While I understand there may be people reading for the first time. I invite you to read my Welcome Page ^[1] and learn more about how this blog is about saving money and being an encouragement. These are things I am passionate about.

While I briefly mentioned ^[2] why I thought Nestle may have invited me, let me share something personal with you before you start slamming me and the millions of other Americans who use the brand because we want to save money. Yes, I saw your tweets being negative towards those who were tweeting me during the event to win coupons.

My Participation

Our youngest son ^[3] was born knowing that he would need surgery. I started couponing heavily around the time of his surgery. A year after his surgery we had saved MORE than the cost of our out of pocket, which was quite a lot for our middle class family. Yes, we used Nestle – we also bought SEVERAL other brands because using coupons for those products made my grocery bill considerably less.

Fast forward to today, where my blog is nearly 2 years old. Our son is now healthy (praise God!). Because of the various brands offering coupons allowing us to purchase more for less, we didnt go into debt to ensure our child would have two operating kidneys. I will continue to use these brands in order to save even though our financial situation is different. We choose to put that savings towards causes or ministries that we feel moved to support.

Inappropriate Behavior

The Golden Rule is obviously thrown out the window when people debate online. Honestly, that is why I don’t discuss such items. You cannot change someone’s mind, especially when someone has been boycotting an issue for 30 years. It’s just not going to happen.

Name calling is so juvenile and middle school. We heard we were corporate shills, sell-outs, cheap brand ambassadors, we like *shiny* stuff, we would do anything for a FREE trip, name dropping well-known bloggers as to have their name associated with the controversy in an attempt to bring your message more status. I have a LOT of integrity and for people to make such claims was disheartening. It makes me think that people will do just about anything for a pageview, which is quite unfortunate.

Another good one was discussions about our compensation, or lack thereof, for the event. How is that anyone’s business? Oh, that’s right..it’s NOT!! There is no rule book on blogging ^[4]! Besides, I haven’t seen any market data to say what we, as bloggers, should be paid in the first place!

Even though I disagree with the approach some activisits took to share the cause, I commend you for being passionate about a cause enough to drum up support. There are many who stay neutral on so many topics and don’t want to voice their issues. There were inappropriate comments from many people that were unnecessary and made people lose credibility.

Nestle Key Takeaways

And, some may call this *Corporate Speak* but I don’t see it as that. Nestle admitted their own naivete with the lack of social media presence on Twitter or Facebook. Part of the reason the bloggers were invited was to learn more about the company, but also share our ideas on how they can engage more in social media.

Executives were surprised that the Formula Marketing debate was still as heated. Key word is as – they knew it was there but didn’t realize how twitter could magnify it to the nth degree. Having that information, the first question out of our mouths to the CEO was if Nestle complies with the WHO code for countries who adopt the code. You can see my response in the previous video I shared ^[5].

I understand that many think we were told what we *wanted to hear* and you are dead wrong. We asked questions and we each will choose to decipher the responses as individuals. What I will say is that they gave me responses that were satisfactory to the questions.

I didn’t see these as rehearsed messages either. I have worked with Executive staff, up to the CEO and Chairman of the Board. I think I am good at deciphering the BS (forgive me ;). Honestly, an executive is the great mouthpiece and strategist. It is the employees beneath him/her that take the heat and usually know the more detailed answers. It’s his/her job to hire the talented individuals who know their stuff. We did meet a lot of those people that know their stuff and have passion about this topic. I care more about integrity almost to a fault (and if you read my site, you know that). I met a lot of people who have integrity.

Community Awareness

I am bringing this up in this debate because the claims are quite relatable. Nestle does a LOT for the community. But, I specifically asked what they are doing in other countries to ensure there is clean drinking water. That seemed to be a large issue with the formula issue. But, even leave the debate of marketing formula aside, my larger concern is the lack of clean drinking water. Not just for babies who are using formula but for everyone.

Nestle briefly shared their work they are doing in Africa building wells. They also do quite a bit in the community and Feeding America ^[6]. Again, since we were speaking with Nestle USA, there wasn’t much time to get into the global awareness and we weren’t with the appropriate audience to give us the answers.

The *So What* of It All

Despite what Nestle has or hasn’t done, there are broader issues I see from reading briefly on the claims against the company: childhood education, clean drinking water, mother/baby education. I’m not taking alleged ownership off of Nestle. I’m just saying that if your boycott and twitter storm doesn’t work, find a more effective way to make a difference. If you are interested, check out this massive list with World Vision ^[7] to consider donating funds. I’m sure you have your own organization that would do this too.

Nestle isnt perfect. Nestle didnt profess to be perfect. We asked them the questions that others sent to us when bloggers were attacking us. Nestle offered to answer questions to those on twitter, and even have a phone conversation to answer questions. The twitter dialogue went on and I honestly don’t know if anyone felt satisfied with the responses they were given. I don’t think any of those activists for this cause would be happy with any response, honestly.

Future Nestle Support/Relationship

Looking back, after seeing all the names I have been called I would still make the same decision to attend this event. There, I said it. And, its for the very reason I introduce above: my site is about saving money and Nestle is a brand that I promote each week (if the stuff is on sale and has a coupon, I’m going to promote it).

And, I know this is the part that many are waiting to see and then blast judgements. I use Nestle products and will continue to, and continue matching sales for the brand (and the hundreds of other brands I match) here on this site. My support does not condone any alleged misconduct, my support is for a greater purpose. One that, if you have not been in financial hardship or without hope, you may not understand.

As I mentioned, Nestle supports causes in the US that I support. I see a relationship with Nestle going forward for me – blog aside – to make an impact on my community. I dont know what will come out the event, but I am open to getting support from them for the greater good. I’m not talking about giveaways or personal gain in any of this.

Key Takeaways

• The internet creates false sense of safety for people to behave in ways that would make their mom probably slap them in the mouth!
• People will judge you before they know you.
• People like to provoke irritation. It doesn’t even matter what it is, they will do it. Telling them to *Lay Off PLS* doesn’t work either :)

Again, these are merely my thoughts…as someone who was actually there. As someone who saw the comments in between tweets, gasping to see some people behave the way. I may have tried to make light of the situation, but when people call you a *baby killer* that is kinda hard to do.

Going Forward

At the end of the day, just ask yourself this: are you using your influence and energy to do something productive? Take a step back at the bigger picture and see how you can make a difference. If boycott is the answer, than boycott away! But, find a better strategy and share it with those who are passionate about this topic since their efforts have not worked in 30 years.

After reading some of the issues brought up and you feel called to do something productive to help the world be a better place, dont rely on Nestle. Rely on yourself! I know when I get where I’m going, I cant reason with God that I tried to do *XYZ* and couldn’t because of someone else. It’s all up to how I live my life and being the child that He wants me to be ^[8].

Disclaimer: Nestle did not ask me to write this post, I wanted to write this post! All travel, incidentals and products were paid in full/received for this event. That does not affect the content I share with you here – the views and thoughts are all ME! My disclosure ^[9] can explain anything you could ever want to know about anything that may need disclosing :)