Leadership Q&As are a series in which selected members of the Think+ community take a few moments to reflect on their experiences, offer advice to their fellow Energy Advisors, and look toward the future of Think+.
These insights from Regional Director John Smith were provided during a conversation in November 2024.
What initially drew you to Think+?
JS: I like the fact that there was no physical product to sell. The company looks out for their customers and Energy Advisors over additional profits. I send my thanks to our corporate leaders, knowing they have our backs as well as our customers'.
How has being an Energy Advisor impacted your life?
JS: The culture of the Energy Advisors and the corporate team has induced a spiritual awareness that I had not experienced in many years.
How has your definition of success evolved since you started with Think+?
JS: The meaning of success is different for everyone. My success story will happen when others say, “He really helped me.” Like all success, that kind of reputation has to be earned.
What are some of the biggest motivators that keep you pushing forward?
JS: The patience of the leadership. The sharing and caring, no matter what your financial situation or rank is. Winning by empowering others. The ability to share a sustainable fundraising program for nonprofits.
What are some non-monetary rewards that drive you?
JS: Being accepted and associating with the like-minded people that I so respect.
What personal goals do you set for yourself, and how do they contribute to your overall sense of achievement?
JS: Financial goal-setting is very hard for me as I have already enjoyed a blessed life. I’ve been re-evaluating my goals. I know my small goals will lead to my big goal, which is to be a senior partner. I’m working on what must be done to reach that goal each and every day.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone considering becoming an Energy Advisor?
JS: That is so different for each individual, but my advice is: whatever your goal, go ahead and get started. Read 15 minutes or listen to 15 minutes of positive affirmation daily, if not more. Call the person who signed you up every day. Your success in reaching your goal will depend on your willingness to be coachable and plugged into the Think Energy systems.
How do you empower and support your downline to succeed as Energy Advisors?
JS: To be available when they call, to encourage engagement, and occasionally run a contest.
What kind of community do you foster within your downline?
JS: This has not been a strong point for me, but I am working on it. Think+ has given me a new purpose, which has greatly enhanced my life in a way I’d like to help others experience.
Share a fun fact or a unique story about your experience as an Energy Advisor.
JS: While staying in Maine with many other Energy Advisors, I had my own bedroom and I sponsored an individual who lived close by. His name was David. David asked if he could come over to the house where we were staying, and I said of course. It turned out that this was the house that David grew up in, and the bedroom I was staying in was his bedroom. That was pretty neat.
What excites you most about the future of sustainable energy?
JS: I believe sustainable energy, as technology increases, will play a great role in improving our environment.
What are your biggest goals for your business moving forward?
JS: My goal is to move to the next rank in the marketing plan and to create momentum throughout the organization for the willing players.
When you think back about your expectations when you just started, what about Think+ has surprised you the most?
JS: Think Energy has exceeded my expectations in every way. Corporate has delivered by always doing the right thing. I’m so proud to have been given this wonderful opportunity to work with some of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
