What is the BEST Way to Build an MLM Business?

In October of 1999, I attended an internet seminar that changed my life. I was a struggling network marketer trying to do things like my sponsor was doing and had long ago used up my family, friends, neighbors and warm market.

I was tired, had toddlers at home, and had no idea how I was going to make my business successful given my time, money, and mind set constraints.

Then, along came the seminar and although most of it was a gimmick and a waste of my time, I got totally turned on at the thought of developing my MLM business ONLINE and having people come to me.

Well, the first thing I did was build a personal website, because the internet gurus were telling me that is what I needed to do, and I needed to get traffic to my website and start writing a newsletter. These were NOT MLM guru's, by the way, but people making MILLIONS online annually all while home in their PJ's.

The second thing I did was tell my upline, who promptly dumped on my dream of building my business online, from home, without friends, family and the like. So much for the positive mindset of the networker! He told me I was going to lose my downline and that it would NEVER work because this is a belly to belly business.

It didn't matter. I refused to be deterred and was steadfast that I was going to do this thing and do it amazingly well!

8 years and 3 companies later, it has been the best business decision I have EVER made. And yet everyone told me I couldn't do it. After all, the odds were against me. I knew virtually nothing about the internet and had no clue what a "domain name" was; a URL was Greek to me and whatever an autoresponder might be was of no concern to me. It sounded too scary.

The best way to go about building ANY business is the way that just blows your socks off when you think about it; it’s building in the way that resonates with you when you think about it, and what gets you out of bed raring to go.

Making more lists; talking to more friends and family; and chatting it up with unsuspecting people in malls was a total turn off to me and did NOT get me out of bed.

Connecting with people online and finding those who are looking did and does still get me out of bed.

I am not saying that the internet is the ONLY way to go; or that the methods named above are wrong. It isn't and they aren't.

But, it's GOT to fit you. It's GOT to be right for you so you'll actually DO it!

Educate yourself on the process and get very good at it.

Be willing to practice; try; be bad; get better; and get embarrassed every once in awhile. It's all part of the learning process. It's all part of what gets you there on your journey!

BELIEVE, Have faith and hope and keep turning over stones until you find what is right for you!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Riding Out the MLM Business Storm


Are you struggling with the storm that can come with building an MLM Business? Most people do because there is a bit of a storm, and most anything new you do will have its own storm, so this is no different.


The challenge with the MLM storm is the havoc it can wreak in our minds, affecting other aspects of our lives. It's not always easy to get up every day and face it all again.

More phone calls; follow ups; no shows for appointments, etc.

This is the storm that you must face in this journey. There is a storm of putting in MUCH time FIRST for very little, if any pay. Sometimes, your balance sheet will reflect negatively.
All of us must walk that path of putting in a lot of time for little income so we can reach that place of a LOT of income for little time.

The question is "will you keep riding that storm out?" Will you put on your blind faith and move yourself forward; even when the storm is so intense that you feel you can't see where you are going?

All who reach the top go through this. The challenge is that most of the time, people see those at the top after they have made their ascent. After they have lived through their own personal storms and fought the hard battles.

So, it's easy to look at them and think that they surely didn't struggle like you are struggling. They surely did not face as many challenges as you are facing.

The reality, though, is that they did. Ask any top income earnerand they will share stories with you that will make you know that you are on the right path.

Today, on the treadmill, I was thinking of the struggles of the business and specifically the struggle of keeping your mindset where it needs to be in order to get where you want to go. I believe this is the NUMBER one struggle we face.

And as a big music buff, my treadmill time is always spent jamming to music that keeps me motivated in my workout. I relate much of life and business to the lyrics written by others. Why? Well, because they are often writing from the viewpoint of a struggle with something that is going on in their life, whether it's love, business, politics or whatever.

And, we can often find our own story in the words written by another. A few changes here and there, but the same basic story.

Today, it was once again REO Speedwagon and their song "Ridin the Storm Out." It really started me thinking about the storms we all face and how we deal with them and our commitment to weather those storms.

So, here are the lyrics and then mine as to how they relate to our business. I hope you find some piece of yourself and your story within them. Let me know if you do.


Ridin the storm out, waitin for the thaw out
On a full moon night in the rocky mountain winter.
My wine bottles low, watching for the snow
Ive been thinking lately of what Im missing in the city.


How this relates to your MLM business-


Riding the storm out. I'm building this MLM business; wanting and waiting for the acceptance of others and the team to grow, I am reflecting on what has been going on when I could be many other places in my life. My energy is challenged and I sometimes feel exhausted as I push myself to move forward, often feeling that I am swimming against the current to get there. And, while it is challenging, I think of what I could have in my life if I were choosing a different path.


And Im not missing a thing
Watchin the full moon crossing the range
Ridin the storm out
Ridin the storm out.


How this relates to your MLM business -


Here is what I could be doing if I were not committed to this business. I could have: A boss; an alarm clock; day care for the kids; lunch in the break room with other whining, unhappy employees; a long commute with traffic, etc. This is what I am missing and so I am really not missing a thing by spending my time building the business. I have the joy of being home and not missing those things that are important in my life. I'm going to keep on taking action and ride the storm out until these things don't matter any more.


My ladys beside me, shes there to guide me.
She says that alone weve finally found home.
The wind outside is frightening,
But its kinder than the lightning life in the city.Its a hard life to live but it gives back what you give.


How this relates to your MLM business -


I have my sponsor and this team of other people who share my goals and are here to support me in this journey. Many others have walked the path and fought the storms before me and their journey is a guide for me to follow, and together we will reach our goals and help others. It's tough to fight the doubt, disbelief, rejection and other things that go along with the process, but the personal growth that goes along with it is priceless and I know this is the path I must be on. It's not always easy, but the ultimate rewards are priceless and I will get back everything I have given and more.


How are YOU going about weathering those storms you face in your business? Would you choose to do things differently or do you see where the rainbow that waits on the other side of the storm is priceless?


I wish you belief and faith on your journey!


EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Keep Pushing On In Your MLM Business

Have you ever had one of those days, or maybe even weeks or months where you feel you can not push on for one more minute with your MLM Business? You can not possibly talk to one more person or face one more rejection.

Well, we have all "been there, done that" and the key to success really is to just keep pushing on.

I was at the gym this morning, "wired up" as my son calls it with my Ipod. It's Sunday and I usually take Sundays off from a work out or do some cardio at home, but my son wanted to go.

As I was starting to feel the "wimp out" mode setting in, REO Speedwagon blasted on the scene with their song "Keep Pushin' " and I knew I had to go the distance. It was just what I needed to finish my workout and even push it just a little more.

The same can be true of our business. We make calls and don't get any positive responses or feedback. We work on the retail aspect and some people say the price is too high, or something else is just not quite right. The new distributor who was ready to go and set the world on fire just called and quit.

It's times like these when the temptation is strong to just throw in the towel; hang it up; quit. After all, who needs this aggravation? Who needs to be laughed at by friends and family? Who needs this volunteer business?

Well, actually, YOU do!

You need it for a few reasons, and in no particular order -

1. You'll develop personal inner and outer strength through the lessons of the business.

2. You have the capacity to set any paycheck that you want for yourself and you'll be paid on your efforts and sweat equity.

3. You have the ability to positively affect the lives of thousands of people, most of whom you don't currently know and will often never meet.

The impulse to quit in a business like this is strong, and in the beginning, it shows up quite frequently. Until you reach a certain level in your business, this is just part of it. There is a point though, and if you keep with it you WILL reach it. And, the thought of ever quitting becomes a distant memory as you break through to higher places.

Think of all you have to gain by staying with it, by staying in the game. And think of all you have to lose by quitting. Think of all of the unanswered questions that will remain; the uncertainty about what would have been.

Take a little breather if you must. Take a 5 minute pity party. Call your sponsor just to vent. Read a great book on self development and know that every one who reaches the top in his/her desired area faces similar obstacles and challenges.

You have everything you need inside of you to see the job through. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and Keep Pushin'!


And i'm gettin to know myself a little bit better
Whoa , i keep pushin on
Keep pushin on, yeah

Goin through all the changes i made so many mistakes, oh yes i did
Tryin to leave behind the heartaches
And sometimes i think i was a little bit crazy, oh yeah
Whoa, i keep pushin on

Keep pushin, keep pushin, keep pushin, keep pushin on
Keep pushin, keep pushin, you know you have got to be so strong
Keep pushin, keep pushin, well even if you think your strength is gone
Keep pushin on

Well it's comin together i finally feel like a man, oh yes i do
I never thought that i'd be where i am, oh
Everyday i wake a little bit higher
Whoa i keep pushin on, oh yeah

REO Speedwagon Lyrics

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer
Six Figure WAHM

Six Figure MLM and The Employee Mindset

I was recently asked why some people take the steps to take their network marketing business seriously and some don't.

That's a question that could launch a thousand ships and win the Nobel prize if one could produce the answer.

I guess it goes to show that the 80/20 rule is alive and well. Why won't/don't most people follow the success system that is in place and can produce what they want?

Well, I believe it is because too many people have made MLM, Network Marketing, Direct Sales, Mail Order and most business that can be run from home sound WAY easier than it really is.So, people believe they are buying a lottery ticket and when they don't "cash in" that first week, they are gone, looking for the next fake promise.

I have people who call me about my business tell me that they want to earn a 6 figure income.

That is great, and it can be done.My first question to them is - Have you ever earned 6 figures before?

The answer is almost always no.So, what will make this endeavor different for them? What will make a business of their own instantly generate that type of income? OR what makes them think that it will?

Especially if they are coming from an employee mindset where they don't want to spend money on anything, and yet they want to earn that type of money. Is it possible?

It is highly doubtful and I won’t say that it can't happen, but most likely, it won't.You buy a McDonald's (at $1 mil plus a pop) and can't make a six figure income even within 5 years in most cases, so why would this be different?

Those who can shift to an employer/business owner mindset are the ones who will take the right action, invest where investment is needed and reap the rewards.

The rest will jump from one program to the next wondering why it isn't working.

You and I can not change that. It's a decision each person must make for his/herself and follow through with commitment.

Simple as that and the greatest challenge that we face, all at the same time.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

MLM Success Keys



I wrote this as an article and put it on my website over 7 years ago. I was doing some updates today and found it and am amazed that some things never change.


These ARE the keys to making your business the success you desire.


Keys To Success

What does it take to make an MLM business successful? What does it take to make YOUR business successful? Make no mistake: starting, growing and building a successful business is possibly one of the hardest things you will ever take on.

But, make no mistake about this either: it is probably the most exciting, challenging, personally satisfying and best decision you can ever make.

At least in your professional life. Setting your own schedule, being your own boss, calling your own shots...there is nothing like it. These ten keys are the keys to your success. Follow these and you will create the lifestyle and business of your dreams.


Belief - To have belief in your products or services and your industry is essential. But most of all, it is your belief in yourself that makes all the difference. You will achieve only what you believe in.


Commitment - A commitment is your pledge to do whatever it takes to get the job done - no matter what. When you are committed, you persist. You don't quit.


Contribution - Always give more than you take. It will build your business strong with integrity and good will, which in turn rewards you with good profits.


Goals - Your goals are your objectives. They provide a direction for your efforts and a way to measure your progress. You must have clearly defined, written goals. It is imperative to your success.


Knowledge - Knowledge is power, or so it's said. But really, knowledge in action is power.
Continually gather knowledge in your endeavor and put that knowledge to good use.


Partnership - You may be in business for yourself, but rarely by yourself. Build strong relationships with those you partner with in your business. Never burn a bridge and always cultivate win-win relationships.


Personal Growth - Most successful business people will tell you that personal growth and development was essential to their success in their business endeavors. Personal growth is a lifelong learning process. Practice it every single day. No matter how much you think you know, there's always more.


Take Action - Plan your work, work your plan. You must have a business plan that incorporates


SDA's - Single Daily Actions. You must put first things first, prioritize and follow through.


Treat It Like A Business - There is no substitute for treating your new endeavor like a business. Regardless of how much it cost you in time or money to get started, you must treat it like a million dollar business each and every day. Even if it's a part time business, treat it with respect.


Vision - Vision is a mental picture of all the achievements you aspire to and have yet to bring into being. It's the source of all of your beliefs, expectations, motivations and actions. It's the key to your future. Design the movie (vision) of your life and watch it unfold.


EXPECT Success!


Jackie Ulmer

MLM Fears

Fear, the next common MLM business challenge.

Fear is another one of the great business stoppers. It will
stop a person dead in his/her tracks for no REAL reason. Why is this?

Well, when we begin delving to the bottom, this is a good
question.

Most people whom I have spoken with tell me they are fearful
of not knowing what to say to a prospect about their MLM business or product.

Well, here's a big clue - there is no perfect script or magic
line that is going to be the answer to building your business successfully.

There is, however, your perfect story, that is going to hit the right people at
the right time.

Your perfect story consists of developing your
"speech" around your reasons for joining the business or trying the
product for the first time.

Think about your MLM business and your
product. What do you LOVE about both? Develop a simple paragraph around these two things and share that with people. Share it passionately and from the heart…..with no hype.

No hype means absolutely do NOT tell people you have the
best ANYTHING. Not the best product, best pay plan, best upline, best training,
etc. When you do this, people's eyes begin to glaze over because they have
heard this dozens of times from dozens of people.

Do yourself a favor - allow your prospect to decide if
anything about what you are offering is a BEST for him or her.

Spend some time developing your STORY and try it out on a
few people. Watch how things change.

Now, another common fear is around MLM
success. Many people fear success deep down.

I know I did and it was a real business challenge. I didn't
realize it until I did some soul searching and used a journal to record my
thoughts about things.

My fears of success involved fearing that I would not be
able to handle the demands of a successful business. As a mother of small
children, this did worry me.

I also feared that I would not be able to handle the leadership skills that a successful MLM business would demand to last for the long haul.

Does any of this seem familiar?

Here are some things I realized. First, kids grow right
along with you and the more you involve your children in your business, the
more they will work with you in meeting and handling any challenges.

Second, you will grow personally in direct proportion to
your team and your paycheck.

Seriously, you can take my word for that one!

So, what questions do YOU have on that topic? What fears are
challenging you? I would love to hear back from you.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer