The holiday season can mean a real slow down for home-based business owners, but only if you let it! With a holiday plan for business and some organization, you can keep your business thriving, and propel yourself into the New Year!
Here's how -
1. Do some follow up now with past contacts. Schedule a phone or face-to-face appointment to review your program or products. How might your products fill a need for your contacts or referrals during the holiday season? Brainstorm some ideas before the meeting.
2. Do you have a product or service that might be perfect for holiday gifts? Schedule some lunch time or afternoon showings for people to preview. Make gift suggestions and offer to gift wrap. Send out email greeting cards to remind people to buy from you! Think about gift baskets and corporate gift giving. This can develop some solid referrals and contacts for the future.
3. Offer a discount coupon to anyone who refers a friend who also purchases between now and the first of the year. Start a VIP purchasing program; or create a "punch card" for buy XX and get one free.
4. Begin setting appointments now for January. Let people know that you realize they are busy and suggest a date in January. Let them know you have time open now and would also love to offer them a date after the holidays.
5. Put yourself in power momentum by scheduling blocks of time daily for contacts and follow up. What is realistic each day? 5 of each? 10 of each? Set the pace and stick to it! Set your calendar up with blocks of business time as far out and consistently as possible.
6. Go on a mission to pass out as many flyers and business cards as humanly possible over the next month. As you do, have a 30 second "commercial" ready that may appeal to what they need right now. Extra cash for the holidays? Convenient and secure online shopping with no crowds, hassles or parking? Delivery? Get creative!
7. Going to a lot of holiday parties and events? Use this time to meet as many people as you can. Ask lots of questions and collect business cards and email addresses. Ask each person if they mind if you keep in touch with them. If they begin asking you questions, be prepared with short, intriguing answers. If they show an interest, schedule a time to contact them in the next few days. Try to avoid saying to much about your business at the party. Schedule, schedule, schedule and then be sure to follow up! And, if you have samples, bring them.
8. Include a business card, flyer, post card or some bit of "shameless promotion" in your holiday cards and correspondence. Don't send cards? Now you have a good reason to start! Check on that tax deduction! Don't be obnoxious; just share your enthusiasm.
9. Begin reviewing your past year's goals and accomplishments. Where can you improve? In what ways can you push yourself on to bigger and better next year? Have your next year's business plan concrete before January 1!
10. Keep your focus, remember CANI (constant and never ending improvement) and enjoy the season, knowing that you are doing and being the best you can be! Set big expectations and make them happen.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
10 Success Principles For Your Direct Sales Business
1. Use Your Products - be your own best customer. How can you succeed with a product line you don't use and embrace? Enough said.
2. Accept Your Opportunity As it Is and Take Action - I can't tell you how many times a new distributor has said to me - "I can't be successful with this business until we get XYZ products, or changes." That always amazed me since myself and others were having great success with things just the way they were. My goal has always been to have a huge, growing organization so that when positive changes happen, more people experience great benefits!
3. Copy is the Name of the Game - If you follow and copy a method of growing and building your business that has worked for others, that is all you need to do. No need to get creative in the beginning, unless you really want to slow things down.
4. Goal Setting is a MUST - How can you know where you are going, or if you have succeeded unless you have decided where you are going? It has been proven time and time again that those who succeed have clear, specific, written goals. You won't be the exception so get those goals on paper right now!
5. Attend Events - This is another one that stumps me - the new distributor who claims they are not going to attend an event until they make some money. Two thoughts on this - go make some money and get to the event; and what of the event is the thing you need so you can make some money? The top income earners attend events. Again, enough said.
6. Retail With the Goal to Recruit - Some will and some won't, but you always want to make sure every retail customer knows about the exciting opportunity behind your company. You are offering a gift!
7. Have a Positive Mindset - Expect the best, always. Find the positive in any situation. People like to be around and do business with positive, upbeat people!
8. Be in Business Every Day - Busy people get things done and consistent actions are what product big results over time. The beauty in Direct Sales is that you can create amazing results from small, but specific daily actions. Contact 2 people a day about your business and watch what happens at the end of the year!
9. Be the Leader You Look Up To - Leadership and setting a good example in our profession is critical. Do all of those activities you expect your team to do and share your results for inspiration.
10. Never Quit - Ask many top income earners what the secret is to their success is and they will tell you - "I just didn't quit." We get better at anything with practice and repetition. Be willing to go through the struggles and challenges of growing your skills in Direct Sales. It is so worth it!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
2. Accept Your Opportunity As it Is and Take Action - I can't tell you how many times a new distributor has said to me - "I can't be successful with this business until we get XYZ products, or changes." That always amazed me since myself and others were having great success with things just the way they were. My goal has always been to have a huge, growing organization so that when positive changes happen, more people experience great benefits!
3. Copy is the Name of the Game - If you follow and copy a method of growing and building your business that has worked for others, that is all you need to do. No need to get creative in the beginning, unless you really want to slow things down.
4. Goal Setting is a MUST - How can you know where you are going, or if you have succeeded unless you have decided where you are going? It has been proven time and time again that those who succeed have clear, specific, written goals. You won't be the exception so get those goals on paper right now!
5. Attend Events - This is another one that stumps me - the new distributor who claims they are not going to attend an event until they make some money. Two thoughts on this - go make some money and get to the event; and what of the event is the thing you need so you can make some money? The top income earners attend events. Again, enough said.
6. Retail With the Goal to Recruit - Some will and some won't, but you always want to make sure every retail customer knows about the exciting opportunity behind your company. You are offering a gift!
7. Have a Positive Mindset - Expect the best, always. Find the positive in any situation. People like to be around and do business with positive, upbeat people!
8. Be in Business Every Day - Busy people get things done and consistent actions are what product big results over time. The beauty in Direct Sales is that you can create amazing results from small, but specific daily actions. Contact 2 people a day about your business and watch what happens at the end of the year!
9. Be the Leader You Look Up To - Leadership and setting a good example in our profession is critical. Do all of those activities you expect your team to do and share your results for inspiration.
10. Never Quit - Ask many top income earners what the secret is to their success is and they will tell you - "I just didn't quit." We get better at anything with practice and repetition. Be willing to go through the struggles and challenges of growing your skills in Direct Sales. It is so worth it!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Delayed Gratification of Residual Income
You've surely seen those "Twitter Litter" tweets about making a ga-zillion (with a G) dollars in no time and by the way, it's so easy, right? Who believes that, anyway? Certainly not anyone making that type of income through their own business or anyone who has the fortitude to make it happen!
But, on it goes.
Today, I want to share some thoughts about the power of residual income and why you MUST be willing to invest more than 2 months and a couple hundred dollars into creating the dream lifestyle that you want.
After all, if it were THAT easy, everyone would be doing it, right?
What is Residual Income?
This is the ability to get paid over and over for the work that you do one time. It's also called "royalty pay."
There are very few businesses or industries today that pay residual income.
Musicians, authors and insurance sales people are a few professions that do earn a residual income.
If you were to write or record a popular song, each time that song played on the radio, or a CD was sold, you would receive a commission, or royalty payment.
Residual income in Network Marketing is income you continue to earn based on efforts you put forth initially. This income is based on the sale of products and services. And, these products must continue to generate repeat sales.
Residual income is desirable in Network Marketing, because this is what allows you to put forth a lot of effort in the beginning, and reap the rewards of that for months and years to come!
And, by building an organization of people working toward a common goal, you can ensure a strong residual pay-out that will last for years. This is why it is important that you understand this pay advantage, and invest your effort, energy and time in other people.
Earning residual income requires a few things - first that you take action to get momentum going in your organization.
Second, you continue building on that momentum, and teach others to do the same.
Third, you are willing to invest the time, money and energy that it takes to develop the business group and the business skills needed to create something lasting.
Finally, to continue on the note above, you learn and develop leadership skills that will provide the foundation that supports your entire organization.
This part is critical. You can get lucky for a little while, but to really build something that last requires developing skills.
People follow people, and leadership skills are developed. Leaders are created, not necessarily born.
In the beginning, you have the "privilege" of working lots of hours for a little pay. In the end, you have the "joy" of working little hours for lots of pay.
People ask me all of the time how much I made my first month in the business. The answer is – “I don’t know. I don’t know because I still get paid each and every month on the efforts I put into that very first month.” That’s the power of residual income!
Get started and then build on your efforts each and every month.
Be a leader of others and watch the residual income roll in.
But most of all, understand that it takes TIME for any organization to build and develop to the point of creating what you want. It takes time for you to contact, sponsor and train a first level. It takes time for your first level to duplicate this.
It takes time for your second level to duplicate this, and so on.
Enjoy the journey and I promise the destination will be priceless!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
But, on it goes.
Today, I want to share some thoughts about the power of residual income and why you MUST be willing to invest more than 2 months and a couple hundred dollars into creating the dream lifestyle that you want.
After all, if it were THAT easy, everyone would be doing it, right?
What is Residual Income?
This is the ability to get paid over and over for the work that you do one time. It's also called "royalty pay."
There are very few businesses or industries today that pay residual income.
Musicians, authors and insurance sales people are a few professions that do earn a residual income.
If you were to write or record a popular song, each time that song played on the radio, or a CD was sold, you would receive a commission, or royalty payment.
Residual income in Network Marketing is income you continue to earn based on efforts you put forth initially. This income is based on the sale of products and services. And, these products must continue to generate repeat sales.
Residual income is desirable in Network Marketing, because this is what allows you to put forth a lot of effort in the beginning, and reap the rewards of that for months and years to come!
And, by building an organization of people working toward a common goal, you can ensure a strong residual pay-out that will last for years. This is why it is important that you understand this pay advantage, and invest your effort, energy and time in other people.
Earning residual income requires a few things - first that you take action to get momentum going in your organization.
Second, you continue building on that momentum, and teach others to do the same.
Third, you are willing to invest the time, money and energy that it takes to develop the business group and the business skills needed to create something lasting.
Finally, to continue on the note above, you learn and develop leadership skills that will provide the foundation that supports your entire organization.
This part is critical. You can get lucky for a little while, but to really build something that last requires developing skills.
People follow people, and leadership skills are developed. Leaders are created, not necessarily born.
In the beginning, you have the "privilege" of working lots of hours for a little pay. In the end, you have the "joy" of working little hours for lots of pay.
People ask me all of the time how much I made my first month in the business. The answer is – “I don’t know. I don’t know because I still get paid each and every month on the efforts I put into that very first month.” That’s the power of residual income!
Get started and then build on your efforts each and every month.
Be a leader of others and watch the residual income roll in.
But most of all, understand that it takes TIME for any organization to build and develop to the point of creating what you want. It takes time for you to contact, sponsor and train a first level. It takes time for your first level to duplicate this.
It takes time for your second level to duplicate this, and so on.
Enjoy the journey and I promise the destination will be priceless!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Social Media and Blogging In 20 Minutes a Day
One of the hardest things to make time for, especially when you are working full time or have small ones at home (or both) is finding time for blog posts and creating content for social media sites.
And, this can be a stumbling block for some who wonder - What can I write about? What do I say?
I have felt your pain, many years ago when I started online marketing and realized that I needed to be able to add value and content online to get my name out there and develop relationships with like minded people. After all that is what the internet is all about.
Here is how I create content and make my time count and "get it done."
If we are connected on facebook or twitter, you may notice that I have a "Note" or blog post added every day. But, here's a secret. I don't create this content everyday. I do content in blocks of time for one or two weeks in advance, and then use the "Posting options" feature that most blogs have to allow your content to "post" at designated times.
I may create 10-14 short business blurbs in one, two hour sitting, add them to my blog and set them up to post everyday or two. I have my blogs hooked in through Friendfeed.com, Twitter and Facebook applications so that my postings automatically show up.
I learned how to do this just by playing around, so if you have a blog, look at the posting options and see if you don't have a function allowing you to set the date and time.
Go to Settings and then Application Settings at the top right of your facebook page. Or, do like I did and get the book "Facebook for Dummies!"
If you can set your Single Daily Actions and weekly actions up to make the most of chunks of time, you'll get extremely efficient and effective and will find that managing a business both online and offline is not that tricky.
Where to find content? Last week I pulled out two 1999 Upline Magazines and took ideas from that. No, I didn't just copy what I read but I took one person's 10 tips for something and found 5 ideas from that and put those into my own words. I found someone else's article on relationship building and re-wrote it.
If you don't have Jan Ruhe's M.L.M. Nuts and Bolts, GET IT! There is limitless content that you can take from that and put into your own words. Same with Zig Ziglar's Network Marketing for Dummies.
Priceless nuggets that you can pull from and create great content.
Finally, search out other blogs and post comments (of value) and begin generating name recognition from those who also visit that blog. What do I mean by value? Don't just say "Good job." That doesn't provide value to those who read comments (and there are many!) Writing something more about what you actually GOT from the content is best.
I made a blog post comment last week on someone's blog and got a personal email thank you from the blog owner, picked up 10 names for my own newsletter and 14 Twitter followers. Never know where those things will lead!
Squeeze in time for your internet marketing efforts as you continue to build in other ways. I spend only about 20 minutes a day actually ON social media sites, unless I am done with other things and it's into the evening and too late to be calling leads, etc. Sometimes while the kids are doing homework, I can hang with my laptop and "Tweet" on twitter or jump around on facebook. I always work to make that time count.
And, remember to be SOCIAL as much as business on SOCIAL media sites. Instead of blasting your opportunity, mention what's great about your business that fits into your lifestyle. People will become attracted and click on your profile to learn more. You don't even need to post a link if you are providing value!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
And, this can be a stumbling block for some who wonder - What can I write about? What do I say?
I have felt your pain, many years ago when I started online marketing and realized that I needed to be able to add value and content online to get my name out there and develop relationships with like minded people. After all that is what the internet is all about.
Here is how I create content and make my time count and "get it done."
If we are connected on facebook or twitter, you may notice that I have a "Note" or blog post added every day. But, here's a secret. I don't create this content everyday. I do content in blocks of time for one or two weeks in advance, and then use the "Posting options" feature that most blogs have to allow your content to "post" at designated times.
I may create 10-14 short business blurbs in one, two hour sitting, add them to my blog and set them up to post everyday or two. I have my blogs hooked in through Friendfeed.com, Twitter and Facebook applications so that my postings automatically show up.
I learned how to do this just by playing around, so if you have a blog, look at the posting options and see if you don't have a function allowing you to set the date and time.
Go to Settings and then Application Settings at the top right of your facebook page. Or, do like I did and get the book "Facebook for Dummies!"
If you can set your Single Daily Actions and weekly actions up to make the most of chunks of time, you'll get extremely efficient and effective and will find that managing a business both online and offline is not that tricky.
Where to find content? Last week I pulled out two 1999 Upline Magazines and took ideas from that. No, I didn't just copy what I read but I took one person's 10 tips for something and found 5 ideas from that and put those into my own words. I found someone else's article on relationship building and re-wrote it.
If you don't have Jan Ruhe's M.L.M. Nuts and Bolts, GET IT! There is limitless content that you can take from that and put into your own words. Same with Zig Ziglar's Network Marketing for Dummies.
Priceless nuggets that you can pull from and create great content.
Finally, search out other blogs and post comments (of value) and begin generating name recognition from those who also visit that blog. What do I mean by value? Don't just say "Good job." That doesn't provide value to those who read comments (and there are many!) Writing something more about what you actually GOT from the content is best.
I made a blog post comment last week on someone's blog and got a personal email thank you from the blog owner, picked up 10 names for my own newsletter and 14 Twitter followers. Never know where those things will lead!
Squeeze in time for your internet marketing efforts as you continue to build in other ways. I spend only about 20 minutes a day actually ON social media sites, unless I am done with other things and it's into the evening and too late to be calling leads, etc. Sometimes while the kids are doing homework, I can hang with my laptop and "Tweet" on twitter or jump around on facebook. I always work to make that time count.
And, remember to be SOCIAL as much as business on SOCIAL media sites. Instead of blasting your opportunity, mention what's great about your business that fits into your lifestyle. People will become attracted and click on your profile to learn more. You don't even need to post a link if you are providing value!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
How to Build Your Business Online
Imagine how you work your business offline. There are many different avenues that you can take.
In Network Marketing, we call it “putting lines in the water.” You are fishing, anticipating making the big catch! With the Internet, you'll use Internet Fishing Lines.
So, offline, you might run an ad in the newspaper, join a Networking Group, talk to people in a club that you belong to, and even strike up a conversation with strangers while you are out and about.
The Internet is no different.
Online, you might run an ad in a newsletter or e-zine, find a message board where people of like interests gather, participate in email discussion groups, or visit some social networking sites and strike up conversation and get involved.
Look familiar?
There are three tools that I feel are absolutely crucial to your success online
1. A personal web site that sells you! This could be a BLOG.
2. Autoresponders, for business information, follow up and a newsletter. A way to build a list!
3. Leads for your business. People who come to you.
The methods you will use to generate leads are called "Marketing Funnels." This is how you advertise and promote your website and ultimately, your business. Some of these marketing funnels include –
Developing Your List and Getting Subscribers
Dynamic email signature line
Search Engines
Social Networking Sites and Web 2.0 – Facebook, Twitter, Squidoo, YouTube, etc.
BLOGGING
Message Boards and Forums
Articles
Discussion Lists
Online Profiles
Target Markets
Reciprocal Links
E-books
Ezine/Newsletter Ad swaps and advertising
Visiting other Home Based Business Sites
Branding yourself online
You will spend some time initially getting things set up, but once it's done, your efforts are invested in activities that produce results! That equates to a fat paycheck!
The payoff is well worth it and once you are actually building your business this way, you’ll wonder how you ever did it any other way.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
In Network Marketing, we call it “putting lines in the water.” You are fishing, anticipating making the big catch! With the Internet, you'll use Internet Fishing Lines.
So, offline, you might run an ad in the newspaper, join a Networking Group, talk to people in a club that you belong to, and even strike up a conversation with strangers while you are out and about.
The Internet is no different.
Online, you might run an ad in a newsletter or e-zine, find a message board where people of like interests gather, participate in email discussion groups, or visit some social networking sites and strike up conversation and get involved.
Look familiar?
There are three tools that I feel are absolutely crucial to your success online
1. A personal web site that sells you! This could be a BLOG.
2. Autoresponders, for business information, follow up and a newsletter. A way to build a list!
3. Leads for your business. People who come to you.
The methods you will use to generate leads are called "Marketing Funnels." This is how you advertise and promote your website and ultimately, your business. Some of these marketing funnels include –
Developing Your List and Getting Subscribers
Dynamic email signature line
Search Engines
Social Networking Sites and Web 2.0 – Facebook, Twitter, Squidoo, YouTube, etc.
BLOGGING
Message Boards and Forums
Articles
Discussion Lists
Online Profiles
Target Markets
Reciprocal Links
E-books
Ezine/Newsletter Ad swaps and advertising
Visiting other Home Based Business Sites
Branding yourself online
You will spend some time initially getting things set up, but once it's done, your efforts are invested in activities that produce results! That equates to a fat paycheck!
The payoff is well worth it and once you are actually building your business this way, you’ll wonder how you ever did it any other way.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Benefits of Prospecting Through the Internet
Here are a few of the benefits of finding people through the Internet
1. More Qualified Prospects – it’s a self help world and people use the Internet to find solutions. Once they land on your website, they are a much more highly qualified prospect for your business because of the way that they located you.
2. People come to YOU – that’s right, they find you through a variety of different ways covered in this book, and they essentially ask you to tell them more about your business. What more can you ask for?
3. Target Marketing – the Internet allows you to find those people who are a likely target market for your business and your products because of the way it is set up. If you make a list of everyone you know, a large percentage of those on your list are not looking and not interested.
4. No more overcoming Objections – the three biggest objections in Network Marketing are – is it Network Marketing (pyramid), no time and no money. By using a personal website and the tools I explain here, I never even hear those objections anymore, no less overcome them!
5. Time Leverage – I regularly sponsor new people into my business while I am at the beach, on vacation, sleeping, etc. This happens because I have the tools set up online to find, sort and sponsor team members without having to actually be there. In other words, I don’t go out looking for leads, they come to me. I do marketing activities (discussed later) and those activities produce results.
6. Sort in, sort out – people sort themselves onto my site and into my business system online and they sort themselves out, if they are not qualified or interested, by simply clicking out. This is great because I invest my time in serious prospects and don’t waste my time with those not interested.
7. No geographical or time limitations – my team is made up of people all over the country (and all over the globe is you have a global business) and I am not restricted by time zones, other commitments, etc., in presenting my business to them. They land on my website and preview everything without me!
8. Simple, repetitive follow up, which is the key – an automated follow up system allows me to capture a prospect’s attention, when the time is right for him or her. This is done through an automated email campaign.
9. Low Overhead – my required marketing costs online run around $70 monthly. Not bad for a full blown, full color “talking” brochure that will sell for me anytime, any place, regardless of where I am. I stress required because you may choose to expand some of what you do as you progress. One or two solid websites and a great autoresponder are the required tools.
Another important thing to remember about the Internet is that it is one big community made up of all types of smaller communities. It’s called the world, wide web for a reason.
Picture a giant spider web, with overlapping strands. That’s what you have on the Internet. Each section or strand is a different area of interest.
Your goal is to put yourself out there in such a way that your prospect, or target market, will be able to find you, and your business, when they are out surfing!
It’s really as simple as that.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
1. More Qualified Prospects – it’s a self help world and people use the Internet to find solutions. Once they land on your website, they are a much more highly qualified prospect for your business because of the way that they located you.
2. People come to YOU – that’s right, they find you through a variety of different ways covered in this book, and they essentially ask you to tell them more about your business. What more can you ask for?
3. Target Marketing – the Internet allows you to find those people who are a likely target market for your business and your products because of the way it is set up. If you make a list of everyone you know, a large percentage of those on your list are not looking and not interested.
4. No more overcoming Objections – the three biggest objections in Network Marketing are – is it Network Marketing (pyramid), no time and no money. By using a personal website and the tools I explain here, I never even hear those objections anymore, no less overcome them!
5. Time Leverage – I regularly sponsor new people into my business while I am at the beach, on vacation, sleeping, etc. This happens because I have the tools set up online to find, sort and sponsor team members without having to actually be there. In other words, I don’t go out looking for leads, they come to me. I do marketing activities (discussed later) and those activities produce results.
6. Sort in, sort out – people sort themselves onto my site and into my business system online and they sort themselves out, if they are not qualified or interested, by simply clicking out. This is great because I invest my time in serious prospects and don’t waste my time with those not interested.
7. No geographical or time limitations – my team is made up of people all over the country (and all over the globe is you have a global business) and I am not restricted by time zones, other commitments, etc., in presenting my business to them. They land on my website and preview everything without me!
8. Simple, repetitive follow up, which is the key – an automated follow up system allows me to capture a prospect’s attention, when the time is right for him or her. This is done through an automated email campaign.
9. Low Overhead – my required marketing costs online run around $70 monthly. Not bad for a full blown, full color “talking” brochure that will sell for me anytime, any place, regardless of where I am. I stress required because you may choose to expand some of what you do as you progress. One or two solid websites and a great autoresponder are the required tools.
Another important thing to remember about the Internet is that it is one big community made up of all types of smaller communities. It’s called the world, wide web for a reason.
Picture a giant spider web, with overlapping strands. That’s what you have on the Internet. Each section or strand is a different area of interest.
Your goal is to put yourself out there in such a way that your prospect, or target market, will be able to find you, and your business, when they are out surfing!
It’s really as simple as that.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Friday, September 11, 2009
Rules For Successfully Using the Internet as a Prospecting Tool
The Internet can be an incredible tool for promoting yourself, your products and your opportunity.
There are a few “housekeeping” thoughts you should know about the Internet and the role that it can play in your business.
First of all, don’t expect that the Internet is going to take the place of building the relationship with your prospects or the “human touch.”
The Internet is the greatest sorting tool there is, and it will sort through your prospects and deliver to you someone who is looking for what you have to offer.
As soon as your prospect fills out the contact form on your website, or makes contact with you in anyway, now is the time for you to pick up the phone, if you have a phone number, or make personal contact with your prospect in some way.
PLEASE DON’T MISS THIS POINT.
Also, don’t waste any time getting back with these prospects. If someone is willing to take the time to give you contact information, use it! Every month, without fail, I hear from interested business prospects who have completed four or five forms online and I am the only one to call back or make contact. And, guess who sponsors them? Me, that's right! Set yourself apart and call those contacts!
Those who think that the Internet is going to replace the human factor involved in Network Marketing will never experience long term success.
Another important housekeeping note is to remember this simple concept - "If you wouldn't do it offline at a party, don't do it online in a forum or community; or social media site."
Don't update your wall on Facebook with posts about how much money you or someone is making in your opportunity. Don't litter Twitter with hype and bogus claims.
Here's the thing - no one who is a serious candidate for you business believes any of that anyway. People who see and respond to those ads are looking for a quick, simple fix, and we all know that it doesn't matter who the company is; the big name behind it; the product line; or the comp plan - this things don't guarantee success!
Build relationships online and you'll build a strong, lasting business.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
There are a few “housekeeping” thoughts you should know about the Internet and the role that it can play in your business.
First of all, don’t expect that the Internet is going to take the place of building the relationship with your prospects or the “human touch.”
The Internet is the greatest sorting tool there is, and it will sort through your prospects and deliver to you someone who is looking for what you have to offer.
As soon as your prospect fills out the contact form on your website, or makes contact with you in anyway, now is the time for you to pick up the phone, if you have a phone number, or make personal contact with your prospect in some way.
PLEASE DON’T MISS THIS POINT.
Also, don’t waste any time getting back with these prospects. If someone is willing to take the time to give you contact information, use it! Every month, without fail, I hear from interested business prospects who have completed four or five forms online and I am the only one to call back or make contact. And, guess who sponsors them? Me, that's right! Set yourself apart and call those contacts!
Those who think that the Internet is going to replace the human factor involved in Network Marketing will never experience long term success.
Another important housekeeping note is to remember this simple concept - "If you wouldn't do it offline at a party, don't do it online in a forum or community; or social media site."
Don't update your wall on Facebook with posts about how much money you or someone is making in your opportunity. Don't litter Twitter with hype and bogus claims.
Here's the thing - no one who is a serious candidate for you business believes any of that anyway. People who see and respond to those ads are looking for a quick, simple fix, and we all know that it doesn't matter who the company is; the big name behind it; the product line; or the comp plan - this things don't guarantee success!
Build relationships online and you'll build a strong, lasting business.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Direct Sales vs MLM - I Found a Breath of Fresh Air
Have you ever pondered the difference between M.L.M and Direct Sales? Well, actually, all MLM companies are also considered Direct Sales companies, but for the purpose of explanation here, I am going to consider "Direct Sales" to be companies that lead largely with a retail/party plan culture.
My particular company is a "hybrid mix" of Retail/Direct Sales with a Network Marketing type of pay plan for long term residual income. It doesn't have monthly quotas like most party plan companies, and the actual product line does create a 30 -50% profit on retail sales.
So, in an effort to improve and develop our company's retail/home party training guide I've been poking my nose around online, searching for some good insight from those successful Direct Sales experts!
Wow! Talk about a whole new world. I have to say what I found was a breath of fresh air, to say the least.
Not one website that I encountered screamed of "Make Big Money Doing Nothing!" No one promised to build anything for me. No one promised me that "The Donald" was going to revolutionize my business if I just joined his new company.
None of that. No flashy cars or big homes on the hill. And, some of the women I encountered have flashy cars and big homes on the hill. They just don't feel inclined to pitch it as a primary part of their opportunity.
I have to give a shout out to a few ladies who I encountered who really inspired me -
Jennifer Fong
Karen Phelps
Julie Anne Jones
So, it made me wonder. Should I continue to associate myself with the "MLM" world? Network Marketing? Or shift to a Direct Sales approach?
OR, should we just all work together in Direct Sales and MLM/Network Marketing Profession to clean things up a bit?
After all, aren't you a little tired of the hype and constant pitching? I sure am!
I would love to hear your thoughts!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
My particular company is a "hybrid mix" of Retail/Direct Sales with a Network Marketing type of pay plan for long term residual income. It doesn't have monthly quotas like most party plan companies, and the actual product line does create a 30 -50% profit on retail sales.
So, in an effort to improve and develop our company's retail/home party training guide I've been poking my nose around online, searching for some good insight from those successful Direct Sales experts!
Wow! Talk about a whole new world. I have to say what I found was a breath of fresh air, to say the least.
Not one website that I encountered screamed of "Make Big Money Doing Nothing!" No one promised to build anything for me. No one promised me that "The Donald" was going to revolutionize my business if I just joined his new company.
None of that. No flashy cars or big homes on the hill. And, some of the women I encountered have flashy cars and big homes on the hill. They just don't feel inclined to pitch it as a primary part of their opportunity.
I have to give a shout out to a few ladies who I encountered who really inspired me -
Jennifer Fong
Karen Phelps
Julie Anne Jones
So, it made me wonder. Should I continue to associate myself with the "MLM" world? Network Marketing? Or shift to a Direct Sales approach?
OR, should we just all work together in Direct Sales and MLM/Network Marketing Profession to clean things up a bit?
After all, aren't you a little tired of the hype and constant pitching? I sure am!
I would love to hear your thoughts!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Manifest Your Destiny - Wayne Dyers 9 Spiritual Principles for Getting Everything You Want
Manifest Your Destiny is truly one of my favorite books of all time. It doesn't matter whether you are seeking more out of personal relationships; your spiritual relationships; business relationships; or yourself, his 9 Principles for Getting What You Want are life changing.
When I was introduced to this book in June, 1999, at was at a real crossroads in my life, in terms of business and what I wanted to pursue that would be fulfilling. A mentor of mine suggested the book to me as a way of sorting through what I wanted and "where" I was.
It was about 8:30pm, and I had small children. In their pajamas, I loaded them in the car and we raced to Barnes and Noble before it closed so I could start my new journey THAT NIGHT!
It truly changed my thoughts, my philosophy and my life. I became clear on my business direction and what I wanted to pursue in my life. I also became clear on setting my focus and attracting what I wanted.
Here are some thoughts into those 9 Principles. See if anything speaks to you and if so, I highly recommend you get the book -
Principle #1 - Becoming Aware of Your Highest Self - Are the decisions and actions in your life controlled by your ego? Do you have an ever-present need to defend yourself?
Principle #2 - Trusting Yourself is Trusting the Wisdom That Created You - Do you inherently trust yourself and your decisions? Are you weighed down with troubles or unresolved issues in your life?
Principle #3 - You Are Not an organism An Environment, You Are an Environorganism - Do you feel out of touch with your environment? Are your days more often out of sync than in?
Principle #4 - You Can Attract to Yourself What You Desire - Do you have limits in your life that
prevent you from making changes or achieving your highest goals?
Principle #5 - Honoring Your Worthiness to Receive - Do you love what you do, and do what you love, in life? Are you constrained by feelings of unworthiness?
Principle #6 - Connecting to the Divine Source With Unconditional Love - Is your day filled with high energy and the feeling that "everything is going my way"? Or do you experience frustration and anger?
Principle #7 - Meditating to the Sound of Creation - How would your life change after learning to attract what you want - peace or love, job advancement or monetary fortune?
Principle #8 - Patiently Detach From the Outcome - Do you believe that the universe operates randomly? Are you impatient waiting for good things to happen?
Principle #9 - Reacting to Your Manifestations With Gratitude and Generosity - Do you complain, find fault or take for granted more often than you appreciate your life?
I highly encourage you to read the book and delve more deeply into each of these principles. I recommend studying just one principle for a week, or two, or even a month!
Find out more about Wayne Dyer and his amazing gifts -
EXPECT Success!
Monday, September 07, 2009
Are You Looking at Failure As Growth?
Many people are looking for the blue print to success for their business and the ultimate network marketer.
While successful distributors DO come from all walks of life, thereare a few similarities behind many of them. And, most are rooted in their beliefs. Same goes for those who are successful in any endeavor.
Here is a top belief -
I cannot fail, I can only learn and grow. Wow! This is powerful and will release you from a lot of frustration and anger if you heed these simple words and get to the root of what they mean.
Nothing in life is a failure, it is only a growing and learning experience and instead of getting angry, try looking at the situation and finding something of value there. This frees you to try risks and take on new things. If you go into any new venture knowing that at every turn, you'll have a chance to learn and grow and improve at your game, imagine what great strides you will take.
Top performers and achievers in all walks of life believe that the belief of failure is a concept created by the middle class that has no real validity.
Go with the mind set of growing and learning and you'll become more mentally tough with each experience, no matter what the outcome.
Someone says no to your business; is not interested in your products; or turns down your fundraiser? Oh well, this frees you up for more and better experiences and for the right person or people to show up. And, with the right mindset, they WILL show up!
How do I know? Well, I'm one of those who has collected thousands of "no's" in this business over the course of many years. And, alot of "yeses" along the way.
Try changing your thoughts around "Failure" and see what shows up!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
While successful distributors DO come from all walks of life, thereare a few similarities behind many of them. And, most are rooted in their beliefs. Same goes for those who are successful in any endeavor.
Here is a top belief -
I cannot fail, I can only learn and grow. Wow! This is powerful and will release you from a lot of frustration and anger if you heed these simple words and get to the root of what they mean.
Nothing in life is a failure, it is only a growing and learning experience and instead of getting angry, try looking at the situation and finding something of value there. This frees you to try risks and take on new things. If you go into any new venture knowing that at every turn, you'll have a chance to learn and grow and improve at your game, imagine what great strides you will take.
Top performers and achievers in all walks of life believe that the belief of failure is a concept created by the middle class that has no real validity.
Go with the mind set of growing and learning and you'll become more mentally tough with each experience, no matter what the outcome.
Someone says no to your business; is not interested in your products; or turns down your fundraiser? Oh well, this frees you up for more and better experiences and for the right person or people to show up. And, with the right mindset, they WILL show up!
How do I know? Well, I'm one of those who has collected thousands of "no's" in this business over the course of many years. And, alot of "yeses" along the way.
Try changing your thoughts around "Failure" and see what shows up!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Friday, September 04, 2009
Master Trainer Charlie Umphred Shares His Story and Insight
Do you remember that old EF Hutton Commercial, "When EF Hutton speaks, I listen?" That is how I have always felt about Network Marketing Master Trainer Charlie Umphred.
Listen in as he shares his amazing story, from big time body builder, to near death, to big business builder and dreamer. Get inspired, as I always do.
I hope his story inspires you to read books like Think and Grow Rich, and get your mindset where it needs to be.
I'm fortunate now, to work with him, as he is my company's VP of Marketing.
Your feedback is welcome!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Listen in as he shares his amazing story, from big time body builder, to near death, to big business builder and dreamer. Get inspired, as I always do.
I hope his story inspires you to read books like Think and Grow Rich, and get your mindset where it needs to be.
I'm fortunate now, to work with him, as he is my company's VP of Marketing.
Your feedback is welcome!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Keeping Business Momentum
Yesterday, we covered business momentum and steps you can take to hit it!
Today, we are going to talk about keeping that momentum, because no one wants to slide backwards, right?
The key to keeping momentum is not to let up on the gas. The exact steps that took you to momentum will be what keeps you there.
The most common thing people do is fall into the trap of management of their group one it gains some steam. This is a huge mistake. As the leader, you must remain out front, leading the pack! When you turn around to look behind, there is a slow down.
So, keep the philosophy of "Just One More!" Teach this to your team and see what happens.
Get the team to events. Nothing sustains and propels momentum like a good event! Be there yourself and get your team involved and in attendance.
Plan a special event at your convention and let people know they are REALLY missing out if they are not there!
You must also be building your own business every month by sponsoring at least one new person and increasing your own retail sales!
Continue developing your skills and mindset by always reading a book on personal growth and listening to CDs.
The speed of the pack is determined by the speed of the leader! Be the gazelle, racing out in front!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Today, we are going to talk about keeping that momentum, because no one wants to slide backwards, right?
The key to keeping momentum is not to let up on the gas. The exact steps that took you to momentum will be what keeps you there.
The most common thing people do is fall into the trap of management of their group one it gains some steam. This is a huge mistake. As the leader, you must remain out front, leading the pack! When you turn around to look behind, there is a slow down.
So, keep the philosophy of "Just One More!" Teach this to your team and see what happens.
Get the team to events. Nothing sustains and propels momentum like a good event! Be there yourself and get your team involved and in attendance.
Plan a special event at your convention and let people know they are REALLY missing out if they are not there!
You must also be building your own business every month by sponsoring at least one new person and increasing your own retail sales!
Continue developing your skills and mindset by always reading a book on personal growth and listening to CDs.
The speed of the pack is determined by the speed of the leader! Be the gazelle, racing out in front!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
The Key to Business Momentum
There is a secret to hitting and keeping momentum - it's all about the slight edge, and Just One More!
Today, we will cover hitting momentum. And tomorrow, keeping momentum!
One more phone call to a prospect when you are ready to call it quits.
One more follow up call to someone you have already given information to.
One more call to book a retail event.
One more call to check on a customer's satisfaction.
One more chapter in your success book.
One more event this year.
One more call to encourage a team member.
One more.....
Everyday, you have the ability to do just one more thing! Push yourself. Push yourself just a little harder.
Put your blinders on and work your business like a JOB for one year!
Start each and every day by making the whole day count, before it even begins.
Have a plan, be prepared, take action, and then add one more thing!
Momentum can feel like that watched pot that never boils! But, underneath, it is stewing and simmering!
What will you do today that is one more thing than you thought possible?
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Today, we will cover hitting momentum. And tomorrow, keeping momentum!
One more phone call to a prospect when you are ready to call it quits.
One more follow up call to someone you have already given information to.
One more call to book a retail event.
One more call to check on a customer's satisfaction.
One more chapter in your success book.
One more event this year.
One more call to encourage a team member.
One more.....
Everyday, you have the ability to do just one more thing! Push yourself. Push yourself just a little harder.
Put your blinders on and work your business like a JOB for one year!
Start each and every day by making the whole day count, before it even begins.
Have a plan, be prepared, take action, and then add one more thing!
Momentum can feel like that watched pot that never boils! But, underneath, it is stewing and simmering!
What will you do today that is one more thing than you thought possible?
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Take the 90 Day Challenge
My friend and business partner, Debbie Wood, is running a 90 day challenge for anyone who wants to make a change in their business and move beyond their fears and the status quo.
Here is the link to her blog and the video is below.
http://www.debbie-wood.com/the-90-day-challenge-you-dont-want-to-miss/
If you want to take the challenge and join the group, it is on Facebook. Come play and have some fun with us!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=125508104165&ref=search&sid=675567500.1888917457..1
I hope the link works. Those facebook links can be tricky. If not, it's called The 90 Day Challenge.
See you there!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Here is the link to her blog and the video is below.
http://www.debbie-wood.com/the-90-day-challenge-you-dont-want-to-miss/
If you want to take the challenge and join the group, it is on Facebook. Come play and have some fun with us!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=125508104165&ref=search&sid=675567500.1888917457..1
I hope the link works. Those facebook links can be tricky. If not, it's called The 90 Day Challenge.
See you there!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
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