Groaning, Popping and Creaking

As I celebrate another birthday, it makes me wonder, exactly when did I begin groaning when I get up from a chair?  When did I start hearing popping and creaking noises when I move? 

Let me say up front, I am grateful that I’ve lived as long as I have.  Many people don’t make it to my age – like one of my sisters who died at only 62. 

It is an odd thing, but over the past few years, it seems that most conversations I have with family and friends lead into our health issues.  We all have them once we reach a “certain” age.  Sharing our medical problems with others certainly doesn’t ease the pain or improve the condition.  And yet, it seems nearly all “seasoned” citizens talk about and compare their various ailments.

I am not old, and yet when it comes to all the warnings we hear about in medication commercials, I am considered part of the “elderly.”  Aren’t elderly people sitting in their rocking chairs on the front porch? 

The general concept of “old” has changed since I was a child.  I remember my grandmother as always being old, and yet when I do the math, she was really only in her 60’s when I was a child.  I know that the older I get, the younger “my age” seems to me.  I no longer look at a 70-year-old man as an “old man.” 

Thanks in part to modern medicine, but even more than that, “older” people today are more active for much longer than previous generations.  I think that attitude has a lot to do with it.  I am part of the Baby Boomer generation, and we are all at or near Medicare age.  Isn’t that for old people?

Well, I for one am grateful I have reached another birthday.  With all my aches and pains that come as a “side effect” of aging, I will take them all.  I am not planning to go “anywhere” soon. 

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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.  

This is Just Another Pyramid Scheme

Those of us in network marketing have heard this dozens, perhaps even hundreds of times!  In my opinion, it is a ridiculous statement!  

In Corporate America, companies have a CEO, Vice-Presidents, Supervisors & Managers and the General Workers.  Somehow THIS business model does look like a Pyramid!  The guy at the top makes far more than those below him.  In network marketing, those who join on the lower levels have as much opportunity as those “above” them to earn a large income.  They are not limited by “titles,” and if they work hard—patiently, consistently and persistently, they can earn as much or more than those who joined before them.

It can be annoying to hear prospects—or friends and family—refer to our businesses as a Pyramid Scheme.  We know we have a real, legitimate business, and that term automatically indicates that others believe it is a scam.

I can be difficult to respond to people who refer to our businesses in that way without sounding defensive or offending them.  We all know that there definitely are scams, Pyramid “Schemes,” but they are in the minority.  A very important part of being able to answer people is that WE must totally believe in our companies and KNOW that they are reputable. 

Another misconception many people have is that when they join a network marketing company, they are paying to get a job.  “Why should I have to pay for a job?”  It is our responsibility to educate them about the difference between a job and owning a business. 

I have found some people—even with an explanation—simply don’t “get it,” and obviously there is no sense in even trying to recruit them.  No matter what we say, some people will still believe that if they have to pay, it is illegal. 

On the other hand, if a prospect IS actually seeking a JOB, there is no reason to try to change their mind.

Some network marketers don’t understand that everyone is NOT qualified to work in the industry, nor will they ever want to do so.  For instance, if I refer someone to my website to learn more about the business and they do not go there, I do not want them on my team.  They cannot follow instructions.

Know when to move on to the next prospect.  No matter how hard we try, some people will never understand that network marketing is a perfectly legitimate industry.  Others will never understand why they have to pay to work with our companies.  Know that the prospect is not a good candidate.  Next!

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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.  

When is the Best Time to Join the Network Marketing Industry?

I can almost hear everyone reading this post responding to this question with a resounding, “Now!” 

The first network marketing companies began decades ago.  Fuller Brush, Avon, Tupperware and Mary Kay are highly respected network marketing companies, and some have been around for over a century.  Somewhere along the line, the reputation of the industry changed due to unscrupulous companies coming on the scene and defaming the industry in a variety of ways.

Over the last 20 years or so, the field of network marketing as grown tremendously with hundreds, perhaps even thousands of new companies emerging.  Unfortunately not all of the new companies were reputable.  So, the industry still suffers the “bad rap” to a degree.

People have been involved with direct selling far longer than multi-level marketing, but MLM’s added a twist.  Although MLM’s, often referred to as network marketing companies, are a form of direct sales.  In MLM’s, however, distributors can earn money in two ways, by selling a product or service and by building a sales organization through which they can also earn commission.  Distributors can earn money from the sales made by their organization, also known as their team or downline.  Since their teams may consist of multiple levels, the term multi-level marketing was coined. 

By gleaning a several websites, I discovered that there are an estimated 50 million network marketing distributors worldwide.  About 55,000 people join the industry every week, and 150,000 join throughout the globe.  The United States leads the pack in MLM earnings, with Japan in a close second place.  About a dozen other countries have at least $1 billion in sales.

About 3% of MLM distributors earn more than $35,000 a year.  About .5 % earns the often-hyped six-figure income. The vast majority in the industry work their business part-time, with the hope of simply supplementing their income.  Only about 20% work their business full time.

I believe we would all guess that there are more women than men in MLM’s, and we would be right.  About 25% of those in the industry are men.  The number of males in MLM’s is growing since more companies that are not in the “beauty” arena are enjoying rapid growth.

The MLM industry is an excellent choice for people with physical disabilities, and they total about 8% of direct sellers.  The largest percentage of those in direct marketing is in the “stay-at-home mom” age range, between 25 and 44 years of age.  Seniors are a growing part of MLM distributors, not yet a major presence, but as more “baby boomers” retire, it is likely that the “seasoned citizen” percentage will grow.

Network Marketing is an ever-growing industry, with a huge growth spurt during the past decade.  For anyone considering joining an MLM now is definitely a great time to do so!

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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.  

Has your dad suggested that you are crazy to be working a home-based business?  Has your best friend encouraged you over and over again to get a “real” job?  How about people you know who say something to the effect of “Let me know when you start making money.  I’ll join then.”  In their minds, that day will never come.

All these people mean well.  They love and care about you, but if they have never had a successful home business, they are not the people from whom you should be taking advice.

I have had new team members join my company who are excited and full of plans to build a great business.  A day or two passes, and then they tell me, “My wife told me it was a scam.  So I’m quitting.” 

If people are intelligent enough to research a business opportunity, finding nothing negative about it, why are they so quick to believe a couple people they know, because they tried it and failed or simply believe all home businesses are scams?

Don’t listen to the wrong people!  Once you find a great home-based business and determine it is reputable and strong, join it and begin following the suggestions of those who have successfully worked from home. 

There is no need to tell your friends and family that they don’t know what they’re talking about.  Just tune them out and know that they only want the best for you.  Dive into your business, build it, and they will later say, “I knew you could do it!”

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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).

For a Successful Network Marketing, Don’t Think Too Hard!

 We’ve all heard the term “over-thinking.”  We’re humans, and we often think about things too much.  Our over-thinking can often actually stand in the way of our success.

Of course, we don’t want to act foolishly or never think things through.  Over-thinking, however, can prevent us from doing actual work!

We all know people who constantly talk about what they plan to do, but they never get around to doing anything.  Over-thinkers have read over the company’s websites a million times and reviewed every bit of literature the company offers.  They think they must know the answer to every possible question that may come up in their business.

You definitely want to be informed of all the basics of your business, but you do NOT have to know everything there is to know before you begin working.  You should know how to navigate your websites so you can find answers when you’re asked a question.  In fact, you NEVER will know everything there is to know about your business!  Simply know how to find answers or who to contact for answers.

Those who are making money with their network marketing business are the ones who learned the basics and then got to work.  They took action almost from the day they joined. 

As we begin interacting with prospects – online or face-to-face – we learn what works and what does not.  Sure, you will likely make some mistakes, but you’ll get past them and keep striving for success.

So, don’t think too hard!  Get out there and take action!  You’ll have on-the-job training, your knowledge will grow over time – and so will your paycheck!

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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).

Who is Really to Blame for Your Lack of Success in Your Business?

Most of us have worked in at least one network marketing company prior to joining our current business. Many of you work two or more businesses right now. 

Of those who have worked with network marketing companies in the past, many, possibly most ended up quitting and moving on to another business.  The majority of those likely quit because they were not successful.  I realize that there are exceptions.  A few may have left a company, because the company itself closed up shop.  But the fact remains that most people simply quit their positions with network marketing companies.

Now, no one goes into a new business planning to be unsuccessful. In fact most are very eager and excited at first, and then the glow wears off when they realize they are not making money.  If any of you have left a company or are currently working with a business making little or no business, ask yourself, “How is it that people receive the same comp plan, market the same product using the same tools are doing well, but I am not?”

If you have tried and failed with anything, not just a business, it is always easy to blame other people for your failure.  In reality, you have to start looking at yourself to find real success in anything.  You have chosen to fail by giving up.

You can blame the company or their product, but the fact is only you are standing in the way of your success.  If you’re new and have the attitude that you’ll “just try it out,” I doubt you’ll stay on with the company.  Don’t allow friends or family lead you astray by telling you “home businesses” don’t work. The industry works.

We must each take ownership of our businesses – and our lives.  Success is based on mindset.  If we blame others for our past failures, our minds are in the past with a negative mindset.

Instead of dwelling on our past disappointments, acknowledge them, try to learn from them and then let them go!  If you cannot let go, you will simply repeat the same mistakes.  If you give your past significance, you cannot move forward.

Now we have established that blaming others does not promote success.  What is going to give you success?

·        We often talk about setting goals.  Goals, both huge ones and tiny ones, are an important part of your success.  If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you get there?

·        Always hold yourself accountable.  There are very few excuses that can truly prevent you from working and growing your business.  You and you alone are doing so.

·        It is important to reward yourself along the way.  Celebrate small achievements. If you attain one of your smaller goals, brag about it!  Be proud of yourself and let others know so they can celebrate with you!

Your failures in life and business are only as important as you make them.  Adjust your mindset.  KNOW that you can be successful, and get ready for a much brighter future.  And finally, NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO GIVE UP!

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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).

Moving is a Huge Stressor

I have heard that moving from one home to another is considered one of the most stressful things we experience.  Death in the family, divorce and financial ruin, in fact, are the only more stressful events (in developed countries) in the average person’s life.  There have actually been studies done on the subject which has proven this fact. 

In addition to the actual act of moving, in many situations, a family’s mortgage will increase; they are leaving friends and family behind; they may have to change churches or schools.  Required activities (some, fortunately online) also include submitting change of address forms for mail, home phone and cell service providers, internet providers, gas and electricity.   

Although it is necessary in many personal and professional areas of our lives, people are generally resistant to change.  Home moving, in particular, causes a huge disruption in our lives, even when we are excited and looking forward to living in the new home.  It is the act of moving and all that is required to do so that can generate apprehension, anxiety and many other emotions.  It is also physically challenging.

Since my husband and I are moving soon and are beginning to pack our house (where we have lived for 18 years), we have both become a bit anxious. There is much to do, but we must follow a sequence to stay somewhat organized. We are not even sure where we are going yet!  So, we discussed it this morning and reminded one another that yes, we will be more stressed than usual over the next few weeks, but we must not take our stress out on each other.  We seldom argue, but with current events, it would be easy to fall into a “bickering” mode. 

And so, we face the 4^th most stressful event with excitement, hoping that we can keep our stress levels to a minimum.

Does anyone have a moving experience they’d like to share?

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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.