13th to 19th.

In 2007, I opened an account with Facebook to likewise, share similar, information, resources and knowledge with a global network of friends in cyberspace. In August 2011, I reached my capacity of 5000 “friends” on Facebook - the majority of whom were referred to my Facebook account by “cyberspace friends” who are seeking to learn what formal education neglects to teach. Since Facebook Inc. does not permit anyone to have more than 5000 “friends,” I created a page at Facebook for The UsuryFree Network where anyone can “Like” the page and visit often to keep informed of relevant information and happenings.

Early in this 21st Century, I created the twin blogs (a) The UsuryFree Eye Opener and (b) The SDI (Self Directed Income) Eye Opener to facilitate the re-education process of those who are ready and willing to pursue a self-imposed course of study on topics that are (a) commonly dismissed as “not newsworthy” by the meddling, mainstream media and (b) ignored by our orthodox institutions of formal education.

Though the “followers” statistics indicate that I have only 19 followers for these twin blogs, as of this present date (September 24, 2011) I have had over 31,000 visitors to these blogs. I am pleased that more and more people are seeking knowledge and resources from alternative sources, rather than relying on conventional news, this is evidence that there is a shift in the consciousness of the masses.

I created the blog - The UsuryFree Eye Opener for two reasons (a) to educate (or re-educate) debtors on the truth about modern money creation and to enable them to fully understand how the design flaw of usury functions as the killer machine within our orthodox, economic system of debt money and (b) to inform debtors that indeed, usuryfree living is a possibility are we progress into this 21st Century, given the worldwide acceptance of the perfected model of usuryfree finance - the usuryfree community currency movement - with its co-operative elements.

I created the blog - The SDI Eye Opener to educate (or re-educate) active and prospective, SDI entrepreneurs about the SDI industry - otherwise referred to as the Multi-Level or Network Marketing industry. In my humble opinion, the SDI industry, though about 60 years young, is still in its birthing process as a sales and marketing strategy.

As we now progress into this 21st Century there is much evidence to indicate that old paradigms are crumbling as they are not sustainable for the survival of human beings on planet earth. At this time, the SDI industry is well positioned to lead the way in uniting people both locally and globally to facilitate the shift from “competitive enterprise” and all of its malfunctions to “co-operative enterprise” with all of its perfected elements.

The Co-operative Spirit Trumps the Competitive Spirit
Daily news broadcasts clearly indicate that our paradigms are shifting - the competitive models of doing business in the 20th Century, and previously are breaking down. The co-operation models - of all who choose to participate in selected free enterprise opportunities are steadily improving and rising up to fill the gap.

As the model of “co-operative enterprise” gains popularity as the optimal way to engage in business transaction, the SDI (Self Directed Income) industry is leading the way with a plethora of unique, online, business opportunities surfacing. What is noteworthy is the fact that the spirit of co-operation and teamwork is being woven into the sales and marketing strategies of various, recently launched SDI opportunities. This spirit of co-operation when twinned with essential background knowledge about why the “competitive spirit” of doing business is failing enables the participating SDI entrepreneurs who are open to building an SDI Portfolio to multiply and duplicate their efforts with new recruits who are seeking secondary sources of income(s).

The Role of the SDI Industry

In any business, SDI or otherwise, the amount of energy put in is relevant to the amount of gain received. This is very true of these newest, online, SDI opportunities. It is important that any legitimate SDI opportunity have a marketable product and there must be no misrepresentation or promises about earnings. One can only say what one knows to be absolutely true about any SDI business opportunity. Having fun, earning income(s), and trying something new is the underlying intent of pursuing new, SDI, business ventures. Given the ease of modern technology it is possible to grow one’s earnings from a home-based , SDI enterprise.

Readers are invited to read this article about the evolution of the SDI Industry: Analysis, Projections, Observations & Proposals For The SDI Industry

In the late 1990’s, I enrolled with the Pentagono, SDI, business opportunity where the sales mantra “buy one, sell three” was extolled. I did earn some significant, extra income with the Pentagono SDI opportunity, as did those SDI entrepreneurs who networked the program with our team of usuryfree creatives - and we learned lots about the spirit of co-operation.

Since 2000, I have continued my research with the evolution of the SDI industry. Given the ease of modern technology and social networking, it is my humble observation that the newest SDI opportunities are focusing on "business centres."

The cost to enroll, buy a product and set up a business centre ranges from as low as $5.00 (US Funds) to as high as $1000. (US Funds) - or more. Over the years, the sales mantra has changed to “buy one, sell two," as the binary model becomes more popular. It is my humble opinion that absolutely anyone and everybody has the potential to enrol a minimum of two SDI entrepreneurs in any SDI opportunity.

We are still living in a world where avarice, greed, and selfishness (directly caused by the evil and immoral effects of the design flaw of usury) are in the consciousness of a high percentage of the masses, and many people still choose to look for government entities to protect them from charlatans and so-called “pyramid scams” in the SDI industry. Indeed, pyramid structures common to our physical world of “competitive enterprise” commonly exist in traditional business opportunities as well as in the more innovate, SDI industry. Misinformation and disinformation abound when people describe their understanding of the word “pyramid.” It intrigues me that most people work as wage earners in a “pyramid structure,” and yet they wrongly criticize legitimate, business opportunities in the SDI industry as “pyramid schemes or scams.”

Have No Fear of the Word “Pyramid”

In response, I commonly direct prospective SDI entrepreneurs to read the article “Have No Fear of the Word Pyramid” which is posted at The SDI Eye Opener.

And then I direct prospective SDI entrepreneurs to the Competition Act published by Industry Canada - particularly Sections 55 and 55.1 wherein it is written:

“An opinion under sections 55 and 55.1 of the Act will not be given in the following situations: where the plan involves gold or silver coins, the travel industry or discount cards. An opinion will not be given in these situations because of the difficulty of establishing the value of these products. In such cases it is not possible to determine whether consideration is being paid for the right to receive bonuses for recruitment. An opinion will also not be provided where the operator is situated outside of Canada and there is no entity incorporated in Canada, or no individual located in Canada who could be liable for the actions of the company.”

Service Is Virtue

Then I remind prospective and active SDI entrepreneurs that “Service is the Virtue” by sharing this famous quotation excerpted from the book “Not By Bread Alone,” authored by Bryant S. Hinckley, page 25, published by Bookcraft, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1955.

“Service is the virtue that distinguishes the great of all times and which they will be remembered by. It places a mark of nobility upon its disciples. It is the dividing line which separates the two great groups of the world - those who help and those who hinder, those who lift and those who lean, those who contribute and those who only consume. How much better it is to give than to receive. Service in any form is comely and beautiful. To give encouragement, to impart sympathy, to show interest, to banish fear, to build self-confidence and awaken hope in the hearts of others,  in short - to love them and show it - is to render the most precious service.”

Informed, usuryfree creatives who are dedicated to “service” and who double as SDI (Self Directed Income) entrepreneurs are actively making a difference by reaching out to serve others with knowledge, resources and optimal SDI opportunities - all of which foster the ultimate experience of usuryfree living as we evolve through these tumultuous, transitory times of economic, dire straits.

Our goal as a collective of active, SDI entrepreneurs is to reach out and help new recruits to achieve their ultimate level of success with their SDI Portfolio - with a focus on generating income(s) from business opportunities that can generate significant online earnings both locally and globally given the ease of modern, internet technology.

Innovative Strategies To Implement and Lead The Way

To lead the way in facilitating the shift from “competitive enterprise” to “co-operative enterprise,” I recommend that a few innovative strategies be implemented and assessed. These ideas will give more value and optimal service to prospective SDI entrepreneurs who choose to join us and network with our team of usuryfree creatives who double as active SDI entrepreneurs.

For example, the “pay-it-forward” concept can be mutually beneficial for those who choose to implement this strategy. The “pay-it-forward” concept can be offered to any prospective SDI entrepreneur who is ready and willing to network any selected SDI opportunity, but whose present economic situation is such that s/he does not immediately have access to the initial start-up fee that is not immediately needed for monthly living expenses.

As of the present date, I have granted five prospective SDI entrepreneurs short-term, micro, usuryfree loans of $300. (US Funds) with these four conditions: (1) when they are experiencing economic abundance they will similarly offer the “pay-it-forward” concept to prospective, SDI entrepreneurs who are experiencing temporary scarcity of funds, (2) make a genuine effort to enroll two SDI entrepreneurs in the selected SDI opportunity as quickly as possible, (3) agree (contract) to re-pay the short-term, micro, usuryfree loan as soon as the first commissions arrive and (4) agree to help and coach all newly enrolled SDI entrepreneurs to multiply and duplicate the spirit of “co-operation” and blend this spirit into the model of “co-operative enterprise.”

All five SDI entrepreneurs have agreed to the terms of my “pay-it-forward” offer and I look forward to exciting, future, mutual benefits for all SDI entrepreneurs who enroll in any selected SDI opportunity with the UsuryFree Team.

These suggested “co-operative” strategies are not exclusive to the UsuryFree Team, in fact, we hope and expect other teams to implement similar, innovative strategies as well as some other interesting plans.

On Wednesday, Septemeber 14th, 2011, I had the opportunity to listen to an interview by Lisa Garr with Greg Braden on the AwareNow Show wherein he talked about this transitory time where entrepreneurs of all kinds are shifting from the model of “competitive enterprise” to the model of “co-operative enterprise.” I listened to this interview at this website as it was offered for FREE for a few days. http://www.TheAwareShow.com/Braden

Interested and prospective, SDI entrepreneurs for any SDI opportunity (or otherwise) are invited to visit the above link and find out how they too can listen and re-listen to this particular Greg Braden interview as well as many other relevant interviews.


Our team of SDI entrepreneurs is now committed to enrolling seasoned and/or rookie SDI entrepreneurs who are intent on promoting the model of “co-operative enterprise” with a team spirit.

Future Plans

We also have plans to support each other beyond doing business as active SDI entrepreneurs. Our plans include inviting every new SDI entrepreneur who enrolls on our team to make a list of “offers” and “requests” of all skills, talents, other products and/or services and our intention is to post this list and encourage our team to become loyal shoppers and learn to change the way we spend our money - that is to say - we will look from within our own loyal database for the products and/or services that we need for our business, our family and personal needs and spend our money supporting each other when possible.

At some point in the not-too-distant future, it is my hope that a corporate office of a leading SDI company will explore how it can take a leadership role and incorporate more “co-operative concepts” in their respective marketing strategies. It would be awesome if the corporate “home office” of a young SDI company would come forth and be that leader by implementing a “usuryfree” currency that could be used in creatives ways to grow and expand loyal, global networks of participating SDI entrepreneurs. I and other committed usuryfree creatives are willing to share our ideas and concepts upon request.

Relevant Resources

For essential background information we invite everyone to bookmark the twin blogs - The UsuryFree Eye Opener and The SDI Eye Opener - and spend some time (daily) reading the information posted - readers will more fully understand the why the time is NOW for promoting the model of “co-operative enterprise,” and why adding a new SDI opportunity to your SDI Portfolio is timely indeed.

Comments and feedback welcomed!

“Individually, we are a drop. Together, we are an ocean.” - Ryunosuke Satoro

NOTE: If you have read the complete article you will have a very good understanding of the “co-operative” and "service" intents of our team of usuryfree creatives who are building our respective and intertwined networks of SDI entrepreneurs. So come join with our Usuryfree Team and let’s unify and mobilize within the SDI industry.

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