When you get frustrated searching for a free assignment, remember this....

Contributor: js250 js250
It happens to all of us eventually, no products to review for a free assignment. Or at least not ones we would like to review. And yes, it is frustrating, but the important thing to remember is that the items are not a concession but an opportunity. I stopped to think a few weeks ago and have a few things that I want to share.

1. The free assignment is an opportunity, not a gift.
2. Get active, earn points to buy an item.
3. I have furthered my career by writing for EF.
4. There are more opportunities to contribute and be productive. Use them.

How about you? A few tips and things we may want to keep in mind so we do not take the opportunities for granted?
01/22/2013
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Contributor: Twinkies03 Twinkies03
Quote:
Originally posted by js250
It happens to all of us eventually, no products to review for a free assignment. Or at least not ones we would like to review. And yes, it is frustrating, but the important thing to remember is that the items are not a concession but an opportunity. ... more
It's always important to remember that even if you don't see something right now then something will come up. We all go through our spells where we can not find anything worth reviewing, but eventually the diamond in the rough shows up. Regroup and keep at it, things will work out
01/22/2013
Contributor: K101 K101
Quote:
Originally posted by js250
It happens to all of us eventually, no products to review for a free assignment. Or at least not ones we would like to review. And yes, it is frustrating, but the important thing to remember is that the items are not a concession but an opportunity. ... more
It's pretty frustrating because it's not only that I struggle to get an assignment, but I have many students who I'm desperately trying to keep a wishlist (of POSSIBLY available products) updated for them, but they are being turned down DOZENS of times. I think every single EF member is having this problem. I don't think it's something that is occasional anymore. Some of my students are getting upset with me over it, and that is why I'm most annoyed by the entire situation.
01/22/2013
Contributor: shorejen9 shorejen9
I'm pretty open to what I will review and there isn't anything right now but that's okay. I know I will keep checking and something will pop up in time. I don't think I'm searching right though based on some people's posts. I have only without reviews and with. I cannot figure out how to search for open for new reviews or how you search for just new or older products.
01/22/2013
Contributor: Breas Breas
Quote:
Originally posted by K101
It's pretty frustrating because it's not only that I struggle to get an assignment, but I have many students who I'm desperately trying to keep a wishlist (of POSSIBLY available products) updated for them, but they are being turned down ... more
Your students are getting mad at you? That's not cool.

As far as I know (don't quote me because I could be wrong) sending students assignments is not a requirement for a mentor. Out of all the students I've had, I've only given assignments to a few. I let my students know that they can review products they already have or they can purchase products with their points. I also tell them that once they become an advanced reviewer, they can request their own monthly assignments. The majority of my students have been fine with this. Maybe you can recommend to your students that they purchase a small item with their points. It shouldn't take more than 2 weeks for a member to accumulate $5.00 worth of points.
01/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by Breas
Your students are getting mad at you? That's not cool.

As far as I know (don't quote me because I could be wrong) sending students assignments is not a requirement for a mentor. Out of all the students I've had, I've only given ... more
As far as I know (don't quote me because I could be wrong) sending students assignments is not a requirement for a mentor.

It is a requirement. You don't have to find the assignment itself, but every student should be offered two free assignments by their mentor. The only exception is advanced reviewers, they must use their own monthly assignment or purchase product to review with their mentor.
01/22/2013
Contributor: charmedtomeetyou charmedtomeetyou
I just went through this with a student, and it was pretty tough finding something. I agree that I don't really care about finding a monthly assignment for myself, but not being able to find one for students is a bit of a pain. When they read through the student information it says they will be offered products to assign, and when they look through and can't find anything and get long lists turned down time and time again, the mentor is the one who gets the brunt of their frustrations. I haven't had anyone super annoyed, but they do get frustrated.

That being said, I know it works in cycles....and there will be dry spells. I'm grateful for all the free things I've gotten from Eden. So...yeah, that's my bit on that topic!

Also, the ironic side of me loved that you quoted the "don't quote me on this" part of the previous post, Stormy.
01/22/2013
Contributor: *Camoprincess* *Camoprincess*
I usually check the "Upcoming Products" and the New Additions as well as the product search for myself. As for my students I offer them the opportunity to go search for their assignments. I point them in directions for items that are usually low on the review end. I don't do a lot of searching for myself so I am not going to make a list for them to choose from, that may sound mean or harsh but I don't know what they want an I don't want the blame when I recommend an item that is denied.

Sometimes I get frustrated when I can't find anything but that is life new things are added almost daily so when I am due to get an assignment I head to those 3 places first.
01/22/2013
Contributor: Breas Breas
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
As far as I know (don't quote me because I could be wrong) sending students assignments is not a requirement for a mentor.

It is a requirement. You don't have to find the assignment itself, but every student should be offered two free ... more
...really?

Why would it be required if the student has an item they want to review, already purchased and in their hands?
01/23/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by Breas
...really?

Why would it be required if the student has an item they want to review, already purchased and in their hands?
What the problem is is that there are some mentors who absolutely refuse to request an assignment for someone who doesn't already own something, forcing them to spend out of pocket. That's just not fair and kind of defeats the purpose of the program. If they already own product, of course that's what they need to review.

But, a mentor saying "no I won't offer you an assignment if you don't have anything" is like a teacher saying to a student, "I won't educate you because you don't have pencils and paper".
01/23/2013
Contributor: charmedtomeetyou charmedtomeetyou
Quote:
Originally posted by Breas
...really?

Why would it be required if the student has an item they want to review, already purchased and in their hands?
It's not required that they review a free item, it's required that you offer to request something free for them.

They can turn it down, and that's fine, but we have to offer.

I have it go both ways. Sometimes students are already set for things to review, and sometimes they come to the class with nothing and need to request something right away.
01/23/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by charmedtomeetyou
I just went through this with a student, and it was pretty tough finding something. I agree that I don't really care about finding a monthly assignment for myself, but not being able to find one for students is a bit of a pain. When they read ... more
Also, the ironic side of me loved that you quoted the "don't quote me on this" part of the previous post, Stormy.

Ha, didn't even realize that until just now...
01/23/2013
Contributor: charmedtomeetyou charmedtomeetyou
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Also, the ironic side of me loved that you quoted the "don't quote me on this" part of the previous post, Stormy.

Ha, didn't even realize that until just now...
It's the little things that make me giggle!
01/23/2013
Contributor: shorejen9 shorejen9
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
As far as I know (don't quote me because I could be wrong) sending students assignments is not a requirement for a mentor.

It is a requirement. You don't have to find the assignment itself, but every student should be offered two free ... more
Well that's interesting because I was not offered a single free assignment from my mentor ....
01/23/2013
Contributor: Hummingbird Hummingbird
I just enjoy sharing my experience. The discount is just an add on perk but would review even with out the incentive. Matter of fact everything I've review were things I purchased except one and believe it or not, that is the one I failed most on, it was just too similar to a previous product I had reviewed and didn't know what else to say about it.

No, I'd rather review items I purchased, I do a better job that way because I have a bigger stake in it. Just as I paid in full for my teeth implants and take care exceptional care with them, the same goes for reviews I do on items I purchase. The points received for just doing the review is in my opinion good enough for me.
01/23/2013
Contributor: Trysexual Trysexual
Interesting. I never got a free item(s) as a student. Never could find anything available. I just did reviews on things I had already purchased and moved on. You just have to be patient and jump on things when the opportunity rises.
01/23/2013
Contributor: indiglo indiglo
Quote:
Originally posted by charmedtomeetyou
It's not required that they review a free item, it's required that you offer to request something free for them.

They can turn it down, and that's fine, but we have to offer.

I have it go both ways. Sometimes students are ... more
Right! I always offer (since that is required) and I also explain to my students that it can take a while to find a free product to review. So then I tell them if they already have an item, it will be quicker for them to review what they have already - but I make quite clear that they can choose to get the free item if they prefer... it will just take longer and be a bit more work.
01/23/2013
Contributor: GONE! GONE!
I only go after products I want anyway now. I'm happy to wait for something I know I'll really use so it doesn't bother me when there aren't any yet.
01/24/2013