What is a label? When not attached to a person, it is simply “a brief description given for the purposes of identification.” However, it is a common practice to assign labels to people – to categorize them into groups or even to pronounce judgment on them.
It often starts in childhood. Children of affluent families are labeled as “privileged” while those in the poorer sections of town are “underprivileged.”
Parents will frequently label their own children – certainly not with any intention of harm. It’s often just how they “see” their offspring. In my family, I was the “smart one” while my sister was the “athletic one.” What effect did this have on us?
Although there is no real “proof” it is true that throughout the years we were in school I brought home higher grades than my sister. It is also true that my sister was an award winning swimmer & track star. I, on the other hand, never even tried out for any sports.
Within schools there are geeks, jocks, preps, freaks – or other words that seem to govern high school life. Once identified as a part of one of these groups, it is often difficult to break out of that mold.
In her book, More Than a Label: Why What You Wear or Who You’re With Doesn’t Define Who You Are, teen author, Aisha Muharrar, says, “To me the labels that people gave to each other – or themselves – were like invisible name tags. Once you started to “wear” one, everyone was free to make assumptions about who you are.”
While meeting with his high school counselor, Jack was told that he was “below average.” Consequently, college wasn’t even a consideration. He got a low paying job in a factory right out of high school and that is where he stayed for years.
Things may have never changed for Jack if the factory hadn’t closed its doors. When that happened, Jack applied for a position similar to the one he’d been in for years at another factory across town. However, this company required an IQ test. To his amazement, Jack had the highest IQ score the company had seen in its 62 year history!
This was a turning point in Jack’s life. His “below average” label had been removed and he was able to see himself differently.
Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.”
It may start with the labels that others place on us, but as adults we can recognize those labels and choose to keep those that empower us and reject those that do not.
Once Jack learned of his true intelligence, he enrolled in college classes, earned his degree and moved into a much higher paying position.
Although I’ll probably never consider myself an “athlete” I have, over the years taken up and done very well at several different sports. I may not be a track star, but I walk, ride my bicycle for miles, bowl, golf. I’ve played tennis, gone water & snow skiing and enjoyed many other sports – but not until I removed the label my parents unwittingly placed on me.
I would encourage you to take some time – brainstorm – and make a list of the limiting labels that you have accepted for yourself. Then take all the time you need, better yet – make the time, if necessary – to eliminate & replace those limiting labels with those that will empower you.
Choose to label yourself as
Healthy
Happy
Prosperous
Successful
If you’ve labeled yourself as “shy” why not replace that label with “self confident” or even “outgoing.”
Are you someone who’s “always late”? You can choose to replace that label with that of someone who is “always early”!
Have you labeled yourself as a “smoker” – an “overeater” – “lazy” – “sickly”?
CHANGE IT!
For specific actions steps you can take to make lasting positive changes, I recommend Shad Helmstetter’s What To Say When You Talk To Your Self and Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins.
“The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.” ~ Charles DuBos
Little Johnny stood in the water – about to be baptized. In a booming voice, the preacher asked, “Do you believe?” The boy trembled, but managed to respond, “Yes, sir! I believe!”
In a voice even more powerful than before, the preacher intoned, “What do you believe?!” Unsure of what the “right” answer was and not wanting to make a mistake, the little boy answered, “I just believe.”
With that, the preacher took Johnny’s shoulders and pushed the child’s entire body under water.
When the boy came up sputtering, once again, the preacher asked, “Do you believe?!” Again, the boy’s response was, “Yes, sir! I believe!” Once again, the preacher asked, “What do you believe?” Johnny was still unsure of the proper response, so he repeated, “I just believe.”
Once again, the preacher dunked little Johnny completely into the baptismal waters.
When the preacher asked for the third time, “Do you believe?” and “What do you believe?” Johnny knew exactly how to respond. He quickly moved outside of the preacher’s reach & shouted, “I believe you’re trying to drown me!”
A Course in Miracles states, “No belief is neutral. Every one has the power to dictate each decision you make. For a decision is a conclusion based on everything you believe. It is an outcome of belief…”
As we go through out day-to-day activities, it is important that we examine what belief it is that is supporting the decisions that we make.
For example, when you come home from work, perhaps a little tired and frustrated by the day’s happenings, you have the opportunity to decide how you will interact with your family when you walk through the door.
You can decide to put the irritations and aggravations of the work day aside based on the belief that your family and your relationship with your family members is much more important than anything that has gone on at work. With this underlying belief you might ask your spouse or significant other to sit down with you over a cup of tea or a glass of wine and calmly discuss your respective experiences of the day. The stresses of the day are reduced in the give & take of talking and listening to one another.
On the other hand, you may have an unspoken belief that says, “I know they love me, so I can just “let loose” here at home. Why should I have to act like everything was great at work when it was really pretty awful?” If this is your belief, you may find yourself taking out your frustrations on those you love the most.
Life was good for the young Smith family. They had recently moved into their “dream home.” It was much bigger than the condo they had been living and was located on a small lake. The setting was idyllic – much more rural than anywhere they had ever lived before – complete with a well & septic system.
Because they had recently had their third child, the decision was made that Mrs. Smith would be a stay-at-home Mom. It seemed reasonable since, the cost of child care for 3 little ones would practically eat up everything she could earn by working outside the home, anyway.
After a particularly tough day at the office, Jack came home to find his wife & children happily playing on the small, sandy beach in front of their new home. He thought to himself, “Boy, it must be nice to be able to just lay in the sun & play around all day – while I’m busting my butt, putting up with b.s. all day!”
He remembered that they were nearly out of toilet tissue and wondered if Mary had taken the time out of her “busy schedule” to replenish this household necessity. When he asked about it, his wife replied, “Oh yes, I stopped at the corner store on the way to take Suzy to her play date. I plan to go to the big discount store later this week, after you get paid, and stock up on what we usually buy.”
Jack thought to himself, “Everything at the corner store is overpriced! Doesn’t she understand that with 3 kids, a new house, and only one of us working, we’re on a really tight budget?!”
It was more than he could take! Not only was his fuse short, it was lit & the bomb was about to explode! All the stress, strain & frustration of his work day came rushing out.
How could she be so inconsiderate? Didn’t she understand that every penny counted? And besides – they were on a septic system and used paper better suited to that – next thing you know they’d have to spend $1,000’s of dollars to have it dug up & replaced!
Within a short time of his arrival at home, the children were crying as Mom & Dad screamed at each other about TOILET PAPER!
As silly as that story may sound, there are situations very similar happening every day.
The difference between ending a stressful day at work by sharing your burdens with a loved one or taking your frustrations out on a loved one is based on the belief behind the decision you make when you walk through the door of your home.
This same principle applies in every area of life – the work place, social situations, your health & physical well being. Every thought we think, every action we take is predicated by the underlying core belief.
Take the time to look at your own beliefs and how they are affecting your life. You may find that there are negative beliefs that are causing you to make decisions that are not in your own best interest.
While changing core beliefs is not a “quick fix” it is something that can be done through self examination and continuous, persistent effort to shift your thinking. Lasting positive change can only come through adjusting your core beliefs to those which support the life you truly wish to live.
As always, remember – whether you think you can or you think you can’t – YOU’RE RIGHT!
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen – first published in 1902
Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – first published in 1937
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale – first published in 1952
The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz – first published in 1959
What do all of these classic writings have in common?
They’re all about the power of THOUGHT.
“What the mind of man can conceive & believe, he can achieve.” This famous quote from Think & Grow Rich tells us that everything begins with a THOUGHT. When we nurture that thought with belief, the outcome is assured.
In other words, everything begins with an idea, a thought, a concept.
Long before cell phones were in the hands of everyone from middle schoolers to CEO’s, Captain Kirk of Startrek fame was using a wireless device to communicate across the galaxies.
I recently saw an old video clip of Steve Jobs being interviewed on why he believed that computers would one day be in every home in America. He said, and I quote, “For us, it’s always the next dream.”
We become what we think about all day long.
Nick had worked in the railroad yard for many years. He was a big man – strong & tough. Everyone liked Nick well enough. He was a good employee – always on time, reliable, a hard worker.
The only problem was that Nick was one of the most pessimistic people you’d never want to meet. He was always negative. He worried all the time, always feared the worst and was constantly thinking that something bad was going to happen.
When everyone left early one summer day to attend a big party for one of the foremen, Nick was the only one left in the railroad yard.
A refrigerated boxcar had come in for maintenance and was sitting off by itself – not hooked up to any of the trains. Somehow, Nick accidentally locked himself into the refrigerated boxcar.
When he realized he was locked inside – he panicked. He screamed as loud as he could till he lost his voice. He beat on the door of the boxcar so hard that his fists & arms were bloody – but there was no one there to hear his cries. They had all left to get ready for the big party.
Knowing that he was in a refrigerated boxcar, Nick figured the temperature must be well below freezing – maybe as low as 5 – 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nick feared the worst. He thought, “What am I going to do? If I don’t get out of here, I’m going to freeze to death. There’s no way I can stay in here all night.”
The more he thought about it, the colder he got. He had tried everything he knew to get out. There was nothing left for him to do, but sit down and wait for his inevitable death.
He found a old piece of cardboard laying in the corner of the boxcar and used the pen he had in his pocket to record his final moments. Shivering almost uncontrollably he wrote, “Getting so cold. Body numb. If I don’t get out soon, these will probably be my last words.”
Sadly, they were.
The next morning, they found Nick’s body crumpled over in the corner of the refrigerated boxcar.
When the autopsy was completed, it revealed that Nick had – indeed – frozen to death.
However, that’s not the end of the story. Ironically, the refrigerated boxcar that Nick was trapped in wasn’t even on! In fact, it had not been working for quite some time.
The temperature in the car that night – the night that Nick froze to death – was 61 degrees!
Nick froze to death in slightly less than normal room temperatures because he THOUGHT he was in a sub-zero boxcar.
He THOUGHT he was going to die.
He THOUGHT he didn’t have a chance.
He THOUGHT himself to death.
For Nick, the thought he feared and expected came to pass. [1]
We truly do create our own reality.
You can use your thoughts to create by choosing negative, pessimistic thoughts and get what you don’t want.
Or you can choose positive & uplifting thoughts to get what you do want. The choice is yours.
Just like plants start from a seed, so do the things that happen in your life begin with your THOUGHTS.
Dr. Frank Gunsaulus was a minister and a scholar in the late 1800’s. He had an idea for a new type of educational institution that would help students prepare for work in the new industrial age – a school “where young people could learn to do practical things and at the same time develop their minds.”
He estimated that it would take about a million dollars to start this new type of school. Dr. Gunsaulus held this THOUGHT in his mind for almost 2 years – but where could he get a million dollars?!
One Saturday afternoon as he sat thinking of ways to raise the money for the school, he had an idea. He called the local newspapers to announce that his next sermon would be, “What I Would Do, If I Had a Million Dollars.”
He spent most of the night preparing a powerful talk and went to be feeling good about the speech he had prepared.
However, he was so excited the next morning that it wasn’t until he was walking to the pulpit that he realized that he had left his notes at home.
But because her had been THINKING for 2 years about the school he had envisioned that could help so many young people in ways that the existing educational system could not, he was able to speak from his heart – with passion and purpose.
Phillip D. Armour, a wealthy meat packer & grain merchant, happened to be in the audience that day, and after the sermon he approached Dr. Gunsaulus and offered to give him the money to establish a trade school for the practical arts and sciences if the good doctor would dedicate 5 years of his life to run it.
Illinois Institute of Technology is the current name of the school that was established in 1893 as the Armour Institute of Technology, first offering courses in engineering, chemistry, architecture & library science.
Reverend Gunsaulus’ THOUGHT brought him a million dollars.[2]
It really makes no difference. If you think you can, or you think you can’t – YOU’RE RIGHT!
[1] Story adapted from Denis Waitley, Empires of the Mind (New York: William Morrow, 1995), 126
[2] Story adapted from Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich (Californis: Wilshire Book Company, 1966),108
It’s difficult to understand why a company would eliminate a portion of its business model – potentially losing thousands of distributors & hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, that’s exactly what iLearningGlobal has done. It has shut down its network marketing division – presumably due to it not being a profitable marketing arm.
iLearningGlobal.tv opened for pre-launch in July of 2008 and shut down its network marketing division in March of 2010. Capitalizing on the trend of continuing adult education via the internet made iLG appear to be an excellent opportunity with a lucrative compensation plan.
iLG is not the first & will certainly not be the last network marketing company to open its doors with the best of intentions, only to be forced to shut down. No matter how good a new MLM or “start up” business may sound; there is an increased level of risk to the distributor who chooses to join a “ground floor” opportunity.
The announcement that the company was disbanding their MLM division has left many distributors upset and wondering what to do next. Before you jump headlong into another network marketing company, first take the time to learn what it is you need to know to decide which company you should affiliate you good name with.
Harvard Business School says you should look at these 5 things when evaluating a business opportunity
The Company – is it solid, established, likely to remain in business?
The Product – is the product going to deliver what it promises, is it good quality, can the consumer depend on it? Is the VALUE of the product greater than the cost? Are people who are NOT involved in the business, buying & using the product who are not distributors? How about retention? What are the company statistics regarding how long the average consumer (not just distributors) continues to use the product?
The Need – is there a need in the market place for the product being offered? Is there a unique market niche or is the product just one of hundreds of different supplements that can be found at the local health food store – another brand of cosmetics to compete with Revlon, L’Oreal or Estee Lauder?
The Compensation – if you’re going to put your time & effort into something are you going to be paid a fair amount? How much product would you have to sell personally to recoup your investment & get into profit mode? If you’re building a sales organization, how many new distributors would you need to join your team to get you “into the black”?
The Timing – now would NOT be a good time to start selling cassette tapes or vinyl records, so how does the timing look for the product or service you’re considering? Are you ahead of a trend, at the wrong end of a trend or just one of lots of other companies marketing similar products?
Ok, that’s all fine & good for a traditional type business – what about MLM??
My internet network marketing mentor says that a Successful network marketing business needs these 5 things.
A product with an untapped, wide open market.
The business needs to be based on powerful, current trends.
Retention rate needs to be high if ongoing residuals are going to be strong.
The start up cost needs to be low so that the business will continue to grow.
And the comp plan better be good – it should reward not only the experienced associates, but the NEW rep as well so they can make money quickly.
If the company you’re considering can answer “Yes” to all of these criteria, you’ve probably got a real winner on your hands.
Although I don’t normally promote my primary business on my blog, under these circumstances, if you’re looking for a company that meets all of the above criteria;
less than 3% market penetration
is ahead of powerful, current trends
has a retention rate approaching 80% company wide where over 70% of the users of the product are not marketing associates
a start up cost of considerably less than $500
a compensation plan that can put you into a profit mode in your first week
Please take some time to review my website at www.AttractSuccessSite.com and evaluate a business that could bring financial security along with personal freedom to you and your loved ones.
The secret to success in your MLM business has finally been revealed!
Are you ready?? Here it is…… (drum roll please).
If you think you can – you’re right and if you think you can’t – you’re right!!
Okay, I’m sure that’s not the secret you were looking for, but – bottom line – it’s the truth and it’s really all you need to know to be successful in your MLM or any other network marketing company.
The Secret
The movie and subsequent book, The Secret, had a lot of impact when it came out a few years ago, but it seems the fervor has really dimmed over time. The movie left the viewer guessing as to what “The Secret” was throughout most of the film. However, philosopher, author & personal coach, Bob Proctor, reveals on page 4 of the book, “The Secret is the law of attraction!”
Now, I suspect that there were many who “tried” putting together a vision board or writing out & saying affirmations for a few weeks or even a month or two. However, when the results they were hoping for didn’t manifest right away the idea that “You create your life with your thoughts,” probably went the way of the pet rock – that is, it was looked at as a fad that simply just faded away.
So what does all this have to do with you? What does it have to do with your MLM business? And most importantly, what does it have to do with being successful in your MLM business? …… EVERYTHING!
Posture
You may have heard some of the online gurus talking about “posture” – and we’re not talking about how straight your spine is. The definitions offered by Merriam-Webster are as follows;
“1: the position or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose
2: state or condition at a given time especially with respect to capability in particular circumstances <maintain a competitive posture in the market>.
3: a conscious mental or outward behavioral attitude.”
Actually, when a person’s mental attitude or position is one of strength, it is reflected in their physical appearance. Think about it, when you’re having a “good” day – maybe you’ve just sponsored someone into your business who you think might be the next “superstar” – not only do you feel better emotionally, but you walk a little taller, smile a little more, and maybe your spine is a little straighter. When you’re feeling positive about yourself, your company and your business, your posture reflects those positive thoughts & feelings.
You may have even heard your sponsor tell you that the best time to sponsor a new person into the business is right after you’ve made a sale or just sponsored a new person into the business. This is because that is when your posture, your attitude and your belief are all at their optimum.
The Law of Attraction
The Law of Attraction says, “That which is like unto itself is drawn.” Those who have studied this phenomenon will tell you that we live in an “attraction based” universe. In other words, the most predominant thoughts that you have about your MLM business will reveal themselves.
Let’s say, you meet someone at a networking or social event who you believe has the potential to be very successful in your network marketing business. So you say, “Hey, John, you seem like a pretty sharp guy. Do you keep your income options open?”
What happens after this question is asked can vary greatly depending on the thoughts, beliefs & attitudes supporting the question. If you are having doubts about your own chances for success are in question, it will come through. However, if you know that you’re going to be successful in your MLM business – without a doubt, no matter what – the strength of your conviction will also come through to your prospect.
Now, I’m not saying that just because you have a positive mental attitude that the prospect will join your business. But, I can guarantee that the chances of a successful outcome are dramatically increased when supported by strong conviction.
So, how can you use this information to your advantage?
First, understand & use your understanding of the power of your thoughts. Think about what you want from your network marketing business – not what you don’t want.
Second, learn everything you can about and from the people who’ve had success in your MLM business. (And remember, if they can do it – you can do it.)
Third, when you’re talking to a prospect in person or on the phone, make sure that you’re in a positive frame of mind. We all have good days & not so good days. So, use the days where your thinking is at it’s best to talk about your business to others. Then, on the less than wonderful days, take time to fill your mind with success stories from those who have blazed a trail for you to follow.
And remember, it really doesn’t make any difference …..
In about the middle of 20th century the franchise business model gained momentum and all types of industries started franchising their business. Today there are more people than ever who are looking to the franchising model to help them through these challenging economic times.
Jack had planned to retire the minute he hit 60, but now it looks like he’ll have to wait until he at least turns 62 so that he can collect Social Security to even come close to making ends meet.
Mary thought she had done all the right things. She got a good job and worked her way up the ladder. The company offered a small pension and a matching 401k plan to which she contributed as much as she possibly could. So why is she working 4 hours a day at Starbucks just to pay the bills on time?
These are just two scenarios typical of what thousands of Baby Boomers are facing today. With businesses downsizing or even capsizing, Boomers are finding themselves “caught between a rock and a hard place.” So what options are available to those in this predicament?
If the Boomer was fortunate enough to have received a “buy-out” or early retirement package from their employer, he or she may consider buying a franchise. This is a way to get into business quickly, often with a recognized company name and support from the franchiser.
Those are good reasons to consider a franchise. At least, that’s what Francine thought, but less than one year after she invested $60,000 into an established sign franchise, she was looking at closing the door for good.
In the Forbes.com article “Ten Good Reasons Not to Buy a Franchise” (http://tinyurl.com/10fran) the number 1 reason not to buy a franchise is “Questionable profitability. Most franchisers do not provide much information to potential franchisees regarding earnings possibilities, making it difficult to assess how lucrative investment in the company could be. Even the franchisers who do supply this information usually give only average sales figures and profits before expenses are deducted, numbers that aren’t very helpful when trying to determine if your individual franchise will be successful.”
The article goes on to mention: High startup costs, Encroachment, Lack of legal recourse, Limited independence, Royalty payments, Inflated pricing of supplies, Restrictions on post-term competition, Advertising fees and Unfair termination.
In spite of the aforementioned negatives, a franchise can still be a very appealing choice for many Boomers. However, one should put sufficient research into this project prior to making a buying decision. Take the time to understand the benefits and responsibilities of franchise ownership.
Before selecting a franchise here are a few things to consider.
- How much you want to invest?
- How much you can afford to lose?
- Where will you get financing if you need it?
- Do you need any special skill or experience for the franchise of your choice (i.e. computer knowledge, auto repair, decorating or tax preparation skills)?
- What level of income do you require?
- How many hours are you willing to work?
- Do you want a single or multiple locations?
- What is the demand in your marketplace for the product or service you will offer?
- Who’s your competition and where are they located?
- Does the franchise you’re considering require a physical location? If so, where will you be located?
- Do you have any business experience?
- Is there name recognition associated with the franchise you’ve selected?
- What kind of training will you receive?
- How about on-going support?
Once you have considered all of the above, then it’s time to select a particular franchise. Make sure you thoroughly investigate the franchisor – check the financial and growth history, read the disclosure information and speak with current and former franchise holders. In addition, there are several other individuals and business entities you would be wise to consult.
Accountant – Even one of the least expensive franchises is a relatively costly investment. A competent accountant can help you to develop a business plan, evaluate earnings projections and choose a franchise that suits your goals and investment resources.
Lawyer – Before signing any contract, you would be wise to have your attorney review it. This is especially important with a long and complex franchise contract. Remember, the contract was written by an attorney to protect the franchisor. You should have YOUR attorney review the document to make sure that your interests are protected as well. Should a problem arise after the contract has been signed, it may be very expensive or even impossible to fix. An attorney who is experienced in franchise matters can be costly, however, you can have affordable access to the services of an attorney with the expertise you need through Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.
Better Business Bureau – Check with the BBB in the city where the franchisor is headquartered. Ask about any consumer complaints regarding the company’s services or products.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Visit www.ftc.gov to get free information on franchise purchases and other consumer issues.
For the Baby Boomers who did not have the good fortune to receive a financial “exit” package and who are not in a position to make the substantial investment that a franchise requires, there are other options.
Whether you decide to purchase a franchise, start a traditional business on your own or get involved in a network marketing company with a product or service you believe in and would be proud to represent, promoting your business on the internet will be a necessity. For information on a system that will help you to learn what it takes to promote your business on the web check out www.mlmleadershipteam.com to get you off to a good start.
Brig Hart has been successful in the network marketing industry for many years. So for any review to connect the word “scam” to Mr. Hart does not seem at all appropriate. The Brig Hart v. Amway lawsuit does arouse one’s curiosity. However, there is no way anyone could possibly have the kind of success in the MLM industry that the Harts have had without working very hard and helping a lot of people.
Brig Hart, like many successful network marketers, came from humble beginnings. He served his country as a Marine and ran a small surf shop on the beach in Jacksonville Beach, Florida prior to becoming involved in and achieving success network marketing.
In the video of Brig’s Story on his website, he states that, “one of my priorities is to spread the good news of ‘you can too.’” Both Brig & his wife, Lita, display a spirit of caring and a desire to help others succeed.
The controversy of the Brig Hart lawsuit with Amway that precipitated his move to MonaVie is a matter of public record. However, an out of court settlement means there is no public disclosure of the exact outcome. The distribution of profits from the sale of business support materials (CD’s & other promotional items, better known as “tools” in the MLM industry), was the issue. It seems that the Harts believed that they were not receiving their rightful share of the proceeds from those promotional items.
The underlying question raised seems to be, is it appropriate for a respected leader in an MLM company (in this case, Amway) to be compensated for the sale of marketing and motivational materials outside of the income generated from the company’s primary products? Profits from a ”sideline” enterprise is not the focus of this discussion. I only raise the question to say that, in my opinion, without the proper motivation and mind set, the likelihood of the average individual being successful in any network marketing company (or any independent business, for that matter) is practically doomed to failure.
One of the biggest blessings that an individual can receive from involvement in network marketing is personal development. Whether an individual succeeds in their chosen MLM business or not, I support anything that helps one become a better person. Listening to uplifting speakers and learning from those who have already achieved the success that you are striving for is extremely valuable as it can be used in every area of your life – not just in business.
It is my hope that Brig & Lita Hart and others like them will continue to prosper and spread the good word of “you can too.”
The Harts were able to build a huge distributorship because of their leadership using “old school” network marketing techniques. I believe there is still a place for those techniques even in today’s world. If you truly believe in the product or service you represent, it would be only natural to want to share it with your “warm market” of friends and family.
However, this is the age of the internet. There are thousands upon thousands of people going on line every day looking for the “right” business opportunity. It just doesn’t make sense to rely completely on “old school” tactics to build your network marketing business today. Especially not when there are marketing systems available to attract people to you who are already looking for what you have to offer.
To find out more about how you can have your own, customizable lead generation marketing SYSTEM take a look at http://www.MLMLeadershipTeam.com .
Understanding Basic Internet Terminology Will Help You Increase Your On-line Business
This article is for those of you who may be just getting started on utilizing the internet to grow your retail, home based or network marketing business. If you’re a little older or are not technically adept, there are probably going to be times when just the terminology used by the internet gurus is difficult to understand.
This information is for you – the non-technical, just getting started internet marketer who just wants to learn how to make some money on the net without spending a ton. Let’s get started with this basic information and build from there in sharing information on how you can grow your business using the internet.
Domain Name
You’re going to want your own domain name. For example, the domain name of the website where this article was originally published is “GetWhatYouNeedWithAnita” & I purchased the name from GoDaddy.
You may want to purchase your own name, your business name or a name that describes the products or services you offer. The domain name tells who “published” that particular page on the internet and may also give an idea as to what one might expect to find when they go to that web address. Domain names are inexpensive and can be purchased from several sources. GoDaddy is one of the most well known, but there are other sources – just do a web search for “domain name.”
Web Hosting
A web host or host computer is what allows other people connected to the internet to view your information. Basically, this allows you to rent space and store your pages (upload) through the host’s web server. This is an inexpensive and necessary option if you are serious about developing an on-line business. There are a number of services to choose from – including GoDaddy & Host Gator.
Blog or Website
In today’s world, if you have a business you need a website or a blog. A web presence lets your customers and potential customers quickly and easily find out more about you, your business and the products and/or services you offer. With a well designed site, your business (even a small or home based business) can project the image and professionalism of a much larger company.
Keyword or Keyword Phrase
For example, if someone is looking for “flowers” that would be a key word typed into a search engine. If, on the other hand, they were looking for “wedding flowers” or “autumn wedding flowers” those are examples of key word phrases. The challenge comes in when you understand that “flowers” results in 184,000,000 results – “wedding flowers” in 29,400,000 results – and “autumn wedding flowers” in 603,000. Even “autumn wedding flowers in Akron” gets 36,700 results. Obviously, if your business is not high on the search engine rankings, your chance of capturing the business is greatly reduced. This is why the next area may be last, but is, by far, certainly not least in importance. Google is one source to do key word research for free!
Search Engine and Search Engine Optimization
Search Engines are the tools that are used to find information on the internet. Google and Yahoo are widely known, along with AOL, MSN, and Ask.com. If your website or blog is not easily found through one or all of these commercial services, you’re missing out on a vast number of opportunities to market your product or service to people who are looking for just what it is that you have to offer.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a method to make your website more easily found and, at best, move it as close to the top of the first page that comes up when someone uses Google or Yahoo to search for a Keyword or Keyword Phrase. The aforementioned use of key word search tools is extremely valuable in this regard.
Summary
Familiarize yourself with this terminology and do your “homework” – then take the time & make the effort to put this information to work for yourself. Successful marketing using the internet is a viable way for you to share your knowledge and your passion for a product or service you represent to many more people than traditional network marketing methods afford.
Be consistent & persistent – your efforts will pay off.
And remember “If you think you can, or think you can’t – you’re RIGHT!”
If you’re not familiar with Tim Sales’ wonderful little 20 minute film, “Brilliant Compensation,” I urge you to go on the internet & watch it. It’s a great promotional video for network marketing & I suggest you view it as soon as you finish reading this article! )
I’ve never met Tim Sales and I don’t know what network marketing company he’s with or how much he’s doing with internet network marketing, but I’m so glad that there are people like Tim in the MLM business! He is obviously a man who is not only very successful, but who has a great deal of integrity and is a proud representative of the wonderful industry we call Network Marketing.
Along with Tim, Dr. Charles King, Professor of Marketing at the University of Illinois – Chicago, is also featured on the video. Dr. King admits that he was cynical, skeptical and even negative about network marketing.
When confronted by a student about his negativity his reply was, “I know enough to know that I don’t want to know any more.” To which the student responded, “If I gave you that answer to that question without any more information than you have, you’d give me an F!”
This resulted in 6 months of due diligence after which Dr. King began teaching network marketing in his marketing course. The fact that Dr. King is a graduate of the Harvard Business School lends massive credibility.
Network Marketing – “A Business Model That Works!”
For those of you who are doing network marketing prospecting and may be running into some objections, this is a tool to help answer those annoying questions or statements like:
Isn’t this one of those “pyramid” things?
Don’t you need sales experience to be successful?
I don’t want to market to my friends & family.
I know someone who tried that & failed.
and other similar objections.
Four Business Principles that lead to success.
Expanding Market
Unique & Repeat Use Product or Service
Timing & Trends
Leverage
Expanding Market
Obviously, a product or service that is growing rather than shrinking will provide much more opportunity for long term success. It doesn’t matter how good you are in an eroding industry. If your product or service is not expanding, then every year you would have to work harder to make the same amount of money.
Unique & Repeat Use Product or Service
Without a unique product, you are forced to compete on price and convenience only. In other words, where can the consumer find the best price at the most convenient location. Plus you will need a retention strategy to keep existing customers.
The product or service must also either be consumable or be based on a monthly membership. By having repeat business, you are paid multiple times for an initial effort.
Timing & Trends
I’ve heard it said that, “Timing is to Business what Location is to Real Estate.” Tim Sales puts it a little differently saying, “The money makers are the ones in front of large trends. The money losers are the ones who disregard trends.” The video goes on to discuss how the Baby Boomers have impacted trends over the years and continue to do so.
The 4th Principle – Employ Others So You Get More Done
This is the segment where “Brilliant Compensation” really shines! Tim talks about the fact that you can earn money by:
Working for someone else
Becoming a professional
Owning your own business
It is made clear that the only way to true wealth is by owning your own business & the use of leverage, that is, employing other people.
Tim explains that we all have the same number of hours available each day, week and month. He goes on to talk about the difference between an employer, employee and an agent (as in real estate or insurance). It is also made very clear that unless the employee or agent has the same opportunity to succeed as the owner, the employee or agent will eventually go out on their own and become a competitor.
Dr. King then gives an excellent presentation to dispel the “Pyramid” objection to network marketing. You really have to see this – it’s really good!
Network Marketing – Most Fair Compensation Structure Available
“There are people right now in my organization who earn more money than I do. Do you know what I call that? ….. FAIR!” What a powerful statement made by Mr. Sales.
In network marketing it’s not person with the impressive resume or the most seniority who makes the most money – it’s the most productive person who is rewarded the most!
Educating & Empowering Others
The “Brilliant Compensation” video makes it clear that network marketing is the only business that rewards you exponentially for helping others to succeed. In traditional business, when you train someone to do what you do, they will often take that knowledge and use it to go into business for themselves – and into competition with you.
In network marketing when you teach and train others to do what you do, you are actually multiplying your efforts. Mr. Sales, once again, uses a clear mathematical example to illustrate this point.
The video concludes by describing the network marketing model as the best “win-win” affordable structure to do more good for more people than any other industry out there. Like any other industry, network marketing isn’t perfect and it does require hard work to be successful, but it is absolutely WORTH IT!
And remember, if you think you can or think you can’t – You’re RIGHT!
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