Network 21 admits it is part of UK DTI "complaint"
Dear Leaders,

I am writing to you today in response to a recent communication between the Company and the IBO leadership. This development has arisen from a filing by the DTI (Dept of Trade and Industry) in the UK against Amway. Because of relationship with Amway the DTI has also included Network 21, and other support systems in the UK in their "complaint".    We have been fully aware of the situation for some months. We have been in full dialog and discussion with the company throughout the past few days, and we are understanding of their strategy and their need for strong actions to remedy the problem that has been highlighted by this government agency.

I am sure this will indeed be a time of trial for our UK friends, as well as you who have businesses in the UK, but much like with China, I am also sure we will discover how resilient they are, and be proud of the commitment and trust they will show in moving through this period of uncertainly.

I can assure you that although this action by the UK regulatory body is based on what we believe to be distortions, half truths and largely isolated incidents, and although I know The Company, N21 and others will defend it vigorously, we also recognize the power of such agencies…. and therefore the seriousness of this issue. The company in UK must take strong action at this point, and we are preparing to support this effort to reposition our UK business and the training aspects in a way that allows for healthy long term growth and stability.

We believe, based on conversations with the company, and also based on the accusations in the documents that our N21 leaders, as well as our tools and meetings, are among the most responsible presented.  We have an excellent reputation regarding the responsible conduct of our affairs. We feel we can work with the company there to have our materials vetted and approved (those that are not already), and we can as always submit to any content review of our seminar programs.

We know this may lead to a further tightening of the approval process in Europe in order to assure that no IBO misrepresents the company or product without consequences, but this could very well be "good" for those like N21 who already endeavor to be responsible. A "housecleaning" of irresponsible IBO's and systems could be a good thing for all.

We will be deeply involved at all levels in the follow up discussions on how this will play out in the UK and then obviously continue to dialog on what actions if any are needed elsewhere. No need to worry, as we have survived such things many times in our history. Many people attack our business for many reasons; jealousy, ignorance, prejudice, competitive advantage, etc. We all know that when properly done and taught…this is still the best place in the world to make a positive difference in other's lives. Let's keep doing just that.

We are currently undergoing a similar discussion in the US regarding a better way to form "business relations" between the support/training systems that we all value and the company, so that we can protect the brand for all of us. Jeff Neuber has been on a special task force set up by Doug and Steve and the Founders Council here to address ideas to improve the way we all deal with the reality of systems and their value, while addressing the concerns of the market. It has been a healthy and open discussion.

I am sure that some will see this as a new "threat" to our right to operate separate training and support operations globally, and our existence as "independent" entrepreneurs". I choose to see it as a path to a better future where we can operate openly and effectively while partnering with the company to assure responsible behavior. We have always done just that.

I ask you all to pray as always for wisdom and God's protection as we seek solutions to this current issue in the UK…. and then to find appropriate ways to address the issue globally. Keep dreaming and building because we still know what we have is something others need and want. No change in that fact. We will keep you in the loop on this as we learn more.

Jim Dornan