MLM Woman Newsletter Issue 132

MLM Woman Issue 132
January 2008

From the Desk of the Editor

Happy 2008 and welcome to the 132nd edition of the MLM Woman Newsletter.

If you like this month's issue, please be sure to let your friends know about it too and invite them to come and visit us. Also, if you have comments, questions or something to share after reading this month's articles, please visit our MLMTalk Discussion Forum and join in the lively conversation!

And also be sure to check out our MLM Marketing Blog for lots of additional tips and resources which are added throughout the month.

Yours in Success!

Linda Locke, Editor MLMWoman

Network Marketing is a Journey, Not a Race
By Lisa Willard

I walked by a summer league baseball field the other day. I noticed a sign on the fence. A huge sign. It read ...

MLB players are little league players that never gave up.

I stood there for a moment ... watching the little leaguers. They were clumsy. Uncertain and awkward. But they had an interest in Improving their skills. I knew that some of those little guys would Some day achieve their dreams. They would be winners.

In order to be a winner at Network Marketing, it takes time. Maybe even a very long time.

As a network marketer, you must realize that success doesn't happen over night. It happens little by little each day.

Beginning your network marketing journey will Be scary and awkward. You will be unsure and uncertain at times.

Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from those. It will help you In your journey to success. As you learn, your network marketing business Will grow and prosper. Everyone makes mistakes. Capitalize on them.

Feeling frustrated? That is okay too. Everyone has a bad day. Even the Most successful network marketers get knocked down. However, they choose to Get right back up and keep going time and time again.

Spend time on personal development. To truly succeed, you must work on yourself first! Carve out a few minutes every day to focus on YOU. Apply what you learn to your network marketing business and your personal life. It might surprise you how the two mesh together.

Think positive. Believe you can succeed at network marketing. Keep negative Thoughts out of your mind. Surround yourself with positive thoughts. You need to believe in yourself before others will believe in you.

Building a business is a journey, not a race. It doesn't happen over night. Take steps every day and you will see results.

About The Author
Lisa Willard is a mom, life time learner and entrepreneur. Lisa has been involved in networking marketing for two years, coaching and training others on how to be successful in a home business. As a mom of three, Lisa is creating "freedom" for her family through her online business. To find out more about how Lisa builds her business online and her plans to fire Corporate America visit http://www.OnlineCandleTeam.com.

Network Marketing Success -
Taming The Trust Factor
By Liz Monte
(c)2008 Liz Monte - All rights reserved

Trust is becoming a rare, but very valuable commodity in the world today. Thanks to widely publicized incidents of identity theft, scams and so many other stories of unethical or illegal behavior, many people understandably have their guard up, especially when it comes to interacting with strangers. Especially strangers who are pitching "business opportunities." Like, umm… network marketers.

If you've ever worked a cold lead list, you probably spoke with more than one person who already had been flooded with calls from dozens of kooky-sounding, suspicious, get-rich-
quick-scheme promoters. Needless to say, by the time you got them on the line, they were pretty skeptical.

These are the extreme cases. Then there are the everyday, run-of-the-mill interactions with family and friends who have written you off as "one of those MLMers" - someone who's always pitching their product or opportunity. (And in all honesty, in this respect, a lot of network marketers are guilty as charged. I know I certainly alienated my share of warm market leads in the past.)

Distrust and skepticism create the biggest hurdle facing network marketers today. How do you get over this roadblock?

Even better, how do you avoid getting in this situation in the first place?

Here is a short, true story that sheds light on this question.

Many years ago, our 10-year-old heat pump died. Our contractor had installed it when the house was built, and it had come to the end of its useful life. So I took a deep breath, gritted my teeth, got out the Yellow Pages, and started calling around, looking for the best deal on a replacement.

Most of the sales people I spoke with just asked me how big the house was and then gave me a price on the same BRAND A our contractor had used. BRAND A was a popular brand - highly advertised - no doubt you've heard of it.

Then I called an outfit called Dave's Heating and AC. Dave himself happened to answer the phone, and when I explained my problem and asked him for a comparison quote on a new Brand A heat pump, he proceeded to explain to me why he didn't recommend that brand.

He spent the next fifteen minutes patiently educating me on the intricacies of heat pump mechanics, comparing the features and reliability of BRAND A with the BRAND B he
preferred, answering all my questions, and generally impressing me with his expertise and honesty.

Here was a guy who knew what he was doing!

At that point, a weight lifted off my shoulders, and I didn't care anymore about the price. I had found someone I wanted to do business with, and that was all that mattered. I bought the heat pump, immediately signed an annual service contract with Dave's Heating and AC, and I've been a loyal customer ever since.

What was going on here? What did Dave accomplish in that first phone call that the other companies did not?

First, he gave me a pile of very useful, free, no-strings-attached information that helped me solve a problem.

Second, by doing this, he also established himself as an expert in his field.

Third, he won my trust.

Basically, Dave invested his time in me before I even became his customer. He runs a busy operation, and I'm sure he had plenty of other things he could have done with the fifteen
minutes he spent talking to me, but for some reason he chose to teach me about heat pumps instead. Maybe it was a calculated business decision on his part, or maybe he's just
a nice guy. It doesn't really matter.

By the way, if you happen to live in Northern Virginia and need help with your heating and AC system, Dave's phone number is (703) 450-9600. (And I'm not making any money by telling you this.)

So what does the story about Dave have to do with network marketing?

If you want to win your prospects' trust, do what Dave does. Invest in them before you even know them. Freely give something of value that helps solve their problems - useful
information.

How do you accomplish this?

The Internet makes it easy. If you don't have a website, start one. You'll need to pick a niche, and this could be any one of a number of topics. For example, you might provide information about a problem that your products or services help address, or even network marketing itself. Position yourself as a solutions provider. Make people want to linger at your site and read what you've written simply because it's so useful. Give them good reasons to trust
you.

After a while, they might start contacting you first.

If you already have a website, take a good hard look at it from the point of view of a new visitor. Is it mostly just a pitch for your products and opportunity, or does it give real, valuable information to your visitors? Be honest -- if you were a visitor, would you be attracted to stay and explore the site further, or would you take one look at it, say, "Uh oh! They're selling something!" and hit the back button.

Don't get me wrong. There is definitely a place for a product and opportunity site in your overall marketing system - AFTER you've built the trust and AFTER your visitor expresses a desire to know more. But it makes a lousy first introduction.

Say goodbye to skepticism and distrust forever. Start investing in your prospects by giving them what they crave - solutions to their problems in the form of free, useful information.

About The Author
Liz Monte is the author of a free online course providing basic training in the latest Internet marketing strategies for network marketers. If you would like to learn more about attracting qualified prospects with your own website, please go to http://www.wisenetworkmarketer.com.

Got Goals?
By Barb Sibbing

Goals, I know that word can be very scary, but it doesn’t have to be, especially if you know what to do. What is a goal? A goal is something specific, something you want or need to accomplish in a specific period of time. To establish a clear, central purpose or goal in life is the starting point of all success.

There was a study several years ago at a business school and the results of the graduates who had been out of school for at least ten years illustrates the power of goals. Upon graduation the graduates were surveyed and the following was found:

83% did not have goals
4% had vague goals
3% had clearly articulated written goals

When their levels of accomplishments were compared ten years later, those with some sense of their goal earned three times more than those with no goals. The 3% with clearly articulated written goals earned ten times more than those without goals.

You have goals; you may just not realize it now. I want to help you realize, develop and achieve your goals. Your goals are your promises to YOU! Goal setting is just like creating a blueprint. Lets get started creating your blueprint!

Everyone needs to learn how to set effective, realistic and SMART goals. Start the process by first creating a list of dreams. Make sure you list places you would like to visit, things you would like to experiences, items you would like to have, skills you would like to acquire and the amount of money you would like to make. Maybe you want to travel to Hawaii or Europe or you want a new house or car. You decide what you want and write it down on paper. You will need this list to develop SMART Goals.

There is no limit to the number of goals that you set. You need to make sure your list includes goals that you are committed to attaining. There are a few steps to take to set effective goals and we will cover those here:

S=Specific
Your goals must be clearly defined and written.

M=Measurable
The goal must be able to be measured over time. You must be able to clearly define what success on a goal will look like.

A=Actionable
There must be specific action steps you can take toward realization of the goal.

R=Realistic
Your goal must be one that is realistically based on your current level of skills, environment, and the time allotted.

T=Time Based
Your goal needs to have a deadline that you are committed to.

Look over each goal you have on your list and ask yourself, “is this a SMART goal? Why or why not? Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself about each goal you want to set:

Do I need help with my goal?
What may hinder the process of my goals?
Do I need more education to achieve more?

This is another major step in goal setting because you may see and feel necessary changes in your plan.

After you have written your “SMART Goals” you need to prioritize your long-term and short-term goals. This is a very important step in the goal-setting process because it enables you to step back and examine which goals are most important to you. This does not mean that you should ignore the goals farther down on your list, but it does help you to identify where and how to focus your efforts now.

Your goals will change over time, you will achieve some goals, and others may lose their importance as circumstances in your life change. As this happens you need to re-examine and re-prioritize your goals.

Once you have defined your SMART Goals you will need to define an action plan.

An Action Plan is an essential element of setting goals. The details that you specify in your Action Plan enable you to see what you need to do and avoid, in achieving your goals. As you develop your Action Plan, be sure to keep the following in mind:

Write SMART Goals
Develop your goals with a positive attitude
Expand your knowledge
Shape your Action Plan and commit to it
Invest in developing effective skills and habits
Gain results by building relationships

Here is a great way to write your goals. Be sure to use an outline for each goal you want to set. These steps will help you to define your wants.

Step 1. List one of the goals you would like to achieve be specific.

Step 2. List 3 to 5 reasons to achieve this goal. In other words, why is it important that YOU achieve this goal.

Step 3. List the steps you need to take to achieve this goal. Break the process down into reasonable steps toward achieving your goal.

Let me show you a sample goal so you can see what is involved in each of the above steps.

Step 1. The Goal: You want a new red convertible 2005 Corvette with black leather seats, automatic, with a 5 disc CD player.

You would like to have this new car by December 31, 2008.
The cost will be approximately $55,000.

(You can go into more or less detail about the car and all the extras you would like to have, it’s up to you.)

Step 2. What’s in it for me (YOU)

1. I will get the satisfactions of driving the car of my dreams.
2. I will feel important.
3. I will be the first in my family to ever own such a car.
4. I will have achieved one of my goals.

Step 3. Steps to achieve your goal. You will need to increase yearly sales by $55,000 and introduce 204 people to the business opportunity.

1. I need to increase monthly sales approximately $4,500 and increase my new business partners by 17.

2. I need to increase weekly sales approximately $1,125 and bring in 4/5 new business partners.

3. I need to increase daily sales approximately $150 and bring in no less than 1 new business partner per day.

You may want to go into greater detail than I did with this example. I just wanted to share with you how this works. Your goals may not include a car, it could be going back to school to get a degree, buying a new home or re-decorating your current home. Whatever your goals, these steps will help you to define them.

It is also important to share your newly defined goals with your family, friends and business associates.

A few reasons why people fail at achieving their goals are:

1. People take action without any real plan.

2. People give themselves an unrealistic timeframe for achieving a goal

3. Their reason for the goal is unclear, they have not properly defined the goal.

4. Lack of focus. Success demands focus.

5. Trying to do it alone, nobody goes through life alone and you should not try to
achieve your goals alone. Ask for help.

6. FEAR OF FAILURE!!!! This is the biggie out of all the above. Fear resides where knowledge does not exist; the more knowledge you have about anything the less intimidated you will feel. Replace your fear with knowledge.

You now have some of the tools to achieve your goals. MAKE THIS YOUR BEST YEAR EVER!

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

About the Author
Barb Sibbing is an entrepreneur, business owner, life coach, team leader and mother. She’s a veteran Home Based Business Owner and has trained and coached representatives both inside and outside of her sales organization. One of her primary goals is to “Empower Others To Achieve Success.” She can be reached through her web site at www.onlinesoycandlebusiness.com

More Than
Just a Simple Why
By Bonnie N. Ramsey

I have been involved in network marketing (MLM) for over 20 years. One of the many things that most companies have in common is that they teach anyone who joins their team is to know their WHY. They teach us to figure out exactly what our reason is for wanting to create a successful business and to focus on that why, especially in times of trials.

While I agree that this is a key element in helping anyone to become successful in their business, I believe there is something equally important to maintain the mindset needed to remain focused on that why. I have learned through many trials that you must also identify the fuel for the passion that will help you focus on your why. It isn't enough just to know that you want to succeed because of a certain goal. If you don't fuel the passion that maintains the mindset that you need to achieve your goal, you will eventually lose focus and your why will become less and less important in your life.

For example, you can't just say that your why is that you want to make $200,000.00 a year in residual income so that you will be able to retire comfortably. You must be more specific in your details and you must also add some of the negative factors that fuel that desire in the first place. Don't misunderstand, when I say add negative factors, I am not saying to be a negative thinker.

Here is what I mean. Normally, it is the negative aspects of your current situation that make you want the change in the first place. If conditions were as you wanted them, you wouldn't be looking for change, right?

So when you write down your why, list one row as the positive aspects of reaching that goal but also list all the negatives that make you want to achieve it so much. This is more fuel for your passion than the positive aspect.

Why is that? Simply put, it is human nature to be more inspired by the possibility of a negative result if you don't achieve it than to stay motivated by the dreams of something yet to come. That's only because we have already experienced the negative side of things, while the positive side of it is yet to be. It is easier for us to identify with what we have already experienced.

Once you list all the negative feelings and reasons that make you want to achieve success, you can make the decision to NOT ever experience those situations again and begin to focus more clearly on the positive aspects of your success.

So, instead of saying that you want to make $200,000.00 a year in residual income so that you can retire comfortably, list all the things that you can think of that you would like to do or have on that income...a large home, land, nice cars, travel around the world, etc. These are your positive aspects of achieving your goal. Now, list all of the negative things that you KNOW you will face if you don't succeed....past due bills, bad credit, struggling paycheck to paycheck, no money for vacations, no college funds for the kids/grandkids, hoping the car doesn't break down, worrying about medical bills and other unplanned expenses. The list goes on and on!

These are the negatives that will fuel the passion for your why. Reflect on these from time to time, especially in times of trials. Think about how they make you feel. Then, use them as the motivation to persist so that you never have to experience those feelings again. This will help you to remain focused on your goals and finally experience all of the positives that, thus far, have only been experienced in your imagination!

FUEL THE PASSION FOR YOUR WHY! Persist with all that you are! Make the decision to live past the negative aspects in your life and experience the wonderful positives that are just waiting for you!

Be and achieve all that you desire and share your newfound knowledge and success with others. If you do, then there are no boundaries so powerful that you can not overcome and SUCCEED!

About the Author
Bonnie is a Diamond Level independent distributor and team leader for Scent Sations, Inc. She was selected to be listed in the 2007 Bilmore Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals. She is a writer of poetry, short stories, articles and a monthly newsletter called Business Scents. You can subscribe to her newsletter at http://www.businessscents.biz/Subscribe.html and visit her website here: http://www.bonnieramsey.com

The Power of Making Real Connections
7 Tips for making real, meaningful
connections that serve you.
By Sue Urda

In our society today, "connections" is a huge buzz word. If you are connected, you are someone who has access to and influence with the "right" people. The "right" people will vary depending on certain situations that arise. It is the connections you have and the amount of influence you have with them, along with your belief in yourself that will provide strength, security, and the means for creating abundance in all areas of your life.

Real and meaningful connections are those which you can call on at a moment's notice. These vital connections provide non-judgmental support, assistance, creativity and knowledge. Being connected whether in business or personally, provides a sense of ease in your life. It may be said that connections equal power. It may also be said that connections equal life.

As we know from Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs, one of the six basic needs is the need for socialization - love, friendship and comradeship. This is a need for love and belonging. This is a need for basic human contact. In fact, this is a need for connection.

The real beauty and value of connections is the way they make you feel. Connections provide security, freedom, opportunity, friendship and grace. Real connections make you feel capable, unstoppable and perhaps "larger" than you might otherwise feel as an individual. Connections make you feel expansive.

Here are 7 tips for making and nurturing real connections in life that will serve you:

1. Be yourself. Be real. Pretense in any situation can be dangerous. When you meet someone, simply be yourself. You may choose to put your best foot forward and be "your best self" and that is perfect. People who resonate with your personality and energy will be drawn to you. You will find that being yourself at all times, makes for a life filled with ease, grace and less stress.

2. Be likable. You know there is a part of you that is truly likable and engaging and attractive. There is a part of you that people are drawn to and want to be around. If you take stock of how you are "being", you will know whether you are being charming or uninviting. Always "check your attitude" at the door and choose to be the likable you!

3. Express gratitude freely. It is said that you learn much about an individual's character by how she speaks of others. Know that words have power. Any thanks or praise therefore, that you can give about another person gives power to everyone in the transaction. Power is heightened for the individual you share it with, the individual you share it about and also for you. It is always appropriate to express gratitude.

4. Be present. No matter where you are or what you are doing, give yourself freely to the people that surround you, the task at hand and the individuals who will be effected by your actions, words and presence. Put aside the chatter of your mind, clear your plate and simply be present. Being present is a gift for you and everyone else touched in the moment.

5. Make new connections at every opportunity. Even if you think you don't have time for another person in your life, think again. There is always room for someone with good energy, an open spirit and the "right" connections. When you choose to expand the circles of your life, you are choosing to expand yourself. Expansion is exciting, empowering, exhilarating and fun. You never know where a connection will lead, because you never know who or what anyone knows until you open up to them. The next person you meet may be holding the answer to your questions. She may be the perfect connection for you. Get connected.

6. Reach out and touch someone. The human touch contains more energy than any word, thought or material item. Touching someone makes an instant connection. They will pay closer attention to you, they will feel more a part of the conversation and they will feel that you care about them. A touch can be a small gesture like a handshake or a hand placed on their arm or shoulder. A touch can also be a bigger gesture like a hug, a kiss or holding hands. No matter the length or intensity, a touch commits your energy to the other person and creates and immediate physical bond. This will create, enhance and strengthen your intellectual and emotional bond and supply meaning to the conversation, the topic and your relationship. Perhaps above all, touching feels good.

7. Use wisely your power of choice. We all have the same 86,400 seconds in each day. How do you use yours? Are you honoring yourself and your time? If you do not have a big, huge "why" for how you are spending your time and who you are sharing it with, and if you are not enjoying yourself ~ do something else. Seriously, find other people to hang around with, do business with and live with. Move if you have to… physically move from your space, whether this is taking two steps back or moving to another community. The connections of your life matter. Find something and someone you completely love. Find something and someone who makes your heart sing. Find something and someone who inspires you. When you do, you will know the beauty and joy of real connections. Today is not a dress rehearsal.

It's your life. These are your connections. You get to choose. Choose to create and nurture connections that serve you. And always, always, choose to enjoy the process. Now, that's Powerful!

About The Author
Sue Urda is Co-Founder of Powerful You! Women's Network and a two-time honoree on Inc. Magazine's list of the 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Sue assists women to grow and live rich, powerful lives through network meetings, workshops and building relationships. She is author of Powerful Intentions Everyday Gratitude (January 2008), Networking and You…Perfect Together (ebook) and Creator of the Inspirational Movie, Stepping Stones. www.steppingstonesforyou.com ; www.powerfulyou.com

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