Do You Have What it Takes?

I read a wonderful piece today about entrepreneurship that was posted by Sandy Blomstrom.  I recommend that you read it here:  http://www.ibosocial.com/sanblomstrom/pressrelease.aspx?prid=376834  Sandy’s post inspired me to write this press release about entrepreneurs. 

Without entrepreneurs, our economy would suffer dramatically – as though is hasn’t been bad enough over the past decade or so.  There are entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Walt Disney and many lesser-known entrepreneurs, have changed the world in ways no one could have ever imagined.

What does it take to become a SUCCESSFUL entrepreneurs?  There is an ongoing debate as to whether entrepreneurs are born or “made.”  I will not get into that discussion now however. 

There are several things that I believe are absolute requirements.

Preparation!  Before you dive into your new business, be prepared.  Will you actually have the time and money required to operate your business?  Do you have a business plan?  Do not only focus on your goals.  Consider what could go wrong as well.  When a crisis arises, you need to know how you will handle it. 

Prevent Burnout.  When people first start out in a new business, they are usually really excited, pumped up.  However, if you push too hard at the beginning, you will likely burnout.  Pace yourself.  Do not allow your emotions to control your actions.  In this way, when you do come across challenges, you will still have the energy to deal with the situation.

Be ready for a roller coaster ride.  Every entrepreneur has times when they wonder whether their efforts are being wasted.  Starting a new business is difficult, and you will have both ups and downs.  If you need a brief break, take one, but never stop moving forward.  Continue to work toward your goals.

If you don’t take care of YOU, who will?  When you’re wrapped up in the excitement of your new business, it is easy to skip meals, not get enough sleep or forget to stay hydrated.  If you allow your health to suffer, your business will too.

Don’t buy into the hype and believe your business will begin growing right away.  Too many people exaggerate how quickly an entrepreneur can build their business.  No matter how long you think it will take to reach your goals, it will take longer.  I am not referring to weeks or months.  To grow a successful business, it may well take years.

Expect the unexpected.  No matter how prepared you believe you are unforeseen challenges will arise.  Keep your eyes wide open so those encounters don’t take you by surprise.

As for and accept help. We all want to be the champion entrepreneur, but no one can do it entirely alone.  If you discover that you lack a particular skill to complete a task, ask someone with that skill for help.  Do not allow yourself to believe you can do everything.  No one can.

When you are on a journey, stop to see the scenery.  When you decide to become an entrepreneur, you should immediately ask yourself why. What is your ultimate goal?  In addition, set smaller goals along the way to give you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them.  When you know your journey may take years, it helps to stop and enjoy your smaller achievements along the way.

Be aware that you may need to change directions along the way.  If you love your products and your business, you should be confident that you will do well.  However, there is always more than one way to perform an activity.  If you find that your marketing is not bringing the results you hoped for, find other ways to market.  Do not get stuck in a rut believing you must carry on in the same direction if there are stop signs in front of you

Anyone who is totally honest with themselves knows that starting a business can be way beyond difficult – and it is for most people.  However, if you love what you are doing and you are passionate about your product or service, you likely will find it worth the effort.  Entrepreneurship is NOT for everyone and no one particular business opportunity is good for everyone.  It's up to you to determine if the journey will be worthwhile.   

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

The World is Our Classroom

Julie Klein | Press Release: The World is Our Classroom

Paying it Forward and Random Acts of Kindness

Julie Klein | Press Release: Paying it Forward and Random Acts of Kindness

How Can I Use Social Media to Grow my Business?

Throughout our lives, we have all had to learn new skills.  Once that “light-bulb” moment arrives and we finally understand how to do it, it becomes easier.  We then perform that skill repeatedly until it becomes second nature.

Learning how to utilize the marketing power of Social Media is no different. I remember well when a friend suggested I begin using Facebook and writing blogs.  My first question was, “What would I write about?”  It was challenging at the beginning.  I did not think anyone would care what I had to say.  I was surprised and pleased to find they did!

If you are new to internet marketing industry, there are a few things you need to know…

1.     You can only truly learn how to proceed on social media by doing it.

No matter what you have read or how many other networkers have helped you, you will actually begin participating and posting to understand completely.  You will learn once you join a few sites, i.e. Facebook, Twitter and IBOToolbox, and comment on others’ posts and begin sharing your own stories or information.

2.     It may take a while.

Once you are participating regularly on various forums and other social media sites, do not expect that you will suddenly see results.  Sorry folks, but you likely will acquire few or no friends or connections or make any sales during the first few days, or even weeks.  It takes time to build your internet presence and gain followers and friends.  Social Media marketing is actually relationship marketing.  I have seen people become successful after it took them three months before their first sale.  .

3.     Do not become discouraged.

It is common and quite easy to become disheartened when you spend hours on social media sites and no one connects with you.  First, your posts and blogs will improve in time.  The more you participate, the more skilled you will become.  The more skilled you become, the more people will notice and connect with you.

You must KNOW that you will grow your internet presence as time goes on.  Do not allow yourself to become disheartened.  Your continued momentum forward will serve you well.

4.  Read others’ posts and blogs.

Part of your learning process should include reading lots of blogs and comments.  By doing this, you will learn how other people post and what they write about.  It will help you see the myriad topics about which you can write.

Social Media marketing is not a quick process, but once you gather followers and connections, you’ll be happy with the results.  Be persistent, diligent and patient.  If you are, it will be well worth the time and effort you invest.

The Magic Bank

I received this via email from a friend.   The author is not known.  It was found in the billfold of coach Paul Bear Bryant of Alabama after he died in 1982.

Imagine that you had won the following “PRIZE” in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use.  However, this prize has rules:

The set of rules:

1.    Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you.

2.    You may not simply transfer money into some other account.

3.    You may only spend it.

4.    Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day.

5.    The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, “Game Over!"  It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.

What would you personally do?

You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself, right?

You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right?

Actually, this game is real…

Shocked ? YES!

Each of us is already a winner of this “PRIZE.”  We just can't seem to see it.

The prize is “TIME.”

1.    Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life.

2.    And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us.

3.    What we haven't used up that day is forever lost.

4.    Yesterday is forever gone.

5.    Each morning the account is refilled, but the “bank” can dissolve your account at any time without warning.

So, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?

Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars. Think about it, and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.

So take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply and enjoy life!

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook  

Looking for Extra Motivation? 52 Quotes on Persistence

52 Quotes on Persistence

By David Van Rooy     

http://www.inc.com/david-van-rooy/looking-for-extra-motivation-try-one-of-these-52-awesome-persistence-quotes.html?cid=em01012week33a

Whether you're a schoolchild or a CEO, persistence is the factor that will allow you to make the most of your natural ability.

Your natural ability in life is largely predetermined. What you do with it is not.  Persistence is essential to success, and the more of it you display, the more you will accomplish. It is persistence that will allow you to make the most of your ability.

In the spirit of persistence, I'm not going to give up easy and give you just 10 great quotes. Or even 20. Or 40. I'm going to persist and give you 52 great quotes! Why 52? Because I was targeting 50 and thought I would persist just a bit further. Find your favorite, print it, write it down, or bookmark this page, and then refer back to it next time you feel like you need a boost of energy or motivation. The list is ordered by first name--to give you an idea of how broadly the importance of persistence ranges among walks of life, this list consists of authors, sports icons, celebrities, politicians, business luminaries, scientists, and more!

1.     Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them. ~ Ann Landers

2.     It's not that I'm so smart; it's just that I stay with problems longer. ~ Albert Einstein

3.     To follow, without halt, one aim: There's the secret of success. ~ Anna Pavlova

4.     We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ~ Aristotle

5.     Energy and persistence conquer all things. ~ Benjamin Franklin

6.     As long as there's breath in You--Persist! ~ Bernard Kelvin Clive

7.     No great achievement is possible without persistent work. ~ Bertrand Russell

8.     Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in. ~ Bill Bradley

9.     Champions keep playing until they get it right. ~ Billy Jean King

10.  My greatest point is my persistence. I never give up in a match. However, down I am, I fight until the last ball. My list of matches shows that I have turned a great many so-called irretrievable defeats into victories. ~ Bjorn Borg

11.  Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. ~ Calvin Coolidge

12.  Persistence and determination are always rewarded. ~ Christine Rice

13.  Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence. ~ Colin Powell

14.  Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success. ~ Dale Carnegie

15.  Talent is nothing without persistence. ~ Dean Crawford

16.  A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success. ~ Elbert Hubbard

17.  Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries. ~ James A. Michener

18.  The most essential factor is persistence--the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come. ~ James Whitcomb Riley

19.  Money grows on the tree of persistence. ~ Japanese Proverb

20.  The key of persistence opens all doors closed by resistance ~ John Di Lemme

21.  Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th. ~ Julie Andrews

22.  Slight persistent effort can move you successfully forward in anything you do. ~Kelli Wilson

23.  Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity. ~ Louis Pasteur

24.  P is for Persistence! Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Wishing will not; Talent will not; Genius will not; Education will not; Persistence is like a Genie that creates a magical force in your life. ~ Lucas Remmerswaal

25.  Persistence is the twin sister of excellence. One is a matter of quality; the other, a matter of time. ~ Marabel Morgan

26.  If you can't fly, then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

27.  You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it. ~ Maya Angelou

28.  Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. ~ Napoleon Hill

29.  Persistence is to the character of man as carbon is to steel. ~ Napoleon Hill

30.  It always seems impossible until it is done. ~ Nelson Mandela

31.  Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did. ~ Newt Gingrich

32.  Patience and persistence are the keys... The keys to unlock doors of success... With these two virtues, you grow in reasoning and experience. ~ Ogwo David Emenike

33.  Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone ~ Pablo Picasso

34.  He conquers who endures. ~ Persius

35.  Our greatest glory is in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

36.  Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. ~ Ray Kroc

37.  To persist with a goal, you must treasure the dream more than the costs of sacrifice to attain it. ~ Richelle E. Goodrich

38.  In my experience, nothing worthwhile has ever really been all that easy. But it certainly has been worthwhile regardless how difficult it seemed. ~ Robert Fanney

39.  If you do not have persistence then no amount of education, talent, or genius can make up for it. ~ Stephen Richards

40.  The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense. ~ Thomas Edison

41.  Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ~ Thomas Edison

42.  Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to always try just one more time. ~ Thomas Edison

43.  Permanence, perseverance, and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak. ~ Thomas Carlyle

44.  With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable. ~Thomas Foxwell Buxton

45.  I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it. ~Thomas Jefferson

46.  We are made to persist. That's how we find out who we are. ~ Tobias Wolff

47.  All right Mister, let me tell you what winning means... you're willing to go longer, work harder, give more than anyone else. ~ Vincent Lombardi

48.  Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. ~ William James

49.  Continuous effort--not strength or intelligence--is the key to unlocking our potential. ~ Winston Churchill

50.  Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." ~ Winston Churchill

51.  Paralyze resistance with persistence. ~ Woody Hayes

52.  Consider the postage stamp: Its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. ~ Josh Billings

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

Which Business Opportunity is Right for Me?

Thousands of people are searching for a business opportunity every day.  The first things to consider when researching an opportunity are:  1) Is it a reputable, legitimate company?  2) Is it a good fit for you?  Will you be able to be passionate about the product or service the company offers?

It can be time consuming and challenging finding the right business for you, but it is worth the effort. Because you've heard of a company does not necessarily mean they are reputable or that it is right for you.

Warning:  Do not rely completely on the Better Business Bureau.  Some businesses simply choose not to pay for BBB membership. While many very good organizations are accredited and highly rated by the BBB, there was a time a few years ago when businesses could purchase a high rating with them.  Since this situation was publicized, it is likely they stopped the practice.  Watch this video to learn more.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo8kfV9kONw

If a company promises or guarantees a huge income, be wary.  Some people will never apply themselves; and some don’t have the right skills for the business.  There is no way everyone can be successful, let alone earn a huge income, with any company.

If a company’s advertising makes it seem too good to be true, trust your judgment.  It likely is.  If the company has no product or service to sell, how is the company staying in business?  If all their income is from bringing new people into the business, it is not a legal company.

When performing research of a company, if you find many complaints about it, look into those complaints carefully.  Keep in mind though that some excellent companies have complaints filed against them for various reasons, so a small number of complaints alone may not mean the company is disreputable. 

Learn about the product or service being offered. Would you buy it?  What is the cost of the product?  No matter how great the product, if it is too expensive, you may not be able to sell it. 

Determine the TRUE cost of operating the business.  Virtually all business opportunities have a fee involved at some point.  It may be an up-front cost, a monthly fee or both.  If a company claims that it is totally free to start and operate the business, question it. There are companies that tell you there is no start-up cost, but later charge for the training, websites and more.  Do your homework, not only on the company’s own website, but also on third party sites to see what those outside the company say about them.

When you speak to a representative of the company, do you feel a “connection?”  Do you believe they are being honest and open with you, or are they “hyping” the business?  Hype should be a red flag for you.

Consider the company’s compensation plan. Some people like to have “multiple streams of income.”  Others like a simple payment plan.  Neither is right or wrong, but be sure that you understand the comp plan and that it is acceptable to you.

Does the company pay a one-time commission or residual income?  With residual commission, you will be paid monthly for each active customer/client.  Straight commission means you are paid only once for each sale.

There is no business right for everyone.  Take the time to research a company thoroughly.  Then, do whatever it takes to succeed. 

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

Why is Network Marketing Training Important?

Whether you are new in the network marketing industry or have been doing it for years, one of the most important things you can do to help you succeed is attending any and all training calls and/or webinars offered by your company or team.  This also includes one-on-one training offered by team leaders.

Dialing or logging into training sessions will help you learn about your product, service and company.  In addition, training conferences can provide coaching on the necessary skills to build a strong business.  You can learn how to market your business – and yourself. 

Since the majority of companies offer FREE training for their associates, attendance requires only your time.  Investing your time into training is worth every minute!

As a team leader, I have found that those who do not dial into our team calls often ask many of the same questions that are answered on our calls.  Those who attend training are generally more successful. 

Each of us is responsible for accessing training.  Anyone who thinks they can do it on their own will very likely fail.  We are in NETWORK marketing and belong to a TEAM. 

It all starts with the “Getting Started” document which all companies and/or team leaders should provide to their new associates.  The one I send to my team members is very informational and can give them a “kick start” in their business.  However, many distributors don’t bother to read it or follow the instructions therein. 

I also distribute detailed recorded videos to help associates learn about the specific steps required in the process of building their business.  Many do not take the time to watch them.

I am disappointed when I am asked a question about something that was included in the initial training document and videos.  Obviously the person did not bother to watch it.  Because following instructions is an essential part of our training, rather than answering the question, I refer them to the documents and videos.

Those who do not follow instructions and do not consider training calls/webinars are usually not a person who is serious about having a business.

I find that I learn from the training calls I provide.  Sometimes the knowledge comes from the research I perform preparing for the training; other times I learn from my team members. 

Encourage all your team members to plug into all the training.  If you host your own calls, don’t waste a lot of time explaining and answering questions that are included in training documents, videos, webinars and calls.

It begins with YOU. You must utilize all training available to you.  When you do, you know that you are receiving the same information as your teammates, and everyone is moving in the same direction in the same way.  

It is up to YOU, as an independent business owner, to get trained and educated about your specific company and the network marketing industry.  So ask yourself, “Am I utilizing all the training available to me?”  If not, why did you join your company to begin with?

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook