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). 

YOUR Identity for Sale

I have known for years that identity theft is a huge problem in the United States and most other countries.  However, I was unaware that there are actually auctions held regularly where ID thieves bid for identities.  The auction will go something like this…

The room is filled with many people ready to bid.  The auctioneer will show a picture on a screen of a driver’s license, for instance.  Then, he’ll go on to say, “Mr. Jones has excellent credit, and we are offering all his vital records, including his license, social security and his health insurance card.  Let’s start out the bidding at $500…”  The winning bidder will then set out to destroy your life.

We are all aware that there are thieves hacking into computer records, stealing records from individuals, major corporations and even government data systems.  Did you also know that many of those thieves sell lists of stolen credit card numbers by the thousands, even by the millions, to other thieves?

There are websites called “carding sites” that buy and sell identities.  The Better Business Bureau, FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Trade Commission all are investigating and closing down organizations and websites, but the numbers are too huge for them to keep up with them.  Most law enforcement agencies today – from City Police to the FBI – have ID Theft prevention programs in place, but the “industry” is growing constantly.

The Identity Theft business is organized crime on an international scale.  There are even “carding” forums.    These carding sites sometimes offer tutorials to those who buy stolen personal information.  They are showing them how to make crime pay – and all at the victims’ expense.

The U.S. Secret Service conducted an undercover operation and finally shut down one organization that had trafficked in at least 1.5 million stolen credit card numbers, resulting in more than $4 million in losses to banks, financial institutions and credit card companies.

The ID theft problem is big, organized and out of control. Unfortunately, there is no way to totally protect yourself.  There are, however, steps to take that can defeat many scammers.  If you follow these steps, if (more likely, when) your identity is stolen, you can reduce the amount of damage to your credit.

Enter your credit card toll-free numbers in your cell phone contacts, and keep your phone with you.  Keep an eye out for data skimmers that crooks place on gas pumps, even on ATM machines. Don’t allow restaurant servers take your card out of your site.  Instead, go with the server wherever they process your card.  NEVER carry your Social Security card in your wallet!   

Treat every bit of personal information like gold, whether on the phone, in e-mails or postal mail.  Remember that thieves can establish a false identity, make illegal purchases with your credit cards, obtain medical treatment using YOUR health insurance, and empty your accounts.  It may seem paranoid, but it is necessary to be more than careful to protect your personal information today.

When applying for a job, do not provide your Social Security number to the employer!  Only when and if they hire you do they need it.  If your doctor or dentist office requests it, you need not provide it.  In these larcenous times, be sure that antivirus software and firewalls are installed on your computer and current at all times! 

In addition to these steps, be sure that you and your entire family have an identity theft protection plan.  That includes young children!  Oftentimes, when a child reaches 18 years of age and applies for their first credit card, they discover that years earlier their credit was destroyed by a thief.

There are many ID theft protection plans, but the best one available is LifeLock™. They offer a $1 million total service guarantee. Their TrueAddress™ program notifies you when a change of address is filed in your name. They offer WalletLock™ that assists you if your wallet is lost or stolen and their eRecon™ system searches for your information being sold or traded online.  Their members’ junk mail is drastically reduced and they’ll receive fewer pre-approved credit card solicitations.

If you join LifeLock™ through Xpress Healthcare, your entire family will be covered for only $19.95 per month!  Also, when your LifeLock™ membership is through Xpress, you’ll also receive discounted pet care, roadside assistance, free and reduced-cost legal services for you and your family at no additional cost.

It is unfortunate that identity theft is so out of control that we must take all these precautions.  But take them we must.  Protect yourself in every way possible, and please, enroll in LifeLock™ today.  http://ibourl.net/everydaysavings

What's Up Doc?

I am so excited!  I knew it was coming, but this morning, Ed Pettola, one of the Founders of Xpress Healthcare phoned me to tell me that TelaDoc has been approved by the State to be included in our benefit plans!  I had suggested TelaDoc to him several months ago, and as usual, our corporate office pays attention to what their Affiliate Business Owners say.

We have so many fabulous benefits already included in our four different discount plans, and this new one is a winner!  I love the thought that if your child gets sick at 1 in the morning, instead of packing him up and taking him to an emergency room, you can call and get advice, even prescriptions, from a doctor licensed in your own State. 

Or, what if you get a rash on Sunday afternoon that is itching like crazy?  Again, you can call TelaDoc, describe the problem, and a doctor can call a prescription into your local pharmacy for pickup.

This service is accessible to Xpress members at no cost!  Some companies charge their members an extra fee to use TelaDoc’s service.  We will not!  It will be included in our Premium Plus benefit package at the current cost of $29.95 per month PER FAMILY!

Xpress will launch TelaDoc within the next few days, as soon as our websites are updated.  A couple other changes are being made to our plans as well, and I know they will be a big hit with our members.

Rather than explaining more about how the program works, here is part of what it says on the TelaDoc website.

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24/7/365 access to a doctor online or by phone.

Fast treatment. TelaDoc doctors respond within 22 minutes, on average.

Talk to a TelaDoc doctor from anywhere: at home, work, or while traveling.

Save money by avoiding expensive urgent care or ER visits.

When you need care now!

If you’re considering the ER or urgent care center for non-emergency issues.

On vacation, on a business trip, or away from home.

For short-term prescription refills.

TelaDoc physicians can treat conditions like:  Cold and flu, Bronchitis, Respiratory infection, Sinus problems, Allergies, Urinary tract infection, Pediatric care, Poison ivy, and Pink eye.

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We’ve had people ask us, “What will happen now with the new healthcare legislation?”  There is a huge place for our discount health and dental care products and our lifestyle benefits. Benefits such as Vision, Chiropractic, Dental, and other ancillaries - and possibly even Prescriptions are going to be among the first things to go when it comes to the mandatory health insurance plans. And health insurance policies will not include TelaDoc services, especially at no extra cost!

None of Xpress Healthcare’s plans are insurance; instead they can save you hundreds, possibly even thousands of dollars!  Our plans will supplement health insurance, not replace it. 

I use my own Xpress Healthcare membership frequently, and it saved me several hundred dollars in 2012 alone!  Please take a look at our website (keeping in mind that there will be changes in the next couple days) to see the many ways our plans can help you too.  http://familyhealthdiscounts.biz