"Net" nuggets- Marketing in the new Millenium.

A day in the life.......

2006-07-19T21:27:00.000-03:00

The other day I met an incredible person. A person who has very much influenced my development in the industry through his teachings. In fact, he has impacted on so many lives in the industry that he most certainly is responsible for the person I have become through my mentors. Just for a moment, I was in awe. I could feel the creeping shyness of my childhood, that feeling that comes from knowing you are in the presence of someone with superior knowledge, insight, or power. That feeling was quickly shed as we fell into the comfortable rhythm of conversational exchange. I forgot myself, and the book I have on my shelf, fingerprinted and dog-eared, written by this incredible man. I forgot, for a moment, that I have struggled, forgot the down line woes, and the people who "can't". I forgot the thousands of no's and the hundreds of "inactive's". I engaged in a very real conversation with a very real person.

When I hung up the phone, I pondered the exchange, turned it over in my mind, and examined it from all angles. I found the meaning, for me, in that very simple exchange. You see, so often we hold ourselves back from true potential because of our own definition of self-worth. How easy it would be to hold back because of awe or fear or ignorance. How easy it is for so many, to hold back from opportunity in relationships or business success that is meaningful.

Learn to be open and accepting of all that the universe places before you. There is value and joy in every experience, however fleeting. Every moment of our lives provides a unique opportunity to experience and learn, to share, give and receive. Ours is not to judge the purpose, but rather to open up to possibilities. The purpose will reveal itself in time.

Live life to the fullest. Give generously, receive graciously, love people and be true to yourself. Everything else will look after itself.

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist an author, mentor and trainer to the home business industry.

Build a Global Business- Forums as a Marketing Strategy.

2006-03-12T12:11:00.000-04:00

The dilemna-- where to find and connect with networkers on the International scene. How do you get exposure for your self and your business, and connect with people all over the world?

First, let us examine the trend that brought you here to the reading of this article.

The Internet

People are rushing to the internet in record numbers. The internet allows people to travel the world at the click of a mouse, and is launching Network marketing on a growth path that is exponential.

People are realizing that they can literally grow a global business from their living room. Network Marketing just got easier.... or did it?

Well, it certainly sounds easier.

But like anything, a little knowledge, and a strategy goes a long way.

The easiest way to get exposure in a global arena is to hang out with like minded people. People who share a common interest. That is true for anything but it is especially true in Network Marketing, where the success of your business depends on "word of mouth" promotion.

While there are many ways to grow an online business, forums are the logical choice for most people, for a number of reasons.

Here is what forums provide:

- A "virtual water cooler" environment where people can gather and exchange information.
- A community of people interested in the topics being discussed. These people are all there for a reason, and while it is true that most of them are promoting their own business, they are also reading your posts, and many of them will join you if they like how you present yourself and your company.
- A place for new people to ask questions, and a place for experienced people to provide answers, and establish credibility.
- Fresh content (which the search engines LOVE). This means a number of things... it means your posts will be indexed by the search engines, you will get your websites linked and indexed, and you will have an increasing amount of traffic for you opportunity, all without having to do a ton of work.

Forum Etiquette.

Before you rush out "willy-nilly" and start posting your ad on MLM forums, understand that forum regulars are very protective of their "coffee room". Forum posting, and the credibility that can come from it requires a certain amount of strategy, and a bit of dedication.

Want to make forum posting a viable way to grow a business? Follow these steps.

1. Introduce yourself.. a bit about you and your company, your successes etc. No advertising, just straight forward information.
2. Read the posts, find some that lie within your area of expertise, and offer advice or a solution.
3. Use the "signature" in your profile and allow people to "come to you" Most forums provide you with the opportunity to place a link to your website in your profile, and include a link in your signature. If you provide helpful information people will recognize you as a leader and look at your business info.
4.Read the forum rules before you jump in. The best forums have posting guidelines, and it is important that you know what they are. The regulars will be much happier with you if you take the time to do so.

Follow these guidelines and you will meet MLMers that you will develop long term relationships that will ultimately take your business all around the world !

Shelley Penney is a full time networker, author, mentor, trainer and "pay it forward" practitioner. Shelley is also webmaster of the newly launched CanadianMLM.com forum.
www.CanadianMLM.com

A great new resource.

2006-03-04T00:27:00.000-04:00

www.CanadianMLM.com

Personally, I love forums. They are "virtual water coolers" as a friend of mine so succinctly put it. Many people within this industry are lacking basic knowledge and information that will help bring them to the success they desire. They are hungry for mentorship, friendship and encouragement.

So, in the spirit of helping, this forum was born

It is the start of a full MLM resource, and I invite you to jump in and participate.

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist an author, mentor and trainer to the home business industry.

Stop Losing Sales- Build your own website !

2006-02-25T23:18:00.000-04:00

I have been saying (and practicing) this for over a year now.... ok, well I am little slower than SOME ! ! You need to have your own personal website if you are in the direct sales arena. Read this very well written article taken from Direct Sales News.

If you are in Direct Sales, you may not realize how many sales you are missing by not having a website of your own. Rep websites aren't usually indexed in the search engines, and most can't be personalized completely.

Let me give you an example of why it's so important to have your own website. I searched for "Watkins Vanilla" on Yahoo, Google, and MSN.

- On Yahoo, Watkin's company page was #7 in the listings. Ranked before them were reps with their own website.

- On Google, the company page was #5. Again, reps with their own websites ranked above them.

- MSN was the only place the company website was #1. However, following the company site were several personal websites.

Here's another term I searched: "Tupperware catalog" (which according to Word Tracker is searched over 300 times a day). On Google and MSN, Tupperware's company site wasn't even on the first page of results! On Yahoo it was the first, but of course personal websites followed.

So what does this mean to you? It's simple - there are millions of people searching for YOUR business or items from your business ever day. By having a personal website, you aren't lost in a sea of other rep websites in the search engines. Even the simplest of terms can work their way to the top of search engine results, in many cases giving you more free traffic than you can handle!

Of course, once you get those visitors there it's up to you to turn them into customers. The best way to do this is getting them on your list. More about newsletters next week.

So if you don't have a website already, start making plans now to build your personal website today!

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About the Authors: Kara Kelso & Anita DeFrank are two busy wahms, and the owners of Direct Sales Helpers. For more Direct Sales Success Tips, visit: http://www.directsaleshelpers.com/newsletter.html
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The Lead-ing edge...

2006-02-22T19:00:00.000-04:00

There has been much discussion recently on the MLM and Home-Based business forums about "leads". Of course it is a topic that comes up over and over.

"Leads" are the lifeblood of our business. A "lead" is a loose term to describe someone who may be interested in your product or service.

Of course you can generate your own leads both in the physical world via classified ads, radio ads, flyers, face to face networking, or you can generate leads in the virtual world via google ad-words, search engine optimization or internet marketing via splash pages or "lead capture" pages.

Many people simply do not have the resources or expertise to generate leads in this fashion,.. and that is where the "lead broker" comes in.

There are many "lead companies" out there, but only a very few that actually generate their own leads. They do so by simple forms that compel a potential buyer to provide information such as email address, phone number, physical address, and perhaps some more specific questions.

These "leads" are then distributed to the people who have purchased them. They are, in many cases, sold over and over and over. They are sold to other clients, sold to other lead companies who in turn sell them to other clients, and perhaps to other lead companies, and so on. It is not unusual for someone to be receiving contacts even 2 years after they originally filled out the online form.

As you can see, in many cases the "freshness" of the lead is important. Leads that are delivered in "real-time" are the freshest possible lead... their information is delivered to your email address literally the minute they submit their information. These are my second choice for the "best" lead.

My first choice is the telephone verified lead. The lead generation company has the leads filtered through a call center. The staff in the call center phone each person and verify that they did indeed fill out the information on the form, and that they are looking for a particular product and service. Only then do they send on the information to the client. This, as far as I am concerned, is the highest quality, most responsive individual you can get.

Expect to pay between $4.00 and $8.00 or more for this type of lead.

Once you have the lead information, it is up to you to make the most of the next steps.
What ever you do, DO NOT pick up the phone unless you are armed with some basic phone skills. Remember that once you have a voice on the other end of the phone, this "lead" stops being a lead and becomes a warm blooded human being with eeds, wants desires and dreams.

Your job is to relax, develop a connection, and provide information only if the two of you feel it is a good fit.

I use this very simple opener when calling leads:
"Hi Mary, this is Shelley Penney getting back to you. You recently filled out a form online requesting information about a ome business. I was calling to see what you had in mind when you filled out that form. Is this a good time?"

This is a great opener...... it shows respect for their time, and also opens up the conversation. It takes them away from any crisis that may be happening in their home right now, and brings them back to what they were interested in when they filled out the form in the first place.

Listen carefully, ask a few more questions to get to know them, and then say, "Mary, I don't know if what I am doing would be a good fit for you, but this is what I would like. I am going to give you a link to a website. You can check it out on your own and I will call you tomorrow and get your questions answered. How does that sound?"

Simple and effective...... Happy building !

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist, trainer and consultant to the home based business trade.

Long Distance Sponsoring.

2006-02-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

~Build Internationally Without Leaving Home.~
originally published at http://go-global.ws/blog.html

Many "old-time" networkers will still tell you that you must grow your business face to face. If you want to develop a large group you have to "be where the action is".

I really feel that the technological boom has given us all the tools we need to build a global business without ever leaving home. Don't misunderstand..... I am not saying that the old way is no longer relevant. In fact, exactly the opposite is true as far as networking skills are concerned. You need to develop acute communication skills to grow an international network marketing business from home. If you have the right tools, though, the face to face meeting is seldom necessary to develop trust.

More people every day are hitting the internet looking for the right home business opportunity. They are actively seeking an alternative to the 9-5 grind, and the "middle income poor" job that is not going to see them through their retirement years. These people are reaching out to you, and you need to be ready to help them feel comfortable enough to make a decision.

You need some tools before you start working.

You will need a phone with a good long distance rate. My phone plan has a flat rate for unlimited North American calling, and for over-seas calling I use www.goldline.net - they have the best long distance rates I have found. Of course many people are switching to V.O.I.P. technology, but personally I am waiting just a wee bit longer for the bugs to be ironed out.

You should also have a compelling website that presents your business and products in a professional way, and it is helpful to have a recorded business overview you can 3 way your contact into to hear a 3rd party presentation. Also, have a strong relationship with a reliable business partner who you respect, and that you can call on to do a 3-way "answer questions" session.

Steps to take ~ a simple formula....

The First call~ Be prepared to take some time during the first call to develop rapport. It is important that you are relaxed and in a conversational mood. Make the call from your office, or some other quiet place, away from the baby crying and the dog barking. The first time I speak to someone I might only be on the phone a few minutes, but I am prepared to be there for half an hour if necessary. The goal of the first call is to find a common ground, get to know one another, and lead your contact to the next step in the evaluation process.

First, I introduce myself, and make sure this person has a few minutes to speak with me. Then I tell him/her the purpose of the call, which is to share a bit about my company, and help them decide whether they want to look more closely.

Then I simply ask a few questions. "So tell me about you..." "Do you work?" "Children?" "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" Get to know you questions that I actively participate in. In other words, I do not just start peppering them with questions. I am looking for a common ground. Something that I can relate to, and that they can relate to me. The true key to successful phone relationshipping is to simply pretend that you are face to face. It is nothing more than that, but it does take a particular skill.

Practice projecting your personality over the phone line. Smile when you are talking and genuinely interact as if that person were sitting right in front of you. Nod, shake your head, gesture with your hands, and actively participate. Make sure you take notes so you remember what is important to this person you are speaking with. Never forget you are speaking with a real person with real wants, needs and dreams.

Don't be in a hurry to talk business... lead your prospect to it. When you are both feeling comfortable with each other say, "you know, I really like you, and I think we might get along well together. I don't know if what I am doing would be right for you, but I would love it if I could let you listen to a 3 minute recorded call. Do you have 3 more minutes?" Then 3 way them to the call. When it is done, ask, "did you hear that alright?" Chances are she is going to say, "Yes, I did. tell me more about that." This is your opening to send them to your website. I simply say, "I could give you more information, but I have a website that says it far better than I could. When do you think you would have a chance to look at it?" "Great, how about if I call you back tomorrow and get any questions answered."
Send a follow up email~ "Thank you so much for taking the time to meet me. I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow at 7P.M. and answering any questions you may have.
The second call~ This is when you introduce your business partner. You should already have made an appointment with your business partner for a 3 way call. Call the potential business partner at the scheduled time. Refer to your notes, and ask something related to what was said, ie. "How is your son doing. Is he feeling better?". Then lead into the call... "I took the liberty of booking my business partner to answer some of your questions. I told him about you and he is really looking forward to speakimg with you." 3 way to your business partner, and make sure you do proper introductions. The proper and professional way to do this is to first introduce the prospect. Refer to your notes, and say what she does, what she is looking for, and why you like her. Then introduce your business partner, say what he did before, what kind of success he has found, and why you feel he is a great person to answer the questions. Then just sit back and listen, and take notes. At the end of that call, your business partner should ask... "Is there anything else you need to know to get started".

Now we all know that things rarely go as easily as that. My policy is to expect the common "long distant" objections and questions and be prepared for them. So what kinds of things can you expect? Here are the most common ones that I have faced, and my solutions.

I need to try the product~ Excellent, If I can have your mailing address I will get some samples out to you right away. (I have 50 or so sample packs in envelopes ready to mail. I just address and send the next day.)
How will I get trained~ I will mail you a binder of information, we have training calls once a week, an interactive website with training, and links to all kinds of audio, video and text material to teach you everything you need to know. I am also available by phone when you have any questions.
How will I present to my friends~ If you gather them in a room and use your flip chart, you can get me on speaker phone, and I can do the presentation until you are comfortable doing it yourself.
What do I do if I can't answer a question~ Call me. If you know ahead you will be speaking with someone, book me ahead of time, and I will make myself available. We also have a network of team members that you can call on if I am not available.
I need to know everything before I can share it~ Not at all... all you have to do is use the tools available to you. Did you see how I shared the information with you? I used the recorded call, the website, and my business partner. I really didn't give you any of the information myself. You have the same tools available to you as well.
I don't like using my credit card online~ That's not a problem. Our company accepts money orders.

My business has grown to 7 different countries in the past year, and I have strong teams in several states and provinces in North America, and I have never left home except to attend our international convention. Nothing thrills me more that to meet one of my team members for the first time at a convention, and continue, in person, the relationship we have developed long distance.

Put this simple formula to work for your team and build it around the world !

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist, trainer and consultant to the home based business trade.

Goal setting.

2006-01-20T00:45:00.000-04:00

What better discussion in January that that of goal setting.
The following artice is tremendous.
I couldn't have said it better myself !

You Gotta Have Goals....
by: Robert A Crutchfield
Kingdom Relationship Ministries

I’ve always found it interesting that a ship cannot be steered unless it is moving at a certain minimum speed. Those who navigate everything from small to massive ships call this “steerage.” Steerage is the exact point at which choosing a ship’s direction becomes possible. Of course a ships’ pilot also has charts, other publications, and a variety of tools to help him know in great detail where the ship should go. As people goals are what give momentum and motion to our movements, goals are how we know where to go, how far we have been, and how far we have yet to travel. Goals are the human equivalent of the navigators charts,and tools.

Where do we get our goals ? The best goals come from within ourselves. Goals that come from external sources are rarely truly motivating, or effective. Goals also require some thought. Developing good, life changing goals requires digging deep into what really means anything to you, and what you genuinely want to accomplish. I want to spend the rest of this article discussing some things you should look for in goals that will have true power in changing your life.

GOALS SHOULD BE ATTAINABLE
By attainable, I mean goals have to be realistic. After all goals are a tool to use in achieving success, they are not meant to be pipe-dreams ! Improving your sales 500% in the next year for example would be an example of an unrealistic goal. On the other hand a 20% sales increase may be very much within your grasp.

GOALS SHOULD BE SET HIGH
Look at our previous example. A one year sales increase of 20% could look pretty good if last year sales,were flat. The same 20% increase in sales would look pretty pathetic if last year,sales doubled. Only goals that are set high will drive you to success. Whatever you are trying to accomplish your goals should be set toward the top of what is possible not the bottom. At the same time don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t always make it all the way to your goal. In fact if you always easily make your goals, I guarantee you aren’t setting them high enough !

GOALS MUST BE MEASURABLE
“ I want to sell more widgets.” or “ I want more free time this year.” are powerless goals. “I want to spend 8 more hours a week with my family.” is an example of a goal with life changing power. It is specific, identifiable, and measurable. You in fact will be able to know the exact moment this goal is reached. What a rush ! Try this, show your goals to a mentor, coach, or colleague. If they can’t tell you exactly what you want to accomplish without further explanation, revise your goals.

GOALS MUST BE PERSONALLY MEANINGFUL
Making more money won’t drive you to success if what your really want is more time with your family. Goals that matter mean more to you than anybody else. They are tied directly to what you want, to what makes you happy. If you cannot get absolutely passionate about your goals, if they don’t have you jumping out of bed in the morning, they’re wrong. Other people may be able to define your goals if you let them, but they will never be able to define your true happiness. Without what makes you truly happy, you can never be truly successful.

GOALS SHOULD HAVE VARYING TIME HORIZONS
Powerful life changing goal making involves short, mid and long term goals. Different people have different ideas on the time frames involved, but here is how I look it. Short term goals can be accomplished this month. Mid term goals can be won within a year. Long term goals are things like earning a college degree, that can take more than a year to attain. Its also important that at least some of your short, and mid term goals build on each other to reach your long term goals.

GOALS NEED TO BE VISIBLE
Making goals will not do any good if they get shoved in a drawer, or buried on your hard drive somewhere. Make a list of your goals and put them somewhere you will see them at least daily. Better yet put each goal on a separate index card, and post them all over the place so you will constantly be reminded of one goal ,or another. All of us take in way to much of other people’s garbage everyday. Why not counter this “negative programing” with reminders of what it it that you want ? Want to do even better ? Get yourself an “accountability partner.” Somebody you trust , and share your goals with. The best accountability partner would be somebody with similar goals. If your really lucky you can find a mentor who has gotten what or where you want. In fact this does not even have to be a single individual. A support group, or personal “board of directors” would have an even more profound, powerful impact on your ability to reach your goals.

GOALS NEED TO BE REGULARLY REVIEWED
Circumstances change, goals get achieved, new opportunities crop up. Beyond all this we can’t loose sight of the fact that goals are intended to keep you focused, motivated, and moving forward on those things you use to define your personal success. Short term goals should be reviewed at least monthly. All others need a good going over every 60-90 days.

CONCLUSION
Its nearly impossible to get what you want, unless you know where you are, where you are going, and how to get there. That’s why everybody needs goals. Good, powerful goals are the roadmap to your success, no matter how you choose to define it. Believe me, nothing creates more powerful more life changing goals than beginning with what you want the most. Search your heart and figure out what that is. Find out what it takes to get there. Develop high, specific, meaningful, goals you can be passionate about daily. Then all you have to do is, go get it tiger !

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robert A. Crutchfield is President of Kingdom Relationship Ministries. He works as both a minister and a life/success coach. He is a Brainbench Certified Trainer, and holds the Competent Leader designation from Toastmasters International. His articles on a variety of subjects have been read in dozens of countries. For more information and a free personalized report to help with your goals, visit him at www.kingdomrelationships.org.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 8 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home. There are openings. :-)

I don't want to "sell" to my family.

2006-01-17T22:46:00.000-04:00

If you've been around the industry of Network Marketing, Multi-level, or direct sales for any length of time, you know the drill. Make a list of your friends and family, and start calling them.

Many people simply don't want to do that. I know what that feels like. I remember starting fresh in my new business, and being afraid to talk to my loved ones. They knew that yesterday, I didn't know anything at all about cosmetics, and now all of a sudden I wanted to "teach them".

Reason's why not to speak to friends/family

They might feel "obligated" to buy.
They might laugh or discourage me.
They might feel like I am harrassing them.
They might say no.
They might say yes. :-)
They might think........... (your objection here)

Well, I certainly thought all of those things, and as a new distributor I was on shaky ground in the confidence department. I didn't know much about the products, or the compensation, and I didn't know how to handle objections. I certainly didn't have the successes behind me to prove I could succeed.

Here is what I have come to believe.

I believe that if I have something that could help my Mom's diabetes, I am obligated to share that with her. There are many "wellness" products out there that have real-life testamonials of efficacy. If they have helped "someone" they could help a "loved one. Doesn't Mom have a right to the information?

If my sister is fed up with her job, and I believe that I have a way that she could make a change for the better, I am obligated to share that with her. Network marketing has allowed me to walk away from my job and provide for my family at the same time. Doesn't my sister have a right to that information?

These are adults. They have a right to evaluate the information and accept or reject it, just like you did. You don't have to attack them at every turn. But surely they deserve a chance.

Let me ask you this.... If you knew that your friend, the nurse, was unhappy with her job, and you heard that the doctor's office on your street was hiring, would you call and tell her? Of course you would. And if she said that wasn't what she was looking for, would you be devastated? ......... I didn't think so.

The problem lies with in ourselves. Network marketing success is tied to others. In order for us to succeed, we need people to say yes. So we emotionalize that need and make it about us. All of a sudden there is importance attached to the answer, because if they say yes good things could happen for us.

Stop..... think very carefully about what I am about to say.

The success of your business does not depend on any one person. If this one person says "no" then nothing changes for you, or them for that matter.

Take yourself out of the picture for a minute.

Try this approach..... "Mom, I care about you very much, and I am concerned about your diabetes. I know of a product that has helped a lot of people, and I would like to give you some information to read, so you can see if it is something for you" All of a sudden, it's not about you"selling" your family, it's about providing information so she can make an informed choice. If she reads the information and decides against it, then at least it was her choice.

Or how about this....."Sis, I can hear how frustrated you are with your job, and having to leave your children with a babysitter. I might have a way that you could spend a bit more time with your children, and still bring in the income you need. I think it wouldn't hurt to look at the information. Would you come and meet my business partner and just hear what he has to say? It might not be for you, bit I think it is worth a look." Now you aren't "earning commission from your sister", you are showing her that there might be a better way.

I didn't approach my friends and family because I wanted something from them, I approached them because I care about them, and I respect the fact that they are adults who have the right to evaluate what is or isn't right for them. Some of them joined me, some became customers, and some were very happy right where they were. all of them have remained my friends and family members.

Work your business in service of others, and just watch what happens to your business !

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 8 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

MLM Opportunity: The 7 Hidden Things to Look for...

2006-01-14T03:35:00.000-04:00

and MUST HAVE in an MLM Opportunity.
~by doug firebaugh

If you are looking for a good or the best MLM Opportunity, and really do not know what to expect or pursue, then this article can help you know what to look for, and what to demand for your future.

It doesn't matter if it is a franchise, retail store, real estate agency, or MLM opportunity, you should embrace and become a part of only what you deem worthy, and demand that your future deserves the best and you will not settle for anything less. There is an MLM Opportunity waiting for you, and it is the one you really want.

But there are some hidden things that you need to look for, and demand from Your MLM opportunity. Not everyone looks at these things, and if they had, they would have had a different outcome in MLM.

Here are 7 hidden things to look for that you MUST HAVE in an MLM Opportunity:
1) MLM Opportunity - Timing.
Timing is everything in an MLM business. You need to make sure that timing is good for the company you are looking for, and timing is good for YOU. Is the company experiencing growth and momentum? Or is it going through a slow time that could slow you down? Is it succeeding in the marketplace, or struggling? There is a growth curve to MLM Opportunities. Where is it along the curve? That will determine a lot of the future potential of rapid growth.

Timing in the marketplace is everything for you. Look at the market trends (anti aging, technology, skin care advancements, legal product improvements, insurance product advancements, weight loss advancements, etc) and see if the mlm company has products that contain ingredients or technology that are being talked about in the media. This alone speaks volumes of where the company is in the timing curve.

And how old is the company? If it is too young, it could fold, and if it is too old, it could be stale, and living on past Successes, not current. But there are some older MLM Opportunities that stay current with their approach to the marketplace. My suggestion is start looking for an MLM Opportunity that is at least 3 years old.

2) MLM Opportunity - Seriousness of Owners.

This is a Million Dollar Question: How serious are the owners about a LONG TERM business? If you are going to build a business for your future, you need to make sure that the owners are as serious about your future as you are. There are some that are not unfortunately.

They may talk about it, but you need to SEE it. They need to make sure they make decisions based on long term growth, not short term profits. This is a key sign to look for. Talk to people and see if they have made any recent changes to the compensation plan, or the requirements to qualify for your check, or consistent changes in product pricing.

If they have, and it is not the first time, beware. They are thinking short term profits. Owners that are serious, have proven to do what they need to do internally, in house first, and only as a last resort take money from the field. And ask around, and even see if you can talk to one of the top earners, or one of the owners themselves.

3) MLM Opportunity - Product Uniqueness.

Does the mlm product you are looking at have a one of a kind reputation? Does it have a unique marketing proposition?

Is it a truly unique product, or honestly, just another "me too" product or product line? Me too products can fade from view in the marketplace quickly in MLM.

Your products MUST be unique, and no other quite like it. Yes, there can be many skin care, weight loss, make up, nutritional products out there, but the product you are considering must have a unique "sizzle" to it that sets it apart. There are many vitamin products, but what does the product have that makes it unique? This is a HUGE test for long term product viability, as well as what the next products will be like.

An MLM opportunity may have products that come across as sleek, sexy, and hot. But if they are not unique, they will have a limited life span in MLM.

4) MLM Opportunity - Idiot Proof Training System.
A good MLM opportunity will have a training system that can be used 24/7 and can train anyone anytime, anywhere. It does not replace the role of the sponsor, but a good training system will train the new distributors quicker, and with more impact.

This is a brutal truth fact: Most sponsors do not train their people. That is just the way it is, and I wish it wasn't like that, but it is. Ask anyone who has been in MLM for a while. They will say the same thing, if they are honest. That is why that a good training system, including training manuals, cds, online training, and live events and conference call training is a must. That gives the new distributors a "menu" to choose from and to start getting their training immediately.
And it must be step by step. If the MLM opportunity has these things, or working on them, that is a great sign that they are serious about their field's success.

5) MLM Opportunity - The Better Business Bureau Factor.
Simply, in a good MLM opportunity, there cannot be a lot of complaints with the BBB. It is that simple. Yes, you will always have disgruntled distributors, that is part of the business. But a lot of complaints from all over on shipping, getting their checks, refunds, products, legal challenges, all must be considered when looking at an MLM opportunity.

Every company I know of that has had massive MLM Success, has had some things against it with the BBB. But they all were minor, and not really of the "you should be concerned" type.
If the complaints are consistent, and current and fresh, then you need to really look into that, as where there is consistent smoke, somewhere there is a fire.
Make sure you do not get burned with that fire.

6) MLM Opportunity - Is the company "product and customer focused?"
Understand this: Without customers, there is no business. Without good products, there are no customers. Without either, there is no use to look any further.

A company MUST be customer and product focused, but business driven. It is the customers and their purchases that create the volume for the MLM company. But it is the distributors driving the message out to the masses that creates the business vehicle. But it ALWAYS needs to revolve around creating a massive customer base, with a great downline helping to build that army.

Check on the MLM opportunity you are looking at, and if they are more business focused, and the products are a mere mention, then you may want to seek an MLM Opportunity somewhere else. Lots of loyal customers create wealth, not one time up front hits of volume, as that eventually goes away.

7) MLM Opportunity - What kind of people does this company attract?

This is HUGE. I have seen so many good companies that have attracted people who want to become scientists, and not distributors. They want to become Ph.Ds, not build a wealth producing business. Some MLM opportunites attract people that are more focused on short term gain, then long term stability. Some companies attract mostly the older crowd. Some network marketing companies attract mostly people under 30.

You MUST have a mix. Not too heavy on either. Why? Overall market viability. Today's MLM opportunites that are going great guns, appear to have a great mix of ages, and the average age is not too young, but yet, not too old. This is a hidden factor that speaks volumes of the MLM opportunity.

Too much youth, or too much grey, will slow any company down over time.

These are 7 Hidden things you MUST HAVE in the best MLM Opportunity. Check them with who you are looking at, and see where they stand, and how they add up.
Yes, these things are what most people do not look for, and my suggestion is you do. They speak volumes about your future with an MLM opportunity.

You will be so glad you did in the long run, with your best MLM Opportunity.
Blessings...Doug (c) _2005/ all rights reserved
http://www.passionfire.com
http://www.passionfire.com/pf_heat_7.html
Doug Firebaugh is one of the top MLM Network Marketing Trainers in the world. Over a million people a month read his training ezine. He spent the last 7 years traveling the world speaking and training on Success. He lives in Birmingham Michigan, and you can receive a FREE subscription to his training ezine- The MLM Success HEAT- at: http://www.passionfire.com/pf_heat_4.html and http://www.passionfire.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doug_Firebaugh

Eight Choices

2005-12-16T23:21:00.000-04:00

...That Will Change Your Life Forever
by Chris Widener

The direction of our lives is determined by the choices we make every day. They accumulate and add up to our ultimate destiny. Here are eight choices you can make - choices that will create for you a life of abundance and prosperity in all areas of your life.

1. Choose to grow personally. This sounds simple but many people only wish to grow personally. They never choose to grow by taking action, such as actually exercising, saving more money etc. Make a decision today to be a person who is on the never ending journey of personal growth.

2. Choose to always treat others right. We come across all sorts of people, many of whom will treat us poorly. We can choose to treat them right, no matter how they treat us. When they lie, we will tell the truth. When they cheat, we will play by the rules. We may get the short end of the stick some times, but in the long run we will win. And most importantly, we will be able to sleep at night.

3. Choose to break a bad habit. Take the biggie first. Tackle it head on. If you don't know what it is, ask a friend. Then spend every effort you can to break that habit. Forget about the others, as you will get to them later. Stop smoking, get out of debt, loose your excess weight. Exercise the power to choose!

4. Choose to work smarter. Many people I work with feel like they are out of balance. One of the first things I do is try to find out how much time they are wasting at work, which makes them work longer, which throws the rest of their life into chaos. Getting your work done by diligently working in the time you have will free your life up extraordinarily.

5. Choose to see your work as a way to help others, and not a way to make money. If you put your heart into helping others, the money will most assuredly come. Spend time helping others grow and your finances will grow with it.

6. Choose to become balanced spiritually, emotionally and physically. Our lives are best when we have these three major areas in balance. Spend some time cultivating your spirituality, becoming emotionally healthy, and physically fit.

7. Choose to sow more than you reap. There are many takers in this world, but our lives will be better as we become givers. The world will become better as we become givers. Give away your time, give away your money, give away your love.

8. Choose to get home for dinner more often. The family is the most important group of people you will ever belong to. Make a decision today to grow in your relationship with your parents, siblings, spouse and children. This one choice you will never regret.

One of my favorite quotes: "The history of free men is never written by chance, but by choice - their choice." Dwight D. Eisenhower

*****************************************
"There is no better opportunity to receive more
than to be thankful for what you already have.
Thanksgiving opens the windows of opportunity for
ideas to flow your way." Jim Rohn

*****************************************

Subscribe to Jim Rohn's WEEKLY ezine here

This article was submitted by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business
Philosopher. To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine go to
www.jimrohn.com or send a blank email to subscribe@jimrohn.com
Copyright (c) Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Power of One.

2005-10-17T21:47:00.000-03:00

This is where it all starts.

One person with a dream that is bigger than she is,
and the determination to see it through.

One person who seeks out a mentor,
and devotes themselves to learning.

One person who finds a passion within.

One person with a "can do" attitude,
who gets to work.

One person, one team, one purpose.....

The results are astounding.

One of my mentors of a few years ago used to say,
"if it is to be, it is up to me".

I never really understood that.

I resisted it, because I felt that it wasn't up to me, entirely.
I was at the mercy of everybody on my team, wasn't I?

If they didn't do anything, I still couldn't get where I wanted to be.

This is what has changed for me.

Now I see very clearly that it truly IS up to me.
I stopped worrying about what other people would or would not do.

I started concentrating on my own personal activity.

And working with the people who needed me.

I became much more selective, seeking people who had a dream and a work ethic that matched my own.

Interviewing instead of begging.

Presenting instead of convincing.

I now truly understand, and the results are absolutely astounding.

If you want to break through the barrier that has kept you from success, understand this simple principle....

You can not control the actions of others.

You only have that power over yourself.

Understand that if you don't like the look of your team,
You must change what you are doing.

Only then will you truly break the barrier that is holding you back,
and stand apart in that top 3 %.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Make a good choice....

2005-09-23T22:46:00.000-03:00

...and recommit EVERY day.

Well this is the longest time I have gone without posting.

It's not that I have been in a creative vacuum, not at all !

I have been building a new website-- it will be a bit before I am ready to unveil it, but you will be the first to know.

This activity, the energy of creating something, has inspired me to dream again.

In researching my company for accurate information, I am sold all over again on Lexxus International and our Go Global vision. (That's just a little hint about the new site. ;o)

That thought brings me to the point of my writing. It has occurred to me why it is so important to read about your company, the management, the big stars, the products and the vision. In fact it is absolutely crucial to your success that you sell yourself on your business every day.

You see, this industry is full of pitfalls, and dream stealing traps. There's a tiger in the bushes, and a wolf on the street corner. Distractions, and fears, that can throw you off track when your enthusiasm wans.

There are many reasons why you started your business...right? Whether you have been with your company for a month or a decade, you should be able to count those reasons off one by one.

Part of keeping yourself focussed on your goal and your reason has to include a daily supplement of company related "energy". You need to immerse yourself in the "culture" of the industry until it becomes a part of who you are.

Here's what I do to stay on the bubble.

Attend ALL meetings and training calls

Phone my upline sponsor daily

Listen to the stories of success

Search for and read articles written by other networkers

Read a chapter daily from a personal development book

Participate daily in Networking conversations. (my area is woefully shy on network marketing success stories, so I meet up with some of my friends in an MLM forun

Attend ALL company conventions and events.

Seek out an upline mentor.

Teach what I have learned to others

I know, without a doubt, that the company that I work with is by far the best choice for me, and for many other people, and I resell the vision to myself every day.

Now having said that, how do you know if your current lack of success is a company or support flaw, or if it is you. Let's face it, you don't always make the right choice the first time. The first thing you need to understand is that what you thought might have been true as a new distributor, may just turn out to be "smoke and mirrors". It is important to give yourself permission to change your mind if it turns out that you made a bad choice, but it is also important to know the difference.

Here are the things that should be in place to help ensure your success in the business you are in.

Training materials that are easily accessible and free.

Strong upline support. Somewhere in your upline there needs to be someone who is willing to dedicate a little time to your success.

Consumable products that are of the highest quality, in great demand, and affordably priced.

A system for introducing new people to your company and products that is easily duplicable by the greenest of new distributors.

A management team that is focussed on growth, and the distributors in the field.

A company vision that is in alignment with your own ethics and standards.

A solid compensation plan that is easy to understand and explain, and easy to work for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike.

If all these things are in place, and things are still not working out the way you had planned or hoped, then it is time to call (or find) your mentor and ask for some coaching. If any of these things are lacking, then it may be time to look around for a stronger company.

Whatever you decide, chase your dream, work diligently and with focus for what you want, and have fun along the way.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Network Marketing 101 - Pick Your Partners

2005-09-12T20:27:00.000-03:00

My friend Dave Stone of NetWork Marketing Today has a series of essays "in progress" called Network Marketing 101 Feel free to visit his blog when you are finished here! You will find practical, ethical advice from an industry peer!
NetWork Marketing Today

Here is Dave's latest installment.

I can remember being new to Network Marketing. I can remember being excited about my program and products. I believed that EVERYONE would want to sign up into my business. I recall the anxiety associated with the first phone call made to invite one of my friends to a presentation using the dreaded "curiosity approach". I recall my first dose of the harsh reality of network marketing after facing several "no's" or "is this a pyramid?" or "is this MLM?" or the worst one, "is this Amway?". I was thrown to the wolves and I was handed my hat.

Many new marketers that step into the arena may find themselves with these all too common experiences. At first, it is all about survival and endurance. Some don't live through their first rejection before they move on and quit. Some are a bit tougher and may face multiple rejections but eventually succumb.

I experienced many negatives and became frustrated that my business wasn't growing as quickly as I wanted. I sought out coaching from my uplines and any training I could that might make the journey a bit more enjoyable and rewarding.

I continued to plug along, had some meager success but found I was still far from my selected goals. Looking back on this time (hindsight) I now understand that I had fallen into the trap of letting my potential partners choose me. I believe this was evident in two ways.

First, I had taken the rejection personally and this began to wear away at my self-confidence. This revealed itself through the lack of conviction in the words I used and the tone of my voice. I was seeking people that would be committed but yet my manner did not display the exact kind of commitment that I was trying to attract. I received exactly what I was broadcasting.

Second, stemming from my confidence issues, I would prospect and present my program in what I can best categorize as "white noise". I have heard it said that inside a dog's brain is a constant stream of low-level static. That was me. Nervous chatter and way too much "telling and selling". If you need to convince people to join your enterprise, they may enter but not of their own commitment. These same people will need a higher degree of assurance and continued convincing through every activity or adversity. This, in most cases, will generate high degrees of negativity for YOU. You will find yourself spending otherwise precious, productive hours coaxing and consoling and coercing and convincing and counseling because your team signed up on YOUR reasons.

You should assess the strength of your business by the strength of those that are joining you. They may not match your level of commitment or dedication. They may not match your intensity and drive. They may not match many other attributes but, I believe, the one element that you should seek most of all is desire.

You may yourself have limited skills but if you possess an UNLIMITED DESIRE, you can and will accomplish anything you set your sights on. This is what you should also be looking for in your prospective business partners.
-Dave Stone, NetWork Marketing Today blog

What to do when you just don't want to.

2005-09-08T23:24:00.000-03:00

Network marketing is work just like any business. We are constantly battling apathy, hype, and a poor reputation. It is definitely character building, and many people give up out of frustration or discouragement. The true leaders in this industry knows how important it is to work, even when you don't feel like it.

The KEY is to work a plan and hold yourself accountable to it.

You need to plan your work, and follow through.

If you are working an MLM or network marketing business, planning your work
is critical to your success. You need to make a clear, quantifiable and executional plan for your day, your month and your year. As well, you need a long term projection, let's say 5 years.

PLAN YOUR WORK

1. Set your goals. Your goals need to be measurable. That means very specific, and when you reach them there is no doubt. i.e. "I want to make more money" is not a measurable goal. Substitute instead with "I want to earn $5000 a week"
2. Write them down. On paper, in pen. List your goals in order of priority.
3. Make a plan of execution. Figure out on paper exactly what you need to do. For example, how many distributors on your team, on autoship, how many new team members, will you need to accomplish your goal. Then ask how many people will I have to put through the system to accomplish that. How many calls will I have to make per day.
4. Now write your daily plan of action.
i.e. Monday contact 20 new people.
Tuesday contact 20 new people. Follow up with people from Monday that visited website or requested more information.................

Make a full schedule of work, recreation, family time. Mark it all on the calendar with different colors signifying different activities. i.e. Green ink= money making activities. Red ink = spouse or partner time ...

Then put down what the expected results are.

Make yourself accountable. Send your plan to your mentor, or share it with a loved one. It is easy to let yourself down, but not as easy to disappoint someone you respect.

WORK YOUR PLAN

Now, get to work.

There will be times when you don't FEEL like working.
But the fact that you have a schedule, and someone who believes in you will help to keep you on track. Once you have established a routine, the work is much easier. Before you know it, you will hardly need to look at your schedule to know what you have to do.

Working your plan sometimes means working when you don't feel like it.
Make working your plan a habit.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Treat your business like a business!!

2005-09-07T16:34:00.000-03:00

Treat Your Business Like A Business
By Shan Eisler

Business Builder Extraordinaire
Wife, Mother, CEO

One of the truly remarkable benefits of direct selling is that it can bind your family together. For that to happen, the first sale you must make is to your family members. They are part of your business, too, and can be a tremendous help if you let them. Key to making that sale is your commitment to making the business work for you. I found I had to be very creative to balance and fulfill all my commitments.

My kids were five and six when I started. I made a large Smiley Face sign and a Stop sign to post on my office door. When I could be interrupted, I put up the Smiley Face. When I was making calls, I put up the Stop sign. The kids understood and supported me, even though they were small.

My kids had two sets of toys. The premium, really fun stuff came out when I had the Stop sign on my door. These special toys were put away when the Smiley Face went up. A favorite was an easel and art tools. We were careful to prominently display their art in the kitchen so they got recognition for helping to build Mommy’s business.

I paid a neighborhood teenager to come in and play with my kids during times the Stop sign was up. This way, I was accessible to them but could focus on work until they needed me.

I enlisted the help of my husband early on. This wonderful man has taken on much of the work behind running our home. To help that happen, we agreed on specific tasks that he could do to allow me the time to grow my business.

Managing Your Time and Resources
Open your business every day. In direct selling, you get to decide whether you are employed or unemployed every day. You are only employed if you are open for business—doing the things required to conduct business.
I found out early on that I needed to have a fairly detailed schedule for integrating family activities with work. A clear idea of what needed to happen allowed us to make sure the family was fully cared for, even when deeply involved in business.
You need to figure out whether you are a morning person or a night person. The best hours for your business doors to be open are from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. These are the hours when you can work with people. If you are a morning person, do your paperwork in the morning, before 9 A.M., if a night person, do your paperwork after 9 P.M.
I also did the math and found that if I was earning $35 per hour it didn’t make sense for me to do my own cleaning if I could pay someone else $10 per hour to do it for me.
I plan menus by the month. On the evenings when I need to be out, or if I have a heavy afternoon’s worth of work, we enjoy crock-pot meals. This way, I have no wasted time wondering what to feed the family and meals are served on a regular schedule.
I never shop for office supplies. Most office supply stores deliver if you order online or by phone.
I have learned to think before making a commitment. My immediate response is “Let me get back to you.” I then weigh the time costs of accepting a commitment against the emotional costs of declining, and then make a final decision.
My children are now 18 and 19. Far from feeling neglected, they have both thanked me for working in my direct-selling business from home and teaching them a strong work ethic. By working from home, we have always been there for each other.

Today’s Actions for Family and Business
Are you treating your business like a business or a hobby? Gain your family’s support by:

Taking an action that expresses your appreciation for their support—special toys, outings, or other rewards.
Closely managing your calendar and keeping everyone in the family in the loop about expectations and plans.
Increasing your productive hours by taking advantage of free and inexpensive services such as delivery and babysitting.

Thanks to the author! This article is featured at MLM.COM
A great site for articles, discussion forum and resources!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Pay attention to the details!

2005-09-04T14:04:00.000-03:00

A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida to thaw out during one particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the very same hotel where
they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.

Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel.
There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife.

However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, he sent the email.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister of many years who was called home to glory following a sudden heart attack. The widow decided to check her email expecting messages of condolence from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she fainted.

The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: 16 January 2005

I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.

P.S. Sure is hot down here!

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist an author, mentor and trainer to the home business industry.

Where are you going?

2005-08-28T22:59:00.000-03:00

This is Sunday. Tomorrow is the start of a new week, and in a few days we will be into September.

School will be open soon, vacations over, and people all over the world settling back into their daily routines. What does that mean for us in the Home Biz Market?

It means that we are entering into the biggest boom of the year!

Why? People are back in "work" mode. They want extra money to cover what they spent over the summer. They have more time with the children in school. They want to earn a little money for Christmas. There are all kinds of reasons why, but the fact is, there are more people starting business right now than at any other time of the year.

So what are you going to do about it?

You can either work hard for the next three months, or you can continue to do what you have been doing. Either way, that won't change the industry statistics. People all over the world will be starting a business at the rate of some 8000+ a day.

I heard something on a conference call the other day that has fueled my fire.

The speaker said, "what you do over the next 90 days will determine your income for the next 2 years!"

So what are YOU waiting for??

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist an author, mentor and trainer to the home business industry.

The Time to Act: by Jim Rohn

2005-08-28T20:48:00.000-03:00

Engaging in genuine discipline requires that you develop the ability to take action. You don't need to be hasty if it isn't required, but you don't want to lose much time either. Here's the time to act: when the idea is hot and the emotion is strong.

Let's say you would like to build your library. If that is a strong desire for you, what you've got to do is get the first book. Then get the second book. Take action as soon as possible, before the feeling passes and before the idea dims. If you don't, here's what happens...

- YOU FALL PREY TO THE LAW OF DIMINISHING INTENT -

We intend to take action when the idea strikes us. We intend to do something when the emotion is high. But if we don't translate that intention into action fairly soon, the urgency starts to diminish. A month from now the passion is cold. A year from now it can't be found.

So take action. Set up a discipline when the emotions are high and the idea is strong, clear, and powerful. If somebody talks about good health and you're motivated by it, you need to get a book on nutrition. Get the book before the idea passes, before the emotion gets cold. Begin the process. Fall on the floor and do some push-ups. You've got to take action; otherwise the wisdom is wasted. The emotion soon passes unless you apply it to a disciplined activity. Discipline enables you to capture the emotion and the wisdom and translate them into action. The key is to increase your motivation by quickly setting up the disciplines. By doing so, you've started a whole new life process.

Here is the greatest value of discipline: self-worth, also known as self-esteem. Many people who are teaching self-esteem these days don't connect it to discipline. But once we sense the least lack of discipline within ourselves, it starts to erode our psyche. One of the greatest temptations is to just ease up a little bit. Instead of doing your best, you allow yourself to do just a little less than your best. Sure enough, you've started in the slightest way to decrease your sense of self-worth.

There is a problem with even a little bit of neglect. Neglect starts as an infection. If you don't take care of it, it becomes a disease. And one neglect leads to another. Worst of all, when neglect starts, it diminishes our self-worth.

Once this has happened, how can you regain your self-respect? All you have to do is act now! Start with the smallest discipline that corresponds to your own philosophy. Make the commitment: "I will discipline myself to achieve my goals so that in the years ahead I can celebrate my successes."

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

Reproduced with permission from the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine.
www.jimrohn.com

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist an author, mentor and trainer to the home business industry.

The 4 phases of Network Marketing.

2005-08-25T17:15:00.000-03:00

This article comes from Best MLM Resources blog Thank you to Michael Lemm.

....The Four Phases of a Network Marketing Career....

To achieve your goals in network marketing, you will need to develop a long-term viewpoint. Keep in mind that the results of the work you are doing this month will show up next month. What you do this quarter will pay off next quarter. Your efforts this year will determine your income over the next few years. You have to get the momentum going and keep it going week after week, month after month, and year after year.

Here's the bottom line: you need to cherish each day as if it's our last day. Cherish every month as if it's your last month in this business.

You cannot live on last month's production. It's up to you to take responsibility to build and maintain momentum. To make your business grow and flourish, you need to set an example and develop Leaders in your organization.

We're all in the right place at the right time, but that does not mean you will automatically get the prize. You still have to work for it and maintain a positive attitude about what you can accomplish. Tear up that list of all the reasons why you can't succeed in this business.

In this training session, I want to cover the four phases that a distributor typically goes through in this business.

This information is important for everyone, but it's especially crucial for those of you who have been in network marketing for a while. If it seems that you have hit a plateau in building your business, you can get "unstuck" as soon as you understand this process.

The first phase is the PRODUCTION PHASE, in which you retail and recruit.

Many distributors recruit a few people and then quickly move into phase 2, the MANAGING PHASE. In this phase they spend most of their time managing their new recruits rather than continuing to retail and recruit.

The problem with being a full-time manager is that the people you sponsor will do what you do, not what you tell them to do. So guess what happens when you become a manager. Very quickly your top producers also move into phase 2, just as you did. Now you find yourself moving into phase 3, which is the OVERSEER PHASE.

At this point, you may feel really important. You certainly cannot be expected to retail and recruit, as you need to oversee the managers who are managing their producers. Right?

Because distributors do what you do and not what you tell them to do, you very quickly move into phase 4, where you become the OVERSEER OF THE OVERSEERS. Now you are overseeing the overseers as they manage the managers of the producers. Here's where you are likely to begin hearing critical comments about the managers, the company, uplines, and so on.

As an overseer of overseers, you may have large numbers in your group, but your check is getting smaller instead of larger.

Let me share with you the secret of becoming truly wealthy in this business.

Before I tell you how to get un-stuck and move forward, I want you to know that I've been there. I was in the overseer phase for a while, but I was blessed to discover that I needed to get back to doing the basics over and over again and make it the central focus of my DMO (Daily Method of Operation). During the first year after making this discovery, I enjoyed the fastest growth of my entire career.

Here's the secret: you and I and all of the people we sponsor need to stay in Phase 1, the PRODUCTION PHASE where you retail and recruit all day long. This is the phase where you get up early and work late, and your people are doing the same thing because they do what you do and not what you tell them to do. We need to keep doing the basics over and over again and to duplicate our efforts by "Tell, Show, Try, Do." First, you tell your new recruit how to do it. Then you show your new recruit how to do it as you lead by example. Next, you have them try it on their own, and then you make sure they have the know-how before you encourage them to go out and do it.

It's up to you how long the training process takes, but I would recommend that you keep it simple and limit it to 90 days. I see people in this business who have been training the same individuals for years. I think that's too long. That's not how you establish momentum. To keep your motivation high, you need to get momentum going quickly. Being in this business for longer than a year without momentum will drive you nuts, and you won't have a success story to share with your new recruits. When you have momentum, everything becomes easier.

To build momentum and avoid wasting time and energy, I look for three ingredients in a person before I will start working closely with them:

1: They need to have a burning desire to change and succeed.
2: They need to develop good work habits and a positive attitude.
3: They need to be prepared to invest in their training, leads, and
marketing costs, and they need to be teachable.

In return for their investment of time and resources, I will supply them with my leadership, direction, and support. I'll assist them closely for 90 days. I will not do the building for them. I will not stack downline, as it makes people lazy and is not duplicatable. I'm available for three-way calls and personal consultations.

There's one key phrase that applies to the Production Phase, and that is All-Out Massive Action. You need to be willing to sacrifice the little things in life for what is truly important.

Treat network marketing as a business, and keep it simple, easy, magical, and duplicable.

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist an author, mentor and trainer to the home business industry.

Reach out- add a personal touch.

2005-08-19T09:48:00.000-03:00

There are so many things that hold people back from success, and they are almost without exclusion, related to fear.

The people who acknowledge the fear, and do it anyway, are the people who end up with the most success.

This week, while working with some of my team members, I have encountered a very real fear that seems to be much more prevalent than I initially thought.

The fear of connecting with people.

My training with team members includes how to develop a connection with the people you want to work with. It involves picking up the phone and speaking to that individual. A relationship of trust is developed in person, and that is a very valuable thing.

The internet has automated much of our business, and given people the opportunity to expand a business in the global arena, and that is great, but the people you attract on the internet are attracted to a capture page, or really great ad copy. There is absolutely no reason for them not to move on to the next best thing. The key to your success, and theirs, will be the personal touch.

Let me give you an example. One of my team members has a very good personal website. His site talks about his success in the industry and how he can help you find the same success. It is a very compelling site. Yesterday, he received an email from a gentleman who had happened across this website. In the email, the gentleman shared a little about his life and work, lack of time freedom, etc, and asked for help to get out of that grind. My team member asked how he should proceed, and of course, my answer was, "Pick up the phone, and call him right away."

That reply was met by silence. Then he asked, "Why couldn't I just send him a link."

EEK!! This man took the time to share some very personal things about his life, and desires. He took a step and reached out and asked for help. Now he needs to hear a voice. You can not develop a relationship exclusively over the internet. People receive hundreds, and in some cases, thousands, of emails in a week. There is nothing to distinguish your email from the others. The Internet is a really great place to make an initial contact, but my business partners need that personal connection in order to align themselves with me and my mission. They need to have a reason to continue in the face of challenges. They need to be able to ask a question, get an answer, and then ask another question. They need to be able to hear the sincerity in their voice, and find a connection. None of these things can be done effectively without picking up the phone.

Fear of picking up the phone is much more prevalent than I initially thought, and is of course, directly tied to the fear of rejection. How do you help someone overcome that fear?

First, you need to understand that MOST people are more than happy to hear from you. I personally make, on average, 20 cold calls a day, and very very rarely have someone hang up or get upset. I am not emotionally attached to the reaction I receive. Let me ask you this... Would you hang up or get upset, if someone called your home? Well of course, some of you answered yes to that, but I am willing to bet most people said, "No, of course not." Human beings are a very social species, and we have been taught manners, (well most of us, anyway :-) ), and most of us enjoy hearing a pleasant friendly voice.

If you are someone who has a hard time picking up the phone, how do you overcome that?

Here are a few strategies to help you get started.

First of all, Know what you want to say, and start the call by giving your full name. I even go as far as telling people where I live.
"Hi Mary, this is Shelley Penney calling from New Brunswick, Canada."
Ask permission, "Do you have a moment?" If they say no, "I am not going to keep you long, is there a better time that I can call?"

"Mary, you recently filled out a survey on-line about working a business from home. I was wondering what you had in mind the day you filled that out."

Now there are several points about that sentence that are important enough to mention. I do not make the mistake of asking, "Are you still interested." I do not want people to have the opportunity to say NO. The fact is, they may not be interested right this minute, but later today, they may be interested again.

I also want to take them back to the moment thay filled out the form, and remember what it was that appealed to them. This will give you valuable insight into what they are actually looking for, and what will motivate them to look at, and/or work with, your company.

After that introduction, I just relax, and be myself. I allow the conversation to take place in a friendly, non-pretentious way. Whether the person on the line is interested in what I have is of absolutely no concern to me. I am not attached to the answer, what-so-ever. I am just having a conversation. This helps me determine if this person is someone I actually want to work with, as well. The fact is, I don't want "just anybody" in my business, and neither should you. I only want people that I like, because ultimately, I am going to be working very closely with this individual to help them grow a business. I want to work with people that I can respect, and will respect me.

Do not allow yourself to become emotionally attached to the answer. If someone hangs up, or says "no" to what you are offering, that has absolutely no bearing on your business. It is not the result of one phone call that will determine your success. It is the daily activity of exposing your business to many people that will ultimately bring results, and the fact is, you are never going to see that person again, if they do not become a part of your business. Whatever they say on the phone in a few minutes, has absolutely nothing to do with you.

Have more phone numbers than you can reasonably call in a session. There is a specific psycological strategy behind this. If you only have 2 people to call, then of course, the answer they give you is going to be much more important than if you have a list of a hundred people to call. You will be less emotionally attached to the reaction, if you are not hanging all your hopes in one place.

Don't feel like you have to have all of the answers before you pick up the phone. It is really OK to say, "That is a good question. I will find out the answer to that and get back to you." In fact, people will respect that so much more than if you bluster your way through, and give an answer, that later turns out to be incorrect.

If you have made a successful call, and you feel good about it, make one more call. Your feeling of success will carry through to the second call, and you will get amazing results.

The bottom line is, while the internet is a great way to meet people, your friends will follow you to the ends of the earth, and your internet business partners will be on to the next big thing. I choose to work with friends.

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist an author, mentor and trainer to the home business industry.

Put the "network" back in Network Marketing.

2005-08-13T10:31:00.000-03:00

Every successful business must have customers.

By it's very definition, Network Marketing is about moving a product through your network. The product in this case is two-fold. There is the physical product that your company distributes for you to sell, and there is the business itself.

Whether you want to be a retailer of product, or a recruiter for your business, you need to have an ever expanding network of people to present either your retail product, or the business to.

When I am working with, and training, people to be successful in this business, the one question I ask is this, "How many new people have you spoken with today?

The answer to this simple question will tell me just about everything I need to know about how I can help this person move forward.

Picture the following scenarios:

Mary, "I am having a hard time selling product"
How many new people did you talk to today?

Peter, "My team isn't growing the way I would like it to."
How many new people did you talk to today?

John, "I would like to be earning $2000 a week."
How many new people did you talk to today?

Ellen, "I don't know what to say to people on the phone."
How many new people did you talk to today?

George, "I want to grow an international business."
How many new people did you talk to today?

Maria, "I have 3 new business partners this week!"
How many new people did you talk to today?

Allison, "I sold $800 in product this week!"
How many new people did you talk to today?

Well, you get the picture.

Based on the answer to this question, I know which areas I need to focus on for training. If my team member is talking to many people a day, and not getting the results I would expect, then this person may need training in the area of presentation. If she is talking to only a few people a day, and getting a sale or a new business partner with every call, then I can learn from her techniques, and perhaps have her do training with the rest of the team.

I work my business full-time. I have a personal goal to speak to 20 new people every single day, 5 days a week. This is completely aside from follow up calls, and team member coaching. New people are people I have not spoken to before about the business or product.

For my business partners who want a part time business, I recommend they speak to no less than 5 new people every single day.

There are an unlimited number of ways that one can find new people to speak to. The bottom line is, whether you are buying leads generated by a reputable lead firm, or generating your own leads through personal or internet contact, you need to make sure you have a steady stream of new people to speak to.

Talking to new people every day helps you grow in so many ways. You have an opportunity to develop interpersonal skills. You can refine your phone technique, develop relationships, gain confidence, try out new scripts. All of things require practise, and through new people you gain valuable experience and insight into your own character, and others.

You learn what works for you and what doesn't, and you also learn much about others, and how different people accept or reject what you are saying. The only way you can gain this valuable experience is by talking with new people.

Success in Network Marketing requires that you have a steady stream of new people to speak to. Put the "NETWORK" back into network marketing, and watch your business grow!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Get motivated, Quit Worrying...

2005-07-31T21:12:00.000-03:00

And Beat Sales Calls reluctance!

Well, I am back from a wonderful weekend, rejuvenated and refreshed.

This article helped me focus! I found it at http://businessbyphone.com. A great site with some wonderful tips for people who do business over the phone.

We all have those "Why me?" days or a case of the blahs
every once in a while -- especially during periods of sustained
prospecting. The key to sales success is keeping your sales
call reluctance temporary and controlling how you snap out
of your mini-funks.

Here are some ideas on combating occasional bouts of
sales call reluctance:

Do things differently
Nothing tastes good when it's stale. Walk down the
same path of grass repeatedly, and you'll kill the grass.
If you continue, you'll create a rut.

Make a list of all the ways you do your job, and then
write down how you could improve your work. It's amazing
how changing your perspective can freshen things up and
help you dig out of your sales call reluctance.

Trade tapes of your sales calls with other reps and managers.
The best reps I've ever associated with are always improving themselves;
they're never satisfied with their level of expertise. And they tape themselves.
Listening to your own tapes is great, and it's a good idea if you are looking
to improve your phone skills. But the most beneficial move is opening
yourself up to being evaluated by others.

Oh, I know most people will dismiss this idea. And I also know most
people aren't even close to earning the money they could if they would
put forth more effort.

Refuse to be rejected.
Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without
your consent." Likewise, no one can reject you without your consent.
If you approach every call with the minimum objective of learning
something from the call, you'll at least accomplish that regardless
of the outcome. Keep in mind that if you didn't have a "yes" going
into the call, you won't lose anything if you get a "no."

Why not do your very best?
To paraphrase Brian Tracy: If you're going to do something anyway,
why not commit to doing it the best way you possibly can? I'm
astounded by the stories of how people will spend hours in line to
see the opening of a movie, or be the first one in line when the stores
open on the day after Thanksgiving. Just think about what you could
accomplish if you applied a fraction of that same passion and energy
to your career.

Don't create difficulty.
After all these years, I'm still perplexed by the salespeople who
create prospect resistance every time they pick up the phone.
Yet they keep doing it. Gosh, even lab animals voluntarily quit
doing things that hurt after a few repetitions. Many sales reps
are ill-prepared or suffer from sales call reluctance, muttering the
same guaranteed resistance-inducing openings and go-nowhere
questions every time.

A participant at one of my recent Telesales Rep Colleges summed
it up nicely: "It seems to me it's really not that hard to do the right
things on the phone, as opposed to the wrong things that keep
getting doors slammed in your face." Bingo. That's the revelation
all successful sales reps have at some point -- like putting on
glasses for the first time after living with bad vision.

Think larger.
How do you know what you can't do? I'm not talking about
what you think you can't do; those are the self-imposed limitations
you've been believing until now. There's very little you're not capable
of doing -- as long as you really try. So set a larger target for
yourself and say, "Why not?" You'll realize what you've been
missing, and you'll be more motivated as you pursue your goal.

Feed your mind.
Often, people are depressed and are reluctant to place sales
calls. They have the same old negative thoughts running through
their minds like a tape stuck on "replay." Breaking out is not that
hard to do; you just need to put your mind in a more positive mood.

Buy some self-improvement books, take them home and get to
work on your mind. After reading a few pages, start creating an
action plan. It's impossible for your mind to be preoccupied with
negative thoughts when you're focused on positive action.

Hang with achievers.
You've probably read or heard that humorous quote, "It's tough
to soar with eagles when you hang around with turkeys." Think
of some of the most successful people you know, those you really
admire. I would bet they don't regularly blame others or circumstances
for things that go wrong. Achievers exude a positive attitude, and
it's infectious. Go catch it!

This Tip came from "How To Sell More, In
Less Time, With No Rejection," two-volume book set.
In these 500+ pages, Is covered every type of telesales
and prospecting call, with plenty of word-for-word examples
of what to do, and avoid, including numerous case studies
like this one. This will be the best $59 investment you
can make in your future sales and commissions, and
help you avoid resistance-inducing mistakes you might
not even realize you're making!
See more information; HERE

Remember the important things in life.

2005-07-30T08:55:00.000-03:00

I am in danger of becoming a working machine!!

I love what I do SO much, that I have some very compelling reasons to work continuously!

It's because when I am working, it doesn't feel like work. I absolutely LOVE talking to new people on the phone. I LOVE teaching others to search for their success. I LOVE learning about the success stories in the industry, and my own company, listening to motivational tapes, devising a new training program, showing my products, marketing on the internet.

It is the love of what I do that makes my feet hit the floor every morning. It is NOT the promise of riches down the road that drives me. It is simply the sheer pleasure of the work!

I embrace the challenges as much as I relish the successes.

I feel myself getting stronger, more confident, and happier every day. My career is like a magnet that draws me closer!

HOWEVER today is Saturday. The sunshine is strong and clear, the birds are singing, my family is preparing a picnic, and the river is calling.

Today will only happen once, and I am going to enjoy it to the fullest!
I will return rejuvenated, with a healthy summer glow, and feeling refreshed from the crisp country air.

The days I spend, together with my family, are important too. They are my "why", the reason that I work with focus and determination.

I've worked hard this week, and what better reward then to enjoy time with the people who matter most.

I will return energized and focussed, and ready to handle the challenges that come my way.

Remember the important things in life

Don't use your family as an excuse to not succeed, use them as a reason to excel!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

If You Don't Have a Home-Based Business, Start One Today!

2005-07-28T22:05:00.000-03:00

By Sandy Botkin

The last decade may have been a decade of tremendous corporate profits and economic growth, but for the vast majority of North Americans, the 90's were a dismal, uphill climb. And many economists believe that this new millennium won't be getting better any time soon.

Why?

Changing business and government attitudes are the reason. There has seemingly been more anti-business legislation in the last decade than in any other this century. Stronger employment and labor laws, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Comprehensive Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA, which includes mandating health insurance for workers for a period of time after they leave employment), safety laws, much tougher laws for discharging workers, more liabilities for lawsuits, Family Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (which is creating immense numbers of lawsuits), along with higher minimum wages and fringe benefits.

Just reading this list is exhausting.

While these acts have beneficial and protective aspects, they have also encouraged businesses to move their facilities. That "sucking sound" popularized by Ross Perot is not just down to Mexico, but elsewhere as well. The result has been a dramatic loss of heavy industry in the U.S.

The young and the middle-aged alike are realizing that their dream of "having a job with a company forever" is an illusion. Companies have been downsizing, rightsizing, and capsizing for some time now, and they continue to do so-more now than ever before. Even the federal and state governments are getting into the act with layoffs and attrition of jobs.

In addition to all this uncertainty and mutual lack of loyalty between companies and employees, even the workers who do keep their jobs have no guarantee of promotions due to the shrinking number of management positions. These circumstances aggravate the already tryingly long commutes in rush hour traffic and increasingly typical frustrated boss-spelled backwards, that double S-O-B.

Finally, if all this isn't bad enough, under recent tax laws employees are shafted more than ever with limits and thresholds for their employee deductions and higher social security tax limits. This results in more couples working than ever before and, on many occasions, working more than one job. It is now almost impossible to have only one job in the family and make ends meet! Today, many households need three incomes just to survive.

Sadly, even having more than one job does not produce any major positive effect on most people's bank accounts. Why? Because of tax laws. This was well illustrated in 1994 by Jane Bryant Quinn in her Woman's Day article on "How to Live on One Salary."

Where The Money Goes

Ms. Quinn's example assumed that a man was earning $40,000 per year. His wife (we will call her Lori) wasn't working. They had more month than money. (Sound familiar?) Lori subsequently got an administrative job for $15,000 per year. You would think this would improve the family's financial situation, but when Ms. Quinn examined the economics of getting this extra income, the results were startling!

Lori had to pay federal and state taxes on her new income. Since they filed jointly, the family's combined income was what established their tax bracket. She paid $4,500 in new taxes, most of which was non-deductible, for federal and state income tax.

Lori had social security withheld from her paycheck at the rate of 7.65 percent, which amounted to an additional nondeductible amount of $1,148 being extracted from her salary. She also had to commute to work 10 miles a day round trip, which is probably conservative for most people. This resulted (in 1995) in nondeductible commuting costs of $696.

Lori also had some child care expenses, which give a partial tax credit. Ms. Quinn figured that the amount spent over and beyond the tax credit was $4,250 per year.

Lori also ate out each day with colleagues, spending an average of $5 per day, five days a week. This results in a nondeductible expense of $1,250 per year. (I would love to know where she ate for only $5!)

Now that Lori has a job, she has to have professional clothing, this means a hefty dry cleaning bill. Ms. Quinn assumed that Lori's increased expenses here amounted to an extra $1,000 per year, nondeductible, of course.

Finally, with both spouses working, Lori wasn't in the mood to cook dinner every night. They bought more convenience foods and ate out more frequently. This resulted in increased food costs of a nondeductible $1,000 per year in minimum.

Add it all up and Lori's take home pay was a paltry $1,156 a year, for which she had to put up with a daily commute, an unpleasant boss, and corporate hassles.

No wonder more and more people are starting home-based businesses. In fact, there are currently an estimated 30 million people working from their homes. This number is expected to more than triple, to 97 million, by the year 2000, and to keep on growing. This has become and will continue to be one of the greatest mass movements in the U.S.

Why a Home-Based Business Makes So Much "Cents"

There are many reasons why so many people are favoring home-based over traditional business.

There is no commute (unless you have a really big home), no boss, little if any chance of lawsuits, much lower overhead, no employees, (or few), and far fewer government restrictions. In fact, many of the laws previously cited don't apply to small firms with few or no employees. It is for these reasons, according to Entrepreneur magazine, that 95 percent of home-based businesses succeed in their first year and achieve an average income of $50,250 per year with many earning much more.

There are really two sets of tax laws in this country. One is for employees, and it allows deductions for individual retirement accounts, 401(k)s (if you have one set up by your company), interest and property taxes on your home (which some in Congress want to do away with ), and charity. Then there are the laws for home-based business people who conduct their business either full-time or part-time. They can deduct, with proper documentation ,their house, their spouse, and even children (by hiring them), their business vacations, their cars, and their food with colleagues. They can also set up a pension plan that makes any government plan seem paltry by comparison.

For Lori-and for you - the meaning of all this is simple:

Lori earned $15,000 in salary as an employee, but took home only $1,156. She could have netted the entire $15,000 had she earned it in a home-based business!

This is an increase of almost 13 times her take-home pay as an employee.

Notice that Lori is not spending dramatically more money than she is currently spending. She would eat out anyway, go on trips and drive her car the same as before. By having a home-based business, however, many of their expenses become deductible. This concept is known as "redirecting expenses." With a legitimate home-based business, she can now deduct some of the expenses that she is incurring anyway.

Renegade Strategy: If you don't have a home-based business, start one!

In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, Congress will subsidize you while you are growing your home-based business. If your home-based business produces a tax loss in the first year or so, you can use that tax loss against any other income you have. It can be used against wages earned as an employee, dividends, pensions, or interest income-or you can use the loss against your spouse's earnings if you file a joint return.

If the tax loss exceeds all your income for this year, no problem. You can carry back the loss two years and get a refund from the IRS for up to the last two years of income taxes paid, or you can carry over the loss twenty years. You read it right: You can offset up to 20 years of income!

Here's an example:

Mike earns $50,000 in a job with the government. If he starts a home-based business that generates a tax loss of 10,000, he only pays tax on $40,000.

Renegade Tip: You can never lose a properly documented business deduction as long as you run your legitimate business like a business with a bona fide business purpose and have an honest expectation of profit. Make also sure that all your expenses are ordinary and necessary and reasonable as noted in our Tax Advantage and Tax Strategy Program.

Renegade Strategy: Get LUCK-Labor Under Correct Knowledge.

Can You Succeed In a Home-Based Business? Research has constantly shown that it is rarely the business that determines success or failure. It is usually the business owner. Why does one person succeed and another fail at the same business?

Two words-Knowledge and Action.

Some people want the benefits of having their own business, but they don't take action. The result is business failure.

Then there are the people who are always working. They take action but still fail. The reason is that they are not taking the correct actions, the knowledgeable actions, that will bring the desired results. Again, business failure.

It's like drilling for oil. If you set up a drilling rig in your back yard, it is going to fail at producing oil unless your back yard is in Texas or Alaska. The same rig in a good field will produce a gusher, because it was placed where oil was known to exist.

The point is that most people who get excited about starting their own home-based business do so without all the necessary knowledge. Consequently, many people quit before they acquire, through experience, the knowledge they need, without realizing that they are getting substantial tax breaks. This leads to another strategy....

Renegade Strategy: Learn to duplicate the success of others.

Duplicating the strategy of others is much quicker and more effective than going to the school of hard knocks.

It is also known as modeling, which is well-illustrated by the way The McDonalds Corporation blazed a trail to success that many have since followed.

In the early 1950's McDonald's and other start-up companies discovered that they could grow many times faster than the conventional firms through franchising. Instead of the company investing millions of dollars to build new stores, they let independent franchises do it for them.

It seemed like a great idea, but at first no one figured out how to make it succeed on a consistent basis; therefore, the media attacked relentlessly and continually. News articles featured destitute families who had lost their life savings through franchising schemes. Virtually every state attorney general in the U.S. condemned the new marketing method. Some congressmen even tried to outlaw franchising entirely.

Over the years, however, Ray Kroc and his management team at McDonald's developed a turnkey franchise business team at McDonald's franchise. The newfound success-from the system-turned public perception of franchising around. Today, virtually every franchise business models-to some extent-the franchise business system created by McDonald's, making franchising one of the most respected ways of doing business in the world.

Modeling is simply learning what other successful people have done to achieve success in a specific area, and then doing the same thing. Someone said that "education is the shortcut to experience." With modeling, you literally leverage your own learning with the collective years of learning through experience of many others. Modeling the success of others saves both time and money and reduces frustration and stress.

The light at the end of the tunnel, for you and millions of others today, is the financial opportunity that starting your own business offers. If you have one going already, then make sure you are enjoying the many financial advantages to which your smart choice entitles you. The tax advantage alone can make a home-based business the single best financial move you could ever make.

Sandy Botkin is a CPA, attorney and former trainer of IRS attorneys nationwide. He lectures all over the nation on tax planning for self-employed and corporate taxpayers and can be seen in the big events with Donald Trump, Anthony Robbins and many others. He has been written up in Newsweek and in many other magazines. He is also a syndicated writer and noted author of this famed tape series “Tax Strategies for Business Professionals” and “Tax and Financial Strategies for Residential Real Estate.” To find out more about Sandy and his products, check out his terrific small business web site at: www.taxreductioninstitute.com or by calling his office at 301-972-3600 in Maryland.

Credibility !

2005-07-25T10:34:00.000-03:00

Your marketing efforts depend on it.

Network or internet marketing success depends on credibility.
Your company's credibility of course is important, and that includes quality products, coupled with a good return policy, solid management principles, and a history of following through with solid pay plans for distributors.

Of course, those things are beyond your control. If you have chosen your company wisely, all you really have to worry about is your own personal credibility.

First of all keep in mind that today's consumer is becoming more aware of less than honest sales techniques. Surely you have heard the expression,
"Once bitten, twice shy".

If you want to succeed in your on- or off-line market, you need to prove that you are worthy. You can win your customers over with integrity and honesty. Just good old fashioned values that are every bit as important today as they ever were.

Let's examine ways to develop offline/online credibility.

Outline your company or product benefits without the hype. Provide factual information that you can back up with testamonials, and documented proof.

If someone asks a question that you don't know the answer to, don't make it up! Say, "That's a good question. Let me find out and get back to you." Then find it out. People understand that you might not have all of the facts at your fingertips, and as long as you know where you can get the answer, and get back to them within a reasonable amount of time, that's ok.

Don't use questionable marketing techniques. One example that comes to mind is the "reverse marketing" technique that is currently being taught. In reverse marketing, someone sends you an ad and you reply with an ad of your own. Now I do not have a problem with this at all if the original ad was unsolicited. However, many people are being taught to go through classified ad sites etc, and send ads to people who have advertised there. The typical plea goes something like this...
"I saw your ad online, and I have a question about your business. Could you call me at 555-7890." If you do call, the person then goes on to tell you about what they are selling. Can you see how this migth irritate someone???
No matter how great the temptation might be, don't do it! Not only is it unethical, but it doesn't take long for word of mouth to ruin your reputation as a marketer.

Provide good customer service. This is the key to return visitors. Call your customers, and ask them how they like your product. Listen to what they say. If they are thrilled, ask for a written testamonial. If they are less than thrilled, offer a solution to their problem. Do these calls with in 2 weeks from purchase.

There are many individuals and companies on the internet today who use questionable tactics to develop their database.

Don't fall into temptation!

If you want to build something that lasts, and has genuine meaning, "do unto others...." well you know the rest!

Set an example others would be [b]proud[/b] to follow.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

2005-07-21T21:24:00.000-03:00

When I was about 7 years old, I had a favorite dress. Oh I loved that dress. It was a rich tan colored velvet with cream colored knit sleeves. It came to just below my knees, had billowed out when I twirled around. I used to put it on and wear it around the house, feeling like a princess. When my mom put it away that winter's end, I was pretty upset, but she reassured me that when summer was over, she would bring it back out again.

That fall I remember standing by excitedly while she rooted around in the basement, looking for the "winter clothing" box. I quickly scooped up my dress before she had the box fully open and scurried up to my room to put it on.

Imagine the depth of my despair when I tried it on, only to discover it didn't fit anymore!

I had grown!

Mom tried to console me. She offered to take me to the store to get a new dress, but there was no dress like that one to be found. I mourned that dress for weeks!

I look back on that time and find it pretty funny now, but then it was the absolute end of my world. I didn't want to grow. I wanted the comfort and security of familiar things.

What I realize now is that living things MUST grow. If there is no growth, then there is no life.

This is significant. So many people grow physically, but never allow themselves to grow in other ways. I have returned to places I had moved on from years ago, only to find many of the same people doing the exact same things they were doing back then. They have taken their lives and wrapped them in the comfort and familiarity of things they know, in much the same way as I tried to wrap myself in the comfort and familiarity of that dress. They are still talking about the same things, eating the same foods, following the same routines. Oh, their children have grown, they have a little gray around the temples and maybe a little more or a little less around the middle, but everything else is exactly the same.

Have they really LIVED??

I have become a student of personal growth, and I have found over the years that I am much more open-minded, much more resilient, and much more excited than my stagnant counterparts.

Oh, I am sometimes afraid to try new things, just like everybody else, but I sure don't let THAT stop me!

"Learn to be comfortable with being a little uncomfortable"

This motto has served me well over the years. I have found that that which was once uncomfortable has become a part of my every day. Discomfort, shyness, mild fear.... these are emotions that we all experience. The thing that is so amazing is that it has always seemed when I am feeling the greatest discomfort from something, I reap the largest rewards.

8 years ago I walked away from a full-time 16 year career. I left behind my seniority, my training, and my pension to start a business from home. I think, aside from my choice of husband, it ranks as the single-most life changing moment ever.

Was I scared? You betcha!

I lost many nights sleep worrying about the decision. The day I walked in to the hospital and placed my resignation on my mangers desk, I thought I was going to faint. When my manager came to me later in the morning, and ask me if I wanted to change my mind, I wanted to say YES!

The first few months were tough. Nurses are in great demand, and I received job offer after job offer. My business wasn't up and running full steam, and I could feel myself waivering.

One night, I went in and sat next to my husband. I said, "Jim, I need your advice. I have received another job offer. I can work part-time or full-time. They want me so bad they will even let me choose my hours. I can work just mornings if I want to. Should I take it?"

My husband answered, "If you go back to nursing, your focus will be divided. When you are at your job, you will be thinking about your business, and when you are at your business you will be thinking about your job. You won't be happy, and neither will get the effort they deserve. You made a decision, and going back will not be the same."

I out-grew another dress!

I poured my heart into my business, and before I knew it I was achieving mare than I ever dreamed possible. After a year I was able to take my children and husband to Florida, to visit Disney world, something we had never been able to do when I worked a traditional job.

In the process, I learned a lesson that propels me to this day. Nothing good in life comes without risk and sacrifice. It is ALWAYS easier to "toe the line", and stick with the comfort, but in the end, you could miss out on so much.

A little bit of fear is sometimes a sign of greatness just around the bend!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Staying positive in a negative world.

2005-07-19T16:03:00.000-03:00

Have you ever been in a great mood, called a friend to share, and got off the phone feeling like you wanted to kill yourself??

You know.... that friend who's cat is always sick. The same one who gets to the front of the bank line just as the teller goes for lunch, her satellite dish loses the signal seconds before her daughter's televised choir concert. The same one who complains that she can never get a good meal, never has enough money, never has anything good to say about anyone.

If you have, then you know how someone else can affect your own frame of mind if you let them
Here is a sobering fact for you....You become like the 10 people you spend the most time with

In our daily lives we are constantly bombarded with negativity. The war in Iraq, the murder (s!) in New York, the child abduction in Toronto, not to mention all of the daily "you shouldn't...., you couldn't..., and you won't s" that people throw at us all day long.

It is important to realize that you have a choice in all things.

You choose your friends, you choose to watch the news, you even choose how you react to certain things.

It is a proven fact that people who are happy live longer, and stay healthier than their negative counterparts.
What you think about, you bring about

Here are some things you can do that will keep you smiling in the face of such overwhelming odds.

read a motivational story every morning, sing out loud (and off key), smile when you answer the phone, act silly, go for a walk, hang out with happy people, turn OFF the news (someone will let you know what you need to know), help a customer find the right product for them, pick someone who is happy and "act" like them for an hour every day, call someone who makes you smile, go to the park and watch children play, say goodmorning to a stranger, pay for the order behind you in the Tim Horton's drive through, listen to a motivational speaker on CD, attend your company's training calls or meetings, enjoy the smell of food cooking, read a child a story...make your voice change with the different characters, wave at a trucker on the highway,

It is amazing to me how your life can change by just changing your attitude a little. Joyfullness is contagious, and you will find that the effort becomes habit after a while. Pretty soon, you are feeling better, the sun is shining more, you are making more money, you are enjoying life.

Looking for the good means that you are sure to find it.

Some people might tell me that I am not being realistic... after all NOTHING is great all the time. But I just smile. I would rather be in cheerful oblivion than stark reality anyday!

You can start purposefully CHOOSING your life today. I am positive that nothing but good will come from it!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Cultivate relationships!

2005-07-17T22:24:00.000-03:00

I am a firm believer of building, not burning, bridges.
If you agree with this philosophy, you will love the following article by
Jeff Keller.
To receive a monthly motivation newsletter from Jeff,
go here. http://www.attitudeiseverything.com/

Networking That Gets Results

Much of the motivational literature and many seminars focus on individual effort as the key to success. Take responsibility, they say. Develop a positive attitude. Set goals. Move into action. All of this, of course, is great advice. But only to a point.

While your success certainly starts with you, it grows to higher levels as a result of your relationships with people. Simply put, you won't succeed on a grand scale all by yourself.

That's why networking is so important. For the purposes of this article, let's define this term as the development of relationships with people for the mutual enhancement of our personal and professional lives. Networking is a way to get leverage on your own efforts and accelerate the pace at which you attain results. After all, the more solid relationships you build, the greater your opportunities for success.

To build an effective network:

1. Project a winning attitude. This is a given. If you are positive and enthusiastic, people will want to be around you and to help you. If you are gloomy and negative, others will avoid you.

2. Participate actively in groups and organizations. Effective networking and relationship‑building takes more than paying dues, putting your name in a directory and showing up for meetings. You must demonstrate that you will take the time and make the effort to contribute to the group. Therefore, volunteer for committees or serve as an officer. This shows people your ability to work as a team player and helps to reveal and develop your skills.

3. SERVE OTHERS in your network. This is the absolute key to building and benefiting from your network! You should always be thinking, How can I serve? instead of What can I get? If you come across as desperate or as a "taker" rather than a "giver," you won't find people willing to help you. Going the extra mile for others is the best way to get the flow of good things coming back to you.

4. Be a good listener. In your conversations, focus on drawing other people out. Let them talk about their careers and interests. In return, you will be perceived as caring, concerned and intelligent.

5. Call people from time to time without a hidden agenda. Ever hear from an old friend who supposedly phones just to say hello, but then gets to the "real" reason for the call? How does that make you feel? To avoid being perceived in this way, take five minutes each day and call one person in your network simply to ask how he or she is doing and to offer your support and encouragement.

6. Take advantage of everyday opportunities to meet people. You can make excellent contacts just about anywhere ... at the gym or on line at the market. You never know from what seed your next valuable relationship will sprout.

7. Treat every person as important -- not just the "influential" ones. Don't be a snob. The people you meet (whether or not they're the boss) may have a friend or relative who can benefit from your product or service. So, when speaking to someone at a meeting or party, give that person your undivided attention. Don't gaze around for "more important people" to talk to.

8. At meetings and seminars, make it a point to meet different people. Don't sit with the same group at every gathering. While it's great to talk with friends for part of the meeting, you'll reap greater benefits if you make the extra effort to meet new faces.

9. Ask for what you want. By helping others, you've now earned the right to request assistance yourself. Don't be shy. As long as you've done your best to serve those in your network, they will be more than willing to return the favor.

10. When you receive a referral or helpful materials, ALWAYS send a thank you note or call to express your appreciation. Follow this suggestion only if you want to receive more referrals and more useful information. If you don't acknowledge that person sufficiently, he or she will be much less likely to assist you in the future.

Remember that networks are built over time and that significant results usually don't show up immediately. So be patient! Build a solid foundation of relationships and continue to expand and strengthen them. You'll have to "put in" a lot before you begin reaping the big rewards.

Now, go ahead! Select a few of these networking techniques and implement them right away. Get to work serving and improving your network. Then you will truly have an army of troops working to help you succeed!

-- Jeff Keller © Attitude is Everything, Inc.

The Ten Commandments of MLM Recruiting

2005-07-11T18:13:00.000-03:00

- by Doug Firebaugh

1) Thou Shalt Recruit through Your prospects eyes.

So many times when we are trying to recruit, online or offline, we do not take the time to see what our prospect is seeing. Your prospect is looking through THEIR eyes, not yours, and has no clue to how you see things...the only thing that matters to them is how THEY see things...and the recruiters who take the time to learn what their prospect is looking for, what is important to them, and what isn't, will have huge success. Your prospect has a dream for their life, and you must look through that "dream lens" of theirs, and see what they are looking to happen with their life, and show them how you can help them get it.

2) Thou Shalt Focus on Relationships, not just Distributorships.

Power Recruiters in this business understand that the Gold in this business is a long term relationship, not a short term distributorship. That is why most people cannot recruit...they are focused on a paycheck, not people...(CLUE!!!!!)Power Recruiters also know that people are more ATTRACTED to someone who cares about THEM FIRST- then the business. You must be a friend first, before you will ever get to second base...and what makes more sense?

Recruiting for a Long term retirement producing business, or a short term paycheck? If you focus on your prospect and learn about THEM as a person, not just as part of the process, you will find your results will skyrocket. Relationships are magnetic...Magnetize your Distributorship with Relationship Recruitng!

3)Thou Shalt Garner Leads Everyday.

Leads are the lifeblood to any distributorship. And most folks play the " Baking game" in recruiting. Instead of going out and getting new leads daily, they go out and hold onto their existing leads, and wait for them , like a cake in an oven, to bake and turn into HOT leads and ones that will come into their business. Are you a chef? or a leader? You MUST have a methodical plan and system to create and find leads daily, and to quit the "baking game"..which in reality is the "faking game"..you are faking at doing this business by holding onto leads that you hope will turn into prospects, even after a negative response, but never do. The Magic is in the Multiples....and the Lotto is in the List. Continue daily to get at least ONE MLM lead a day to create enough numbers to talk to that will create enough of a paycheck to talk about.

4) Thou Shalt Draw Them In.

When you recruit, you must draw your people into your "world"..We have a saying at PassionFire..."Meet them in their world, and then lead them to yours..."..What that means in order to attract and draw your prospect into your presentation or conversation, you must start in theirs ...Find out what is important to them, and the what they want out of life...then wrap your presentation around that. Ask lots of questions, and paint a picture with your words with them obtaining their dream....look them in the eyes, smile, touch their arm, nod your head, talk their language...don't get too technical...and meet them first where they are in life...and then take them to where you can lead them....that's Power Network Marketing Recruiting.

5)Thou Shalt Educate, not Regurgitate.

You must understand that Recruiting is an education process , not just informing and regurgitating facts. People want to learn...that is their nature when they are looking at doing something...but many folks "Dump" all they know on them, and suffocate them with Information, not education. Recruiting through an Education Focus is a process, step by step, not a Firehose program. And educating the prospect also is giving them the information they want to learn about, not just what you want to talk about.(CLUE!!!)Education is a whole less intimidating way to recruit too...all you say is..."I don't know if this is for you or not ...worse thing that could happen is you could learn something.."

6) Thou Shalt Communicate Hope, Possibilities, and Belief.

When you recruit, you should have a presence about you that screams Hope! Possibilities! Belief! And that is what you create in your words...."How would it feel to have total freedom?"...Imagine you obtaining that house you want for your family.."..." Wouldn't it be incredible if...".."Can you feel the joy with..'... All people are looking for more Hope in their life, the hope that life will turn out better than it is. All people are looking for more possibilities to increase and improve their life. And all people are looking for more belief that they are on the right track, and belief they can have a more richer and fulfilled life. You must create an environment of Hope, Possibilities, and Belief when recruiting. That "oxygen" will prove to be Explosive..

7) Thou Shalt Know the Fortune is in the Follow Up.

It does no good to make a presentation and do all the initial recruiting steps...if you don't Follow Up. Get this: Follow Up is where you get paid! The earlier steps are just leading up to it. If you want to create a fortune, create a system to follow up, and stick to it, and make it duplicatable as well. If you discovered a Gold Mine, you would want to finish digging and finding the gold vein. It's the same in the follow up. There is no paycheck with out a call back! (CLUE!!!!) The fortune is in the Follow Up...No Follow Up, no Check going Up!

8) Thou Shalt Not Close...But Navigate.

We teach "Navigators" to get the decision for the application...why? The last word in close..is Lose....and if a person doesn't close someone, they see that as a losing situation....how about navigating them to a decision that is right for them, and without pressure, help them make a decision that is right for their life...Can you be persuasive? Absolutely! but be mindful that if this business is truly NOT for them, they may know someone who it is for......What are Navigators? They are simply phrases that help guide the prospect to the finish line. They are Powerful, and deadly....

9) Thou Shalt Shake the Dust Off Your Feet.

The Greatest Teacher that ever lived told His Disciples "If a town doesn't find your message in accord...shake the dust off your feet...as a testament against that town...". Incredible advice! Understand these 3 things: ...Not everybody is for this business. ...There is no one blinder who can see, but won't. ...They aren't rejecting you, but themselves from success. If you carry with you all the negatives that you can get in this business, they become "Anchors' on your business. Release them and shake it off, and move forward. Look for people who are looking for you...

10) Thou Shalt Know the R.I.A.F.O.L. Rule.

What is that? It stands for Recruiting Is A Form Of Leadership. Period. Why is that True? ...You are asking someone to follow your lead into a business. ..You are asking someone to follow your lead into a business. ...You are asking someone to follow your lead about a product... ...You are asking someone to follow you into an unknown future.

And when you recruit, people are looking to FOLLOW you, not just sign up with you..(CLUE!!!!). They will be looking for Strength and Solidity in you and your direction and Leaderhip. The most Powerful recruiters in the world have a Leadership Presence and focus about them If you are not strong enough to follow, you will not be magnetic enough to join in Network Marketing.

Leadership is the secret to magnetic recruiting..You are asking someone to follow your lead...but first, you have to be worthy of following.

These are the Ten Commandments MLM Recruiting...use them and let them Empower your Business... Doug Firebaugh PassionFire Intl http://www.passionfire.com

People don't care how much you know....

2005-07-10T16:34:00.000-03:00

...until they know how much you care.

Ah.... those words set me free !

You see, I work a home based network marketing business. I have become used to people over the years questioning my motives.
"You only want me to join so you can make money"
"You're only saying THAT so you can....."
"You just want to SELL me something...."
Oh and my favorite....."What are you getting out of this......"

Ok, so here'e the thing, and this comes straight from that place inside of me that only I can see.

I CARE.

I care about my customers. I want them to like their products, and get the results they expect. I honor my company's return policy, and I feel bad when my customer feels they need to return something. I follow up after a sale, to see how they are enjoying what they purchased.

I care about my company. I support their policies without complaint. I work hard to offer suggestions in areas that may be lacking. I freely provide my expertise to everybody whether they are on my team or not. I work with the people who have influence to bring their awareness to things I think could work better. I do not complain publicly EVER about my company or anybody else's.

I care about my industry. I deeply care that there are some unethical practices by people who just want their share. I care about the reputation of MLM as a whole. I care that there are people in other businesses that are floundering without support or a clear path. I care very much when an MLM company goes "under" because I know it affects a lot of people and their families.

Most of all, I care about my team. I lead by example, treat everybody with respect, teach what I know, and don't burden them with my problems. I don't gossip, ridicule or disregard their concerns.

You see, in this life, what you send out truly does come back 100 fold. People want to be treated fairly, they want to follow a leader who has their best interests at heart, they want to trust. Success carries a price, and it is important to realize that in network marketing, the price is responsibility to those who have placed their trust in you.

Do I need to make money?? Oh, absolutely! I have children, a mortgage and expenses just like everybody else. But I refuse to make money on the backs of the people who trust me. As a result, I have found success that many only dream of.

I was lucky enough, early in my career, to find someone who cared as much as I do, who taught me the skills and knowledge it would take to succeed, with patience and consistency. Now I have the priviledge of passing that knowledge on to a new generation of networkers.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

We're All "Self Made",

2005-07-09T09:48:00.000-03:00

We're All "Self Made",
But Only Millionaires Seem To Admit That!
By Joe Schroeder

1: Failure is a privilege exclusive to people with grit in their crawl and who spit thunder. In other words, failure is singular to people who exercise their potential and work successfully until everything comes crashing down.

2: In plain English, failure is only for those who "build it up" and then watch it crumble.

3: Naturally, we could do a series of newsletters on how "failure" is really success. Because as the good book teaches us, there is always an equal seed of equivalent good (potential and opportunity) in all that we on the worldly plane perceive as failure. And there are those (including myself) who would prefer to erase the word failure from their vocabulary. And replace it with the working philosophy of "falling forward fast".

4: Nonetheless, because we have been conditioned from childhood about the meaning of failure and all that it represents, I believe this failure is a noteworthy subject. Especially when "failure" has become synonymous with MLM for the most part.

5: Case in point: Most Networkers would say that they have "failed" at network marketing.

6: Including me. And I've said that I have and did (fail) on numerous occasions and have retold many of my "struggling" stories on at least a half a dozen (6) of my MLM audio training tapes!

Most Networkers Never Even Get Within a Mile of Failing at MLM.

The Truth Is, Most Networkers Never Even Really Get Started!

7: But like I said, failure is an honor. And usually a reaction to extreme effort and concentrated discipline. And yet, the majority who dabble in MLM ultimately walk away from MLM or they hop from program to program saying how "that deal didn't work" and "how that one didn't work either", when all along, they never got started in the first place!

8: Which erases any notion or even ability of failure. Completely. It's like, how could a bridge collapse if it was never built in the first place?

9: At the same time though, it's become convenient for loads of Networkers to point a finger at MLM, like it was some dirty little sneak or something, because MLM "failed" them or "hurt" them in some way. When in fact they never even actually got started!

10: And listen, you know as well as I know that buying $500 in MLM marketing "tools" isn't any closer to true MLM or networking as is co-op advertising. Which I do both of. But neither of those marketing exercises is networking.

11:and yet, "Johnny" will join an MLM, mail out 1,000 audio tapes (the poor sap!), not even get two enrollee's, quit - and then say "I failed at MLM". Or how MLM is a scam.

12: The truth is, hanging a shingle out saying you're a doctor doesn't make you a doctor. You have to "practice" (work) to be a real doctor. And until you have enrolled at least 10 and built a downline of 50 you have never truly "networked" or for that matter, even ever failed!

Nature Has An Amazingly Simple System.
Here's How It Works: Use It or Lose It!

13: The world and universe is perfect. And we can witness its perfection through its perfect balance. For without its perfect balance there would be chaos. The planets would collide with each other, the sun would fry you until "crispy brown", and we'd all be drowned by the tides of the ocean.

14: Nonetheless, we live in a perfectly systematic universe. And if you doubt that, just peek out the door and think about that tree outside, that's over 40 feet tall that has stood erect for over 50 years.

15: Have you ever thought about that? Thought about how perfect and balanced trees are! Notice how even if they look slightly out of kilter, they are still perfectly symmetrical. That's because the apron of branches are used like the horizontal pole the tight rope walker uses to shimmy across his tight rope. For balance.

16: And when we look at tree's what we don't see are the roots. Which are in length and size to the direct proportion of the tree itself. For balance. And what we are looking at when we look at nature is perfect engineering.

17: Thus, when we look at man, we are also looking at perfection. And we are also looking at a living organism (man) that is looking for complete and total expression.

18: Just as a creek seeks a stream and stream looks to connect with a river and the river searches for the ocean. Always seeking total expression. Then, in perfect balance, the waters of the ocean raise to the sky. Only for one reason: So it can rain and redistribute the water and start all over again. Right back to the creek! Like I said. Engineering perfection.

19: As it is with man.

20: Oops, but wait. Wouldn't a "perfect thing" also have a system to eliminate the weak parts and faulty "switches and plugs" so to purge itself of impurities and rebuild itself?

21: Of course it does! So to keep out chaos and resume it's perfect balance.

22: That's why when man doesn't use his arm, it shrinks to a skinny stick-like limb.

23: That's why when a creature seldom moves, it becomes fat and lethargic. Ever see how fat cows are?

24: That's why when man seldom exercises his "balance" (of performance) he gets depressed, sullen and out of whack. Much like a "pool" of water. Ever smell a pond? Did you ever notice how smelly they are? Well, that's because it's out of "flow". And not cycling, circulating or in sync without anything around it.

The balance of failure is perfectly engineered, because it gives each of us a measuring device from which to monitor our balance with perfection and to determine our own weaknesses. So much so, that in every failure (seen as a defeat by "winners" and never a failure) there is an opportunity for correction, as Thomas Edison and Abraham Lincoln found out. With that being said, we can only define failure as one thing. A blessing in disguise!

Nature's Uncanny Ability To Push The Defeated To The Top

25: If you have been paying attention, studying history and mapping out the life stories of successful inventors, leaders of industry and star athletes, you will have noticed how nature has an uncanny ability to put people of ability, vision and persistence at the top of all organizations. But that honor never ever comes without the **price of money.

26: Which is the painful agony of defeat and failure. Early on.

27: Just as nature looks for the "strong to survive" (so they can lead and procreate), notice how nature doesn't allow a tiger or lion to feed until they have had eight to ten failed attempts at catching their six o'clock dinner. Which can take days on end.

28: Now look at man. Now look at who leads every and all organizations.

29: How could we classify them?

30: It's easy. Winners are always losers, failures and rejects. At first. "Out of the gate".

If You're a Bona Fide Networker,
Chances Are You're a Total Loser!

31: Just name someone. How about Sylvester Stallone, John F. Kennedy, Bill Gates, Colonel Sanders, Ray Kroc or how about Helen Keller, Janet Reno or Oprah Winfrey!

32: All losers right?

33: Ah, but the distinction and "greatness" they now have been identified with can be related to how well they organized their failure. Most people never really try anything, or if they do try, it's usually never (A) hard enough or (B) long enough. And even if they are trying, they aren't really "doing the thing" and instead simply getting ready to "do the thing". Any adult can put a bicycle together. But not everyone is ready to hop on and go for a ride!

Programmed For Success Through Organized Defeat

34: Success is really organized defeat. What successful losers have in common is their ability to program themselves for success. Even with chaos, defeat and failure all around them and applauding their every move. Just another defeat. But alas, the ultimate winner is the loser who uses his own personal initiative, imagination and definiteness of purpose to overcome the road blocks and pave themselves a highway to high achievement. But usually never without the agony of earlier defeat.

35: Remember, the engineer of the universe asks that leaders come forward to lead. So in it's search for those people, they must be tested first through defeat and second by persistence. That's why we hear, "never give up". People in the "know" know about organized defeat!

Learn To Use Defeat As A Weapon:
Either For Self Destruction or Survival

36: Failure is for the elite. And defeat is for people of action and people with discipline. And if you doubt that, just watch a beggar on the street or notice "couch potatos". You have to do the thing in order to measure any defeat. In other words, how can you say you "failed" at MLM if you have never enrolled five to ten people, grew a group of twenty or fifty and then LOST it all. I'm saying you can't. You can quit or be a quitter, but failure is reserved for the worthy.

37: What's more, failure as we have learned here, is not only a good thing, but a blessing! Because the winners then take the statistics and faulty actions and reverse or rearrange them for their own self elevation. Stop, just think about your self. What did you used to totally screw up and fail at, that you eventually measured, rearranged and succeeded at?

38: Now, in relation to network marketing this is what I'd ask you to do:

Do not see or entertain the notion of defeat until you have exhausted all possible avenues of activity. Failure to do so as outlined will breed procrastination and disbelief within yourself. And then resulting in self-destruction through lowered self-esteem. Known as depression.
Do not allow others to "get away" with telling you they failed. Winners won't usually waste your time with their own "trail of tears", because they are too busy celebrating all of their own successes. Which were born out of their defeats!
But alas, the weak will use their illogical and nonsensical notion of failure and their own defeat as an excuse for them to remain stagnate. So all you do is remind them, "Hey, did you ever have a working downline of 25 to 50 in your group"? And if they say no (and most will) simply ask them "then how can you measure whether you succeeded or won if you never truly did anything"? (Make sure they read this outline you are now reading)
Remind people and remind yourself that "failure is not an option" when organized defeat is within your re-programmed mind. And that failure is simply an acronym for quitting. And no one likes to be a "quitter". Read and highlight this report numerous times. Until you get it.
Network Marketing is not about ad co-cops, mailing postcards or anything to do with mail order prospecting. Instead, MLM is about people, relationships, leadership training and the subsequent duplication of that process. Nonetheless, some people foolishly will equate their (lack of) success as communicators and as "Networkers" and as "leaders" based on whether or not the ad "pulled" or whether or not they "pulled" a 2 or 3% response rate to their mailing list. Which is not only absurd, but a reversal of values. It's so silly isn't it?
What I'm saying is that you can not call yourself a failure until you quit. And you can't possibly (dare) say that MLM has failed you until you have exercised every possible avenue and worked MLM until the day you die. You just can't. And anything short of that is quitting.
What's so exciting then, is that with this outline here, we then can give ourselves the liberty of time (perseverance) and the honor of measured defeat. Which always, albeit not at first, leads to success. And that's good news worthy of discussion and worthy of sharing with the world. Which is my passion and which I am honored to share with you!
**Man does not work for money. Instead, man works for the freedom he can exercise through the accumulation of income. Which money can certainly buy. If you track backwards what money can do, starting from the end, which is the joy, it would look like this:
(5) Joy of service to family, friends and society
(4) sense of freedom
(3) better choices (
2) more time for recreation and novelty
(1) the accumulation of money.

Growing an international business.

2005-07-08T19:49:00.000-03:00

It is naive to think one can grow a successful business on the backs of their friends and family

That is a quote from a very wise friend of mine in the Network Marketing Industry, but don't you think it is valid right across the board? I really don't believe in "making a list of your friends and family" unless of course, you want to. The fact is, it really doesn't matter HOW you get your business leads, the only thing that matters is that you get them. Some ways of prospecting are suited for certain people, and in fact there are so many different ways to meet people who are looking for what you've got that there is rarely a need to step TOO FAR out of your comfort zone. However, if you are a very shy person, you may have to take a bigger step than most.

I am going to go over a few ways that you can meet interested people. Be prepared to spend a little money... your advertising budget. It doesn't have to be a lot, but if you don't have any money at all, you will have to work much harder.

How to get exposure
YOUR LOCAL MARKET

RENT A KIOSK- You know- like in the local mall. Have a brightly colored display - showcase your product or have bright posters, pass out flyers, offer a FREE gift (I like ballot boxes, because you can get a lot of names and numbers back)

TAKE OUT A NEWSPAPER AD- If you don't have any experience writing ad copy, ask someone to help, or look for ad writing secrets online.

PLACE A RADIO AD- (see above)
POST BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FLYERS- on bulletin boards in malls, daycare centers, truck stops, gyms, salons/spa's, community centers, or anywhere you can think of that people gather. (if you don't have the time or the inclination to post advertisements all over town, give a couple of local teenagers $20 each to do it for you, and make sure you ask them to keep a list of all the places they posted) I personally like the flyers that have "pull off tabs" with your phone number.

DOOR TO DOOR and/or COLD CALL TELEPHONE- Do a market survey that asks specific questions that would be useful for you to know for your business. (I know most people hate door-to-door but trust me, I have met people who love it).

TRADE SHOWS- again have a "FREE" give away OR ballot box.

PUT ON A WORKSHOP- Teach a topic that relates to what you are promoting. Offer to give a free workshop to specific groups that may need your services OR rent a hotel meeting room and advertise your workshop. Bring in a key speaker if you are not comfortable doing the presentation yourself.

HOOK UP WITH THE LOCAL "Welcome Wagon"- Many communities have a Welcome Wagon service. Check them out in the Yellow Pages or online. The service they provide is very inexpensive, and I have found, very lucrative indeed.

Outside of your local market

NEWSPAPER/RADIO- now if you are creative, this does not have to cost a lot of money. I jusy recently placed an ad in a city in Mexico (newspaper classifieds) for $40/ 8 weeks. I found it online and they took paypal.

PURCHASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY LEADS- I won't claim to be an expert on biz op industry leads, except to say that the more targetted and fresh they are, the better your chances.

JOIN AN ONLINE NETWORKING COMMUNITY- such as LinkedIn or OpenBC-- Be careful to be professional in your contact though. These communities are BIG on relationship building, and networking in the true sense of the word.

START A BLOG-- :-) and offer helpful advice.

START A SAFELIST-- I won't go into what that is, for the people who don't know, but for those of you who do, you can start one HERE.
You can even get them with a list started(200-700 members) It will cost you $10 a month.

LEAD CAPTURE PAGE - Create one yourself or have someone do it for you. Chris Moos at http://gizmosystems.net can design a great one for you and send huge volumes of traffic at a VERY good price

ONLINE RESUMES- lots of opportunity seekers out there.

Now use YOUR imagination. The thing about ideas is that one often leads to another. Make sure once you have your leads that you have a system to back it up, and you are ready and rolling!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Google Sitemaps- Get your site indexed

2005-07-06T14:17:00.000-03:00

If you have a website, and you haven't heard of the Google site maps program (Beta) yet, trust me, you will!

Google has told webmasters that they want to index all the pages of your site, and they want your help in doing so.

Enter, Google site maps.

Basically, Google is asking webmasters, who want all of their pages indexed in the google search engine, to create a. XML file that will tell the google robots exactly where to find all of the pages of your site. This is good news! Google is saying you don't have to wait anymore, for their bots to "find" your site as they traverse the internet. You can literally TELL them where to go, and not only that, but in your file, you can tell them how often to come back.

Now, submitting a site map to google will not affect your page rank, but it most certainly will help you get all your pages crawled.

Google has a tool that you can use to create and submit your site maps, but it is definitely not a tool for beginners. You need to have access to your server, to install software, and you have to have at least some programming experience, from what I can tell.

I have found a very easy web-based site maps generator that will crawl your site for you AND create a site maps XML file for you. All you have to do is give them the URL for your site. Their bot will crawl your site, create a map, then all you have to do is save it to notepad and FTP it to your root directory. Find them here.
www.tarrantit.com/GoogleSiteMap

There are many online site map generators out there, but this is the only one I have found so far that actually crawled (and found) all the pages of my site.

If you have a website, but have no idea what I have just said talk to the person who helped you set up your site, and tell them about Google site maps. It is going to be VERY important in the future!

Before you submit your map to Google, go to
UpTimeBot
and check link popularity and # of pages indexed in all the major search engines.
It is a good idea to keep track, at least on a weekly basis, of how your site is doing, especially if you have a lot of dynamic content.

Read more about Google Site Maps here directly from Google.
Google Sitemaps Login

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Competition-- Get resourceful !

2005-07-05T21:19:00.000-03:00

A shopkeeper was dismayed when a brand new business much like his own opened up next door and erected a huge sign which read 'BEST DEALS.'

He was horrified when another competitor opened up on his right, and announced its arrival with an even larger sign, reading 'LOWEST PRICES.'

The shopkeeper panicked, until he got an idea. He put the biggest sign of all over his own shop. It read 'MAIN ENTRANCE'.

Sales in a jaded world.

2005-07-05T16:49:00.000-03:00

There's no doubt about it, if you are going to ask for people's money you are in for a few bumps. People want "things", and "stuff", but they don't want to be sold.

I started out in sales with the thought that everybody would love my product simply because I loved it, and I just couldn't imagine that someone else would not

I was right...........partly.

Sure, enthusiasm, and the love and knowledge of your product will go a long way, but that is really only a small part of the equation. In order to effectively sell a product or service, you need to give people what they need or want, and in order to know what they need or want, you have to ask a few questions, and listen closely to the answers.

The first thing you need to do is get to know your product. The ingredients are not really important (as long as it is not toxic). What you really want to know is how your product will make this persons life better.

Once a person's basic needs are covered, they will spend their money on products that will improve their quality of life in some way. Most people today want new technology, convenience, health and/or youth. (not necessarily in that order) Your job as a representative of your company or product is to discover how your product will add value.

Be prepared to answer common questions, and know enough about your product or service to overcome simple objections. Keep in mind that people really do want to buy things. They just want to be sure it is worth it.

This is true whether you are promoting your business opportunity, or a tangible product that people consume, or an intangible such as travel certificates.
Have you ever heard the expression "This product is so good, it sells itself"
Oh, don't I detest that, when somebody is trying to sell me on their business. Don't think for a minute that if you just sit there filing your nails, your energy drink is going to go door to door in your neighborhood. A good product still needs a good presentation. It is up to you to find out why it is good, and match your market to your product. It is always a good idea to back up your claims with testamonial. What results have other people found. Use the product yourself, so you have personal knowledge, and pass out samples to friends or business partners, and ask for their written opinion, to use in your presentation.

If you take time to understand the needs of your customers, you will be well on your way to a long happy career in sales.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

You have to hit the ball before you can run!

2005-07-02T18:28:00.000-03:00

It seems our email boxes are full of opportunity, doesn't it?
How in the world can you tell when a real chance comes
along?

Well first of all, the companies that have been around
for a long time, made the most money, produced the most
wealthy people, all require an investment of some sort.

All the FREE, FREE, FREE, can't do a thing for you.
No money coming in, no money to pay you.

Yet, it is true that network marketing is the single best
opportunity for the average person to become financially
independent.

But statistically, only 5% ever achieve the kind of success they dream of.

Well, in order to fail you have to try first. Most people never
get off first base. They don't want to work at it. They want it
handed to them like it's their inheritance. But that's the same
in any industry. Have you ever been in management? How
many people will work hard to get a promotion? Maybe 5%,
if you're lucky.

But given that, the whole intention behind network marketing
has been lost. All it was ever intended to be was a network of
friends sharing news about great products. Word of mouth
advertising. And the companies gladly pay you for bringing
in business.

But that means you have to have used the product and love
it for this whole concept to work. Otherwise, you have
No credibility. How can you really endorse something
you've never even tried?

But there is another very important area where MLM fails.
And that is developing people.

If you were running a retail store, would you just hire a
bunch of people and let them go off and do whatever they
want? Of course not! That would be suicide.

So why do people think they can do that in this business
and still survive?

You have a responsibility to the people that you bring
into your business. While they technically are not your
employees, they are your proteges. You cannot set their
hours, but you can set expectations. You can be hard on
them. After all, they came to you to become successful,
didn't they?

Run it like you would any business. If you care about your business and the people you bring in, train people. Give them the resources they need. Give
them encouragement. Give them everything you can.
When they do perform, praise them, reward them, give them recognition.
All those things you would do if you were in a "normal" business.

I believe that anyone who is serious about this business
has a responsibility to help other do it right. Until we
see more of that happening, this business will continue
to be plagued with failure.

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist an author, mentor and trainer to the home business industry.

What you need to know about people

2005-07-01T19:21:00.000-03:00

by John C. Maxwell

Successful leadership is about 90% people knowledge and 10% product knowledge. Henry Ford once said, "You can take my factories, burn up my buildings, but give me my people and I'll build the business right back again."

You can have strong people skills and not be a good leader, but you cannot be a good leader without people skills. In my thirty plus years of leadership, I've discovered that many people in leadership positions fail to ever gain a proper understanding of the people they lead. As a result, neither they nor their people ever reach their potential.

But successful leaders are able to discern the needs of their people instinctively, and then take action to meet them. The following is a list of the most common needs of people and how to meet them effectively. Though every item may not be true of the people you lead, take the time to determine what items do describe them. Then commit to take the proper action to put you and your people on the road to success.

1. People Like to Feel Special … Compliment Them.

The highest compliment a person can receive is one given by his or her leader. Mark Twain said, "One compliment can keep me going for a whole month." Take the time to notice your people's work and don't hesitate to tell them when they've done a good job. Make a habit of being generous and sincere with your compliments.

2. People Look For a Better Tomorrow … Give Them Hope.

Jean Kerr said, "Hope is the feeling we have that the feeling we have isn't permanent." In other words, when your people are having trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, remind them of the purpose of their work and help them envision what their work will accomplish. With hope your people will work harder and longer to see a task through to completion.

3. People Need to Be Understood … Listen to Them.

Every leader would be wise to heed the Cherokee saying: "Listen to the whispers and you won't have to hear the screams." Don't judge what your people want to tell you before they've told you.
Take time to understand their point of view and listen to their suggestions. It's the best way to ensure that they've been listening to you and it opens the door to innovative ideas for improvement.

4. People Lack Direction … Navigate for Them.

Don Herald said, "Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it." Part of your job as a leader is to help your people figure out what they're most passionate about, and then help them pursue it. Sometimes that may involve a position change within your organization or even allowing a person to pursue another opportunity. But when you understand that effectiveness comes as a result of surrounding yourself with people who love what they do, it's not difficult to let a person go who doesn't enjoy their work. Spend your best time developing and giving direction to those who are passionate about the work your organization is accomplishing.

Tom Peters said, "Techniques don't produce quality products or pick up the garbage on time; people do, people who care, people who are treated as creatively contributing adults." Before you ask anything of your people, make sure you've taken the time to understand and meet their needs. In doing so, you will give yourself a decided edge in maintaining their continued support.

This article is used by permission from Dr. John C. Maxwell's free monthly e-newsletter Leadership Wired available at www.INJOY.com.

John Maxwell is founder of The INJOY Group ( www.injoy.com ) and a noted authority on leadership and personal growth. He has written more than 30 books, including such New York Times best sellers as Failing Forward and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership .

Ethics

2005-07-01T11:02:00.000-03:00

I spend much time browsing the internet, looking for good resources to help my team grow a business. In my travels I came across this gem

Scott Sedwick of www.hyperformancemedia.com talks about ethics. Those of you who know me KNOW that ethics are incredibly important to me!

Thanks, Scott, I couldn't have said it better myself!

Ethics - in a profession or trade - is that branch of philosophy which studies the principles of right and wrong in human conduct.
Is your business ethical? What I mean is "Does your business do the right thing when faced with that decision?" It's a simple question, which many businesses struggle with. I just don't understand the struggling part?

I have worked for companies that believed they were ethical, and really have no clue. Meaning the decisions they make everyday towards their customers and employees does not advocate ethical behavior.

So, what is it? When someone in business gives you their word and then reneges, that is unethical. Your word is your promise. Even if it is your business making the statement.

Doing good business and being a good employer is more than your product or policies, it is the guidelines in which you do your business. I am continually disappointed in how many unethical businesses exist today. I have worked for some of them, and they just don't get it... they 'talk tough' but when the decisions are finally made, I can't fathom what motivated them come to that decision? It was not necessarily 'doing the right thing'.

Yes, I know profits are pinnacle to most, but that IS NOT the bottom line! The bottom line is how your customer, partner, client or prospect walked away from their experience. What's so hard to get? It also helps you feel good about yourself and your business, which helps us sleep (live) better too!

Treat them the way you want to be treated... I mean it! Don't say something you have no intention of backing up with your actions. Keep your word in business, in compensation promises, in client promises, in every day business. This is pinnacle!

I don't want to ramble here, but some businesses need a wake-up-call (yesterday). What puzzles me is why? When you do good business, you get more good business. I'm not just talking about the Enron's™ or Arthur Anderson's™ of the World, I'm talking about every type of business out there, in almost every industry.

If each one of us refused to do business with these unethical companies - we would have a lot fewer of them. Be one of the ethical ones. Do good business, keep your word, don't venture into gray areas, and do the right thing! Sure, it will occasionally cost you something, but it will pay you back, and it won't cost you your dignity or pride or any true profits. Isn't your business worth it? Or how about your personal reputation? Do you care?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Try this: The next few times you're faced with 'doing the right thing'?
Well, when you do it - do it with extreme pleasure!*

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*This will pay you and your business back ten-fold. Why? Because that person (customer, employee, client, etc.) is going to tell at least 3-20 other people (potential customers who also like to be treated well). Remember, you did it with extreme pleasure, they're not just going to say they received a refund, or a promotion, - they're going to be jumping up and down at how well their situation was handled! - Make someone else's day! - you'll be surprised at how well your day goes. This is one definition of viral marketing, and it works!

I look forward to running into more good, ethical businesses out there - hopefully yours.

Remember - Doing good business rewards your business with more of it... we're all here seeking to do business with reputable firms and real people, let's do just that.

The upside? If your business does good ethical business - Then you are already ahead of a good chunk of your competitors! There's opportunity here. Keep up the good work, partner with other 'like types' and only do your personal business with other more ethical companies, like yours. We could see a decrease in our unethical competition very soon.

Thank you for allowing me to voice my thoughts and encourage the type of business that helped this Country, it's people, and ethical businesses - Grow.

Written by and Copyright © Scott Sedwick
www.hyperformancemedia.com

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Notable quote !

2005-06-30T22:49:00.000-03:00

"Although at the moment they may be equal in their lack of
a real answer, the man who replies "I'll find out," is much
more valuable to his employer, his neighbor, and to himself
than the man who replies "l don't know." -- Anonymous

Hobbies don't pay !

2005-06-30T07:49:00.000-03:00

How serious are you about your online or offline business? I meet people ALL the time who say they are serious, but when it comes time to actually get things done, they have something else to do.

Here is a simple truth. You will NOT make money simply by sitting back and hoping something happens. It's very simple.... if you want to run a business, you have to treat it like a business!

That doesn't mean you have to eat, sleep and breathe your business. I mean, the beauty of working from home, and the biggest "pull" for most people is flexibility and the ability to spend more time with friends and family. Many people who run home based businesses are juggling work, family and a multitude of other commitments. So how do they manage all of it, and still find success?
Very simply, time management!

Let's examine how the successful people in the industry get that way.

#1.First, write down on paper exactly what you want to accomplish over the short term, medium term and long term. This is a very important first step, because it helps you psycologically to commit to your business over the long term. You can call this "goal setting" if you want, but I just look at it as "a plan".

#2.Once you know what you want from your business, take a few moments to think about exactly what you have to do to accomplish this. this means, truly reflecting on what tasks you have to perform on a DAILY basis. If you are new to your particular business, and you are not exactly sure what you need to do, pick someone who has already done it, and ask them.

#3. Educate yourself, about your company, products, mission statement, success stories and take advantage of all the training your company offers. All successful companies have tools that will help you succeed. Doesn't it just make sense to take advantage of them?

#4. Learn while you earn. This is a hard one for some people. There are many people out there who think they have to know everything before they can actually get to work. Let me help you put this into perspective for a moment. Think back to the last time you started a new job. I will guess that there was an orientation, or training period. When you finished that orientation, did you know absolutely everything there was to know about your job? Of course not! It is impossible to learn about every possible scenario in a chosen career. You can't get experience by reading about it. Experience only comes by "doing it".

#5. Make a schedule, and stick to it no matter what! This is important. So many people allow themselves to become distracted by daily life crises. It takes a little discipline, and sometimes you need to educate your friends and family, in order to work successfully from home. If you are able to commit 2 hours a day to your business, then write it in your schedule, and plan to work those 2 hours, no matter what comes up!

#6. Do something for your business EVERY DAY! It is not what you do once that will bring you success, it is what you do daily. You need to do "money making tasks" every day in order to see success over time. Once it becomes routine, you will crave the activity. Motivation follows action not the other way around. Have you ever started an exercise program? If you have, you probably were like most people who started because they had a particular weight loss, or health related goal. It probably wasn't easy at the start. You had to force yourself to do it every day, but once you started to see results, you were motivated to continue.

#7. Take time every day for reflection. Evaluate your tasks, and ask yourself if what you did today brought you closer to your goal. Daily reflection is how you learn what works and what doesn't. If you never take the time to evaluate, you may find yourself doing unproductive tasks over and over, and getting nowhere.

#8. Celebrate your small successes. Realize that before you can make a million dollars, you have to make a hundred, and then a thousand. The smaller successes will help to keep you focussed, because your progress will be measurable. Understand that you need to commit to your business, and your daily tasks over a long period of time.

If you follow these steps, and be a student of your successes and failures, you will continue to grow, learn and earn.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Living Richly

2005-06-26T15:22:00.000-03:00

Every day is filled with opportunities for richness. To see those opportunities, all you need to do is look around with an open heart and an open mind.
There are places you pass quickly by every day without even noticing. Take the time to stop and explore some of them, and you'll find them filled with wondrous treasures.

There are people in your life whom you see all the time but you've barely even met. Take the time to get to know them, and you'll find yourself with some fascinating friends.

There are things that interest you that you've never fully explored. Take the time, make the effort to discover and fulfill your passions, and life will take on a new level of meaning.

Living richly has very little to do with how much money you have. Living richly has everything to do with how deeply and sincerely you appreciate the precious blessing that is your life.

Rather than letting the little things get you down, allow the real and meaningful things to lift you up. Make the choice, in each moment, in every situation, to live with richness, because you can.

-- Ralph Marston

Don't you just love Ralph Marston? I have included a link, at the top of this blog, to the "Daily Motivator". Go ahead and click on it. I start every day there!

Feed your mind daily with positive thoughts, and watch your business soar.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

The Millionaire Mindset.

2005-06-16T14:54:00.000-03:00

What does it really take to be successful at a home based business? If you just had the answer to that question, there would be nothing left to do but the paperwork, right?

Well, get out your pens, because I am going to tell you the "secret"!

The secret is......there is no secret!

Success is simply an attitude. Nothing more, nothing less. When you have the right attitude, you do the work required, because you already know what the result will be. When you have the winners attitude nothing can discourage you, because you know that you will hit road blocks along the way, and you can over-come them and learn. When you have a Millionaire mindset, you don't allow others to "steal your dream"!

What does "having the right attitude" mean, exactly?

Having the right attitude means believing! It means trusting that your company and your colleagues have your best interests at heart. It means embracing your opportunity as THE BEST opportunity for you to succeed.
It is commitment to yourself!

The right attitude means KNOWING with absolute certainty that you are on the right path.!

Follow these very simple words of advice to get yourself on the road to your dreams.

Learn about your company.

Learn about your products

Surround yourself with successful, "big-thinking" people.

Remove the "negativity" from your life.

Feed your mind

Celebrate your successes

Focus on activity, not results

Believe

Let's examine each of these points.

Learning about your company, and learning your products accomplishes a couple of things. You need to identify with your company and their products, in order to clearly get a vision of your future with them. Now, I could sell you just about anything, at least for a little while, but if I don't personally think the product is "worth it", my long term success is going to be pretty dismal. In fact, if I do not align myself with the company and the products, it will eventually seriously affect my attitude.

Surround yourself with successful, "big-thinking" people. If you don't know any, than go shopping for some new friends. Here is a fact for you....you will become most like the 5 people you spend the most time with ! (Thankfully, my husband is a really great guy! ;-)

Look at your circle of influence with a critical eye.... Do they think positively? Add value? Disregard gossip? Praise, not criticize? Now, an even MORE thought provoking question.... Are you someone you would want to spend a lot of time with?? I have spent a lifetime cultivating friendships. I have an internal thermometer that measures the "hot" factor. After many years of conversing with everybody who has crossed my path, I naturally gravitate to the confident, out-going, friendly, "life-of-the-party" person. That 'some-one' who inspires me, challenges me to think, question, justify.....That special person who attracts a crowd of followers, who somehow leaves me feeling empowered. I surround myself with people who want what I want, who are working with others, who have more knowledge, more experience. These are the people I want to be more like. I also attract those bright, new, "up and comings" who smile a lot and work hard, think laterally instead of linearly, and just simply make me feel good.

This brings me to the next point.... remove the negativity from your life.
I once did an exercise, suggested by a colleague. For 24 hours, I wrote down every negative thought that crossed my mind. Everything from, "I'm tired" to "these pants make me look fat" to "eeewwww, I hate brussel sprouts" ! Well, when I factored out the hours I spent sleeping, I averaged a new negative thought once every 20 seconds ! This might surprise you until you actually start keeping track. Don't you know that you are what you THINK you are Now, every time I think something negative, I automatically cancel it with a positive thought. I DO NOT allow my friends, colleagues, or family members to gossip or say bad things that will affect my day. I learned a long time ago that I am a very sensitive person, in tune with the feelings of others. It truly is a character trait that has brought me far in business, but also has the potential to be overwhelming. So, as a matter of course, I have very strict rules about what I allow "in".

Feed your mind daily. This is one of my favorite points. You see, all of your life, events, and experiences have shaped how you see things, and it is human nature to limit yourself by the boundaries that parents, teachers and well-meaning friends have set for you. If you want to do something remarkable, you first have to understand that other people have accomplished what you are setting out to do. Haul yourself off to the library and grab a book from the "self help" section, or the business section, and find something inspiring. If your company has books or literature they recommend, that is a good place to start. Or, ask one of your successful friends what they would recommend. If you are really stumped, start with ANYTHING by John C. Maxwell. He is by far my favorite author/ speaker of all time. You see, once you rid yourself of the negativity, there is a vacuum left to be filled. If you don't put something back there quickly, you are right back where you started. Feeding your mind should be a daily habit, by the way. MAKE time, when you get up, at lunch, before bed..... Personal growth and change requires that you constantly work towards it. It is acknowledging that there is always room for improvement. It's important, as a student of personal growth, to open your eyes and mind to the vast knowledge and support that successful people are willing to impart.

Celebrate your successes. It is easy to get caught up in the destination. Understand that all along the way, there will be roadblocks to your success. You need to accept that, and congratulate yourself on overcoming the hurdles life will throw in your path. Celebrate your small failures too. I like to say, "thank you, God, for this opportunity to learn!"

Focus on activity, not results ! Now this does not mean keep doing the wrong thing. Of course, you need to evaluate your actions to see if you are having desired results, or at least making progress. The main point I mean to get across is this.... Your day to day activity will ultimately determine your future. It is important to do something for your business every day. Focus on the activities that will bring you closer to your goal.

Believe... believe in your self, believe in your goal, believe in your ability.... you ARE what you think..... You CAN do what you dream of doing... OTHER people have done it, and SO can you! I certainly believe you can do it! I should know.... :-)

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Dealing with NO.

2005-06-12T19:47:00.000-03:00

Network marketing is not for the faint of heart, that much is true! The successful people in this industry hear the most "no's", and some "no's" are harder to take than others.

When I started my first business, I was starry eyed with the excitement of a new venture. I just knew that EVERYBODY was going to buy my products, pass on their referrals, book parties and join my business ! Why wouldn't they ? I just found the BEST business EVER !

I did everything I learned. I made a list of my close friends and family, memorized the script, and started calling. Oh, I laugh about it now. At the end of the evening, after making a WHOLE bunch of calls, I had exactly 2 people coming to my Grand Business Opening. My sister-in-law and my best friend.

What happened? I was a little bit bewildered, and, I have to admit, VERY disappointed. After all, I had just started a business!! I did everything I was supposed to.... why couldn't everybody see what a great opportunity this was??

Thank goodness for my recruiter on that day, and thank goodness I had enough faith in her, to call her. The words she spoke to me that day had the power to make my career, or send me back to the hospital in defeat. She did not take that responsibility lightly. This is what she said to me.

"Shelley, it is always hard, when your family doesn't support what you yourself are excited about, and I understand how you feel right now, but look at it from their point of view. You have been a nurse for 16 years. The Shelley Penney they know goes to the hospital and saves lives. They don't know me, and they haven't tried our product. All they know is that you are doing something you have never done before, and they want to protect you. They don't know that you are serious about this. You need to prove yourself to them before they will be able to see this as a good thing for you. Change takes time. Let me ask you this. Why would you let the opinions of others determine your success or failure?"

Sandra, this thank you is for you! I learned something on that night that would propel me to the top of my field. Not everybody will share your vision. Do you really want them to? If everybody saw what you see, there would BE no opportunity.

Here is what I believe, and I believe it with every fibre of my being. Most people do not say "no" because they want to hurt you. They say "no" because they don't have enough information, they are not interested in your product, they have a prior engagement, they are busy or the timing is just not right. They say "no" to your business opportunity because of many reasons, but usually it is simply because they are afraid, or they don't want to be "sold". It very seldom has anything to do with you.

There are ways to approach the "no's" and turn some of them into "YES", BUT with new people, I recommend NOT spending a lot of time on them. Especially if they are your friends or family members. There are thousands of people in your world who will be interested in what you offer, and it is naive to think that you can grow a large business on the backs of your friends and family. Besides, your family knows that you didn't know anything about "widgets" (or whatever :-) yesterday. They are not going to see you as an expert! Strangers, however, will follow your lead, so if you approach your business with confidence, they will see you as a professional.

Give me a stranger any day. Some one I have never met, that I don't know anything about is perfect. Then I can concentrate on the person in front of me, and not their history. If they say "no" to me, then there are so many other strangers to meet. Chances are, if they do say "no", I will never see them again anyway. A fresh slate to write a story on is empowering, and you can write that story any way you want.

Let me leave you with this final thought, taught to me by yet another very wise person.
"NO" is not a negative...it is a neutral. It is just like you never asked at all! Think about it.... if you ask your neighbor to try your product, or look at your business, and she says "NO", nothing changes. You haven't sold any product, you haven't got a new business partner and she is still your neighbor. HOWEVER, if she says yes, then you many positive things can happen. You could sell something, she could refer a friend, she could be interested in yuor business.

In this business, there are no negatives, only positives and neutrals. If you never ask, nothing positive will ever come out of it!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Your Sunday smile.

2005-06-12T10:10:00.000-03:00

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark...
One: Don't miss the boat.
Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six: Build your future on high ground.
Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. Snails were on board with cheetahs.
Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting
author unknown

Thanks so much to Rick C. Your support and friendship is appreciated. From the other side of the world, you bring a smile to my world daily!

Shelley Penney is a residual income specialist an author, mentor and trainer to the home business industry.

We are in Public Relations

2005-06-11T21:25:00.000-03:00

Set an example YOU would be proud to follow

Why do network marketers and internet marketers, and, well, many sales people in general, receive SUCH a negative reaction from some people? I have been puzzling over this all day.

Is it possible that I, and my industry, have been "painted with the same brush"?

Isn't it true, that in every walk of life, there are people you would associate with and people you wouldn't. Isn't it true that in every business, there are people who "give the organization a bad name"?
Of course it is!

I do not believe that the sales industry has more than it's share of "bad apples". In fact, I have met some of the kindest, most giving people through networking. True service oriented individuals who care very much about their clients, their team members, their company, are becoming the standard!

So, what do you when confronted with stereotyping? HMMM Good question!

I believe, first and foremost, my role is to educate. I believe people mistrust that which they do not understand, therefore, if I can provide information in a non-threatening manner, I may be able to change the misconception, one person at a time.

Let's face it. The world has changed since network marketing became prevalent in the 60's. The sales industry has changed along with it. You see less of the "pomp and circus act" sales presentation, and more solutions oriented meetings. Customers demand knowledge and professionalism, and the best in the field can provide that.

Let me share with you a funny anecdote. I attended a retirement dinner for one of the nurses that I worked with back when I was "still" a nurse. I spent the most enjoyable evening catching up with friends, laughing, sharing stories and "remember when's". When it was time to go, I realized that there were a couple of women at one end of the table that I hadn't had a chance to speak to. As I headed to that end of the table, one of the nurses, that had been a friend and co-worker said, "Oh, HERE she comes ! Don't sit down here and try to sell us something! "
That's like telling a mother not to lick her kleenex and wipe chocolate sauce off my chin! I have just spent 2 hours in a social situation, with people I knew very well at one time, and liked very much. Some of them asked me what I was doing now and I told them, and then I asked them the same question. We had conversation. NOWHERE in that conversation did I try to "sell" something. Oh, OK, I am ranting a bit, but I really do not understand people that think it is OK to be rude because of my occupation.

I work hard at my career. I am focussed on people, sometimes to a fault. When I am with a customer or a team member, I put all of my needs aside and concentrate on the person in front of me. I teach my contacts to do the same. I am constantly helping the people on my team understand that it is not right to "prejudge" the people that they meet. I truly believe that we ALL deserve the same courtesy.

I suffer the insults because I realize that many people have been slighted or run over by an overzealous network marketer in the past. It is hard to change a deep set belief, but we do need to try.

We are all public relations officers for the companies we represent, and the Direct Sales industry as a whole. How we conduct ourselves, and handle situations, for right or wrong, reflects on everybody across the board. It's an unfortunate fact of the career choice we have made. So, when you are conducting business, wear a suit, smile, be professional, and do not engage in the lack of knowledge of others. Show them that things are different now.

Be proud of what you do ! Let's face it, if nobody sold anything then nobody would have anything! Selling, whether direct or indirect, is an honorable, and vital industry. Let's work on keeping it ethical as well!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Hello.........Is anybody there ??

2005-06-10T14:11:00.000-03:00

Communication-- Skills for life.

Are you a communicator? Do you have the ability to really understand what someone is saying to you?

One of the things that is absolutely key, in every area of life, is the skill of communication. Effective communicating is essential in friendships, partnerships and family relationships. Doesn't it make sense to spend some time learning what communication is all about?

Many people make the mistake of believing that talking equals communicating. NOT SO ! Oh talking is certainly a part of communication, but it is a very small part. Stop and think, for a moment, of all the ways we communicate. Body language such as crossed arms or a frown, or leaning towards or away from somebody are very telling to a student of communication. We use our hands to emphasize a point. We swallow, or look away, frown or smile, nod or shake our head. A well placed pause or silence can also speak volumes. There are so many ways to emphasize or de-emphasize a point.

In order to be an effective communicator, there are several factors that share equal importance. I would like to take some time to review those factors.

First and foremost, take the focus off of yourself. This is key, because if you are nervous, worried, or in any other way self-focussed, then you will find it difficult to focus on your audience. Understand that people are people, and the most intimidating person is usually that way to hide their own nervousness. People interpret nervous signals in a negative way, and will sometimes think you have something to hide.
Be warm and friendly, and try out a relaxed smile.
Be aware of your posture. Keep your shoulders and head up, fold your hands in front of you, and tilt your head, or lean forward slightly towards the person with whom you are speaking.
Learn how to ask questions.... This point is really my favorite, and I feel one of the most important. It is so easy to misunderstand what someone is saying, when you don't have enough information. Let me give you an example....Today I was speaking with a potential business partner. He said to me, "I really am unconvinced about network marketing." My first instinct is to give an explanation of why network marketing is a good model. In fact, this is exactly what most people do. When you speak,, without understanding the feeling behind the statement, you end up speaking AT, rather than speaking WITH.

Instead, I empathize with the speaker, and then ask a question to help me clarify this persons concerns. "I understand that you may feel that way. That is exactly what I thought as well. Tell me, David, what is it about network marketing that makes you uneasy?" Other very good clarifying questions are, "Why do you say that?", or, "Have you had experience with Network Marketing in the past?"

These types of questions are a very important part of understanding what the speaker is trying to say. Understand that our brains process information much faster than we can speak. What that means is that, a simple statement such as the one above has much more information attached to it than was spoken. Someones reasons for being wary may be different than another. Clarify before you speak.

Another very important, and often overlooked method of communicating is how something is said. An effective communicator expresses their relationship to the speaker by mimicking some of their intonations and postures. We will relate to those people who we can identify with. When the person is speaking softly, so should you. If the person is using business language, so should you. This does not mean you have to go to acting school, or change who you are. In fact, the most effective communicators adapt to the environment seamlessly, and most of the time, do not even realize they are doing it. The important thing to remember is that you should be constantly aware of what effect your communication is having on the individual or group. Be aware of the things that aren't said, pick up on non verbal clues, listen deeply to what is actually said, and evaluate your response before you speak.

Once the interaction is over, go back over the communication in your mind. Did it achieve the desired results? How might you improve? What things did you say or do that were particularly effective?

Networking is not about convincing, tricking or persuading... It is about respectful interaction...sharing of ideas....Communication.

With practice, anybody can learn the skill of effective communication. As you get better, you will find much success, in both your personal and business life.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

The words we use.

2005-06-05T12:05:00.000-03:00

Picture this scenario. I am out at a speaking engagement, and up comes an eager new business associate, with a guest in tow. He is bubbling with fresh excitement, he pushes his guest forward and says, "Shelley, I would like you to meet my newest prospect!" Oops!! This siuation needs saving FAST!

I can just see some of you now, scratching your head and asking "what's wrong with that?"

This is a mistake made so commonly in network marketing, that it has become standard. The dehumanizing of the people we meet, by using language that is not common in everyday conversation.

People within the industry tend to pick up the "lingo" and use it freely. It sets us apart, it makes us feel important, everybody else does it, therefore it must be right, right?..............WRONG!

Well, think about it. How would you like to be referred to as a prospect, or a lead, or a heavy hitter, or a business builder. The words we use leave an impression on everybody who hears them, and it is very important to understand that people should be valued for who they are, and not what they can bring to your business. Using terms such as the ones above, reduce the individual to an object, and is an incredible turn off.

When you are speaking with, or introducing, potential business partners, it is exceedingly important to recognize this person as an individual. Your main goal is to develop rapport, and communicating effectively requires that the indvidual understands what you are saying, and feels valued.

The business people that you wish to attract to your opportunity are distrustful of that which they do not understand. Many of them are wary of "MLM schemes" to begin with. This distrust is perpetuated by the high pressure tactics, loud music, and hype that has been a part of network marketing for a very long time. Just about everybody knows somebody who has lost money in network marketing.

So, my advice to you is this....Use language that people will understand.
Business people outside of network marketing don't understand "referring",but they do understand "franchising". They don't understand "comp plans", so substitute "ways to earn money". Instead of "prospect" use friend, business associate, or perhaps simply a name !! In fact, I personally think that you should remove the word "prospect" from your vocabulary and NEVER use it again.

Your use of words can alienate or attract. A true professional structures their business presentation to the person receiving the information. People will rarely ask what you mean by that, because they don't want to appear uneducated, so you need to be alert to the reactions of others to determine if what you are saying has the desired effect.

Network marketing is changing, as more people migrate from the corporate world, to a home based business. More and more, we are attracting business savvy and intelligent people who are used to being respected in their field of expertise. You can acknowledge that respect by speaking "to" them and not "at" them, using language they relate to. Get rid of the loud music, unbelievable "earning potential" stories, and slick, manipulative pressure tactics. Be real and be honest. Acknowledge their concerns, and provide solutions based on the experiences of others, and you will find that your organizaton expands with the type of people who stick with you for the long term, with patience and perserverance. People attracted with hype will soon be oppressed by a cloud of disappointment, and will leave with another story of failure to tell.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

We beats ME everytime!

2005-05-30T23:36:00.000-03:00

Network marketing is ALL about the team, and your ability to work with-in yours will ultimately determine your own success.
Each individual on a team brings certain skills and experiences to the table, and it is very important to realize that everyone ADDS VALUE to the organization. I DO mean everyone!
It doesn't matter how long you have been in business. It doesn't matter whether you are full time or part time. It doesn't matter whether you have a college education or haven't finished highschool. Network marketing is the ultimate equalizer.

The thing is, who ever you are, there is someone out there who can relate to you! Someone who shares a similar experience, thought or disposition. Someone that you can inspire by sharing your story or an idea.

There are 2 common errors that I see happen frequently that can kill team efforts! The first comes from the person who is constantly comparing themselves to others on the team. This persons thought process goes something like this.....
Everybody is doing so much better than I am. I don't have anything to teach these people, because I haven't done anything worthwhile. This individual satellites herself from the team, and always feels as if she is an outsider.
These people (if they recruit to the organization) will often bring in weak team members who lack the confidence or motivation to build a business, because they are intimidated by anyone who they perceive as having more talent.
Understand this basic principal...."whenever you compare yourself to others, you are comparing your weaknesses to their strengths" You will NEVER come out ahead in this scenario. You can benefit by embracing the talents of the team, and using their skill and talent.
Remember that in this business, we can choose who we work with, and if the person who brought you into the business didn't think you could do it, they would have moved on to someone else!
The second "team killer" is the person who makes excuses and decisions for others, based on their need to "protect" the individual, or simply to have control. This is pre-judging at it's finest!
Often, what happens is, the teamleader or recruiter will say things like..
"oh, I didn't tell Joanie about the conference... she wouldn't be able to come anyway" or "Don't talk about the latest product launch, Peter will just feel bad because he can't afford to get one in to show."

Even though the motive may be pure, these types of decisions stunt the growth of individuals in the team, and ultimately end in a disaster of hurt feelings, and a feeling of lack of support.

I truly believe that everybody on a team is an equal member of a team. Lexxus is a binary system where each of us are distributors. There are no levels!! We all have an equal opportunity to grow and learn, and we all have equal opportunity to make mistakes (and grow and learn ;-)

The strength and beauty of this system is that we all benefit from the efforts of the group equally, so there is huge motivation to work together.
Regardless of what kind of team you are working on, the team is only as strong as the weakest link. The person sitting across from you with no experience, who seems a little rough around the edges, could be the next millionaire.

Our job, as responsible team members, is to listen, encourage, provide information, praise success, and give support. Recognize that networking is a "learned" skill not a genetic trait. As such, the person you judge will either learn the right things or the wrong things.
A successful marketer leads by example, prejudges (because that is human nature LOL), and then ignores the judgements and gives everyone an equal chance.
I like to provide information in a non-threatening environment. It is each individuals job to accept or reject the information.
Let me tell you this....when you start taking responsibility for yourself, and stop taking responsibility for others, the team will thrive beyond what you could have imagined!
Want to know more about how you can be part of the team?
CLICK HERE for more information.

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Take time for friends!

2005-05-28T10:02:00.000-03:00

Along the road to success, you will meet some pretty incredible people!

It is easy to get so involved in your goal, that you close yourself off to friendships. Don't let this happen to you!

I've seen it happen so many times. People in network marketing get so involved with their own business, that they stop interacting unless they are talking business! It is important to realize that, although not everyone will be interested in what you are doing, just about everybody can add value to your life.

A true networker is NOT cash focussed. The most successful people in the industry have a genuine love of people. It is the experience of interacting, that drives them.

Let me introduce you to someone who understands EXACTLY what I mean! While I was researching ways to get quality advertising on the internet, I came across a site called "Guaranteed Results".
They offer a pretty impressive array of advertising options for the small business owner.

I was immediately impressed with the amount of time, research and effort that went into the site. Over time, I have come to know the owner. She is dedicated to helping people get ahead, and in the true spirit of "giving" she spends hours searching for ways to add value to her membership!

Here is what Karen says about herself:

I have been working on the internet now for about 5 years. I wasted a lot of time and money on programs where only the first people to get in made anything. I topped out two credit cards and finally realized that the only way to make money is to first; own your own business.

I figured since I had wasted so much money or worthless advertising, that perhaps it would be my niche to own my own advertising agency.

I have founded this company on truth and honesty. I only use tools that indeed do work. I use them myself. I wanted to have only serious marketers as paid members, which is how it has indeed worked out. We have created a strong group of Entrepreneurs with which to share business ideas and advertising.

Karen has become a friend. She is someone I respect and trust. Take a moment to visit her site and see what she has to offer, and don't forget to say "hello" !

Visit GuaranteedResults4U.com CLICK HERE

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

"No thanks, I'm not looking for anything else right now."

2005-05-27T17:56:00.000-03:00

Here's the scenario.... You are out somewhere, and you meet some one that you really like. He/she is the proverbial spark.... quick, intelligent, confident, with a great personality! This person is a magnet, attracting a group of people who hang on his every word. You just KNOW that he would be perfect on your team!

So you strike up a conversation. A little small talk happens, you share a laugh, and then, the question you have been waiting for...
"What do you do for a living?"

You start to talk about your business, and all of a sudden his body stiffens, his arms cross, and you can see the whites of his eyes, as he scans the room, looking like he needs to be rescued. When you offer your business card he says, "No thanks, I'm not looking for anything else right now!"

This is not the time to back away apologetically!

How many times have you gone into the grocery store just for milk, and filled the cart? Retailers make fortunes by understanding that people who "aren't looking for anything right now" spend money buying things they have to have! Conversely, have you ever gone shopping for a new outfit, only to go from store to store, and find nothing suitable?

Don't be intimidated by these words. People say no because they don't have enough information, or they don't have the correct information. So rather than feel dejected because you got a "no", see if you can turn it into a yes. There are several key factors to overcoming objections.
#1- Smile, look right into their eyes with confidence, and repeat back to them what they just said to you, in question form. "You're not looking for anything right now??"

(99% of the time they will throw out a different objection, a little more specific.)

#2-Listen CAREFULLY and be empathetic to their situation-- "Wow, can I ever relate to that! I have so much respect for somebody who does what you do every day! I only do...........

#3- Take it away- "You know what, I see now that this may truly not be for you...

#4- Sincere Compliment-...but you seem to have a lot of knowledge about...and I would really value your opinion...,

#5-Ask for help- "I would really like to run my presentation by you and see what you think.

#6-Reassure- "This is purely an information session. It may not be for you, and that's OK.

#7-Plant the seed for referral- "But even if it's not for you, you may know someone just like you, who would be perfect!"

OK, so, having said all of this, remember the most important factor when dealing with others. " People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care" Always, always be honest in your dealings. You are not "out to get" people. Networking is based on the truism that "you will get what you want in life, if you just help enough people get what they want". You need to understand how what you offer can help this person get what they want in life. Be honest, be genuine, be REAL.(and be realistic, not everybody IS suited to do what you do. If you treat them well, they may remember that when timing is better)

People do not want to be "sold", and the days of high pressure tactics and trickery are gone. You are looking for savvy, intelligent people, and those people have objections, questions, and doubts. That's a GOOD thing. It really is! Most often, the best people on your team put up the biggest fight, challenge you at every turn in the information process, in the beginning. They need to get to know you, and they need more information in an unthreatening environment.

You just need to get them into your store. Once they are in, make sure the milk is at the back!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Playing at work.

2005-05-26T23:36:00.000-03:00

HUH!

I had a most interesting conversation with my good friend and business partner today.
Now this man is busy. He works a full time job in the real estate industry. He also works full time in his home business. He has grown a team of well over 1500 distributors in many different countries. He fully supports the team. He is available to me whenever I need him for conference calls. (I use him just about every day!)
In case you think it's because I am special... it's not. He provides this support to anyone who cares to utilize his particular skills.

So my question is, can you do both effectively? In other words, does there come a time when you need to make a choice... or have both careers suffer?

Well, that is surely a personal question, and every scenario is different. Right ??

Ok, that may be so, but how do you make the decision, and how do you know when the time is right?

Well, first of all, you have to sit down in a quiet place, away from distraction, and put some serious thought into what you really want out of life.
Here are some things to think about....

Do you love your job? Or is it just "comfortable"

When you are working one "career" does it have your full attention?

Do you feel like you are "spread too thin"?

Do you have time just for you, to recharge?

"But I am not making enough money in my
-Work From Home venture-". you say ?!

Have you considered that you are not because your focus is divided?

Do you think that you would get where you wanted to much faster if you had full time hours to devote? The fact is, work at home opportunities have been given a bad rap over the years, but I think it is because so many people don't work their business like a business!

It's a real dilemma for most people. The fact is, making a go of a full-time work from home business requires dedication, determination, a leap of faith, and a certain amount of risk. If your J.O.B. is holding you back from truly achieving the level you wish to attain, then NOT leaving it behind means that you probably haven't reached the level of BELIEF in yourself that is required to "make it big" in network marketing.

Every step on your path to greatness carries with it a risk of some kind. I believe the greater the stride, the greater the feeling of associated discomfort! The toughest personal decisions have the ability to propel you forward or hold you back. Only you can make that decision. Just don't allow fear or lack of belief to hold you back from your destiny!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.

Living the high life !!

2005-05-24T20:41:00.000-03:00

Well, you've heard it all haven't you ?? Headlines screaming with promised riches, group meetings that pump you up with music and hype, people telling you over and over again that this one is different ! How in heck do you sort through it all ?

Network marketing is a jungle ! In fact, there are over 27,000 network marketing businesses in the world. Many of these companies will fold with in their first 2 years in business.
The hard reality is that only a measily 1% of network marketers ever make the big time ! WOW ! Still wanna leave that "9-5" ;-)
Wouldn't you like to increase the odds in your favor ?
It is true.... you CAN. But it is not going to be easy ! Simple yes, but not always easy!
OK, let us look first at the "COMPANY". Experts within the industry have given us some landmarks to go by when choosing the right company. You need to find a company that has reached the "benchmark" of at least $50 million in sales in one calendar year. But that's not all! You also want a company that is not done growing. In other words, you want a business that is in it's "pre-momentum phase" of development. This is the stage when it is steadily increasing in growth, but it hasn't reached "the masses" yet. Here's a litmus test for you. Go out in your neighborhood and ask 20 strangers if they have heard of your company yet. If one or less has, you may be on to something.
Now, let's look at the products. The most successful of the network marketing companies have a consumable product. One that is used and loved and people want more. The product should also have a uniqueness to it. The best products are new, in demand, high impact (immediate results) products that are priced reasonably. Even better, the products should have an emotional appeal. (youth and vitality, health, and weight loss products fall into this category)
Now, if the company you are looking at has all of these, there are a few more factors you should look at. One of the most important features, for me, is the dynamics of the team I will be working with. Interview the people who are trying to recruit you? Do you like them ? Are they positive? Inspirational? Are they more experienced than you are? And if not, do they add skills that will round out what you bring to the table. Do they have the information you need, and if not, do they get back to you with the answer right away ? Do they keep scheduled appointments with you and are they punctual? These things are important, because they tell you a lot about what your working relationship will be like.

Now...here's the crunch....what are YOU prepared to bring to your own business?
You need to be prepared to learn a new business. You need to have "bounce-back-ability". You need to see your future so clearly, that nobody can take you off your chosen path.
Make no mistake about it, you DO have to do SOMETHING !
Now, if someone tells you that you can make money/do nothing you need to RUN... fast, in the other direction. We all know that is not reality.
First, you need to talk to people then you have to sell something. Yes you do ! Network marketing is just that! Let's break it down.
"network" (talk to people) and "marketing" (sell something) This may go against what everybody has told you, but it's a fact. The thing is, if ALL of the other things are in place, then it makes your "job" easier. If you have a team that can teach you, and help you refocus through the tough times, if you have a product that people can get passionate about, if you have a company that you can be proud of, then, just add YOU. The final ingredient in your "success recipe".

Here's to your success!!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home. If you would like to be part of her group, please go to http://marketsmart.ws/WorkFromHome.html and fill out the form for consideration.

Another fork in the road !

2005-05-23T20:34:00.000-03:00

Well, here I am.... another "fork in the road" so to speak.
I have been nagged at and harangued to the point of surrender! This blog is the result of well meaning friends (and accomplices) to keep me in line with the "trendy and hip" in the online world. Eventually I may even have something meaningful to say. For now, I can say that my goal has always been to make friends, enjoy the sunset, (sleep through the sunrise), earn enough money to LIVE and bring people along on my journey!
I have been self-employed for 7 years now, and my migration to the internet, last summer, happened purely as a result of circumstance. I spent hours and hours just researching....exploring..... learning.
WOW !
There is a TON of stuff out there. There's certainly no shortage of people willing to help you part with your money ! Along the way, though, I found some *truth*. Amongst all the grit and grime, there are few "nuggets". Those golden programs, run by ethical net-preneurs, who truly want to help YOU get ahead.
Be careful, though, lest you be seduced by clever ad copy. Lurking behing many a slick web-site is a wolf in a wooly white suit!