Written by The Scribbler

For those that aren’t familiar with the MRS. CAB recruiting script, it is an acronym designed to show potential recruits the reasons why women join Mary Kay: Money, Recognition, Self-Confidence and Personal Growth, Cars, Advancement, and Be Your Own Boss.

(Technically, the acronym should read “MRS. CAPGCABYOB” but recruiters were complaining that every time they tried to pronounce it at interviews, targets were hastily dialing their pastors and screaming, “For the love of all that is holy, get over to the Starbucks down on 18th St – the Mary Kay Lady’s resorted to invoking Ba’al!”)

Written by The Scribbler

Check out the following scripted line and let’s see if we can break the record for “Most Heads Simultaneously Scratched!” Ready? Aaand, action!

“We’re looking for women who aren’t the sales type. As an MK Beauty Consultant, you are sharing your knowledge about the products and then taking her order. Women sell things every day: they sell their kids on cleaning their rooms… they sell their husbands on going out to dinner.”

This is a short article designed to illustrate the deceptive recruiting techniques used by members of the independent sales force of Mary Kay. How many of these buzz words and catch phrases did you hear when you were being recruited?

We will go through a “typical” recruiting interview and point out the things that are either misleading or outright lies, using documents that are used by MK consultants.

Step 1: The Set-up

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If this script were made into a movie, it would be titled, “Is there any reason why we couldn’t get your Starter Kit ordered?”  The pushy phrase is shoved into the potential recruit’s face a minimum of three times.

1. Cast the Vision

“I appreciate your time and want you to know that I am committed to building a dynamic team of women who are willing to work hard and want to make money, and you have the character qualities I am looking for in the team I want to build. Mary Kay may or may not be for you, but at least we will know….so I appreciate being able to share with you.”

Probably the most frequent challenge I hear to our real-life experiences with Mary Kay Cosmetics is, “Oh, there’s always one bad apple in the bunch. Don’t judge the entire company by that one person!”

Yet in maintaining this site, I hear similar stories daily. Stories of lying and deception in an effort to get to the top of Mary Kay Inc. I don’t care what anyone says. These incidents are not isolated. I have heard literally thousands of similar stories. Women in MK compromise their morals to move to the next level, get a few extra recruits, or win a prize.

Written by The Scribbler

The “Don’t give her too long to think about it” script featured on Mary Kay NSD Caterina Harris’s website.

At the end of the recruiting interview, Prospect Pam is interested, but needs to “think about it” before making a decision. We hear it all the time. Out of concern that she’s going to feel pressured, do you make the common mistake of giving her too long to think about it? Every hour that passes between the time the interview is held & the agreement/money are processed online (or in your hands) decreases your chances of getting a “yes”, significantly. More than 24 hours is TOO long for you & her not to touch base personally, and really, the best decisions (from the heart) are made within that time frame. The wise recruiter learns not to let the prospect control the follow up process, or it will tend to bog down (no fun) & ultimately lead to a “no”.

It pays big to have “Mary Kay cars” on the road. It costs Mary Kay Inc. NOTHING, and is essentially free advertising. Not only that, Mary Kay knows that the cars make people think the drivers are successful. If they got a “free” Mary Kay car, they must be making lots of money. The cars silently convince the masses that there is success (where none really exists).

Mary Kay Inc. doesn’t want you to take the available cash compensation option, because no one can see that but you. The company wants you to take the car because it advertises for the company, and it is fully paid for either via your team/unit production, or with your copay. The bottom line is that if your people don’t order enough to “pay” for your car, you have to pony up the money with a copay.

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It’s a line that’s quick to be fired off at church, particularly post-service when recruiters are scrambling to grab sharp women and cart them off to the Golden Corral for their unit’s weekly “Onion Rings and Opportunities” event. “Mary Kay puts God first,” you may have heard them gush. “How many companies can make that claim?”

Well, Chik-fil-A, for one, but that’s not the point. As I’ve explained in previous articles, when God is mentioned in Mary Kay, it is the God of the Bible that is implied, in accordance with the faith that Mary Kay Ash practiced. But is God really first in Mary Kay – or is that throne reserved for someone else?

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This script has all of the finesse of a vacuum cleaner salesman inching his way across the porch, inching his way over the threshold, and finally through the front door.

The consultant softens up the prospect by initially utilizing manipulative body language and flattery.  The prospect gets the informational tape/video – INCH.  The prospect is told to watch it within 48 hours – INCH.  If that weren’t enough, the consultant pushes for the Director to be present at either the coffee meeting or the conference call – CRASH THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR.  Even if a prospect tells a consultant, “I want no part of Mary Kay Cosmetics!” you’ll see that such a response translates in IBC-ese to, “I’m just messing with you; give me the “Something More” CD, you cute little screwball!” 

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Mary Kay nsd Pam Shaw shows you how to close a recruit while you are at the event or at the unit meeting by using a leaf dipped in 14 karat gold.

Scrib’s note: Are you a guest at your friend’s unit meeting? Beware – the directors have something extra-special lined up for you at its end, and if you’re not prepared, you’ll be sucked in quicker than a pigeon into a jet engine. Steel yourself, post a guard your emotions, and know before you go!