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!

Full Court Press!

Mark Twain is quoted as saying, "I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one." There are nine (9) more days to win a new iPad 3 with the March Madness celebration contest still in play here. It's time for you all to go for it and make things happen for yourself and your team.


Use your "backboard" (tools: hotline, commercial) and "BEEF" up your shot (Balance, Eyes, Elbows, Follow Through), "bank shot", if necessary (use your sponsor with 3-ways), "block" negativity, "rebound" with using the scheduled calls and webinars, and get the "W" (win.) It's time to make your "free throws" and walk away with the win!


Basketball terms aside, take full advantage of contests, bonus pools and rank advancements. These are little goals along the way that keep you focused on achieving your goals. Promote these contests with your team. Coach them along the way to do what you are doing. Assist them with 3-way calling, field training, and team-up with in-home meetings. Do what ya gotta do to see it through.  Miss your shot? Follow that shot, make it, and create some all-important personal momentum. "Box out" anything that holds you back, stay focused on your goals, take more "jump shots", use your "shot clock" (ends 3-31-2011), and "take it to the hoop!" Right now...it's time for you to double and triple "time" your efforts and go for it.  Time for that "full court press!'

RETAIL TO RECRUIT

Serious about making walk-away residual income? Then you must think like a Business Builder, not a retailer. You retail to recruit. "Begin with the end in mind," as Stephen Covey outlines in his 7 Habits best-seller book, and your "end" is to build a strong business that pays and keeps on paying even while you are vacationing with your family. Building residual income is the "magic" to network marketing. It's what creates those six-figure a month bonus checks. If you focus on the retail sale, you will never see large bonus checks. It won't happen. You will see only the retail profits on what you personally sell, and if someone happens to become a distributor for you, you'll make a little bonus money, but that is all. Your team will do what you do. So be a Business Builder from the get-go. 


When working the 4-Step System, share the business and the product. Use your sponsor to help you get things started in the right direction, and use the recorded Hotline to open the opportunity door. The system is in place to make recruiting happen. Just plug in to it and say, "let's get you involved with this," every step of the process. When someone says, "I want to sell your product," I cringe a bit. Why? Because it's not about selling the product. It's about sharing the dream of financial and time freedom! Once you get that, have a paradigm shift, then you are on your way to see those dreams come true. 


We know that our product works. That's a given. So don't focus there. Focus on letting that product be your vehicle to achieving financial freedom by sharing the opportunity and building a strong team. Learn the pay plan and work the pay plan. Use the Go Charts, the tools, the "system", the Tuesday Team Testimonials call and Wednesday Webinar to validate your business. If you are working an expo, look for business builders. Don't just give those samples away. Have them swallow it right there in front of you. If they don't want to swallow on the spot, then give them your business card and tell them to call you so that you can give them a proper presentation on what it is you are doing, how exciting it is, and how the timing couldn't be more perfect to get involved with your business. Show them a way to make an extra income stream. Show them how to make a full-time career change. Millionaires are made in network marketing. And if you work it right by being a business builder, not a retailer, you, too will be one of those millionaires. But you must start now and retail to recruit.

Saturday Sizzle Session Synergy!

"Ineffective people live day after day with unused potential. They experience synergy only in small, peripheral ways in their lives. But creative experiences can be produced regularly, consistently, almost daily in people's lives. It requires enormous personal security and openness and a spirit of adventure." 
- Stephen Covey, 7 Habits



I remember my first "sizzle session" on Saturday morning with my newly started group of distributors for a cosmetic company I was involved with. I really didn't know what I was doing. Nobody trained me to do "sizzle sessions." I just knew that I needed to gather my little team together, motivate, congratulate, share ideas, and discuss ways to grow the area and our individual businesses. It was fun. And it was kind of like a sorority meeting. (I was president of two sororities while at the University of Utah - one social and one music.) So, since no one had ever taught me how to do this, I pretty much ran it the way I thought best. My goals? To empower my team, get them writing their personal goals, involve everyone in the sharing process, and motivate them to do more business.

The ideal "sizzle" scenario  on a Saturday morning is to all gather around as a team and listen to the Saturday Success Strategies call, share success stories for the week, recognize the achievements, then open a "round robin" to share ideas to grow the area. Someone should always bring an area newspaper to share the local scheduled events, and any other flier or handout that lists upcoming expo's, trade shows, craft fairs, etc. Have an agenda. Stick to an hour. And start early so that the day is free for family scheduled activities. Since the Success Strategies call is at 7am pacific (that's 10am Eastern time), the meeting should adjourn before noon. (Sorry pacific coasters :-)  Activites could include 1) writing goals together, 2) creating Prospect 100 lists using the Memory Jogger, 3) working on Dream Boards or Biz Binders, and 4) sharing new and clever ideas. The goal is to make it fun and productive.


“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” - Stephen Covey

Team Spirit is a huge reason why people get involved with these network marketing companies. And they often stay involved just to be able to come meet up with the team. It gives a person a sense of belonging to something social, fun and worthwhile. Life can be challenging, and can get lonely. Friendships that are made in network marketing companies last a lifetime. Common goals and a positive environment help lift the spirits when needed most. A great team that meets often can fill a void in ones life. The term "network marketing" rejoices in working together. So, if you find yourself in an undeveloped area, start in your backyard first (Backyard Buddy), then as you grow, take the initiate and organize this weekly "sizzle session." It works, builds self-confidence, and creates that important factor ... synergy!


P.S. 
Every three months, hold a SUPER SATURDAY where you bring your lists and "boiler room" it with passing the phone to each other. This is an on-the-spot 3-way call that is very effective. Hold an Opportunity Meeting at noon, have lunch, then go on your merry way ... jazzed!

Fully Engaged!

Sarah and David, fully engaged :-)

"Winning is important to me, but what brings me real joy is the experience of being fully engaged in whatever I'm doing." - Phil Jackson


Being fully engaged is what it takes to win at everything from love - work - play - parenting - developing talents and skills - to learning and living. If you are not fully engaged, you will not see your dreams come true. You will not reach your goals, and you will miss out on all that life offers.  Sure, we will all have those irritating life-challenges that cause us to stumble on occasion. But if you are fully engaged, life's occasional stumbles will never see you completely fall or fail.


Being fully engaged means you do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. You listen to the guidelines outlined for you with those that are succeeding. You are coachable and you remain coachable. You are passionate about what you are doing and feel it a blessing to be able to share that passion. You are involved with the training calls and webinars. You make it a point to always have a new prospect listening to the Tuesday night call with you on a 3-way, and have a few friends over to watch the Wednesday Webinar with you. You hold in-home meetings, attend Executive Area Luncheons, participate with all scheduled events, and are involved it making things happen in your area. You are a team player and bring to the table special skills that only you possess. You qualify for the monthly bonus pool and win the contests. You learn the pay plan, then work that plan with focus and determination. You rank advance and set the pace for your team. You are positive, happy, hard-working and know that success is there for the taking. You utilize your sponsor for 3-way calls, assist those you sponsor to do the same with you, and are always moving your business forward. You are a winner and you love developing winners on your team. You edify your upline and empower your downline because you want people to succeed right along with you. 


"When it's time to die, let us not discover that we have never lived." 
--Henry David Thoreau



My youngest son pictured here is newly engaged. The change in him has been night and day for the positive. He is fully engaged beyond the ring he slipped on his fiance's finger. He loves her, she him, and both willing to do whatever it takes to bring each other happiness. Watching them during this engagement process has given me a deeper perspective and understanding of the term "fully engaged." Fully engaged means your heart and soul is totally involved in making wonderful things happen for yourself and those around you. Nothing can stop you from achieving everything you desire. You see it - believe it - and achieve it. May we all be fully engaged in life - living - loving and developing ourselves and our business, Be the best you can be, and fully engage with achieving success.

FORTUNE IS IN THE FOLLOW-UP

I got up this morning to prepare training for my Saturday Success Strategies call on the subject: "The Fortune is in the Follow-Up," and was very surprised that I hadn't blogged on this subject as of yet. I feel that this is the most important thing an independent distributor needs to learn and do - to follow-up with all aspects of the recruiting process and business building. Follow-up shows a commitment you make to yourself and to those you are sharing a sample with, your product and the opportunity with. If you don't follow-up and see your initial efforts through to the finish line, you might as well throw your samples out the window of your car as you drive down the 405 freeway (if you live in California), and hope someone will stop their car and pick them up off the freeway, swallow them, contact you about it, and beg to sign up in the business! That's just not going to happen. This example may sound extreme, but it is the visual you need to have when trying to understand the importance of follow-up in this business of network marketing. If you don't follow-up continually, moving your prospect thru the "process," you will not succeed at building a home-based business.


"Some people plant in the spring and leave in the summer. If you're signed up for a season, seit through. You don't have to stay forever, but at least stay until you see it through."
- Jim Rohn


With a consumable product, biz building can be clearly categorized into the "S's" with SAMPLE - SELL - SPONSOR - SUPPORT. Add to that two additional 'S's" with SIMPLE and SYSTEM, and you've pretty much nailed down what we all must consistently (daily) do to see success. Building your business is a process of exposures where you are parading your product and opportunity in front of as many people as possible; as often as you need to to get the results you want. These "exposures" are done by income-generating, follow-up activities. You sample a prospect, then follow-up with a telephone call to remind them to take the product, answer their questions and move them to the next step in the process. You sell product, then follow-up the next day to make sure they are drinking their water, answer questions, and connect with them so that you can, again, move them to the next step of the process. This leads you to a 3-way call with your sponsor, inviting them to a Tuesday Team Testimonials call, and Wednesday Webinar.

Make a commitment with giving them the exact date and time you will be doing the follow-up activity with them. Write it in your planner - right in front of them. Making this commitment is a promise from you to them that you are taking your business seriously. Use your Biz Binder with the 1-31 tickler (called a Ready Index), and move them through your tickler as you continue to follow-up. Remember: "no" can mean "not now," or "I need more information." Note: Just because they turn you down with looking at the business today doesn't mean that in 30 days they aren't ready to revisit the idea. Asking questions and getting to know them personally guides you with presenting the opportunity to them. 


Example: your prospect is retiring from teaching in June and needs to replace that income, or a stay-at-home mom needs to bring in a second income stream, but doesn't want to leave her children to go to work a job. Building a relationship with your prospect gives you a clue how and when to get them involved. Ask questions and really listen. You will know what it is they need, and how you and your opportunity can help.


Change your thinking with follow-up. Think "helping" with this crucial activity. Start your day with asking, "who can I help today with my opportunity and product?" Having this positive paradigm shift from "bugging" to "helping" gives you the right frame of mind with your follow-up. Take notes, know your prospect, and be clear and consistent with how you work with them through the process of exposures. Ask, "what did you love best about our happy skinny pill V3?" If they didn't feel anything on only one sample, suggest that they give it a fair try by suggesting that they purchase a months supply. Tell them that you will include a cool little measuring tape with their purchase so that they can keep track of the inch loss as they lose weight. 

Throw out "phone fear", or "call reluctance." We all have our personal "chicken lists" of people we are sometimes hesitant to call. But, if you are serious about building your business, shake it off. Simply make your Prospect 100 list, use your sponsor for 3-ways, use the tools with the 4-step system, the weekly calls and webinars, and achieve your goals. You hold the keys with success or failure here. As my kids say, "mom, it isn't rocket science," when I ask them computer questions. With your business opportunity and hot product, it a simple process of knowing that if you want to succeed, the "fortune is in the follow-up!"

Feeling Lucky?

"I'm a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."

That is my all-time favorite quote with defining LUCK, by Thomas Jefferson. And it's exactly right. The luck comes when stumbling across a great opportunity, but like so many people, most don't realize what they had and may pass on it without ever taking a closer look. Or in many cases they just weren't willing to work as hard as needed to achieve success.


A few years back we had a great network marketing run for near fourteen years with a company that was paying us consistently six-figure monthly checks. I overheard someone as they were taking a sort-of tour through our new home, "they just got lucky." Well...yes and no. Lucky in that we grabbed the opportunity and ran fast with it, but "no" in that we worked very, very hard doing meetings and calls all over the country consistently every week. And in the beginning of that very lucrative business experience, it felt like we were non-stop pushing a heavy cart uphill with nothing happening in the business. But we kept on pushing; talking to people about the business, meeting face-to-face on appointments, and as soon as we found one semi-hot person, we flew to wherever they lived for 3-4 days and did back-to-back meetings with them to build their teams. Whatever it took. We worked with those that wanted to work, who put people in front of us, and who stepped up and brought us people to talk to. In most cases I slept at their homes in one of their kids beds (always too short for my 6'2" body), drove day and night all over the state to meet with their contacts eyeball-to-eyeball, did meetings and trainings with literally no voice left, mailed out packages for them, did 3-way calls at all hours of the day and night, and created momentum for the business.


Was it easy to see success? No. Was it exciting when it all started to snowball and momentum started to happen? Absolutely. You see, in network marketing, you work in the beginning for HARDLY anything. Once it gets rolling, leaders are anchored in areas, you HARDLY work for huge amounts of money. But here's the key...you have to work harder than you've ever worked to make it happen. First: reach the leadership positions as fast as you can. Second: build your team members to leadership positions. Reference GOLD SHIPS post. To be a GOLD SHIP you must sponsor and build lots of SILVER SHIPS under you - not just sponsor a ton of TUG BOATS. Look at the pay plan and do what it takes to make that plan work. It's that simple. (Note that I didn't say easy.)

There's an old Persian saying, "Go and wake up your luck." Get it? Wake up, write your goals, plug in with everything that is happening with your business, i.e. calls, webinars, area meetings, support, emails, text messaging reminders, etc. Then use your sponsor to start contacting the people you want to enroll in your business. Three-way your prospects into the Tuesday Team Testimonial calls and Wednesday Webinars. Sample two a day, everyday. Sponsor at least one new person a week, and work with those that want to work. Be a leaders first, then develop leaders under you. Sponsor wide - anchor deep. And when you look at the timing factors that are lining up with your opportunity, my only question to you is...Feeling Lucky? I know I am. 

The NEXT STEP for You...

"If you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want."

--Zig Ziglar

This ole' familiar quote says it all when describing the real secret to success in network marketing. It's all about helping others succeed. 

The difference between a four-figure a month income and a six-figure a month bonus checks, is in your ability to build leaders. You get to the top by helping others get to the top. What a positive way to live your life! 

And with every step that is taken, you must promote the next step immediately. At the conclusion of all income generating activity say, "the next step for you is..." Then give your prospect or associate the next step. That's why I created the 4-step system. It's a step-by-step system of exposures that are all leading to the ultimate goal of enrolling them into the business, and then engaging them into business building mode. Enrolling is only half the battle. Enroll to Engage!

Steps to include: Deliver your One Minute Message, Show the 90-second commercial, then listen to the HOTLINE together. Then say, "the next step is for you to check out the website and try a sample." Follow-up with the intent to move them to the next step! Get them on the Tuesday Team Testimonial call and Wednesday Webinar. 3-Way call them into your sponsor, then enroll them into your biz. Once enrolled say, "the next step is for you to listen to the 4 basic trainings, etc. The next step is...

Keep yourself and your team always looking to achieve the next step. These steps lead you to the top. And helping each other succeed guarantees your success. Work with those that work. Sample both the business and opportunity and build your team. Enroll to Engage ... step by step. In fact, the next step for you is ...(Hint: March Madness iPad2 ... Bonus Pool ... Executive ... Regional :-)