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Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Why Now is a GREAT Time to Start a Home Business

Considering Starting a

MLM Business?



Here are a few reasons why now

is a great time!




One of the things that really appealed to me 15 years ago when I was considering and then getting started with a home business were the tax benefits. Most people don't realize how much money can be saved from taxes alone during the first few years of building a business.

So, one reason to consider a business now would be the tax benefits.

Another was the simple cost savings of not having to drive to/from work each day; business clothing; business lunches and misc.; wear and tear on a vehicle; and not to mention day care costs if you have children.

So, another reason would be the savings you'll gain from NOT spending money on work requirements.

Finally, the ability to set your own hours, be your own boss and determine for yourself (through your efforts, of course) what your paycheck is going to be.

Need I say more on that one? Below, you'll find some quotes by some popular business experts and publications about the Network Marketing profession. What more do you need to know? Network Marketing has provided the answer for me, and many others.


"In the 2006-2016 decade, there will be 10 million new millionaires in the U.S. alone...many of those new millionaires will be from the emerging powerhouse industry of Direct Selling."
--Paul Zane Pilzer, Economic Advisor to 3 Presidents and Bestselling Author of The Next Millionaires


"An investor's dream...an industry with steady annual growth, healthy cash flows, and long-term prospects for global expansion."
-Fortune Magazine


"It's the best investment I've ever made."
-Warren Buffett, Billionaire Investor and Richest Man in the U.S; owner of a Direct Sales Company.


"...at-home workers have more free time and disposable money for recreation and vacation time than clock-punchers and Americans at large."
-Entrepreneur Magazine


Good luck in your search!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Are You Walking Past an MLM Fortune?

Over the last 50 years, many strong Direct Sales/Network Marketing businesses have been built by notifying those closest to us about our new business endeavor.

Now, if you have an MLM business, you may be backing away already at what you are reading here, and I do understand that. But, replace the concept of bugging and harassing your friends and family with simply notifying.

This 5 minute video will share some ideas with you about how to do this and HANG ONTO YOUR FRIENDS!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMC4p5ehxq8

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Friday, January 09, 2009

My New Year's Challenges for 2009

My New Year's Challenges


Live Life More, Love More, Work Less, Earn More – may sound crazy, but it can be done with proper mindset. I begin each day with a mindset routine that involves meditation; reading positive reinforcement and development books; having a daily action plan with my 3 Most Important Activities first on my list, and first checked off. Being effective and efficient in getting these things done will free up my time mentally and physically to enjoy more life, love more, work less and earn more.


Stay Fit and Focused – I recently had an elbow injury that made me really sit up and take notice about how important health is to a fun, active life. Although my injury was not serious, it definitely impaired my ability to do many of the things I enjoy doing. At one point, squeezing the toothpaste tube was painful. I can only imagine what a seriously debilitating illness or injury could be like. I resolve to eat clean, healthy organic food and move my body to stay fit and lean. Focus will make this happen.


Connect More – In December, 2008, I reconnected through Facebook with about 30 or so friends from as far back as elementary school. Just laughing and re-living old times brought such joy to my day and my life. I found myself laughing more, feeling more lighthearted and being happier all around. It reinforced for me the importance that people play in our lives. Relationships are the most important part of life and I have not always been the best at cultivating them. Play time with my friends is tops! This includes my business associates who have become such good friends as well!


Outsource More – this fits in with the work less, earn more. For the last 9 years, I have managed almost ALL of my online activities all by myself. I built my websites; updated them; wrote articles; blogged; and did anything that came along to promote myself and my business. I'm tired. And, I'm ineffective in many areas because no one person can do it all. So, I'm ready to surrender the stuff I don’t love. My passions are connecting with people and getting them started in business; writing; and coaching. I'll keep these areas and let someone else use their expertise to make me look better!


Buy American as much as possible – I absolutely love travel; other cultures and a global connection. And, I want to keep my own country strong so that we continue to contribute to the world in a positive way. At the top of this list, I won't be buying products made in China AT ALL. While I love the Chinese culture, I have absolutely had it with the Chinese government and all of its twisted policies designed to dis-empower its people and hold them down. The violence and hostility in Tibet has been the final straw. Outsourcing is one thing, but we have literally handed over almost all of our manufacturing jobs to China. And, buying those products is supporting the "sweat shop" mentality perpetuated there. I'm also anti-Wal-Mart.


Well, there are 5 clear challenges to keep me busy this year. And, I feel excited and empowered by each of them, so that is a good sign.

Would love to hear some of your challenges for the new year, and I'll keep you posted on how mine are playing out over the year.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Creating MLM Momentum; Overcoming Obstacles and Reaching the TOP of the Mountain

Do you struggle with calling people who never call you back? They request information and then vaporize into thin air? Do you hand out samples and invite people to visit your website, but nothing ever happens? Do you schedule parties and retail events and get snowed out; or few people show? Do you sign people up in the business and they never even get started? They never place more than their first Starter Pack order?

You are on the right path and I want to assure you that everyone who has attained success in our business or any other has also faced and overcome these same challenges.

You MUST keep your chin up in order to have success in this business. Refuse to let events and people get you down or disappoint you. Those who you need are out there, and you never know how they are incubating, waiting to get involved.

Especially with leads. Don't assume that their lack of response means they aren't interested. Often it just means they aren't ready. I have had people join me 2 years after requesting information and many times, I haven't heard anything from them in that time. But they are studying and holding onto information.

Remember that this business is about starting with that small snowball and rolling it across the field until it gathers momentum and you reach the hill, and push it overboard. Once you get to that point, stand back. It flies and it does so quite effortlessly.

The hardest part is keeping the faith until you get a big enough snowball to shoot it down the hill.

Plant seeds DAILY. Water those seeds REGULARLY. Have a BIG vision of what your future holds here. And, never quit on any of these activities.


Instead of standing at the bottom looking at the top of the mountain, just look 10 feet in front of you and take those steps each day and just keep climbing! It's been said that you can drive from Los Angeles to New York in the dark with your headlights focused no more than 20 feet ahead. Follow the markings on the road that have been placed there by those who have gone before.

I promise you this - you will never regret it once you reach the top. You will feel amazing and empowered and you will spread those feelings to others.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Have You Struggled With Internet Marketing Success

STREET SMART WEALTH.com
INTERNET MARKETING WEAPONS
http://www.StreetSmartWealth.com/
Editor/Publisher, Jackie Ulmer

=======================================

I just returned from the MLMCruise where I met someamazing networkers and Internet Marketers. If you arepurusing success in either or both of these businessmodels, read on, you'll love this.


If you've looked into starting an online business then I bet you've discovered it's not nearly as easy as you've been led to expect, right?


Have you struggled with how to use Twitter, Facebook,online forums and other methods for getting prospectsto you? What about blogging, Search Engine tactics, building your list and Google Adwords?


The system and the answer is finally here, in one place.


There are a LOT of pieces to the puzzle - and most of the training out there is missing some (and much of it is pure hype, of course).


Even once you have all the pieces it can be confusing to make them fit together profitably.


In fact, Internet marketing expert Bill Hibbler explains that trying to start from scratch and put the puzzle together is a big mistake.


http://www.streetsmartcoach.com/affu


He admits he's guilty of making the same mistake, too. I know it was sure rough for me when I started9 years ago.


It's just too much for most people who are trying to get started part time on a limited budget, he says.


And he should know.


Bill's a best selling author, speaker, respected marketing coach, and he's got over 9 years of success online under his belt.


He's known for his 'pull no punches' straight talk, so when he said beginners should follow a totally different path to get started, I knew you'd want the whole story.


http://www.streetsmartcoach.com/affu


What's interesting is that the alternative Bill suggests isn't new... but with the arrival of high quality 'Internet TV' the game has changed completely.


I agree with Bill on this.


I think just about anyone who was even a little serious about getting started online will be able to easily do this.


Anyway, I thought I'd recommend you check it out.Take a look for yourself and see what you think.


http://www.streetsmartcoach.com/affu


Have an awesome weekend.


EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer
The Street Smart Wealth Team
Walnut Hills, Box 1955
Blue Jay, CA 92317
909-337-3521

Thursday, October 30, 2008

8 Rules of Leadership

What Leaders Do

I am reading the book "Winning" by Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric and he has some amazing insights into Leadership, and specifically, What Leaders Do.

Here are his 8 "rules" of Leadership. See where you fit in –

1. Leaders relentlessly upgrade their team, using every encounter as an opportunity to evaluate, coach, and build self-confidence.

2. Leaders make sure people not only see the vision, they live and breathe it.

3. Leaders get into everyone's skin, exuding positive energy and optimism.

4. Leaders establish trust with candor, transparency, and credit.

5. Leaders have the courage to make unpopular decisions and gut calls.

6. Leaders probe and push with a curiosity that borders on skepticism, making sure their questions are answered with action.

7. Leaders inspire risk taking and learning by setting this example.

8. Leaders celebrate!

I highly encourage reading this book if you haven't as it has great insights into being successful, whatever your business is.

Leaders are more often DEVELOPED than born. Take steps daily to define and develop your leadership.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Thursday, October 09, 2008

MLM Advertising on a Budget

I was just asked by a new team member how to build a business on little to no budget. Here are ten ideas I offered.


Many people who start a home based business have a limited advertising budget However for the life of your business it is important that you get the word out as quickly as possible. These tips will help you do just that without breaking the bank.


1. Word of Mouth is one of the best forms of advertising. It is absolutely free and if done correctly, you will get a great response. Talk to everyone you know about your business, Ask your family and friends for referrals. Make an effort to meet new people while you are out and about. If the internet is a tool that you use to grow your business visit message boards, you can meet a lot of people who will be interested in what you have to offer.


2. Go to trade shows and expos. Start conversations and pass out and collect cards as appropriate. Be respectful of others who have paid to be there and be subtle. Save prospecting conversations for a phone call later. Plant lots of seeds.


3. Join a networking group. There are many great sites on the internet that you can join that are absolutely Free. You can meet people that can possibly be interested in your business. If you prefer networking offline, contact your local chamber of commerce. Most hold monthly mixers that you can attend for a nominal fee. This will give you the opportunity to meet local business owners in your community.


4. Make use of your email. Be sure that every email that you send out includes your signature tag. Make it short and catchy so that it will arouse people’s curiosity.


5. Hand out your business cards. Include one in every piece of mail that you send out, give one to everyone you exchange money with, leave them at restaurants with your tip, and any where else that you can think of.


6. Get a web decal. These are great advertising tools and they're very inexpensive. Just come up with a catchy slogan and your url address. Every time that you drive, you will be advertising your business.


7. Wear your business. Get t-shirt, hats or pins that promote your business. This will promote interest and curiosity.


8. Write articles. Articles are a great form of advertising. Your articles do not have to be business related. Write about topics that you are very familiar with and passionate about. Attach a resource box to every article that you write. A resource box tells the reader a little about you and your business. Many websites and e zines are looking for quality articles to reprint.


9. Start your own online newsletter. Newsletters are a great tool to help you build your business. You are able to stay in touch with people who have opted in to receive information from you. Make your newsletter informative and enjoyable to read. There are a lot of newsletters out there so you must distinguish yourself from the crowd. Have Fun and be creative when creating your newsletter.


10. Use postcards to market your business. Postcards are inexpensive to mail and most importantly they get read. With postcard you only have a small amount of space to write, so you want to make sure that you have a catchy headline and an ad that propels people to act. Offer a FREE gift or a discount.


Just do it and you'll succeed!


EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Who to Prospect in a Down Economy for Your MLM Business

There are certainly MANY industry groups who are suffering from what is going on in the US economy. This is a great time to present your MLM business to those who are looking for some income relief.


I was out and about this weekend at the beach and spent some time chatting with servers and bartenders. It certainly didn't seem like there was an economic crunch as the restaurants and bars were packed, with long wait times.


In speaking with those who work there, what they told me is that there hasn't been a real slowdown in traffic, but what has slowed down are the tips.


People are being much more conservative in what they offer in tips. Many of those I spoke with stated that their average tips are down about 25%.


Yikes, most people can not afford a 25% pay cut. Can you?


So, keep this in mind as you are out and about and be sure to leave your card with these people, along with a decent tip!


They are still working hard. And, some will be motivated to pursue their own business!


EXPECT Success!


Jackie Ulmer

Saturday, September 27, 2008

3 Simple Keys to MLM Success

3 Keys to MLM Success

If you are struggling in your MLM business it could be that you are missing something in the 3 keys that it takes to be successful. It's a simple system of business as long as you stick to the basics and don't complicate it. Let's cover the 3 keys –

Key # 1 – Belief

Key #2 – Marketing

Key #3 – Training and Duplication


The first key to success in MLM is belief, and belief covers 3 areas, all of which are important to your success. You must have belief in the company/products that you are representing; you must have belief in the system of network marketing; and you must have belief in yourself and your ability to be successful. All of these are important, but belief in yourself is the most important.


Belief in the company and products is simple and can be developed with a few simple steps. Learn the company story and get to know the management team; their background, vision and focus. Replace every single product in your home with products offered by your company. All successful leaders do this and it's the best way to entrench yourself in your business. Once you have taken these steps, you'll know where your belief level stands. If you are confident in what you are offering and the company you represent, you are ready to market your business.


Belief in the system of network marketing is done through education. Ask your upline for five books that you can read to educate yourself on how network marketing works. Learn your compensation plan and study the success stories of others in your company and in the industry. You must know that if any other person can be successful, then you can, too.


This leads to belief in you. Ask yourself this – "Why not me, and why not now?" Success in this business is just about talking to people, each and every day about your business. That can be one person a day, two people a day or ten. The number is up to you. Your goal is to simply make sure at least one person a day learns that your business exists. You aren't begging, convincing or "selling." You are sharing information. Some will join you, and some will not, and either way, it has little to do with you.


Marketing is the second key to success. Your business will go nowhere if no one knows it exists. Decide on the number of contacts you will make each day and then be committed to seeing the job through. There are many ways you can accomplish this. Here are a few I recommend –


First, send a "friends and family" letter and let those who have a relationship with you know what you are doing. You are making a business announcement just as you would if you were opening a brick and mortar business. This letter should include a little about your reasons why; your product line; and what you are looking for in terms of customers and business partners.


Second, advertise. This can be done many different ways. A small local ad in your paper; a web decal or wrap on your car; business cards that you pass out; joining your chamber of commerce and business networking groups; purchase pre-screened leads; and joining online social and networking sites are all ideas of ways to advertise your business. You don't need to do them all. Pick two or three to get you started and grow your efforts from there.


Third, make sure you know and understand the process for explaining your business concept to others. Use the tools offered by your company and upline. Some of these tools may include a prospecting phone number; website; brochure or handout; CD; etc. Keep it simple and show each person that this is a business that is not complicated.


As you find people who want to join you in business (and you will if you are consistently marketing it) you'll want to train and duplicate the process. It really comes down to the first two keys above. Train your new distributors on developing belief in the company, products, system of networking marketing and themselves. Explain the different ways of marketing and show each one what you do specifically so there is a "roadmap" in place. Be there to coach and support and then teach them how to train and duplicate as they bring people onto the team.


Follow these 3 simple keys consistently and repeatedly and you'll have a growing, thriving business in Network Marketing. Keep it simple; make it fun and teach people how to break free of the corporate mold that has trapped so many. We offer a business of freedom and fun. Share it with everyone you can.


EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

MLM - Is it a Dirty Word?

Have you ever wondered this?

Been asked this?

Wondered why some have that perception?


It's not the industry itself that has created the negative stigma. And, it's not the companies in MLM who will remove that stigma.


It's us - you and me. Those of us involved in the industry.


Those of us who are passionate enough about what it can and has provided for us, and our ability to pass that on to others must take a stand and educate.


For me, M.L.M. stands for My Life's Mission!


How about you?


Do you understand MLM? Let's start there -


http://www.squidoo.com/whatismlm


EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer