Clearing Out the Old

My husband and I have our house up for sale.  Whenever it sells, we will have 17-years of accumulated “stuff” to move.

So, we decided to get rid of some things.  For years we’ve been collecting “tshatshkes” (trinket, toy, bauble; knick-knack; ornament), and they are just sitting in a closet.  Some are antiques and/or vintage items.

My husband and I thought we should try to sell them online.  Over the years, we have purchased a thing or two and sold a couple things on eBay, but we are far from experienced sellers.

We photographed all the things we wanted to sell, loaded the pix into my computer and began to place our ads.

What a production it turned out to be! We were posting 15 items.  First determining the category was a bit of a challenge.  Some items fit into more than one category, and other things didn’t seem to fit into any of the categories offered.

When we went to upload the photos for each item, some wouldn’t load for some reason (wrong number of pixels?).  We had to retake and reload pictures repeatedly.

The next obstacle we faced was determining the price.  We had looked up most of the items on eBay and other sites to see what they sold for, but the prices varied dramatically.  Since we really want to sell these items, we decided to go lower than most of the others, and we put them under the “buy now” category.  In the Buy Now area, we had to select the lowest offer we would accept.  We wanted to make a little money at least on these items.

Our next step was to think up a title for each ad.  We had to try to think up titles that would grab buyers’ attention.  I’m not sure how successful we were, but I think I would have stopped to look closer if I was buying instead of selling.

Then we had to think of a description for them.  Six of the items were beautiful vintage perfume bottles.  I inherited them from my mother.  They are all glass, some with “jewels,” some with raised designs.  We had to come up with descriptions that were different for each one.  I didn’t even know what to call a couple of the items.  They were “tshatshkes.”

After posting about six of our 15 items, I realized I had skipped the “location exclusion” section.  I do not want to have to send them outside of the United States.  I had to go back to the original six I had already posted and correct that section. 

All in all, this process took us – wait for it – nearly four hours!  After all that work, I certainly hope these items sell. 

Our Sunday was a new and interesting experience.

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Change Please

To make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of something different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. “There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction”

Winston Churchill quotes (British Orator, Author and Prime Minister during World War II. 1874-1965) Most of us are resistant change.  We are comfortable where we are, doing what we have been doing in the same way.  Of course, change is inevitable.  If you look at it with a positive attitude, change can be exciting, keeping life – or your business – ever evolving and improving. Considering the ever-accelerating rate of change in today’s workplace, the ability to successfully adapt to change may be one of the most important skills to learn. There are times that we may focus on what we might lose as a result of the change, rather than on what we may gain. No matter how you personally feel about the change – whatever it may be - it is important to adapt productively and positively. There are times when we want to just get the change over with so we can move on.  In the world of business, the cycle of change may take longer than we hope or expect.  The changes must be communicated to everyone, integrated into an existing system, and it may take time for adjustment of all the things that the change may affect.  When you learn about an upcoming change, consider it a challenge.  Take it on!  Throw yourself into learning as much as you can about it.  Consider what new and exciting horizons may appear as result of the change. Tap into your courage.  Be brave and face the change head on. Instead of clinging to the status quo, ask yourself “How will this change improve my business?” “How will it make our entire company better?”  Instead of expressing discontent and resistance, look for ways that the integration process of the change will give you an opportunity to grow your business.  When we are pushed out of our comfort zone, we can then build a new one. Ask others – your team leader or a co-worker – for their input.  They may have insight into how the change will affect you and the company.  Their perspective may be very different from your own, so you can ask for ideas, suggestions and feedback on how they are adjusting to the change.  You may be surprised how having a solid support system surrounding you will ease the affect of the change.  Rather than being resistant to the change by building walls around you, build bridges instead that you may cross to learn how to maximize the benefits of the change. Eventually the adjustment to the change, or to several changes, will get easier.  I’ll admit that early on with my current company, before I knew the business really well, changes frightened me just a bit.  I wondered whether I could learn a new way of working, new products, new skills.  I no longer fear them.  Instead I look forward to them and adjust quickly. Because I work with a fairly new company, we have learned that we must expect changes and embrace them.  Along with our company, we can evolve, improve and grow. http://juliejoinxpress.com

What Shall I Talk About?

As the leader of a large network marketing team, I host training calls.  I really enjoy them, and I am fortunate that there is nearly always good attendance on the calls.  In this industry, I know it can be challenging getting team members to training calls, so I consider myself fortunate.

As much as I like presenting training calls, it is very challenging coming up with something different to talk about each week.  I have had calls about our back office on a few occasions, which is good, because with our company, the back office frequently changes with new tools added to make our job easier.

I have had calls discussing attitude, leadership, self-confidence, marketing, a few about the discount savings plans we sell, how our savings plans help those on Medicare, recruiting, home business tax deductions, on IBO Toolbox and on and on. 

Because we are a network marketing company, we are always gaining new team members who have not heard the calls I did weeks or months ago.  So, occasionally, I change a program I have already done a bit and present it again.

My team call is on Monday’s.  Today it is Friday, and I have not yet come up with an idea for this week’s call.  I even sent out an email to my team asking if there is something in particular they would like me to cover.  No responses so far.

So, I am interested to know how those of you who have team training calls, how do you keep the topic fresh and interesting?  There are so many IBO members who also build teams, some of you must have team calls.  We all sell different products and services, so of course, you will train on your own product.  But, network marketing is network marketing, and there are certain aspects of the industry that are the same no matter what you sell.

I would love your thoughts on this.  How do you come up with team call topics each week?

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Driving Me Crazy!

Where I grew up, at the age of 15-1/2 years of age, we could get our driver’s permit.  A permit  allowed teens to drive a car accompanied by a licensed driver.  I wasn’t particularly eager to drive, but everyone else was taking Driver’s Training, so I enrolled in the class at my school.  (To my knowledge schools no longer offer it, and it is expensive to attend a private Driving School.)

So, I started off my first day in a car with an instructor and two male students.  The other two kids had their turn first.  Then it was my turn.  We were in a very large vacant parking lot.

All I remember about my turn at driving was when the instructor began shouting at me!  I had not done anything dangerous (no cars around to hit), but apparently I had done something wrong.  He continued shouting at me until I began to cry.  How embarrassing!  After the class, I went to the Girls’ Vice Principal to quit the class.  She informed me that the instructor was known for harassing the girls in his classes.

I didn’t even attempt to drive again for over a year.  Then, my father wanted to teach me.  He was a very patient and kind man.  I drove around our neighborhood for a while, and I was doing fine.  Then, I remember my dad saying, "Turn right at the next corner and park the car."  I followed his instructions. Once stopped, he told me that I had been driving the wrong way on a one-way street!  He hadn’t panicked or shouted at me.  He just got me off that street as quickly as possible.  But, I was a nervous wreck when he told me what I had done.

Periodically after that I drove with my dad, but I was always very nervous behind the wheel.  Finally, when I was going off to college, I knew I had to learn to drive!  I asked my girlfriend Elaine if she would go with me while I practiced.  For the first time, I was just driving along with my friend, no one teaching me anything, and I was a driver.  I wasn’t nervous.  I knew exactly what I needed to do and when. 

From that turning point, driving was never a problem for me.  I have never been in a collision that I caused, and (I hope I am not “jinxing” myself here…) I have never received a ticket for a traffic violation.

I really enjoy driving.  I have taken many driving vacations throughout my life, and I driven in about 2/3 of the 50 United States.  I had a very rocky driving beginning, but it turned fine.

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The Roller Coaster Ride

No matter how long you've been in network marketing, you have experienced the ups and downs, the highs and lows in your business. Everyone hits a dip in the road occasionally, even the top earners in the business.

Network Marketing can be a very exciting ride, and at times, it can be frustrating.  So, how do you deal with those times when business is slow?  If you have built up a clientele or residual base, you may not feel the pain in the wallet.  If you are new or have not built a financial foundation, it can be challenging and depressing, and you may even doubt your reasons for getting into the business.

It is important to level out those ups and downs along the way.  Too many network marketers think that because they are independent contractors they must go it alone. That is a serious mistake.  If you have chosen a reputable, well-established company, you may be in business for yourself, but you are not by yourself.

Do not hesitate to ask for help – from your sponsor, your upline or any other rep in your company.  Try to seek out those who have a positive attitude, those people who simply know that they will succeed.  If you are struggling, it is your sponsor and upline’s responsibility to help you strategize how you can get up and rolling.

Focus on the big picture, not the prospect who didn’t sign up with you today or even this week.  You have to be able to imagine what your business will be like in 6 months, a year, five years.  If you believe in your company and your product, this should not be difficult.  Do not allow yourself to get emotionally down when your business is slow. 

Some of the ebbs and flows occur regularly and affect nearly everyone.  Some find that around holidays, people are busy with their families, shopping, etc.  They may not be thinking about a home business at that time.  I am not saying not to approach them during that time.  Two years in a row I signed a new business partner on Thanksgiving. Continue to work your business as you always have, but know that it is possible that business may be down a bit.  It will come back up. Always keep your eye on your destination, and you will reach it.  Never give up on yourself no matter how bad business may be.

The highs and lows will happen.  You cannot avoid them.  However, it is how you deal with them that will make the difference between success and failure.  Never, ever give up!  Never surrender.  Never give up on your dream.

Work your business consistently.  Ask for help when you need it, and enjoy the ride! 

I’ll see you at the top!  

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The World is Our Classroom

When we were born, we had no knowledge besides instinct.  As time passed, we discovered we had legs and arms and hands.  We gradually started figuring things out.  Human’s rate of learning in those first few months of life is extraordinary.

When we entered school, we began learning new skills, expanded our vocabulary and learned to read and write.  With that knowledge, we were able to continue through our school years absorbing more and more information.

Then, we graduated.  Unfortunately, many people stop learning at that point.  Sure everyone learns something just going through the motions of life.  However, it is in the action of learning, intentionally gaining new knowledge that our brains stay alive and active.  Many studies show that mental activity may even prevent mental diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Learning is a habit, a good habit that we need to sustain throughout our lives.  Sitting in front of a television is passive activity.  The benefits of learning are lost.  To challenge your brain, you need to do new things, go to different places and read!

Travel is an excellent learning activity.  Seeing new places, meeting new and different people and experiencing new opportunities helps you to acquire a wealth of knowledge. 

Starting a new hobby is a wonderful learning exercise.  Not too long ago, I took up beading.  I am not all that good at it, but I enjoy it, it requires thought and I have developed a new skill.  Perhaps you enjoy “crafting,” or you want to learn to ski, paint, golf… There are myriad hobbies where you can learn the intricacies required and meet new people.

Reading, of course, is the most active way to learn new information.  Surveys show that 42% of all college graduates in the United States never read another book after graduation.  42%!  I was shocked to read that.

In today’s world, there are many different reading mediums.  Books are the most obvious, but in recent years, books have become digitized with the advent of Kindle and Nook readers.  A whole library is now available at our fingertips.  For those with a limited budget, the books we have read for centuries are still available at bookstores and libraries.  I am an avid reader, but I still read actual books.  I frequent my local library, and I am always pleased to see that it is very well used by the community.

To learn and keep up with current events, there are newspapers both in print and online.  Fortunately, newspapers include far more than politics and the latest murder.  You can learn about art, cooking, your community and much more in your local newspaper.

Obviously you read blogs, another great place to learn about a wide variety of subjects.  Because there are personal blogs, sports and art-related blogs, business blogs and so much more, they are an almost endless source of knowledge.

Once we left school, our learning became self-directed.  Learning is a huge part of what makes life interesting and fun.  And we are in total control of when, how much and what we learn.

I Do Not Like to Exercise

I do not like to exercise.  I never have, but I have always done some form of exercise regularly.  More often than not, I have had a walking routine, and periodically bike riding and various forms of at-home exercises. I was thinking about this as I was taking my morning walk.

I exercise, because I want to live a really long time.  It’s that simple.  Exercise is good for us, and I always feel better after exercising and sluggish if I do not.

We have always known that exercise can keep us fit and healthy and extend our lives.  Over the past couple of years, however, studies have been conducted on how exercise affects our brain.  The results, among other things, shows that exercise improves memory and increases the size of the hippocampus.  At around the age of 55, the hippocampus begins to atrophy.  It is one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer’s.

One of the studies used both men and women with an average age of 60.    The study revealed that the brains of those who did regular aerobic exercise had a hippocampal volume of 2%.  Those who did not exercise actually had a decline of 1.4% hippocampal volume.  Those who exercised also had increased spatial memory.

The studies also showed that during exercise, the brain has to work hard to keep muscles moving and to keep all our bodily systems in sync with one another.

This is a bit more scientific than I understand fully, but it is clear that there are both physical and mental changes occur in our brain when we exercise.  That’s enough for me.

The good news is that we don’t have to spend hours in a gym or jogging.  If we walk briskly for 30 minutes most days of the week, it is sufficient to gain the benefits of exercise. 

With few exceptions, everyone can either walk or move in some way for 30 minutes several times a week.  If you don’t do it for yourself, do it for those who love you who might one day have to care for you if Alzheimer’s strikes.   If the knowledge that exercise was good for your body – to maintain a healthy weight, prevent diabetes, etc. – was not enough to get you off the sofa, perhaps knowing that your brain is actually affected might.

Is everybody ready now?  Let’s get moving!

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