A new blog, Confessions of a Network Marketing Junkie, deserves your visit. This well thought out and well presented information is absolutely worth reading. Not only is it written well, it is relevant and informative.
Particularly interesting is the posting Leads...I need to buy leads...NOT! Here is a treasure trove of options that will help you get the word out about your business.
Thanks, ex-nmjunkie, and welcome to blogging!
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Where Has All the Reason Gone!
This will probably not be a popular post. But, popularity is seldom a proper motive for taking action.
It seems the politics of destruction has come to the weblog world. It's not enough that the professional politicians have been slinging the mud, now intelligent (?) adults reduce themselves to the tactics of children, all for the sake of proving they're right. My hope is that this post will prevent a policy of mutual destruction, and the harm that may come to the innocent bystanders that are looking for optimism and opportunity.
The apparent goal of one blog is to dig up all the dirt possible to besmirch the reputation of a fellow entrepreneur. This self-proclaimed defender of conservative values, and a particular networking business, has adopted the policy of name calling and unsubstantiated accusations. So far the pronouncements have been based on a "he said-she said" line of attack. Such arrogance may play well to the sympathetic crowd, but runs counter to one who seeks a reasoned discussion or debate.
Reason demands that the facts be truthful, and presented without editorial comment. Present your argument, and substantiate it with examples. If the facts don't bear out the assertions, the debate will be lost. Leave out the emotional tirades and verbal abuse. Beware of the "body" language conveyed. Such negative inclusions only degrade one's view.
Shakespeare, in Henry V wrote, "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close the wall up with our English dead. In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, You know your places: God be with you all" (Act III, Scene i). I guess the only thing to be gained in this battle is the privilege of seeing the "enemy" surrender or die. How sad! One of the reasons that our republic has experienced economic success is competition. There is room for a multitude of options for those with an entrepreneurial bent. Maybe we'd be further ahead by practicing the "modest stillness and humility" of peace, rather than taking our "places" in the battle.
Let's practice the principle of caveat emptor, but avoid the slanderous attacks. One can disagree, and even promote his personal beliefs and differences without demeaning another human being. One who will make such a choice will make a genuine difference in the lives of those they seek to influence. Let reason reign!
Remember,
Always make a difference.
It seems the politics of destruction has come to the weblog world. It's not enough that the professional politicians have been slinging the mud, now intelligent (?) adults reduce themselves to the tactics of children, all for the sake of proving they're right. My hope is that this post will prevent a policy of mutual destruction, and the harm that may come to the innocent bystanders that are looking for optimism and opportunity.
The apparent goal of one blog is to dig up all the dirt possible to besmirch the reputation of a fellow entrepreneur. This self-proclaimed defender of conservative values, and a particular networking business, has adopted the policy of name calling and unsubstantiated accusations. So far the pronouncements have been based on a "he said-she said" line of attack. Such arrogance may play well to the sympathetic crowd, but runs counter to one who seeks a reasoned discussion or debate.
Reason demands that the facts be truthful, and presented without editorial comment. Present your argument, and substantiate it with examples. If the facts don't bear out the assertions, the debate will be lost. Leave out the emotional tirades and verbal abuse. Beware of the "body" language conveyed. Such negative inclusions only degrade one's view.
Shakespeare, in Henry V wrote, "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close the wall up with our English dead. In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, You know your places: God be with you all" (Act III, Scene i). I guess the only thing to be gained in this battle is the privilege of seeing the "enemy" surrender or die. How sad! One of the reasons that our republic has experienced economic success is competition. There is room for a multitude of options for those with an entrepreneurial bent. Maybe we'd be further ahead by practicing the "modest stillness and humility" of peace, rather than taking our "places" in the battle.
Let's practice the principle of caveat emptor, but avoid the slanderous attacks. One can disagree, and even promote his personal beliefs and differences without demeaning another human being. One who will make such a choice will make a genuine difference in the lives of those they seek to influence. Let reason reign!
Remember,
Always make a difference.
Monday, August 16, 2004
The Big Picture
MLM Today presented an article from one of my favorite magazines of the past, Upline. The magazine presented practical articles that related to many facets of the network marketing industry. Sadly, this magazine is no longer published, but I'm glad to see someone resurrecting articles like "End of the Day Questions for Professional Networkers", written by Karl Jacobsen.
Mr. Jacobsen sees the big picture of networkers worldwide. The questions he asked are both probing and practical:
- Did I start this day with a map, game plan, and goals?
- What are 10 reasons I should be grateful today?
- Did I remind myself of my purpose and mission today?
- Did my words and actions allow others to see how much I value them?
- Did I read for 30 minutes?
- Was I focused on helping others succeed and grow?
- How can I grow from what I learned today?
- What can I do better tomorrow and in the future?
I submit that anyone who would use these eight questions consistently for 30 days will find their business momentum soar. While the immediate goal for any business is to make a profit, why not make sure that your actions and attitudes are also profitable, for yourself and others.
Remember,
Always make a difference!
Saturday, August 14, 2004
The Importance of Change
Once again my wife sent me material that will make a difference. Hope it makes a difference in your life.
Thanks, Sweetheart! Keep 'em comin'!
"If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results."
--Jack Dixon
Change is one of the constants of life. For most people, change presents life's greatest struggle. "We ain't never done it thataway before," is the clarion call of the mediocre masses.
One who refuses to change is destined for a life of frustration. It is never easy, but one thing is sure, you can't get different results from doing what you've always done.
During my association with a well-known business team, we were constantly told of the change we needed to make in order to be successful. The change always centered around a series of actions that involved participating in meetings, purchasing books and tapes, and attending functions. We were told that no one ever succeeded who did not take part in these activities. Needless to say, the vast majority of the huddled masses, while religiously following the prescribed actions, failed to reach the promoted pinnacle. Why, then, with all the emphasis on "change," was the hoped for success so elusive? I would submit it was due to the emphasis on results.
No one can deny that quality reading and association are critical to achieving goals. But, focusing on results, as is often done in the aforementioned functions, only serves to create a sense of unfulfilled anticipation. How many have placed the pictures around the house to promote "the dream," only to remove them in disgust or discouragement? How many have endured the endless presentations of opulence, only to leave with the hollow sense of non-accomplishment? A fixation on results helps to create a poor self-image when repeated failure is experienced. That, I submit is a primary reason that most people never succeed in the average home-based business.
Change is far more intrinsic than extrinsic. When suitable internal motivation is supplied, the drive toward achievement kicks in. Goals such as losing weight, stopping an annoying habit or improving one's financial circumstances require an inner passion for the needed changes to remain intact. The results become secondary, as they are the natural benefit of consistent performance.
As we work toward building our Passport business, there are many changes that must be made. Time management, sales skills, relationship building skills, computer skills, etc. Concentrate on the change you need to implement. Let the results come as a consequence of your commitment to change.
Remember,
Always make a difference!
Thanks, Sweetheart! Keep 'em comin'!
"If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results."
--Jack Dixon
Change is one of the constants of life. For most people, change presents life's greatest struggle. "We ain't never done it thataway before," is the clarion call of the mediocre masses.
One who refuses to change is destined for a life of frustration. It is never easy, but one thing is sure, you can't get different results from doing what you've always done.
During my association with a well-known business team, we were constantly told of the change we needed to make in order to be successful. The change always centered around a series of actions that involved participating in meetings, purchasing books and tapes, and attending functions. We were told that no one ever succeeded who did not take part in these activities. Needless to say, the vast majority of the huddled masses, while religiously following the prescribed actions, failed to reach the promoted pinnacle. Why, then, with all the emphasis on "change," was the hoped for success so elusive? I would submit it was due to the emphasis on results.
No one can deny that quality reading and association are critical to achieving goals. But, focusing on results, as is often done in the aforementioned functions, only serves to create a sense of unfulfilled anticipation. How many have placed the pictures around the house to promote "the dream," only to remove them in disgust or discouragement? How many have endured the endless presentations of opulence, only to leave with the hollow sense of non-accomplishment? A fixation on results helps to create a poor self-image when repeated failure is experienced. That, I submit is a primary reason that most people never succeed in the average home-based business.
Change is far more intrinsic than extrinsic. When suitable internal motivation is supplied, the drive toward achievement kicks in. Goals such as losing weight, stopping an annoying habit or improving one's financial circumstances require an inner passion for the needed changes to remain intact. The results become secondary, as they are the natural benefit of consistent performance.
As we work toward building our Passport business, there are many changes that must be made. Time management, sales skills, relationship building skills, computer skills, etc. Concentrate on the change you need to implement. Let the results come as a consequence of your commitment to change.
Remember,
Always make a difference!
Sunday, August 08, 2004
The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth
One of the foundational principles of Hefty Health & Wellness is integrity. Our mission statement says, "Integrity means we will never purposefully misrepresent our motives and/or products. Our customers and team members can expect us to be above reproach and honest in every detail." Our search for a business model that embodies this value, ended when we found PASSPORT, LLC.
The Founder and CEO of PASSPORT is Bo Short. Bo's story is one that deserves a hearing. While some would accuse him of sour grapes, every documented fact, not to mention the experiences of multitudes of unsuspecting participants, argues for fixing a practice that is not only broken, but, in my opinion, corrupt.
In a recent commentary on his formerdiamond.com website, he said, "I believe that the truth is much like a storm traveling across the ocean, picking up speed. In this case, if your foundation is not built on honesty, this storm will punish you. As well, the truth is also as subtle as a little dog walking over and pulling the curtain back revealing that the wizard is actually a scared little man that has built a life upon deception. Thank goodness for the truth." This kind of judgment demands attention. Some would say, "Honesty is the best policy." We disagree. As far as we are concerned, honest is the ONLY policy."
We live in a world that is willing to compromise the truth. The Barna Research Group of Ventura, CA reported, "In two national surveys conducted by Barna Research, one among adults and one among teenagers, people were asked if they believe that there are moral absolutes that are unchanging or that moral truth is relative to the circumstances. By a 3-to-1 margin (64% vs. 22%) adults said truth is always relative to the person and their situation. The perspective was even more lopsided among teenagers, 83% of whom said moral truth depends on the circumstances, and only 6% of whom said moral truth is absolute" (The Barna Update, February 12, 2002, http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=106). Every present indication points to a further eroding of truthfulness and integrity.
How unfortunate that there are some who would prey upon the legitimate yearning, and even need, of ones who seek to improve their life and financial circumstances. What is even more regrettable is the apparent disregard for correcting a wrong that is hurting far more than it is helping, just to protect a powerful few.
As it relates to the grand scheme, we are not the final arbiters. As it relates to our business, we have made our choice. All who aspire to develop a business of their own would do well to consider these thoughts.
It was time for someone to sound the trumpet. It is never right to do wrong!
Truth is worth defending, my friend. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it." Let's make a difference by setting the bar of integrity high.
Thanks for reading. Remember,
Always make a difference!
The Founder and CEO of PASSPORT is Bo Short. Bo's story is one that deserves a hearing. While some would accuse him of sour grapes, every documented fact, not to mention the experiences of multitudes of unsuspecting participants, argues for fixing a practice that is not only broken, but, in my opinion, corrupt.
In a recent commentary on his formerdiamond.com website, he said, "I believe that the truth is much like a storm traveling across the ocean, picking up speed. In this case, if your foundation is not built on honesty, this storm will punish you. As well, the truth is also as subtle as a little dog walking over and pulling the curtain back revealing that the wizard is actually a scared little man that has built a life upon deception. Thank goodness for the truth." This kind of judgment demands attention. Some would say, "Honesty is the best policy." We disagree. As far as we are concerned, honest is the ONLY policy."
We live in a world that is willing to compromise the truth. The Barna Research Group of Ventura, CA reported, "In two national surveys conducted by Barna Research, one among adults and one among teenagers, people were asked if they believe that there are moral absolutes that are unchanging or that moral truth is relative to the circumstances. By a 3-to-1 margin (64% vs. 22%) adults said truth is always relative to the person and their situation. The perspective was even more lopsided among teenagers, 83% of whom said moral truth depends on the circumstances, and only 6% of whom said moral truth is absolute" (The Barna Update, February 12, 2002, http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=106). Every present indication points to a further eroding of truthfulness and integrity.
How unfortunate that there are some who would prey upon the legitimate yearning, and even need, of ones who seek to improve their life and financial circumstances. What is even more regrettable is the apparent disregard for correcting a wrong that is hurting far more than it is helping, just to protect a powerful few.
As it relates to the grand scheme, we are not the final arbiters. As it relates to our business, we have made our choice. All who aspire to develop a business of their own would do well to consider these thoughts.
It was time for someone to sound the trumpet. It is never right to do wrong!
Truth is worth defending, my friend. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it." Let's make a difference by setting the bar of integrity high.
Thanks for reading. Remember,
Always make a difference!
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Becoming a Leader
Forgive me for using an article that isn't original with me, but as King Solomon once said, "There's nothing new under the sun." This article contains a principle that has been an incredible help to me. I hope it helps you as well.
Most people who attempt new things are reluctant to strike out on their own. They seek for someone to guide them and provide safe passage through the early days of their venture. Unfortuately, they base they success on this pending relationship and too quickly lose their focus, and, as such, their dream.
Dr. Maxwell addresses what he calls "The Great Separator." This article succinctly addresses the importance of starting. I hope it prompts you to do something, rather than make excuses for why you didn't. Remember,
Always make a difference!
The Great Separator
by Dr. John C. Maxwell
A young man once asked me a very provocative question at one of my leadership conferences. He'd been listening intently all day, and it was obvious that the subjects we were covering were really striking a chord with him.
"I've decided I want to be a leader," he said. "Who do I start leading?"
As I said, this guy was young—he didn't have a company or even a department to run, yet. I could have advised him to read some of my books, get a job managing a few people, and come back to another conference in five years when he had some experience. But I didn't.
"That's an easy answer," I told him. "Start with yourself."
I wasn't trying to be cute with that response; I was completely serious. If you want to start leading, you must always start with yourself, because if you wouldn't follow yourself, why should anybody else? Becoming the person others want to follow might involve honing certain technical competencies, learning how to be a better motivator, sharpening your ability to cast a vision, identifying your core values, or polishing your organizational skills. But here's the key: The secret to your success doesn't lie in the specifics; it lies in your willingness to start.
Just how essential is starting? Let me describe it this way. Starting is the great separator. It separates the doers from the do nots. It separates the haves from the have nots. It separates the winners from the whiners. In short, it separates successful people from unsuccessful people.
I've always said the bookends of success are starting and finishing. People who achieve great things must possess both the ability to begin—to be a self-initiator, and the ability to close—to be able to finish well. In the grand scheme of things, both are equally important. But you can't end well if you don't start.
The first step, as we've already discussed, is to start with yourself. Why is this so important? Here are three reasons.
1. It gives you experience, confidence, integrity, and influence. Leaders are either travel agents or tour guides. Leaders who are like travel agents send people to places they've never been themselves, while leaders who are like tour guides take their people to places they know well. Instead of saying, "Here's a map—I hope it's accurate," tour-guide leaders can say, "I've been here many times; I know the best way to get around; follow me." Starting with yourself equips you with the experience, confidence, integrity, and influence you need to be a tour-guide leader.
2. You are with yourself more than anyone else. You may have had trouble finding another leader to mentor you because everyone else is so crunched for time. But you can't use that excuse with yourself—you spend more time with yourself more than anyone else. So don't sit around waiting for someone else to help you—start learning and growing yourself!
3. Start with yourself to give something to others. At first blush, starting with yourself might sound a bit selfish. But, as anyone who has ever listened to a flight attendant give pre-flight safety instructions can attest, you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else. You can't export what you don't have. You can't teach what you haven't learned. Starting with yourself isn't putting yourself before others. It's putting yourself in a position where you can give—of your time, your encouragement, your resources, your expertise, etc.—more effectively.
"This article is used by permission from Dr. John C. Maxwell's free monthly e-newsletter 'Leadership Wired' available at www.MaximumImpact.com."
Most people who attempt new things are reluctant to strike out on their own. They seek for someone to guide them and provide safe passage through the early days of their venture. Unfortuately, they base they success on this pending relationship and too quickly lose their focus, and, as such, their dream.
Dr. Maxwell addresses what he calls "The Great Separator." This article succinctly addresses the importance of starting. I hope it prompts you to do something, rather than make excuses for why you didn't. Remember,
Always make a difference!
The Great Separator
by Dr. John C. Maxwell
A young man once asked me a very provocative question at one of my leadership conferences. He'd been listening intently all day, and it was obvious that the subjects we were covering were really striking a chord with him.
"I've decided I want to be a leader," he said. "Who do I start leading?"
As I said, this guy was young—he didn't have a company or even a department to run, yet. I could have advised him to read some of my books, get a job managing a few people, and come back to another conference in five years when he had some experience. But I didn't.
"That's an easy answer," I told him. "Start with yourself."
I wasn't trying to be cute with that response; I was completely serious. If you want to start leading, you must always start with yourself, because if you wouldn't follow yourself, why should anybody else? Becoming the person others want to follow might involve honing certain technical competencies, learning how to be a better motivator, sharpening your ability to cast a vision, identifying your core values, or polishing your organizational skills. But here's the key: The secret to your success doesn't lie in the specifics; it lies in your willingness to start.
Just how essential is starting? Let me describe it this way. Starting is the great separator. It separates the doers from the do nots. It separates the haves from the have nots. It separates the winners from the whiners. In short, it separates successful people from unsuccessful people.
I've always said the bookends of success are starting and finishing. People who achieve great things must possess both the ability to begin—to be a self-initiator, and the ability to close—to be able to finish well. In the grand scheme of things, both are equally important. But you can't end well if you don't start.
The first step, as we've already discussed, is to start with yourself. Why is this so important? Here are three reasons.
1. It gives you experience, confidence, integrity, and influence. Leaders are either travel agents or tour guides. Leaders who are like travel agents send people to places they've never been themselves, while leaders who are like tour guides take their people to places they know well. Instead of saying, "Here's a map—I hope it's accurate," tour-guide leaders can say, "I've been here many times; I know the best way to get around; follow me." Starting with yourself equips you with the experience, confidence, integrity, and influence you need to be a tour-guide leader.
2. You are with yourself more than anyone else. You may have had trouble finding another leader to mentor you because everyone else is so crunched for time. But you can't use that excuse with yourself—you spend more time with yourself more than anyone else. So don't sit around waiting for someone else to help you—start learning and growing yourself!
3. Start with yourself to give something to others. At first blush, starting with yourself might sound a bit selfish. But, as anyone who has ever listened to a flight attendant give pre-flight safety instructions can attest, you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else. You can't export what you don't have. You can't teach what you haven't learned. Starting with yourself isn't putting yourself before others. It's putting yourself in a position where you can give—of your time, your encouragement, your resources, your expertise, etc.—more effectively.
"This article is used by permission from Dr. John C. Maxwell's free monthly e-newsletter 'Leadership Wired' available at www.MaximumImpact.com."
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