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MLM Woman Issue 48 This free monthly newsletter is made possible by our advertisers and customers. We thank them for their support!
MLM Woman Issue 48
This free monthly newsletter is made possible by our advertisers and customers. We thank them for their support!
From the Desk of the Editor
Happy 2001 Everyone! Welcome to the 48th issue of the MLM Woman Newsletter.
Now is the time to take a break from all the holiday festivities and take a look back at your business goals for 2000 and record the results.
Did you realize the income goals you set for yourself last year?
Did you keep in contact with your downline on a constant basis?
Did you take some risks and try some new marketing methods?
Did you attend a company convention or training session?
Did you receive an award for sales achievement?
Did you expand your own MLM training library by buying some new books, tapes or videos?
Did you set goals for yourself last year?
Take an assessment of what you did right last year and give yourself a pat on the back. Be sure to keep a record of your successes so that you can review them at times when things aren’t going so well.
Of course you also need to look at the areas where you didn’t achieve your goals. Don’t be too hard on yourself — but take the time to review the areas where you need improvement - talk to your upline, get some new training material on the subject, share ideas with a crossline friend and get into action to find a solution.
Here's wishing you a profitable, happy and healthy New Year!
Linda Locke Editor MLM Woman
So you want to work from home? Then just do it! By Beth Brawn
Seems my life had to be shaken up by major events before I would make any changes in it. Even when the changes were necessary. I wasn't good at making decisions, I guess, and waited instead for events to determine my direction. This year was no exception, but I am planning on things to be different from now on.
For years I wanted to own my own business and in the last few years I realized it needed to be a home based business to suit me. After losing two jobs to permanent lay-offs I found myself at home and really enjoying it. That is when I made my decision that I wanted to work from home. I just didn't know how or doing what.
In 1998 I started dabbling with things on the internet. I began selling items on on-line auctions and even built my own website with no knowledge of website design. This was very exciting and began to pave the pathway for my goal of working at home. I worked hard every day, seven days a week. I had a full time job, 9 to 5, away from home and then when I got home I worked another 4 to 6 hours on the Internet building my business. It was hard but fun because it was something I was happy doing. It didn't interfere with family because I am not married, but, dating a wonderful guy who understood my objective.
After working at this for 2 years I knew I wasn't at the level financially that I needed it to be to pay my bills. I also knew that I couldn't work any longer hours then I already was but if I could stay home full-time, those extra hours could make up the difference. Or so I thought, but was too afraid to take the chance.
Remember what I said in the beginning? How I always waited for events to determine my course? Well, this was no exception. In December of last year my sister called to tell me she had only a few months to live. What happened from that day forward would change my course of events. My sister passed away in March from Melanoma Skin Cancer. I was struggling to maintain some kind of focus at work and wasn't succeeding very well. It might help you to know that my step-sister was also losing her battle with colon cancer at that time and did pass away in June. They were both in their late thirties.
In May, I received an inter-office envelope from my boss which included a letter telling me I wasn't dedicated to my job and was being put on probation. If I missed any time of work or was late again I would be dismissed from my job. After several hours of contemplating, or getting up the nerve, I walked out and have never looked back. That is when I made my decision that I could no longer work for companies who don't think of their employees as humans. I was done giving my time for someone else's benefit. I also lost all interest in the product and the people I was servicing. It no longer held much purpose.
So, in May I began working from home. A lot of realizations have taken place this year for me. One is that life is way too short to spend it away from family and friends. I did take 6 weeks off of work before my sister died. That is probably why I got put on probation, but, I will never get that time back and will never regret it for one moment. Now, by working at home I can make changes to my schedule to make more time for the rest of my family and loved ones.
I knew that I needed a long term solution, so in August I found a network marketing company that represents everything I was looking for. I am now helping people and at the same time making a living for myself, working from home! I've since shut down my original website and have one now for my new business.
My advice to you is don't wait for major events to change your life. Put a plan in place and make it happen. The rewards can be outstanding!
About the Author
Beth Brawn is a previous Sales Representative and now a full-time network marketer. You can learn more about my business at my website: http://www.5pillars.com/healthyfinances/ You can also view the website I designed and dedicated to my sister, Brenda Cervi, at http://besunsmart.safeshopper.com
Your System for Success By Lisa Kneller
What is your System? Do you have one? Here's the thing you need to know if you are in network marketing: You need a system! In my many years in the network marketing industry, I have heard about and seen many systems put into place. There is no one right way to do this business, but each successful person in network marketing has a system.
Here are some examples:
One man used to stand out on a busy street corner and stop people. He'd ask them if they were tired of living paycheck to paycheck. If they said yes, he said, "would you like to learn how to make some extra money part time?" He got their name and phone number and he called them within 48 hours. He did this every day and gathered 30 numbers per day. He made a fortune. Can you do that? I can't.
Don't worry, here's another one:
One couple decided to build their business by doing network marketing seminars. They rented a hotel room, advertised and invited guests. Then they offered free information about network marketing and the benefits of the business. After the workshop, they offered to share information about their business. I'd probably enjoy this immensely if it wasn't for the cost and time away from home. Not for me!
If that's not for you, here's another idea:
I know a gal who does trade shows. She utilizes every opportunity she gets to rent a table at an event and display her products. She sets up an awesome display, gives away a free product through drawings and follows up with people she talks to. She loves it. This is not for everyone either. It takes a lot of time and energy to do "shows", and it costs money for the booths.
Okay, here's a good one:
Home business meetings. Some people love the intimate setting of a home. I think more people have signed up in homes than any other setting. This effort requires lots of cleaning, but hey - it's better than shelling out all that money for a hotel!
One gentleman I know uses a direct mail lead program almost exclusively. He has built a tremendous downline from this system and doesn't have to talk to anybody in the grocery line! What a great system!
The Internet and lead programs have brought more options to the table for networkers. I personally, have chosen this option as it fits very well into my lifestyle. I want to be home more and connect with people all over the globe in my jammies.
My point is, that whatever system you choose to build your business is great - if it fits into your idea of a home based business. The key is in working your system fervently and consistently. You can't do it half hearted.
You must know by now that it takes money to make money. Network marketing is no different; however, whatever money you spend in setting up your system, can be made back and turned into a residual profit machine once your system starts generating results.
When your system does start generating results, that's the time to put the pedal to the medal and really crank up your efforts. Stay focused. Stay committed to your dream. Stay the course.
A few suggestions for your system:
First, give a lot of thought to your strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Also, consider your budget and/or what you are willing to risk in terms of money to get your system set up. It's going to cost you either money or lots of time. If you have lots of time, it will cost you less money and vice versa.
Secondly, make it consist of 3-4 methods. In other words, if you are marketing on the Internet and using a lead program, that's two methods. Make sure you are also talking to people (developing relationships) and educating people who are open. Don't ever rely on one method. It's simply not enough.
Finally, give it time. Don't expect results right away. You need to test it, tweak it and optimize it. It takes a few months to really get the hang of it.
Keep in mind your system may not be right for some of your downline. Use what you know about systems and help your people develop one that works for them.
Take it from me. Don't go on and on in this business if you don't have a system. Stop and analyze what you're doing, and if you discover that you really have never had a system, make the commitment to develop one today!
Lisa Kneller is a veteran network marketer and owner of www.thewealthinstructor.com Her Free newsletter for home based business owners, network marketers and Internet marketers is available by sending a blank email to twi@quicktell.net
Top 10 Steps to Success in Network Marketing By Usa Johnson
Although network marketing is one of the simplest and quickest roads to personal and financial success, only 5 percent of those who make the journey reach their goals. What sets them apart? The same thing that will set you apart if you follow these key steps:
1. Know what you want.
What do you want in life? Wealth? Health? Happiness? Any and all can be yours - if you create a compelling enough vision of your future. This vision works like a magnet, moving you forward and keeping you going, even when you hit occasional walls. Walls are part of any business, network marketing included. It's what you do to get up, over, around, and through them that matters. Really knowing what you want will move you beyond them each and every time.
2. Make a firm commitment.
Network marketing may be a unique business model, but like all businesses, it works only if you do. No matter what product or service you sell or what company you join, you need to be the engine that drives your success. Don't be content to be a passenger. Remember: Action is commitment set in motion; motion builds momentum; momentum, over time, leads to success.
3. Follow the system.
Network marketing companies don't just offer a product - they offer a system for delivering it to the public. In short, they've worked out all "policies and procedures" to a science, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel or waste precious time and energy on the countless details that plague most business start-ups. The result? You (and everyone you bring into the organization) hit the ground running. Therefore, follow your company's system EXACTLY. There's no quicker way to success.
4. Love and use your product.
Enthusiasm sells products and begins with familiarity. That means knowing your company's products (or services) inside and out. Use each over an extended period of time to gain firsthand experience of its benefits. Talk to others to learn how each bettered their lives as well. This deeper understanding enables you to talk more comfortably, authoritatively, and enthusiastically about your products and services with all you meet.
5. Work your upline.
Your sponsor is part teacher, part guide, part cheerleader, part friend. That's a whole lot of parts! And when you put them together, you get an energetic, knowledgeable, and caring person who can get you where you want to go as directly as possible. Know, however, that your upline includes more than just your sponsor. Your sponsor's sponsor (or even your sponsor's sponsor's sponsor) is someone with helpful tools and tips. Don't be shy about giving him or her a quick phone call or dropping either an e-mail. Use them to expand your knowledge and reach.
6. Cultivate winners.
Build strong relationships with a significant number of the individuals you sponsor. Exactly how many is a significant number? It could be 10 to 20, or just two to three. The key is this: You don't have to have a downline of thousands all giving 100 percent. All you need is a handful of folks who have "heard the calling" and respond body and soul. These are the distributors worth cultivating; they're the true winners who will help you grow your business, so support them any way you can. As to the rest, if they're reluctant to begin with, no amount of pushing or pulling will get them to change their minds or the way they do business.
7. Avoid cold calls.
When prospecting, always start with "familiar faces" - family, friends, acquaintances, etc. Because they know and respect you, the trust is there. Too, they often listen more intently and politely, allowing you the opportunity to fine-tune your approach. That's invaluable experience, and it can help you quickly build the confidence you need to extend your circle.
8. Reject rejection.
Rejection may not be fun, but it's not personal. That's why it's critical that you commit to not letting your fear of rejection stand in the way of your goals. One way to work through your fear is to literally list the reasons some folks wouldn't be interested in network marketing in general and your company/product/service in particular. Next, prepare responses to each and every one of the objections. This act alone will bolster your confidence; too, your responses will help prospects move beyond their own limited beliefs.
9. Diversify.
Thanks to the Internet, teleconferencing, new and inexpensive printing processes, and the like, you can communicate with prospects not just across the street but around the world. Scary and overwhelming as this may be, it's critical that you embrace these new ways of doing business and make them work for you. That said, never lose sight of the old stand-bys - home meetings and one-on-one contacts. Human contact is critical in network marketing, no matter what the product. There's simply no substitution, so create a balance between old and new approaches to achieve maximum results.
10. Take care of yourself.
If you want to succeed in network marketing, you've got to give it your all. But that doesn't mean you have to live and breathe the business 24 hours a day. You'll quickly burn out, plus, you won't enjoy the finer things in life - the very things you went into the business to experience. In short then, don't put off to tomorrow what you can begin to enjoy today.
USA B. Johnson is the author of "Success Is Yours with Network Marketing: 10 Key Steps to Build Your Business," which can be ordered through Amazon.com. Johnson, an independent distributor for a leading network marketing company, can be reached at jbconny@erols.com or visit her at www.usajohnson.com.
The Art of Gratefulness By Michael Angier
The word appreciate has several meanings. One is to be thankful or show gratitude. Another is to raise or increase in value--such as how a good investment appreciates with time. I think that by appreciating--practicing gratefulness--the things we have and want in our lives also increase.
In our hectic, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to forget about the many things for which we have to be grateful. We tend to be goal-seeking, achievement-oriented people.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
However, it’s vitally important that we not lose sight of the things that are near and dear--things we all too easily take for granted. What we focus on expands. If we focus on the problems in our lives, they tend to increase. If we focus on the good things we already have, they too, have a tendency to grow.
I see it as another form of prayer. When we worry and fret over things, we make them bigger than they really are, as well as attract more of the same. That’s negative prayer--prayer in reverse.
Focusing on what we HAVE and what we WANT "appreciates" these things--they grow.
Just before going to sleep each night, my wife and I share at least three things for which we're thankful. We call it doing our "Gratefuls". It takes only a few moments, but it directs our thoughts on the good--on the things we wish to increase in our life.
I suggest making the conscious consideration of your blessings a daily rather than yearly occurrence. If you do, you’ll find them taking on an even greater presence.
Copyright 2000 Michael E. Angier, used with permission.
Michael Angier is the founder and president of Success Networks International, publishers of SUCCESS STRATEGIES and SUCCESS DIGEST. Success Net is an association committed to helping people to be more knowledgeable, productive and effective. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally. Free subscriptions, memberships, books and SuccessMark Cards are available at http://www.successnet.org/
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