Holiday Sprinkles

Well, my friends, here we are. And, as John Lennon wrote, 'And so this is Christmas, and what have you done?'

Last night at a candlelight service with my Unity Church, I really got to ponder that question. My hopes for what I've done is, been able to spead a little love and joy on this space of ours.

I hope that I've been able to help you move forward in your opportunity, to see what a great treaure you have in your hands, and to share it with others.

Most importantly, I hope that I, in some small way, have been able to help you see some things from a different perspective, and to have presented it with love to you.

You are important. Without you, something wonderful would be missing from this world. I'm so full of joy to be on this journey together with you.

How blessed and grateful I am that we've crossed paths. Let's continue together, shall we?

Namaste'~

Jhanna

A Holiday Gift for You.

I wanted to give you something for the holidays that really has value. No strings attached, except heartstrings.

I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this little treasure chest of fre.e e-books, but DANG, I'm glad I did. It has got most of the classics on here, and also includes the works of the mentors of those classic authors.

That is just in what is considered the 'new thought' section. Now, 'new thought' on this site is considered thought on ideas about your thoughts create things, attraction thinking, and how your thoughts create your reality. Some of these date back to the early 1900s, so I guess 'new thought' is a relative term.

Anyhoo, here's the site....

http://www.sacred-texts.com/nth/index.htm

Then look to the left and take a peek at all the different subjects on this site. It really is a treasure trove of different world philosophies, and ideas.

Be brave and check out something outside your normal scope of thought. You never know what you may stumble on that might change your life.

Namaste', friends......

Jhanna

Are You Using This Tool Every Time You Take Action?

This may be a simple concept but I want you to take some time and really think about it, apply it to your current and possible future choices. You can even apply it to past choices and see how it's affected your life up until now.

So here's the story:

I approached my son the other day riiiiiggghhhhttt when he was about to punch his sister in the arm. He is six and she is four, and they have the typical loving sibling relationship.

Seems she 'started it' by pushing him or saying something or looking at him wrong, and he felt the urge to retaliate by slugging her in the arm.

I stopped him mid-punch, pulled him aside and said, 'Ok, boy, here's the deal. you're probably not gonna get the concept this first time around but I'm gonna keep telling it to you until it sinks in.  For every choice, every decision in life you make, there is a benefit to reap and a cost to be paid.

So let's work this punching your sister in the arm thing out. On the benefit side, it will make you feel better and vindicated immediately. You'll get some frustration out, and get to be the 'victim' because she did something to you first.'

He just stared at me. I continued...

'The cost of doing this is, your sister will come tell me about it, and you'll end up getting busted and sent to your room, after apologizing to your sister of course, and then the long talk will come. Plus you'll be teaching her how to punch and, eventually, she'll have a better punch than you.'

Taking a look at both the benefits and costs of punching your sister in the arm, are you still finding it something you want to do? We could take a look at the benefits and costs of not punching your sister.'

I was ready to go on that end of the argument as well, but as six year old boys commonly do, my son had already forgotten about the incident.

'Can I go play outside?'  Sure. Go for it.

Now, while I hope to think that the lesson had sunk in to grasshopper, I kind of looked at is as more of a reminder to me in regards to some choices I've been making, and need to make.

Let me ask you...

Are you procrastinating in your business? Surely, there are benefits to that. You get more time to watch tv and veg out after a long day at your j-o-b.  Costs? Absolutely there are costs. I don't need to remind you, you know what they are.

You can also look at it this way. I discovered this way decision making, by the way, from a book written by Suzy Welch called 10-10-10.

It basically goes over the concept of the benefits and costs, but does it in a general timeline.

For example:

1. The first 10, or the 'now', meaning today, or this week, or this month.

2. The second 10. This refers to the near future. The foreseeable future, where the decision has been acted upon, but the consequences are still being played out. You can predict a general outcome with the benefits and costs.

3. The third 10. This refers to a time in the future that is vague. It can be 10 years. But you can speculate on the long term affects of your decision.

It's quick and easy to do, both of those exercises to benefits and costs, but can really show you how your decisions today, can affect you both immediately and in the future.

If you're up for it, let's have someone give an example and we'll discect it.

Namaste'

Jhanna

How to Use the 'F' Word to Make Money

We've covered this, right? NO?! Well, certainly you've been taught this timeless tip, right? NO?!

Oh, dear. Ok.

How many of you hear objections as to why someone doesn't find your opportunity appealing?

Here's a few common objections:

I don't have time
I don't have the money to get started
I don't have any experience
I don't...I can't....I'm not...

And so on.

And, they really might be good points the prospect brings up. But most of the time, the objections are really based on....get ready for this revalation.....fear. Yes, my friends, the old fear of failure...rejection rears its ugly head yet once again.

However, there is a way to let the prospect know, 'hey, it's ok to have those objections. Heck, even I felt that way.'  See where I'm leading with this?

So here's an example of how to help the prospect overcome their own objections. Remember, we're not looking to convince or hard sell the prospects. We want them to come to their own conclusions without the wall of fear overcoming them.

Here's how it would go...

'Well, it sounds interesting, but I just don't have the time to get involved in that.'

'Mr. Prospect, I totally understand how you feel. When I first looked at this I felt the same way. I was over worked and underpaid. I have two kids into sports, plus I wanted time for myself.  But here's what I found....'

Feel. Felt. Found.

I know how you FEEL.
I FELT the same way.
Here's what I FOUND.

It helps the prospect to understand they aren't alone in what they are feeling and there are solutions to their objections.

It brings a certain level of comfort to the situation, which allows the prospect to be able to step out of their comfort zone while still feeling a bit of safety.

Now, let me tell you. This wording can be used in tons of different situations in life, not just MLM prospecting. Give it a go and let me know your results!

Namaste'
Jhanna

Finishing your Elevator Pitch

Last post, I introduced you to the first two components of creating an effective elevator pitch, or your 30 second commercial.

An effective pitch is looking to create a response from the person your telling it to. What is the desired response? When they say, 'tell me more'.

So with the two components, of 1) pushing the pain button and 2) pushing the pleasure button, together we are pushing the Intrigue button.

Here's the last few steps of the elevator pitch you need to have at the ready.

1. Push the Intrigue button.  Does it compel the listener to want to know more?  You want the first two components to bring the listener to this button themselves.  What do you want to hear from them?

"How do you do that?"

Or

"Tell me more."

Yay.

It's here that I introduce my business.

"With (insert your company here) I give them (or help them or teach them)......."

And then insert one to three relevant points as to what you do. Then finish it...

"so they can continue to......" (create an income from home, be home with their children, etc)

Getting it?  Great.

You might also, at this point, bring in a few points that sets you and your opportunity stand out from anything else they might hear.  Make yourself stand out.

For example,  "Most opportunities just help people this way. What is unique about our business is....

Then, quickly, give them a short success story. It can be your success story or, if you don't have one yet, borrow another one from one of the many distributors in your successline or team.  There are countless examples of how your opportunity became someone's success story, right?

We're almost done.

The last button is the call to action button. But it's not specifically asking them if they are interested.  We're going to get them working for you whether they sign up with your or not. This is the ultimate networking step.

Ready?  Here's the last step.

2 Push the 'help a friend' button.  You actually are not going to ask them, 'does this interest you?' That question puts people on the spot and uncomfortable. We're going to give them the opportunity to join, don't get me wrong, but we're going in the back door to do that.

Here's the question....

 'Do you know anyone who would like to be home with their children while at the same time creating an income?'

(or whatever you've decided your niche market is)
This gets them out of the spotlight and puts them in the position of being able to help you out. People in general really want to help others out and you've just given them an opportunity to do so.

Now, this person will either be thinking of people they might know that your opportunity can benefit, OR they may be thinking, 'I know who you can help....ME.'

This process is really a passive way to get your information out there without being one of 'those' network marketers we all dread coming across.

Write your pitch out. Practice it with friends and family. I've actually practiced it with friends and have had them become interested in the business. Teach it to your team, and watch the positive results roll in!

So have you got your pitch down?

Namaste'

Jhanna

Got Your Elevator Speech Down?

So do you? No? Not even sure what it is?

Let me ask you this. When someone asks, 'what do you do?' How do you answer? Uhhh, errr....Hmmm?

For a long time, I just answered, 'I'm a stay at home mom.' Can you just imagine how much that moved my business forward? Ya. Not at all.

But it can be confusing on how to tell people. Many times, people have misconceptions of MLM, so if we say, 'I'm with so and so, an MLM company.', it turns people off immediately.

We've got approximately 30 seconds to get our idea across. Here are some steps on how to build  YOUR pitch.

1. Start with an 'enrolling' question. Get the listener engaged. It can also be called the 'pain' button, or pushing the pain button. It speaks specifically to a problem my opportunity solves and to whom.

Here's mine geared towards working moms:

"There are so many working women who ache to be home with their chilren, but desparately need the 2nd income. You know what I mean?"

Suddenly, more than likely, they can relate. In fact, many times they'll say, 'I can totally relate.'

By asking the last question back to them, I'm keeping them engaged. I'm looking for a response.

2. Push the Pleasure Button. This is your solution and the benefits of your solution. This is NOT where you go upchucking your compensation plan. Save it for later, after you've developed a relationship.

Here's mine:

"I give these women the opportunity to do just that by offering up a vehicle and the one on one coaching and training needed to succeed so they can create a flexible and rewarding career from home."

That's IT. Two small steps. With those two small steps, I'm hoping for the listener to ask the next few questions.

Stay with me, and in a few days, I'll present those next few steps.

In the meantime, how are you doing with your elevator speech?

To Jim Rohn

If you've been involved in network marketing for any good amount of time, you've heard his name. If you could see my library, you'd see loads of his books and recordings on the shelves, and on my nightstand.

Today, one of the great gurus has passed on to the next adventure.

Take some time to learn about Jim Rohn's contributions. Then go out, or get online and scoop of some of his great teachings.

http://www.tribute.jimrohn.com/

Great luck to you, Jim. We'll see you on the other side.

Namaste'

Jhanna

How's Your Year Going?

Ya, I know. You probably thought, 'what does it matter at this point?'

Well, thing is, I'm not talking about 2009. I'm talking about 2010.

I'm sure a lot of bloggers are talking about 2010 right now, as they should be.

Maybe, with all the talk of getting 2010 in order now, people will get it.

Did you know that the beginning of the year is when most people start their search for a home based business?

The holidays are over, and people are having to get back to their job. The job they can't stand, the one that takes up ALL of their time and thoughts, and doesn't pay squat.

That first month back, they are thinking long and hard and wanting a solution.

So are you gonna be that solution? Do you have your elevator speech primed and ready to go when someone asks, 'so what is it you do?'

Are you geared up to hit the networking meetings? Referral groups? No?

Time to get on it my friends. If you are, I'd love to hear your plans..let's get brainstorming for an abundant 2010!

Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared. Are You?

I'm borrowing the Boy Scout Motto, Be Prepared, and I'm applying it to Network Marketing for this post.

Now, the reason I'm borrowing it, aside from the fact that it can be applied all the time, is because lately I've been coming across prospects that might want a few tips on being prepared when they are thinking of joining a network marketing company.

So here they are in no particular order.

Be Prepared to:

1. Invest in the larger starter kit. Some companies only have one start up option, but most offer different sized kits for all budgets. Honestly, go with the bigger kit. What other industry can you start up your own business for under $500? Even if the package is $1500 (most are less), there isn't a franchise that you can start for that little.

Remember, it's not just the package you are getting, it's the training, coaching, forms, back office, and more.

So, ok, the first objection I hear when I suggest the larger package is, 'well, if I had the money, I'd do it. But I don't.'

To which I answer, 'then find the money'. Have a garage sale. More than likely there is enough stuff in your house, garage, storage locker, and so on that if you put it on craigs list or held a garage sale you'd make more than enough to purchase the larger kit.

Do odd jobs, borrow it, figure it out. Just don't give excuses. Invest in business, not the excuse, and get the larger package.

2. Be Coachable.  I can't tell you how many times while coaching I give suggestions, recommendations, and such, and immediately hear, 'that's a good idea, but I do it this way because (insert feeble excuse here).'

Listen, I don't know how to break this to you, but you don't know it all. Now, don't get defensive about that statement. Once you realize you don't know it all, then you get to have the fun of learning new things. You start to see that there is a ton of great stuff to learn!

What you know has gotten you this far. In order to go further, you're gonna have to learn, grow, stretch, think, and so on.

Be open to coaching. Be open to listening. Be open to trying new ideas, concepts, training and so on.

Here's a perfect example. My mentor has been in this industry for years. I mean, years. Just recently, a few of us and my mentor took a tele-seminar together in regards to a certain aspect of our industry. She took the approach of a brand new student of the industry.

It was really cool to hear her willingness to accept that she didn't know much about that particular topic, and to. When was the last time someone asked you a question and you honestly said, 'I don't know.'

Wake up each and every day and be a new student to this industry. You'll be shocked at what there is to learn.

3. Invest in Your Self  & Your Business. This sort of goes hand in hand with purchasing the biggest starter kit possible. It's a business, folks. Not only are there the necessities such as business cards, a phone plan, order forms, catalogs, samples, and other business supplies, there are expenses such as books, product, training cds, training seminars, and other tools to help propel you in your business.

It can't be stressed enough, your business only grows as fast as you do. I have yet to meet a leader in this industry or any other that hasn't stated that it's imperative to read, read, read, take seminars, listen to CDs, and so on. Support your business by supporting yourself.

4. Put your big girl/big boy panties on. The beauty of this industry is, how you handle your business is your business. The reason most people fail in this industry is because, how you handle your business is your business.

It's a double edged sword, and if you don't grow up, be accountable for your actions, and learn to be pro-active, well guess what? More than likely you'll join the statistic of those who drop out of their companies and network marketing completely within the first 90 days.

You can have a blast in this industry, but it does require you to grow up with your attitude and professionalism.

5. Spend Time on Your Business. Yes, I know the thought of coming home from a long day or long week and then working on your business just makes your head want to explode. I get it. I really do.

But listen, don't get off work, go home, and sit your butt in front of the idiot box, and then wonder why your business isn't taking off. I understand the whole 'needing to decompress' idea, but you can decompress for a few hours each night now or, if you work your business instead of zoning out to one of the reality shows, you can decompress for the rest of your life later on.

I know someone who spent $1400 on a kit for a company and he never took all the stuff out of the box. It just sat in the corner of the room like the ugly step-child. Then he berated himself for purchasing the kit, blamed the company for this and that, and this was all while he played Farkle on facebook. Suprisingly, he never made a dime in the business and is still broke. Go figure.

If you aren't willing to work on your business, then just don't bother.

6. Work with your sponsor, but don't abuse their time. I LOVE working with my team. I love brainstorming, supporting, and developing relationships with my team. And I love my upline. When I started I had loads of questions and ideas I wanted to bounce off them.

They are there to help guide you, point you in the right direction, support you and suprisingly, learn from you as well. But do respect their time.

Ok! I think that's it (to start, anyway :o) ). This isn't to dissuade anyone from joining. Then again, maybe it is. If you aren't ready to Be Prepared, perhaps you might want to consider just chillin' at your day j-o-b for a while longer.

We do hope you will join us at some point and see what all the excitement is about. 

At that point, come on in....the water is fine.

Namaste',

Jhanna

Less Talk, More Walk. (not what you think!)

I love the way life presents lessons to us almost continuously. How these lessons don't actually appear as lessons at first, but eventually, hopefully we get it.

A recent example of this is, I strained my back a while ago while running. First time ever in my years of running. So yesterday it was really bugging me, was tight, and nothing I did would loosen it up.

Aside from my mentoring and coaching business, I also am a certified indoor cycling instructor. I teach at a few gyms around town. It gives me a workout and I know I'm delivering a challenging workout to those who attend my classes.

Tuesday, I had volunteered to teach a class for someone who was unable to teach her scheduled time. I especially love to sub classes because it shakes up the athlete's routine.

However, with my my back being so tight and sore, I didn't think me actually being on the bike going through the routine with the class was the best idea for my back.

But I still wanted to deliver the workout, so I decided to stay off the bike during the workout and just give instruction.

For an hour, I instructed the athletes to gear up on resistance, gear down, stand up, go faster, sit down, push harder, slow down and climb, and so on.

I was able to walk around the room, help with pedal stroke, body postures, and really coach them.

At the same time I realized because I wasn't ON the bike doing the workout, it just wasn't quite as much fun. I didn't feel quite as much part of the team, because I wasn't doing the workout.

Along with that, I love take other instructors spin classes. As I mentioned before, it shakes up my routine.

All of this to remind me of my business (you knew I'd come around to it eventually, right?)

I know of many mentors who have done the business, but aren't doing the business. They tell others how to do it, how it's done, and how they did it in the past.

For me, anyway, doing it and working with people is the best of both worlds.

Network marketing, MLM, direct sales, whatever you want to call it; It's a fun business! Many might disagree with me, but I'm having a blast. I continue to learn from others, and get to help teach others while working my own business.

I mean, just recently I learned how to create a great home party experience. Six months ago, I wouldn't have had the first idea what to tell people if asked about parties.   Because I'm actually working my business just as you are, I get to continue to grow and learn.

We're all in it together folks, and that makes it even better. I know I'm glad to have you along, and I hope you don't mind me being along on your journey as well.

Namaste'

Jhanna

I'm Here to Get Validated

A friend turned me on to this video.

PLEASE watch it. LEARN from. TEACH others how amazing you are and how amazing they are.

Enjoy.

The Moral of the Story

Last post, I wrote down a story I had heard years ago about a man, a dog, and a very long trip for the dog.

I then asked my readers if they knew the moral of this story.

Here it is:

Even though all of those rabbits looked extremely tempting to chase, offered reward after reward, and presented a new challenge each time, all it ended up doing was nearly kill the dog.

The dog, time and time again, became more tired, more bruised and, eventually, in the end gained nothing.

The same can be said for those who have a goal in mind and allow 'chasing rabbits' to distract them from their ultimate goal.

If you are in a networking company, and suddenly there is a new opportunity being flashed in front of your eyes that will 'earn you bajillions with one email', or a different opportunity that promises you a 'better and easier compensation plan with a product that sells itself', it can distract you terribly from your main goal.

As has been said, 'keep the main thing, the main thing.'

Eventually that dog did get to town, and I'm guessing that eventually in the quest for your goal, you will get to it. But if you continue to allow yourself to be distracted by shiny object after shiny object, more than likely, it will take you much longer, and burn you out of energy and money before you get there.

So you can do what the man did, get on the road, enjoy the ride and get to your goal in time to enjoy yourself and relax, OR you can do like the dog and get distracted, and possibly take much, much longer than the average person to hit that goal.

So what's it gonna be?

How Many Rabbits

There's a story that goes like this...

A man needed to go to town. He lived way out in the country, and it was going to take a bit to get into town on those dirt roads, so he started out early. He packed up his dog into the back of the truck and off they went.

As they drove down the dirt roads, the dog spotted a rabbit and took off after it. The man had seen the dog do this in the past, so wasn't worried. The dog always came back.

A while later, the dog caught up to the truck and jumped into the bed of the truck just a bit tired, and a bit beat up. He'd run through brambles, crops, and such, but just as the man knew, the dog was fine.

As they cruised down the dirt road, the dog saw another rabbit and took off again. This time the dog was gone for longer. Eventually, as always the dog came back to the truck and jumped in the back. Worn out, and with some cuts and scratches, but generally ok.

As the day went on, this happened again and again, with the dog spotting a rabbit, taking off, and eventually returning back to the truck.

The last time it happened, the man didn't see the dog for a while. He pulled into town, parked his truck, got out, and headed to the general store. When done, he put the items in his truck and looked around for his dog. No sign of it.

So he stopped to talk with his friends, had some dinner and relaxed. As he and his friends walked out to his truck to say goodbye, the man noticed the dog limping into town. There were small tufts of fur was missing, and cuts and scratches all over.

The man went to the truck, pulled out some water and poured it into a bowl for his dog, which was panting heavily.

 His friends were wide eyed at the sight of the dog. 'What happened? Where has your dog BEEN? What took him so long to get here?', they asked.

'Oh,' the man answered calmly, as the dog climbed into the bed of the truck and collapsed in exhuastion, 'he's fine, he'd have been here hours ago and not so beaten up, but he was busy chasing rabbits.'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ok, anyone get what is the moral of the story? I'll give you a few days to answer, then we'll come back to it next post.

In the meantime, have a fantastic start of the week!

Who is Really Saying No?

In this industry we hear all sorts of 'no' answers.

'No, I'm not interested' being the most common answer. And honestly, it's something we learn how to handle if we're in this industry for any certain amount of time. It takes a while to learn how to handle it, and really sets up apart the long term winners from the short time faint of heart.

It's part of the growth process that is required to succeed in this business. It teaches us to not take things personally.  A 'no' doesn't have anything to do with us.

But the one 'no' that I'd like to address today is the 'no' we tell ourselves.

As with other things in our lives and, until we learn how to 'undo' the beliefs surrounding it, we have a tendency to protect ourselves from hearing the word 'no'.

One of the ways is to prevent ourselves from being in situations where we might hear the word no. Not talking with people and not presenting our opportunity to people is certainly one way.

But one of the more hidden ways of protecting ourselves, is telling ourselves no.

And here's what I mean by that. One of the biggest 'quiet' habits that network marketers develop is pre-qualifying prospects.

Meaning, we look at people or talk with people, and we make the decision as to whether we are going to present our opportunity to them.

WE are the one's saying 'no'. We look at who we come across and we pre-qualify them. Wanna hear some examples of how we tell ourselves no?

We tell ourselves:

- They are too busy, they wouldn't be interested.
- They are already too successful, they wouldn't be interested.
- They already tried it and it didn't work, they wouldn't be interested.
- They are broke, the couldn't afford to start up, they wouldn't be interested.

Do any of these sound familiar? We've already pre-qualified them and counted them out. Instead of allowing them that decision, WE'VE told ourselves 'no', without giving them the opportunity to look into what we've got.

Here's a secret. All of those 'types' of people up there? They are usually the BEST people to have look into the business. Have someone in your life who posseses a few or all of those qualifications above? Good God almighty, you've got a heavy hitter in your midst!! RUN to them. Look at them and say, 'if I give you this dvd, would you watch it?' and thrust that opportunity dvd into their hands.

They will thank you later, because these people are tired, broke, and sick of trading their life working for someone else.

So, instead of telling yourself 'no', give people the chance to make that decision for themselves.

With that being said, I want you to re-examine the people that you have already come across that perhaps you told yourself 'they won't be interested because....'. Connect again with them. Stop being selfish about your opportunity. Stop picking out only the ones that you think would do well.  Stop telling yourself no.

Namaste'

Jhanna

What Does it Take & What's the Difference?

Lots of times I'll peruse through MLM blog posts, and for the most part I'll think, 'ok, ya, I get that. People need to be reminded of that. Good stuff. Movin' on.'

But in one day, I read two really good articles on MLM that, I think, are two articles that should be presented to everyone looking at the industry for the first time, or for the second, third, or fourth time for that matter.

I dunno, perhaps I look at my business too much as a 'business'. I've seen people stumble happily into MLM and be wildly successful.

Perhaps I analyze it too much. Then again, perhaps not. Perhaps others don't analyze it enough. Perhaps there would be a higher retention rate in this industry if we presented these two articles to prospects instead of the fluff that is floating around.

The first one is by my mentor, friend, and upline, Jackie Ulmer. Jackie is amazing. The thoughts she presents, the questions she asks, and her insights are thought provoking. I mean they actually get one to think, and offer fantastic solutions. What a concept. No wonder she has created a huge business and a wildly successful career in this industry.

The blogpost asks, 'are you mentally prepared to succeed in this business?'

Here's the link:

Mentally Prepared to Succeed?

So ARE you mentally prepared?

The next one is from industry giant, Dough Firebaugh. What a powerhouse. Even the domain name is powerful. Passionfire.

The article asks,

What is MLM and Network Marketing REALLY

Read it carefully, digest it, then apply it to your business.

Both of these articles are simply brilliant. They approach the business as a business, and yet, recognize that this industry asks so much of us. But in a good way. In a way that insists we grow.

I have yet to work for a company that was willing to invest in me as much as I'm willing to invest in me.

Now there are people who think they want to invest in themselves, and those are usually the ones who leave in the ninety day, because the thought of actually being in control of their lives freaks them out.

Then there are the ones that take the suggestions in the articles to heart, apply them to their lives and businesses, and skyrocket to the top.

So which one are you?

Namaste'

Jhanna

What Christianity is Learning From Network Marketing, Or is it the Other Way Around?

I was listening to NPR last night, and there was a conversation between Ira Glass and evangelical, Jim Henderson.

Now, Jim Henderson is an evangelical Christian who is trying to get the message across to Christians that going up to someone and barfing 'their' truth about Christianity and then expecting that person to convert to Christianity just isn't working.

In fact, it's turning people away. In fact, they are running away. Fast.

Most of us probably have a story or two about someone attempting to save us. The person or persons are so excited about their religion, that they give us their reasons why we ought to convert, and then look at us, puzzled, as to why we aren't rushing to their church to dive in head first.

They give us pamplets, and booklets, and bring others over to talk with us. And still, they are confused as to why we are slamming doors shut, or just pretending we aren't home.

Boy. That sounds familiar, don'tcha think? Wish I could put my finger on it.

Jim Henderson claims 'what if what we know as evangelism is a far too narrow and un-doable approach to evangelism?'

'What if evangelism meant just being yourself, and not about converting?'

Mr. Henderson go on to say that by just going about every day life, getting to know people, it eventually will lead to the ultimate questions that opens the big door.  F.O.R.M. questions.

*GASP*

Stop the press. Wait a minute. This sounds AWFULLY familiar.....

Let's Recap Mr. Henderson's idea:

1. Stop trying to 'convert'.

2. Be yourself.

3. Develop Relationships which lead to....

4. Questions about Family, Occupation, Recreation and, ultimately, the Message.

WOAH.

MAN, this sounds familiar.

Someone ought to tell network marketers about this.

Anyhoo, so the basis of his message was this:

When people become friends, it changes the rules.

Boy Howdy. I'm gonna write it down again, because it is THE basis to all social relationships, media, connections, and so on. It's WHY social networking is monumentally important.

When people become friends, it changes the rules.

There are 'unwritten' rules that change when you become friends with someone. Giving a stranger literature about your opportunity usually isn't received very openly. Giving a friend literature about your opportunity is more readily accepted.

Trust has been developed. The rules were changed when you developed some sort of relationship with that person.

Now they are more open and receptive to your message.

Here's the key, though. Don't make the relationship based only upon you getting the message to them.

Because if you do, you'll lose the relationship and all the possibilities that go along with it. And there are a shitload of possibilities that can go along with it, but that's another post that I'll save for later.

So, take a tip from Christianity when it comes to prospecting. Become a friend. Get to know the person, allow the walls to come down and the rules will change.

Namaste'

Questions That Lead to Thinking....

One of the important aspects of talking with people is to lead them to your opportunity. Don't read that as PUSH them or CONVINCE them. Lead them.

You're not showing them your opportunity is the best, you're giving them the space to do that on their own.

Now, just to preface, these questions are asked after you've talked with the person, and perhaps used the F.O.R.M questions to learn more about them.

I personally like to get someone thinking and, best of all, dreaming.

So two questions I start with that really help me connect with the person:

1. What led you to look for a home based business at this time?

Clearly, something is going on in their lives that has them thinking that there must be a better way to create a lifestyle that they see others living, without sacrificing their firstborn. 

Either they are burned out, have been let go from their current job, their hearts ache when they drop their child off at the daycare, are starting over after some life crippling issue, and so on.

We all had our reasons, and continue to have our reasons as to why we do what we do. The question of  'what led you to look for something now?' will give you great insight as to why their back is against that 'wall' that I mentioned in a previous post.

More than likely they will have an answer that you will be able to relate to, you will understand, and the connection can begin.

2. What would your life look like if you created a large business in our industry?

I want to know this person's dreams. In fact, by asking this question it's quite possible that I have given that person permission to dream again.

Most people have become so stuck in day to day surviving that they have put their dreams on the back burner, or have shut them down completely because it hurts too much to think about it. I certainly know I did.

Our spirits yearn to live our dreams, and our hearts ache when we think of a dream we've always wanted but haven't attained.

Take the time and care enough to ask this question. And then handle the answer with great care.

You're dealing with something very near and dear to this person, so don't blow it by butting in and saying, 'Well, with MY opportunity..blah, blah, blah' and then barf your enitre compensation plan onto them.

Once you've opened the door to how their lives may change, you can ask follow up questions about those dreams.

By just asking these two questions, you are able to get them thinking, heavily, about you and what you have to offer. These two powerful questions that can lead to an amazing conversation which can easily flow from there.

Most of all, enjoy the answers! It's amazing what you can learn about a person by asking a few key questions. You may discover you have a lot in common, or learn something new. But ya gotta ask the questions in order to find out!

Namaste'

Put Yer Head Down!

As mentioned before, I've been competing in sports for over half my life. While I haven't won any Olympic medals with my speed, I have been able to push my body and mind to its limits in regards to discipline and endurance.

One of my favorite sports is trail running. It gets me out off the road, which is the worst thing I can imagine doing, and gets me connected to the beauty that surrounds me in the eastern Sierra Nevadas.

Incredible endurance runs such as the Western States 100 Miler, and the American River 50 Miler are classics in this area.

My first and all time favorite ultra trail run is Cool Canyon 50K. True, it's only a 50K, but where it takes the runners is both pure beauty and pure hell.  The ascents, descents, stream crossings, and more provide an unprecedented experience for the first and old timers alike.

Only 500 runners race it each year.

As a first timer, I was excited and nervous. I had never run more than a marathon, which I hated, and vowed to never do again unless it was off road, so the thought of running more than 26.2 miles was a challenge just to think about it.

But as the hours and miles went by, I kept chugging along. Making sure I took in my fluids and food, I kept chugging along. I put my head down and eventually lost track of time and distance and just fell into the experience.

At one point, I guesstimated that I had approximately 15 miles left. I was starting to become concerned at that point. I was growing tired, my legs were pounding, and running through the ice cold, thigh deep streams felt good on my hot feet.

When I came upon an aid station, I stopped to re-fill my water bottle and asked the volunteer, 'how much further?'

Imagine my suprise and relief when the volunteer said, 'About three miles. You'll hit the dirt road right up there and then you just run it home.'

I had become so lost in the experience itself that I had covered more ground than I imagined. It gave me renewed strength to know I was only three miles from completing my goal. Completing something I had been training so hard for, for months by just putting my head down and being in the experience and the now made all the difference in the world.

If I had been checking off mile after mile and checking my time constantly I can almost guarantee that it would have been a miserable race. In fact, the following year, I did just that and it WAS a miserable race.

It's the same with network marketing. Just fall into it. Enjoy the experience. Put your head down and be in them moment. Work on it daily. Do things that scare and excite you, and push yourself when you're tired, and ready to stop.

If you do that, at some point you're going to look up and be astonished at how far you've come, and the distance you've covered. The accomplishment will be overwhelming, and the best thing will be that you enjoyed the journey...

Namaste'

Think You've Got Skills?

The other day I went to get my vehicle serviced. Ya, I could do it myself, but I prefer to have everything checked over, tires rotated, and it frees up my valuable time to take care of other business.

There are several places I can go in my immediate vacinity in order to get this job done. There are some really quick ones, that are production line oriented, and others that will go over everything with a fine tooth come, practically. So there is lots of competition for my business.

That means, lots of coupons in the mail, lots of 'extra' services, and so on.

I choose to go to one specifically. They don't offer coupons usually, and they aren't the cheapest, nor the fastest. They are, however, superior when it comes to their customer service, and that makes the biggest difference, for me, as to where I spend my dollars.

Even though I only come in once every three months or so, they recognize my  vehicle, know my name, have a courtesy shuttle if I need it, have a waiting room with kids toys in the corner. That one is a big plus seeing I have a very impatient four and six year old.

They know the history of my vehicle, the employees are clean and courteous. And they don't try to scam me with, 'well, you have this wrong, and this wrong, and for this amount and this much time we can fix it and you can be safe on the road'. (Side note here: fear based sales tactics suck. Don't do it.)

I can go and get my vehicle serviced elsewhere for less, but for me the experience involving good customer service is important enough that I will take it to this service facility every time. They are worth it.

I know, like, and trust them with these needs.

Read that line again, because it will make the difference as to whether your customers go to you or someone else to purchase product (your immediate income source) or to sign up (longer and passive income source).

With almost every company in network marketing, there is competition of some sort. Whether it's another nutritional company, another juice, or another candle. There is competition for the product, and the prospect.

So what makes the difference? You do.

The experience is just as important as the product itself, and people are willing to pay more for one product even though it is almost identical to another because of the 'good feeling' they receive through quality customer service.

You are responsible for that experience. So ask yourself: Do you follow up on your sales? Do you send thank you's or holiday wishes to your customer base? Do you know your customers? Do you make product suggestions to your customers to make their lives a little easier? If not, why not?

In this day and age where customers can go anywhere to get our products, you want to be the one rep that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

I encourage you to check out some books on good customer service. One of my favorite customer service and sales training authors is Jeffrey Gitomer. Many of his books can be found at your local library.

The difference between poor and excellent customer service can mean the difference between thousands in your pocket or thousands in your competitor's pocket. So get on it and create that positive experience!

Namaste'

Saying Goodbye...

We all know who and what I'm talking about. If not, you will after a while in your network marketing business.
I'm talking about the people you signed up and you knew were gonna be winners in the game. They had success written all over them, and they signed with YOU.

So you have these team partners rockin' and rollin' and doing everything right. They are makin' some money, listening to the calls, open to coaching and all the good stuff.

Suddenly, one day, without so much as a, 'I think I'm having a little trouble here', they have packed up, called corporate to cancel their distributorship, and they are gone. Most of the time they email you a brief note, but nothing too much.

I know about this kind of person because I've been one. I did almost exactly as I described above. And when I left, I only contacted my upline and let her know.

She was bummed. She knew I had it in me to make it big. I knew I had it in me to make it big. I just didn't know that it was with that company and opportunity. I was naive, though, to the work, consistency, and commitment that it took in order to make it big.

I'm not gonna make excuses to my thought process at that time. It was a dumb move, but we all live and learn. 

Here's the thing. When I left, I had a few of my upline, who I had worked with in the past, just not respond to my abrupt action. My sponsor was upset and tried talking me out of it, which made me dig in my heels.

But, the leader in my upline, Jackie Ulmer, did something that stuck with me. She sent me a personal email, wished me luck, and invited me to get back with her at some point to let her know how I was doing.

I wasn't a dollar sign to her, I was a person. She had been in this business long enough to see people come and go and had learned to let go of them.

Jan Ruhe in her book MLM Nuts & Bolts says it blunty and plainly, 'bless them and let them go.'

So, today, I received an email from one of my team members. When she signed, she had specifically sought me out wanting to sign with me. We had spoken at some point earlier, and she was ready to go. 100% invested in the business, company, and her success.

Today, I got the email stating, she was over it, done, and was going to do her own thing. Ugh.

However, it provided the opportunity for me to take the positive experience I had been given from my upline, Jackie, and do the same.

I emailed my team partner back, wished her the absolute best and asked that she keep me posted about her new adventure.

You know, it actually felt good doing that. We all have different paths we are walking, not all of them with each other, and it feels good to wish them the best and for me to not take it personally.

Next time you have your favorite team partner break off from the pack, be sure to give them the support a true friend would give. I mean, isn't that what this business is about?

And just so you know, I came back to the same company I had left. When I did, I made sure that the first person I contacted was Jackie. Since then, we've strengthened our friendship and business partnership.

I probably would not have done that had she not emailed me and wished me well previously.

Keep it in mind, friends.

Namaste'

The Permission Game

Time for playing small is over, folks. This world needs you. Now.

As Marianne Williamson said, 'Your playing small does not serve the world.'

The world needs the best of what you've got. Not the little crap. Not the insecure, doubtful, thinking small garbage that you've managed to get by on thus far.

How are you showing up in your life? Are you in the game 100%? No?

This industry and this world needs you to step up to the plate with everything you've got. No fear.

I know, it's easier said than done. It means, finally putting down your story and letting it go. You've already beaten it to death, using it for one excuse after another.

Your story of shame, blame, guilt, being the victim, and all the other things you've convinced yourself as to why you can't step up and be the leader you were meant to be.

I want to let you in on a little secret that I've learned. It's a neat trick, and I want you to try it today. Because once you learn this, and observe the results, you'll want to do nothing else than step out of your comfort zone.

While at a workshop a few years back with Klemmer & Associates , we were told that when we step out of our comfort zone, when we perform actions, think and act on our biggest and boldest thoughts, we actually give people permission to do the same.

Read that sentence again, because it's important.

To realize that we can actually give others permission, just by our actions, and the strength to step out of their comfort zones by stepping out of our own we give ourselves permission to do more.

Our actions move like waves through the crowd. A person can see you walk through your fear and think, 'well, if he or she can do it...so can I.'

It's like the story of the one person who broke the five minute mile. Suddenly, numerous runners were breaking that goal. Someone needed to step up and give others permission. They needed to see it was possible.

It took just one person to do that. Be that one person.

Be that person on your team to show others that climbing up the compensation plan in a short amount of time can be done. Show people how to walk through fear, how to speak in front of crowds, how to get things done without hesitation.

Give them permission. Give yourself permission to do it. What are you waiting for?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous
talented and fabulous?
Actually – who are you not to be?
You are a child of God

Your playing small does not serve the world
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won’t feel insecure around you
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone
And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give
other people the right to do the same
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

-Marianne Williamson
(Yes, it really was Ms. Williamson who wrote this, and not Nelson Mandela)

Namaste'

You'd Think the Universe is Trying to Tell Me Something?

Yesterday, I read two blog posts from two separate leaders in the Network Marketing industry, Tony Rush & Jonathan Budd.

I'm not going to try to paraphrase anything here, I'm just going to give you the links to the two posts I came across.

Here's Tony's:

Tony Rush Blog

Here's Jonathan's

Jonathan Budd Blog

I can't stress how important it is to read these if you aren't where you want to be in regards to anything in your life.

Is your business not where you hoped it would be? Read the blog posts.  Not making the income you thought you'd be making? Read the blog posts.

Read the blog posts.

Did ya get that?

Back to Beliefs

We've touched on how to find those hidden beliefs which tend to guide our lives, making choices for us when we think the conscious mind is the one in control.

But now that we have discovered them and have realize they no longer serve us, how do we go about changing them?

For years, we've allowed our 'stories' to support our beliefs. We've gone in circles. So with a belief like, 'rich people are greedy.', our brains have actually looked for proof to support that belief. We can then tell ourselves, 'See? Did you see how they behaved? Rich people ARE greedy.'

This supports the stories we've told ourselves.

Now that we're becoming aware of our gut feelings when we approach certain subjects (money, relationships, self-perception, etc), we can listen to the stories we have behind them, how we support our story, and then actually change our stories.

Instead of thinking, 'rich people are greedy', we can start saying, 'wealthy people are just like everyone else'. Then we can consciously start looking for examples to support our new 'story' or belief. Eventually, the belief is cemented, just like our old one, and we only find examples to support our belief.

With this example, our belief around money becomes a positive one, as opposed to a negative one. We stop subconsciously sabotaging our efforts to be prosperous because we now believe that we can be wealthy and good, giving people.

So how are you doing with this?

It now becomes a part of our subconscious.

Clues of Leadership

I've been a triathlete for over 20 years. I've competed in all size races from ones in podunk towns using the local pond for the swim to the brilliance and fanfare of an Ironman.

When I started in triathlon, just as soon as I had finished competing I would catch my breath, gather all my gear, pack it in my vehicle and head home. For years I did this, and for years it was a pretty lonely adventure. It only fulfilled my needs.

As I continued to challenge myself physically and mentally, I began training with a higher caliber group of athletes. I aligned myself with athletes that were focused, commited, and ready to go the extra distance. I ran with a training group, swam with one of the best master's teams in the nation, and rode bikes with mostly men.

I continued to race. As the races got longer, and I started hanging out with the elite athletes, and worked for a company that supported many top triathletes, I started to really notice a difference in the behaviors of the top athletes and others.

The top athletes paid homage to their competitors, were great friends with each other, and felt no ill will towards any other competitor. In fact, they supported their efforts. It was truly the love of the sport that brought them all together.

When they raced, they raced against themselves and no one else. The challenge was to improve their performance.

But here was the biggest thing I noticed, especially at the Ironman races. The professional athletes would finish in about nine hours, on average.

They would do their interviews, then go back to their hotel room to clean up. But they didn't finish their day there. The top athletes would go back to the finish line, and stay there until EVERY last competitor came across that finish line.

Now, that sounds easy enough until you know that the last athlete usually crosses the line at just under or at 16 hours.

Imagine running yourself stupid for sixteen hours straight, being DFL (Dead F'in' Last), and finally crossing that finish line into the arms of the person who finished first. What a high.

The pros didn't support just their immediate group of competitors, the pros supported the entire community.

They were truly in gratitude of each and everyone's journey to greatness. And showed it in the best way possible.

The professionals surely made their money by finishing first, but they helped to create a positive community and experience by supporting everyone around them, not just the ones who could keep up with them.

Get where I'm going with this?

Remember, as you move up the compensation plan in your MLM company, as you build your team, and reap those benefits, we can continually support those around us by giving a kudos, or pat on the back, or just a word of encouragement.

Leaders know this, and if you're wanting to become a leader, or on your way, you'll start putting this into practice today.

Namaste'

Finding the Belief....

I'm going to preface this post with stating that I do not have a degree in psychology, or profess to know the inner workings of the human mind.

But I do understand how powerful our belief system can be, and here's a perfect example of my experience with it.

I was asked the other day to announce, quite publicly, a few of my more lofty goals for myself. I listed the first one, which was about financial prosperity. Now this goal is a pretty big goal. Well, let's stop right there.  That sentence alone is a perfect example. A pretty big goal by whose standards? Mine? Bill Gates? Warren Buffet?

I guess it's my goal, then it's my standards. I guess my standards might have been pretty low, then.  But that's another post.

So as soon as I publicly announced this goal, my head immediately went into my doubts and started to stress me out. I mean, immediately.

Suddenly, the 'ol brain was coming up with excuses as to why this goal can't be reached. I felt my chest tighten. I felt my breathing become shallow, and my mind start to go into overdrive trying to figure out how on earth I could ever reach that goal. What could I do that would get me to that goal??

I kept coming to a dead end, which allowed my story to confirm that it can't be done.

Woah, huh? I mean I stopped in my tracks as I actually started to notice these symptoms are someone else's beliefs. I mean, they certainly can't be MY beliefs! I desire abundance, I desire financial success. The logical mind knows this and accepts this. It's the subconscious mind, however, that is in control, more or less, when it comes to core beliefs.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has felt these reactions. In fact, I know I'm not.

But here's the difference between me and other people. I was aware of the reactions my body was creating. My brain was creating. My belief system was in total command, and I was noticing it.

Listen, in order to change your beliefs it's imperative that you are aware. You must be present in your own life, your own body. Otherwise, someone else and their beliefs are running your show. YOUR show. Got it?

Once these symptoms of someone else's beliefs come up, I can then start telling a different story. I can examine the core belief itself and say, 'ok, is this belief serving me?'

If it is, great. Hang on to it. If not, you can now start to replace that belief. But the main goal to start with is to just be aware of how your body responds to certain situations.

Here's a quick example. How does your body respond when you picture a pile of unpaid bills? Did you just roll your eyes, or let out a groan? Did your heartrate pick up? Take a moment and really pay attention.

So we're learning how to be aware. I dare you to walk around for the next few days and really pay attention to the big 'deals' in your life, your relationships, your finances, your self respect.

What do you say when you see your image in the mirror? How do you respond when you hear of someone getting engaged or divorced or of having a child; of getting a new or better job or career?

Get here and you get going in life!

Isn't That Impossible?

Ok, I'm not too into tv, in fact as I mentioned in an earlier post, I mentioned about the disney channel really the only channel that's on, when the tv is on.

So, this example comes from one of the cartoons on the disney channel called Phineas & Ferb.

Don't shut down because this post is based on a cartoon.

Phineas & Ferb is a cartoon based on two brothers who, during their summer break from school, create outlandish things in their backyard. The series has seen a huge haunted house, a monster truck race track, and dueling tree houses to name a few things.

Tonight's episode, the two boys decide they are going to build a rollercoaster worthy of riding.

While building the monster of a coaster, the little neighbor girl in the cartoon comes up and asks Phineas what he's doing.

He said, 'building a giant rollercoaster in the backyard.'

Her response is, 'isn't that kind of umm, impossible?'

And Phineas's reply was, 'Some might say.'

Phineas then continued on, and created exactly what it was he and his brother Ferb had in mind. The biggest, baddest rollercoaster them and their friends had ever seen.

Some Might Say.

Where else have we heard 'isn't that, umm impossible?' I'm sure we've all run into it somewhere along the path in this industry.

The impossible claim comes in many disguises, too, so don't be fooled.

Some might say, 'that is a pyramid scheme'. Some might say, 'no one makes money doing those.' Some Might say, 'think of all the time it takes'. Some might say....well, what have some said?

Mary Kay Ash probably heard what some said. Jay Van Andel & Rich DeVoss, co-founders of Amway probably heard what some said. As did, many, MANY others in this industry of ours..

Good thing they continued on, creating what it was they all had in mind.

So next time someone throws down excuses as to why it's impossible, shrug your shoulders and answer with, 'Some might say', and continue on creating your dream. ;)

Belief Based Choices

My last post, I had suggested that you aren't really making choices in your life. It's your core beliefs that are. And if your core beliefs came from someone else, then you are making choices based on THEIR core beliefs.

So, for example, when you get into a relationship with the same type of person, you may think your consciously choosing that person, but you are attracting that person into your life based on your core beliefs.

I have a friend who's been married five times, and they have all 'failed'. More than likely, he'll get right back into yet another relationship with the same type of woman.

Now do you think he's just an unlucky guy (victim mentality), or do you think perhaps he's invited the same type of person into his life to marry (still a bummer, but at least he'd be accountable for his actions which would actually empower him)?

Can you get out of this madhouse of beliefs? Of course you can. It takes a lifetime for most of it, but you can get to the good stuff. If you're willing to work on it.

 Are you willing to work on it?

Stay tuned....

Our Core Beliefs

As mentioned, I've been reading on this subject on Randy Gage's blog , and I've been posting some questions on facebook and twitter that some people are not happy about. Why? Because it's not the usual banter of 'here's a happy quote for you, all is better now.'

My posts have been more about challenging people to look at their core beliefs, if they can uncover them, and see if those beliefs are looking like they are beneficial in their lives or not. Normally, if you are getting your feathers ruffled there is a core belief in there somewhere that is being threatened.

I'm trying to get people to THINK. Which is another series of posts in and of itself.

I've written before a statistic that states we have 50% of our beliefs in place by the age of three. THREE years old and already 50% of our CORE beliefs are settled in nice and snuggly and we are acting and making unconscious choices based on those beliefs.

These are beliefs handed down to us from our parents, teachers, preachers, and other influential people in our lives at the time.

Beliefs such as, what a relationship is supposed to look like, based on our parent's relationship, how we look at and tolerate other people based on what the religion dictates, and even the personal beliefs of teachers.

These beliefs become such a part of our subconscious that even when we 'think' we are making choices in our lives, we are making these choices based around those core beliefs.  Whether these beliefs serve our best interests or not.

Perhaps your saying, 'you're telling me that I'm not really making conscious choices about my life?' Well, yes....

More later.

Based on the last post, did you find any of your core beliefs?

Pushing the Belief Buttons

I've been reading Randy Gage's blog, and recently he's been talking about breakthroughs, and the difference between real breakthoughs in life, and fake ones.

The difference, from what I've experienced, and have seen others experience, is that what most people consider 'breakthroughs' are just lies they are telling themselves and others. These temporary breakthroughs mask the symptoms to what is the belief behind the action.

An example of this is, as given on Randy's blog, leaving a dysfunctional marriage or relationship, and discovering yourself right back in another relationship, or two, or three, or...you get the idea, that resembles the first one.

Here's the tricky part. The relationship, or person you are attracting is just the symptom or result of the deeper issue.

The deeper issue is your core beliefs around the subject.  We'll go further into this in upcoming entries. But for now, I want you to look at your life, and what it involves and ask yourself...where are patterns repeated throughout my life?

They can be anything from your past and current jobs,  past and current relationships, past and current surroundings, and as broad as past and current re-occuring situations you find yourself in.

Remember, YOU are manifesting these things into your life based on your thinking and core beliefs. I look forward to your input

Recession? What Recession?

Have you refused the recession? Have you turned off your news, cut off your newspaper, or stopped reading all the bad news online?

I"m going to give you my personal experience behind doing that. I don't watch the news. I haven't in a while.

In fact, was shocked when I discovered there was more than the Disney channel to our cable package, because that is all that is ever on, when the tv is on.

But I still was getting sucked into the whole recession thing. Then I just made the decision to not be involved.

I'm not sure what I did or how I did it but,  I just don't experience a recession anymore. I physically don't see any signs of one.

Interestingly enough, here's what I do see.

I see the same if not more people going to my gym  (more people in my spin classes too, gotta love that!)
I see more people enjoying themselves in their lives. I see more people smiling, laughing, and really having a good time.
I see more Porsches, Mercedes, Jaguars, and other nice vehicles on the roads. Most of them have personalized license plates like, 'mydrmcr' (my dream car) or 'mywish'.
The yoga studio I go to is packed with new students.

And because of these direct experiences, I have created more abundant thinking in my own life and therefore, more abundant living. My business is starting an upswing like I've never experienced before. My calendar is packed with events.

Amazing, huh? Try it for yourself. See what happens to your life, and to your business. Stop focusing on this poverty mindset that the media and society would have us believe.

Start looking at what is RIGHT with today, and watch how it changes your mindset.


"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer

Who Knew The Party Was So Fun?

You know, one of the main reasons I joined the company I did join when I came back to the network marketing industry, was that home parties were not necessary.

I used to let out a groan whenever I received invitations to home parties, and never wanted to do one.

I used to tell new sign ups, 'well, I will do parties if somene approaches me, but I don't go seeking them out. However, we have an outline of how to do them if you chose to do them.'

My idea if 'doing' a home party for someone was showing up, putting the candles out, and grabbing myself a drink and sitting back while waiting for people to pay for the candle they wanted, or place their order. I didn't play games, I didn't really introduce myself, products, or opportunity, and I certainly didn't have a plan as to what the hostess would receive.

I was a nightmare in regards to creating a good party. I can't imagine why I didn't receive bookings or sign ups at those parties! My sales were always low, but I figured, this is how parties went and that's why I didn't want to do them.

I created my story about parties, and actually created the circumstances to re-inforce that story.

I held onto that belief about parties for a while. I kept reading stories about how home parties were on the rise, and the stories about women who were raking in the money doing these parties.

What were they doing that I wasn't, beside the obvious? I needed to find out, for my sake, for my downline's sake, and for the sake of not contributing another horror story of a party!

As I exposed myself to more and more information, websites, newsletters, and leaders within the party plan format, I learned there was a LOT more than meets the eye when it comes to performing the perfect party.

I had no idea that it wasn't about me and my products! I thought parties were ALL about my products, company, and my profit!

Boy, I could not have been more wrong.

After concentrating my efforts to learning about how to properly book, plan, and work a party, I've gone a step further and am now involved in a tele-seminar with Julie Anne Jones that teaches how to create those successful parties that I'd only read about.

I've been partnered up with someone else who has signed with the class, we have homework and are being held accountable for our actions in order to produce the results we all strive for.

I'll keep you updated. So far, with just one session with Julie Anne, I cannot believe the information I've received. I cannot believe all I have been missing.

I've got a few parties coming up and am actually now excited as the party dates come closer. I can tell my hostesses are excited as well.

I've had better communication with my hostesses than before and the guest list has skyrocketed compared to before. Could it be because the hostesses are more excited and want to share this event with more friends?

Hmmm, something to think about.

Listen, I'll share my experiences as we go. I hope that you share yours too, including good, bad, different, strange, frightening, and so on. Give me all your home party experience.

In the meantime, if you're somewhat local and you want to host a party to see what all the hubbub is about, contact me.

Smart Goals...."T"

Well, here we are! Down to the last letter in the acronym. Let's review....

S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Achievable
R - Realistic or Relevant

T.....Timely

Ya, timely! Set a timeframe for it. Otherwise, you might find other things to do instead of working towards your goal. Do you want that $50K monthly within a year's time or just, you know, when it happens it happens?

Your brain needs a timeframe. It gets your rear into gear.

Now that you've got all the letters and their explanations, post those goals here! I fully support you in your quest to reach those goals, so they are safe here. :)

SMART Goals! "R"

S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Attainable
R ......Realistic or Relevant

Is the goal realistic or relevant? Is your goal to be Madonna? Hmmm, perhaps neither too realistic, nor relevant in your life.

But what about earning $1 Million a year? Does that seem realistic and relevant in your life? It certainly does to me!

There is a difference also betweeen reaching for your goals, and trying to accomplish something that is probably not realistic.

Honestly, I'd love to be a Blue Angels pilot but, at 42, never been in the armed forces, and now my eyesight is getting a wee bit fuzzy I'm going to figure that working towards being a Blue Angel isn't very realistic.

However, there are LOTS of goals that I do have that might seem lofty to others, but very realistic and relevant to me.

So keep them realistic and relevant! How are you doing on them?

SMART Goals!

Alright! We're getting there!

S- Specific
M - Measurable
A....Attainable!

When we start working on goals, we start to figure out how attainable they are. We start seeing opportunities that we may have overlooked previously.

The best goals are both ones that cause you to stretch in your attitude, and mind, but isn't below your standard of current performance.

Once we start attaining these goals our self-esteem grows, and we start setting even higher goals!

S.M.A.R.T. - Are You?

If you remember, and feel free to read my last post, I started talking about goals, and one way to create and write them down.

We touched on the S letter of the acronym. Today it's M

M is for Measurable. Now, we kind of brought it up last time as it goes hand in hand with Specific.

Measurable mean, you'll know when you've reached that goal. Stating something vague like, 'I want to lose weight', isn't a measurable goal.

Saying,  "I am weighing 140", when you currently weigh differently, is a measurable goal.

Saying, "I want to be rich" is not measurable. Stating, "I am making $50K monthly" is measurable.

You'll definately know when you hit that goal. :)

Next time A - Achievable!

Namaste'

Jhanna

Take a Peek at Goal Setting

As I've stated in my previous posts, I have a dream board. And, boy, the things I have on there make my toes twinkle!

But one thing I haven't done, until now, is write out specific goals. I know. I KNOW.  But starting today I'm changing that.

It makes me wonder how many other people know that goal writting is essential to success, but how many don't? Let's explore the 'requirements' of goal writing together and get them written down.

Based on an acronym I saw earlier today and Napolean Hill's book, 'Think and Grow Rich', We're gonna break it down into five steps.  Here's the acronym: S.M.A.R.T.

I'll break each letter down, and go over one each entry until we've gotten it all down and our goal written out completely.

Let's go through the first one:

S:  Specific. Your goal needs to be as specific as possible. Don't write down, "I want to be rich". Your brain and subconscious doesn't know what to do with that, it's too vague. Instead, write down a specific amount. Remember, these goals aren't set in stone. You can always change it.

State them as declarations of intentions, not items on a wish list.

 "I Am"  is far more powerful and focused than 'I want'.

So, since I started with a financial goal, let's use that as an example.

"I Am Earning $50K Monthly"

Now, one thing I have always done when manifesting something is leaving the amount open to being better than what I'm asking. So I always add, 'or more' to the end of my desires.

For example: "I am earning $50K, or more, monthly."

Sounds NICE, doesn't it?

Now, it doesn't have to be about finances. If you are in network marketing, you can say something to the affect of,

"I am signing ten new leaders, or more,  to my team monthly"

Or, "I am holding five, or more, highly profitable parties each month"

For everyday life a fitness goal can be "I am working out three times a week."

Ok! So I'll let you get started on the first step! Have fun and if you'd like, feel free to post your goal here. We'll discuss the next letter in my next entry.

Namaste'

5 Powerful Words for Recruiting

Mr. Doug Firebaugh is one of network marketing's most powerful speakers and trainers. Basically, he knows his stuff.

Needless to say, when I came across this video, I listened closely. I recommend you doing the same.

Install This Program

I received a newsletter today from Aine Belton.

Aine has a system called Belief Busters Kit, that helps people bust through the beliefs that aren't serving them anymore. I'm a HUGE proponent of anyone who teaches people this.

Here's her website link:

http://www.beliefbusterkit.com/

Anyhoo, Aine included this little nugget in her newsletter.  I love it. And You.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Installing Love on the Human Computer:

Tech Support: Yes, how can I help you?

Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me through the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running ?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However,you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not run on external components." What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.

Customer: So, what should I do?

Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.

Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming.

Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files.Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running.

One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.

Customer: Thank you, God.

God/Tech Support: You're Welcome, Anytime.

- Anon

----------------------------------------
Namaste'

How To Succeed FAST. Really.

I found this video a few weeks ago, via John Fogg's blog, the fogg blogg.  Tony Rush is a top earner in his company and is amazing with his coaching skills.

It's about 17 minutes, but WELL worth the message. I suggest you turn everything off, click on the link and really focus on this. It could change your outlook. ;) Check into the Law of Association.

How To Succeed FAST. Really.

Posted using ShareThis

Screw You, I'm Flying First Class

I figured that title might get one's attention. But seeing this post has a link to a writing from Frank Kern, I thought it would be appropriate.

Frank is one of my favorite millionaires to follow. He's honest, down to earth, and has some great ideas on making money. If you watch the previous Tony Robbins videos I posted you'll know who I'm talking about. If you haven't seen those video, I highly recommend finishing this post and scrolling down to watch them.

Anyway, as I was perusing the web this fine mornin I came across this note written by Frank.

Now, just so you know one of the things I love about Frank is, he's a straight shooter. Therefore, there is some adult content in this..

But, as I've always said, 'take what you like and leave the rest'. Don't let the foul language get in the way of receiving his message.

Notes From a Millionaire

Enjoy. Feel free to leave your thoughts. I Think he's dead on.

Imagine Your Ideal Working Day

Last night, I was clipping out (actually tearing. I feel it adds to the experience) pictures from old magazines to add to my dream board.

I came across an article about "how to". I don't recall the rest, but did take notice of the first exercise in the article.

It said, "Imagine Your Ideal Working Day".

As an active participant in the law of attraction, it caught my attention. It listed several questions to ask yourself to help imagine what your ideal working day is.

I tried it and like it so much that I clipped it out, and taped it onto my computer so I see it several times a day.

So what are the questions? Glad you asked.....

1. What time of day is it?
2. Where are you?
3. What are you doing?
4. Who are you working with?
5. What about this work feels good?
6. Who are you talking to for support?
7. Who is paying you?
8. How much are you getting paid?
9. Why are they paying you instead of someone else?

By asking yourself these questions at the start of every day, you can start to create the business of, well, your dreams!

To your success!

I Don't Need a Story Anymore

I've relied a lot on my story in the past. I love reading other's stories too, about how they overcame adversity in order to achieve their highest goals and dreams.

I figured, 'boy my story is gonna be a good one to tell.'

Then one day I was reading an article from somewhere..someone, I don't quite recall.

This article suggested that perhaps in order for me to 'have a good story', I've been attracting all the wrong things in my life. Drama, difficult people, situations, and obstacles that quite possibly aren't necessary in order for me to get to my goals, but is actually ME bringing these instances into my life in order to make my 'story' BETTER.

Ouch.

So, I'm dropping my story. I mean, my past is my past, but I don't need to continue to add to the drama that becomes part of my story, my struggle.

My story from now on includes only successes, peace, prosperity, ease, and pure joy.

I don't need a story that includes unnecessary drama. Do you? How's your story coming along?

Back to the Comfort Zone

I want to bring the topic of the 'comfort zone' back up, because it's such an interesting thing, and I'm looking for answers not just for me but for all of us.

So we know we have a comfort zone, and are currently in one, no matter where it is. Mine is gonna be different from everyone else's.

But, my question is, how do you recognize your comfort zone in the different areas of your life?

For me, everything is based on results. Do I have the income I desire? Do I have the relationships I desire? Do I have the surroundings I desire?

If the answer is no, than more than likely I've been just 'getting by' and going with the flow instead of working towards those desires.

Working towards those desires.

What does that mean? Working more hours at my job, working a 2nd job, or asking for a raise? Perhaps. Pinching pennies even tighter? Perhaps. Visualizing, starting with the end result? Maybe

You tell me.

Subtle Education

I've read hundreds of self help, self development, MLM, sales, and similiar kinds of books. I love them.

Since the beginning of my divorce back in June of 2008, I immersed myself in them. I knew I already had some stinkin' thinkin' going on, and it looked like I was going to have to deal with some not so comfortable situations in the near future, so I felt it necessary to keep my head swimming in these kinds of books.

I knew I needed them in order to reprogram my behaviors that were no longer serving me.

I remember reading once how Zig Ziglar's son saw his dad packing up for a trip, and noticed the self development books that had been tossed into the suitcase. He said, 'dad, you are one of the top motivational speakers in the world, why are you reading those?'

To which his dad replied something to the effect of, 'Son, it's an ongoing process. There is no end, or mastering of it.'

So on my bed now, I am surrounded with approximately seven or eight books that I choose to read from each night. Some nights I focus on one book, and other nights I read a few pages from several of the books. I read, and I read, and I read.

Now, there are times when I have consciously applied the principles I have read about, but more importantly, one day while talking with someone, I realized that I had started to the principles, concepts, ideas, and more that I have been reading without being aware that I was doing it.

All the information I had been reading had started to quietly sink into my subconscious and I had begun to change my behaviors.

Now, I couldn't tell you which book they came from, since I read so many of them. All I know is, the continual exposure to any kind of information does have an affect, whether it's consciously realized or not.

I used to hear the term, 'garbage in, garbage out'. It refers to what you feed your brain, is usually what starts to come out in your actions, behaviors, and thinking. Feed your braing garbage tv, video games, input from people, reading, etc, and it's what you will start puttingo out.

What are you feeding your brain? Is it productive? Does it serve you in your life as a positive thing? Let me know.

I Have to WHAT? *gulp*

I've had my fingers on the MLM pulse for many years. Some of these years I was involved directly and others, I just watched, read, listened, and learned.

One thing that has changed dramatically is how we talk the talk. Back in the mid 80's when I signed with Amway as my first MLM adventure, I was required by my sponsor to find the people to talk with and my sponsor would do the talking.

When we met with the prospect, I was just to sit and listen, and to learn.

Interestingly enough, although I had signed as a distributor, I didn't like what was being said to the prospect. There was no relationship being built, we didn't ask about our prospect, his family, or life. Strictly business.

Now, when I signed up, I had signed up with my brother, who's sponsor was my parent's next door neighbors. See the value? We signed with people we already had a relationship with. We were comfortable and trusted that person or people already.

If someone had approached me and immediately started in on, 'do you like this product? ME TOO! WELL! Have I got an opportunity for YOU, my friend!'

Guess what? It happens ALL the time. With the internet, all of us in the dirct sales, network marketing, and MLM world now have billions of prospects at our fingertips or twittertips, or facebooktips, or whatever other social media platform is about to come along.

So, if developing a relationship is what this business is really about, why is there a difference online?

I think most of you know what I'm talking about. The blatant ads, links, and spam that is sent out not just regularly but flooded out on these social media sites. Go to these sites and they scream out to you, 'SIGN NOW!! BE A BAJILLIONAIRE BY 5PM!!'

In my mind, the people who send these out are the people who would never make it in the old style of MLM, or don't have any local prospects or teams. Why? Because the thought of actually approaching someone and developing a relationship of any sort with them might very well be the last thing they want to do.

I'm going even further with this. Developing a relationship involves risk. Risk of rejection, mostly, and that terrifies many people. The thought of having to actually approach someone, in person, and take that risk of someone saying, 'No' paralyzes people and their businesses.

Many people consider it a personal attack on who they are at the core, and in my humble opinion, these are the very same people who post on FB and Twitter.

Our business is not for the weak hearted. those wanting and willing to grow, risk, develop, and become an active participant in their own lives are drawn to it.

In return, they get to expand their lives, minds, social circles, and yes, bank accounts.

Developing relationships whether it's offline or online requires time and energy, and can involve a risk, but the benefits outweigh them.

Next time you're on one of the social media sites, try to stop talking about you and your business. Send private messages, do posts that are fun, and ask about the other person.

Otherwise, it will be me that develops that relationship with them. ;)

Accepting Things As They Are

Saying: If you understand, things are as they are. If you don't understand, things are as they are.

We are the only animals on the planet that attaches emotion to situations, and base our decisions on these emotions.

Things really are as they are. It's what we attach to these experiences that determine our outcome with them. But in reality, they just 'are'.

Someone told me once our perceptions of reality is neither good, bad, right, or wrong. But if our perception isn't serving us to our highest good, we might want to reconsider.

I've looked at a LOT of situations recently and, for me, more importantly than trying to attach a positive spin on the situation or trying to 'learn' from every single situation, I'm just allowing the situation to exist without doing ANYthing in regards to emotional attachment.

Instead of allowing my mind to think, 'this is a bad situation' or 'this is a great situation', I'm saying, 'it is what it is', and then I go from there.

It's amazing how the rollercoaster of emotions can settle down when life situations are looked upon as such. Clearer decisions can be made, calmness appears, and energy flows instead of charging.

Do you think you can apply this to any situation in your life?