My chosen MLM company is ahead of its time, not only with its products, but with its training. Recently I attending a training meeting that gave me so much knowledge and insight that I find myself wanting to share what I learned.
If you truly want to build a successful business, then you have to be an expert at the basics. Never try to reinvent the wheel; follow your upline's lead, as they know how to work the system for success.
One of the basics that is imperative to understand in order to be successful is the importance of belief.
Basically, there are three areas in which you must have belief in:
1. The network marketing industry. This industry really is a great way for people to obtain freedom and financial security. Unfortunately, most people don't realize what a great opportunity this industry offers, or they are not interested because of all the misconceptions they've heard about the industry itself. If you truly believe in this industry (and I'm assuming, if you own a MLM business that you do), this belief will show through your dedication to reaching your goals and your enthusiasm when talking to prospects.
2. Your company's products and business opportunity: Most people who own an MLM business started out as customers and joined the business because they loved the products. If you believe in the products and the opportunity your company offers, then you enthusiasm and activity will reflect that belief, and therefore your success as well.
3. Yourself: In order to be successful in this business, you MUST believe in yourself. This business is simple, but it is not easy. You will face many obstacles. You must have enough belief in yourself to overcome any setbacks that you face. You must believe in your ability to reach your financial goals, to stick through the tough times in order to come out on top. This is why so many people quit this business, while the ones who stick to it rise to the top. This business is not a "get rich quick" scheme: you have to invest your time and some money before you see financial return. Belief in yourself will help you to stick it out and be around when payday comes.
So, there you have it. The importance of belief. Now, when you work your business, let your belief shine through in your actions and words. People will pick up on your confidence and your excitement, and your business will start to grow.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Consistent Activity is the Key
In network marketing, there is only thing that you can implement into your business that is sure to bring you success: consistent activity.
This business requires consistent activity in order to create the momentum that will carry you up through the company levels and to success. Working your business once a week is not consistent activity. In fact, if you choose to work your business only once a week, what you have is not a business, but a hobby.
Does this mean that you have to work every single day and never get any free time to yourself? Of course not. The beauty of networking marketing is that you are your own boss, and you choose when to work. If you have children and one of them gets sick, you can take the day off to care for them. If there is a fun event in town that you have been looking forward to going to, then go! Never again will you have to R.S.V.P to family events with regrets because you "have to work". With networking marketing, you can work your business around the rest of your life.
But the key phrase here is work your business. This does not mean "in your spare time" (we all know that no one has spare time!) or when you are bored and have nothing to do. Most people who start this business did not have spare chunks of time during their day where they were sitting around twiddling their thumbs. The key to maintaining consistent activity and working your business around your life is to work it in the nooks and crannies of your day.
So, plan your calendar. First, write in all the family and fun events that you want to attend that month. Family, friends, doctor's appointments, birthday parties, etc. Then, write in your work hours around those events already scheduled. Block off two hours a day (or how many hours a day you would like to work your business) and highlight it. Save that time for when there are not going to be any distractions around, and then work your business.
If you work a business where you hold parties or demos in people's home, here's a tip: block of the time that you want to hold demos in your calendar and highlight it. Then, as you book the parties on those days, fill in the highlighted area with the details. This method is great because of two reasons: first, you are more organized, and you always know at a glance when you are available to do parties and how many parties you have already booked, as well as how many parties you need to book to reach your goal; and second, because having those highlighted blocks on your calendar is really great for visual motivation. I like to look at the calendar for a minute in the morning and visualize all my highlighted blocks filled with details of booked parties. :o)
So, remember: put your hours into your calendar, then work it. Work your business consistently. If you put these principles into place, the momentum will come, and your business will pick up. It's just a matter of time. :o)
This business requires consistent activity in order to create the momentum that will carry you up through the company levels and to success. Working your business once a week is not consistent activity. In fact, if you choose to work your business only once a week, what you have is not a business, but a hobby.
Does this mean that you have to work every single day and never get any free time to yourself? Of course not. The beauty of networking marketing is that you are your own boss, and you choose when to work. If you have children and one of them gets sick, you can take the day off to care for them. If there is a fun event in town that you have been looking forward to going to, then go! Never again will you have to R.S.V.P to family events with regrets because you "have to work". With networking marketing, you can work your business around the rest of your life.
But the key phrase here is work your business. This does not mean "in your spare time" (we all know that no one has spare time!) or when you are bored and have nothing to do. Most people who start this business did not have spare chunks of time during their day where they were sitting around twiddling their thumbs. The key to maintaining consistent activity and working your business around your life is to work it in the nooks and crannies of your day.
So, plan your calendar. First, write in all the family and fun events that you want to attend that month. Family, friends, doctor's appointments, birthday parties, etc. Then, write in your work hours around those events already scheduled. Block off two hours a day (or how many hours a day you would like to work your business) and highlight it. Save that time for when there are not going to be any distractions around, and then work your business.
If you work a business where you hold parties or demos in people's home, here's a tip: block of the time that you want to hold demos in your calendar and highlight it. Then, as you book the parties on those days, fill in the highlighted area with the details. This method is great because of two reasons: first, you are more organized, and you always know at a glance when you are available to do parties and how many parties you have already booked, as well as how many parties you need to book to reach your goal; and second, because having those highlighted blocks on your calendar is really great for visual motivation. I like to look at the calendar for a minute in the morning and visualize all my highlighted blocks filled with details of booked parties. :o)
So, remember: put your hours into your calendar, then work it. Work your business consistently. If you put these principles into place, the momentum will come, and your business will pick up. It's just a matter of time. :o)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Think BIG
If you want to have true success in the Network Marketing business, than it is a great idea to THINK BIG.
Now, if your goal is to just make a couple of extra hundred dollars a month to pay for a few extra expenses, then thinking big is not necessary. But if you have the burning desire and the commitment to go to the top, then THINKING BIG will get you there.
You have to start taking yourself seriously. As soon as you launch your business, then you must think of yourself as a business person. Attend business networking events. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce. Join local business social groups. Attend business seminars and trainings. Don't be intimidated by the other business people that are at these events...remember, you are now a business owner as well. Look and act the part. THINK BIG.
Once you begin to take yourself seriously and treating yourself as the business owner that you are, then others will start taking you seriously. They will realize that you are in this for the long haul, and they will begin to show you the same respect that they would show any other business owner.
Don't be afraid to approach others about your business. Not matter what their profession is; a doctor, a lawyer, etc. You have no way of knowing if they are keeping their options open. Maybe that successful doctor is secretly desperate to quit her job and stay home with her kids. Maybe that lawyer has a burning desire to retire early and is looking for a way to make that happen. In any case, who are you to make the choice for them? No matter what they do, don't be afraid. THINK BIG.
Most of all, believe in yourself. Only then will you be able to take yourself seriously. Only then will you be able to approach everyone about your business. Only then will you be able to THINK BIG.
THINKING BIG will take you to places that you thought you would never see. Give it a try. What do you have to lose?
Now, if your goal is to just make a couple of extra hundred dollars a month to pay for a few extra expenses, then thinking big is not necessary. But if you have the burning desire and the commitment to go to the top, then THINKING BIG will get you there.
You have to start taking yourself seriously. As soon as you launch your business, then you must think of yourself as a business person. Attend business networking events. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce. Join local business social groups. Attend business seminars and trainings. Don't be intimidated by the other business people that are at these events...remember, you are now a business owner as well. Look and act the part. THINK BIG.
Once you begin to take yourself seriously and treating yourself as the business owner that you are, then others will start taking you seriously. They will realize that you are in this for the long haul, and they will begin to show you the same respect that they would show any other business owner.
Don't be afraid to approach others about your business. Not matter what their profession is; a doctor, a lawyer, etc. You have no way of knowing if they are keeping their options open. Maybe that successful doctor is secretly desperate to quit her job and stay home with her kids. Maybe that lawyer has a burning desire to retire early and is looking for a way to make that happen. In any case, who are you to make the choice for them? No matter what they do, don't be afraid. THINK BIG.
Most of all, believe in yourself. Only then will you be able to take yourself seriously. Only then will you be able to approach everyone about your business. Only then will you be able to THINK BIG.
THINKING BIG will take you to places that you thought you would never see. Give it a try. What do you have to lose?
Monday, October 1, 2007
MLM Marketing vs. Pyramid Scheme
One of the misconceptions that people may have about a networking company is that it is a pyramid scheme. Pyramid Schemes are illegal and costly scams that people sign into because they are promised serious money with no effort. Network Marketing, however, is a legitimate and popular way to own your own business and work your own hours.
So what exactly is the difference between a Pyramid Scheme and a MLM business? Well, the Direct Selling Association has loads of information about pyramid schemes and how to avoid them, but there are three questions that the DSA suggests you ask yourself in order to avoid being taken in by this scam:
1. How much are you required to become a distributor?
Pyramid schemes will have a large sign up fee that you must pay in order to join. Most of the time it is around $1,000.00. In order to appear legitimate, most pyramid schemes will tell you that this fee pays for products that you must have, or training that you are required to go through, or software programs you need to run your business, etc. However, the products you receive are worthless and you are out $1,000. Legitimate MLM companies want to make it easy for you to start the business; therefore they charge a minimal fee to sign up, usually the cost of a kit.
2. Will the company buy back unsold inventory?
Legitimate MLM companies will buy back any inventory that you have not sold if you quit the business, sometimes for up to 90% of what you bought it for. Pyramid schemes, on the other hand, will not buy back any inventory and you are then stuck with worthless products and no way to make your money back.
3. Are the company's products sold to consumers?
If there is little effort to sell the products to consumers and instead you are pressured only to recruit more people, then run away. Legitimate MLM companies only make money when products are sold to consumers, while Pyramid schemes only make profits when new people are duped into signing on and purchasing worthless inventory.
So there you have it. In Pyramid Schemes, people are generally working for themselves and could care less who they are hurting when they recruit people into the scheme. However, if you join a legitimate MLM company, you will be pleasantly surprised on how everyone you are working with wants to help you succeed and reach your goals. Networking Marketing is a legitimate and real choice for someone who wants the freedom of running their own business but cannot afford the costly start up costs and risks involved with starting a business in the traditional manner. With MLM, the start up cost is minimal and the system for success is already in place; you don't have to try to figure out things on your own. As we say in my business of choice, "You are in business for yourself, but not by yourself".
So what exactly is the difference between a Pyramid Scheme and a MLM business? Well, the Direct Selling Association has loads of information about pyramid schemes and how to avoid them, but there are three questions that the DSA suggests you ask yourself in order to avoid being taken in by this scam:
1. How much are you required to become a distributor?
Pyramid schemes will have a large sign up fee that you must pay in order to join. Most of the time it is around $1,000.00. In order to appear legitimate, most pyramid schemes will tell you that this fee pays for products that you must have, or training that you are required to go through, or software programs you need to run your business, etc. However, the products you receive are worthless and you are out $1,000. Legitimate MLM companies want to make it easy for you to start the business; therefore they charge a minimal fee to sign up, usually the cost of a kit.
2. Will the company buy back unsold inventory?
Legitimate MLM companies will buy back any inventory that you have not sold if you quit the business, sometimes for up to 90% of what you bought it for. Pyramid schemes, on the other hand, will not buy back any inventory and you are then stuck with worthless products and no way to make your money back.
3. Are the company's products sold to consumers?
If there is little effort to sell the products to consumers and instead you are pressured only to recruit more people, then run away. Legitimate MLM companies only make money when products are sold to consumers, while Pyramid schemes only make profits when new people are duped into signing on and purchasing worthless inventory.
So there you have it. In Pyramid Schemes, people are generally working for themselves and could care less who they are hurting when they recruit people into the scheme. However, if you join a legitimate MLM company, you will be pleasantly surprised on how everyone you are working with wants to help you succeed and reach your goals. Networking Marketing is a legitimate and real choice for someone who wants the freedom of running their own business but cannot afford the costly start up costs and risks involved with starting a business in the traditional manner. With MLM, the start up cost is minimal and the system for success is already in place; you don't have to try to figure out things on your own. As we say in my business of choice, "You are in business for yourself, but not by yourself".
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Is This The Real Deal?
As I move forward with my business, I find that many people have misconceptions about the Network Marketing Industry and how it works. People who express an interest often ask, "Is this the real deal? Or is it a scam?"
Let me assure you, it is the real deal. However, just as in any industry, there are a few "bad apple" companies that can really create horrible experiences for people who decided to join this industry. In order to succeed in this industry, you must take the time to research the company that you are interested in and find out whether it is a legitimate company or not.
There are four factors that one should look for when choosing a company. First, Marketplace Demand; is there a demand or need for the company's products where you live? Is there a wide range of consumers who would be interested in the products that the company has to offer? If there is a large marketplace demand, then you've got a great range of customers to market your products to and get sales from.
Second, Consumable Products; are your products consumable or are they a one time purchase? If you want the most success from your MLM business, you want to choose a company that offers products that are used on a daily basis. Once the products are consumed, then people come back to you to purchase more. This is how you will establish a customer base.
Third, Timing and Trends; is your company up to date with the ongoing trends? This factor goes hand in hand with Market place demand. Does your company offer products that go along with the current market place trends? Or does it offer products that people are no longer interested in? Jumping in at the right time with the right company that is following current trends will lead to success in MLM.
And finally, the fourth factor is the Ability to Leverage Your Time. Is the company you are interested in have a system that allows you to leverage your time? Does it allow you to build a team of business builders to help you work your way up in the company, or do you have to rely on your sales alone? By building a team to work with you in your company, you can work 10-20 hours a week and yet get paid for 40-50 hours.
Before choosing a company, ask yourself, does this company fulfill all four key factors? Also, it is a really good sign if your company is a member of the Direct Selling Association. Company's who join this association must abide by a strict Code of Ethics in order to obtain membership.
You should also research the company on your own. Is the company transparent? Do they have available to the public their records of recent payouts to consultants, etc?
But perhaps most important of all, ask yourself if this is a company that you believe in. Do you use the products yourself and love them? Would you recommend the products to your friends even if you weren't involved with the business? Does the company practice ideals and ethics that are close to your own?
Once you have found the company that is right for you, dive in and embark on your new career. Believe in the company, believe in the product, and most of all...believe in yourself.
Let me assure you, it is the real deal. However, just as in any industry, there are a few "bad apple" companies that can really create horrible experiences for people who decided to join this industry. In order to succeed in this industry, you must take the time to research the company that you are interested in and find out whether it is a legitimate company or not.
There are four factors that one should look for when choosing a company. First, Marketplace Demand; is there a demand or need for the company's products where you live? Is there a wide range of consumers who would be interested in the products that the company has to offer? If there is a large marketplace demand, then you've got a great range of customers to market your products to and get sales from.
Second, Consumable Products; are your products consumable or are they a one time purchase? If you want the most success from your MLM business, you want to choose a company that offers products that are used on a daily basis. Once the products are consumed, then people come back to you to purchase more. This is how you will establish a customer base.
Third, Timing and Trends; is your company up to date with the ongoing trends? This factor goes hand in hand with Market place demand. Does your company offer products that go along with the current market place trends? Or does it offer products that people are no longer interested in? Jumping in at the right time with the right company that is following current trends will lead to success in MLM.
And finally, the fourth factor is the Ability to Leverage Your Time. Is the company you are interested in have a system that allows you to leverage your time? Does it allow you to build a team of business builders to help you work your way up in the company, or do you have to rely on your sales alone? By building a team to work with you in your company, you can work 10-20 hours a week and yet get paid for 40-50 hours.
Before choosing a company, ask yourself, does this company fulfill all four key factors? Also, it is a really good sign if your company is a member of the Direct Selling Association. Company's who join this association must abide by a strict Code of Ethics in order to obtain membership.
You should also research the company on your own. Is the company transparent? Do they have available to the public their records of recent payouts to consultants, etc?
But perhaps most important of all, ask yourself if this is a company that you believe in. Do you use the products yourself and love them? Would you recommend the products to your friends even if you weren't involved with the business? Does the company practice ideals and ethics that are close to your own?
Once you have found the company that is right for you, dive in and embark on your new career. Believe in the company, believe in the product, and most of all...believe in yourself.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
My Why
It's a common question that one MLM business builder will ask another.
What is your Why?
According to Dictionary.com, the definition of why is: "The cause or intention underlying a given action or situation."
But in this business, your Why is so much more.
Your Why is the reason that you get involved in the Network Marketing business in the first place. It allows you to see the full picture, to envision the future. It allows you to see the real potential for success that you can achieve in this industry.
Your Why is also what keeps you going through your bad days. On the days that you hear a lot of "No", on the days that you wonder if this business is worth it, your Why is what enables you to pick up the phone and call another person. Each person in this business holds their Why to be true and dear to them, as it should be. Why's are personal testimonies to how people can have the courage to change their lives.
So, What is my Why? My family. I joined this business because I have two young children who I want to be there for at all times. I joined so that I can achieve financial peace and be able to provide for them and live a debt-free lifestyle. I joined so that I can be home to homeschool them when they are old enough. And I joined so that my husband can retire early and be there for them as well.
My Why is huge. It is my heart, my soul, my life. And it will take me to the top.
I realize that I am a blessed woman. For the most part, I am home with my children. But after learning about Dave Ramsey's program to become debt free, my husband and I decided that getting a part time job would really help us achieve this goal and help us to get into our first house. And so, I work part time, at night, at a national chain store.
I cannot stand the corporate world. I cannot stand how the corporation I work for does not care about its employees, only profits. I cannot stand how I have to leave my girls to go to a job where I am told what I have to do in order to make someone else money.
I am using my Why to give me courage and strength to break free from this corporate world. I am using my business as my vehicle to get me to my goals. And I will get there. Because my Why is strong, and my Why looks me in the face every single day through my daughters' eyes and reminds me to not give up, and to work for my future reward.
What is your Why?
What is your Why?
According to Dictionary.com, the definition of why is: "The cause or intention underlying a given action or situation."
But in this business, your Why is so much more.
Your Why is the reason that you get involved in the Network Marketing business in the first place. It allows you to see the full picture, to envision the future. It allows you to see the real potential for success that you can achieve in this industry.
Your Why is also what keeps you going through your bad days. On the days that you hear a lot of "No", on the days that you wonder if this business is worth it, your Why is what enables you to pick up the phone and call another person. Each person in this business holds their Why to be true and dear to them, as it should be. Why's are personal testimonies to how people can have the courage to change their lives.
So, What is my Why? My family. I joined this business because I have two young children who I want to be there for at all times. I joined so that I can achieve financial peace and be able to provide for them and live a debt-free lifestyle. I joined so that I can be home to homeschool them when they are old enough. And I joined so that my husband can retire early and be there for them as well.
My Why is huge. It is my heart, my soul, my life. And it will take me to the top.
I realize that I am a blessed woman. For the most part, I am home with my children. But after learning about Dave Ramsey's program to become debt free, my husband and I decided that getting a part time job would really help us achieve this goal and help us to get into our first house. And so, I work part time, at night, at a national chain store.
I cannot stand the corporate world. I cannot stand how the corporation I work for does not care about its employees, only profits. I cannot stand how I have to leave my girls to go to a job where I am told what I have to do in order to make someone else money.
I am using my Why to give me courage and strength to break free from this corporate world. I am using my business as my vehicle to get me to my goals. And I will get there. Because my Why is strong, and my Why looks me in the face every single day through my daughters' eyes and reminds me to not give up, and to work for my future reward.
What is your Why?
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Welcome to my Journey
Welcome.
Welcome to my journey through Network Marketing. I joined a reputable Network Marketing business almost two months ago and already my life is changing. And I am not just talking about financially, either. I'm talking in terms of personal development.
So many changes have occurred within myself in such a short time that I feel the need to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In the end, I know that not only will I reach financial peace, but I will be a better person as well.
So, get a cup of tea (or coffee) and pull up a chair. I welcome all appropriate comments and suggestions that you feel the need to make as you read about my journey. My hope is not only to learn from you, but that maybe you will learn a little something from me as well.
Thank you for joining me on my journey.
Welcome to my journey through Network Marketing. I joined a reputable Network Marketing business almost two months ago and already my life is changing. And I am not just talking about financially, either. I'm talking in terms of personal development.
So many changes have occurred within myself in such a short time that I feel the need to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In the end, I know that not only will I reach financial peace, but I will be a better person as well.
So, get a cup of tea (or coffee) and pull up a chair. I welcome all appropriate comments and suggestions that you feel the need to make as you read about my journey. My hope is not only to learn from you, but that maybe you will learn a little something from me as well.
Thank you for joining me on my journey.
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