I recently read an interesting thread on another BLOG and thought it might be useful to cover the concepts here. It involves the ever elusive theory of "duplication" in MLM. Maybe you can relate. I welcome your comments.
Here's what was written -
"To get duplication, keep the system so simple that even stupid people can do it." (I'm quoting my upline here who used to say, "Keep it simple stupid," or "KISS". He later changed this to "Keep it short and simple," which still stood for KISS... I imagine because some were offended by the word 'stupid.')I think this famous network marketing motto is completely off base.
It puts people's focus on the wrong side of the fence. My upline who used to say "KISS" made $300,000+ a month, but I didn't notice one person on his team who he worked with that wasn't a star player--he attracted them because he knew the principles that make you INFLUENTIAL.
And THAT is why he saw the duplication.
There was a time when I could enroll a lot of people into my organization by working hard all day, every day, at an intensity few would endure for long--The end result was OK, but nothing close to my potential and it wasn't at all rewarding because I knew I wasn't tapping into my potential. I knew I couldn't help others tap into their potential if I wasn't.
Mike Klingler
My thoughts and response -
I took my business online over 9 years ago; a network marketing business. I was told then, and am still told today, that what I do is not duplicable; too complicated; that no one can "do what I do." Ouch.
Hmmm, and yet many of the strongest leaders in my organization are forging their own path through internet marketing. And, interesting to note that I am the highest paid in my company with the largest downline. (I certainly don't take credit as getting this done all by myself.)
I'm glad I didn't and don't buy into that misguided theory. After all, I'm a stay home mom who didn't have a lot of time, or a ton of money, but did have a BIG desire. I've never taken a computer class in my life and everything I have learned is self taught, so why can't another do that?
It's vain for anyone to think that "others can't do what I do" or to doubt that another could follow such a complicated system. Take the very shy person and tell them to join BNI or the Chamber of Commerce to generate leads and that person will be out of the business in short order.
Show me any leader or top income earner in any company and I will show you how they somehow forged their own path and differentiated themselves in some way. Nothing wrong with that; all success stories in any profession do this. And, there are always those who will follow and forge their own path as well.
Why do we tell people evaluating network marketing to "think outside of the box" and then when we sponsor them, we want to put them back into a box – "our box"; the box called – simple duplication; the cookie cutter approach?
How many people really succeed at working their warm list? Is this method duplicable? Sure. But if it were really such a "simple" process then we would have less people quitting the profession of network marketing and more people quitting their jobs.
Success in a business, ANY business, requires developing a successful skill set. PERIOD. Good communication; speaking and marketing skills; and leadership are all part of the equation. These are the things that must be duplicated to be successful in MLM, and the way to develop these skills will vary based on the individual and their PASSION.
People often ask me what the BEST way is to generate leads online. For me, the BEST way is the way you feel drawn toward and passionate about. What is BEST for me will not necessarily be BEST for you. That's okay, it’s not a right or wrong, it’s just a FACT.
Once a person moves into developing their own skills, the process does become (dare I say it?) EASY. It really does. It is EASY for me to sponsor 10-20 people a month now. It was NOT easy to do this before I developed my own skill set.
I worked harder BEFORE I developed these skills and made a LOT less money and had a LOT less fun.
10 years ago, I decided that the theory of "Duplication" being taught by so many is a complete myth. I am not interested in a cookie cutter business or being forced into someone else's "box."
It takes time, money and, more than ANYTHING else, a commitment to "going back to school." Going back to school involves learning, researching, and getting rid of the desire to say "This is too hard." It is "hard" to make a lot of money, in anything. And, "hard" is relative.
Understanding the reality of the 2 – 5 year plan is imperative in Network Marketing, and , in most cases, even with internet marketing, because one still has to develop that skill set.
How fun, though, to earn while you learn and develop those skills following a passion and helping others. So, to echo a sentiment, before you ask –
When will I earn $5k a month? $10k a month, and so on; ask this – what value am I offering another? What skill can (WILL!) I work to develop today that will make me better, even if it doesn't yield an "immediate" gratification result?
Like the analogy of going to the gym, the first week that you set out on a workout routine, you don't look in the mirror and see dramatic results. We don't see what is happening behind the scenes. But, it's happening none-the-less.
Same with developing our business skill sets in Network Marketing. I cringe when someone quits after a month or two in the business and says "I'm going to try something else." I want to tell them to save their money.
Here is the reality, until the SKILLS needed are developed, the results will be the same. Guaranteed.
So here is the very simple business plan for success – decide what you are truly willing to commit your time, money and energy toward learning and mastering.
Once you have that determined, write it down and then seek out a mentor who is doing what you want and will coach you (not just teach, there is a difference) in developing your skill set. Pull out all of the stops to get it done and resist the temptation to quit when it seems just a little tough.
I look forward to YOUR insight and comments.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Showing posts with label mlm duplication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mlm duplication. Show all posts
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
What is the system, asked my MLM Downline Partner
I was recently asked by a member of my downline "What's our system and how do I find it?" Well, for me, the word "system" is always a tricky subject. There are several "systems" that can be used, and what is the best will depend a lot on the individual.
First, let me say that I define "system" as the method for finding prospects to contact, presenting, following up, sponsoring and duplicating, so there are several components to the "system."
There is the "warm market" system, which is what I consider a business launch, and the most simple system. It's a system of notifying those you know that you are in business. Simply notifying. Not bugging, harassing, or begging!
The system you use to present the information about your business should be pre-planned, and there should be several methods depending on your prospects needs and ability to receive information.
There is the mailed packet; email; website overview; 3 way call; opportunity call, etc. Check with your upline and see what is recommended.
After that, there are other "systems" available – running ads, buying leads, Chamber of Commerce/BNI, Shows and Expos, Walking and Talking, etc. Actually, these are the first steps in the system, or method for finding prospects.
Then, there is the internet and the ability to create a whole, new warm market online.
For me, I am an internet marketer and that is by choice. I consider myself to be an internet marketer FIRST, and within that I align with a network marketing company as my primary (but not only) revenue source.
There are many "systems" out there and the key is finding what is going to be a fit for you and fine tuning your target market to that way of doing it. There is someone for every system and way of building the business. Don’t let anyone tell you that one particular way of doing things is wrong, slower, won't work, or non-duplicable. Every system will work if it is right for the person working it.
I've been told repeatedly that the internet system will never work and yet I have enormous success behind me, as do others on my team using that method to disprove that theory. Will it work for someone who despises technology and has no interest or passion for learning the internet? No.
Just like the shy, introvert who would rather die than do public speaking will not succeed with a system involving BNI and Chamber of Commerce meetings. Does it work? Sure, for the right individual.
I do this same basic thing as the simple, warm market system except I put a more technical step into it with the personal website. And, I build warm market using the internet and use more of an attraction marketing approach. This method won't be for everyone, and that is okay. I am very clear on the market I am targeting and I am willing to be patient until those people who match my demographic desire show up, if that makes sense.
I am very clear that my target is those who do embrace technology and want to learn to utilize this amazing tool as a method of business building.
Market leading with the product and you get people who want to sell products and not always those who want to build a team, so duplication stops. Market with the opportunity and you get people who are coachable about the team building side of things.
Decide who you want to market to, who you want to work with and how you want to work your business and find a coach/mentor who will pave the way for you!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
First, let me say that I define "system" as the method for finding prospects to contact, presenting, following up, sponsoring and duplicating, so there are several components to the "system."
There is the "warm market" system, which is what I consider a business launch, and the most simple system. It's a system of notifying those you know that you are in business. Simply notifying. Not bugging, harassing, or begging!
The system you use to present the information about your business should be pre-planned, and there should be several methods depending on your prospects needs and ability to receive information.
There is the mailed packet; email; website overview; 3 way call; opportunity call, etc. Check with your upline and see what is recommended.
After that, there are other "systems" available – running ads, buying leads, Chamber of Commerce/BNI, Shows and Expos, Walking and Talking, etc. Actually, these are the first steps in the system, or method for finding prospects.
Then, there is the internet and the ability to create a whole, new warm market online.
For me, I am an internet marketer and that is by choice. I consider myself to be an internet marketer FIRST, and within that I align with a network marketing company as my primary (but not only) revenue source.
There are many "systems" out there and the key is finding what is going to be a fit for you and fine tuning your target market to that way of doing it. There is someone for every system and way of building the business. Don’t let anyone tell you that one particular way of doing things is wrong, slower, won't work, or non-duplicable. Every system will work if it is right for the person working it.
I've been told repeatedly that the internet system will never work and yet I have enormous success behind me, as do others on my team using that method to disprove that theory. Will it work for someone who despises technology and has no interest or passion for learning the internet? No.
Just like the shy, introvert who would rather die than do public speaking will not succeed with a system involving BNI and Chamber of Commerce meetings. Does it work? Sure, for the right individual.
I do this same basic thing as the simple, warm market system except I put a more technical step into it with the personal website. And, I build warm market using the internet and use more of an attraction marketing approach. This method won't be for everyone, and that is okay. I am very clear on the market I am targeting and I am willing to be patient until those people who match my demographic desire show up, if that makes sense.
I am very clear that my target is those who do embrace technology and want to learn to utilize this amazing tool as a method of business building.
Market leading with the product and you get people who want to sell products and not always those who want to build a team, so duplication stops. Market with the opportunity and you get people who are coachable about the team building side of things.
Decide who you want to market to, who you want to work with and how you want to work your business and find a coach/mentor who will pave the way for you!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Friday, January 11, 2008
MLM Leaders
What defines leadership in MLM? Is it something one is born with, or something that can be developed?
Have you ever thought about quitting when your monthly autoship shows up damaged? What if your order gets waylaid somewhere? Your sponsor doesn't call you back on your timetable? The first 3 people who you talk to about the business tell you that you are crazy?
Or, you spend money on leads and they all slam the phone down in your ear?
Well, these are truly just bugs on the windshield, and while frustrating, no reason to leave an amazing MLM opportunity.
When I was in the airline industry and transitioned over to a MAJOR airline they messed up my paycheck for 3 months. No kidding. The first month, I didn't even get paid! Now, I was 24 and didn't exactly have major resources available to fund a month of living with no paycheck.
And we are talking about a MAJOR corporation here with nearly 100,000 employees at that point. The second month, I got paid, but only what I was supposed to with no back pay. It was a full 3 months before the situation was worked out. I was incredibly thin by then from lack of food and walking to work because I had no gas money. (Just kidding!)
The point is - I didn't quit that job. And, it didn't stop me from doing my best in that job.
Same goes with your company and your business. Focus on getting things worked out as you want them to and try not to allow your focus to drift to the negative. Negativity breeds more negativity.
Put your game face on and get out there and and take action! Share the gift you have through this opportunity with others.
Here is a GREAT article written by Tom "Big Al" Schreiter on attracting leaders and becoming a leader. Enjoy!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
How To Attract Good Leaders
by Tom "Big Al" Schreiter
"Stop fooling around! I already know all that! Just tell me where I can get some good people!"
The caller wasn't very happy with me. My suggestion to improve one's skills and attitude certainly hit a raw nerve.
"Hey! I've been in Network Marketing for over five years. Don't give me any of that phony self-improvement stuff. I'm not some wet-behind-the-ears beginner. I just need to find some quality people."
Well, there was the caller's problem all laid out. He just wasn't listening to himself talk. In fact, this caller was one of the thousands of Network Marketers who just don't get it.
They think that networking success is outside of themselves. They are looking for someone else to make them successful. They hope that a great ground floor opportunity will go to work for them while they wait for the big, successful bonus checks to arrive in their mailbox. Or, they hope to find a really good prospect who will go to work and make them rich while they watch.
Whoops! Networking isn't about other people making you successful. Networking is about making yourself a better person so that you can make others more successful. Boy, that's a big difference.
Let's take a look at the Networker who constantly changes companies. Why does he change?
Because his present company didn't make him successful. They didn't send the products on time. They didn't come out with that four-color brochure soon enough. And, their products just didn't sell themselves.
So, if the present company just isn't doing its job, what should the Networker do?
Yep! Join another company and hope that company does a better job.
Sounds pretty logical until you find out that companies don't work. Companies only provide an opportunity.
It is the distributors who work (or in my caller's case, don't work). The misinformed Networker is constantly looking for the perfect company that will make him successful. Too bad. Most companies have to hire people—so there goes the perfect theory.
Will this misinformed Networker spend his entire career searching for the perfect company? Sometimes. Eventually, most misinformed Networkers get frustrated by the constant stream of imperfect companies, so they quit networking and look for the perfect job, a government job. Now you know where the government gets many of its so-called "workers."
Believing in perfect companies sounds pretty silly, doesn't it?
However, where do you think our prospects and new distributors get this perfect company idea?
From us.
Aren't we the ones who tell them that the reason they should join our company is because our company is the only perfect company? And so they believe us and stake their career on this mistaken foundation.
Then what happens? The company makes a mistake. Oh, it might only be a little-bitty mistake, but now the company is no longer perfect.
What's our distributor to do?
Quit.
And then search for the perfect Network Marketing company that will make him rich.
Preparing Our Distributor For Disappointment
The solution to this overselling is obvious. Instead of using the "perfect company" pitch in our presentation, why not tell our prospect that our company is not perfect?
That's right. Our company couldn't find computers to fill all the positions and had to hire error-prone, imperfect humans. And, our company utilizes the post office, a shipping company, and the local telephone service. There are plenty of chances for errors right there.
Let's tell our new distributor that our company will make mistakes. It's part of business and part of life. However, we can add that our company fixes the mistakes—most of the time—to our satisfaction.
That's all we ask. We just want a reasonable chance to develop our business. The real foundation of our success will come from what we do, not from what some distant corporate office does.
One distributor who didn't believe this quit his company with the following words:
"Now my business is ruined! I didn't receive my order in time and some of the items were mis-packed. My whole career and business has failed because of the actions of a single minimum wage employee in a corporate office 1,500 miles away."
Yeah, right. And this so-called leader allowed himself to be controlled by that "single minimum wage employee." That's not much of a leader, is it? Maybe the sponsor should have recruited the home office employee instead.
When we prepare our distributors for the eventual and hopefully occasional company mistake, our life becomes a little easier too.
Now when our distributor calls to complain that his newsletter got wrinkled in the mail, we simply inform him that this is just one of those challenges that comes with being in business. We don't have to defend every little perceived imperfection in our company. We don't have to pave a rejection-proof path ahead of our distributor.
And the best part is that we have realistically prepared our new distributor for the real world.
No hype, no lies, and no false expectations.
Our new distributor now sees these ordinary problems as ordinary problems—not as career-destroying forces of evil.
Now that our new distributor has a clear vision of the road to success, he can drive at the maximum speed limit to financial security.
Tom
P.S. So how do you attract good leaders? By becoming a good leader yourself! And if you're ready to become a good leader, this program would be your next step!
Reproduced with permission from "Big Al's" Fortune Now Newsletter. Subscribe: www.fortunenow.com. Copyright KAAS Publishing 2008. All rights reserved worldwide.
Have you ever thought about quitting when your monthly autoship shows up damaged? What if your order gets waylaid somewhere? Your sponsor doesn't call you back on your timetable? The first 3 people who you talk to about the business tell you that you are crazy?
Or, you spend money on leads and they all slam the phone down in your ear?
Well, these are truly just bugs on the windshield, and while frustrating, no reason to leave an amazing MLM opportunity.
When I was in the airline industry and transitioned over to a MAJOR airline they messed up my paycheck for 3 months. No kidding. The first month, I didn't even get paid! Now, I was 24 and didn't exactly have major resources available to fund a month of living with no paycheck.
And we are talking about a MAJOR corporation here with nearly 100,000 employees at that point. The second month, I got paid, but only what I was supposed to with no back pay. It was a full 3 months before the situation was worked out. I was incredibly thin by then from lack of food and walking to work because I had no gas money. (Just kidding!)
The point is - I didn't quit that job. And, it didn't stop me from doing my best in that job.
Same goes with your company and your business. Focus on getting things worked out as you want them to and try not to allow your focus to drift to the negative. Negativity breeds more negativity.
Put your game face on and get out there and and take action! Share the gift you have through this opportunity with others.
Here is a GREAT article written by Tom "Big Al" Schreiter on attracting leaders and becoming a leader. Enjoy!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
How To Attract Good Leaders
by Tom "Big Al" Schreiter
"Stop fooling around! I already know all that! Just tell me where I can get some good people!"
The caller wasn't very happy with me. My suggestion to improve one's skills and attitude certainly hit a raw nerve.
"Hey! I've been in Network Marketing for over five years. Don't give me any of that phony self-improvement stuff. I'm not some wet-behind-the-ears beginner. I just need to find some quality people."
Well, there was the caller's problem all laid out. He just wasn't listening to himself talk. In fact, this caller was one of the thousands of Network Marketers who just don't get it.
They think that networking success is outside of themselves. They are looking for someone else to make them successful. They hope that a great ground floor opportunity will go to work for them while they wait for the big, successful bonus checks to arrive in their mailbox. Or, they hope to find a really good prospect who will go to work and make them rich while they watch.
Whoops! Networking isn't about other people making you successful. Networking is about making yourself a better person so that you can make others more successful. Boy, that's a big difference.
Let's take a look at the Networker who constantly changes companies. Why does he change?
Because his present company didn't make him successful. They didn't send the products on time. They didn't come out with that four-color brochure soon enough. And, their products just didn't sell themselves.
So, if the present company just isn't doing its job, what should the Networker do?
Yep! Join another company and hope that company does a better job.
Sounds pretty logical until you find out that companies don't work. Companies only provide an opportunity.
It is the distributors who work (or in my caller's case, don't work). The misinformed Networker is constantly looking for the perfect company that will make him successful. Too bad. Most companies have to hire people—so there goes the perfect theory.
Will this misinformed Networker spend his entire career searching for the perfect company? Sometimes. Eventually, most misinformed Networkers get frustrated by the constant stream of imperfect companies, so they quit networking and look for the perfect job, a government job. Now you know where the government gets many of its so-called "workers."
Believing in perfect companies sounds pretty silly, doesn't it?
However, where do you think our prospects and new distributors get this perfect company idea?
From us.
Aren't we the ones who tell them that the reason they should join our company is because our company is the only perfect company? And so they believe us and stake their career on this mistaken foundation.
Then what happens? The company makes a mistake. Oh, it might only be a little-bitty mistake, but now the company is no longer perfect.
What's our distributor to do?
Quit.
And then search for the perfect Network Marketing company that will make him rich.
Preparing Our Distributor For Disappointment
The solution to this overselling is obvious. Instead of using the "perfect company" pitch in our presentation, why not tell our prospect that our company is not perfect?
That's right. Our company couldn't find computers to fill all the positions and had to hire error-prone, imperfect humans. And, our company utilizes the post office, a shipping company, and the local telephone service. There are plenty of chances for errors right there.
Let's tell our new distributor that our company will make mistakes. It's part of business and part of life. However, we can add that our company fixes the mistakes—most of the time—to our satisfaction.
That's all we ask. We just want a reasonable chance to develop our business. The real foundation of our success will come from what we do, not from what some distant corporate office does.
One distributor who didn't believe this quit his company with the following words:
"Now my business is ruined! I didn't receive my order in time and some of the items were mis-packed. My whole career and business has failed because of the actions of a single minimum wage employee in a corporate office 1,500 miles away."
Yeah, right. And this so-called leader allowed himself to be controlled by that "single minimum wage employee." That's not much of a leader, is it? Maybe the sponsor should have recruited the home office employee instead.
When we prepare our distributors for the eventual and hopefully occasional company mistake, our life becomes a little easier too.
Now when our distributor calls to complain that his newsletter got wrinkled in the mail, we simply inform him that this is just one of those challenges that comes with being in business. We don't have to defend every little perceived imperfection in our company. We don't have to pave a rejection-proof path ahead of our distributor.
And the best part is that we have realistically prepared our new distributor for the real world.
No hype, no lies, and no false expectations.
Our new distributor now sees these ordinary problems as ordinary problems—not as career-destroying forces of evil.
Now that our new distributor has a clear vision of the road to success, he can drive at the maximum speed limit to financial security.
Tom
P.S. So how do you attract good leaders? By becoming a good leader yourself! And if you're ready to become a good leader, this program would be your next step!
Reproduced with permission from "Big Al's" Fortune Now Newsletter. Subscribe: www.fortunenow.com. Copyright KAAS Publishing 2008. All rights reserved worldwide.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
MLM Companies : Changing Companies
First off, if you haven't jumped on the Site Sell $20,000 Network Marketing Contest, PLEASE get the details and join in! You will come out with a powerful website designed to make you MONEY, generate leads for your business and get people coming to you!
Details are at -
http://www.SBI-MLM.com
You have until midnight January 4th to get a 2 for 1 special on a website there. For about $25 a month, you will have access to the most amazing tools and learning. More on that tomorrow.
There is an amazing learning forum there for building your network marketing business; and building it online, and that forum prompted this discussion.
Choosing the right company the first time around can be a very challenging proposition. We often come into this industry un-educated, un-informed and only looking at some exciting comp plan that we don't even understand.
There is a common issue that goes on with Network Marketers in that sometimes we don't always choose the company that is best for us on the first try.
Actually, this is pretty common in the JOB world too, but it is handled differently when we leave.
In the JOB world, when one decides to move on for personal reasons, there are typically well wishes and no one gets their feelings hurt or gets bent out of shape over it.
In Network Marketing, however, one is quickly labeled a QUITTER for making a decision to move to another company.
I was with my first company for 6 1/2 years. I had built a successful business but found that my idea of ethics was at odds with the company's and I no longer wanted to be associated. That company went bankrupt and hung their distributors out to dry a few years later. Glad I got out when I did.
I handled my departure very ethically, and never contacted any of my downline, upline, or crossline to prospect them for my new venture.
I was well into internet marketing and focused on attraction marketing. I didn't need to seek out people as the internet allowed them to seek me out.
I also felt it was out of integrity to take advantage of all of the work my upline and others had done on my behalf.
That didn't stop my "friends" in that company from turning on me and calling me a traitor, quitter, and some other unmentionables, ha!
The point of this is that we often DON'T make the right choice the first time around in MLM. We get excited about something and don't always know how to choose wisely, evaluate comp plans, hidden elements of comp plans and company policy.
There is NOTHING wrong with making a decision to change companies when you find that you didn't choose wisely and that there really is not a fit. And, it's important not to let anyone (especially yourself!) beat you up for making a business decision.
As you become educated in the process of choosing a company, an upline, a product line, a sponsor, etc, you may decide you want to do something different.
It's okay, and it's often part of the process.
This does NOT make you an MLM junkie! It makes you an informed business owner.
And, in the reverse case, if someone on your team decides to make a move, handle it with grace and dignity. Respect each person's right to choose what is best for him/her. Shake hands (even through email) and wish them well.
Never burn a bridge and you will find some will return.
As I see some people struggling in this forum and on other forums about whether they are crazy for considering a change, I thought it might be a good time to let people know that it is okay to make a change and you can go on to HUGE success.
Educate yourself at every turn and make sure you are SOLID in your choice. This allows your authenticity in working with your prospects and downline shine through.
Any doubt, even the slightest, shows up!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
First off, if you haven't jumped on the Site Sell $20,000 Network Marketing Contest, PLEASE get the details and join in! You will come out with a powerful website designed to make you MONEY, generate leads for your business and get people coming to you!
Details are at -
http://www.SBI-MLM.com
You have until midnight January 4th to get a 2 for 1 special on a website there. For about $25 a month, you will have access to the most amazing tools and learning. More on that tomorrow.
There is an amazing learning forum there for building your network marketing business; and building it online, and that forum prompted this discussion.
Choosing the right company the first time around can be a very challenging proposition. We often come into this industry un-educated, un-informed and only looking at some exciting comp plan that we don't even understand.
There is a common issue that goes on with Network Marketers in that sometimes we don't always choose the company that is best for us on the first try.
Actually, this is pretty common in the JOB world too, but it is handled differently when we leave.
In the JOB world, when one decides to move on for personal reasons, there are typically well wishes and no one gets their feelings hurt or gets bent out of shape over it.
In Network Marketing, however, one is quickly labeled a QUITTER for making a decision to move to another company.
I was with my first company for 6 1/2 years. I had built a successful business but found that my idea of ethics was at odds with the company's and I no longer wanted to be associated. That company went bankrupt and hung their distributors out to dry a few years later. Glad I got out when I did.
I handled my departure very ethically, and never contacted any of my downline, upline, or crossline to prospect them for my new venture.
I was well into internet marketing and focused on attraction marketing. I didn't need to seek out people as the internet allowed them to seek me out.
I also felt it was out of integrity to take advantage of all of the work my upline and others had done on my behalf.
That didn't stop my "friends" in that company from turning on me and calling me a traitor, quitter, and some other unmentionables, ha!
The point of this is that we often DON'T make the right choice the first time around in MLM. We get excited about something and don't always know how to choose wisely, evaluate comp plans, hidden elements of comp plans and company policy.
There is NOTHING wrong with making a decision to change companies when you find that you didn't choose wisely and that there really is not a fit. And, it's important not to let anyone (especially yourself!) beat you up for making a business decision.
As you become educated in the process of choosing a company, an upline, a product line, a sponsor, etc, you may decide you want to do something different.
It's okay, and it's often part of the process.
This does NOT make you an MLM junkie! It makes you an informed business owner.
And, in the reverse case, if someone on your team decides to make a move, handle it with grace and dignity. Respect each person's right to choose what is best for him/her. Shake hands (even through email) and wish them well.
Never burn a bridge and you will find some will return.
As I see some people struggling in this forum and on other forums about whether they are crazy for considering a change, I thought it might be a good time to let people know that it is okay to make a change and you can go on to HUGE success.
Educate yourself at every turn and make sure you are SOLID in your choice. This allows your authenticity in working with your prospects and downline shine through.
Any doubt, even the slightest, shows up!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
MLM Fears: Be Empowered
By What You Do NOT KNOW
So often, we come into this business of MLM and we are afraid.
Many of us don't know how to -
Run a business.
Set prices for our products.
Handle taxes.
Talk to people.
Build a team.
Work the Internet.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Fortunately, in my business, everyone knows how to light a candle; open a lid and put it under a nose, and express your own enthusiasm.
Be empowered to find those answers to what you DON'T know and allow NOTHING to stop you.
I'm cleaning and organizing my office and files today (yuck) as family is coming in for the holidays and we have a big party here Sunday and my office is a wreck. And, I almost ALWAYS sell candles, so I want to be able to bring people into my office, ha!
As I was sorting, I came across the notes that I took on my very first internet marketing tele-conference in October, 1999. That day clinched my decision to take my business online and NEVER look back, except to gloat!
That was back when the issues about Y2K were such a big deal and everyone was warning me to be careful. Man, can that be 8 years ago?
Anyway, I took notes on as much as I could because the entire call was GREEK to me. It was like he was speaking a foreign language.
These were terms that I did not recognize and had no idea what they meant -
Domain Name
URL
Auto responder
Search Engines (I knew that Yahoo was a way to find things but didn't know how or why!)
S PAM
Online Newsletter
Newsgroups
Viral Marketing
Auto Contactor
Goto.com
Message Forum
Those were only the ones that I had time to write down. I am sure there were more.
I was a full 6 months online before I figured out what an autoresponder was and how it worked. I was AMAZED at how quickly people would respond when I would ask for information off of someone's website. Man, they had FAST fingers!!!
There were MANY days I really wondered what I was doing, and wondered if I had lost my mind. There were many days I wanted to give up. I built my first website on a laptop that is 15 inches long. Imagine the size of the keyboard. My back ached from being hunched over it. My mind was exhausted from lack of sleep and information overload. But my stomach and heart had a fire in them.
I spent over $1000 on eBooks and manuals to teach me what to do. These were all by online marketers, not network marketers. I couldn't find anyone in M L M doing what I was doing. I am sure they were there, I just had no idea how to find them.
I had two hours during the day to work on things. I would drop my son at school and my daughter at preschool and race home to get to work. I thanked the other moms who invited me to bagels and coffee, and declined. I wanted to go, but I wanted a successful business online MORE!
When I would get home to the quiet house, I would sit for 5 minutes and gather my thoughts. I would visualize myself building a HUGE organization of people who found me online. I visualized publishing my OWN eBooks to teach people what to do. I visualized being on stage and empowering and inspiring others.
I had not made ONE DIME online at that point. But I KNEW I had a goldmine and NOTHING was going to hold me back.
Today, all of those things I visualized have come to pass. Today, there are more visualizations in my mind. I expect those to come to pass as well.
What things are YOU visualizing for your future and in your business? What pieces of knowledge are you lacking that will give you the posture to move forward?
Keep those pictures in your mind and do whatever research you must to get the answers you need. There is not one question that cannot be answered if you ask, seek and knock!
MANY doors will open to you if you do!
I love you all, and I wish you an AMAZING holiday season and Merry Christmas!
-----===(*)===-----
Expect Success!
Jackie Ulmer -----===(*)===-----
By What You Do NOT KNOW
So often, we come into this business of MLM and we are afraid.
Many of us don't know how to -
Run a business.
Set prices for our products.
Handle taxes.
Talk to people.
Build a team.
Work the Internet.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Fortunately, in my business, everyone knows how to light a candle; open a lid and put it under a nose, and express your own enthusiasm.
Be empowered to find those answers to what you DON'T know and allow NOTHING to stop you.
I'm cleaning and organizing my office and files today (yuck) as family is coming in for the holidays and we have a big party here Sunday and my office is a wreck. And, I almost ALWAYS sell candles, so I want to be able to bring people into my office, ha!
As I was sorting, I came across the notes that I took on my very first internet marketing tele-conference in October, 1999. That day clinched my decision to take my business online and NEVER look back, except to gloat!
That was back when the issues about Y2K were such a big deal and everyone was warning me to be careful. Man, can that be 8 years ago?
Anyway, I took notes on as much as I could because the entire call was GREEK to me. It was like he was speaking a foreign language.
These were terms that I did not recognize and had no idea what they meant -
Domain Name
URL
Auto responder
Search Engines (I knew that Yahoo was a way to find things but didn't know how or why!)
S PAM
Online Newsletter
Newsgroups
Viral Marketing
Auto Contactor
Goto.com
Message Forum
Those were only the ones that I had time to write down. I am sure there were more.
I was a full 6 months online before I figured out what an autoresponder was and how it worked. I was AMAZED at how quickly people would respond when I would ask for information off of someone's website. Man, they had FAST fingers!!!
There were MANY days I really wondered what I was doing, and wondered if I had lost my mind. There were many days I wanted to give up. I built my first website on a laptop that is 15 inches long. Imagine the size of the keyboard. My back ached from being hunched over it. My mind was exhausted from lack of sleep and information overload. But my stomach and heart had a fire in them.
I spent over $1000 on eBooks and manuals to teach me what to do. These were all by online marketers, not network marketers. I couldn't find anyone in M L M doing what I was doing. I am sure they were there, I just had no idea how to find them.
I had two hours during the day to work on things. I would drop my son at school and my daughter at preschool and race home to get to work. I thanked the other moms who invited me to bagels and coffee, and declined. I wanted to go, but I wanted a successful business online MORE!
When I would get home to the quiet house, I would sit for 5 minutes and gather my thoughts. I would visualize myself building a HUGE organization of people who found me online. I visualized publishing my OWN eBooks to teach people what to do. I visualized being on stage and empowering and inspiring others.
I had not made ONE DIME online at that point. But I KNEW I had a goldmine and NOTHING was going to hold me back.
Today, all of those things I visualized have come to pass. Today, there are more visualizations in my mind. I expect those to come to pass as well.
What things are YOU visualizing for your future and in your business? What pieces of knowledge are you lacking that will give you the posture to move forward?
Keep those pictures in your mind and do whatever research you must to get the answers you need. There is not one question that cannot be answered if you ask, seek and knock!
MANY doors will open to you if you do!
I love you all, and I wish you an AMAZING holiday season and Merry Christmas!
-----===(*)===-----
Expect Success!
Jackie Ulmer -----===(*)===-----
Thursday, December 13, 2007
MLM Success Tip: Stay In The Game
One of the keys to success in this business is to just stay in the game. Be there once the dust settles and your competition fades away.Longevity in this business and on the internet are imperative. Many times, I have signed up new distributors who originally heard about the business from someone else, and when the time came that the person was ready to get started, the original distributor had quit the business.
My good friend was scheduled to have a clothing party for a direct sales clothing line in October, during the California wildfires. The party was cancelled. She called this week to reschedule and the woman has already quit the business.
What if she had stayed in and someone from the party would have signed up to be a distributor? What if that person had gone on to build a goldmine?
She'll never know what might have been.
My 12 year old daughter is taking an acting class with a professional actor and a casting director who live here locally, and work out of Hollywood. These are people who know that business and have been involved for over 25 years. They have seen actors come and go.
Her acting coach gave some amazing advice to the class the other day and I thought how appropriate for this business -
"Success in this business can be elusive and frustrating. You think you are going to get a call back, and then you don't. Someone else gets the part.
But always remember that your competition is frustrated as well and just days away from quitting; moving on to something else; throwing in the towel. Be the one who is left standing! Always be fine tuning your craft and always be learning something new. Never stop training and never think you've learned all there is to learn."
Sound like our business?Most people give up when they don't have the results they desire after a few days. Maybe they run an ad once and don't get a ton of calls. Or, they work 5 Team Coop leads a month for 2 months and then decide it doesn't work, the leads are bad. They ask 3 friends to host a party and no one says okay.
They are missing the power of longevity and consistency.Decide what it is you want for 2008 and decide on a monthly business plan to get you there. From that, set daily plans and goals and then see the job through. Commit to this action for a 90 day cycle and see it through. The results will show up! You can't possibly know the success of anything after only a few days or a few weeks.
Keep track of your results. Get signed up for the weekly accountability series. Tracking forms are part of this series. Send an email to accountable@aweber.com
This is open to anyone, and does contain some of my company specific information, but can easily be adapted.
Let nothing and no one stand in your way, or knock you down and out of the game. Be the one who is still standing this time next year, only much further up the mountain.
I don't care what anyone says, the view from the top IS better! See you there!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
One of the keys to success in this business is to just stay in the game. Be there once the dust settles and your competition fades away.Longevity in this business and on the internet are imperative. Many times, I have signed up new distributors who originally heard about the business from someone else, and when the time came that the person was ready to get started, the original distributor had quit the business.
My good friend was scheduled to have a clothing party for a direct sales clothing line in October, during the California wildfires. The party was cancelled. She called this week to reschedule and the woman has already quit the business.
What if she had stayed in and someone from the party would have signed up to be a distributor? What if that person had gone on to build a goldmine?
She'll never know what might have been.
My 12 year old daughter is taking an acting class with a professional actor and a casting director who live here locally, and work out of Hollywood. These are people who know that business and have been involved for over 25 years. They have seen actors come and go.
Her acting coach gave some amazing advice to the class the other day and I thought how appropriate for this business -
"Success in this business can be elusive and frustrating. You think you are going to get a call back, and then you don't. Someone else gets the part.
But always remember that your competition is frustrated as well and just days away from quitting; moving on to something else; throwing in the towel. Be the one who is left standing! Always be fine tuning your craft and always be learning something new. Never stop training and never think you've learned all there is to learn."
Sound like our business?Most people give up when they don't have the results they desire after a few days. Maybe they run an ad once and don't get a ton of calls. Or, they work 5 Team Coop leads a month for 2 months and then decide it doesn't work, the leads are bad. They ask 3 friends to host a party and no one says okay.
They are missing the power of longevity and consistency.Decide what it is you want for 2008 and decide on a monthly business plan to get you there. From that, set daily plans and goals and then see the job through. Commit to this action for a 90 day cycle and see it through. The results will show up! You can't possibly know the success of anything after only a few days or a few weeks.
Keep track of your results. Get signed up for the weekly accountability series. Tracking forms are part of this series. Send an email to accountable@aweber.com
This is open to anyone, and does contain some of my company specific information, but can easily be adapted.
Let nothing and no one stand in your way, or knock you down and out of the game. Be the one who is still standing this time next year, only much further up the mountain.
I don't care what anyone says, the view from the top IS better! See you there!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
MLM Leads: How Late Can You Call Them?
Does this describe you? You're gung ho in your MLM business and ready to get started working with leads. You've seen the MLM Scripts; you are fairly certain you know what to say; and so you spend money buying leads.
Maybe you've run an ad, or are specifically buying leads. Whatever the case, the leads come in and now it's time for you to call them.
Suddenly, there is so little time and so many things to get done. You just don't have the time today to call those leads, so you delay until tomorrow. Then, the next day; and the next; and the next.
You may shoot off a quick email, hoping that will do the trick. And, maybe you just do nothing.
Or, perhaps this scenario fits you. You are well along in your business and something comes along to upset the daily routine and balance, and you have a hard time getting back into the swing of things. It's kind of like eating right and working out. Once you get in a groove, all is good. But fall off track and getting back on board can be tough.
Here is some good news for you - it's never too late to call those leads.
Can I be honest here? I've been a real slacker in terms of calling leads since the end of October. So much has been going on here with the fire evacuations; assisting neighbors and friends who lost homes; the holidays; my family; and my general feeling of "not wanting to be on the phone and not feeling especially perky."
I thought I might just coast through the holidays and get back to business after the first.
Here's what happened to give me the boost I needed to pick up the pace. My husband and I went to a holiday party on Sunday evening. It was a fairly small gathering of most of our very close friends. As I've said before, my friends know I have a candle business, but they think it is "just my little candle business." They have no idea the scope of it or what all it really entails. And, they have no idea of my income level. I like it that way.
Well, word is getting out. Seems a friend of a friend of a friend found me online and "told on me."
Long story short, the husband of one of my friends cornered me in the kitchen and said -"I had no idea the extent of your business. I thought you just sold a few candles here and there, but I had no idea." We chatted for a bit about the internet; how I work my MLM Business and so on, and he wants to chat more after the first of the year. He's a fellow airline pilot who is facing retirement in the next few years and he wants to retire but have something. We all tease him that he will NEED something as he has a darling, high maintenance wife!!! And she is one of my dearest friends so I mean that in the nicest way, but that girl can shop.
Who knows where it will go, but it really boosted my energy level and put me right back into the saddle.
MLM Slacker no more!
What will give you that boost you need to take your business from hum-drum to the stratosphere? (And I ain't talking Vegas, baby!)
I spent the day yesterday going back a full month to leads I had delayed calling. I had no great reason for not calling, but I was busy and just didn't feel like making the call when the lead came in. It happens to us all, no matter how long we have been in the business, or where you are in your business.
Some days, it's just not fun to pick up the phone.
And, right now during the busy holiday season, you may have a bit of a grace period!
So, I just went back and made the calls. I apologized to those who I spoke with and to those whom I left a message. I didn't give an excuse; I just apologized for the time delay. Everyone I spoke with was still very receptive and interested and I mailed out packets to them. They all knew the business I was referring to and fortunately, all have been receiving messages from my autoresponder, so it wasn't like there was a total void.
If I left a message, I followed up with a personal email directing them back to my site and letting them know a packet is on its way. Many of those wrote back and are still interested. Some entered the candle drawing. So far, no one was rude or told me to take a hike. Keeping my fingers crossed!
So, the bottom line is, CALL YOUR LEADS, no matter how old they are. Find out if they are still interested. If they have moved on, oh well! If they are interested, get information out to them immediately.
We all have those times when we miss something important to our business. Being timely is important, but it is not the end-all and in many cases, if you are just REAL, authentic and honest, you can pick right up. This also gives your prospect "permission" to not be perfect.
Even though it is the holiday season, I encourage you to not wait another minute. Make some calls. You will feel SO good once you do! And, you'll create some momentum in your business that will take you right through to the new year. There is nothing like starting off in January with momentum already in place.
It's never too late to make a first impression!
Be sure to follow up after the holidays and you'll be amazed at how many people will join your team in January.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Does this describe you? You're gung ho in your MLM business and ready to get started working with leads. You've seen the MLM Scripts; you are fairly certain you know what to say; and so you spend money buying leads.
Maybe you've run an ad, or are specifically buying leads. Whatever the case, the leads come in and now it's time for you to call them.
Suddenly, there is so little time and so many things to get done. You just don't have the time today to call those leads, so you delay until tomorrow. Then, the next day; and the next; and the next.
You may shoot off a quick email, hoping that will do the trick. And, maybe you just do nothing.
Or, perhaps this scenario fits you. You are well along in your business and something comes along to upset the daily routine and balance, and you have a hard time getting back into the swing of things. It's kind of like eating right and working out. Once you get in a groove, all is good. But fall off track and getting back on board can be tough.
Here is some good news for you - it's never too late to call those leads.
Can I be honest here? I've been a real slacker in terms of calling leads since the end of October. So much has been going on here with the fire evacuations; assisting neighbors and friends who lost homes; the holidays; my family; and my general feeling of "not wanting to be on the phone and not feeling especially perky."
I thought I might just coast through the holidays and get back to business after the first.
Here's what happened to give me the boost I needed to pick up the pace. My husband and I went to a holiday party on Sunday evening. It was a fairly small gathering of most of our very close friends. As I've said before, my friends know I have a candle business, but they think it is "just my little candle business." They have no idea the scope of it or what all it really entails. And, they have no idea of my income level. I like it that way.
Well, word is getting out. Seems a friend of a friend of a friend found me online and "told on me."
Long story short, the husband of one of my friends cornered me in the kitchen and said -"I had no idea the extent of your business. I thought you just sold a few candles here and there, but I had no idea." We chatted for a bit about the internet; how I work my MLM Business and so on, and he wants to chat more after the first of the year. He's a fellow airline pilot who is facing retirement in the next few years and he wants to retire but have something. We all tease him that he will NEED something as he has a darling, high maintenance wife!!! And she is one of my dearest friends so I mean that in the nicest way, but that girl can shop.
Who knows where it will go, but it really boosted my energy level and put me right back into the saddle.
MLM Slacker no more!
What will give you that boost you need to take your business from hum-drum to the stratosphere? (And I ain't talking Vegas, baby!)
I spent the day yesterday going back a full month to leads I had delayed calling. I had no great reason for not calling, but I was busy and just didn't feel like making the call when the lead came in. It happens to us all, no matter how long we have been in the business, or where you are in your business.
Some days, it's just not fun to pick up the phone.
And, right now during the busy holiday season, you may have a bit of a grace period!
So, I just went back and made the calls. I apologized to those who I spoke with and to those whom I left a message. I didn't give an excuse; I just apologized for the time delay. Everyone I spoke with was still very receptive and interested and I mailed out packets to them. They all knew the business I was referring to and fortunately, all have been receiving messages from my autoresponder, so it wasn't like there was a total void.
If I left a message, I followed up with a personal email directing them back to my site and letting them know a packet is on its way. Many of those wrote back and are still interested. Some entered the candle drawing. So far, no one was rude or told me to take a hike. Keeping my fingers crossed!
So, the bottom line is, CALL YOUR LEADS, no matter how old they are. Find out if they are still interested. If they have moved on, oh well! If they are interested, get information out to them immediately.
We all have those times when we miss something important to our business. Being timely is important, but it is not the end-all and in many cases, if you are just REAL, authentic and honest, you can pick right up. This also gives your prospect "permission" to not be perfect.
Even though it is the holiday season, I encourage you to not wait another minute. Make some calls. You will feel SO good once you do! And, you'll create some momentum in your business that will take you right through to the new year. There is nothing like starting off in January with momentum already in place.
It's never too late to make a first impression!
Be sure to follow up after the holidays and you'll be amazed at how many people will join your team in January.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
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
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
Friday, November 16, 2007
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
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
Thursday, November 08, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
MLM Duplication
What is duplication and what can and can't be duplicated among your team?
This is an issue have pondered over and over for 14 years and have come to one conclusion - duplication is a choice.
Network Marketing statistics have shown that around 80% of those who come into your business will not duplicate ANYTHING that you offer to them.
That good old 80/20 rule applies all the way through, eh?
Duplication is defined by Michael Clouse as - "Duplication is what I am about to do with you, you must be able to immediately do with the next person you meet, with or without my help, whether that person lives across the street, across the town or across the country."
The basics of our business CAN be duplicated by anyone willing to DO the duplication.
Make the list, contact, invite, present.
As we all grow in the business, however, new ways of developing the business will evolve. ALL are duplicable to someone somewhere, if he/she chooses to.
I write articles; ebooks and build almost exclusively online by getting involved in communities of some type.
And, I enjoy writing so it comes naturally for me.
For some, they will see this process as not easily duplicated. Can it be? Yes! Will it be? Only by some.
Some people like to buld their business through buying leads and calling. It's a process, if you've ever done it, you know. It takes a pretty thick skin. Can it be duplicated? YES! Will it be? Only by some.
Mark Yarnell has shared on his early taped trainings that he used to dress in a suit, go down to the business district and stand on the corner approaching people about his business. He would collect cards of those who said yes or maybe, and then st up in home meetings at his home to show the business.
Can it be duplicates? Sure, you bet! Will it be duplicated? Only by some. (And certainly not me, although I would never argue with his success!)
So, is duplication a myth? Do we need to worry about every method we use to build or business being duplicated by the masses?
My thought is train on the basics, and train on other methods as well. It's like offering a buffet, so to speak.
Making the warm list and going that route can provide the fastest growth, if done right. And, there are also those stories of that creating the fastest route out of the business due to rejection.
So, how do YOU get your business duplicated? What steps do YOU take a new person through?
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
What is duplication and what can and can't be duplicated among your team?
This is an issue have pondered over and over for 14 years and have come to one conclusion - duplication is a choice.
Network Marketing statistics have shown that around 80% of those who come into your business will not duplicate ANYTHING that you offer to them.
That good old 80/20 rule applies all the way through, eh?
Duplication is defined by Michael Clouse as - "Duplication is what I am about to do with you, you must be able to immediately do with the next person you meet, with or without my help, whether that person lives across the street, across the town or across the country."
The basics of our business CAN be duplicated by anyone willing to DO the duplication.
Make the list, contact, invite, present.
As we all grow in the business, however, new ways of developing the business will evolve. ALL are duplicable to someone somewhere, if he/she chooses to.
I write articles; ebooks and build almost exclusively online by getting involved in communities of some type.
And, I enjoy writing so it comes naturally for me.
For some, they will see this process as not easily duplicated. Can it be? Yes! Will it be? Only by some.
Some people like to buld their business through buying leads and calling. It's a process, if you've ever done it, you know. It takes a pretty thick skin. Can it be duplicated? YES! Will it be? Only by some.
Mark Yarnell has shared on his early taped trainings that he used to dress in a suit, go down to the business district and stand on the corner approaching people about his business. He would collect cards of those who said yes or maybe, and then st up in home meetings at his home to show the business.
Can it be duplicates? Sure, you bet! Will it be duplicated? Only by some. (And certainly not me, although I would never argue with his success!)
So, is duplication a myth? Do we need to worry about every method we use to build or business being duplicated by the masses?
My thought is train on the basics, and train on other methods as well. It's like offering a buffet, so to speak.
Making the warm list and going that route can provide the fastest growth, if done right. And, there are also those stories of that creating the fastest route out of the business due to rejection.
So, how do YOU get your business duplicated? What steps do YOU take a new person through?
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
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