The Big Picture

When speaking to one of my team members today, we were discussing how, in network marketing, people often are unable to see “the big picture.”

As most people know, in network marketing a large percentage of those who join quit before they’ve put any real effort into their business.  I believe that is because they don’t have the right perspective, their overall view of what can be achieved is beyond them.

Those who can see "the big picture" are able to look beyond the immediate future, seeing in their mind through a wider lens that displays the true possibilities that lie before them.

There are network marketing companies that promise almost immediate success.  Although on rare occasions, someone’s business does take immediately, but it is bar far the exception, rather than the rule.

Network marketing companies that pay residual income do not pay a large amount for every sale an associate makes.  Rather, they will earn a small amount, but they’ll be paid that amount month after month, year after year, rather than being paid only once.  With residual income, once an associate builds a good income, even if they stop working their business, as long as they remain with the company, their residual income continues to come in.

I’ll use my own company as an example.  Xpress Healthcare sells discount health and dental plans and benefit plans that reduce our members’ costs in many other areas of their lives.  For instance, if I sell our top plan, I will be paid $15, which by itself may seem a rather small amount, not much at all.  However, I will be paid $15 every single month for every active account I sell.  Let’s say I sell our plans to a business with 100 employees.  From that one sale, I’ll be earning $1500 month after month.

In the grand scheme of things, $15 is looking better.  PLUS, I’ll be paid a percentage of the sales people on my team down two levels are paid.  So, in addition to the $15 I’m paid for my personal sales, I’ll be paid $2.50 each month for all of the top plans my team members sell.  Again, using that company with 100  employees example, if my team member made the sale, I’d be earning $250 per month, and I did no work for it!

Of course, anyone who “sticks it out” continues to make additional sales that begin stacking up, growing a larger and larger residual income.  Is that “big picture” beginning to look better? 

I personally believe that those who are unable to see “the big picture” should not work with a company that pays residual commission.  They should select a company that pays larger, one-time commissions.  If they are wise, they’ll invest it well.  If they are not, they may end up with nothing in the end.

With my own company, as with many others, the possibility of earning the “magical” six-figure income is very real for anyone willing to work for it and not quit.  I personally never worked a j-o-b where I came anywhere close to earning that much money, and if I quit that job, I received no additional paychecks.  So, what if you had to work two years, or three, or five?  Seeing that “big picture” up the road should keep you staying the course until you reach it. 

http://julie.joinxpress.com/overview.html

New Week, Fresh Start

Here we are at another new week.  I know it is Tuesday, but since Monday (yesterday) was the Memorial Day holiday here in the USA, most of us did not work yesterday, or at least not much.

So, what shall I do this week, and what challenges will I face? 

In just a few minutes, my husband and I will leave to go for a walk.  We walk half an hour most days to get a little exercise.  Since I sit at my desk for many hours a day, it is important for me to get in my walk.

Then, I have some “issues” to work on.  I had computer problems over the weekend, and I’ll have to get them handled today.

Genealogy is my hobby, and when my genealogy software in my computer went crazy, I called tech support who advised me to do a “clean” uninstall and then reinstall it.  I did, but now the system says I cannot reinstall it without the software manager “resetting” my install.  Of course, that office was closed over the long weekend.  So, today I’ll contact them.

Recently new tool bars and tools have been installing themselves in my computer without my knowledge. I already had Windows Essentials on my computer, supposedly to protect it from viruses, etc. (according to my technician that was enough).  Last night, I purchased and installed Avast for an additional layer of protection, since “something” seems to be accessing my computer.  I am definitely not a “techie,” so I’ll have to contact the technician I use today to help me get rid of whatever things have self-installed in my computer.

At some point during the day, I will actually get some work done on my business as well.  I have a few prospects I must contact, and I will get some posts on IBO Toolbox, Facebook, etc.  I will also place a few ads.

Since it is now 5:18 a.m. where I am, I shall now go have breakfast, take a shower, dress and take my walk.  Then, I will be fresh and ready to approach the day’s work.

5/29/2012

http://julie.joinxpress.com/overview.html

Quitting is NOT an Option!

I have often heard that of all those who join network marketing, 97% fail.  Fail?  I don’t think so.  Quit?  Very likely!  I really don’t have a precise percentage, but it may well be about 97% who quit without ever really trying. 

Far too many people get into network marketing expecting it to be easy.  With many companies, the work is uncomplicated, but it is work.  Many people should never be in network marketing to begin with, because they are not self-disciplined enough to work without a boss telling them what to do.  To work for themselves, they must be able to manage their time.  There are only 24 hours in each day, and if they do not utilize that time appropriately, they are unproductive, become frustrated that their business is not growing... and then they quit!

A small percentage of network marketers get into it knowing they will succeed, and they will do whatever it takes to make it happen.  They do not just want to succeed, they expect to succeed.  That small percentage of people actually usually works harder and longer hours than they ever did when they had a j-o-b.   I am among them, because no one will pay me unless I work and earn the money!  The residual income I am growing is my retirement.  If I ever decide I no longer want to work, my residuals must last me the rest of my life.

Once someone finds a business opportunity they love, with a product or service about which they are passionate, they are not stressed out by working long hours.  They have a feeling of satisfaction at the end of each day and look forward to “going to work” the following day.

During the several years I have been in network marketing, only a small fraction of those joining my team had the “quitting is not an option” attitude.  Most only planned to “give it a try,” and they gave up at the very first challenge.  I have gotten better about predicting which have the right attitude to succeed, but I am far from perfect.

I only speak to prospects who contact me.  I don’t call people on lead lists.  So, my prospects are “serious” candidates, but I still bring in a few new team members who deserved Academy Awards for their performance during our “interview.” Once they join, they disappear and apparently join the “witness protection program.”  And then, they join the 90+ percent who quit.    

http://ibourl.net/XpressOpportunity

I Am Blown Away!

The area where I live is known for many things.  Because of the history of the area, people often refer to it as “The Old West.”  “Cowboys and Indians” fought here.  This region is also the Hummingbird Capital of the United States, with myriad varieties of birds.  People come from around the world to see our birds.  Fort Huachuca, home of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center, is located here.  The San Pedro River, a river of major ecological importance and one of only two rivers that runs north from Mexico into the United States.

Another thing this area is known for is the frequent high winds.  Today’s forecast:

Strong and gusty winds will develop this morning and continue into late evening. A red flag warning and a wind advisory are in effect from 8 am to 11 PM MST. Areas of blowing dust are expected.

We have had a few very windy days this week, and it is expected to continue through tomorrow night.  I really dislike high winds.  Most people are not aware that wind can actually cause many physical and mental problems, because of the positive ions that come along with it.  You’re likely thinking about allergies, and wind can definitely cause allergy flare-ups.  However, in addition to allergies, studies show that the wind can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory problems, asthma and more.  Those pesky positive ions, for some people, cause nervousness, emotional unbalance, easily irritated, apathy, listlessness, insecurity, anxiety and depression.  I have asthma, and I become anxious when high winds blow for an extensive time – like this week.

Curious about wind, although I’ve always heard something about high and low pressure, I never really paid much attention.  So I did a little research.

I learned that wind is simply moving air (I didn’t need to be told that) and is caused by differences in air pressure within the atmosphere. When air is under high pressure, it moves toward areas of low pressure. The greater the difference in pressure, the faster the air flows.

The highest wind ever measured by Doppler radar is 318 mph during an Oklahoma tornado in 1999.

Wind speeds are based on the descriptions of winds in a scale called the Beaufort Scale, which divides wind speeds into 12 different categories, from less than 1 mph to more than 73 mph.  The lowest wind speed on the scale, less than 1, is considered calm, and the highest, hurricane.

Evangelista Torricelli- physicist mathematician (and assistant to the astronomer Galileo) who lived in France during the 1700’s filled a long glass tube with mercury. He then turned it upside down into a dish, creating a vacuum keeping the mercury within the tube.  Torricelli was amazed to observe that the mercury was not at the same height in the tube every day.

Unbeknownst to him prior to this experiment, the varying levels were caused by changes in the atmospheric pressure. Torricelli had created a very important weather instrument, the barometer, which is still used today to measure air pressure.  The higher the mercury is within the barometer, the higher the air pressure.  Scientists today also use a more modern technique today to measure pressure in units called hectopascals.

My allergies and asthma do not feel any better, and I am still a bit anxious, but I did find it interesting to learn what is causing my problems.  I hope you did as well.

Learn how to join "The Winner's Circle" here.

Expose Yourself!

We are all familiar with the myriad ways to market yourself and your business online.  We use forums, advertising sites – free and paid, social networking, email, etc.

Sometimes we forget that prior to the internet, people marketed their businesses in a variety of offline ways.

This weekend, I was a “vendor” at a bazaar.  I set up an attractive table showing my product – in my case, flyers and brochures, since I sell a service, not a tangible item to display.  I also had a large, colorful tri-fold display board to attract attention of shoppers.

Network marketers who use this “old fashioned” way to market their products usually do not expect to make sales at the event, but rather they get prospective customers with whom they will follow up later or distribute brochures and flyers to simply get their name and company name into the community.

At this particular event, the organization holding it did very little advertising, so attendance was very low.  Even with the small number of shoppers, several stopped at my table to ask questions and picked up brochures and flyers.  

Over the next few days or weeks, I expect a couple prospects will contact me for additional information or to enroll in one of our services.  OR, they will pass the brochure along to someone they know who might benefit by our service, and that person will contact me.

Of course, I had hoped for better attendance, but I was not very disappointed, because a few people will know Xpress Healthcare or my name.  Then in a month or two when they get a toothache, they will remember that brochure they picked up.  Then, they may join our dental plan. 

I have also used another old-fashioned marketing method.  I have distributed flyers in various places around my town.  In fact, a few weeks ago, a gentleman called me inquiring about my business opportunity.  He had found my flyer on a grocery store bulletin board.  That gentleman is now on team.

We talk about “network marketing” all the time, but more often than not, we are referring to doing so online.  I recently joined a local organization of home business owners – the group who hosted the event over the weekend.  It is a group of nice people who help and support one another in their business endeavors.  If I know or meet someone who loves costume jewelry, I know a woman in the group to whom I would refer them person.  If I meet a man who loves grilling, I would give them the name of a gentleman in the group who sells unique grilling tools and marinades.  I also expect that when one of the other members thinks of someone who spends too much on their prescriptions, they will contact me.

The more methods we use to “expose ourselves,” the more our businesses will grow.  Using the various methods of online marketing, we certainly reach more people than we are likely to reach offline.  However, that does not mean we should abandon the tried and true offline methods – business cards, mailings, flyers and direct local selling.  They too have their place in today’s high-tech society.

http://ibourl.net/xpressopportunity

How Self-Confident Are YOU?

Self confidence can make the difference between being successful or failing in your business.  How you perceive yourself is “contagious,” and it can make a difference in how others perceive you.

If you are not confident in yourself, your skills and abilities, it is time to begin working on improving your image to yourself and others.

It may seem odd to some, even when you’re working at home, appearance makes a difference!  When you don’t look good, it changes the way you interact with people.  They can hear it in your voice.  When you look sloppy, you likely  do not come across as professional on the phone.

I do not understand when I hear people talk about working in their pajamas.  I get dressed every day in fresh clothes, fix my hair and makeup, and then “go to work” in my home office.  I simply cannot perform professionally in my pajamas.  I don’t wear a dress or business suit, but I could meet a prospect wearing my “work” clothes.

Gratitude

Don’t focus too much on what you want.  It can lead you into dwelling on your weaknesses. The best way to avoid this is consciously focusing on gratitude. Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be grateful for.  Recall your past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum. You’ll be amazed how much you have going for you, and you’ll be motivated to continue working and building your business.

Speak up

On our training calls, some people never speak up. I believe they’re afraid that people may judge them or think they are stupid. In reality, everyone on our calls is there to learn and share ideas.  They want to hear what we all have to say.  They are far more accepting than some believe.  They are not expecting other team members to be an expert on any particular subject.  When you make an effort to speak up at least once during each training call, you’ll become more at ease, more confident in yourself, and eventually, you may even be recognized as a leader to other team members.

Put more effort into helping others

Oftentimes, people get caught up in their personal goals, their wants and needs.  We all do it occasionally.  We may become focused in ourselves, not the needs of other people.  When we stop thinking about ourselves and concentrate on how we can help others, we don’t worry as much about our own flaws. This can lead to more self confidence, and we’ll perform better.  It is interesting that the more we give to others - our teams, charity, family or friends – the more successful we are likely to be.

http://julie.xpressabo.com/xhc1?=blog

How Rude!

I just received a phone call that inspired me to post a blog.  


“Hi Julie!  How are you today?”  Fine.
“Are you still with Xpress Healthcare?”  Yes.
“How is that going for you?”  Very well, thank you.
“Great!  So how much money are you making each month?”  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Click.


I worked most of my life working in offices.  I never would have even considered asking the person at the next desk how much they earned.  It was none of my business.


I have had idiots like this guy (calling to sell me something I am sure) ask me this question numerous times.  I have had prospective team members ask me this question.  I cannot imagine asking anyone such a personal question.


I have seen others post ads, “I earned $10,000 my first month!”  First of all, I doubt it, and secondly, I think people are out of their minds bragging about that, almost promising prospects that they will do the same.


I have even had a couple team members ask that question.  I will put “rude” aside for a moment.  Besides that, I think it is foolish for any team leader to tell anyone, including their team, how many people are on their team or how much money they earned.


I look at it this way… Assume for a moment that I share with my team that I have a team of 1500 and I am earning $5000 per month.  Since they are not earning very much money yet, they could be intimidated, thinking “I will never earn THAT much!”  OR, I might share with my team that I am earning $300 per month and I have a team of 25 people.  People on my team would likely think, “Is THAT ALL?”  They would lose confidence in me as their leader and/or quit, because after X period of time, I am hardly earning anything.


In my mind, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to ask someone else how much they are earning or the size of their team.  There is also no need to “brag” about how much they are earning, even if it is a great deal of money.


On the other side, for those just starting out - never lie or give any figures - but always give the impression that you are doing well to instill confidence in your prospects and your team members.


OK.  I got that off my chest.  I will let it go now.


For info re Xpress Healthcare, click here.