Sunday, May 8, 2011

The Reason

On April 1st, 2003 at 8:37pm I became a mom for the first time. Yes, April fool's Day.
On June 6th, 2005 at 1:02 am I became a mom for the second time.

Since then, the decisions I make in life are heavily based on how it will effect my children. True, there have been many times when I have made decisions that didn't make them happy in that moment, however, their short and long term best interests have always played a role in my decision making.

As with countless people who join network marketing, my 'why' was and continues to be based on my kids. For me, however, it isn't just about me wanting my kids to have a good life and future, financially, with all the toys and trips that being successful in Network Marketing can provide.

Here are just a few of the reasons why I want to be in network marketing for my kids:

1. It shows them how we can get everything we want/need, by helping others get what they want/need (thank you, Zig Ziglar for that piece of advice).

2. Self-Development plays a HUGE role in network marketing. How we feel on the inside, is what we create on the outside.

3. Discipline is necessary to produce results. This is a business. If we want to get paid, we need to be disciplined enough to do the work. We reap what we sow.

4. Leadership skills, not management or micro-management skills. This business allows us to lift people up to their highest by leading them.

5. Financial skills. How to create income, how to budget it, spend it wisely, and create more. Then teach others how to do the same.

6. People skills. We learn to work with people. Life isn't a competition, and there is always enough for everyone, so settle down and get to know thy neighbor. It's good for everyone.

These are just a few skills and morals that I want to pass down to my children. Needless to say, there are many others. These aren't skills they will learn in school, but they will in Network Marketing.

The best form of teaching my kids these skills is by example. The best part is, when I associate with other Network Marketers, my kids see others using these skills.

And when I see my kids duplicating these skills and using them in their own lives, I know it will create a happier, more peaceful and prosperous life for them. And that is the best Mother's Day gift I could have.

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful Mothers!

Warmly,

Jhanna

Friday, May 6, 2011

Systems

It seems as if every day there is a new system in coming out to help the struggling networker marketer.  We can spend hundreds, if not thousands, on these systems if we buy into every new one that comes along.

They almost always seem like the missing link in a networker's business. "If only I had that system, I would have a huge organization. I must get that system, THEN, I'll be successful!"

Some people bounce from system to system hoping that it will the be system that works for them.

I'm not saying these systems don't work. I'm sure they are good. But before going out and throwing down all sorts of money for all sorts of systems, I want to ask...have you used your company's system that is in place first?

I mean, have you really exhausted that system, stayed with it for a year, and still not produced any results?

When I partnered with my current company, I was shocked at the system that was in place for distributors and how thorough and complete it is.  It was one of the reasons I partnered with my company in the first place.

When/if you are looking at a new opportunity be sure to ask about the system that is in place and designed to support the distributors. By doing this, you are making sure that you system for success is duplicatable for your downline.

These systems are usually FREE and included in your distributorship, or cost much less than many of the programs out there.  Your upline wants to see you succeed, so be sure to take advantage of the system that is already in place. Most likely, your upline is already familiar with that system and you'll be able to take advantage of their knowledge of the system.

It can keep cash in your pocket and members on your team!

Happy Weekend!

Jhanna

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Active Listening

We are all good listeners, right? Well, we want to think we are good listeners, anyway.

But how many times during a conversation are you just waiting for the other person to finish their sentence because you are pretty sure you have something even more important to contribute to the conversation?

How many times, while someone else is speaking, are you thinking of the next thing you'll say?


Many times, during those moments, while we are thinking of what we are going to say next, we miss out on some really important thoughts the other person is expressing. Their needs, wants, desires, goals, and more can be discovered when we stop thinking for a moment and just listen. From there we can discover if we are able to help them in anyway with our opportunity, products, or can refer them to someone who can.

Tips for better listening:

1. Look the person in the eye.

2. Repeat back to the person certain thoughts to make sure you understand. For example, 'So what I hear you saying is....'. This will allow for both parties to be on the same page and let's the other person know you are listening.

3. Don't interrupt.

3. Ask follow up questions. Again for clarification and it shows the other person you are listening, not just hearing.

Start to pay attention to when you are with other people to see how you are doing with your listening skills. Then check back here and let me know how you are doing with it!

Sweet Regards,

Jhanna

Friday, April 15, 2011

Want More Clients? This One Tip Can Help

I just got back from Disneyland. I took my five and eight year old for their first visit. While I enjoyed the magic and wonder through my children's eyes, I mostly experienced it this time through a marketer and business person's eyes.

From the moment we walked up to the gates of the magic kingdom, I observed the 'cast members' and how they approached the guests visiting the park.

The person who checked our napsacks smiled at us and welcomed us. My son said, 'it's our first time!', and without skipping a beat, the bag checker said, 'Great! Welcome, be sure to go to City Hall right inside the gates to get a button that says, '1st Visit'. You'll get some special attention!'

My son then also mentioned that the next day was his birthday. Again, without skipping a beat, the bag checker said, 'Go back to City Hall inside tomorrow and you'll get a button that states it's your birthday. That's load of fun too.' All was said with a genuine smile on her face.

I was blown away at the customer service the bag checker had delivered without hesitation. From then on, I watched every cast member I came in contact with to see if they held the same attitude. And they did. Each one, no matter their job. Towards the middle of the first day, I started thinking, 'what job would I want if I worked at Disneyland.'

I thought of the experience they were giving the park's guests. The only people who presented sour attitudes were the guests themselves, often becoming disgruntled for instances such as the park shutting down a ride down due to safety concerns, or the lines were too long.

Not once did a cast member break their positive attitude. I think I was mostly shocked at the approach each one had because I was comparing it to the usual poor customer service received outside the magic kingdom.

I did some research on Disney and their employment practices. I discovered that it is a lengthy process to become employed by Disney. Disney wants to make sure that the cast member wants to work there as much as Disney wants them to work there. Once hired, cast members are trained for at least two weeks before appearing in front of guests. Amazing!

After we had left Disneyland and stepped back into life outside the magic kingdom, I continued to think about the amazing attitudes of the cast members there.

When I returned home, I attended to some errands with thoughts of how awesome the experience of Disneyland customer service was. My first stop was the bank. I was painfully disappointed with the poor customer service I, and other customers received, with one teller at the bank greeting a customer by saying, 'hey, how's it going.' Not once did she smile.

The next stop was at a bix box store, informing them that I was charged twice for a product. I was told the store would have to do a full inventory on the product to make sure that over charge was correct. Basically, insinuating that I was lying about a $12 over charge.

When my son's watch that he had purchased at Disneyland stopped working, I emailed the company Disney. I received an email within 24 hours with an apology, and directions on how to send the product back for either a refund or replacement, and to be sure I included the shipping costs so I could get reimbursed for that as well.

BIG difference, don't you agree?

I tell you all of this, so you know that your customer, client, or prospect's experience of you will make all the difference in the world.  If there is a choice between two distributors with the same company, I will always go with the person that is willing to offer me the best experience. No question.

Start offering the best experience to people. Step up and your business will explode.

I'd love to hear examples of great customer service that you've experienced! The more we share, the more people will realize just how important it is!

In Service,

~Jhanna