Effective Use of Facebook for Your Business #1

Facebook is an amazing tool for many things. I have enjoyed it most for reconnecting with friends and people from my past – school, previous jobs, previous places I have lived, etc. And, I certainly enjoy and use it as a business building tool.

It can be a very effective tool for your business, when done correctly. Here are a few ways to make your time spent on Facebook, and other social media marketing sites worthwhile, and beneficial for those you connect with.

This series is going to share some tips for success with Social Media Marketing.

First, if you are going to request a friend from someone you don't know, take the time to look at their INFO page and know a little about them. To me, it's very irritating to have someone request my friendship, and then send me a message asking "tell me a little about you. What do you do?" Well, duh, why did you want to make friends with me if you weren't really interested in knowing about me BEFORE the request.

It's much more effective to take a moment and read a little on the INFO page (I realize you can't see it all) and then send a message commenting on something specific. That lets the person know that you are sincere and not just racking up a huge number of friends with no regard for the quality.

Building relationships is the first step in building a business and it starts with sincere interest.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

The Fortune is in the Follow Up

There is a very popular saying in Network Marketing and it goes something like this - "the fortune is in the follow up." Consistent follow up is what separates the average networker from the "big hitter." Following up with your prospects consistently is what makes the numbers game work out in your favor.


Decades of study and tracking by marketers and advertising agencies have proven consistently that most people will not make a decision until they have seen or heard about it at least twice, and most often many more times than that. If you make one contact with someone and then leave it up to him or her to get back with you if interested, you are short changing yourself and stunting the growth of your business.


Most marketers will tell you making seven contacts is not unreasonable in order to get the sale. Unfortunately, most networkers give up the pursuit after the first contact.


Think about how busy you are. Have you ever forgotten to follow up because you got so busy? Well, your prospect is no less busy, so chances are he/she got too busy as well. Don't make the mistake of reading this as a "not interested" sign.


My first sponsor in network marketing didn't make a dime for his first ten years in Network Marketing. Today, he is a million dollar a year earner. He consistently follows up and never gave up.


What if I told you that ten years from now, you would be earning one million a year? Would you stick with it? Would you wait it out that long? What if I told you that you wouldn't make anything for most of that ten years? And, you might invest $30,000 in your education along the way.

Would you stick it out then? Would that million a year still make a difference?


What else could you do right now that offers the promise of one million dollars a year?


You are a winner! You are in for the long haul! Write out that million dollar check now and put it in your wallet or purse. Take it out each time you go to make those follow up calls.



EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Leadership Principle #3 - Importance and Appreciation

Importance and Appreciation

Have you ever had an encounter with someone where you knew you were not appreciated or important? It's not a great feeling. Every person is special and deserves to know that. And, it takes so little to impart this feeling to another.

No matter how busy you are, take a moment to connect with people each day. Ask about their day; their life; their business. Ask how you can add value to their life and be sincere.

The CEO of my Network Marketing Company went car shopping the other day and first stopped into the Lexus Dealership. He was dressed in jeans a sweatshirt, and you have to know right up front that he is a wheeler/dealer! He loves the art of the bargain and negotiation. He began to negotiate on a high priced Lexus.

After the car salesman "sized him up", he pointed to another car, and suggested he consider that model. It was priced much less. My friend made a quick exit and drove right over to the BMW dealership where he was treated as the most important person on the planet by that car salesman.

Guess which car he bought? Guess how many people are hearing this story? Guess the value of positive press for BMW and negative press for Lexus?

Never make assumptions about someone based on their clothing or other "physical" things about them. Get to know another before forming a lasting opinion.

Let people know they are important in every way that you can. Appreciate their talents and contributions to your business and your life.

This leadership principle was taken from the Mary Kay Ash principles taught in the book, The Mary Kay Way.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Jackie Ulmer

Leadership Principle #2 - Build With People

Build With People

Look at any great company and you'll find great people behind it. How many times have you seen corporate buyouts of successful companies only to see those companies run into the ground by poor management and leadership of the purchasing company.

Each person has amazing gifts and talents just waiting to be released. Set a goal to always "sponsor up" and look for those who are better than you. This builds a very strong, stable business.

You can't cut corners when it comes to growing people. Let people know that you are there for them; willing to listen and mentor them to success. Yes, they must match you in the effort. Always make sure that you are sincere in your sponsoring and willing to go the extra mile to assist someone in achieving the success desired.

Find out what people want and reach out a hand to help. Empower them to reach inside and find their own greatness to move themselves forward.

This leadership principle was taken from the Mary Kay Ash principles taught in the book, The Mary Kay Way.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Are You Benefiting From the Internet in Business?

The Power of an Internet Based Business

When asked recently why I felt the Internet had played such an important role in my business, I had to really stop and think about just what it has meant. Really, if I sum it up, it's the difference between having a business and creating a lifestyle, and having a job.

See, the Internet provided the total solution for me when I began using it nearly ten years ago. I was struggling in my Network Marketing business prior to taking my business online. As the mother of small children, my ability (and, yes, willingness) to leave my children with a sitter or in daycare to run around town giving business overviews greatly stunted my ability to build an effective business.

Once I had exhausted my warm market, I needed a way to find interested prospects. Well, heck, if the internet is the greatest self help tool ever invented, then it makes sense that many prospects must be online looking for a business, so in essence, looking for me, right?

Well, that is absolutely right and that is absolutely what has happened. I took my business to the Internet; I struggled through building a personal website; learning lead capture and auto-responder details; and finally, how to market my business online.

One thing I knew from day one – jumping into social networks; forums and other places where people hang out and blasting out worthless messages about how great my opportunity is was not going to build a stable business. How is it that I "got that" ten years ago and so many people have not? It's worth repeating – if you wouldn't do it at a party offline, don’t do it at a party online! It's not welcome and it's obnoxious!

The second thing I learned is that picking up the phone and making contact as soon as possible would create relationships and friendships that would lead to business partnerships. The Internet is a great tool to make contact, but it doesn’t develop the relationship. It has no true human factor and network marketing is still a people to people business.

Finally, I know that I would never be where I am today if not for the Internet. See, I could have built the business I have, but it would have cost me the relationship I have with my children. It would have required me to be gone; out of the house for probably 4 nights a week and one weekend. It would have required more travel than the "once a quarter" trip I take now. It would have meant much more time on the phone.

So, for me, the Internet has been a priceless business building tool. It has been the center of my business, besides the people who are involved. It has connected me to some of the most amazing people on the planet. It has allowed me to "multiply" myself and be many places at once.

I encourage you to see how this tool might benefit you and your business. If you pursue it and commit to master it (as best it can be mastered) like I have, you will never look back and never regret it.

My best to you.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Leadership Principle #1 - Golden Rule Leadership

Golden Rule Leadership

As you develop your leadership style, think about the way you want people to speak of you as a leader. What things will be written about your leadership style?

Adopting the principle of "Golden Rule Leadership" helps insure a win-win for everybody. It's pretty simple – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not just when it is convenient.

Think about how you like to be treated and then treat others in that same way. Everyone deserves respect, certainly in the beginning. Everyone deserves the chance to be heard; listened to.

When you make a promise or commitment, keep it. When you make a mistake or are wrong, admit it and apologize. This is something that seems to have been lost in our culture. It only takes a handful of people to make a difference, though. Be part of that change!

Make it a point to make a difference in as many lives as you can each and every day. A simple, sincere compliment can truly change a life. When you shake someone's hand, be fully engaged in that person and look them in the eye. Make them feel important to you through your actions.

Give more than you expect to receive. Give whether or not it means a financial payout for you. You will reap the rewards many times over.

When faced with a challenging situation, ask yourself, how can the Golden Rule fit into this? What would that rule dictate for the solution? Often, this will quickly reveal a solution that is a win-win for everyone.

This leadership principle was taken from the Mary Kay Ash principles taught in the book, The Mary Kay Way.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

MLM Success - I'll Show You Step by Step

Think about the top names you know in Network Marketing - Randy Gage, Mark Yarnell, Richard Brooke, Doug Firebaugh, Jan Ruhe, etc. How many of these people made it to the top by having some one take them step by step through the success system?

None of them, actually! If you've heard their stories, you know that they were given the basic concepts of the business and told to "go for it!"

So, if they can create success in their MLM business without having someone hold their hand, why can't you? What's stopping you?

You can learn the basics of Network Marketing – Contact, Invite, Present, Follow up, Sponsor, Train and Duplicate – in one day. You'll spend more time than that getting good at it, but that is how it is with anything you do.

The reality about success in MLM is that it is truly "trial by fire." Everyone is going to do things just a little bit differently. You must find our own authentic voice and style. It takes some time practicing and trying new things to find what that voice is. If you practice it with good intent, you'll make money while you discover your own style.

For me, my success has come by being what I call a "Solutions Coach." I love connecting with others and helping them find a solution to whatever their challenge is. Sometimes, that puts them into my business. Other times, it is about pointing them toward training that helped me. Still other times, it's just listening and helping them coach themselves past their fears and frustrations.

You don't need a step by step manual for MLM Success. That can be a recipe for MLM failure if you aren't careful. Find your path and carve it deep!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Are you in Big Business Mode or Stuck in Small Thinking?

Are you thinking small or big business?

Business slowdowns are occurring in much of the business world, so if you've been thinking that it is limited to just you or your business, ask around. It doesn't matter what your home business or what your product, chances are, you're experiencing a drop in business. This is not the time to throw in the towel, however. It's the time to do a full court press and take your business to the top.

I've been conversing with other networkers who are sharing the same sentiments. Some are starting to let fear grip them; and others are taking a proactive approach.

If you've read the business section of your newspaper, or jumped onto Yahoo News lately, you'll see what's happening elsewhere in the world of business.

Car makers are downsizing; governments are downsizing; and the list goes on. This means the loss of jobs by more workers all around the country and in many departments. These companies are'f currently closing their doors, but they are refocusing their businesses and going through everything to see what works and what doesn't. Many other types of businesses are doing the same.

What are you doing with your business plan? Are you going through everything? Seeing what works and what doesn't? Sharpening your focus and re-working your business plan? This is the sign of someone thinking big business.

I've heard from networkers inside and outside of my business who are quitting. Things are getting tight and instead of looking at their business as an asset, they are choosing to see it as a liability; something that must go. This is an interesting way to think about a business, designed to bring in money.

Now is not the time to throw in the towel. Leave that to your competition. That is very small business thinking and is not the type of thinking you need to move your business forward. Tough times mean increased opportunities, if you'll look for them and put yourself out there.

So, let's get out that business plan and give it an overhaul. Let's start with an inventory of what you have been doing. Get out a sheet of paper and write out what your daily action plan has consisted of over the last few weeks; months or even years. What has brought you the greatest success? What has brought you the greatest passion toward working your business? In what areas can you make improvements?

What type of monthly advertising budget are you working with? Where are you committing that budget monthly? How effective is this for you? What have you learned from this advertising? What can you do to increase your advertising budget without taking from your family budget?

Success in your own business involves just a few simple things. After all, when you think about it, there is nothing different from someone who is not having success compared to one who is except action, belief and consistency. These are the essential ABCs of business success.

Action means doing something to move your business forward each day. These can be small, meaning not a long list or super time intensive.

Here is an example of some action steps to take daily –

Pass out your business card to two people each day.
Make 2 new friends on Facebook, Twitter or another social networking site.
Call two leads who have responded to an ad for home business.

There are others, but these are two that are simple to do. Find the methods that work for you. This checks of the A part of the success plan.

Belief is the next one. How do you know that the sun will come up tomorrow; that the seasons will change? We have no real proof except that it has happened before, so it should happen again, right? This is belief, and it plays an important part in your success.

How to you make yourself believe that you will be successful, especially if things have been rocky? Who do you know who has already had the kind of success you are seeking? What is it about this person or these people that makes it work for them? What steps do they take each day? Are these steps that you could also take?

If you know that others have been successful in the same company, then you must believe that if you follow in their footsteps you will be, too. Belief is powerful, and a necessary part of your business.

Consistency is the final piece of the "big business thinking plan." McDonald's did not become successful by offering French fries only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Or, by opening only when they feel like it. Their success has come as a result of being open for business at posted, scheduled times, and remaining open and in business even when no customers are in the store. They have a big business approach.

How well will any business do if it is only open an hour or two a month? What if those two hours consist of reading email; checking into the back office to see how many hits the website has received; and wondering why no business is coming in?

The key piece of Consistency is taking Action, based on Belief. No one has ever failed who has pursued this avenue of business success.

So, as other businesses and competitors close their doors, do you see this as a trend you should follow, or opportunity to increase your market share?

Put your big business sunglasses on and use this time to be a business success story, surviving in an environment where a large percentage of your competition is quitting, leaving a wide open opportunity for you!


EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Are You Attending Your Company Events?

As I write this, we are on the final day of my company's convention. It is always so inspiring and empowering to attend events where you meet people committed to their dreams. I hope you are making plans to be at your company event.

Company events are a critical part of any MLM business and can be a make or break of one’s success. It is always a highlight for me to visit with many different people from different places and different walks of life, and most importantly, different “places” within their business journey.

It’s enlightening to watch people’s listening and learning styles as they absorb information and knowledge from those who have traveled the path before. I always reflect on my own early days at events and what I took away from those who I interacted with.

I was always looking for the Holy Grail at these events. I was convinced there was some magic script; secret handshake; perfect pitch or some key piece that I was missing from my business portfolio. I would make a list of each top money earner who I wanted to spend just a moment with and the questions that I wanted to ask. I would stay up late at night in my room, making lists of the business building activities I was going to jump into once I returned home.

This was going to be the month that I was going to finally get serious about my business and do whatever was needed to propel myself into the top income earner ranks.

The reality for me back then is that I was not ready to truly move myself forward in my business. I was too outwardly focused on the “how” of doing the business and not the “why.” I was looking in all of the wrong places for my success.

What was missing was a significant purpose and end goal for me to focus on that would make the difference. Something that was measurable and achievable.

My first and primary goal was to make sure I was able to stay home and raise our children without day care. Well, I had already accomplished that and didn’t have to be a top income earner to do it.

I also wanted to be able to travel and enjoy life. Well, since my husband is employed as an airline pilot, we already had good flight benefits and so I was able to travel much more than most people because we had flight passes. So, even though I wasn’t meeting my exact goal of traveling in first class, staying in first class hotels and enjoying first class food without regard for price, I was still doing pretty well with that goal.

I believe everyone has a turning point in this business. An event or epiphany that occurs that moves them from hope, thought and inaction to drive, ambition and inspired action.

Mine occurred after reading a quote from one of my mentor’s daughters who was headed out to an education at sea program. It’s an expensive school program and when the student was asked “what does your dad do that allows you to go on this educational experience?” She replied “My dad? You mean my mom. It’s what my mom has done.”

That was a strong measurable and achievable goal for me. And while it didn’t necessarily mean one of my children would choose to participate in a program like this, I wanted to be in the position to give them this opportunity.

And, most of all, I wanted them to know that it was me, their mom, who had moved forward and had the tenacity to create a successful business, while home with them, that would benefit our family and provide us with the ability to have all of the extras we wanted in life.

What was or will be your turning point or epiphany in your business? Are you like I was, attending events and having the best intentions but never fully committing full out?

It’s certainly a “been there, done that” for me, and if I could impart one piece of advice or encouragement it would be to first work on yourself if you are not ready or are struggling to get yourself into action in your business.

The key for me was to continue reading the stories of others and to see myself as writing a success story in MLM. It was to find that measurable goal that would move me forward. It was to continue to believe and have hope, knowing that as I struggled and “failed forward” I would get there. I would arrive at that place I so desired.

Wherever you are in your journey, it’s important for you to know that you can get there. Nothing is stopping you but YOU! It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. Take the steps necessary to grow yourself and become the best that you can be.

If anyone else can do it, so can you. Let this time be your time to shine. Get it done now and then enjoy the rest of your journey knowing that the hardest part is behind you and the pot of gold is there in every day that you celebrate your success!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Build Your Business Before You Need It

When we started our network marketing career, over 15 years ago, we did so with 2 thoughts in mind.

One was income replacement – to eventually develop a business and an income that would replace an employee salary. The second was an insurance policy.

At that time, the industry we worked in (airline) was going through major mergers, paycuts and downsizing. More than a decade later, the same is still going on and through in pension cuts on top of it.

While we didn’t "need" the income at that time, we did need the insurance policy for peace of mind. So, we rolled up our sleeves and started building.

Today, virtually everyone should be evaluating some type of "Plan B" business that can be started without a large investment and built over time. This just makes good business sense given the times we are living in.

Here are some steps for getting your Plan B started –

1. Do your research carefully and choose a business that fits you.

2. Don’t get caught up in hype and slick marketing.

3. Know that it is a 2-5 year business plan. You aren't going to get rich and quit your job
overnight.

4. Have a long term vision for success and the patience to see the job through.


Let's look at these one at a time.


One, do your research carefully and choose a business that fits you. Spend some time evaluating your likes and interests. That old saying – "Do what you love and the money will follow" is very sound advice. When you involve yourself in a business you enjoy, you are much more likely to stick with it. When evaluating a Network Marketing Business, use my checklist.

Two, don't get caught up in hype and slick marketing. This can be a big challenge, especially when you are researching online. Marketing messages are written to be persuasive and everything sounds great, and the next one sounds even better, right? Educate yourself and be sure you understand exactly what it's going to take to make a successful business for yourself from the business you choose. Look beyond the hype; talk to people and make a sound business decision.

Three, understand that just like any business, it's typically a 2 to 5 year plan to achieve the success you desire. Get rich quick has no place here and won't ever last. If it were that easy, everyone would be involved. Develop a business plan and be willing to be coached by those who are successful already. Understand that there will be some challenges and times you'll feel like quitting. Make a commitment to always wait until the next day to quit. Sleep on it and see how you feel the next day.

Finally, have a long term vision for success. Develop a dream book or board that spells out exactly what you are looking for. Set some timelines to achieving some of those goals and work steadily toward accomplishing that. Work in 90 day cycles for success. This will give you the ability to do a fair analysis of what is working.

Build it now, before you need it and create the security that comes from knowing you always have a cushion to fall back on.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer