Daily Planning and Execution = Success

Those of us in the network marketing industry generally have two main reasons for doing so.  The ability to earn money for ourselves, not an employer, with no limits on our income is a huge one.  Others like the idea of being able to stay home to work.  We have no commute; we can raise our own children (instead of a daycare doing so); and myriad other advantages of not having to leave our homes to work.

Those who are doing well with their home business realize that they are unlikely to grow a six-figure income in weeks or even months.  Our time frames may be different, but we all are striving to build successful businesses.

Successful home business owners also have a work schedule of some kind to help them complete all their required tasks each day. 

Our daily activities should include Revenue Generating Activities; Personal Branding; and Attraction Marketing Techniques.

In my mind there is one key to growing a business - consistency.  Whether you work two, four or seven days a week, you must consistently pursue the three activities above on those work days.

I tell my team members that they must start working immediately!  Lots of network marketers spend days – even weeks or months – setting up websites, creating lists of what then intend to do and setting up blogs.  The problem is they often never get around to any revenue generating activities.  We must perform specific tasks to earn money.  Having a plan is fine, but without executing it, it serves no purpose.

Marketing your product or service is considered a revenue generating activity.  Marketing can be either online or offline, depending upon your product or service and your location.  Participating on various forums and networking sites and posting videos and blogs will help to build your brand.  As you build your brand, prospects will be attracted to you.  When you generate your own leads, rather than using lead lists, you know your prospects are really interested in learning more.

Know what you plan to do as you begin each work day.  Focus is very important.  Your work schedule can be flexible to allow for family activities, but stay as close to your schedule as possible.  In the afternoons for instance, you can focus on personal branding, like writing a blog, creating videos, getting into forums and communicating with people in your niche.  Your schedule should also include training.   Set aside time to attend training calls or webinars that your company offers.  Ongoing training ensures that you will continue improving your business skills.

The consistent marketer wins. If you’re not consistent, you will not get the results you are seeking.

The sooner you implement a clear and consistent schedule, and execute the tasks on your schedule, the faster your business will grow. 

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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 Pros and Cons of Living in Southern California

I just returned from a trip to California.  I was born there and lived in Southern California most of my life.  I moved to Arizona about 18 years ago.  I now have my house for sale and hope to return to California in the not-too-distant future.

There are many wonderful things about living SoCal; and there are some powerful reasons to avoid doing so.

The California weather is a big plus, but the smog can be terrible. 

It is not far to go to the mountains, a forest, the ocean or the desert when you live in SoCal.  However, the traffic is nearly always terrible, so getting to those nice places can be challenging.

I can meet people of every race, nearly every nationality and religion since all are well represented in the area.  Unfortunately, all those people can create crowds, which can take some of the enjoyment out of places I visit.

Sadly, the huge population has led to a high crime rate in many cities throughout the region.  The jails are so full (as with most big cities) the courts cannot order jail time for some people who might otherwise be in custody.

Where I live now, there are only a limited number of ethnic restaurants, which I enjoy very much.  There are no “warehouse” stores or specialty stores.  I am not a “shopper,” but there are certain things I would like to buy that I now have to drive 90 miles to find.  In California, there are myriad ethnic restaurants, warehouse stores and shops that carry virtually anything I might ever want to purchase.

The most important reason I want to live in SoCal is family!  When we moved to Arizona, (obviously) we were much younger, working jobs and wanted to escape the chaos of the Los Angeles area. 

Now, I work at home and hardly see anyone besides my husband.  (Thank heavens for sites like IBO where I can communicate with others throughout the day.)  My husband is retired.  We had no grandchildren when we moved here, and one of my children moved to Arizona with us.  He married and has twin daughters who were born in Arizona.  He and his children have returned to his home state.  I miss them terribly.  My other son also is a daddy now too, and I barely know his daughter.

I also have a brother in SoCal with whom I am very close but see only once every few months.  I adore his wife who he married since I moved away.  My husband also has children, grandchildren and a sister in Southern California.  We are lonesome for them all!

So, in spite of the fact that we do not like traffic, smog or the high crime rate, as soon as we possibly can, we will return to California for the most important reason – our family is there!

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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

New Target for Identity Thieves

Most parents have never given it a thought.  They may be concerned that their child might become ill, be bullied or not do well in school.  Parents of young children should add to that list.

A report released in December 2012 by Identity Theft Assistance Center, a non-profit organization, stated that among children under 18 years of age, one in every 40 households have been effected by child identity fraud.

Among adult who have their identity stolen, it is difficult to track down the thief and repair the damage.  With children, however, it is even more difficult.

Cyberthieves use children’s Social Security numbers more than any other piece of information.  Most parents apply for Social Security cards for their children when they are born.  Then they file or lock away the card, never giving it another thought.

Unfortunately, thieves now often attach these freshly-issued Social Security numbers to a variety of names and birthdates and set up new identities.  They then use the fraudulent identifications to obtain credit, apply for driver’s licenses, apply for government benefits and even access medical care.

Because the parents haven’t looked at their children’s Social Security or credit rating, the illegal activity may not be discovered for years.  A study conducted in 2011 found that the Social Security numbers of 10.2% of children in the United States were used by someone, a far higher rate than those of adults at 0.2%.

The possibility of how the child’s future will be impacted is dreadful to think about.  The child’s application for student loans may be denied; they may not be able to get a job, a mobile phone or even a place to live.

Children should not have a credit record.  If they do, it is a “red flag” that someone has fraudulently used their identity.

There are a few steps parents can take to prevent their child’s ID from being used.  Shred any and all papers containing account or Social Security numbers for everyone in the family. Do not carry your child’s or your own Social Security number (SSN) with you.  If your child’s school asks for their SSN, ask it is optional. If not, find out from the school’s district office how the information is safeguarded.  Teach your children that it is dangerous to give out personal information over the phone or internet.  This also applies to adults.  Check with your child’s physician’s office to see what precautions they use to protect their records.

No matter how careful we are, we cannot possibly guarantee that our children or our own identity will not be stolen, but taking these steps can greatly reduce the possibility.

Finally EVERYONE should have Identity Theft Protection, no matter their age.  There are several companies that provide ID Theft Protection.  Among the best is Lifelock® ID Theft Protection. 

Xpress Healthcare offers Lifelock® for only $19.95 per month for your immediate family that lives with you.  With Xpress Healthcare, Lifelock® is included in a package of discount benefits that includes Pet Care, Roadside Assistance, Legal Services and a Cash Back Rewards mall. 

All five discount services in our Lifestyle Select plan will cost you and your immediate family less than $20 per month!  You can even take a 14-day trial to check out the benefits for only $4.95 (shipping & handling fee).  You can learn more about this discount plan at http://ibourl.net/EverydaySavings.

Where Are the Golden Years

I’m on the older end of the baby boomer generation. I am officially considered a senior citizen. I don’t think like I’m old. People tell me I don’t look that old. Unfortunately, my body won’t let me forget it.

I’d always heard that the Golden Years would be wonderful! Seniors are free to do whatever they want to do whenever they want to do it. They no longer have children to worry about, and money is no longer a problem.
Now that I’m in what was supposed to be “The Golden Years,” I realized that they lied to me. As my body creaks. cracks, and groans when I rise from the couch, it is definitely not cheering. As osteoarthritis takes over my fingers, I am beginning to wonder if I’ll be able to play the piano. Actually, I never have before, so it would be pretty miraculous if I could now. 

My husband and I still walk two miles every morning.  I couldn’t walk any distance at all without my hiking stick. I refuse to use a cane. That would make me officially old!  When I’m walking with my hiking stick, people laugh and ask if I use it to beat up my husband. See, that makes it funny, not pathetic.

It’s odd, I never had freckles as a child or young adults, but I do now. I much prefer calling all those “age spots” freckles, wouldn’t you?

The lives of my children and grandchildren is like watching a TV drama. My sons are responsible young men, but “stuff” keeps “happening” to them. Not worry about them? It’ll never happen.

Starting when I was very young, I was very responsible with money. I began investing and saving at an early age. I expected that, by this time, I’d have tons of money, so I could relax and enjoy life. It should have been that way.
Unfortunately, throughout the year of 2008, my investments went down about $5000 per month. During 2010, my investments began to increase again, but we’re still not back to where we were before the meltdown. So, vacations are on the back burner. We are fortunate that we have a few different means of income aside from our investments. So we have no problem paying our bills, but the luxury items will have to wait a while.

One thing that I do love about my age now is that I can still work my home business, sitting on my nice ergonomically correct office chair. As long as my mind stays sharp (which I sometimes wonder about even now… What was I looking for?), I can sit at my computer and work.

One more advantage of being a senior citizen is the discounts various stores, theaters and restaurants offer. You betcha!  I’ll admit I’m a senior to get a ½ of meal or free coffee. More and more businesses are offering discounts to seniors, so I’ll take advantage of them all!

The senior years don’t look Golden to me. Growing old is not for sissies or wimps. However, I’m facing them with head held high. I may have many more years remaining, so watch out! I’ll take advantage of every one of them to the best of my now limited somewhat abilities.

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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 Little Plant that Could

Most of us have heard or read the story, “The Little Engine that Could.”  I want to share a story about “I think-I-can” plants.

My husband and I walk five days a week for exercise in our local mall.  It is a small mall, single story, ½ mile around the entire inside.  It is nice looking, with many large potted plants, mostly some type of palm.  A few months ago, we noticed they had added a few plants, more palms.  The new ones, however, had no leaves.  They were simply trunks with thick, tough, rather unattractive bark.  We thought it was rather odd.

As weeks went by, we began to notice little bumps in the bark.  As time went on, we saw tiny little leaves that had pushed themselves through the bark.  We were fascinated, because they were very delicate leaves and the bark was really thick.

More weeks passed, and a couple of the palms had actually grown into plants with many leaves.  We grew to like these plants, but we noticed that the two nearest the door were not growing well.  In fact, the tiny leaves that were there one day were gone the next.  This particular door is in an alcove and is the least used door.  We began to suspect that someone was breaking off these tiny leaves.

We have now reached the point where we are cheering for the two plants with no leaves.  Then, lo and behold, earlier this week there were bumps in the bark and today, a tiny bit of green is showing on each of the bumps.  Those plants refuse to give up.  No matter how many times someone tries to stop those leaves from growing out, those plants keep on sprouting replacements.

I’ll bet you know where I’m going with this, don’t you?  And, I’ll bet you are right!

Those tough, never-say-die palm plants are not quitters.  No matter what nature or man throws at them, they keep coming back!  That bark is so thick, and it seems that someone does not want them to succeed in growing their leaves.  However, those palms appear to be determined to grow no matter how long it takes.

I won’t continue with this story since you all know the moral by now.  I will suggest to everyone starting out with their home business, to simply follow the example of these tough little plants. 

  

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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 REAL Memorial Day

For many in the United States, Memorial Day has become a day off work, barbecues and family gathers.  This holiday is so much more, and I hope all Americans will take at least a moment to remember and thank those who died so we could enjoy these events.

I read this brief history of Memorial Day at this site:  http://www.memorialdayquotes.com/.

“Memorial Day is a public holiday in the United States of America. It is observed on last Monday of May, which is 27 May in 2013.

Memorial Day was first enacted in memory of the soldiers who fought in the American Civil War but later, Memorial Day was expanded to commemorate the soldiers who fought in all American wars, including the World Wars.

Memorial Day is also called Decoration Day. On Memorial Day people visit the graves and cemeteries to honor the memory of the soldiers who laid their lives to protect their country. The U.S. flag is usually flown at half-staff from dawn to noon. Flags are also placed at the grave sites in national cemeteries. The National Memorial Day Concert is held on the lawns of the United States Capitol. Music is performed to honor the memory of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country.”

I found this collection of quotes about the holiday here:  http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_memorialday.html#zmTfYHgl5lyWzVOP.99 

Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Services make to defend our way of life.  Robin Hayes  

As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation's wars.   John M. McHugh 

137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.   Doc Hastings 

While there are towns and cities still planning Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some think the day is for honoring anyone who has died, not just those fallen in service to our country.   Allen West 

Nowadays, many Americans have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At cemeteries across the country, the graves of the fallen are sadly ignored, and worse, neglected.  Allen West 

On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation! — Thomas William Parsons, Dirge for One Who Fell in Battle

We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them. — Francis Amasa Walker

For love of country they accepted death. — James A. Garfield

And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave. — Joseph Rodman Drake, To the Defenders of New Orleans

The patriot’s blood is the seed of Freedom’s tree. — Thomas Campbell, Stanzas

Thank you all who fought and died so that we could live with the freedom we enjoy today.

Biblical Humor

It doesn't hurt to have a little Biblical humor.... 

Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth? 
A. Ruthless. 

Q. What do they call pastors in Germany? 
A. German Shepherds. 

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? 
A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation. 

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible? 
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a 
little prophet. 

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible? 
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph 
was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles 
were all in one Accord. 

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? 
A. Samson. He brought the house down. 

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden? 
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home. 

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible? 
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once. 

Q. Which area of Middle East was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing. 

Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible? 
A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep. 

Q. Which Bible character had no parents? 
A. Joshua, son of Nun. 

Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark? 
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck. (Groan) 

PS... Did you know it's a sin for a woman to make coffee? 
Yup, it's in the Bible. It says, "He-brews"

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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.