Use Our History to Add Passion To Your Business!
By Leader Billye Dobosz
We all have many stories to tell every day in regard to things we do in everyday life, things that happened to us and we tend as social people to share these stories that we have passion about and that mean so much to us personally. It has been said that there is power in storytelling and that all stories can really influence and touch others. So, what do YOU see when you look at your Longaberger treasures??
Stain colors? Woodgrain? Cost?? Smell?? I see history, American craftsmanship and family traditions!
As Americans, we are drawn to our own history, traditions and story. Made in USA not only creates jobs here but also tells a story of who we are and where we have been in this country. Dave Longaberger saw this and the story unfolded. As number 5 of 12 children born in the 1930's and 40's to J.W.and Bonnie Longaberger, they each had their duties and often connected to the Father's basket weaving business. J. W. learned from his father and perfected his craft, making and selling several a day to make ends meet.
Baskets themselves were not a new item or concept when Dave Longaberger decided to "rekindle" his Father's art form and talent. They were art forms with function as far back as ancient Egyptians and civilizations of Indian tribes. Made of local materials such as wood, pine needles, straw, string, leaves and feathers to name a few, they served a purpose but were also art forms that could be used for ceremonies and gifting.
Just like knowing where you were when you heard President Kennedy was shot, or where you were on 9/11, you all remember how you first learned about Longaberger baskets, which one was your first purchaseand which one you may have woven first. You all can recall your first Bee, even if THIS is your first Bee and how you made it to OHIO (some of us call it the Motherland) to follow up on your curiosity of why you are so connected and attached to these baskets.
Once you made the trip, or even if this is your first time, you made memories and friends that will last a lifetime and friends that have become family. My first party to attend was a surprise and it was due to the story telling of the Home Consultant. I walked in and saw a display. The baskets took my breath away! It was Oct 1992 and the display was a few core baskets that we sell today, the new pottery place settings, and the Christmas Combo and hostess basket, which was HUGE. These baskets were WOOD, not wicker, substantial, and such beautiful quality and art perfection to me. They grabbed me, but not nearly as much as the consultant's "chat"! Her name was Jane and she started telling the story of a man in small town Ohio who had a hard time getting out of 5th grade, that went on to finish a Father's dream rather than catering to overseas imports. This made me switch my attention from the display table to "her talk" so I would better hear the story.
I was falling fast.This old time story was more than a party to me. It was now sending me to a time gone by that made me feel good.I was hooked. I could not get enough. Now this was before we had home computers to google things and I did not have my first Longaberger story book yet, so I could not go home and research further. I was so impressed by each basket being signed. It was important to me and meant individually crafted not machine produced.
Now, I not only wanted these hand made, signed baskets made in USA but I wanted to know more American history and found myself really excited to "share" the story. I ordered 5 combo sets for gifts that party! I was hooked. I did agree to be the next hostess as long as Jane told more history!
From that party on, I ordered every month with that same friend and we shared the hostess half priced items and or dollars.Meeting the living siblings at Bees for first hand information was my passion. Each one would tell you something different as long as you wanted to listen. Isn't that what we all do really?? We call our best friends to tell stories about our day or share ideas. I was bonded to a product I saw as quality. I felt good sharing the story to remind people to slow down and go back in time, all while endorsing made in USA in times when we started importing and closing USA factories.
One of the best parts about these baskets (not the value, the décor value, the obvious gift, or the husband aggregation) is when you buy a basket you keep an American employed in USA and this helps our economy whether you live in Ohio or not.You need to understand simpler, yet harder rural life. Main StreetUSA life and understand what life in America meant: PRIDE and work ethic. If you can learn here the family story and later read the books, you will see it all differently and appreciate this storyeven more than you already do. GET INSPIRED. Never think your smallest order does not matter. They all add up and people are still employed in USA. It keeps more than a family dream alive. It keeps a piece of American traditions and friendships alive. There is no price tag for these and remember
"YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"
I leave you with an interesting Bee thought. Bees are the largest pollinators. Spread (or pollinate) your stories, share your passion that is dear to you and keep itmade in America to save a job!