Hi you all, I wanted to post this anonymous but couldn't figure out.
Need opinions, am I being a grouch or rightously annoyed.
The support group I attend, periodically has product salesperson come in touting their products. I guess I'm annoyed that they take up the whole meeting. They don't just speak for 15-30 mins. but go the full 1 1/2 hr.
I find that I miss gabbing, checking in, and welcoming new members because of a sales pitch.
I like when they have speakers ie: MDs, NDs, gov. officials, PhDs.. Always informative.
To have a talk planned on nutrition then find out it is by a salesperson for Juice Plus, or Goji juice is a farce to me.
The last meeting, I missed, was another sales speil and wooo hoo, if enough of people order from the group there will be a discount.
I wouldn't mind a short speil, then the salesman moving to another area, in case someone wants more info, but that's not what happens.
Am I just being a cranky, fart about this? I dread making the effort to go and get hit with a sales pitch.
Posted by hurtingramma (Member # 7770) on :
You are not being cranky! If I went to a support group meeting and found out it was just a way for someone to sell their products, I would never return. There is no support there.
Posted by HEATHERKISS (Member # 6789) on :
You should be warned in advance if it's a sales pitch.
You are there for support not to buy stuff.
I would be miffed........ I'm sure it's a major turnoff to newbies.
Posted by vitch (Member # 8094) on :
Ask the supports group leaders to inform you when the sales pitches are going to be so you can avoid those meetings.
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
If the group is going to have a speaker, the person in charge should tell him how long he has to speak.
Yes, gabbing and catching up with your friends is one of the best parts of the meeting.
Be sure to talk to the group leader and tell her how disappointed you were. She won't change the way the meeting is run if she thinks everyone is happy with it.
Carol
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
Thanks for all your responses. I don't feel like I'm the party-pooper anymore. I did voice my disappointment the last meeting I went to...the so-called nutrition talk that turned into a big sales pitch.
Missed the next meeting and was relieved I didn't bother to go...another sales seminar.
So I think I'll pass on the meetings...too bad since I had introduced about 5 others to the group. I was embarrased since the last meeting I went to I had brought someone new again.
Apparently the facilitators feel they are providing a "learning opportunity." I guess I have a different prespective.
again, I thank you.
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
I wish that people who run support groups (and they are certainly to be thanked for this) would read one of those things that explain the ins and outs of running such groups. This is not the only group that has had problems with structuring time, content, and often it just seems like it is the individual opinion of someone, not based on guidelines or anything.
Realize there needs to be flexibility, but sometimes the leaders are a bit too fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants.
It is a shame for you to have to miss getting the support, if you do need it (and most of us do). I wonder if you could check out sources of info on this subject (like books in library, etc) and mention to leaders. Think the LDF also had a packet of info on this subject (for a price, don't remember how much). If you felt like, maybe you could order this packet and send to leaders, anon if necessary.
If this is approached as being a helpful member, rather than a critic, it might be better received.
Think it might partly be that it is hard to find programs for meetings over a long period of time. Maybe you could help them come up with ideas, or even volunteer to research something and present your findings.
I also think that support groups might have a bit more activism involved, as in a segment devoted to what people can do, as opposed to discussing their illnesses, etc. Some people are uncomfortable with the discussing aspect, and having an action might make them feel less anxious at meetings. Nothing required, you understand, just current possibilities for things that need to be done by someone. In the lyme world, there is always something.
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
great thoughts lou. This group is a political activism group, well known for their actions with the state.
Maybe the facilitators are trying to get member's more involved and imputting, and it's members who are bringing in the salesmen. I don't know and should call to find out...instead of just *&^ching.
I just got fed up and needed to hear from others outside, who have more experience with these type of things.
Posted by OptiMisTick (Member # 399) on :
[ 25. February 2008, 01:32 AM: Message edited by: OptiMisTick ]
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
OptiMisTick,
I definately see your point..and it is the time thing. Again I wouldn't mind 1/2hour then available for more info. You undertand the surprise thing too. It is just a big turn off for new people who just want info regarding lyme, & lyme in their situations, treatment ideas, and encouragement.
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