Is this the right time?

Some of you have written in asking if these final two months of the year are good to start your Network Marketing business.  Let’s put this straight now and forever.  Yes, yes, and yes.  We are in “Prime Time” right now and will be until December 23.  The next “Prime Season” starts on January 2nd.  that gives you 63 days from today until the next Prime season begins.  Think what a difference it would make to start then with an established business!

Remember, when you start your home based business before the end of the year, your tax deductions for that business start right along with you.  That’s often reason enough not to put it off.  However, there are other reasons as well.

In this economy most people don’t want to use a credit card for holiday gifts.  Additional income created from your new business can provide the freedom to shop without adding to your debt.  Marketing now allows for shopping later.  And don’t tell me you’re not a sales person.  Starting in childhood you’ve been selling.  The reason you just had to have that new toy, new outfit, new whatever was expertly delivered to your folks and you often got it.  Get the picture?  If you’re married, you’re a great sales person!  LOL.

Stave off that February credit card bill by shopping with cash this year.  And, if your new business offers products or services that will benefit your friends and family, this is a great time to make them aware of your business.  Provide them with a discount for their own purchases in exchange for referrals  or even provide them a cash incentive for those referrals that become your partners or customers.  Be inventive and creative.  By the way, if you wouldn’t share your products or services with them, you don’t believe in what you’re doing!  After all, who deserves the benefits of Product XYZ more than those you love?

Well, we’ve covered a couple of great reasons not to delay getting started in your business.  Tax deductions, cash for gift giving, exposure through those you care about.  In my case, we’ll be showing up at the holiday table ready to enjoy (but not overload) those great holiday dishes.  That’s because we’ve been losing weight in preparation for our healthier life together.  We’ve set our weight goals, our lean muscle goals, put our exercise routines (such that they are) in place, and our meals are nutritious and delicious as well as filling.  We’re never hungry.  We’re looking and feeling better every day.  We’ve got a jump start on all the others that will once again join another gym and not use their privileges, shop the next size up because the holiday parties pushed them out of their seams, or simply gave in since it was “…so close to the end of the year and I’ll start in January….”  If you’re thinking like that, STOP.  It’s the right time, we have the right plan, and you’ll get the right results.  But not until you start.  So, what do you have to lose?

Get clear on why you want a business, what having one means to you, what it will give you that you don’t have now, and stop delaying.  Remember: Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.  Time will move on with or without you.   Waiting for the “right time” is like sitting in your drive way with the engine running waiting to be assured you’ll hit no red lights.  If that’s the case with you, turn your engine off, go back inside, get the paper out and look for a j-o-b.  You’re just not cut out for this industry.  Sorry.  But please, do try some of the wonderful products and services we all have to offer.  You may just be amazed!

 

Goodbye 2011. Hello 2012.

As 2011 closes its doors, many of us are licking our wounds.  We find ourselves unemployed, underemployed, short on savings, down on our luck, resentful of the government, and basically angry at the world.  Or, we recognize that we all played a part in the downfall of our global economy and are responsible, to one degree or another, for its revival.  For those of us in the USA, we had become spoiled in our expectations and sense of entitlement.  We had come to believe our own press.  No longer were we satisfied with the “Good Life,” we began to believe we should be given the “Great Life.”  The operative word here is “Given.”  Somewhere along the way we forgot that we are expected to work for that which we have.  Life is not a spectator sport where we stand on the sidelines and wait for our ship to come in.

This lesson is especially true when it comes to Network Marketing success.  Some people foolishly believe that success comes once you sign the enrollment agreement.  Fork over $35 and the riches come pouring in.  Where did they get that idea?  Maybe from us?  In our excitement at the prospect of expanding our base, did we forget to mention the requirements for success?  Did we forget to help them establish realistic expectations for the amount of effort they were planning to put forth?  Did we forget to set up a game plan with them after helping them find their “why” and not remind them along the way what they want from their business on the days (weeks) they chose not to work?  That is our job, ladies and gentlemen.  We are there to guide, inspire, motivate and educate.  When we cease to do that, we cease to earn our money.

I’m not suggesting that we are babysitters.  We are not.  We are not there to make others work.  That is their job.  However, we are there to encourage them not to give up before they start.  We are there to help everyone who wants success, and is willing to work for it, succeed.  After all, when we help others succeed, we achieve success ourselves.

So, how will 2010 be different in your business?  Will you revisit your own goals and strategies?  Will you evaluate your successes and failures?  Yes, I said failures.  I know that’s not very PC today, but we all fail.  It’s the failures that help us identify the course corrections we need to implement.  They aren’t stop signs as much as re-directions.  Don’t fall prey to the idea that the truly successful Network Marketers never fail.  They fail BIG.  They just don’t let that stop them.  They use those failures to propel them into action.  Take a lesson from them.  Use these final days of 2009 to reevaluate and redirect yourself and your business.  Ask for help.  Share your plans with your upline.  Call on them throughout the year to keep you on track.  Make them earn their money.  Become a leader yourself.  Inspire, motivate, educate and guide others.  In so doing you will learn the biggest lesson and earn the biggest reward of all: Helping others feels good and makes you a better person.  Pass it on.

By the way, for those of you wondering what the image at the top of the post is all about, my youngest son is soon leaving for Rwanda to work with orphaned children.  It’s one of his many trips he takes to do good for others.  I ask you to keep him in your prayers.  And, if you’d like to learn more about the not-for-profit organization that he is working with on this project, just head on over to www.RiversPromise.com .  If you are so inclined, he can use any financial support you may provide to fund the trip.  It’s all tax deductible, too!   Whatever you decide, just know that your lousy year that’s about to close wasn’t nearly as bad as that for the child pictured above and millions of others.  Keep things in proper perspective and you’ll find the joy in your life is still there.  It’s in the faces of your loved ones, in the opportunity you have in this industry and in the gift of life.  Open the gift!

Until next time, please leave your comments and know you are appreciated.

Tags: Apple, Business, Facebook, Good Life, Multi-level marketing, Rwanda, Steve Jobs, United States

So, you think you want to be a Network Marketer?

Well, congratulations.  That’s a good, no scratch that, great decision.  The stage is set for you to change your life.  The question is, will it be a good change or a bad change.  The truth is, that depends on you.

You decide how successful you will be in NWM.  Not your company, your downline or your upline.  It’s not the products or the compensation plan that make you a success.  It’s you.  It’s your attitude.  It’s your work ethic.

Now, of course the integrity of the company, the totality of the compensation plan and the relevance and effectiveness of the products all have a role to play.  But, in the end, it’s you.  YOU are your product, your company and your compensation plan.  Are you coachable?  Will you listen and learn the ropes from someone who wants you to succeed?  Or, are you of the opinion that, “It’s ONLY NWM.  How tough can it be?  I can do this with my eyes closed and make a mint in a couple of months!”  That attitude will be your downfall, my friend.  Yes, it’s ONLY NWM.  Yes, it’s simple.  But, don’t kid yourself, this business isn’t for sissies.  It’s not easy.  It takes commitment, perseverance, practice and grace.

Yes, I said grace.  The grace to know that you don’t know it all and never will but the willingness to start anyway.   The grace to recognize that others will help you but you must reach out to them first.  The grace to share the message of your mission but let your upline share the details.  Family and friends often look to protect you from yourself.  That’s why they blow off the decision to move into NWM.  They don’t know what they don’t know about it and don’t want you to know either.  But they often don’t live life as it should be, do they?  Instead of traveling the beaches of the world, they travel the highways to the J-O-B.  Instead of having lunch with their kids at school, they have lunch at their desks.  They are wonderful, kind, well-meaning people who just didn’t have the encouragement needed to take the steps outside the box.  Because, NWM is often considered to be outside the box.

However, look at the numbers.  More and more people are stepping outside their boxes and into NWM.  They usually start part time and, more often than not, stay at that level.  But, they can often earn their full time salary with their part time business.  It doesn’t happen over night.  Not if it’s a legitimate company.  It takes time to build this business just like any other business.  But, it’s worth the time.  It’s worth the effort.  It’s worth the challenges to get to the rewards.  I look at it this way… you have to go to work somewhere.  You usually have to put in at least part time hours to earn anything.  So, why not do it with NWM and see where it takes you?  If you’re like me and my friends, that takes us right to the bank.  Why not you?  Why not now?  Why not with us?

Start learning the ropes.  Start creating your business following.  Start changing your life for the better.  You’ll keep your J-O-B until your business earnings equal or exceed your current salary.  That’s the smart way.  Don’t put financial pressure on your business, expecting it to support you right away.  Ask any business man or woman on the street how long it was before they took a salary.  You’ll usually hear it was one to two years.  No smart business person expects to create wealth in the first few months.  And, you are smart, right?  So, why expect your NWM business to do that?  Overnight sensations are usually years in the making.  NWM cuts that earning curve but doesn’t eliminate it.  Be smart, be ready, be committed, be coachable, be consistent.  Your success in NWM is waiting for you!  Next time we’ll talk about the importance of knowing WHY you want to become a NWM.  It’s a biggie so be sure to come back… and it’s usually not what you think.

Tags: Business, Business plan, Marathon, Multi-level marketing, NWM, Part-time, San Francisco, Small Business

Who’s driving you down the Highway of Life?

Did you ever wonder who’s behind the wheel in your life?  I certainly have.  It happens in most of our lives.  There are times when we let others make the decisions that affect what and when we do things.  Sometimes, it quite innocuous.  Picking a movie, a restaurant, a destination for the day’s activities usually isn’t a big deal when someone else does it.  However, sometimes it’s dangerous.  Sometimes, the consequences are disastrous. When is comes to Network Marketing, it can be costly.

Who decided your profession?  Was it you?  Or, did your parents, friends, or other relatives “encourage” you in a certain direction?  Regardless of who was steering the decision, are you happy with it?  Does it bring you daily joy?  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that not all days are filled with complete joy.  Of course we face challenges.  But, at the end of the day, are you happy you spent it doing the things you did? Remember your time, energy and attention are your most precious assets.  You can’t get any of them back once they are spent and tempus fugit.

One of the areas that often are influenced by others in our lives is when we decide that we want to take a chance on doing something different.  Network Marketers certainly have their share of substitute drivers.  We often experience well meaning others who only want to protect us from the disappointments of life.  It’s funny how they seldom show up when we choose to pursue more “traditional” or accepted professions.  No one encourages us NOT to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, or the CEO of a major corporation.  And yet, those professions require extensive investment in education, internships, and many dollars.  Moreover, there is no more guarantee of success in those fields than in NWM.  Network Marketers who do their due diligence, are coachable and learn from mentors, actually do their work consistently and choose a company with products and a corporate culture that aligns with their values often have earnings that match or exceed those other professions mentioned earlier. And they achieve that with a much shorter learning curve and cash outlay.

NWM is a profession, make no mistake about that.  Yet, because so many practice it on a part-time basis, it is often misunderstood and not given the respect other professions enjoy.  That is a big mistake.  In these challenging economic times, more and more people are taking back the wheel and driving to information meetings about NWM.  These are taking place in all around the country.  There is probably at least one in your neighborhood this week.  In a home, in a nearby restaurant, in a local hotel – they are everywhere.  If you are a confirmed skeptic, I applaud you and ask only one thing of you.  Be an open-minded skeptic.  As such you will be obligated to hear the details and then do your research.  I suspect you will learn some things that you never knew about NWM.  I suspect you will find some of the myths of NWM no longer ring true to you.  I suspect you will find some old friends there, make some new ones and maybe, just maybe, find yourself giving this whole Network Marketing thing a fresh look.  This distribution model has merit and offers everyone an opportunity to change lives, starting with their own.

Tags: Business, DVD, Marketing, Multi-level marketing, Networking-MLM, Opportunities, Resources and Networking, Sales

Where are you in America’s thoughts?

I came across some interesting statistics recently.  First, let’s get them out in front…

1.  Nearly eight-of-10 American adults (79%) know someone who is out of work and looking for a job. Seventy-two percent (72%) say the current job market is worse than it was a year ago.

2.  The Rasmussen Employment Index, which measures worker confidence in the employment market, fell in July to its lowest level in over a year, with 30%  now fearful they will lose their jobs.

3.  The Country Financial Security Index has fallen to its lowest level since February 2007. Only 35% of Americans now rate their level of financial security as good or excellent, while 20% say it is poor.

4.  Twenty-four percent (24%) think it’s better to work for themselves in the current economy, up seven points from 17% in the previous survey.

Well, now we all know what one another is thinking.  Or do we?  While the economics of our country are indeed disheartening with the unemployment rate sky high and everyone it seems watching the talking heads to decide what to think these days, some of us are moving forward full steam ahead.  Why aren’t all of us?

Do you realize that some of the most famous wealthy entrepreneurs were created as a result of the Great Depression?  History will repeat itself.  You can become one of those famous entrepreneurs created in this economic decline.  But you have to take action.  You have to decide what you what to achieve, why and what will change when you achieve it.  You have to decide that you have the confidence (or can build it) to begin.  You have to decide that you are worthy of the wealth created by your actions.  You have to decide that others can decide for themselves, but not for you.  You have to decide to take the correct action to make it all happen.  You have to decide who you want to share this adventure with and approach them with mutual success in mind.  You have to find a coach, someone who’s done it before and is willing to share his or her knowledge and  encouragement with you.

Are you willing to do these things?  If so, what steps are you taking today to make it happen?  What did you do yesterday?  What will you do tomorrow?  What will you change because without change, nothing will improve.  The change begins within us, in our hearts and minds.  It then moves the mountains around us.  Our enthusiasm is contagious.  Our commitment is impressive.  Our actions are persuasive.  Our results speak for themselves.

Find your passion.  Find the company that compliments your passion.  Perform your due diligence.  Find the company and the products that you believe in.  Find the compensation plan that honors you and your efforts.  Find the executive team that matches your integrity.  Find the leadership that excels at mentoring both those within and outside their teams.  And then, take action.  Don’t sit on the sidelines waiting for your world to collapse and then start looking for all these things.  Do it now before it’s actually a necessity.  Do it now while you can because after your world changes you may be too afraid.  Do it now.  Be courageous.  Be proactive.  Be the change in your world that you expect others to bring to you.  In so doing, you become the change others are looking for and the light they need.  Be your best self.  Become the successful entrepreneur that lands you in the history books!

Tags: Business, Entrepreneur, Great Depression, Labour economics, Management, Organizational Change, Unemployment, United States