HUDDLE UP!

You'll often hear me use the phrase "huddle up" when talking about leadership. And these important two words are very key to being a great leader in network marketing. I learned the importance of "huddling up" back in the 80's when I was involved with the Cambridge Diet. The big "C" that took the network marketing nation by storm. Cambridge broke all records and made millionaires over night from regular people because there was such a demand for the diet. At one point I remember them soaring over $90 million a month in sales (wholesale) and expanding rapidly. And with that company I saw incredible financial success, and fell in love with the entire network marketing "magic" - seeing my groups explode and six figure a month incomes come into play. It's where my strong belief in the MLM industry came into focus, and where I adapted the phrase, "when in doubt, diet!" My Cambridge success and experience was also the place I learned how not to be a leader, and how to truly be a leader, and came up with my leadership "Crazy 8's".

Now, here's where I will share the important thing I learned from my involvement with the Cambridge Diet, and how I learned it. Like many network marketers who go from "rags to riches" with their opportunities, often the "rags to riches" goes to their head and they slowly become, as my grandmother used to say, "too big for their britches."  The first huge Cambridge convention was held in Hawaii, and I was selected as a key note speaker with one of the afternoon breakout groups. And I, along with Ken, had achieved one of the top positions. As I entered the large hall for the general assembly, I saw that many of the other top leaders were sitting up front waving at me to join them. So (ego in tact) I quickly walked up to the front of the room to sit with those leaders. And, quite honestly, I was excited to be in that position, sitting up front. I had worked hard, given more meetings and trainings than I'd like to think about, driven more miles than I wanted too, flown to various states to work with my downline, and worked hand-in-hand with my people to help them achieve success. "I've earned my place up front," I thought, proudly. Well, that is where I learned what leadership is all about.

One of my awesome key leaders whom I'd done countless meetings with came up to me after the general assembly and in a scolding way said, "you need to be sitting with your people! We are the reason you have achieved your success here! Your sitting here in front, instead of with your team, is a slap in the face!" Her comments definitely slapped me upside the head and took me back for a bit, but I apologized to her and even thanked her, and continue to thank her for being abrupt and honest with me at that point and time. She had pointed out a very important key to leadership - that of "huddling up." My team of distributors who had made the effort to be in Hawaii with me at the convention needed to know that they mattered, that they were part of my team. It wasn't about me. It was about the importance of gathering my team, sitting with them, holding a special meeting with them while there at convention, strategizing with them, recognizing them, handing out awards, and motivating them to continue building their business. They needed to know that I cared. They needed me and I wasn't there for them. This taught me what true leadership is all about.

Your networking team is made up of a "volunteer army" of independent people with hopes and dreams of success. They look to the leaders to guide them, to recognize them, to love them and care that they are there doing whatever they can to build a business. And no matter how small of a contribution, it needs to be appreciated and recognized in some way. Whether that is on a weekly team call, a team communication, an area monthly meeting, or simply a "thank you" phone call, it must be done. Communicate - Update - Congratulate - Initiate - Motivate - Anticipate - Eliminate - Celebrate - are the Crazy 8's that embrace with open arms "huddling up." While at our first convention, gather your teams, sit together, eat together, "round table" and sizzle, and know that whatever you do with your team is important to each of them. Personal growth comes when someone stretches to achieve new goals, attempts to  develop new skills, and is recognized for doing so. The "congratulations" goes a long way with new and established distributors. And it is for all of us a blessing and privilege to have the teams we have, to expand and grow with them. And with every new team member we must always, no matter how successful we become ... "huddle up" and show them we care.

Sharing Your Story

Cynthia Maurice - 70 lbs Lost on V3!

Brandi Clark - 43 lbs Lost on V3!

Jennifer Hood - 100 Lost Using V3!

My first introduction to this amazing network marketing business was with the Cambridge Diet in the 80's. The Herbalife company came into existence about the same time. Diets were the buzz word in network marketing, and big bucks were made over night. It was an exciting time. I came from the skin care world, so instead of washing faces like I had been doing with the cosmetic company I was with, I started blending shakes and enrolling people as fast as I could. What I had was hot, so I ran fast, had fun, and made five, then six figure a month incomes pretty quickly. I embraced everything that was written about network marketing, attended trainings, meetings, and realized that the secrets to building this business were quite simple. You wear a button that gets folks asking questions, talk to people, share your story (and the success stories of others), and promote the next event. Pretty simple huh? Well keep it simple, but learn to tell your story!

Melissa Butts - 54 lbs. Lost on V3!

Your story must be passionate and to the point. 1) Share your name, where you are from, and your occupation. 2) Tell how you stumbled across V3. 3) Admit that you were skeptical and had already tried lots of diets to lose weight before. 4) Share how V3 helped you with mood, energy and appetite. 5) Tell how simple it has been to build a business with V3 and Voyager. 6) Share how much money you have made with your business so far.

Remember that you want your audience to say to themselves, "me too, me too," not "so what!" That's why you admit that you were skeptical, had tried everything and that V3 sounded to good to be true. That brings on an audience response of "me too, me too." And keep your story to no more than 45 seconds.

Darryl Hayes - 35 lbs. Lost on V3!

Avoid long, lengthy stories that take you back to grade school, or don't list 75 ailments that you were suffering from, or medications that you are taking. Don't go into psychological personal challenges that see you blaming your weight gain on teasing siblings or a nasty neighbor. And don't make impossible to believe claims. Just mention (briefly) other benefits you've noticed from using V3. And avoid listing all of the degrees you have, or start to train people listening on why they should do the business. Grasp the importance of your story. This is your story. Own it. Write it down. Tweak it. Better yet, have your upline tweak it. Then time it, memorize it - then rehearse it.

Example: "Hi, this is Sandi Burgess, here in Southern California. I'm a mother of 5, grandmother of 18, and very involved in music. I've struggled the past few years with my weight, and I've dieted for far too long. I've tried everything from juicing, to shakes, to shots. But never quite felt in control, and when I stumbled upon this little pill called V3, it sounded too good to be true. But, I was desperate so I tried it. Within 30 minutes I felt a happy feeling - one that I hadn't felt for quite a while. And I had no appetite. I just wasn't hungry. My usual late night snacking stopped dead in its tracks with V3, and I felt totally in control for the first time in years. Before finding V3, I'd even considered having my stomach stapled! I lost 20 pounds within the first couple of months, lost lots of inches, came off blood pressure meds and my blood sugars are normalizing. I jumped in with both feet and built a business with this product, have made 5 figures a month, and can honestly say that this is the easiest thing I've ever done. I love it!"

www.burgessbiz.com

COUNT DOWN TO CONVENTION!!!

My first few trainings that I attended for network marketing (then called MLM or multi-level marketing), I was told that there were only a few secrets to success with building this business. Besides being a story teller, sharing the success that others were having with the business, wearing the infamous Herbalife-type button, ("Lose Weight Now, Ask Me How) and utilize 3-Way calling from day one. The #1 most important thing you must do to see big-time success, and move your business forward, is to get your team to convention. Fill up as many seats as you can with your people. Your distributors can only capture the vision and dream with your opportunity, if they are at convention and experience it first-hand. You can share what you experienced with your team, take pictures of the event, and shout from the rooftops your excitement. But when you spend the majority of your time 90-days prior to your convention working at promoting convention and filling up those seats with as many people from your team as possible, magic and momentum starts to happen for you, your business grows and you start making money with your opportunity.

So your job, if you are serious about making money with your opportunity, is to get on the phones right now and promote convention October 27-28 at the Mirage Resort and Casino. 3-way call with your sponsor to promote this convention with team members. Promote this first convention on all of the weekly calls, webinars and individual team calls. Promote our October convention at your area meetings. Team your people up to room together, fly together and sit together while there at convention. Make team t-shirts, team buttons and banners that scream, "Team Burgess is in the House!" (Of course...add your teams name :-) While at convention, don't sit alone and hope to be entertained and motivated. Make sure you "huddle up" and strategize as a team on how to utilize the new marketing tools, product, and training concepts presented at convention. "Huddle up" and recognize your people for their accomplishments - no matter how small those accomplishments may seem to you. "Huddle up" and create team pride and team spirit. And create your own "Count Down to Convention" team contests, then give out prizes while there at convention with your teams in a separate reception or meeting in your hotel room. Bottom-line...be at convention - promote convention - live, breathe, and talk convention ... and make convention the place to be for business builders serious about success with their business. Action Assignment: Get your people to convention, starting with you!

RUB-A-DUB DIET

Yes, we all wish we could find the elusive "Rub-a-Dub Diet" where all it takes to lose weight and get fit is to bathe and bask in the bubbles - 10 minutes you lose 10 pounds, 20 minutes you lose 20 pounds - right? But, this just doesn't exist. It takes a little effort.

Like all MLM products on the market, people often look for a shortcut to getting healthy (and wealthy) with various lotions, potions, pills and powders. And these are all great, but it's time we all face the music and use these wonderful products as tools to help us make permanent lifestyle changes. And with V3 we have the ultimate secret weapon for mood, energy and appetite. Control means hope and possibility!

Eat less, move more is the mantra of all health professionals. When feeling in control, energized and happy making smarter food choices can be made, and that is why V3 was formulated the way it was - to assist you with making permanent lifestyle changes.

Some of you know by reading my personal blog that I spent July with my son, Chris in Utah. He is a pro international basketball player, and P90X certified. He had me come spend time with him so I could make some needed lifestyle changes. And I'm so glad I did. V3 was helping me lose weight, but I still had an unhealthy outlook on "dieting." He wanted me to start eating smarter, consistently working out daily, and incorporating healthy snacks. With any habit we know it takes at least 21 days. And that proved to work perfectly for me. After 21 days, I was making healthier food choices, moving and changing my outlook on food and "dieting."

There is an epidemic in this country called obesity, and it is growing yearly. Our opportunity is to start with ourselves, using our V3 as our secret weapon - a tool - to eat smarter (and less), and move more. We need to look at avoiding the evil "whites" - white flour, white sugar, white pasta, white rice, white salt - and adding more veggies, lean protein, low-glycemic fruits and grains into our diets. From there we will feel and see our lives change, and sharing that personal change can make a difference on the planet, while at the same time, building a lucrative business from home. That should be our mantra - to make a difference. Voyager's name implies movement forward. Let us take the Voyage of health, happiness, and wealth together. And ... let's all REJOICE and celebrate together at the Mirage Resort and Casino at convention October 27-28!

NEXT - NEXT - NEXT

I am asked all of the time, by everyone I chat with about network marketing, "what is your secret to consistent success with network marketing - for near 40 years?" My answer to that question embraces three versions of the word NEXT. Let's explore those three word/phrases.

After you have set your goals, reflected on your "why" (writing both projects down on paper), begin with enthusiasm jotting down your Prospect 100(0) list, which is an on-going project. Then take the time to make three important visual signs to pin up on your bulletin board above your desk. These signs should read:
NEXT!
NEXT STEP...
THE NEXT ONE'S EVEN BETTER!

You are building a team. That is your goal. The stronger the team, the more leaders you develop, the more money you'll make. It's a numbers game. And not getting side-tracked, discouraged, or caught spinning your wheels with people who drag you down, or waste your time is crucial. These stumbling stones can be side-stepped if you put these three signs up on your bulletin board where you can see them, read them out loud, and visually focus on your goals to succeed with your business building.

Let's say you are working on a prospect who pretty much turns you down, to even take a L@@K at your awesome product and business. Simply look up at your sign (after hanging it up on your bulletin board above your desk where you can focus on it visually) and say out loud, "NEXT!" Then move on to the next person on your list. And when you have sampled, sold, or sponsored a prospect, look to your second sign as say out loud, "the NEXT STEP IS..." Then simply move your prospect thru the pipeline of exposures until the outcome you are striving for (sponsoring and adding them to your team) is achieved. But that's not all. Once they are signed, sealed and delivered (so to speak), get them plugged into the system, calls, webinars, trainings, etc. Again...the "next step!"

After you enroll a new prospect, take time to CELEBRATE (another Crazy 8) your victory. While doing your "happy dance" (yes...dance) say out loud, "the NEXT one's even better!" Then keep on looking and adding people to your team. Look for people just like you. In fact, some teach the ole' "sponsor up" concept. That means to go for top notch people that you aspire to be like. And, of course, doing sponsoring up is done with the 3-way call with your sponsor! To recap ...it's NEXT - NEXT STEP - NEXT ONE'S EVEN BETTER! (signs posted www.burgessbiz.com...soon.)

THE CRAZY 8'S OF SUCCESS!

Understanding what makes network marketing companies work is important to not only us, the field distributorship, but to the corporate teams who run the company on a daily basis. Too many companies fail because they have either never worked the field as a distributor, are underfunded, or both. The "ivory tower" syndrome where corporate keeps themselves isolated from the field and the field leaders, finds themselves making random, bad decisions that hurt vs help the independent distributor force with regards to growing their business. The very best network marketing and direct selling companies are those that were started by successful independent distributors. These are individuals who have done weekly meetings, slept on their teams couches when traveling, held meetings where no one shows, have built massive downline teams, trained these teams a duplicatable simple system to follow, and have seen the rewards in six-figure monthly bonus checks time after time. These rare individuals have been there ... done that.

That leads me into my Crazy 8's. As I was writing training years ago for the company I was with, I found a way to describe what it is we do in this business to see it succeed long term. Communicate - Update - Congratulate - Initiate - Motivate - Anticipate - Eliminate - Rejuvenate. There they are. All eight (8) categories of what must be done to build, maintain, sustain and create momentum within the walls of the corporate offices, as well as in the field with individual downline teams as a leader. Let's briefly look at these categories.

COMMUNICATE: You have got to communicate with your people on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. This is done through personal contact, replicated website back offices, and email.

UPDATE: People want to be included, feel part of a team, and in-the-know. Individuals left out of the loop will quit. And if they weren't updated about calls, meetings, special events or promotions, they get frustrated and angry. Utilize technology to update, i.e. Facebook groups, Facebook pages, weekly email bulletins and events.

CONGRATULATE: Every chance you get to congratulate your distributors is critical to their ongoing involvement and growth. Rank advancement, successful shows, and promotion winners need to be bannered everywhere for all to see.

INITIATE: Take the lead and initiate activities within your groups. Competition is good. Events are crucial. An event includes calls, webinars, meetings, parties, trainings, promotions and gatherings.

MOTIVATE: To create that hoped-for momentum where sales and recruiting soars, you must keep your downline teams motivated. Plugging in and staying plugged in is crucial to staying motivated.

ANTICIPATE: Keep current with trends and happenings to be involved with. Catch the timing factor and run with it. Stay abreast and informed so that you can anticipate changes needed, products added, do what needs to be done, adapt and move the business forward.

ELIMINATE: Keep your communications and activities positive and powerful. Eliminate negativity. Nip it in the butt. Don't let your company and teams get caught up in it. Don't dwell on it. It will be a cancer that zaps your energy and the growth. Success is a companies (and persons) best revenge. Show what you are doing and continue building with a positive attitude that reflects hope and possibility.

CELEBRATE: Celebrate the victories for yourself and with your team members. Whatever large or small achievement they realize, make it a point to congratulate them and celebrate with them with a phone call, a blurb in the magazine or weekly bulletin. Encourage them to celebrate a successful meeting, a new enrollee, or rank advancement. Each step is a step that moves them forward to achieving their goals. And the celebration can be a new pair of shoes, dinner out, or a simple hair cut. "I'm celebrating success with my new business!" should be heard when they are out and about celebrating.  Each celebratory act reinforces and empowers one to continue growing, developing and achieving. So encourage your team to "go out and celebrate" with the victories, and always keep the positive attitude, whether silently or out loud, say, "I'm cookin' in this business!"

Go for 1000!

"Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. When you read you begin with A, B, C. When you sing you begin with Do-Re-Mi."

One of my all-time favorite musicals, The Sound of Music, has a great song where Maria is teaching the children how to sing. This relates to my post about teaching the basics with network marketing. People who are new to this business need to be taught the basics. As I have just started teaching my 12 sessions of MLM 101 Mentoring this month, I love teaching the nuts and bolts of biz building where I take distributors from A to Z on learning the mechanics of how to effectively build a networking business from home. I've found that once a distributor learns these crucial biz building basics, and follows them exactly, they will see SOLID success with the growing of their network marketing businesses. So, as they sing, "let's start at the very beginning."

Take a legal pad and start writing that all-important Prospect 100 list. While you are excited, using your Memory Jogger to "jog your memory", write names of everyone you know with their phone numbers. Who cuts your hair? Who grooms your dog? Who cleaned your carpets? Who teaches your children piano? The list is endless. In fact, your Prospect 100 list should eventually, over time, turn into a Prospect 1000 list with all of the people you know!

Do not hesitate to write names down as fast as you think of a person, and as fast as you can find their phone numbers. There is literally a place for everyone in this business. Whether they are simply a wholesale consumer, or a part-time retailer, or a career-minded, full-time business builder, you want them involved. And you offer the business to every one of those people on the list. Yes, I said, "offer the business to everyone," not just "sell the product." Think like a "business builder" and you will see your dreams come true with network marketing.

Dig up your old lists. Think about who you know and have known in the past. These include Christmas card lists, Booster Club rosters, parent phone-tree lists, neighborhood watch lists, church groups, social groups, soccer parents phone lists, etc. You name it. Make every effort right now to find these lists and names. Then start adding names to your Prospect 100 (1000) list. In fact, pull out the phone books yellow pages and thumb through. Let your fingers do the walking, so that you can do the talking, right? Right.

Now, start friending everyone on Facebook. Message them and say, "hi...I met you (or knew you)..." As you start to renew these old friendships, add them to our V3 SUCCESS STORIES group, messaging them first with a simple, "I've added you to a fun group called V3 SUCCESS STORIES. This is where people share their success with that fun, happy, skinny pill called V3. You'll have fun checking out the stories." Then start following up with 3-way calls and inviting. But first...create the list as soon as you can, adding to it until you reach that Prospect 1000 mark. Got it? Now begin writing.

Personal Development

Jim Rohn-

We must all wage an intense, lifelong battle against the constant downward pull. If we relax, the bugs and weeds of negativity will move into the garden and take away everything of value.

I have had the privilege of meeting Jim Rohn on a number of occasions, listen to him speak and train, and have even chatted briefly with him backstage at a convention Ken and I attended. What a great man he was. The world has lost an incredible trainer, speaker, motivator and rare gift at his passing a couple of years back. I quote Jim often, and re-visit his quotes and tapes whenever I need a pick-me-up, or paradigm shift. His words guide us all with focusing on what is important, think more clearly, count our blessings, love life, set new goals, and live life more fully with passion, joy and celebration. And, Jim was all about daily personal development.

We need to make personal development a daily ritual - an "action assignment". By uploading personal development books to our iPods like Think and Grow Rich, The Slight Edge or The 7 Habits to Highly Successful People, for example, to name just a few, and then take a brisk walk with one of these books playing in our ears. It will help us to internalize the important principles taught, and it will assist us with staying positive, productive, kind and develop into a person that makes a difference in the lives of those around us.

Everyday someone will attempt to steal our dreams, tear us down and encourage us to doubt what we are doing, and our ability to achieve these goals and dreams. No matter what venture we are involved with - learning to play the piano, working to achieve optimum fitness, improving ourselves with college classes, or building a home-based business - recognize the importance of daily personal development to stay on track and achieve. Use your car as a "rolling university" where any dead time in the car traveling from point A to point B, is filled with learning air waves by plugging in a CD. When doing the household basics of loading and unloading the dishwasher, folding a batch of laundry, sweeping off the porch, or vacuuming the rugs. Put that iPod on your ears and learn something that will develop you as a person.

Many of us work at our home-based businesses part time, as they say, in the nooks and crannies of our days. And to do this effectively, we need to make those nooks and crannies count. Working on ourselves daily will reflect in the way we view the world and the people we work with. Schedule personal development time into every day so that you grow in every way possible. To quote Jim Rohn -

The most important question to ask on the job is not "What am I getting?" The most important question to ask on the job is "What am I becoming?

Digging for Diamonds

I've spent the past two weeks in Utah handling some family business and visiting a couple of my kids and their families. One day I was wearing a Swarovski crystal necklace and matching earrings that I'd purchased the last time Ken and I were in Vienna, and the kids kept asking me if I was wearing big diamonds. I smiled and told them that they were like diamonds in color, but were crystal that comes from a rock. They seemed content with my answer, but inquisitive little minds always take things a step further. The next morning I drove up to my daughters home and found the four little girls, ages 2-8 sitting in the driveway with their dads hammers pounding on rocks. I asked, "what are you doing?" They said, "digging for diamonds like your necklace in these rocks. We know if we keep pounding rocks we'll find our diamonds!" We must always keep digging for diamonds to find our leaders. Two "B's" - Beg and Babysit...is something we don't do in this business. We become a builder, teach our team to be builders, and continue "diggin' for diamonds" to find those precious gems that are people who see what you see, want what you want, and do what you do. The repair - redo - regroup mode is coming to a close. The "new and improved" Voyager Health Technologies is ready to rollout with a new look,, new attitude, new comp plan tweaks, new products, a convention in September, and a new team of individuals that will catch your vision. As long as you keep "diggin' for diamonds," the sky is the limit with you and your opportunity.

Butt's On Fire!

A few years ago, Ken and I were sitting at a networking national convention as the trip-of-a-lifetime winners were brought onto the stage. The top 10 from the group were allowed to say a few words, and for some, words were said that will never be forgotten. One speaker in particular made us laugh out loud because with her broken English she loudly blurted out into the microphone, "my butts on fire!" What she meant to say was, "I'm on fire!" The audience roared with laughter, and from then on she was known for that charming phrase, "my butts on fire!"  

"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire."  - Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch

Getting and staying FIRED UP is key to big success in network marketing. That new Associate excitement may waiver with the complaints or occasional "no's", but staying focused on your goals, anchoring deep your "why", then being consistent every day with talking to people, sampling and sponsoring keeps you pumped. Activity and sponsoring = your butts on fire!  

Billy Banks from Texas is always on fire. There's never been a day that he hasn't called his sponsors (Ken and Sandi Burgess...lucky us!), reported his activity, bragged on his great leaders, and put someone new on the phone (3-way call) for us to speak with about the business. Billy's butts definitely on fire, and the results speak for themselves. He's a born leader who leads by example. He doesn't have time for the negatives, never gets down, and has even been known to tell people to quit if they are non-stop complaining. He knows what an incredible opportunity he's found, knows who he is and where he's going. He listens and follows the 4-step system. He teaches what he learns and he does what he teaches. Billy is coachable - approachable - lovable, and just plain fun to be around.

What to learn from Billy Banks (whose check for April will be over $22,000.00)?  "Follow the proven 4-step system, plug in and stay plugged in, participate in all calls and webinars, sponsor new people every month, sample everyone you know - and those you don't know but want to meet.  Wear your V3 button everywhere, follow-up, share the dream, and definitely develop leaders," says Billy.  He always edifies his upline (thank you Billy), and empowers his downline (nine Executives + two more breaking this month of May!) and loves what he is doing, feels abundantly blessed, and simply loves life. His training, "Going Vertical" is exactly what Billy does 24/7. It's the old "Attitude Determines Altitude" philosophy that keeps Billy on track and laser-focused. 


You can find Billy's training at www.burgessbiz.com under the Advanced Training tab. He is amazing and we adore him.  If you want to see big success with the biz ... find yourself a Billy Banks - go vertical and make sure your "butts on fire!"

Selling the Dream

I just attended my second time with seeing the amazing musical, "Miss Saigon". One of the songs in the show reminded me of why we are all involved with network marketing. The song's title is "The American Dream." It describes in song and dance, from the perspective of non-Americans, all of the marvelous aspects of ultimate freedom and lifestyle that Americans must be living. Freedom, lifestyle and opportunity are dripping with luxury cars, jewels and wealth. And although the songs depiction of living the American Dream is hugely exaggerated, the message is there for all to see. Freedom and lifestyle painted in glitzy red, white and blue!


Network marketing was founded on those same "American Dream" principles. To name just a few freedoms, freedom from a boss, fighting traffic, working when you want, and with whom you want to work with are at the top of the list. Recognition for hard work, tax and travel advantages, and of course, the possibility for financial freedom are part of the picture. Hope and possibility encourage opportunity with network marketing. And that is why MLM continues to thrive for centuries, especially in a challenged economy.


"If I can show you a way to make extra money, right from the comforts of home without changing anything you are currently doing, would you be interested?" This question, along with activating the important - FORM (family - occupation - recreation - message), helps you deliver the message of hope and possibility for your prospect. Start every presentation with telling your prospect "why" you are doing this business. And your "why" must be about freedom and lifestyle - not product. The product works - that's a given. Your task of "selling the dream" is easy when your "why" is anchored deep. Simply take a quiet moment to determine, then write down your "why" so that you can effectively share it from your heart. Your "why" is your passion for the business. It keeps you on target and moving forward, no matter what or who attempts to thwart your efforts. Nothing can stop you.


As James Truslow Adams, in 1931 defined the American Dream, "Iife should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement, regardless of social class or circumstances of birth."  By that definition, network marketing is all about living the American Dream and enjoying life and lifestyle to its fullest. So, dust off your dreams, write down new goals, and learn to sell the dream with everyone you meet.

What Does Leadership Look Like?

Ginger Williford, New Executive Director

What does a leader look like? Are there born leaders, or are they developed? What attributes do leaders possess? 


John Maxwell says, "A potential leader is the one who would be able to mentally sustain you organization's vision if you quit thinking for the next month."


Stephen Covey, the 8th habit says, "Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves." 


Both of these great motivational speakers and authors define leadership as having vision, being able to communicate, be mentally strong and focused on the task, and able to develop and empower people. In our business of network marketing these attributes are evident, and adding to that ... leaders lead by example and follow the path laid out for them by their leaders. They plug into a system, teach that system, don't try to re-invent the wheel, and stay on target with their goals until those goals are achieved. They are goal-oriented, busy people who, no matter what, get the job done. They are plugged into weekly calls and activities, promote those same activities with their team, and stay positive and productive.


We are blessed to have some of the best leaders involved with us on our team. Our newest addition to the Executive ranks is mother of five (5), Ginger Williford of North Carolina. Ginger juggles managing an office, her five children and her Voyager business, and does it all with passion and love. She radiates a positive attitude and is always looking to help with a solution vs a criticism. Ginger gives credit to those who have helped her along the way, and is always listening and learning how to do this business better. Her duplicating spirit is why she is succeeding with building her business. 

So, when answering the question "what does leadership look like?" Our answer is simple, Ginger Williford. A hard-working, goal-oriented woman who wants everyone around her to succeed. That why network marketing is the perfect business for her. Ginger (and all of our fabulous mothers and leaders)...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Balancing the Biz!

Annie Arnes, Michigan

No one is better with juggling business building, six kids, four grand children, church involvements, school activities, community involvements and the role of supportive wife than executive leader, Annie Arnes from Grand Blanc, Michigan. Annie and her husband, pharmacist Tom, also achieved the founder position with Voyager in the nooks and crannies of their very busy days. Annie uses and teaches the system to build her team. She understands the importance of being on the calls and webinars, and sets the example for her team to follow. In the nooks and crannies of her days, she is consistent with her efforts and feels like she is always talking and sharing the opportunity of Voyager. Her local team is plugged in with the weekly Team Gideon Thursday night call, and has found success in holding Executive Business Opportunity luncheons with the other key executive leaders in the area. Annie has learned to effectively juggle the biz and see success.

Heather Bishop

Looking at our incredible Voyager team, we see many stories that are similar to Annie's. Strong women who know how to juggle the biz, fitting into the nooks and crannies of their lives. And they are always busier than most that are seeing the great success. Take Heather Bishop for example. She is attending school, has five kids, runs an in-home daycare, started a foster program for abandoned dogs, and works V3 local shows on the weekends. She wears her button everywhere she goes - even to school. She makes biz building a way of life - sporting her V3 car magnet, she mingles, messages (Facebook) and has fun building her business for the future.

Melissa Butts and Gretchen Vatter

Lucille Ball is quoted as saying:
"If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do."


Gretchen Vatter took a leap of faith with getting involved with Voyager. She is a mother of two children, found she and her husband out of work, and wondered how to even drum up enough money to purchase her Pro Pak. But she did it, and even ran out of product before it arrived!  She made things happen, set her goals, used the system, and achieved director - and is well on her way to achieving executive. Gretchen is someone who didn't say, "I think I can." She said, "just watch me!" 


Stories like this empower all of us to want to do more, set higher goals for ourselves, and reach for the stars. Daring to succeed drives these success stories and is proof positive that with the right attitude and work ethic, anything can be achieved.

Shannon Jenkins

Mary Kay Ash (a woman I highly admire and respect) said:
"Most people live and die with their music still unplayed.  They never dare to try."


With our strong Voyager women (don't worry men..I will highlight you on Father's Day), They dare to play their own personal "music" by never quitting because they are too busy. They are seen doing local weekend expo's, posting their before and after pictures on Facebook, plaster planning with fliers on bulletin boards, holding up grocery lines sampling the checkout clerk, and they never leave home with their samples of V3.  Look at Shannon Jenkins who has gone back to school, is raising her children and building the business whenever she can. She is amazing, and is doing more than just making some extra money in the nooks and crannies of her days. She is setting a strong, important example for her children to follow. They can see first-hand what self-worth and ambition is all about. And that is worth its weight in gold. Shannon has learned how to effectively share Voyager and V3 whenever and wherever she can. Thank you Shannon.

As with all of the ladies from coast to coast, we extend a very "Happy Mother's Day," and thank you for making a difference in so many peoples lives. You are loved, appreciated and admired for everything you are doing. Thank you for sharing your passion, love and success with us. Keep up the great work, and continue with your biz building on the side!

The Main Thing

"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."  

- Dr. Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey's phrase says it all.  First, you've got to know what your main thing is. Our main thing is to recruit and build a team of independent associates from coast to coast. This business is all about building a team. This means to consistently meet face-to-face with people to share the opportunity, sponsor them into the business, and then help them sponsor people into the business. That is your main thing. Keeping the main thing the main thing will see you succeed with growing your businss. Secondly, learn how to use the available tools to assist you with building your team. Tools include: recorded 24/7 Hotline, 3-way calling, weekly calls and webinars, and the team support site www.burgessbiz.com.

Don't get side-tracked with busy work, hanging around Facebook chit-chatting, or just selling product for that easy retail sale. The main thing means to book appointments to meet with people face-to-face. Invite guests to join you on a 3-way call into the weekly Tuesday Team Testimonials call. It means to watch the Wednesday Opportunity Webinar with a couple of prospects at your home around your computer, then sponsor them into the business while they are excited.

Once you sponsor a new person, immediately use your 48-Hour Checklist to orient them into the business. Assist them with writing their goals, starting their Prospect 100 list, and making the first 5-10 calls. Get them started right so that they see success with team building and growing their business too.

Keep the main thing the main thing. Let no one detur your efforts. Stay on target. Stay on track. Once someone is sponsored in, engaged and anchored (have started building their team), say ... "the next one's even better!" Then sponsor someone new - keeping the main thing the main thing!

It's Fun When It's Simple

"If you complicate, you can't duplicate."

- Sandi Burgess

I've learned and taught for over thirty-five years that if you want to see success with building and duplicating a network marketing business, you have to keep things very, very simple. My "Sandi-isms", as people call them, are created to do just that - to keep things simple. I try to find catchy and simple ways for people to remember things. "Sample - Sell - Sponsor - Support," or Monday MLM Mentoring, Tuesday Team Testimonials, Wednesday Webinar, Saturday Success Strategies, Biz Binder, etc. Simple tools = $$$.

Years ago, I was training all over the west coast with a skin care company, (this was in the early 80's) when this hit me right between the eyes, the importance of keeping everything we do and say with business building and training our people simple. At the time, I found myself studying every ingredient in the products, then spouting off all of that knowledge in the front of the room. And, yes, it may have felt good at the time to be smart, but I quickly learned to keep all of that information to myself. What happened was this. A good-looking young man (new to the business) came up to me on a session break and said, "The anti-roll bar, the brake caliper, and the cam shaft need alignment, and the center-locking differential and damper." My confused reaction was, "what are you talking about?" He responded, "Exactly. What are you talking about?" That's when I learned to simplify everything.


Don't take anything for granted with your new distributors. Regional Director, Elaine Tomrell and I have discussed this at length with regards to training our teams. You can't assume the person you are prospecting and sponsoring understands this MLM business. In fact, network marketing is a new "animal" to most people. Unlike traditional business models, our fabulous industry of MLM is all about building teams of people where teaching, assisting, 3-way calling, encouraging and empowering are the tools used to effectively build our business. Before enrolling into the business, our prospect silently asks, 1) what's in this for me, 2) can I see myself doing this, 3) why should I do this now, and 4) do I have to change what I'm currently doing to do this? If you complicate this business, from the approach to the enrolling of them into the business, they will not be able to see themselves doing what you do. And if they think they have to change their life, they just won't do it, try it, or get involved in any way.


We have to introduce this business to our prospects in "digestible doses." Little by little, they will start to catch the vision, and start to understand the mechanics that make this all work. Step-by-step with the tools. Don't overwhelm. Let them know they learn as they earn. A great network marketing business is made up of goal-oriented, positive, productive, happy people. Those traits don't always exist in today's world, and can be a shock to anyone looking at us for the first time. So, back it up a bit. Take your time, and make sure everything you do can be simple for your prospect to see themselves doing. Use the 3-way call with your sponsor, Tuesday Team Testimonial calls and Wednesday Webinars to paint the picture and share the story. Let the tools talk. Also, don't forget to show that fun little 90-second commercial, and memorize your One Minute Message. Remember, it's fun when it's simple!

The Winning Attitude!

Melissa Butts                                        Karla Harms

"Attitudes are contagious. 

Are yours worth catching?" 

- Mannering

There are certain people that you just love talking to and being with. They are positive, productive, passionate people who - no matter what - keep moving forward in an exemplary winning way.


Two individuals who stand out from the crowd and fit this bill to a tee, are "Backyard Buddies," Melissa Butts and Karla Harms of Illinois. In this crazy network marketing world, filled with rumors, gossip and hearsay, finding people like this - true leaders - is joyous, and a blessing to all those whose lives they touch. With the challenges of the day, unlike any other day in todays world, Melissa and Karla have kept a winning attitude that is reflected in the explosive growth of their team, and the depth of success of their customer base. They are excited, stay excited, share that excitement - no matter what - about this business, and nothing gets them down. They are on every call, every webinar, and the incredible, heart-felt product testimonials that pour in from their group is awe-inspiring. And their actions should motivate all of us to duplicate their inner spirit and winning attitude. 


Tonight's Tuesday Testimonials call featured Melissa and Karla's team. For those of you who didn't have the awesome opportunity to hear their team's stories, I recorded it and am posting it on www.burgessbiz.com. 


Developing a winning attitude is crucial to your success with this business folks. When you are negative and find yourself getting caught up in bad-mouthing, gossiping and spreading of rumors --- it will effect your business building in a very devastating, negative way. We have a phrase in network marketing that says, "edify your upline, empower your downline." If your activities are contrary to this, you are hurting yourself and your business. And your team will do exactly what you do. Best idea ... develop a winning attitude!

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 

- Martin Luther King

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Same Time, Same Place

Thanks to my mom for making me practice the piano every morning from 8 to 9 AM, I learned how to play the piano fairly well. I was forced initially into this consistent daily habit at age 7, when my grandfather started giving me weekly piano lessons. While the neighbor kids were out playing in their yards, I was practicing the piano. I could hear them running around outside, laughing and having what sounded like fun. But I was not allowed to move off of that piano bench until I'd gone through my entire piano practicing ritual. I started with my scales for finger dexterity and flexibility, followed by practicing my assigned songs. And every week I would get new songs, so it wasn't a matter of memorizing a single song and playing it over and over. Learning meant "sight-reading," and that took consistent daily practice. 

My doorbell would often ring, while I was practicing, with a friend asking if I could come out and join in the fun. But my mother would proudly announce, "Sandra's practicing her piano. Come for her later." (Yes...she called me Sandra, and still does so today.) Once school started, that practice time never wavered or took a break, it just got booted up to 6:30 - 7:30 AM so I would have enough time to "walk" to school. (That's a whole other post where my children picture me trudging through heavy snow uphill :-) However, being born and raised in Utah, that isn't far from the truth!)  This same consistency was hammered into me when I started taking cello lessons from my father. Once I added cello practicing, I would practice a full hour on piano, followed by a full hour on the cello. Talk about "missing out" on the door bell ringing and running, prank calling, and getting into all sorts of mischief!

I often felt "pushed" into this practice-makes-perfect ritual during my middle school years, but by High School, college and beyond, I am so thankful that my mother drove consistency home with me. Why, you ask?  Because I can now play piano, cello, organ, sing, an actually majored in both vocal performance and music education at the U of U! What a blessing music has been in my life. And I have been told a hundred times (or more), "I wish I could play the piano like you."  My answer: "You can if you consistently practice!"

 (Click on link to listen.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owReY1yNCV8
"A consistent man believes in destiny, a capricious man in chance." - Benjamin Disraeli

The same thing applies to seeing success at anything. Whether it's playing professional basketball for a living like two of my sons do, or developing a strong, lucrative network marketing business, you need to consistently do the biz basics: 3-way with your sponsor, hold in-home meetings, and 3-way prospects into weekly calls. If you choose to sometimes 3-way, occasionally hold in-home meetings, and if time permits "invite" someone to listen to a call, you won't see the success you dream about. "If you work this biz casually, you become a casualty" is simply the name of the game with network marketing.

Nancy Feinberg (GA) --- Elaine Tomrell (MI)

Two of my favorite people on the earth doubled their income this month. Why? Because they consistently 3-way call with their people, hold a weekly team "update" call, put people on the Monday MLM Mentoring training, and participate in the Tuesday Team Testimonial call. They are, and always have been, consistent. Now their group is exploding, and so can yours. Be consistent with "income generating activity" - daily - weekly - monthly - yearly until your goals are achieved with rank advancing and building leaders (Gold Ships). Consistency with "same time - same place" gives your team the business basics that they can count on. When their out talking to people, they will know that there is a Tuesday call, a Wednesday Webinar and a Thursday Team call. Reliability should be  at the core of your biz building strategies. Your "action assignment" for success!


"Reliability is a most wonderful virtue. We should cultivate it. We should be consistent about the things we do, so that others will know they can count on us. But more important, we want to be able to count on ourselves. The greatest pain is to have to disappoint one's self." —Sterling W. Sill

Shine!

Martin Luther King, Jr once said, 

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 

Henry W. Longfellow said,

"The rays of happiness, like those of light, are colorless when unbroken."

Both of these quotes give us comfort and pause having the confidence and understanding that in order for us to continue to grow and develop, we will need to overcome a number of bumps in the road along our journey through life. People will disappoint us, possibly betray us, and even try to stop our success and our peace of mind. But, with an honest heart, real concern for others, consistent hard work, a strong knowledge of who we are, and a thankful heart for all of our blessings, we can overcome any obstacle that life may throw our way.

My heart goes out to those who are going through personal challenges with their health, their marriage, or their financial and family trials. Struggles seem to polish our edges and make us wiser if we allow it too. Keeping the trials of others in our thoughts and prayers will also draw these people close to our heart. As we do this we will recognize how best we can help them and understand their needs. Being aware of these challenges gives us insight into knowing that timing may not be right for them now to look at our opportunity. These individuals may just need a friend to talk to, someone to listen, and to understand.  Be that friend first. Feel what they feel, and be there to help them in their time of need. The blessings and rewards that come to you when you do care and truly serve your fellow man, far outweighs the bonus checks that could be made.

Stephen Covey says,

"We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey."

Ask questions that bring understanding. Use the formula we call - "FORM" - which is family, occupation, recreation and message. This formula for communication will always remain the key to getting to know the people you'd like to work with now or in the future when timing is right. Remember that network marketing is a people-to-people business. That's why meeting prospects face-to-face across from each other over a kitchen table, or in a casual in-home gathering, brings warmth and safety to the sponsoring process. Yes, it may be a business that, as we're told, needs to be treated like a business. But it's the people caring about people that separates network marketing from the corporate atmosphere. And our business building foundation must be solid with honesty, integrity and truth. We are trusted to share truths along with our products. That's why we share our personal "why" along with our stories. We share from our heart. If we do this, we will reach all of our goals and achieve our dreams. But more importantly, we will be truly fulfilled with knowing we have attempted - the best we can - to leave the world a better place.

A favorite phrase of mine is, "the sun is the sun because it shines, not because it tells you it's the sun."  Be the sun and shine. Let what you do radiate with love from your heart. Let us all grow and develop personally with this business and become better people because of it. Let us create a positive environment where we truly care for those we contact. Let us be a friend to those we involved with us. Let us always edify our upline and empower our downline. If and when this is done, we won't find ourselves caught up in things that can hurt ourselves in the long run, or hurt others we work with. Our goals will be to uplift as many people as we can. Simply "shine" should be the first thought to start your mornings. And when you shine, you become a light for others to follow and emulate. You have the chance to make a difference. And therein lies the secret to a successful, positive business. So, my networking friends...simply shine!