Senior Citizens in Network Marketing?

I am a senior citizen, a “baby boomer.”  It I unfortunate, but many seniors will not have enough income or investments that they need to live out their lives.  Many seniors assumed they could live on Social Security, while others simply did not plan financially for their retirement.  Now, as they reach retirement age, many realize that they cannot afford to retire. Besides the fact that a lot of older people will be able to afford to retire, many simply do not want to retire.  They enjoy staying business, helping others and working. So we see more and more elderly people working today.  Another factor is healthcare coverage.  The majority of seniors will receive Medicare; however there are some who did not work long enough to qualify for it.  In addition, even if we have Medicare, it does not cover everything at a time of our lives when we will likely have more health issues. Since many seniors will choose to continue to work as long they are able, Network Marketing can provide a very desirable option.   A Network Marketing business can easily be built from a home office on either a full-time or part-time basis.  Although it is unlikely they will quickly establish a good income, over time they can.  Those who are approaching retirement age can start their Network Marketing business before they leave their job.  That way, they can have it built and producing an income when they do retire. Many seniors enjoy networking together.  Most cities have a senior center and have various activities available to the senior community.  That brings many seniors together in one place.  The baby boomer generation lean more toward health and wellness, more so than previous generations.  Many Network Marketing businesses are health-related, which makes them a good fit.  There are a variety of business opportunities that offer products they can use and get passionate about. As with every age group seeking a home business, it is very important to carefully research any opportunity.  Besides the websites for each business, everyone should study third-party websites as well to determine what those outside the company say about them. With the job market still challenging, and especially so for seniors, Network Marketing offers them a chance to continue working and earning money as long as they wish. ======================== For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visithttp://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).

Do You Make These Network Marketing Mistakes?

The most common mistake I see is network marketers who don’t take advantage of the training offered by their company.  Many people assume that, since they were in network marketing before, they “know it all.”  There are two flaws in that way of thinking.  1)  If you knew so much, why did you leave your previous company(ies)?  And 2) Every company is different.  They sell different products and likely have different ways of marketing those products. I highly recommend ongoing training.  After nearly three years with my company, I am still learning!

Another serious mistake I have seen repeatedly in the network marketing industry is trying to SELL their products.  First of all, in today’s internet age, relationship marketing is more effective than selling to prospects.  (I have covered this in previous posts, so I won’t go into it now.)  In addition there is such a thing as too much information.  Virtually every company and internet marketer has a website.  If it is a good site, it will make sales for you.  After building a relationship with someone, you can tell them briefly what your product and business is about.  If they are interested in learning more, send them to your website! 

Don’t beg.  Too often reps in the industry practically plead with prospects to join or purchase their product.  If you are serious about your business, behave professionally.  Once you have introduced the opportunity, service or item you are offering, you can answer questions, but do not get pushy or sound desperate.

Anyone who has been in network marketing for any length of time has heard the often used saying, “Some will.  Some won’t.  Next!”  A mistake often made by reps is counting on a particular prospect.  Even those prospects who sound really excited about what you have to offer frequently are not truly interested.  Our industry is a “numbers game.” You will get “no’s.”  Do not take it personally.  They are not rejecting you.  They simply don’t want your product or opportunity.  Move on.

I do NOT like hype in marketing.  Don’t try to promote your business as a way to earn a “six-figure income.”  I have grown weary of hearing that!  I have no idea how much a prospect will earn if they join my team.  Maybe they will put in no effort.  Maybe they will not follow instructions.  Maybe they have poor work habits.  There is no way I can predict how much – or even IF – a prospect will succeed with my business.  No matter how well you are doing, you cannot possibly know how a new rep will do.

The worst and most foolish mistake network marketers can make is to join a company and do nothing.  I have seen so many reps sign up and then join the “witness protection program.”  They seem to disappear off the face of the earth.  They pay for their business, but never work it.  They don’t attend training; they don’t market their business; and they don’t return phone calls or emails from their sponsor.  They simply do nothing.  Eventually they quit and blame the company for their “failure.”

There certainly are other mistakes people make I network marketing.  Those included here are the ones I have witnessed repeatedly.  If you could identify with any of these, contact your upline and get help now!  Don’t wait.  With your sponsor’s help, you can start out fresh and become successful – if that is truly what you want to do.

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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). 

Please visit my Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/XpressHealthcareTheWinnersCircle 

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

How Long Does it Take to Build a Network Marketing Business? Well, that depends...

When you first start a network marketing business, you’ll likely need a reality check.  If you expect to be earning money your first week, month or even two months, sorry but it probably won’t happen.  You must also realize that as a business owner, your income can fluctuate from month to month.  It is an unfortunate fact that not all ABO’s are willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed, so they quit.

When we work for someone else, our income is usually steady, but as a business owner you are not paid immediately, but this is a sacrifice you must be willing to make. If you are not willing to do so, your business will be short lived.  In the long term, you can be rewarded handsomely, but in network marketing in the short term, it can be difficult.

No business – whether it be a network marketing business or a storefront, it is important to realize that your business offers you a long term financial solution. If you’re expecting to be earning thousands of dollars within your first few months, you will likely be disappointed.  If anyone tells you otherwise, don’t believe it!   I am not saying it is impossible to earn good money in a short period of time; but for the vast majority, it takes time.

The great advantage of a network marketing business is that it is an uncomplicated and affordable way to achieve financial freedom.  But, as I said, it offers a long term financial solution, so you must be willing to make a long term commitment to get your desired results. If you work your business consistently and persistently, persevere in your efforts with a positive attitude, and you are patient, your sacrifices will pay you back in the years to come.

The biggest problem that most network marketers face at the beginning is that they feel as though they are spending money to get their business established but seeing no results.  How is this different from opening a hair salon or a retail store?  

A huge advantage of starting a network marking business is that it is low cost.  Most traditional small to medium size business are in the red for years before they start to earn positive cash flow.  This is why we see so many small businesses close down within the first few years. Once you earn enough with your network marketing business to cover your monthly expenses, you are in profit mode.  In many businesses, it could be as few as five transactions; with others more. 

As you’re building your home business, it is important to keep the big picture in mind.  Many fail because they expect success to happen.  In reality, success comes to those who make it happen.  Anyone who fails at network marketing does so because they chose not to put in the time and effort.  People who quit their network marketing business – and of course, many do so repeatedly - do so because they were not committed enough or were unwilling to persevere.  

The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t in any given network marketing company is the individual’s commitment, dedication and persistence towards achieving their goals.

Going forward what does this mean?  It means that you should expect that in at least your first couple of months you will likely pay out money with little or no income.  As you continue working your business, your exposure will multiply month after month, and then you will begin to be rewarded financially for all your ground work.

As you are first starting out in your business, you need to make a commitment to yourself, your team and your business for at least your first year, giving it all the effort it requires to become established.

As you work towards achieving your goals, it is important to remember that perseverance is not a long race; it is instead many short races.  By identifying your long term goals and setting smaller goals along the way, over time, you will see the results of your efforts.

97% of Network Marketers Fail – Or Do They?

I have read many articles on the Internet saying that 97% of those in network marketing fail.  Personally, I don’t believe it.  I researched it a bit, trying to find the source of this number.  Where did it come from, and why do so many people repeat it as fact?

I believe many people are simply using the wrong word when applying the success rate for network marketers.

I don’t truly know the exact percentage, but 97% is probably fairly accurate, but not for those who fail.   It is likely that about that percentage QUIT before they ever put in any real effort.  Too many people want success handed to them.  Although it is true that those of us who own network marketing businesses don’t have a boss, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have to work. 

Those of us who became home business owners and truly plan to succeed – not just want to succeed – know that we must work very hard to reach the goals for which we are striving.  I work much longer hours for myself than I ever did when I worked for someone else.  But that’s the point, I am working to grow a business for myself!  I am working to build a residual income that will last me the rest of my life - even after I decide I don’t want to work my business anymore. 

For those of us who are fortunate to have found a business we love, a product or service we’re passionate about work long hours, but without the stress and dissatisfaction we had when we worked a j-o-b.  I can hardly wait to begin working each morning.  And before I know it, it’s evening and I wonder where the day went?  I enjoy what I’m doing, so it doesn’t feel like work.

Having been in network marketing for several years now, I’ve seen far more people join my team and quit than I’ve seen join believing that “quitting is not an option.”  97%?  I really don’t have statistics, but it may well be close.  However, those who have remained with my team are growing a successful business, as am I.  We are the winners!

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

Has your dad suggested that you are crazy to be working a home-based business?  Has your best friend encouraged you over and over again to get a “real” job?  How about people you know who say something to the effect of “Let me know when you start making money.  I’ll join then.”  In their minds, that day will never come.

All these people mean well.  They love and care about you, but if they have never had a successful home business, they are not the people from whom you should be taking advice.

I have had new team members join my company who are excited and full of plans to build a great business.  A day or two passes, and then they tell me, “My wife told me it was a scam.  So I’m quitting.” 

If people are intelligent enough to research a business opportunity, finding nothing negative about it, why are they so quick to believe a couple people they know, because they tried it and failed or simply believe all home businesses are scams?

Don’t listen to the wrong people!  Once you find a great home-based business and determine it is reputable and strong, join it and begin following the suggestions of those who have successfully worked from home. 

There is no need to tell your friends and family that they don’t know what they’re talking about.  Just tune them out and know that they only want the best for you.  Dive into your business, build it, and they will later say, “I knew you could do it!”

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

For a Successful Network Marketing, Don’t Think Too Hard!

 We’ve all heard the term “over-thinking.”  We’re humans, and we often think about things too much.  Our over-thinking can often actually stand in the way of our success.

Of course, we don’t want to act foolishly or never think things through.  Over-thinking, however, can prevent us from doing actual work!

We all know people who constantly talk about what they plan to do, but they never get around to doing anything.  Over-thinkers have read over the company’s websites a million times and reviewed every bit of literature the company offers.  They think they must know the answer to every possible question that may come up in their business.

You definitely want to be informed of all the basics of your business, but you do NOT have to know everything there is to know before you begin working.  You should know how to navigate your websites so you can find answers when you’re asked a question.  In fact, you NEVER will know everything there is to know about your business!  Simply know how to find answers or who to contact for answers.

Those who are making money with their network marketing business are the ones who learned the basics and then got to work.  They took action almost from the day they joined. 

As we begin interacting with prospects – online or face-to-face – we learn what works and what does not.  Sure, you will likely make some mistakes, but you’ll get past them and keep striving for success.

So, don’t think too hard!  Get out there and take action!  You’ll have on-the-job training, your knowledge will grow over time – and so will your paycheck!

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

Who is Really to Blame for Your Lack of Success in Your Business?

Most of us have worked in at least one network marketing company prior to joining our current business. Many of you work two or more businesses right now. 

Of those who have worked with network marketing companies in the past, many, possibly most ended up quitting and moving on to another business.  The majority of those likely quit because they were not successful.  I realize that there are exceptions.  A few may have left a company, because the company itself closed up shop.  But the fact remains that most people simply quit their positions with network marketing companies.

Now, no one goes into a new business planning to be unsuccessful. In fact most are very eager and excited at first, and then the glow wears off when they realize they are not making money.  If any of you have left a company or are currently working with a business making little or no business, ask yourself, “How is it that people receive the same comp plan, market the same product using the same tools are doing well, but I am not?”

If you have tried and failed with anything, not just a business, it is always easy to blame other people for your failure.  In reality, you have to start looking at yourself to find real success in anything.  You have chosen to fail by giving up.

You can blame the company or their product, but the fact is only you are standing in the way of your success.  If you’re new and have the attitude that you’ll “just try it out,” I doubt you’ll stay on with the company.  Don’t allow friends or family lead you astray by telling you “home businesses” don’t work. The industry works.

We must each take ownership of our businesses – and our lives.  Success is based on mindset.  If we blame others for our past failures, our minds are in the past with a negative mindset.

Instead of dwelling on our past disappointments, acknowledge them, try to learn from them and then let them go!  If you cannot let go, you will simply repeat the same mistakes.  If you give your past significance, you cannot move forward.

Now we have established that blaming others does not promote success.  What is going to give you success?

·        We often talk about setting goals.  Goals, both huge ones and tiny ones, are an important part of your success.  If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you get there?

·        Always hold yourself accountable.  There are very few excuses that can truly prevent you from working and growing your business.  You and you alone are doing so.

·        It is important to reward yourself along the way.  Celebrate small achievements. If you attain one of your smaller goals, brag about it!  Be proud of yourself and let others know so they can celebrate with you!

Your failures in life and business are only as important as you make them.  Adjust your mindset.  KNOW that you can be successful, and get ready for a much brighter future.  And finally, NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO GIVE UP!

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

What Do You Know About Your Competition?

You could say that every network marketing company is competition to your network marketing company, but that would only be vaguely correct.  Every reputable company in the industry must offer a product or service.  Those that do not are illegal.  Therefore, your true competition is any other company that sells the same or a similar product or service that you promote.

Do you know which companies actually are your competitors?  We all should know this, because we want to be sure our marketing plans shows how your company is superior to your competitors.  We do NOT do this by “bashing” the competition, which is totally unprofessional. 

Instead, in our advertising, we must state something about our company that we know is better than our competition’s.

Here is an example of how I do this.  My company’s main competition has a very complicated compensation plan.  Each of their reps is paid differently based and receives different benefits based upon how much they pay their company each month.  Many prospects have told me how confusing they found that company’s policies.

My ads often say, “EVERYONE receives the same benefits, the same residual commission and pays the same low monthly fee.”

Our competitor also charges fees for various tools they offer their reps.  So, my ads may also include, “Websites, lead capture pages and autoresponders are all included in your one low monthly fee.  NO other fees are required to build your business.”

It was not necessary for me to say anything negative about our competitor, but if a prospect was researching both companies, my ad demonstrated why my company was the better choice.

To understand this part of my message, you must know that my company sells discount benefit plans that help people save money on health and dental care, roadside assistance, pet care, and much more.  My company’s competition sells many of the same services we offer, and they are good services.  However, their services are provided by a network of providers about which most people are unfamiliar.  My company’s provider networks are well-known, nationwide companies.  We even see one of our provider networks advertised on television!

So, my ads often name the well-known provider networks to make our products stand out from our competitors.

It is very important that we know how our competitors operate their business, how they resolve problems with their reps and how their products or services compare to your own.  Visit their websites.  Look on forums and perform a search engine inquiry to see if you find complaints against them. 

I repeat that you should NEVER say anything bad about your competitor or their products.  Instead, by showing how your company stands out from the crowd, the wise prospective customer will compare your company with your competitors and select yours because of how you presented it.

By always posting positively about your business and on forums, you will gain far more new reps and sell more products than your competition.

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

Recruiting is not Enough

Leader = somebody whom people follow; someone who guides or directs others.

A few days ago, a team member in my downline called me to tell me she had canceled.  I’ll call her Jane.  Jane then said she planned to re-join, but directly to me.  Normally if a returning team member does not want to sign under their previous sponsor, I encourage them to re-sign with them anyway.  I tell them that I will still work with them, and I’ll still get paid the same.

In this situation, I did not encourage Jane to re-join with her previous who I’ll call Susan.  Susan is a couple levels below me.  I did not recruit or train her.  She explained to me that she had not heard from Susan even once since she joined our company. She had also tried contacted Susan herself, but was never able to reach her.

Although it has improved, network marketing still fights the long-held poor reputation to a degree.  When Susan recruited and then abandoned Jane, she contributed to that poor reputation.  I too joined a company several years ago and never had help from anyone to teach me the business.  It is frustrating to say the least.

Jane did what she felt was best for her.  She really wants to grow her business, building a team and selling our products.  Without someone training her, however, she knew she could not do that.   

I really do not understand why network marketers bother recruiting anyone if they don’t really want an actual team.  They can earn money just selling their product or service without recruiting if they don’t like training or helping team members.

Susan has been in network marketing for a long time.  She knows the industry and what is required, and yet she recruited only a few people who quit soon after.  Until now I didn’t realize why her team members quit so quickly.

In network marketing, team leaders must realize that they have to l-e-a-d!  So, again I say, a leader is somebody whom people follow; someone who guides or directs others.  Recruiting team members is not enough.

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  

Decisions, Decisions...

There are many things to consider when you’re looking for a network marketing business.  There are so many options available today that choosing one can be daunting.

I believe that you can only be successful with a company if you are passionate about their product or service.  If you cannot sell the products due to lack of enthusiasm, all the rest of the considerations mean nothing.

Be sure you believe in the product and that there is a high demand at a reasonable price for whatever you will be selling?  Conduct a “Google” search on the product name to see what responses are generated.

Do your due diligence, lots of research on any company in which you may be interested.  When you do an Internet search of the company, look for red flags.  Are there negative posts about the company or many complaints posted by former distributors?  Most companies have a few complaints, but if there are a lot, run the other way!

Your research should include the management/ownership of the company.  Did they own another company that failed in the past?  Have you seen negative information about them?

Do you like the compensation plan the company offers?  Do you fully understand it?  Some people like working with companies that offer a variety of ways you can earn money; others like simple, straightforward comp plans.  Does the compensation plan fit into your long-term goals?

Once you have completed your “homework” about the company itself, you’ll want to choose wisely who you want for your sponsor.  Which team leader you select can make a difference as to whether or not you are successful in your business.

It is important to select a team that offers support and training in the basics of growing your business – both on and offline.  To select a prospective sponsor or team leader, you can do an Internet search on the business name to see which names come up the most and are ranked highest in the search.  Select two or three people, and search for blogs they have written, forums in which they participate and videos they have created.  You can learn a great deal about a person from their blogs, forum posts and videos.

You may want to connect with those few prospective sponsors on Facebook, Twitter, etc. to learn more about them.  If they permit it, attend a couple training calls with the team.  Learning about the person with whom you’ll be working can go a long way toward making the best choice.

If you take your time and are thorough when researching your next business, team and sponsor, the possibility of building a strong network marketing business increases greatly.

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

Your Greatest Accomplishment

Everyone likes a pat on the back every once in a while. And there’s no better time to get one than when you are challenging yourself, maybe nervous about whether you can succeed or just doing something that is normally out of your comfort zone.

Most people join a company to start their home business very excited.  When they don’t see results right away, some begin to question themselves or consider quitting, thinking they may have made a mistake joining to begin with. 

Instead of this negative approach, look at your goals from a position of "possibilities" instead.  Find ways to praise yourself for little things you do in your business.  Give yourself words of encouragement.  Instead of focusing on what is NOT yet happening, try paying more attention to what IS happening. 

To sustain your excitement toward your business and continue to be motivated, the positive approach will keep you going forward.  Self-praise creates a feeling of doing something you want to do, not what you’re forcing yourself to do. Even your smallest accomplishments should make you proud!

Set lots of little goals.  Sure, you have your dream, your “why,” your major goal, but that will likely take some time to reach.  The excitement of reaching each of your little goals will motivate you to try even more new and different things.

·        You wrote your first blog?  Great, that deserves a cheer! 

·        Did you speak to your first prospect?  Good job! 

·        How about posting your first ad?  That’s a step toward your first sale! 

·        Did you participate in company training calls or webinars?  Many people do not, so praise yourself for it.

·        Did you have people visit your website or profile today?  Woohoo!  You did something right to drive them there.

Compliment yourself.  Write down what you would say to anyone else who accomplished what you just did.  You can even keep a journal of your accomplishments.  It is a great feeling to look back months later and see how far you have come.

Be sure to tell your sponsor what you have done.  He or she will want to share your excitement!  I am so proud of my team members when they do something new, challenge themselves or make a sale.

Decide from the start that “quitting is NOT an option,” and begin recognizing your growth and accomplishments.  With a positive outlook, your business will grow, and you’ll be able to look back and be amazed!

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  

The Vision, the Big Picture

Merriam-Webster dictionary’s definition of the “Big Picture" is: "The entire perspective on a situation or issue.”  Another definition I found online is, “an experience in which a personage, thing, or event appears vividly or credibly to the mind, although not actually present.

When it comes to network marketing, there are many great companies, even more good companies and there are companies that likely won’t be around next year.  For the distributors/representatives who join even a great network marketing company, only those who have “the vision” of where the company is headed will succeed. 

Many network marketing companies pay residual commission, paying their reps each month for sales they make on all active accounts.  Those who can see “the big picture” realize that in the future, they will be earning huge sums of money, that six or seven-figure income for which most are striving. 

Let’s say a company pays their affiliates $10 residual income for each active sale.  Sadly, the majority of them will not remain with the company long enough for those $10 payments to accumulate, to multiply into $10,000, $20,000, or $100,000.  It takes patience, persistence and perseverance to continue working while growing a business.

The big picture, unfortunately, is invisible and abstract.  We cannot see it, touch it or smell it.  It can only be comprehended with our minds.  We must be able to visualize the big picture, imagine the company in five, ten, or twenty years.

Steve Jobs, who I believe everyone agrees was an amazing visionary, once said, "Do something that contributes greatly to society… When that is achieved, material benefits will follow by itself. "

If a network marketer truly believes they are working with a company whose product or service can make a difference in people’s lives, they likely will be able to make sales.  But unless they have “the vision” of where their company is going, they likely will not be with that same company in five years.

Do you have the vision for your company?  Does the big picture in your mind reflect a prosperous future for you and the company? If not, you may need an “attitude adjustment” or a new company.

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

I Found a Biz that Feels Like Home

Most of my blog posts are about network marketing in general, other business-related topics, my family and personal life, and news events or informational.  I have written only a few about my home business and why I love what I do, so I’m about due.

I have worked with Xpress Healthcare as an Affiliate Business Owner (ABO) since February 2011.  For six years prior to joining Xpress, I was with a competitor.  The way my former company was managed, performed their training and operated their business was not a good fit for me.  There are people who were successful with them, so the business model works for some. 

The founders of Xpress Healthcare, Ed Pettola and Dan Gambardello, founded Xpress in 2009.  They spent a year or so building the business, putting the programs in place and creating a great foundation.  In 2010, they launched their network marketing platform.

• The discount healthcare plan was their first product.  It is NOT insurance.  The plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services.  Our plan members pay for all their own healthcare services, but they pay discounted rates, saving between 10% - 85% on virtually all their medical expenses.  Their physician and hospital bills are reduced, and they can receive discounts on lab tests and imaging (X-rays, MRI’s), diabetic and medical supplies, chiropractic and even a nurse line. 

• After a short time, Xpress Healthcare added another product, a discount dental plan, which also includes discounts on vision, prescriptions, hearing, medical supplies, diabetic supplies and vitamins.

• More plans were added at the beginning of 2012.  Xpress now also offers discounts on Pet Care, Roadside Assistance, Legal, LifeLock® and a Cash Back Rewards program.

• Xpress recently added a Telahealth program, the first and largest doctors-by-phone service in the US.

• Xpress Healthcare plans start at only $19.95/month (per immediate family).  Our plans can save our members hundreds, even thousands of dollars, and in many cases, they are able to gain access to care that, without our plans, they may never have had.  But please remember, we are NOT insurance.  We are a DISCOUNT benefit company.

Now, back to my career with Xpress.  Within a few weeks after joining Xpress, my income covered my monthly affiliate fee.  After a few months with Xpress, I was asked to host some of our nationwide corporate training calls.  It was both an honor to be chosen and a responsibility about which I was nervous, but I accepted the challenge. 

I grew my business, each month increasing my residual income and growing my team a little larger.  My team, “The Winner’s Circle,” is now one of the largest teams in the company.  My team is pretty typical for the network marketing industry. I have team members who are serious about their business and are doing as I did, working hard and consistently increasing their income.  I have team members who are slowly working their business and growing their income little by little.  And I have team members who have done absolutely nothing!

I am now seeking more leaders, people who are coachable, able to work both as part of a team and independently, who do not need their hand held every step of the way, and who are self-motivated.  I’ll will train them, guide them and help grow them grow their businesses.

If you think you qualify to become an Xpress Healthcare leader, visit my website to learn more about Xpress Healthcare. 

Are you ready to join my team? If so, go to http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  Click on “join,” and select “Become an ABO.”

I’m looking forward to working with you soon.

How to Grow a Strong Business

There are several questions about network marketing that we are asked by prospects repeatedly.  Here are a few.

   Can I get rich quickly by joining a network marketing company?

It takes time, effort and patience to build a network marketing business. Network marketing is about building residual income.  You must consistently sell your products or services.  With Xpress, you must sell quite a few plans before you’ll notice a difference in your wallet.  Time and effort. IF you want an override income from others, you must also build a team of people who will also put in time and effort to enable you to earn more money. 

However, in order to gain true residual income, you need to be patient.  The good thing is it takes far less time to build a network marketing business, and a much smaller investment than traditional businesses or franchises.  They need huge investments up front and usually are not in profit mode for at least a year.  With most network marketing companies,  you’re in profit mode once you are earning enough to cover your up-front or monthly fee.

   Some ask, “Isn’t your warm market your best lead prospect?”

Your warm market is the people you know – those who trust you and you have a relationship with. Many companies do recommend that you contact them first.  I disagree. Our friends and family get very tired of being approached to join one business or another or buy this great new product. 

So, we must start connecting with people we don’t know, both online and offline. The key to connecting with people offline is simply talking to them. Ask them questions and listen to the answers. If you get them talking enough, you will hear their “why” to tie in with your company’s solution. Get their contact information and set an appointment to talk to them about your business.

A few key principles are required to succeed in Network Marketing, and regardless of the company you are with, they will determine whether or not you will be successful.

Know what you want to accomplish!  Take the time to really think about what you want to accomplish and why. At first countless ideas are going through your head thinking of all the possibilities of success and potential financial growth that awaits you; it’s easy to get excited.  After a while, though, it can be just as easy to become discouraged if your business isn’t growing as fast as you expected.

Having a very clear “why” and knowing what you want to accomplish is important at those times.  Then, no matter what you face, you have the motivation to press beyond the challenges and get closer to your goals.  Write down your Why! Keep it posted where you can see it daily. If it helps you, make a dream board with pictures that represent your why.  Keep them posted on the fridge where you’ll see them and be reminded of your “why” several times a day.

What are you willing to give up to reach your goals?  You must be willing to sacrifice for a period of time. Many people underestimate their need to give up a few things in order to succeed.  Success does not happen by mistake.  It requires some level of compromise.

You may have to miss your favorite TV show or not work on your hobby for a while to allow yourself time to grow your business.  Determine what you are willing to compromise up front to enable you to achieve your goals in the end. 

Take a look at your life. Where are you wasting time? How often do you have the TV on when you could be working on your business? Make a list specifying exactly what times/things you will temporarily sacrifice in order to build your business.

Have a plan & work it!  If you want to really grow a strong business, you must know how much you want to earn, and what it will take to earn it; what are the Income Producing Activities, and what should you be doing daily to get closer and closer to your goals?  Write down how much you want to earn and what you need to do to get there. Write down exactly how you will get to your goal. Then write down daily goals.

I hope these suggestions help those considering network marketing.  Knowing what is required before you take the leap may make a huge difference as to whether you are a network marketing success.

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To learn about Julie Klein and the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity, please visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

Learn how you can reduce the high cost of health care and dental services AND Save on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and much more athttp://ibourl.net/XpressSavings   (NOT insurance).