| Comment Number: | 522418-09786 |
| Received: | 7/15/2006 7:31:52 AM |
| Organization: | Quixtar/DC International |
| Commenter: | Silvestre L. Garza, Jr. |
| State: | TX |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
To Whom It May Concern: With regard to my affiliation with Quixtar as an Independent Business Owner (IBO), I have had an opportunity to generate an additional income along side of my full time position at a Fortune 500 life insurance firm. I was first introduced to the business model and the people associated with the business (here locally) in March of 2006. Through a very thorough process of obtaining information about the corporation and the mentoring/education team, I was capable of making an educated decision as to the validity and plausibility of this opportunity. There was no pressure from my sponsor, mentor, potential associates, the corporation or any other party to take steps further than I felt comfortable with or were allowed to go. Once all information was provided to me and I was able to do my own investigation (i.e.: Better Business Bearueu and personal interviews with other IBOs) all of which were suggested to do, but were left optional to me; I submitted into my employer a request for permission to participate in an "Outside Business Activity'' (OBA) as required by the federal regulations that govern the securities and insurance industries. I did pay a total price of $150.00 that went toward my registration/licenses, an informational starter pack and my digital secretary to try for the first month. The total price is 100% refundable if I decide that this opportunity would not behoove my family or me within 6 months of my registration. It was stressed that as an IBO, I take the reigns on how and when I move forward with the business. There are neither maximums nor minimums for my personal performance in any manner. I am offered morally sound advice as to how I should manage my business to potentially maximize my efficiency based on other IBO's successes; however, it is acknowledged that their results will not have a direct impact or reflection on my personal results. Demanding that an individual do one thing or another is something that we take pride in teaching as inappropriate. As an adult of sound mind, we urge that person to, "take [their] time and get all of [their] questions answered. There are no hidden agendas and all inquiries or concerns will be handled with due diligence and will have an appropriate response within an appropriate time." To hinder a person’s potential momentum by mandating unnecessary obstacles is irresponsible. Aside from discouraging a prospective IBO from taking their own business into a direction of their choice at their pace, the proposed plan by the FTC will potentially limit the legitimate organization’s profit potential. The plan sets in place regulations that have a double edge. Yes, there is need to protect the general public from predators that prey on the good nature of people. To mandate that a person do various activities may overwhelm a prospect. The issue of using my time and resources intended to build my business to instead testify to another IBO's prospect does not settle well on me. And frankly, I do not care to force my prospect to talk to someone that may have the "postal worker syndrome". Each person's experience will vary, I want for my prospect to associate with people who are successful, not with the individual who found every excuse not to work the business and then blames it on the business' structure, mentors or the corporation for that person's failure. I agree that the underlying intention of the FTC's proposal to sweep the illegal businesses out is commendable, but there are more creative minds at work that can master a stronger, more concise plan. A plan that may be more focused on the corporation itself versus at the IBO level. This plan allowing the individuals to self regulate in tandem with the corporate objectives. I have been a registered IBO since May 11, 2006 and I appreciate the opportunity that Quixtar has provided to my family and me. Best Regards, Silvestre L. Garza, Jr., IBO