The Southwestern Company Internship Difference Blog
I ran across an interesting blog about some of Southwestern Company’s products the other day… and it got me thinking.
On the Hooked on Phonics blog on February 1, 2010, Southwestern’s “Ask Me” series was featured in a post titled “Sunday’s Story Surprise.” In summary, it’s about a mom reading to her three-year-old son as he starts to put together words and their meaning. It also mentions the importance of reading to your children and the great rewards that both the parent and child gain.
I think an important part of any company is why they do what they do. Many companies will say the “why” is to make a profit. I think most legitimate direct selling companies will tell you something different – something with a bit more substance. For Southwestern, we are about helping people. This includes the young people who participate in our summer sales program, but also the millions of families who purchase the products. We feel families prosper by having educational products in the home. It’s a way for families to bond and for children to learn.
Critics can say this is corporate rhetoric, but I have worked for Southwestern for 11 years and I can tell you this is the truth. Whether developing college students in preparation for life or developing a young child’s mind, it is what we are about. Put simply, we can’t forget the impact these students directly have on families all over North America, Canada and the UK.
As the mom who authored the blog so eloquently put it, “As a parent, you want only the best for your children, and in this mom’s opinion, reading to your children is one of the most important things you can do from an early age.” The mom then goes on to describe with wonder the surprise she felt when her son began to engage and understand what they were reading – from “Do Plants Eat Meat?” from the Southwestern “Ask Me” series.
After reading the Hooked on Phonics blog, several people have sent in their own stories:
From Jaak Vilonov:
“I have had several of those special moments during the 2 summers I have sold. The first summer (Oregon State) I met a dad who recognized the My Books because his mother, who is a speech pathologist had been using the books for years as one of the main tools in her work.
That same summer I also met a grandma who told me a crazy story. Her grandson was not interested in books at all, but he was very interested in tractors. In one of the My Books there is a tractor picture and that got him interested in the rest of the book and later on into other books also.”
From Tabitha Taylor:
“As an employee of Southwestern, one of my favorite stories to tell involves my niece and nephew. Each time I read to them, I let them pick out the book we will read. It never fails that each time they reach for one of their beloved, yet tattered from use, SW books. A couple of months ago, I sat down to read with my nephew – 5 and niece – 3. I was amazed when we opened the My Fun With Words book and rather than me asking all the point and learn questions, my nephew took on the role of “reader” and started asking his sister all the questions I had asked him so many times before. We are fortunate to have such a great product line that even our 5 year olds become so engaged they can read and teach their siblings!”
You want to know why direct sellers do what they do? It’s to invest in yourself, others and make a difference, sometimes one person at a time… sometimes one family at a time.
These books are awesome and so is the HoP blog! I have a set and read them to my kids all the time. You can never place too much value on investing your children’s education. Having educational products in the home is an important part of the developmental process. It should not be up to the schools and teachers to take on the responsibility alone. It has to start at home. Thanks Southwestern and all the college students that sell the books to families! This is a service to each community you touch.
This is just what I needed to see. My room mate and I just had a deep conversation about the “why” to life and I had to ask myself just who am I trying to help besides myself? Fortunately, my answer echoed everything I just read
We do a great thing
Brandan – there is no doubt you provice a service to each child, family and community you touch during your summer endeavor. I am proud to work with you and, yes, we do a great thing. Most of all, we do a great thing the right way by tring to always do the right thing.
KAC-thank you so much for your post! As a student dealer myself, it is always so nice to hear back from the families that purchase books from us! Like Brandon alluded to, it really does re-emphasize the importance of what we do and the service that we provide. Thanks again, KAC. I am so happy that you enjoy our books! I will be going on my fourth summer in a few months, and I will be looking forward to meeting more families like you!
Thank you, TAC, for such a heartfelt response that provides encouragement for all student dealers. We look forward to meeting more families like yours (as Lucy stated). In response to Brandan’s and Trey’s reply, I am reminded of the quote many of our leaders use: “it’s hard to be nervous when your mind is on service.”
“We do a great thing!”
Well said Jorge!
We probably should send this to all parents in america that are concerned that we are not looking out for their children’s best interest in our program… I have never felt more cared for and had more support than from my fellow companions in the SW experience other than from my own mother. I feel truly blessed that I received a phone call one evening about selling books. Thank you Bakken for the call, and KAC for the positive feedback!
Thanks Travis! Thanks for taking the same service-minded attitude and sharing it with those you have introduces to the summer sales program!