Vemma is incredibly pleased and proud to announce that Royal Ambassador, Ruth Elliott has been named “Best Entrepreneur – Service Businesses – Up to 100 Employees” in the 7th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.
Hailed as the world’s premier recognition program, the Stevies celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding woman executives and business owners from around the world, and the organizations they run. This year’s winners were announced at a gala event in New York City on November 12. Ruth, who attended the event with her husband Jeff, shares her impressions of the evening.
"Though I am a woman of confidence in the world of network marketing and am known for knowing what to say, I was unprepared for the emotional roller coaster ahead of me that evening. I overheard conversations of scholastic achievements that were far beyond my high school education. The opportunity did not arise for me to share my bio, which includes receiving an F in general business in 1975, but I laughed to imagine the buzz kill of that conversation! I met authors, inventors, engineers who all seemed far more deserving of this award.
"I began to think about what I would say in the 30 seconds allotted for my acceptance speech and I mustered up in my mind a heartfelt thanks to a particular group of people and relaxed. As I watched several awards in earlier categories, I listened to speeches similar to the one I prepared. They thanked people not present in the room and I found myself drawn more to those who shared something personal and began to adjust my 30 second speech. I began to panic in a moment of not knowing what to say. How could I weave in my signature ‘the reason for my call…’ phrase to get me rolling? I could not put my finger on why I felt this type of speaking pressure after years of experience. Part of it stemmed from watching several winners go over 30 seconds to experience the awkward moment that the MC prepared us for. I sat at a table with my competitors which added to the emotion.
"...As the Entrepreneur of the Year award approached, I found my heart pounding but began to remind myself I was honored simply to be nominated. At the moment they called my name as the winner my... goal was to deliver the acceptance speech with poise and sincerity. As I accepted my award, I was overcome with emotion. Once I stepped to the microphone, my mind went blank. Then it hit me; I knew why I was filled with emotion.
"My success story comes from the privilege to partner with the greatest company in the world. The company provides the educational and professional talents that allow ordinary people to make extraordinary incomes. The industry of network marketing provides a level playing field for people across the world to be paid on time, talent and effort. This was why I was a recipient of this incredible gift. I found myself in the company of women from almost every industry and education level, from PhDs to authors and engineers, and yet somehow I won.
"Personally, I don't recall what I said in those few minutes that began with 'Six years ago my husband and I found ourselves starting over financially due to a series of misfortune including medical expenses...but below is my written acceptance speech.
"Thank you BK Boreyko, CEO, Founder and friend for your vision. A special thanks to Brad Wayment and Peter Reilly for believing in me. To Lynn McGovern, and the Creative Marketing Team led by the talented Mark Patterson, and the entire Vemma Home Office staff that collectively make up the gaps in my professional portfolio. I thank God for the unending desire to help others succeed. To my enroller, Lizz Samuelson, to whom I am forever grateful. My husband Jeff, who supports me in my purpose driven life and for the thousands of Brand Partners around the world who believe in the vision of One Team — One Dream! This award is for you!"
"After returning to my seat, I was relieved that I had accomplished my 30 second speech. It was then that Jeff informed me that I was well over my allotted time, but the room was so captivated and moved that I was one of two speakers who were given an extension on the time clock."
"Thanks to all of you who helped make a difference in my life!"
"We congratulate Ruth on winning this prestigious award and are very proud of her accomplishments as a Vemma Brand Partner, entrepreneur and mentor," says Vemma Founder and CEO BK Boreyko. "She is an inspirational leader and we are honored by all she has achieved."
Join us as we congratulate Ruth on her outstanding achievement!
