Whatever business you are in (and whatever income level you are at) if you are not using 3rd party verification you are missing a significant part of your business that could easily double or triple your business.
What is 3rd party verification?
It's when a 3rd person joins the conversation, presentation, and gives their story.
Don't blow this off. When used properly its very powerful.
Let me give you a few examples of 3rd party verification.
#1 I talk with Sally Sue about product XYZ and she is excited about our conversation. She gives buying signals and I ask a closing question: "Would you like to get started today?" Even though Sally Sue in sincerely interested....she does the totally normal human reaction. She takes two steps back and says the normal response: "I have to think about it" or "I have to talk it over with my spouse". I give Sally Sue a brochure and business card and tell her that I'll call her the next day. (In most cases.....lost sale, lost prospect) However, the next day Sally Sue calls on the phone (pleasant surprise) and says: "I was talking with my sister about your product and she said that she read an article about it and heard that its amazing stuff.....when can I buy XYZ?"
What happened was 3rd party verification. The 3rd party was Sally Sue's sister. It doesn't matter who the 3rd party is...and in this case it was just dumb luck, but it happens when word is getting out about your product or service.
#2 You are talking to Bobby Joe about product XYZ and he is interested. You stop your presentation and 3-way another business leader from your organization and have him/her briefly share their story over a cell phone (or 3-way telephone call). Bobby Joe hangs up and says, "Wow, that's really interesting. What do I have to do to get started"
3rd party verification is powerful because it allows a different person with a different personality to interject their thoughts, story and philosophy.
#3 You are talking on your cell phone on an airplane and the person in the neighboring seat says: I'm sorry I couldn't help but eave drop on what you were talking about...that sounds really interesting. At that precise moment a complete stranger pops their head over the back of the seat and says: I'm sorry to interrupt but is that product XYZ? Because that stuff is amazing and has done wonders for my mother.
NUFF Said.....The 3rd party verified who you are and your product....and the person sitting next to you didn't even know the 3rd party.
The trick to 3rd party verification is....#1 Don't interject..let the 3rd person tell their story. #2 Don't dump all your information on a person...only give them a little. Less is more. Peak people's curiosity. Give a break outline of the "kind" of business you are in...(work at home, its international business, its a nice change from days in corporate America, go where I want to go because its fun, I can work my business from anywhere..virtually where ever I have a phone and computer access, it provides a lot of freedom.) Give a business card, and if you want I can send you some information.......#4 CHANGE THE SUBJECT!!!! (This is the secret) Take away the cookie....change the subject off yourself and start asking about them. (The point is to get people to pursue you and not CHASE THEM!)
Get the information of your Up-Line, Side-Line, and Down-Line...PHONE NUMBERS. Why? So you can use the ENTIRE team and not just one individual. Find out when people on the team are available for 3-ways, get on instant messenger for easy access, twitter, facebook.....
Make a voicemail call and get several people on your team to give their short testimony or story so a 24 hotline is always available for 3-ways....24 hours/7 days a week.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Reason for the Season
The last week I had an old friend from High School lose her 2 year old baby girl. She passed away on Christmas Eve Day.
Put things in perspective and remember the reason for the season....
Thousands of years ago God gave the world a gift in his son, Jesus Christ. Thirty-Three years he walked the earth and ministered to the world before dying for it.
Everyday we are faced with choices. We have the choice whether or not we want to eat fast food, or eat broccoli. We have a choice whether we watch television or read a book. We have a choice whether we spend time with our loved ones or with something or somebody else. We have a choice whether to stay captive to a job, or work for ourselves. We have a choice whether to follow a Savior or ignore Him. We have choices......
May your choices this holiday season reflect the reason for the season. May your choices reflect how delicate and fragile our lives are.....and how short our time to reflect on those choices.
Put things in perspective and remember the reason for the season....
Thousands of years ago God gave the world a gift in his son, Jesus Christ. Thirty-Three years he walked the earth and ministered to the world before dying for it.
Everyday we are faced with choices. We have the choice whether or not we want to eat fast food, or eat broccoli. We have a choice whether we watch television or read a book. We have a choice whether we spend time with our loved ones or with something or somebody else. We have a choice whether to stay captive to a job, or work for ourselves. We have a choice whether to follow a Savior or ignore Him. We have choices......
May your choices this holiday season reflect the reason for the season. May your choices reflect how delicate and fragile our lives are.....and how short our time to reflect on those choices.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The 3 Month Plan
A few years ago I learned of a marketing strategy from the #1 distributor of a top health and wellness company. (I'll call him Jet)
Jet had spent few years in sales before joining the company and brought with him the skills and drive to work a marketing plan he devised. It was a basic and simple 'numbers' strategy plan.
Here's what it looked like:
If you were to call 100 leads over the phone...eventually (because of the numbers) 3-10 people would join your business opportunity.
Knowing that number is what set Jet free...and he went on a major calling campaign. Over the next 90 days Jet personally called 9,000-10,000 leads. Seem aggressive? Seem crazy? Maybe. But, Jet didn't just become #1 in his entire company by mistake. He set himself up to succeed. He set himself up for the MOMENTUM.
What would happen at the end of 90 days if you called 10,000 leads and only had a 3% response? (You would sponsor 300 new leads into your business opportunity!!)
Now....lets equate that to money using power start bonus (depending on if your opportunity has a fast start bonus). If you made an average of $60 per person, you would make $18,000. Not bad for 90 days of work...and that was only showing a fast start bonus check...not including additional income made from streamlining and duplication. And if the same 3% came into the business with a major start up (lets say $390 commission) that would pay $117,000. ($390 x 300).
What would happen if any of the 300 decided to do the same thing over the next 90 days? You would completely set yourself up for success.
If you had a higher success rate and had a 10% response you would make a staggering $60,000 in 90 days. Could you use an extra $60,000?
This plan is 100% and works. I have seen it work for several business friends of mine (Cynthia, Jim) and it works if you work. It isn't easy, but the numbers never lie. The only hard part is dealing with rejection (considering you will most likely be rejected 9,000 times) but if someone paid you $60,000 for being rejected a few thousand times...would you do it?
So...here is the plan.
1. Buy your leads or develop your own leads. either way you need between 3,000-4,000 leads a month. You should plan on making 125 dials a day (Monday-Saturday) and only allowing a max of 5 minutes a conversation.
2. Keep this a sorting process. You aren't recruiting ANYONE. Only the serious....its a numbers game. Next. The right people will shine.
3. 9,000-10,000 leads in 90 days!
Jet had spent few years in sales before joining the company and brought with him the skills and drive to work a marketing plan he devised. It was a basic and simple 'numbers' strategy plan.
Here's what it looked like:
If you were to call 100 leads over the phone...eventually (because of the numbers) 3-10 people would join your business opportunity.
Knowing that number is what set Jet free...and he went on a major calling campaign. Over the next 90 days Jet personally called 9,000-10,000 leads. Seem aggressive? Seem crazy? Maybe. But, Jet didn't just become #1 in his entire company by mistake. He set himself up to succeed. He set himself up for the MOMENTUM.
What would happen at the end of 90 days if you called 10,000 leads and only had a 3% response? (You would sponsor 300 new leads into your business opportunity!!)
Now....lets equate that to money using power start bonus (depending on if your opportunity has a fast start bonus). If you made an average of $60 per person, you would make $18,000. Not bad for 90 days of work...and that was only showing a fast start bonus check...not including additional income made from streamlining and duplication. And if the same 3% came into the business with a major start up (lets say $390 commission) that would pay $117,000. ($390 x 300).
What would happen if any of the 300 decided to do the same thing over the next 90 days? You would completely set yourself up for success.
If you had a higher success rate and had a 10% response you would make a staggering $60,000 in 90 days. Could you use an extra $60,000?
This plan is 100% and works. I have seen it work for several business friends of mine (Cynthia, Jim) and it works if you work. It isn't easy, but the numbers never lie. The only hard part is dealing with rejection (considering you will most likely be rejected 9,000 times) but if someone paid you $60,000 for being rejected a few thousand times...would you do it?
So...here is the plan.
1. Buy your leads or develop your own leads. either way you need between 3,000-4,000 leads a month. You should plan on making 125 dials a day (Monday-Saturday) and only allowing a max of 5 minutes a conversation.
2. Keep this a sorting process. You aren't recruiting ANYONE. Only the serious....its a numbers game. Next. The right people will shine.
3. 9,000-10,000 leads in 90 days!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tribes
I was conversing through e-mail with my online marketing colleague, Cory Citron, and through the course of our communication I stumbled upon his blog where he mentioned his latest read, TRIBES by Seth Godin. I was further intrigued when both Carlos Aponte and Aaron Rashkin ALSO mentioned the book.
It's a very deep book. It's a quick read, but by no means does it do you any justice reading it once. Take your time and re-read it again. I only say this because the information is so good and makes complete sense in the new world of marketing.
I especially like his reference to "The Grateful Dead". Even though I am not a Dead Head and have no clue what the term "2-14-70" means, it did make perfect sense when he explained that the Dead never had a top 40 album. Ever. But, it didn't prevent them from selling thousands and thousands of albums and selling out concert after concert after concert. Why? Because they had a following. They had the "dead heads" behind them....it was their tribe. Their success wasn't from a music perspective. Their success was from making their music an "experience". It was a group you WANTED to be a part of.
Today, the online marketing spectrum is the same. We have new tribes forming from Twitter, and Facebook. The communication spectrum is increasing and so is the marketing that walks along side it. Why? Because tribes need leaders.
Its worth a read.....
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The People Business
No matter what road of life your business is on (whether traditional, online, networking etc.) its important to recognize and remember one thing.
"You are in the people business"
Do me and the entire world a favor. Forget about your product. (I know....it seems like heresy!) Let's face it....for one reason or another we probably got involved in our business because we "somewhat" were attracted or loved our product. So, we decided to jump into the business because we have a PRODUCT!!!! It works! It's totally Green! It's safe! It's delicious! It's packaged environmentally friendly! It's economical, fun, smart, fast, stylish, tasteful, sweet, and the world is a better place because of it! Right?
That's not WHY people choose to do business with you. They choose to do business with you because of YOU. It's the only thing different you can really add if you are starting a soda company and run up against competition like Coke? It's the only thing different you can add when you are running up against cereal like Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. Anything else is JUST product....but YOU add something totally different.
In the world of Internet marketing it appears that many people fail to recognize one thing. (It's still a people business...and it always will be). If you think just because you have a computer that you can hide behind the monitor screen and not develop relationships and talk with people you are fooling yourself. Relationships exist because people communicate with each other in MEANINGFUL ways...not just through a blog, twitter, facebook, a website, or any other social networking site. Yes...it allows you to stay in contact with people and give and receive useful information, but its only a tool and that tool is totally useless if you are not expanding WHO YOU KNOW, and WHO KNOWS YOU and developing those relationships.
The other day I was having a tea at the local coffee shop and a total stranger approached me and asked, "What is it that you do?". How do you answer that question?
Do you go into your mindless spiel about how you market a juice, or vitamins? Do you unleash the fire hose of information on a stranger that is simply seeking a simple answer?
The answer is..."I market a health beverage....or non-toxic cleaning supplies, or high quality vitamins, that helps with asthma, arthritis...." or whatever your product helps.
The reason is equally simple...because it usually leads to another question. If a person is genuinely interested in YOU, they will be genuinely interested in your product....especially if they feel and get the response that you are genuinely interested in THEM.
And the world goes round and round and round. That's how real authentic relationships work. If a person isn't interested...guess what happens? The questions cease. Its a perfectly normal human reaction when a person loses interest. They quit asking questions. However, that doesn't mean that YOU quit asking questions. Your objective is to further your relationships.
A lot more to come on attraction marketing.
Just remember that you are in "the people business"
Friday, December 12, 2008
Motivation from William Wallace (BraveHeart)
One of the best motivational speeches EVER!! Don't trade your life for something less important.
Well you stand up and fight for your own financial freedom????
"Freeeeeeeeeeeedom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Thoughts on the 2007 Recession
Lets take a look back at U.S. economics. We have enjoyed a historic "59 month" expansion. WOW!!! What a record!
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the agency that officially determines the timing of economic expansions and contractions, the U.S. economy has experienced 31 periods of sustained economic expansion since the 1850s and the average length of these economic expansions has been 35 months. This
makes the current economic expansion, to date, three times as long as the average economic expansion during the past 150 years.
The duration of recent economic growth is indeed very impressive given the record- breaking length of the current expansion, but recent economic growth is even more remarkable due to the fact that the current expansion followed an economic expansion during the 1980s that lasted 92 months, and these two economic expansions were separated only by a relatively mild eight-month recession in 1990 and 1991. As a result, during the past 207 months (17 years and three months), the U.S. economy experienced economic growth during 199 months or 96% of the time. These two economic expansions mark the longest back-to-back expansions in U.S. history.
WOW!!! That's impressive considering that 911 happened and media experts claimed we were on the brink of recession since 2000? Apparently...none of that was true? huh?
Here are the facts:
Recessions historically last on average from 8-16 months. (Since the current recession started in December 2007...it would mean we have another 4 months to go before expansion begins again)
Expansions generally last on average from 35-59 months.
It's the laws of economics. Things will always go up and down, up and down, up and down. Recession will always follow expansion. But know this....after recession comes expansion!!!
If we only have 4 months to go before expansion hits again, don't you think that NOW is the time to position yourself for that growth? Don't you think that NOW is the time to prepare yourself for that expansion?
According to statistics and history that expansion is due to begin in 2009. Get yourself ready!!! It's comparable to surfing. If you are going to ride a wave, you need to position yourself in front of that wave BEFORE it becomes a wave. It's called "catching a wave". If you don't prepare yourself and get yourself ready to surf that wave you'll miss it! Now is the time to prepare yourself for that huge financial wave of opportunity...during recession....not during expansion. We have approximately 3-4 years of expansion on its way.
"Get ready and surfs up, dude!"
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the agency that officially determines the timing of economic expansions and contractions, the U.S. economy has experienced 31 periods of sustained economic expansion since the 1850s and the average length of these economic expansions has been 35 months. This
makes the current economic expansion, to date, three times as long as the average economic expansion during the past 150 years.
The duration of recent economic growth is indeed very impressive given the record- breaking length of the current expansion, but recent economic growth is even more remarkable due to the fact that the current expansion followed an economic expansion during the 1980s that lasted 92 months, and these two economic expansions were separated only by a relatively mild eight-month recession in 1990 and 1991. As a result, during the past 207 months (17 years and three months), the U.S. economy experienced economic growth during 199 months or 96% of the time. These two economic expansions mark the longest back-to-back expansions in U.S. history.
WOW!!! That's impressive considering that 911 happened and media experts claimed we were on the brink of recession since 2000? Apparently...none of that was true? huh?
Here are the facts:
Recessions historically last on average from 8-16 months. (Since the current recession started in December 2007...it would mean we have another 4 months to go before expansion begins again)
Expansions generally last on average from 35-59 months.
It's the laws of economics. Things will always go up and down, up and down, up and down. Recession will always follow expansion. But know this....after recession comes expansion!!!
If we only have 4 months to go before expansion hits again, don't you think that NOW is the time to position yourself for that growth? Don't you think that NOW is the time to prepare yourself for that expansion?
According to statistics and history that expansion is due to begin in 2009. Get yourself ready!!! It's comparable to surfing. If you are going to ride a wave, you need to position yourself in front of that wave BEFORE it becomes a wave. It's called "catching a wave". If you don't prepare yourself and get yourself ready to surf that wave you'll miss it! Now is the time to prepare yourself for that huge financial wave of opportunity...during recession....not during expansion. We have approximately 3-4 years of expansion on its way.
"Get ready and surfs up, dude!"
You are under attack!!!!
I have mentioned this before in this blog. However, MORE THAN EVER, is it important to guard your mind, your attitude, your heart and your belief systems! You are constantly under attack from negative outside influence. Let me give you a brief example of what I mean....
Everyday, when I open my Internet connection I am introduced to a lead page that gives me a run down of the daily headlines in the news (Both in the world and local). I will list some TRUE headlines over the past 2 days.
1. Police shooting sparks riots in two Greek cities
2. Militants in Pakistan torch more than 160 US and NATO vehicles
3. Tribune company prepares for possible bankruptcy filing
4. U.S. special forces mistakenly kill 6 Afghan police
5. Rio Tinto to cut 14,000 jobs to cope with slump
6. Whole sale inventories, sales plunge in October
7. Black Hole AIG needs another $10 Billion
8. California will be out of money by March
9. Illinois Governor arrested for bribery.
10. Chrysler executive says car maker failure could spark depression
11. Robbers in drag get million in Paris jewel theft
12. Top Indian officials admit "lapses in attacks from terrorist"
13. Budget Crunches happening world wide
14. Mayo Clinic is targeted by a telemarketing scam
15. Fire Fighter loses house in Fire
16. Students make a pitch to save the band program from school cuts
17. Employers cut 533K jobs in November (most in 34 years)
18. Oil plummets on dire US jobs figures
19. Citibank lays off 10,000
20. AT&T lays off 12,000
Happy, Happy, Happy..............................................
Does this make my point?
We are surrounded by negative images everyday from the T.V., Newspaper, Internet....all media outlets. Our minds and attitudes are easily influenced by outside forces. It's important to protect yourself....and feed it full of positive material.
In fact, Hitler's propaganda specialist use to say, "If you tell a lie often enough, eventually that lie will become the truth"
Things are not as bad as the media would like you to think.
1. Interest rates are at an all time low. This is the biggest opportunity for real-estate investors in 20-30 years.
2. Home-based business has seen an increase in sales and business thanks to the false security that corporations provide.
3. The stock market is at the lowest its been in 30 plus years, providing opportunity for investors.
To contradict Chicken-Little: "The sky is NOT falling"
Keep focused. Stay positive. Stay away from the negative media! Go buy a motivational book or CD!!! Now is the time to protect yourself from the attack.
Everyday, when I open my Internet connection I am introduced to a lead page that gives me a run down of the daily headlines in the news (Both in the world and local). I will list some TRUE headlines over the past 2 days.
1. Police shooting sparks riots in two Greek cities
2. Militants in Pakistan torch more than 160 US and NATO vehicles
3. Tribune company prepares for possible bankruptcy filing
4. U.S. special forces mistakenly kill 6 Afghan police
5. Rio Tinto to cut 14,000 jobs to cope with slump
6. Whole sale inventories, sales plunge in October
7. Black Hole AIG needs another $10 Billion
8. California will be out of money by March
9. Illinois Governor arrested for bribery.
10. Chrysler executive says car maker failure could spark depression
11. Robbers in drag get million in Paris jewel theft
12. Top Indian officials admit "lapses in attacks from terrorist"
13. Budget Crunches happening world wide
14. Mayo Clinic is targeted by a telemarketing scam
15. Fire Fighter loses house in Fire
16. Students make a pitch to save the band program from school cuts
17. Employers cut 533K jobs in November (most in 34 years)
18. Oil plummets on dire US jobs figures
19. Citibank lays off 10,000
20. AT&T lays off 12,000
Happy, Happy, Happy..............................................
Does this make my point?
We are surrounded by negative images everyday from the T.V., Newspaper, Internet....all media outlets. Our minds and attitudes are easily influenced by outside forces. It's important to protect yourself....and feed it full of positive material.
In fact, Hitler's propaganda specialist use to say, "If you tell a lie often enough, eventually that lie will become the truth"
Things are not as bad as the media would like you to think.
1. Interest rates are at an all time low. This is the biggest opportunity for real-estate investors in 20-30 years.
2. Home-based business has seen an increase in sales and business thanks to the false security that corporations provide.
3. The stock market is at the lowest its been in 30 plus years, providing opportunity for investors.
To contradict Chicken-Little: "The sky is NOT falling"
Keep focused. Stay positive. Stay away from the negative media! Go buy a motivational book or CD!!! Now is the time to protect yourself from the attack.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Massive action equals Massive results
Lets not make this blog cutesy cutesy. I don't want to mince words so I'll cut to the chase.
"It's a numbers game"
Stop and take a note of where you are. (Point A)
Now make a note of where you want to be. (Point B)
How do you get there? That is the true question. It would be nice if I could paint a pretty picture that its a clear straight shot from "where you are...to where you want to be", but the truth is that it's a long, tough, and bumpy road. You WILL have obstacles to overcome. You WILL have setbacks, delays, frustrations, errors, failures....that is just part of the game that will always remain the same. BUT...the good news is that you can overcome every single obstacle in your way...as long as you don't give up. If you are willing to work hard, learn, and overcome those obtacles..you will succeed.
What's the numbers game? It simply states that if you see enough people, enough times a day, that eventually enough people will react or buy. It's like the batting average in baseball. You step up to the plate ten times...and you strike out seven times. Not bad! You're batting .300 and we all know what a .300 batter makes in baseball? Multi-Millions!!!
Take ten beans and place them in your left pocket. You have an entire day to move each bean into your right pocket for every single contact you make in that day. 10 contacts a day equals 70 contacts in a week. One month later after you have 280 contacts established for the month (all from a simple bean exercise) and if you're batting .300....that would mean 84 new people are brought into your opportunity!!
So you say..."Yeah...but Dan that is so un-realistic"
Ok...so lets get conservative with the estimate. Cut that number in half...(wait!) How about cutting it down to 25%? That would mean 21 new people came into your opportunity? What would that do to your business?
Don't miss the point. "Massive action equals Massive results". If you want to get from point A to point B...simply do what it takes to get there. Do the math. Do the work. Do the numbers. The numbers always work...and it doesn't matter if you get those contacts by purchasing leads, producing your own online leads, by making a warm-list and working other's warm list. However you choose to do it...it doesn't matter. What really matters is that you just "do it". Action will always give you results...no matter what. But if its massive results you are looking for....than pump, pump, pump it up! Because massive action is the only thing that will provide you those results.
"It's a numbers game"
Stop and take a note of where you are. (Point A)
Now make a note of where you want to be. (Point B)
How do you get there? That is the true question. It would be nice if I could paint a pretty picture that its a clear straight shot from "where you are...to where you want to be", but the truth is that it's a long, tough, and bumpy road. You WILL have obstacles to overcome. You WILL have setbacks, delays, frustrations, errors, failures....that is just part of the game that will always remain the same. BUT...the good news is that you can overcome every single obstacle in your way...as long as you don't give up. If you are willing to work hard, learn, and overcome those obtacles..you will succeed.
What's the numbers game? It simply states that if you see enough people, enough times a day, that eventually enough people will react or buy. It's like the batting average in baseball. You step up to the plate ten times...and you strike out seven times. Not bad! You're batting .300 and we all know what a .300 batter makes in baseball? Multi-Millions!!!
Take ten beans and place them in your left pocket. You have an entire day to move each bean into your right pocket for every single contact you make in that day. 10 contacts a day equals 70 contacts in a week. One month later after you have 280 contacts established for the month (all from a simple bean exercise) and if you're batting .300....that would mean 84 new people are brought into your opportunity!!
So you say..."Yeah...but Dan that is so un-realistic"
Ok...so lets get conservative with the estimate. Cut that number in half...(wait!) How about cutting it down to 25%? That would mean 21 new people came into your opportunity? What would that do to your business?
Don't miss the point. "Massive action equals Massive results". If you want to get from point A to point B...simply do what it takes to get there. Do the math. Do the work. Do the numbers. The numbers always work...and it doesn't matter if you get those contacts by purchasing leads, producing your own online leads, by making a warm-list and working other's warm list. However you choose to do it...it doesn't matter. What really matters is that you just "do it". Action will always give you results...no matter what. But if its massive results you are looking for....than pump, pump, pump it up! Because massive action is the only thing that will provide you those results.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Do friends and family criticize you?
WHEN WINSTON CHURCHILL was a young man, his father concluded that Winston was “unfit for a career in law or politics” because he did so badly in school.
Barbra Streisand’s mother told her she wasn’t pretty enough to be an actress and she could never become a singer because her voice wasn’t good enough.
Conrad Hilton, who created a business empire with his Hilton Hotels, once overheard his father say to his mother: “Mary, I do not know what will become of Connie. I’m afraid he’ll never amount to anything.”
George Washington’s mother was a harping, complaining, self-centered woman by all accounts. She belittled Washington’s accomplishments and didn’t show up at either of his presidential inaugurations. She was always whining that her children neglected her, and she was especially enraged when her son George ran off to command the army for the American Revolution. She honestly believed it was his duty to stay home and take care of her.
In his youth, the late Leonard Bernstein, one of the most talented and successful composers in American history, was continually pressured by his father to give up his music and do something worthwhile, like help out in his family’s beauty-supply business. After Leonard became famous, his father was asked about that, and he answered, “Well how was I supposed to know he was the Leonard Bernstein?!”
People may criticize you or make fun of your ideas or actively try to stop you. Often their efforts are only attempts to protect you from failure. But failure is only a possibility if you stop. If you keep going, a “failure” is just another learning experience. And besides, giving up on a heartfelt aspiration is worse than failing. “Many people die,” said Oliver Wendell Holmes, “with their music still in them.” That’s true tragedy.
So listen politely to the worries and criticisms of your friends and family, and do your best to put their minds at ease, but then carry on. Listen last to your own heart. You know yourself better than anyone on earth. Make sure your song is sung.
Don't die with the music still in you!
Barbra Streisand’s mother told her she wasn’t pretty enough to be an actress and she could never become a singer because her voice wasn’t good enough.
Conrad Hilton, who created a business empire with his Hilton Hotels, once overheard his father say to his mother: “Mary, I do not know what will become of Connie. I’m afraid he’ll never amount to anything.”
George Washington’s mother was a harping, complaining, self-centered woman by all accounts. She belittled Washington’s accomplishments and didn’t show up at either of his presidential inaugurations. She was always whining that her children neglected her, and she was especially enraged when her son George ran off to command the army for the American Revolution. She honestly believed it was his duty to stay home and take care of her.
In his youth, the late Leonard Bernstein, one of the most talented and successful composers in American history, was continually pressured by his father to give up his music and do something worthwhile, like help out in his family’s beauty-supply business. After Leonard became famous, his father was asked about that, and he answered, “Well how was I supposed to know he was the Leonard Bernstein?!”
People may criticize you or make fun of your ideas or actively try to stop you. Often their efforts are only attempts to protect you from failure. But failure is only a possibility if you stop. If you keep going, a “failure” is just another learning experience. And besides, giving up on a heartfelt aspiration is worse than failing. “Many people die,” said Oliver Wendell Holmes, “with their music still in them.” That’s true tragedy.
So listen politely to the worries and criticisms of your friends and family, and do your best to put their minds at ease, but then carry on. Listen last to your own heart. You know yourself better than anyone on earth. Make sure your song is sung.
Don't die with the music still in you!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thank God you can smile!
If you need more to be thankful for watch this video.....amazing the little things we take for granted.
Being Thankful
Just being a week away from Thanksgiving...I believe it's appropriate to blog on thankfulness.
The obstacle
The problem is that when things are given to us over and over, we start taking them for granted or we forget being appreciative of what we receive.
You can overcome this tendency by dedicating some time daily just to be thankful.
How?
Simply sit somewhere where you are not disturbed. Think of anything you have (examples below).
It is not a matter of comparison, but think for a second about the millions of people who are not blessed with what you have, or are simply in a worse condition than you. Realize that you could easily not have had all the things you do have.
Say "thanks" internally. Some people like saying "thanks" loudly. You can use thankful phrases to express what you are grateful for, or find inspiration in thankful quotes. You can start a gratitude journal in which to record what you are thankful for, or you could also have a gratitude rock.
Examples of what you can be thankful for:
Simply walking or having any sense (smell, sight...).
Friends, relatives, a spouse, a partner, someone that appreciates your company, even a pet.
Possessions: clothes, a car, a house, a computer, a watch, a TV, etc.
Your job! If you like it, then wonderful; if you do not like it, realize that it still gives you money that allows you to build your life.
Your health. You may have more or less problems with your body, but you are here, you are breathing, you are alive.
Food. Do you starve daily? Do you have problems to obtain food? Many people do.
Just start the day with each foot sliding out of bed while saying "Thank" as your left foot hits the ground and "You" as your right foot hits the ground. Thank you....because I am ALIVE! Its a gift....use it.
The obstacle
The problem is that when things are given to us over and over, we start taking them for granted or we forget being appreciative of what we receive.
You can overcome this tendency by dedicating some time daily just to be thankful.
How?
Simply sit somewhere where you are not disturbed. Think of anything you have (examples below).
It is not a matter of comparison, but think for a second about the millions of people who are not blessed with what you have, or are simply in a worse condition than you. Realize that you could easily not have had all the things you do have.
Say "thanks" internally. Some people like saying "thanks" loudly. You can use thankful phrases to express what you are grateful for, or find inspiration in thankful quotes. You can start a gratitude journal in which to record what you are thankful for, or you could also have a gratitude rock.
Examples of what you can be thankful for:
Simply walking or having any sense (smell, sight...).
Friends, relatives, a spouse, a partner, someone that appreciates your company, even a pet.
Possessions: clothes, a car, a house, a computer, a watch, a TV, etc.
Your job! If you like it, then wonderful; if you do not like it, realize that it still gives you money that allows you to build your life.
Your health. You may have more or less problems with your body, but you are here, you are breathing, you are alive.
Food. Do you starve daily? Do you have problems to obtain food? Many people do.
Just start the day with each foot sliding out of bed while saying "Thank" as your left foot hits the ground and "You" as your right foot hits the ground. Thank you....because I am ALIVE! Its a gift....use it.
Friday, November 14, 2008
My time with Les Brown
Recently, I had an opportunity to listen to one of my favorite authors and speakers, Les Brown.
It was a FANTASTIC experience, but nothing would prepare me for what happened. I was walking around after the event and (by a stroke of luck or fate) ran RIGHT INTO LES!! What was even more LUCKY was the fact that I had his book "Live Your Dreams" in my travel pack. Talk about being at the RIGHT PLACE at the RIGHT TIME!!!!
I quickly grabbed my book out of my pack and said, "Mr. Brown, I'm a huge fan of your work. Could you please sign YOUR book".
He looked at me with this look of surprise and looked down at my ORIGINAL FIRST COPIES of his book...he smiled and said, "I can't believe you have that book...wow! That's THEE book." He opened the front cover and wrote: To Dan, LES Brown P.S. You are a Winner!
Here are a few things I learned from Les Brown that day (Write these down).
1. You have to have a game plan for being here. Empower yourself!!!
2. Our Life is God's gift to us...How we live our lives is our gift to God.
3. Learn how to tell your story!! Your voice is your calling card
4. Put your money where your mouth is
5. Help people overcome "opportunity blindness" and "possibility blindness"
6. You might be through with your past...but is your past through with you? (Do some things still haunt you?)
7. Somebodies OPINION of you does not have to become your REALITY!
8. Find a coach with a proven track record
9. Get grounded! Sometimes things go up, sometimes things go down..you need to work on YOU! If you are a bum on the street when the DOW JONES comes down..what do you care? You're still a bum!! Change that.
10. Be a thermostat not a thermometer. Thermometers CHECK the temperature, thermostats SET the temperature.
11. Listen to motivation everyday! Read motivation everyday! Why? Because if you don't program your mind...your mind will get programmed! Stop watching so much negative T.V.!!!
12. Get Busy...and Walk Fast! "In life you are either ON THE WAY or IN THE WAY!!
13. There is no success with out successors. Learn from the great ones. Why? Because success leaves clues.
14. "We have all been misled with "Opportunity knocks. That's a lie. Opportunity does not knock, it stands by silently waiting for you to recognize it."
Thank You Les
The Big Drill Theory
Nobody that went looking for a drill actually wanted a drill. It's true. You might be thinking I'm crazy for bringing this little theory to the table. Just think about it. The last time you went out to buy a drill were you REALLY looking for a drill or were you looking for a way to create a HOLE?
Deep thought eh? When people go looking for something....what they are really looking for is a solution to their problems. People don't join your business because of the product, or the company. In fact, they don't join a business because of YOU. Unless...you seem to be a person who sincerely and seriously points to a solution to their problem.
If a friend looks at your business and can answer YES to 3 questions...they'll join.
1. Can I do this? or is this so complicated that it guarantees my failure?
2. Will this offer me a solution to my problem?
3. Is this the right leader to follow?
Every person has a RIGHT to dream. So....discover what kind of HOLE they are trying to make and point them to the right tool to create that hole. YOUR BUSINESS with YOUR LEADERSHIP.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween
Halloween marks something special for me. Yes, it can be exciting carving pumpkins, and handing out candy and dressing the kids up for trick or treating. But, it can also be exciting from a goal setting perspective.
Why?
Because the next day represents November 1rst. That's right! You have approximately 6 months to redirect your focus and realign your priorities to hit your goals before April 15th!! That's right...Tax day!
You can make the next 6 months count in a HUGE way...both from a business perspective and tax perspective.
Make sure you update your tax folder, keep your receipts, track your expenses, log your mileage!! Not only will this save you money in the long run, but pay for your business!!
#1 Write down where you want to be in 6 months.
#2 Write out what it will take to get there.
#3 Break that down into 6 monthly goals
#4 Give yourself a reward for hitting the goal!!
#5 Tell your upline, your downline, and SOMEONE YOUNGER!! (maybe a 5 yr old if you have one around! :))
Why? Because writing down your goal triggers a response in your brain. It puts your thoughts and words into concrete form. It moves you in the direction you want to go.
Why tell people? Because it turns the seriousness up a notch. Now you have people cheering you on, and periodically checking your pulse?
Why would I tell my 5 year old? Because little ones are relentless. How often do you think my 5 year old asks me about my goals? EVERY DAY.
Why? Because he knows that when we hit our goal....we're going to Disney World.
That my friends....is lighting a serious fire under you!
Set your 6 month goals today!
Why?
Because the next day represents November 1rst. That's right! You have approximately 6 months to redirect your focus and realign your priorities to hit your goals before April 15th!! That's right...Tax day!
You can make the next 6 months count in a HUGE way...both from a business perspective and tax perspective.
Make sure you update your tax folder, keep your receipts, track your expenses, log your mileage!! Not only will this save you money in the long run, but pay for your business!!
#1 Write down where you want to be in 6 months.
#2 Write out what it will take to get there.
#3 Break that down into 6 monthly goals
#4 Give yourself a reward for hitting the goal!!
#5 Tell your upline, your downline, and SOMEONE YOUNGER!! (maybe a 5 yr old if you have one around! :))
Why? Because writing down your goal triggers a response in your brain. It puts your thoughts and words into concrete form. It moves you in the direction you want to go.
Why tell people? Because it turns the seriousness up a notch. Now you have people cheering you on, and periodically checking your pulse?
Why would I tell my 5 year old? Because little ones are relentless. How often do you think my 5 year old asks me about my goals? EVERY DAY.
Why? Because he knows that when we hit our goal....we're going to Disney World.
That my friends....is lighting a serious fire under you!
Set your 6 month goals today!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Deep Inside of You is the voice of an Opera Singer
If you can believe it...you can achieve it! SING! SING! SING!
Sing the song of your heart.....it was a song placed there by God and it was meant to be sung!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
It's about the process!!
We can have more than we've got because we can become more than we are.
Think about that for a second............
It's not about all the money. It's not about all the fancy cars and nice homes. It's not about the trip to Hawaii. It's about "GROWING".
The big challenge is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming. You can't believe what it does to the spirit to maximize your human potential and stretch yourself to the limit.
Don't settle for less. Don't wish for things to be "easy"....wish to get "better"
Pity the man who inherits a million dollars and who isn't a millionaire. Here's what would be pitiful: If your income grew and you didn't.
Think about that......"if your income grew and YOU didn't"
The most important question to ask on the job is not "What am I getting?" The most important question to ask on the job is "What am I becoming?" Are you growing? Are you getting stronger, faster, better?
See, money is one thing. Becoming is another....and after the ride is over the Good Lord won't ask you about your pocket book.
After you become a millionaire, you can give all of your money away because what's important is not the million dollars; what's important is the person you have become in the process of becoming a millionaire.
It's about the process.....
Process that!
Think about that for a second............
It's not about all the money. It's not about all the fancy cars and nice homes. It's not about the trip to Hawaii. It's about "GROWING".
The big challenge is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming. You can't believe what it does to the spirit to maximize your human potential and stretch yourself to the limit.
Don't settle for less. Don't wish for things to be "easy"....wish to get "better"
Pity the man who inherits a million dollars and who isn't a millionaire. Here's what would be pitiful: If your income grew and you didn't.
Think about that......"if your income grew and YOU didn't"
The most important question to ask on the job is not "What am I getting?" The most important question to ask on the job is "What am I becoming?" Are you growing? Are you getting stronger, faster, better?
See, money is one thing. Becoming is another....and after the ride is over the Good Lord won't ask you about your pocket book.
After you become a millionaire, you can give all of your money away because what's important is not the million dollars; what's important is the person you have become in the process of becoming a millionaire.
It's about the process.....
Process that!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Would you like fries with that?
Why are people drawn to McDonald's? Is it for the mouth watering burgers? Is it for the unforgettable meals? Maybe it's because of the earth shattering fries and top notch service from a few select High School students?
Ray Kroc came up with a SYSTEM that was predictable, speedy, and low in prices. He then turned around and SOLD that system to franchise owners. His system was simple and allowed high school students to work a business that consistently turned beef into cash.
Let's face it. People don't buy a McDonald's franchise so they can sell delicious food. They're in business to make money and Ray Kroc sold that opportunity in a box...and called it McDonald's.
Here's a thought: Network Marketing has nothing to do with your company or product.
(As much as I love my product....this is the truth).
If your product holds real value and offers a solution to the consumer...that's all that matters.
Whatever business or product you are offering...understand that somewhere, someplace, someone is offering something more unique, more economical, more convenient, better tasting, and better packaged.
So....what separates you from the rest of the pack? What do YOU have to offer that others don't?
The answer: YOU.
Network Marketing is about "Marketing". And the business you are marketing is YOU Inc.
You are the CEO, President, Sales Manager, Marketing Director of the hottest company on the planet. YOU!
Think about it. What makes McDonald's so appealing? It's the predictable experience. You know what you're going to get. You know that you can order a happy meal and your child will love it....why? Because somewhere deep inside that goofy little box is a 25 cent toy. Cheap? Maybe, but your child will love that little toy and the experience will be worth every single little cheap burger you eat!
This is called personal branding.....and attraction marketing. People will follow you and listen to you...because its YOU!! The fact that you have an outstanding product is just the cherry on the sundae! Or should I say...."Would you like Fries with that?"
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Message from "The Lost Boys of Sudan"
In 1983, about 25,000 boys from southern Sudan, most of them 5 to 10 years old, fled the advancing Muslim army from the north that was seeking to exterminate the male population of black Christians. The Lost Boys, as they came to be known, trekked barefoot for more than 1,000 miles and eventually settled in a U.N. refuge camp in Kakuma, Kenya. Rather than becoming bitter and hostile, the boys formed a close-knit society in which they all took care of one another, boys as young as 11 taking on the responsibility of surrogate fathers. What is remarkable to see is that these children did not let their sadness and suffering -- many buried their families -- wipe out their good will and kind nature.
Last week, one of these Lost Boys (John Bul Dau) came to Mason City and spoke about the events that unfolded.
He was forced to flee from his village in the middle of the night from attacking Muslim soldiers. He escaped only to walk barefoot for 3 days in the desert (No water, no food). He drank water from the mud on the ground, and found a peach-like fruit in which he ate to survive.
He came upon a refuge camp in Ethiopia where he lived for nearly 4 years. The camp was surrounded by armed guards and prevented the refugees from leaving. The camp came under attack AGAIN from Muslim Soldiers and they were forced to flee.
This time, they had to cross a river to reach freedom. This river was no ordinary river. It was so wide that it took nearly 3 days to cross. They had no boats, no rafts, to floatation devices, and were forced to wade and swim across the river. The only thing they had to help them across the fast moving current was a single rope that had been strung across the river to prevent mothers and children from being swept away. If that wasn't enough....the river was full of crocodiles. Many people perished from the man eating crocodiles, and on several occasions, some of those people were eaten alive right next to John.
I write this blog today for several reasons. First, I think that everyday we complain about the simple things in our life. I believe that alot of us, living in the FREE WORLD, take our freedoms for granted. How blessed are you to be able to get up everyday and have opportunity knocking at your door?
John Bul Dau had two main points to his speech.
First, he wanted everyone to know that the Almighty God saved him. He believed that it was the only thing that allowed him to survive the nature of events that unfolded. Everything from surviving war, to desert, to lack of food and water, to crocodile filled rivers.
My question to you is....where are you at personally with your relationship with God? It's a big question. But it is one that John felt was important to list as his #1. There isn't anything too big happening in your life RIGHT NOW that God can't handle.
Second, he cried out "NEVER GIVE UP!".
Every day as Americans we get out of bed and we should say these two words with every foot that hits the ground. "Thank"..."You". Thank you God that we live in a time and place that allows us to walk to work without crossing a river filled with man eating crocodiles. Thank you God that you put us in a time and place that allows us to live free. Thank you that we have the freedoms to either deny You or accept You. Thank you that we have opportunity to work a home based business, work a job we love, walk away from things we hate, involve ourselves with family, friends.....WE HAVE OPTIONS...and WE HAVE THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE.
From a Life perspective: What are you doing RIGHT NOW to live the life you want?
From a Relationship perspective: What are you doing RIGHT NOW to strengthen your relationships?
From a Business perspective: What are you doing RIGHT NOW to further your business? You can make 10-20 contacts a day. Why? Because you don't have a crocodile sitting by your phone.
We might be able to make excuses for our failures....we certainly don't have excuses for quitting.
Last week, one of these Lost Boys (John Bul Dau) came to Mason City and spoke about the events that unfolded.
He was forced to flee from his village in the middle of the night from attacking Muslim soldiers. He escaped only to walk barefoot for 3 days in the desert (No water, no food). He drank water from the mud on the ground, and found a peach-like fruit in which he ate to survive.
He came upon a refuge camp in Ethiopia where he lived for nearly 4 years. The camp was surrounded by armed guards and prevented the refugees from leaving. The camp came under attack AGAIN from Muslim Soldiers and they were forced to flee.
This time, they had to cross a river to reach freedom. This river was no ordinary river. It was so wide that it took nearly 3 days to cross. They had no boats, no rafts, to floatation devices, and were forced to wade and swim across the river. The only thing they had to help them across the fast moving current was a single rope that had been strung across the river to prevent mothers and children from being swept away. If that wasn't enough....the river was full of crocodiles. Many people perished from the man eating crocodiles, and on several occasions, some of those people were eaten alive right next to John.
I write this blog today for several reasons. First, I think that everyday we complain about the simple things in our life. I believe that alot of us, living in the FREE WORLD, take our freedoms for granted. How blessed are you to be able to get up everyday and have opportunity knocking at your door?
John Bul Dau had two main points to his speech.
First, he wanted everyone to know that the Almighty God saved him. He believed that it was the only thing that allowed him to survive the nature of events that unfolded. Everything from surviving war, to desert, to lack of food and water, to crocodile filled rivers.
My question to you is....where are you at personally with your relationship with God? It's a big question. But it is one that John felt was important to list as his #1. There isn't anything too big happening in your life RIGHT NOW that God can't handle.
Second, he cried out "NEVER GIVE UP!".
Every day as Americans we get out of bed and we should say these two words with every foot that hits the ground. "Thank"..."You". Thank you God that we live in a time and place that allows us to walk to work without crossing a river filled with man eating crocodiles. Thank you God that you put us in a time and place that allows us to live free. Thank you that we have the freedoms to either deny You or accept You. Thank you that we have opportunity to work a home based business, work a job we love, walk away from things we hate, involve ourselves with family, friends.....WE HAVE OPTIONS...and WE HAVE THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE.
From a Life perspective: What are you doing RIGHT NOW to live the life you want?
From a Relationship perspective: What are you doing RIGHT NOW to strengthen your relationships?
From a Business perspective: What are you doing RIGHT NOW to further your business? You can make 10-20 contacts a day. Why? Because you don't have a crocodile sitting by your phone.
We might be able to make excuses for our failures....we certainly don't have excuses for quitting.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Tortoise and Hare "revisited"
1. Once upon a time a tortoise and a hare had an argument about who was faster. They decided to settle the argument with a race. The tortoise and hare both agreed on a route and started off the race. The hare shot ahead and ran briskly for some time. Then seeing that he was far ahead of the tortoise, he thought he'd sit under a tree for some time and relax before continuing the race. He sat under the tree and soon fell asleep. The tortoise plodding on overtook him and soon finished the race, emerging as the undisputed champ. The hare woke up and realised that he'd lost the race.
The moral of the story is that slow and steady wins the race. This is the version of the story that we've all grown up with.
2. But then recently, someone told me a more interesting version of this tortoise and hare story. It continues.
The hare was disappointed at losing the race and he did some soul-searching. He realised that he'd lost the race only because he had been overconfident, careless and lax. If he had not taken things for granted, there's no way the tortoise could have beaten him. So he challenged the tortoise to another race. The tortoise agreed.
This time, the hare went all out and ran without stopping from start to finish. He won by several miles.
The hare was disappointed at losing the race and he did some soul-searching. He realised that he'd lost the race only because he had been overconfident, careless and lax. If he had not taken things for granted, there's no way the tortoise could have beaten him. So he challenged the tortoise to another race. The tortoise agreed.
This time, the hare went all out and ran without stopping from start to finish. He won by several miles.
The moral of the story? Fast and consistent will always beat the slow and steady. If you have two people in your organisation, one slow, methodical and reliable, and the other fast and still reliable at what he does, the fast and reliable chap will consistently climb the organisational ladder faster than the slow, methodical chap. It's good to be slow and steady; but it's better to be fast and reliable.
3. But the story doesn't end here. The tortoise did some thinking this time, and realised that there's no way he can beat the hare in a race the way it was currently formatted. He thought for a while, and then challenged the hare to another race, but on a slightly different route. The hare agreed. The tortoise and hare started off. In keeping with his self-made commitment to be consistently fast, the hare took off and ran at top speed until he came to a broad river. The finishing line was a couple of kilometres on the other side of the river. The hare sat there wondering what to do. In the meantime the tortoise trundled along, got into the river, swam to the opposite bank, continued walking and finished the race.
The moral of the story? First identify your core competency and then change the playing field to suit your core competency. In an organisation, if you are a good speaker, make sure you create opportunities to give presentations that enable the senior management to notice you.
If your strength is analysis, make sure you do some sort of research, make a report and send it upstairs. Working to your strengths will not only get you noticed, but will also create opportunities for growth and advancement.
If your strength is analysis, make sure you do some sort of research, make a report and send it upstairs. Working to your strengths will not only get you noticed, but will also create opportunities for growth and advancement.
The story still hasn't ended.
4. The tortoise and hare, by this time, had become pretty good friends and they did some thinking together. Both realized that the last race could have been run much better. So the tortoise and hare decided to do the last race again, but to run as a team this time.
They started off, and this time the hare carried the tortoise till the riverbank. There, the tortoise took over and swam across with the hare on his back. On the opposite bank, the hare again carried the tortoise and they reached the finishing line together. Both the tortoise and hare felt a greater sense of satisfaction than they'd felt earlier.
They started off, and this time the hare carried the tortoise till the riverbank. There, the tortoise took over and swam across with the hare on his back. On the opposite bank, the hare again carried the tortoise and they reached the finishing line together. Both the tortoise and hare felt a greater sense of satisfaction than they'd felt earlier.
The moral of the story? It's good to be individually brilliant and to have strong core competencies; but unless you're able to work in a team and harness each other's core competencies, you'll always perform below par because there will always be situations at which you'll do poorly and someone else does well.
How can we use this philosophy?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tune out the Negative Voices!
I saw an old friend of mine today after a business meeting in a local coffee shop. As I stopped to talk with him I quickly learned he was majorly depressed. His life wasn't turning out the way he thought it should. His finances, his career, his relationships, his family, and his health were all unbalanced. Throughout the conversation he would say "I'm just not sure what I'm doing, where I'm going. I feel like a loser"
Ever felt that way?
I went on to tell him that I thought he was being bombarded by the negative voices inside his head and that the only way to turn things around was to TUNE OUT THE NEGATIVE VOICES.
We are constantly being bombarded with negative words, thoughts and images. (Especially as of late with the national election around the corner.) The television, radio, news print, all seem to emit a negative vibe and the only way to curb it is through TURNING those media outlets off, or casting them to the side and replacing them with positive and motivational books, CD's, and Video's. Our minds are fragile places and it seems that whatever we allow inside blossoms into something much, much, bigger on the way out!
Take a single word for example. What could a single negative word do? Well, the English Language has somewhere near 750,000 words. This constitutes the most words in any given language with German running a distance 2nd place with half as many words.
What's so fascinating about this?
The average person's vocabulary consists of between 2,000 and 10,000 KNOWN words. That means we regularly use only 1/2 of 1 percent of the language! Out of this figure only 3,000 words are related to human emotion, and out of those emotional words only 1,051 of them describe a positive emotion. That means 2,086 (over half) describe negative emotions.
We are naturally bombarded within our own culture with a vocabulary that includes twice as many negative emotional words than positive words. So, it only makes sense that when we turn on the television, open the next day newspaper, flip on the radio, that our own senses will be attacked by these SAME negative words of influence. That SINGLE negative word....could be self-destructing. Thus, it's important to realize that words shape our beliefs and impact our actions.
Advice: Tune out the negative and replace it with something positive. Go on a mental fast and cut out the destructive static in the back ground that is sabotaging your dreams and your life!! Do it today and reap the benefits!!
Monday, October 6, 2008
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Life is Short
I had a long conversation with my mother last night. We normally talk about things like..the grandchildren, brother and sister stuff, family, church, community, jobs, career, finances, vacations....all the normal stuff.
But the conversation quickly changed to my cousin. She hasn't been feeling well the past few months and she went to see her doctor. The tests recently came back that she has cancer in her liver. They can't operate. They can't cure it. They sent her home and brought in a stay at home nurse to take care of her.
I'm familiar with liver cancer. My Grandmother died of it. She lived exactly ONE week after being diagnosed with it. Liver cancer moves fast...and I know my cousin will be gone soon.
Sorry if this seems like a down and out posting on my blog. But sometimes we all need a reality check.
Life is short. One day we are here, and the next day our Father calls us home. We know neither the time or place.
People are not going to remember whether or not you made billions of $$$ in your life time. They are not going to remember whether or not you worked for Target Corporation and worked a 90 hour a week job.
BUT........
They will remember the time you spent with them. They will remember the special phone calls, the walks, the talks, the trips, the memories of being TOGETHER.
My business means nothing to me. My Family means EVERYTHING.....and that is why I work my home-based business. Because my family is my "Why". Everyday when I get up...I don't think about how many people could benefit from my product or opportunity. No...instead..I think about how my family is benefiting from Mom and Dad staying at home...being together. How I am investing in myself and my family rather for someone else and their pocket book.
Why? Because I know that eventually someday....my time will come. And when it comes..I want to make sure that I have lived my life to its fullest. I especially want to make sure that I have spent that time wisely...and not foolishly.
Have you written out your why? If so....great. If not....WHY not? Check out my next posting...."My Why"
Life is short.........start living it!
But the conversation quickly changed to my cousin. She hasn't been feeling well the past few months and she went to see her doctor. The tests recently came back that she has cancer in her liver. They can't operate. They can't cure it. They sent her home and brought in a stay at home nurse to take care of her.
I'm familiar with liver cancer. My Grandmother died of it. She lived exactly ONE week after being diagnosed with it. Liver cancer moves fast...and I know my cousin will be gone soon.
Sorry if this seems like a down and out posting on my blog. But sometimes we all need a reality check.
Life is short. One day we are here, and the next day our Father calls us home. We know neither the time or place.
People are not going to remember whether or not you made billions of $$$ in your life time. They are not going to remember whether or not you worked for Target Corporation and worked a 90 hour a week job.
BUT........
They will remember the time you spent with them. They will remember the special phone calls, the walks, the talks, the trips, the memories of being TOGETHER.
My business means nothing to me. My Family means EVERYTHING.....and that is why I work my home-based business. Because my family is my "Why". Everyday when I get up...I don't think about how many people could benefit from my product or opportunity. No...instead..I think about how my family is benefiting from Mom and Dad staying at home...being together. How I am investing in myself and my family rather for someone else and their pocket book.
Why? Because I know that eventually someday....my time will come. And when it comes..I want to make sure that I have lived my life to its fullest. I especially want to make sure that I have spent that time wisely...and not foolishly.
Have you written out your why? If so....great. If not....WHY not? Check out my next posting...."My Why"
Life is short.........start living it!
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Pyramid of Success Part 3 (The 2nd Tier)
The 2nd Tier of Wooden's Pyramid involved Self-Control, Alertness, Initiative, and Intentness.
Control of your organization begins with control of yourself. Do you lead by example? Be a heads up leader! Make alertness a habit. Take the necessary steps to see what's coming. Are you ready for Glimpse?
Never fear failure. Even well-reasoned actions can fail. Mistakes and failed action are part of progress. An effective leader understands this....accepts it...and strives to make sure those misstep's are not caused by sloppiness, haste or poor judgement.
And for the last building stone in the 2nd tier...always remember to have intentness. Call it focus, persistence, determination.....in the end they all mean the same thing!
Let's put the 2nd tier into practice today!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Pyramid of Success part 2. (The Foundation)
Between the corner stones of success lies the foundation for success. This truth holds the key to success in any thing you do in life. What is that foundation?
People Skills.
You need to establish good people skills....especially when...(drum roll please)...YOU WORK WITH PEOPLE. My personal advice is to go purchase a book from Dale Carnegie entitled "How to win friends and influence people" I would rank this book as one of my top 10 leadership books of all time.
In the foundation of success we have "People Skills" and those skills are broken into 3 main areas: Friendship, Loyalty, and Cooperation.
Friendship in John Wooden's terms- "Seeking to create a team that shares camaraderie and respect (friendship) is the right thing to do. And where it exists you'll find a formidable organization."
Loyalty in John Wooden's terms- "To be effective, you must have real Loyalty from those you lead. First, be true to yourself and your core values. Then be true to those under your leadership. Remember: All that we send out to others, comes back to us. Send out Loyalty and it will be returned in abundance"
Cooperation in John Wooden's terms- "The sharing of idea, information, creativity, responsibilities, and tasks-is a priority of good leadership. An effective leader understands that it is a sign of strength to welcome honest differences and new ways of thinking from those on your team as well as from others."
Good people skills includes learning how to listen. (God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason)
Good people skills includes learning how speak and use language effectively. Communication plays such a vital role in good people skills.
Good people skills includes learning to give of our time and serve others without any false self-serving motives.
Good people skills includes learning how to have better manners, and better personal hygiene.
We all can learn these things.
Why is a dog man's best friend? Because a dog can't talk. Think about that for a second.
(Nala....our Golden Retriever sleeping with Kadyn and Tami...Life is good isn't it?)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Pyramid of Success--(The Corner Stones)
John Wooden (The most successful coach of our time) had a core belief system that he modeled after a pyramid. "The Pyramid of Success". He had a blown up picture of the model above put on the wall behind his desk so that every single parent and player that came to UCLA would see it. He believed the structure of the pyramid demonstrated his model best because it is still known today as the most solid structure. In fact, it was so well built that today it is the only 7th wonder of the ancient world still standing.
He began his "Pyramid of Success" with the cornerstones. These two corners of his pyramid were the two MOST IMPORTANT pieces of his success model. In construction, the cornerstone represents the most stable and important piece of the structure. If you have a weak cornerstone...the rest of the structure will crumble. That is why he chose these two success elements to help build the first part of the foundation.
1. Hard Work (Industriousness)
It might seem simple, but in fact what he means is hard work from the time you get up in the morning until you sleep at night. No time wasted. Every minute of your day accounted for where you are working towards your goal with 100% effort. This step alone can reap you ALOT of success.
2. Enthusiasm
Coach says it best...."Work without joy is drudgery. Drudgery does not produce champions, nor does it produce great organizations. You will not reach the top if you and those you lead are wearily trudging along, waiting for the workday to end so you can move on to something you'd rather do."
You gotta love what you do! Where does your energy come from in what you do?
And it makes alot of sense that he placed these two steps as the cornerstone for success. They both support each other and are a good start to a stong foundation for success.
What are you doing TODAY, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, to move your business forward?
The insurance company (AFLAC) uses a simple business model to illustrate this point (using the same strategy of John Wooden). It's called the power of ONE. Every day you should be contacting one person, Having one appointment, and writing one application. If you do ONE thing a day in your business....your business will move forward and you will hit success.
Dale Swain (who I had the honor to work personally with in this industry) is one of the top leaders in USANA. He says it best, "Do ONE thing...in your business EVERYDAY..and you'll find financial freedom"
Doing one thing a day in your business takes dedication and hard work. If you add a little enthusiasm and excitement to that mix, according to Coach John Wooden, you have the two cornerstone's in place for success.
Wooden On Leadership
It wasn't too long ago when I was reading the book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill. In one of his chapters I remember vividly the fact that every night (before he went to bed) he would surround himself with his "master mind group". Any leader or successful person that he could draw a picture from, learn from, and model himself after....some of these great people were notable "untouchables" or famous people who are no-longer living, so how could he even remotely get close to these great minds? By reading their work and their books.
I can't stress enough how important it is to read and learn self-improvement. In fact, I would love to hear from anyone reading my blog what they are currently reading?
So....I thought to myself....what great leader do I highly respect? What leader would I like to learn from in the art of "winning"? It didn't take me too long to come up with the name "Coach John Wooden". With his merits:
*10 National Championships (a record)
*Including 7 Championships in a row (a record)
*88 consecutive victories (a record)
*38 straight tournament playoff wins (a record)
*4 perfect seasons (a record)
*With only one losing season (His First) in 41 years of coaching
Obviously, I wanted to get inside this champions head and get a little insight. So, I bought his book, "Wooden on Leadership" and I already have made my money back from the investment in Chapter 1. Read below...what he writes in the first Chapter.
For most of my life I have believed that success if found in the running of the race. How you run the race--your planning, preparation, practice, and performance--counts for everything. Winning or losing is a by-product, and aftereffect, of that effort. For me, it's the quality of your effort that counts most and offers the greatest and most long-lasting satisfaction
Remember my father's advice: Set your standards high; namely do the absolute best of which you are capable. Focus on running the race rather than winning it. Do those things necessary to bring forth your personal best and don't lose sleep worrying about the competition. Let the competition lose sleep worrying about you. Teach your organization to do the same.
Amazing stuff isn't it? WOW!!! I will tell you in short, that I was cross-recruited last night for another MLM organization. While I started to share my opportunity with this man...he interrupted me (once he figured I was IN and FOR Network Marketing) and began to cross-recruit me for HIS business. I listened to him tell a story of how this specific area in Russia is Highly Radio-Active and it causes the fruits and vegetables to grow at an extra-ordinary rate and they use these fruits and vegetables in a product that is soooooo much better than MY product. Not to mention, that his mother was one of the top leaders in the company and that I would make 3 times more money.
I smiled and complimented him on being part of such an interesting company (especially one that adds cancer causing radio-active elements to their product) and asked a subtle question.
"So, Roger, being that your Mom is one of the top leaders of the company....and that you work with her. How come your not full-time?" (He had told me previously that he was working for $8 an hour and hated his job.) If what you have is so great, how come you waited to approach me about the product and business? How many people do you have in your organization? How much volume are you moving each month? Who are the leaders in your company and what is their background?"
You see, questions are powerful stuff! He didn't know what he was talking about and clearly wasn't right for my team. It took me less than a minute to determine that fact. Coach Wooden said it best...I don't lose sleep over the competition. I do my very best and when I encounter them...I already know how to overcome objections, ask the right questions to the right people, and know how to present the business and product to people. How? By sharpening my tools. When I'm not presenting the business...I'm reading about it. When I'm not talking about the business...I'm learning about it. I'm getting sharper and better and stronger.....and I encourage you to do the same. Pick up a good book today and get ready to get into the game! That way...when your number is called YOU are READY!!!!
The Soda Pop Story
There once was a man who loved Soda. He loved it so much that he decided to start a Soda Pop company and he named it 3-UP
Well....it didn't take very long before the man quickly realized that the soda business was a disaster. The soda recipe wasn't right and nobody liked the taste of the lime flavored drink. It wasn't like the other dark colored cola's around and people were not in favor of the change.
So, without giving up, the man changed the recipe to be a little more sweet, and a little more crisp in taste. This time he named the soda 4-UP. Again, the consumers couldn't latch onto the idea of a clear colored soda pop.
The man didn't quit. He changed the labels, and he got more aggressive with his advertising techniques....and this time he named the soda 5-UP. Well, for whatever reason the advertising techniques didn't work and the soda got mixed reviews, but it still failed.
The beaten down business guy didn't give up. He decided to give everything he had to get the soda off the ground. He sold his car to raise more funds for advertising and he changed the recipe one last time to add more citrus lime flavor. He packaged the drink in a green bottle rather than a clear one....and this time...he called the soda 6-UP. And people started to like the soda...in fact, they really started to switch over to the lime flavored drink. But in time...after the trial phase was over the people went back to their regular flavored cola's and the soda pop business man went out of business. He was beaten down, tired.....and QUIT!.
Two years later....an unknown man in his early 20's got a hold of the old business plan. He bought it for a $1 and made a few changes to the label on the bottle..and began to market the drink as a way to help settle an upset stomach....this time he named the soda 7-UP. And it was an instant success........
Moral of the story....never quit...you are only a distributor away from HUGE success.
A page from the Go-Giver
I've already read through the "Go-Giver" and I have to say it was a good read. I want to give you a page to read from the book.....because I think what it says is so valuable.
The words of Debra Davenport
Twelve years ago I turned forty-two. I got three presents for my birthday. One, a hundred-dollar gift certificate to JC Penny. Two, my kids bought an all day, expense paid day at the spa. Three, my husband gave me the most surprising gift of all. He gave me the wake-up call of a lifetime-when he walked out the door and never came back.
It took me one full year to unwrap, open, understand, and use that gift.
You see, at forty-two I was suddenly single with three kids to feed. I had never spent a day in the mainstream work-force. As a full time mother, wife and manager of a busy household, I had juggled dozens of skills and worked grueling hours. But, I quickly learned that none of what I had done the last twenty odd years were considered marketable. I was turned down everywhere I applied because I was overage and under-qualified. So, I decided in the next few months to pursue my real estate license. The following eight months were busy learning and trying from the advice given from other Realtors in the firm.
They taught me every kind of sales methodology and closing technique ever invented. I learned the direct close, time-driven close, trial offer close, compliment close, embarrassment close, best-time to buy close, and the never-the best time to buy close. I learned every close from A to Z. What? You don't believe me?
I learned the Assumptive close, Bonus close, Concession close, Disraction close, Emotion close, Future close, Golden Bridge close, Humor close, IQ close, Jersey City close, the Kill close, Leverage close, Money's not everything close, Now or Never close, Ownership close, Puppy Dog close, Quality close, Reversal close, Standing Room only close, Takeaway close, Underpriced close, Vanity close, Window of opportunity close, Xaviera Hollander close, Ya-Ya sisterhood close, and the Zsa Zsa Gabor close!! Honey, I learned to CLOSE!!!!!
And let me tell you what happened. At the end of a year, I had not sold ONE, single, property. And I hated it. Every single, desperate, failing minute of it.
That Thursday, I turned forty-three. And a friend of mine bought me a ticket to a sales symposium. Tell you the truth...I didn't want to go. But she was my friend...what could I do? So I went. And the speaker started to speak and said "Whatever it is..YOU can excel by adding value. If you need money...add value. And if you need ALOT of money, add ALOT of value."
People in the audience laughed....but I raised my hand. I stood up and said, "What if you need ALOT of money FAST!!!" He nodded, smiled and said, 'Then find a way to add a lot of value FAST!'
Ladies and Gentleman, I thought long and hard about what that speaker said. And all weekend I thought about it. Sunday evening, it came to me. What could I possibly add? NOTHING. There was not ONE single solitary shred or ounce of value I could think of that insignificant little Debra Davenport could add. After a year of trying, I'd proven I had no professional value whatsoever. What I had to offer these clients was NOTHING. So, that Sunday evening, I made up my mind. It was time to quit. You understand what was going on inside my head? When my husband walked out that door, my self-esteem got up and walked out with him. One year later...I still hadn't unwrapped that birthday gift that he gave me!
So, I went the next morning ready to clean out my desk. I had one last appointment that I couldn't weasel out of, so purely out of obligation, I met the prospect and drove her to see the house. "It was already over" I told myself "So what the heck". I just let myself have a good time with her. I let go of all the techniques. I didn't even bring spec sheets on the house! On the way over, we chattered, talked about everything, silly stuff. I couldn't tell you for sure if I even told her the asking price! It was the MOST UNPROFESSIONAL, SLOPPY, IRRESPONSIBLE, DISGRACEFUL sales presentation in the history of real estate.
I sold the house.
I learned something that day. When I said that my life as a mom, wife and household manager left me with nothing the marketplace wanted, I was wrong. There WAS something else I learned over those years, and that was how to be a friend. How to care. How to make people feel good about themselves. And that, my friends, is something the marketplace wants very much...always has, always will.
The speaker at the sales symposium had said, Add value. I had nothing to add but myself. And apparently that was exactly what had been missing. I've sold a few more homes since then...(She had the real-estate record for most homes sold)
Today I have the honor of selling you something more valuable than a house. Today I'm here to sell you on YOU.
People, remember this: no matter what your training, no matter what your skills, no matter what area you're in, YOU are the most important commodity. The most valuable gift you have to offer is YOU. Reaching any goal you set takes ten percent specific knowledge or technical skills--ten percent MAX. The other ninety-plus percent is PEOPLE SKILLS.
And what is the foundation of good people skills? Liking people? Caring about people? Being a good listener? But it doesn't replace the core value. The core of it is WHO YOU ARE. It starts with YOU.
As long as you are trying to be someone else, or putting on some act or behavior someone else taught you, yo have no possibility of truly reaching people. The most valuable thing you have to give people is YOURSELF. No matter what you THINK you are selling, what you're really offering is YOU.
You want great people skills? Then be a person. It's called AUTHENTICITY and its worth ten thousand times more than all the closing techniques that ever have or ever will be invented.
In closing, I know it gets overwhelming in this business because "we're not Bob Schmidt, or Cory Citron, or Tommy Johnson, or...FILL IN THE BLANK" But...we were never intended to be JUST like those other guys! Be who you are and bring that to the table...what you have to offer in this business is YOU!!!
The words of Debra Davenport
Twelve years ago I turned forty-two. I got three presents for my birthday. One, a hundred-dollar gift certificate to JC Penny. Two, my kids bought an all day, expense paid day at the spa. Three, my husband gave me the most surprising gift of all. He gave me the wake-up call of a lifetime-when he walked out the door and never came back.
It took me one full year to unwrap, open, understand, and use that gift.
You see, at forty-two I was suddenly single with three kids to feed. I had never spent a day in the mainstream work-force. As a full time mother, wife and manager of a busy household, I had juggled dozens of skills and worked grueling hours. But, I quickly learned that none of what I had done the last twenty odd years were considered marketable. I was turned down everywhere I applied because I was overage and under-qualified. So, I decided in the next few months to pursue my real estate license. The following eight months were busy learning and trying from the advice given from other Realtors in the firm.
They taught me every kind of sales methodology and closing technique ever invented. I learned the direct close, time-driven close, trial offer close, compliment close, embarrassment close, best-time to buy close, and the never-the best time to buy close. I learned every close from A to Z. What? You don't believe me?
I learned the Assumptive close, Bonus close, Concession close, Disraction close, Emotion close, Future close, Golden Bridge close, Humor close, IQ close, Jersey City close, the Kill close, Leverage close, Money's not everything close, Now or Never close, Ownership close, Puppy Dog close, Quality close, Reversal close, Standing Room only close, Takeaway close, Underpriced close, Vanity close, Window of opportunity close, Xaviera Hollander close, Ya-Ya sisterhood close, and the Zsa Zsa Gabor close!! Honey, I learned to CLOSE!!!!!
And let me tell you what happened. At the end of a year, I had not sold ONE, single, property. And I hated it. Every single, desperate, failing minute of it.
That Thursday, I turned forty-three. And a friend of mine bought me a ticket to a sales symposium. Tell you the truth...I didn't want to go. But she was my friend...what could I do? So I went. And the speaker started to speak and said "Whatever it is..YOU can excel by adding value. If you need money...add value. And if you need ALOT of money, add ALOT of value."
People in the audience laughed....but I raised my hand. I stood up and said, "What if you need ALOT of money FAST!!!" He nodded, smiled and said, 'Then find a way to add a lot of value FAST!'
Ladies and Gentleman, I thought long and hard about what that speaker said. And all weekend I thought about it. Sunday evening, it came to me. What could I possibly add? NOTHING. There was not ONE single solitary shred or ounce of value I could think of that insignificant little Debra Davenport could add. After a year of trying, I'd proven I had no professional value whatsoever. What I had to offer these clients was NOTHING. So, that Sunday evening, I made up my mind. It was time to quit. You understand what was going on inside my head? When my husband walked out that door, my self-esteem got up and walked out with him. One year later...I still hadn't unwrapped that birthday gift that he gave me!
So, I went the next morning ready to clean out my desk. I had one last appointment that I couldn't weasel out of, so purely out of obligation, I met the prospect and drove her to see the house. "It was already over" I told myself "So what the heck". I just let myself have a good time with her. I let go of all the techniques. I didn't even bring spec sheets on the house! On the way over, we chattered, talked about everything, silly stuff. I couldn't tell you for sure if I even told her the asking price! It was the MOST UNPROFESSIONAL, SLOPPY, IRRESPONSIBLE, DISGRACEFUL sales presentation in the history of real estate.
I sold the house.
I learned something that day. When I said that my life as a mom, wife and household manager left me with nothing the marketplace wanted, I was wrong. There WAS something else I learned over those years, and that was how to be a friend. How to care. How to make people feel good about themselves. And that, my friends, is something the marketplace wants very much...always has, always will.
The speaker at the sales symposium had said, Add value. I had nothing to add but myself. And apparently that was exactly what had been missing. I've sold a few more homes since then...(She had the real-estate record for most homes sold)
Today I have the honor of selling you something more valuable than a house. Today I'm here to sell you on YOU.
People, remember this: no matter what your training, no matter what your skills, no matter what area you're in, YOU are the most important commodity. The most valuable gift you have to offer is YOU. Reaching any goal you set takes ten percent specific knowledge or technical skills--ten percent MAX. The other ninety-plus percent is PEOPLE SKILLS.
And what is the foundation of good people skills? Liking people? Caring about people? Being a good listener? But it doesn't replace the core value. The core of it is WHO YOU ARE. It starts with YOU.
As long as you are trying to be someone else, or putting on some act or behavior someone else taught you, yo have no possibility of truly reaching people. The most valuable thing you have to give people is YOURSELF. No matter what you THINK you are selling, what you're really offering is YOU.
You want great people skills? Then be a person. It's called AUTHENTICITY and its worth ten thousand times more than all the closing techniques that ever have or ever will be invented.
In closing, I know it gets overwhelming in this business because "we're not Bob Schmidt, or Cory Citron, or Tommy Johnson, or...FILL IN THE BLANK" But...we were never intended to be JUST like those other guys! Be who you are and bring that to the table...what you have to offer in this business is YOU!!!
The Go-Giver
In response to Mike's e-mail...I wanted to share a short list of books I have been reading over the last few months to give you an idea of how much development I do outside of regular business.
1. Think and Grow Rich- Napolean Hill
2. Keys to the Vault Volumes 1 & 2 - Bob Schmidt
3. Failing Forward- John C. Maxwell
4. Awaking the Giant Within- Anthony Robbins
5. The Secret-many authors
6. Wealth Without a Job- Phil Laut
7. Why we want you to be Rich- Trump and Kiyosaki
8. Rich Dad Poor Dad- Kiyosaki
9. Money, and the law of attraction-Esther and Jerry Hicks
10. See you at the top- Zig Ziglar
11. The Holy Bible-NIV- God
and my latest book I'm reading is........
12. The Go-Giver- Bob Burg and John David Mann
This is an outstanding book...and I encourage each of you to go out and order it today! It's a little story about a powerful business idea.
Think about what you are currently reading and listening too? Does it reflect where you want to go in both your personal life and business life?
E-mail from Mike
I was reading an interesting e-mail sent to me by my friend and business guru, Mike Dillard. Mike is a self-made millionaire who started out as a waiter and 9 month's later had over $500,000 in the bank from working a home-based business from his bed room. That's right....his bed room.
Today, Dillard is a multi-millionaire who has tracked website biz success's like magnetic sponsoring, advertising on a budget, black-belt marketing, and so on. Over 109,000 websites and video's have been posted about Mike, and even our own Carlos Aponte Jr. and Cory Citron have been posted as being students of Mike. In other words, he knows his stuff....
Read this short e-mail he wrote to me.
Dan,
What's the real reason people quit in business? Why do so many people fail, while a select few succeed?
Drum roll please.........
Those who succeed have a core desire to do so.
The only time anything ever gets done in your life,when you follow through to completion with a sense of urgency, is when you desire to accomplish that task at Core Level 100 out of 100! You must accomplish it. It's part of you. It consumes you! It dominates your thoughts.
That's it Dan. That's the secret. You can't get frustrated when people don't work the business like you do. Some will and some won't, but the key to winning in this business is desire. The sad truth is that most people in this business didn't buy a business. They bought hope. And hope is never backed by true desire. A career in network marketing has been a core desire of mine for 7 years.
I've moved across the country because of it. I've taken certain jobs because of it. I've dated or not dated because of it. I spent money on training instead of furniture because of it.
The desire to never work for anyone else again has been a dominating force in my life, and it's the reason I didn't quit after the first 6 years of hell. It's the reason I continued to pour every spare cent I ever made into my business. It's the reason I pawned a $3,000 bike I won two state championships on to buy advertising - and came up empty.
Yet I kept going forward without doubt because I have this core desire at a level of 100 to succeed in networking.
And this means my success was 100% guaranteed. It was no longer a matter of IF, but when...
What do you do each day to build your business? How many books on the industry do you own? How many conference calls are you on each week? How many people do you talk to about your business/product each day?
What would you be willing to give and sacrifice to succeed?
I hope the answer to that questions is "whatever it takes", because I can promise you the end result is worth the sacrifice.
So how can you tell if your prospect is going to succeed or fail from the very first phone call?
Easy...
Ask them this question: "So which books are you currently reading on self-development and marketing?"
Anyone who is TRULY serious about being a successful entrepreneur will be able to name at least one book they are reading right now.
Those who can't, are just kidding themselves.
I hope that answered your questions.
Sincerely,
Mike Dillard
So, what are you doing currently to better yourself? What are you reading? What are you learning? Like Mike said....this is the KEY to success. It's about getting stronger and better! I know that I'm trying to get better...and I'm with you every step of the way team!
Today, Dillard is a multi-millionaire who has tracked website biz success's like magnetic sponsoring, advertising on a budget, black-belt marketing, and so on. Over 109,000 websites and video's have been posted about Mike, and even our own Carlos Aponte Jr. and Cory Citron have been posted as being students of Mike. In other words, he knows his stuff....
Read this short e-mail he wrote to me.
Dan,
What's the real reason people quit in business? Why do so many people fail, while a select few succeed?
Drum roll please.........
Those who succeed have a core desire to do so.
The only time anything ever gets done in your life,when you follow through to completion with a sense of urgency, is when you desire to accomplish that task at Core Level 100 out of 100! You must accomplish it. It's part of you. It consumes you! It dominates your thoughts.
That's it Dan. That's the secret. You can't get frustrated when people don't work the business like you do. Some will and some won't, but the key to winning in this business is desire. The sad truth is that most people in this business didn't buy a business. They bought hope. And hope is never backed by true desire. A career in network marketing has been a core desire of mine for 7 years.
I've moved across the country because of it. I've taken certain jobs because of it. I've dated or not dated because of it. I spent money on training instead of furniture because of it.
The desire to never work for anyone else again has been a dominating force in my life, and it's the reason I didn't quit after the first 6 years of hell. It's the reason I continued to pour every spare cent I ever made into my business. It's the reason I pawned a $3,000 bike I won two state championships on to buy advertising - and came up empty.
Yet I kept going forward without doubt because I have this core desire at a level of 100 to succeed in networking.
And this means my success was 100% guaranteed. It was no longer a matter of IF, but when...
What do you do each day to build your business? How many books on the industry do you own? How many conference calls are you on each week? How many people do you talk to about your business/product each day?
What would you be willing to give and sacrifice to succeed?
I hope the answer to that questions is "whatever it takes", because I can promise you the end result is worth the sacrifice.
So how can you tell if your prospect is going to succeed or fail from the very first phone call?
Easy...
Ask them this question: "So which books are you currently reading on self-development and marketing?"
Anyone who is TRULY serious about being a successful entrepreneur will be able to name at least one book they are reading right now.
Those who can't, are just kidding themselves.
I hope that answered your questions.
Sincerely,
Mike Dillard
So, what are you doing currently to better yourself? What are you reading? What are you learning? Like Mike said....this is the KEY to success. It's about getting stronger and better! I know that I'm trying to get better...and I'm with you every step of the way team!
Back Injury
I'm sure that many of you don't know that I injured my back about two weeks ago. It was an injury that I didn't fully discover until the next morning AFTER it occurred. However, as I tried to get out of bed the next morning....I quickly realized that I couldn't move. In fact, every time I tried to move it felt as if a small 8 inch knife was being stabbed near my lower spine.
To make a long story short. I eventually went to the Chiropractor and discovered I had a herniated disc in my back.
I apologize for not blogging during my recovery stage, but it dawned on me today during my rehabilitation that
#1 I'm not handicapped.
Thank God for that! It puts things in perspective when you KNOW that you're getting better and day in and day out there are others who live like this EVERY DAY!
#2 My income checks from my home-based business never stopped!
If you ever wanted to get a compelling reason to get started in network marketing...there it is!! What if you get injured? What if you can't work? Every day people are living pay check to pay check, instead of working part time for wages, and full time on their fortune!
Build something that will last for you and your family. Work in the present to build for the future!
Yes, my back injury situation is temporary, but the business that was put into place before it happend is built with a life-time gurantee! That's the power of residual income.
You all have a very powerful business model sitting on your lap! Don't waste it!
P.S. It was comforting to hear my Chiropractor suggest our juice for one of the anti-inflammatory's to take during the recovery!
To make a long story short. I eventually went to the Chiropractor and discovered I had a herniated disc in my back.
I apologize for not blogging during my recovery stage, but it dawned on me today during my rehabilitation that
#1 I'm not handicapped.
Thank God for that! It puts things in perspective when you KNOW that you're getting better and day in and day out there are others who live like this EVERY DAY!
#2 My income checks from my home-based business never stopped!
If you ever wanted to get a compelling reason to get started in network marketing...there it is!! What if you get injured? What if you can't work? Every day people are living pay check to pay check, instead of working part time for wages, and full time on their fortune!
Build something that will last for you and your family. Work in the present to build for the future!
Yes, my back injury situation is temporary, but the business that was put into place before it happend is built with a life-time gurantee! That's the power of residual income.
You all have a very powerful business model sitting on your lap! Don't waste it!
P.S. It was comforting to hear my Chiropractor suggest our juice for one of the anti-inflammatory's to take during the recovery!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Story of Abraham Lincoln
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln had two business ventures fail, lost 8 different elections and had a complete nervous breakdown before becoming president in 1816? His story is a great inspirational confidence story in that he shows how if you just keep moving towards your dream, you will eventually make it.
Abraham Lincoln overcame great setbacks and obstacles on his journey. Take a look at the synopsis of his life and see whether you would have had the courage to continue on?
Abraham Lincoln overcame great setbacks and obstacles on his journey. Take a look at the synopsis of his life and see whether you would have had the courage to continue on?
1809 Born February 12
1816 Abraham Lincoln's family was forced out of their home and he needed to work to support his family.
1818 His mother passed away
1828 His sister dies
1831 A business venture failed
1832 He ran for the State Legislature. He lost.
1832 In the same year, he also lost his job. He decided he wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in.
1833 He borrowed money from a friend to start a business. By the end of the year, he was bankrupt.
1834 He ran for the State Legislature again. This time he won.
1835 The year was looking better as he was engaged to be married. Unfortunately, his fiancee died and he was grief stricken.
1836 This was the year he had a total nervous breakdown and for 6 months was bedridden.
1836 He sought to become Speaker of the State Legislature. He was defeated.
1840 He sought to become Elector. He was defeated.
1842 Marries Mary Todd. They have 4 boys but only one would live to maturity.
1843 He ran for Congress. He lost.
1846 He ran for Congress again. He won and moved to Washington.
1848 He ran for re-election to Congress. He lost.
1849 He sought the job of Land Officer in his home state. He didn't get the job.
1850 His son, Edward, dies.
1854 He ran for the Senate of the United states. He lost.
1856 He sought the Vice Presidential nomination at a national convention. He got less than 100 votes.
1858 He ran for the Senate again. He lost again.
1860 Abraham Lincoln is elected President of the United States
1862 His son, Willie, dies at age 12.
1865 On April 14, Abraham Lincoln is assassinated.
Never quit....keep driving forward!
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