Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You…

I was in high school during John F. Kennedy’s Presidency.  I was not very aware of politics at that time, but I admired him as a man.  I cried and watched TV coverage for days about his death and funeral.  Kennedy was a brilliant man, and the following JFK quotes tell a great deal about him. 

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.

I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics but for our contributions to the human spirit.

Victory has a thousand fathers but defeat is an orphan.

Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.

We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others.

We must use time as a tool, not as a crutch.

Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

So, let us not be blind to our differences - but let us also direct attention to our common interests and to the means by which those differences can be resolved.

We need men who can dream of things that never were.

If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

Liberty without learning is always in peril; learning without liberty is always in vain.

For in the final analysis, our most basic common link, is that we all inhabit this small planet, we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our children`s futures, and we are all mortal.

The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

Let us never negotiate out of fear. But, let us never fear to negotiate.

Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.

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

Learn how you can Save Money on Your Health and Dental Costs AND Save on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and much more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings   (NOT insurance).

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).

The Best Set of FREE Marketing Tools + a Bonus of Friendship & Support

Those of you who are IBOToolbox members know that my title refers to the TOTALLY FREE IBO platform.  It is difficult to explain how powerful IBO is and all the benefits of being an IBOToolbox member, because there are so many!

To explain the power of IBO, it helps to know that IBO's average traffic per day is 150,000 visits, and about 1800 new members join IBO each week.  There are also more than 60,000 active members.

If you’re wondering why you should care about how many members are on the site, I’ll explain.  IBOToolbox is a platform of tools AND people that are available for all of us to promote our business.  The members on IBO are either business owners or are seeking a business.  The members help one another to promote their businesses.

For example, if you post a link to your company’s website on the wall (similar to the Facebook wall), I have an opportunity to share your link on Twitter, my own Facebook wall, LinkedIn and dozens of other sites.  By doing so, I have helped you promote your business in a variety of places.  You, in turn will do the same for me.  Can you see how powerful it can be if even a fraction of those 60,000 members shared your posts on their own social and marketing networks?

In addition, IBOToolbox itself distributes our posts in a variety of places.  For instance, if I post a blog (called Press Releases on IBO) on IBO, my blog will automatically also be posted on homebizblogs.com and networkedblogs.com at the same time!  So you will have many other IBO members promoting your business, and IBOToolbox will also be distributing your posts on different sites.

Before I mention all the great marketing tools available on IBO, I want to tell you one of the best things about being an IBO member – the people.  I belong to Facebook and several other networking sites, but only on IBO have I actually gotten to know other members and become friends with many.  If I need help with anything on IBO, there are always members to help me out.  Members also help one another in their blog posts by offering marketing, branding and many other tips.  For the connections alone, I recommend you join IBOToolbox.  You can join here http://www.ibotoolbox.com/invited.aspx?jid=11454.

Remember that all the tools I am about to mention to you are totally FREE!  You can create your own domain names to use for your business. You can create one or ten or as many as you wish.  You can post banner ads on IBO.  Those 150,000 visitors each day can see our banners!  You can post “mini ads” on the wall.  Unlike strictly social sites, IBO is a business site, so we can advertise as much as we wish.  You can also post videos, and they too will be disbursed by other members to other networking sites.  There is a live chat feature, or you can send “in-house” emails to other members.

I’m afraid I’m running out of space to list the numerous other tools IBO provides to us AT NO COST, so you’ll have to check it out yourself.

If you would like to drive more traffic to your website, grow your business and meet an incredible group of people, I invite you to go right now to http://www.ibotoolbox.com/invited.aspx?jid=11454. Join today! 

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

Learn how you can Save Money on Your Health and Dental Costs AND Save on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and much more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

Are Customer Service and Pride in Product Dead?

A few months ago, we switched our television, internet and phone service from a “dish” company to a “cable” company.  It seemed that every time it was windy or raining, the dish TV service went out.  With only slight exaggeration, whenever we sneezed, the dish lost service.

My husband watches TV a lot.  I watch it far less, but in the little time I do watch it, I like it to work.  The cable company came out and installed all the new equipment.  The installer then programmed the remote control to sync with our TV.  He raced through the instructions on how to use it, because there are many features.  We couldn’t follow him, so we asked for a manual we could read to learn how to do everything.  He said, “We’ve been out of manuals for months.”  Excuse me? 

Before he left, we wanted to try using the remote for the basic things at least.  Most features work, but not all.  The installer told us we’d have to call their office if we were not happy with the remote, because everything they use is used equipment.  He told us that they couldn’t throw away the equipment every time someone cancelled an account.  Can they not at least totally refurbish the equipment and test it prior to bringing it to a customer?  He told us we’d have to get another remote from the office.  

Wait a minute… Used equipment?  We looked closer, and we could clearly see that it was worn and scratched.  In fact, the first box he installed didn’t even work. He had to get a different one from his truck, which did work.

We did contact the company and were told we had to go in person to their office to exchange the remote since it would not turn the television off, only on.  We exchanged the remote; brought it home, and then we discovered that on the “new” remote, the volume didn’t work.

We put up with that for a couple weeks.  Then the controller box in our bedroom started making odd noises, and finally it “died.”  We once again called the office to schedule someone to come out.

A different, technician came out with a new box.  He got it all set up for us and programmed the remote to sync with the new box.  He went around the house making sure the phones and other TV’s and Internet worked.  Meanwhile, I decided to try the remote.  The on-off feature worked, the volume now worked, but the sleep timer did not.  Call me fussy, but it seems if the features are offered, they should all work.  When I reported the sleep timer problem to the technician, he said, “With these things, there’s always a tool or two that doesn’t operate correctly.”  Then he left.

We only have the option of the one dish company or the one cable company in our area, so it isn’t as though we have options here.

This company is a nationwide, huge company, making lots of money.  What am I missing here?  Is this the new normal in customer service?  Do companies no longer take pride in the products they sell? 

In my business, if we didn’t deliver what our customers ordered, we would have no customers.  I am glad that my company has great integrity, and we are proud of the products we sell.  I am certain there are many other companies that provide good service and products, but it seems that the number of companies that do not is increasing all the time.  How sad.

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

Learn how you can Save Money on Your Health and Dental Costs AND Save on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and much more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings   (NOT insurance).

Training, Education, Instruction, Knowledge, Learning, Teaching - Call it What you Wish

I am constantly amazed at how few people on my team attend the training calls I host. Only a small fraction of my team dials in, and even fewer participate in the topic discussion. Anyone who strives to succeed in network marketing must be trained. I host two team training calls a week, and I also offer one-on-one training to new members. Most do not take advantage of either. I’ve heard it said that 97% of all marketers fail. Personally, I think “fail” is the wrong word. The percentage is likely pretty accurate, but that 97% likely never were trained. Either they chose to “go it alone” or their company did not provide adequate training. Either way, they simply quit before ever learning the business. Whatever their experience, former profession or background, every network marketer needs training. Even if they have been in the industry for years, they must learn about the new company, its products and services, and the most effective marketing for that particular business. Not all products can be marketed in exactly the same way or to the same target market. I am unaware of anyone who succeeded with a network marketing business without first being trained by a good leader. Everyone needs basic training, and to truly reach their goals, no one should ever stop learning. Time and experience are great teachers. I continue to learn about my Xpress Healthcare business, researching the best marketing methods in an ever-changing field and acquiring all possible knowledge about the products we offer. Many companies add new products occasionally or remove an item from their product line due to low sales. A good network marketer will keep up with their product line and learn as much as possible about what they are selling. When choosing a network marketing company to join, the company's training program should be one of the most important aspects to consider. My company, along with many others, provides leadership training to help their affiliates grow a strong team. In network marketing, few are able to grow a great business without growing a team. That is why most of us join network marketing companies - to build a team to help us earn more than we can on our own. I cannot fathom how anyone believes they can join a company and build it without the assistance of others. Training is absolutely vital to success with all companies. I would love to hear how others drive their team members to training sessions. ************************ To learn about Julie Klein and the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity, please visit  joinxpresshealthcare.com .  Learn how you can Save Money on Your Health and Dental Costs AND Save on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and much more at  ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

I'd Like to Work in Network Marketing, but...

Exactly what is network marketing? So, you’ve heard so many people talking about working in network marketing, and that it is the business of the future. Are you trying to figure out exactly what online network marketing? Many people do not really understand what it is. From the name alone, Network Marketing, you probably have a vague idea that it is some kind of marketing strategy, and in recent years, it is performed mostly online. You can work out of your own home. You don’t have to fight traffic or pay for a babysitter. The fact that you can work at home makes online network marketing appealing to most everyone. Plus, whoopee! No boss! With network marketing, independent sales reps are not only compensated for their sales, they are also paid for bringing new people into the business. Most companies call these new people their “team” or “downline.” With some companies, the reps are also paid for the sales made by their downline. So, the more new recruits and the more sales you bring in, the more money you are going to earn. Once you have grown a sizeable team and made many sales, you could be making a great deal of money. Remember, however, there are no guarantees. Your success is mostly in your own hands. Understanding What Makes Network Marketing Work Learn all about the company’s compensation plan, commission structure and pay schedule. Your downline and how your company will compensate you for their sales is what builds your network marketing business. Be sure you fully understand the pay structure before joining a company. Choosing the Right Company There is NO one company that is right for everyone. > Some people enjoying doing party plans, selling everything from makeup to baskets to gourmet foods. > Others like a business they can do entirely online. There are hundreds of companies that sell weight-loss, supplement and various other health products. > My company, Xpress Healthcare, sells discount plans (NOT insurance) to help its members save money on their dental and health costs and many of their lifestyle expenses. There are myriad other types of network marketing businesses, far more than I can cover here. Select one that is a good fit for you. Would you buy their product or service? Are you passionate about it? If you would not buy their product, you will not be able to sell it to others. Is the price of the product or service reasonable? No matter how great it is, if the price is too high, people will not buy it. Follow these steps to help you make your decision. • Research – Do your homework! Don’t jump right into any business without taking time to do some digging. Find out what the company’s track record is. How long have they been in business? Some people love joining “start-up” companies, which is fine if they are willing to take the risk. Don’t restrict your research to the company’s own websites. Check third-party sites to see what those outside the company say about them. • Ask Many Questions – If no one is willing to answer your questions, run the other way. You need your questions answered to determine if a company is a good match for you. But check their website too, because the answers to your questions may all be spelled out, which will save both you and the rep time. If you are made to feel rushed or you cannot get straightforward answers, perhaps there is something to hide. If you do not like the person trying to recruit you for any reason, but you love the company, find another rep. • Read and Understand the company’s Policies and Procedures or Terms and Conditions – Virtually all companies have some restrictions. Be sure to read them carefully. A restriction in their Policies may be that you are prohibited from using the company’s name and/or logo on your ads, or it may be something as extreme as to say that your contract with the company can be terminated at any time, with or without cause. The latter means you could build up a business and an income, and the company can then terminate your contract and you’ll lose all the time and money you have invested and earned. Nearly all companies prohibit their reps from working with their competition, but some restrict them from working any other business at the same time. Cross-recruiting is prohibited by nearly all companies. That means if you work with more than one company, you cannot try to recruit people from one company for the other. Do not rush into a contract with a company until you’ve looked at several others. You can wait a day or two, then look at the business again. Once you find a network marketing company about which you are really excited, you’ll likely want to jump right in. You are much more likely to be successful if you have used the tips above. ************************ To learn about Julie Klein and the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity, please visit  joinxpresshealthcare.com . Learn how you can Save Money on Your Health and Dental Costs AND Save on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and much more at  ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

A Long Drive Home

My husband and I spent the last week in Southern California visiting family. It was wonderful seeing everyone, but not at all restful.

As you read this, please keep in mind that I lived in California most of my life before moving to Arizona. Where I live now, there are usually one or two light snowfalls each winter, so the “Winter Driving Conditions Warning” signs on the highway were a first for us.

We headed home yesterday morning at 7 AM in light rain. The drive from SoCal to where I live normally takes 9-10 hours. Not yesterday!

While still in California, we came across some light snow, which is not common in the area where we were driving. The temperature dropped from 59 degrees when we first left to 32 degrees. For hundreds of miles and a few hours of driving, we had off-and-on light rain.

We stopped a little more than normal, filling up the gas tank when we reached half a tank, “potty” stops and moving around a little to loosen our stiff muscles.

Just prior to reaching Phoenix, it began to pour heavy rain. We could barely see to drive, just a car or two in front of us. (I later learned it had snowed in Scottsdale, Arizona – a rare occurrence indeed.) We drove through the rain and numerous construction zones. At one point, we were having trouble staying alert, so we stopped for pie and coffee at a Crackle Barrel restaurant.

Back on the road, we continued through lots more rain until we reached the Tucson area. Then it began to snow. The snow was sticking to cars and the area surrounding us, but the roads (fortunately) stayed clear. A friend called to tell us the freeway we were on was closed near our exit a few hours earlier, about 80 miles ahead. I checked online and found that the freeway was open however, there was a crash just before our exit. We chanced it and continued on.
We never saw the crash, so it apparently was cleared before our arrival at our off ramp. From that point, it is still about 45 miles to our home through mostly unoccupied land. Everything was covered with snow, and it was beautiful. The very near mountains were thick with it and looked spectacular. All this beauty did not calm my nerves when we saw a snow plow drive by in the opposite direction. A snow plow? In 17 years living in the area, I had never seen a snow plow. We anticipated even more snow ahead. 
The Huachuca Mountains - On the way home...
As we continued on, light snow was falling, but the roads remained clear. Approaching the last 10 miles of the drive, the snow fell heavier and was making it a little difficult to see, particularly since it was just before sunset.

Well, after a 12 hour drive, we made it home safely. We were exhausted and found the steps leading into our house were covered in ice. Since snow is unusual here, we do not have salt. So we took some old towels we had in the garage and covered the snow-and-ice covered stairs. After a very long day, we made it home, and what a luxury it was to climb into a nice warm bed!

Our Back Yard This Morning

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

To see how you can Save Money on Your Health and Dental Costs AND Save on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and much more, please visit  ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).