Here are 10 tips you can take to the bank on being an effective, awesome upline leader for your team.
1. Be an effective communicator. Communication is the key to every successful partnership. Don't wait. Pick up the phone immediately and call your new team partner. Welcome him /her aboard and see if there are any questions you might answer. Being an effective communicator doesn't mean you must know all of the answers. Know how to find answers and know where to refer your team to find answers. Communication is a two way street, so make sure your team knows that your line is open for calls as well.
2. Provide Leadership. Great organizations are always built around a few key leaders. Leaders blaze a trail through their words and their actions. They deal with difficult situations and exercise integrity in their actions. Leaders go the extra mile; pick up the phone sometimes instead of email; and provide a sense of team unity and direction.
3. Continue to recruit. The time to slack off on personal business building happens when you are ready to retire, or you have enough personally enrolled team partners keeping you busy and involved with assisting them with their journey in leadership. It took me 13 years in the industry to reach the point of backing off slightly on my own recruiting efforts in order to provide coaching, training and leadership as needed to those on the team. You'll know if and when the time is right. Until then, avoid falling into "management mode." No one needs a manager in this business. Provide guidance, tools and then get back to work.
4. Work on Self Improvement Daily. Leaders are readers and one of the greatest gifts you can give as an upline leader is to share great books, tapes and conferences with your organization. Start your own "recommended reading list" and make sure each team member has access to it. Start a "Book of the Month" recommendation. This offers ideas and direction. Make sure it is a book you have read or are reading and share why this book has impacted you and why you are recommending it.
5. Attend all Company Events. When your company invests time and resources to bring the team together for an event, make sure you don't miss it. This time is priceless for you to get to know the company, your team and the leaders who are shaping the company. Words can never convey how important it is to be there. You must experience it for yourself. When I attended my first company event 13 years ago, I was told that for every 5 people I had there from my team, another 25 per person would be there the following year. We brought 8 people to that first event from our team. The next year, we had 130 there. Those numbers were pretty accurate. Success gives clues - attending company events is a big clue. Don't miss one.
6. Inspire your team through your own goal setting and accomplishment. Set your goals and share them with your team. Specifically, share your business goals. You don't have to share income goals, but give your team some insight into what it is you are working toward. This sets a vision for where you are headed and the team as a whole. While everyone is working toward their own individual goals, by putting yours out there, it provides a sense of direction and demonstrates your commitment. This creates a sense of security among the team. Show them that you see this as the awesome opportunity that it is by your actions.
7. Strive to create leaders among your team. Duplication is the key to ultimate success in MLM. You can create a nice paycheck through your own efforts, and you will create "obscene wealth" by duplicating those efforts with others. The first step in this is to identify and cultivate leadership in those who have similar goals. Get these aspiring leaders involved in leading the team. Conference calls, articles and recognition all go a long way toward creating that leadership vision in those desiring leadership. Sometimes, people can be hesitant, and hold back. Be bold and push them ever so slightly into stepping into their own greatness. This creates security and camaraderie in your business.
8. Develop tools and trainings to duplicate the process and watch your team growth soar. While we are lucky to have more and more training tools and "how to guides" emerging in our business, we still have plenty of room for great ideas and coaching. If you feel something is lacking in the training process, step up and put together what you view to be a valuable resource. Share it with your team and provide it for others to use, add to, improve upon, etc. This goes a long way in encouraging the duplication process.
9. Recognize the efforts of those on your team, both large and small. "It has been studied and noted that people will work harder for recognition than tangible items. We are starved for attention and recognition. Most people don't get it at work, and many, not at home either. Look for successes and let the person know, and the rest of the team as well. Nothing brightens a face faster than seeing one's name in print, for a job well done. Recognition is such a win-win. You make another feel great and you feel good in the process. Who can you give some recognition to today?
10. Express your gratitude. Again, another win-win is created with gratitude. Do you take time to let your team know how much you appreciate them? Appreciate their efforts? Appreciate their contributions? Gratitude creates ongoing success. Start today with gratitude about where you are in your life, your business and your journey. You may not be exactly where you want to be, but appreciate what you have today, and watch how that will expand tomorrow. Start a gratitude journal. Every night, list 10 things you are grateful for. There is no right or wrong in gratitude. On those days when nothing seems to go right, it may seem tough to find ten things to be grateful for. It may be the fact that the sun did rise and you are still above ground. That is certainly something to be grateful for. As you practice this exercise regularly, your gratitude muscle will grow. Be grateful for that!
Where are you on your journey to greatness as an upline? It doesn't matter if you have 0, 10, 100, 1,000 or 10,000 on your team right now. Practice these 10 tips and you'll hit whatever mark you have set for yourself. Based on past evidence collected, a good way to start getting what you want is to develop the habit of seeing yourself as already there. Let the greatness in you shine!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
7 Keys to Sponsoring With Integrity and Success
If you will always focus your efforts on recruiting with integrity, you will have so much business you won't know what to do with it all! What a problem to have, eh?
Here are some guidelines on sponsoring with integrity -
1. Never bash another company. It only makes you look bad in the end. And, it degrades the entire industry, including your opportunity.
2. Focus on the needs, wants and desires of your prospect. It's about them, not you. Avoid the tendency to talk too much about yourself, except when sharing your personal story and hot button.
3. Never hype or overplay your opportunity. Network Marketing is strong enough to stand on its own without "check flashing" and bogus income claims. In a job interview, no one ever pulls out their paycheck to try and convince you to come to work for them. It should be the same in our industry.
4. If your prospect has already seen your company presentation and been approached by someone else, suggest that the prospect re-evaluate and get back with the person that originally talked with him/her and get started. This shows integrity on your part and if the prospect REALLY wants you to sponsor them, they will tell you. Ultimately, it is up to the prospect to decide whom he/she will partner with and everyone should honor this. We are in a time when more and more people are choosing our industry as a career path and they are "sponsor shopping." This is actually a good business decision. People must ultimately make a sponsor choice that best serves them.
5. Always keep your word. Follow up when you say you will, be on time, follow through on any promises you make and be a professional.
6. Yes, it is a numbers game, but be careful you aren't treating people like a number. Give your best to each person so that they truly believe you are interested in them as a partner and not just as a paycheck.
7. Remember that your represent our entire industry so always maintain your integrity and that of the industry.We have such a tremendous industry and things are really happening for us. If we all work together and respect each other, everyone's business will grow and prosper!
Have a GREAT sponsoring weekend!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Here are some guidelines on sponsoring with integrity -
1. Never bash another company. It only makes you look bad in the end. And, it degrades the entire industry, including your opportunity.
2. Focus on the needs, wants and desires of your prospect. It's about them, not you. Avoid the tendency to talk too much about yourself, except when sharing your personal story and hot button.
3. Never hype or overplay your opportunity. Network Marketing is strong enough to stand on its own without "check flashing" and bogus income claims. In a job interview, no one ever pulls out their paycheck to try and convince you to come to work for them. It should be the same in our industry.
4. If your prospect has already seen your company presentation and been approached by someone else, suggest that the prospect re-evaluate and get back with the person that originally talked with him/her and get started. This shows integrity on your part and if the prospect REALLY wants you to sponsor them, they will tell you. Ultimately, it is up to the prospect to decide whom he/she will partner with and everyone should honor this. We are in a time when more and more people are choosing our industry as a career path and they are "sponsor shopping." This is actually a good business decision. People must ultimately make a sponsor choice that best serves them.
5. Always keep your word. Follow up when you say you will, be on time, follow through on any promises you make and be a professional.
6. Yes, it is a numbers game, but be careful you aren't treating people like a number. Give your best to each person so that they truly believe you are interested in them as a partner and not just as a paycheck.
7. Remember that your represent our entire industry so always maintain your integrity and that of the industry.We have such a tremendous industry and things are really happening for us. If we all work together and respect each other, everyone's business will grow and prosper!
Have a GREAT sponsoring weekend!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Gas Prices, Lattes and Your MLM Business
A financial guy on the news yesterday was comparing the cost of gas to the cost of your favorite Latte or coffee drink. His analogy is that it's still around $56 a gallon for coffee at your favorite coffee place. Gas where I live is about $4.60 a gallon, average and won’t take me very far. That latte costs around $4.00 and gives me a caffeine buzz and then nothing.
My business, however, at about $4.00 a day creates an asset that I can support my entire family on over time. In other words, that $4.00 investment builds and doesn't stop a short time later (unless I stop.) I use $4.00 to include marketing and business costs beyond the Autoship. Determine your own daily amount based on your business.
If you could look into a crystal ball and know that you could be earning a significant, full time income your Network Marketing business, what steps would you take to get there?
If you had the guarantee that if you followed the "roadmap" you would arrive at your goal, would you commit to the process?
The biggest challenge most network marketers make is that we come into this with an "employee mindset." We are used to putting in XX amount of time and getting XX dollars at the end of the pay period.
When you are a business owner, you are not an employee with a guaranteed salary; you are now building an asset that can/will generate income for you for years to come. And, if done right, and income that will grow steadily with no more work involved than what you start with, and in most cases, less.
The secret is in knowing this; committing it to your brain and putting on your blinders to just see the job through. Your company provides the products and a great pay model; your upline leaders who have already traveled the road provide you with a roadmap. Now, it's up to you to provide the daily motivation; thinking power; and dedication to carry on your end of the bargain.
When I started in my first network marketing business, I forgot that "work" was part of the formula. Actually, it was more about taking action and doing SOMETHING to promote my business. I didn't get very far. And, I didn’t give up. That was the one key thing that brought me to where I am today.
Too many people want to get their initial order; read and study the manual; maybe talk to a couple of people and say "Show me the money!" Remember, you are creating an asset and the investment of time that you make in promoting your business will increase the return on investment of your asset.
Shift your thinking to that of business owner and leave behind the employee gig! That doesn't get many of us where we want to be in life. It doesn't give us freedom or control; and certainly not financial security.
Read books by successful business owners or all types. From Robert Kiyosaki to Donald Trump; to Warren Buffet and others. The message is pretty much the same although the method for getting there can vary.
You hold an amazing tool in your hands with your chosen M.L.M. Invest yourself in these tools and assets. Decide what your daily investment of promotion of your business is going to look like.
And, if you must choose between the Latte and your business…well, need I go there?
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
My business, however, at about $4.00 a day creates an asset that I can support my entire family on over time. In other words, that $4.00 investment builds and doesn't stop a short time later (unless I stop.) I use $4.00 to include marketing and business costs beyond the Autoship. Determine your own daily amount based on your business.
If you could look into a crystal ball and know that you could be earning a significant, full time income your Network Marketing business, what steps would you take to get there?
If you had the guarantee that if you followed the "roadmap" you would arrive at your goal, would you commit to the process?
The biggest challenge most network marketers make is that we come into this with an "employee mindset." We are used to putting in XX amount of time and getting XX dollars at the end of the pay period.
When you are a business owner, you are not an employee with a guaranteed salary; you are now building an asset that can/will generate income for you for years to come. And, if done right, and income that will grow steadily with no more work involved than what you start with, and in most cases, less.
The secret is in knowing this; committing it to your brain and putting on your blinders to just see the job through. Your company provides the products and a great pay model; your upline leaders who have already traveled the road provide you with a roadmap. Now, it's up to you to provide the daily motivation; thinking power; and dedication to carry on your end of the bargain.
When I started in my first network marketing business, I forgot that "work" was part of the formula. Actually, it was more about taking action and doing SOMETHING to promote my business. I didn't get very far. And, I didn’t give up. That was the one key thing that brought me to where I am today.
Too many people want to get their initial order; read and study the manual; maybe talk to a couple of people and say "Show me the money!" Remember, you are creating an asset and the investment of time that you make in promoting your business will increase the return on investment of your asset.
Shift your thinking to that of business owner and leave behind the employee gig! That doesn't get many of us where we want to be in life. It doesn't give us freedom or control; and certainly not financial security.
Read books by successful business owners or all types. From Robert Kiyosaki to Donald Trump; to Warren Buffet and others. The message is pretty much the same although the method for getting there can vary.
You hold an amazing tool in your hands with your chosen M.L.M. Invest yourself in these tools and assets. Decide what your daily investment of promotion of your business is going to look like.
And, if you must choose between the Latte and your business…well, need I go there?
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Monday, June 16, 2008
Creating Your MLM Success Vision
Your vision is the picture that you have of yourself, your life and your future.
Whether you like it or not, it is also what you are living right now. Whatever is your dominate focus in your life is creating your reality.
If you are experiencing lack in your life, check your focus. You will find that you are spending most of your time focused on what you are lacking. You can turn this around by focusing only on what you desire.
It's impossible to have vision and worry at the same time. If worry is holding you back, you must replace that worry with vision.
"What you worry about will come about!"
Now, think about that another way.
"What you visualize will actualize!"
Isn't that much better?
Did you know that your mind does not distinguish between what is real and what is imagined?
Have you ever had a dream, and upon awakening, it was still so real and vivid in your mind that your heart was racing, or your emotions were charged? So, what if you could fool your mind into creating your perfect life?
You can change the entire direction of your life by replacing worry with vision. And, it all starts with writing your vision down.
Take a clear look at your past. How much of it has been dictated by worry, fears, false assumptions, and a scarcity mentality? Most people put their focus on what they lack, instead of clearly visualizing what they want.
The more time you spend in "feeling" anticipation for something great about to happen in your life, the quicker your life will change, and begin to look more like the life you desire!
Begin to write the vision of your perfect life, in addition to your dream book.
Ask and answer these questions while you do this -
If time and money was not an obstacle….
Where would I live?
What would my house be like?
What kind of car would I drive?
What would my family be like?
What type of trips would we take?
What type of charities would I donate to?
How would I spend a typical day?
What type of work would I do?
How would my health be?
What types of food would I eat?
What would be my greatest accomplishment?
What words would be spoken about me by others?
What would my funeral be like?
Now, the funeral part may seem a little morbid, I realize. But, when you think about it, your funeral really sums up the life you lived. How do you want yours summed up?
Have fun with this task and get VERY creative and dream VERY big. After all, life is known to give you what you ask for. You don't want to discover you asked for the wrong things! It's like going through the drive through - you better check your order before you drive off!
Get your vision VERY clear in your head. Write out your "perfect day", answering the above questions. Make several copies of it. Keep one on your nightstand and read it each morning and last thing before you fall asleep. Your subconscious works while you sleep. Keep one in your day timer and one at your desk.
Your Vision is far more powerful than your goals, and will lead you to and through your goals. That is why you must have a very clear, precise vision and stay very close to it.
I want to spend a few moments really exploring the concept of focus and staying tuned into where you are focused at all times.
When we are at a point in our lives where we are not happy, not content and feel that we are lacking in one or many areas, it is imperative that we begin to shifts those thoughts. Yes, it can be challenging to do in the beginning, but most things are. If you set a goal to lose weight, the first few weeks of a new diet, new workout schedule, etc., are the most brutal. Wouldn't you agree?
It's well documented that it takes about 21 days, or three weeks, to form a habit, or even change a habit. Changing your thoughts and feelings of lack to thoughts and feelings of abundance is the best habit you can develop in your life!
Truly, it will positively affect every aspect of your life. (I'm living proof!)
One quick little idea that worked wonders for me was to develop a system where I would catch myself when I was thinking negatively about anything.
First, I put little post-it notes all over that just said "Where are you focused?" It didn't seem to matter what I was doing, I would see those things many times throughout each hour and that would be my reminder to check in on my thoughts and feelings.
In the beginning, it was amazing to me how many times I would catch myself "drowning in my sorrows" and having a pity party. And, I consider myself to be a positive person! Yikes! It was scary! No wonder I was not moving forward at a faster pace toward my ultimate vision.
My current vision (or reality) was a mess with negativity.
I borrowed one of my daughter fancy pony tail holders. It was a pretty, pink rubber band type of hair holder that had beads and trinkets on it. I began to wear that on my wrist, like a bracelet.
I did this so it did not look so funny wearing a regular rubber band! I didn't want people asking me why I was wearing it because it was a personal thing that I did not want to explain.
Anytime I would catch myself thinking in any way other than the way I wanted to be thinking, I would snap that hair holder on my wrist. I would just give it a good pop to get my attention.
After a while, just wearing the band prompted me to be very aware of my thoughts and focus on quality, exciting, positive thoughts about my destiny and vision. I would see it and do a "thought and feeling" check.
Now, checking in regularly with my thoughts and feelings is just part of day to day life. The band is gone from around my wrist, and my vision is taking shape each and every day.
If I do find myself falling back into the old ways, I put that band back on and it doesn't take any time at all until I am jumping out of my seat with excitement and positive feelings.
And, when I find that things aren't cruising happily along, if I stop and check my "feelings" meter, I always find that I am having resistance, negative type thinking of some sort. Once I get that in check, things pick back up again!
Remember this – success is a journey. Often, we think that we will be happy when we get to that place we desire. Not so!
The trick is to be happy on your way there and know every step of the way that what you desire is on its way to you.
It is important to be first. Then you do, and have.
You are the master of your own destiny. And, you must take charge from the very beginning of the journey. And, you must enjoy every step of the journey. It is all invaluable to your future success.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
http://www.streetsmartwealth.com
Whether you like it or not, it is also what you are living right now. Whatever is your dominate focus in your life is creating your reality.
If you are experiencing lack in your life, check your focus. You will find that you are spending most of your time focused on what you are lacking. You can turn this around by focusing only on what you desire.
It's impossible to have vision and worry at the same time. If worry is holding you back, you must replace that worry with vision.
"What you worry about will come about!"
Now, think about that another way.
"What you visualize will actualize!"
Isn't that much better?
Did you know that your mind does not distinguish between what is real and what is imagined?
Have you ever had a dream, and upon awakening, it was still so real and vivid in your mind that your heart was racing, or your emotions were charged? So, what if you could fool your mind into creating your perfect life?
You can change the entire direction of your life by replacing worry with vision. And, it all starts with writing your vision down.
Take a clear look at your past. How much of it has been dictated by worry, fears, false assumptions, and a scarcity mentality? Most people put their focus on what they lack, instead of clearly visualizing what they want.
The more time you spend in "feeling" anticipation for something great about to happen in your life, the quicker your life will change, and begin to look more like the life you desire!
Begin to write the vision of your perfect life, in addition to your dream book.
Ask and answer these questions while you do this -
If time and money was not an obstacle….
Where would I live?
What would my house be like?
What kind of car would I drive?
What would my family be like?
What type of trips would we take?
What type of charities would I donate to?
How would I spend a typical day?
What type of work would I do?
How would my health be?
What types of food would I eat?
What would be my greatest accomplishment?
What words would be spoken about me by others?
What would my funeral be like?
Now, the funeral part may seem a little morbid, I realize. But, when you think about it, your funeral really sums up the life you lived. How do you want yours summed up?
Have fun with this task and get VERY creative and dream VERY big. After all, life is known to give you what you ask for. You don't want to discover you asked for the wrong things! It's like going through the drive through - you better check your order before you drive off!
Get your vision VERY clear in your head. Write out your "perfect day", answering the above questions. Make several copies of it. Keep one on your nightstand and read it each morning and last thing before you fall asleep. Your subconscious works while you sleep. Keep one in your day timer and one at your desk.
Your Vision is far more powerful than your goals, and will lead you to and through your goals. That is why you must have a very clear, precise vision and stay very close to it.
I want to spend a few moments really exploring the concept of focus and staying tuned into where you are focused at all times.
When we are at a point in our lives where we are not happy, not content and feel that we are lacking in one or many areas, it is imperative that we begin to shifts those thoughts. Yes, it can be challenging to do in the beginning, but most things are. If you set a goal to lose weight, the first few weeks of a new diet, new workout schedule, etc., are the most brutal. Wouldn't you agree?
It's well documented that it takes about 21 days, or three weeks, to form a habit, or even change a habit. Changing your thoughts and feelings of lack to thoughts and feelings of abundance is the best habit you can develop in your life!
Truly, it will positively affect every aspect of your life. (I'm living proof!)
One quick little idea that worked wonders for me was to develop a system where I would catch myself when I was thinking negatively about anything.
First, I put little post-it notes all over that just said "Where are you focused?" It didn't seem to matter what I was doing, I would see those things many times throughout each hour and that would be my reminder to check in on my thoughts and feelings.
In the beginning, it was amazing to me how many times I would catch myself "drowning in my sorrows" and having a pity party. And, I consider myself to be a positive person! Yikes! It was scary! No wonder I was not moving forward at a faster pace toward my ultimate vision.
My current vision (or reality) was a mess with negativity.
I borrowed one of my daughter fancy pony tail holders. It was a pretty, pink rubber band type of hair holder that had beads and trinkets on it. I began to wear that on my wrist, like a bracelet.
I did this so it did not look so funny wearing a regular rubber band! I didn't want people asking me why I was wearing it because it was a personal thing that I did not want to explain.
Anytime I would catch myself thinking in any way other than the way I wanted to be thinking, I would snap that hair holder on my wrist. I would just give it a good pop to get my attention.
After a while, just wearing the band prompted me to be very aware of my thoughts and focus on quality, exciting, positive thoughts about my destiny and vision. I would see it and do a "thought and feeling" check.
Now, checking in regularly with my thoughts and feelings is just part of day to day life. The band is gone from around my wrist, and my vision is taking shape each and every day.
If I do find myself falling back into the old ways, I put that band back on and it doesn't take any time at all until I am jumping out of my seat with excitement and positive feelings.
And, when I find that things aren't cruising happily along, if I stop and check my "feelings" meter, I always find that I am having resistance, negative type thinking of some sort. Once I get that in check, things pick back up again!
Remember this – success is a journey. Often, we think that we will be happy when we get to that place we desire. Not so!
The trick is to be happy on your way there and know every step of the way that what you desire is on its way to you.
It is important to be first. Then you do, and have.
You are the master of your own destiny. And, you must take charge from the very beginning of the journey. And, you must enjoy every step of the journey. It is all invaluable to your future success.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
http://www.streetsmartwealth.com
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Opening MLM Business Outlets
MLM or Franchising - You Are Paid to Open Business Outlets
It's true in this business like any other. It's the number of outlets that you open that generate your success.
Let's look at why this is -
First, leaders show up at all different times and on all different levels. When I look at my own report, I see leaders on just about every level. Some I sponsored, some I obviously didn't. That means that some who I sponsored ultimately led me to leaders somewhere. Or, rather, led leaders to me.
Some people need to sponsor 5 people to have a leader show up. For others, it is 50. That reality doesn't need to discourage you. The bigger your numbers grow, the closer you are, really! And, with a solid, equitable pay plan, it doesn't matter where they show up!
In my first company, my biggest leader came early on. Because of the way that pay plan was structured, my upline made hundreds of thousands of dollars. I made thousands on that leg. Big disparity. And, certainly not what I would call equitable. But, that experience became invaluable because it taught me to closely evaluate pay plans and understand the good, bad and ugly.
Believe me, there is a lot of "ugly" in MLM Pay Plans. You may think yours is great. Don't be afraid to play devil's advocate with all aspects of it to be sure.
You may be struggling with the "when is it going to happen for me" syndrome. I know how you feel, I've been there myself.
And, it's hard to hear - "Oh, just go sponsor another rep."
But, it's true. If you don't feel you have yet landed someone on your team who shares your same drive and passion. That's okay. They are on their own agenda and that is fine.
Your agenda, however, is to keep uncovering stones until you find one, or two, or twelve. Or, until they lead you to someone.
It's tempting to think - "I must be doing something wrong, or I am not doing enough."
Nope, not true. It's not you. How do I know this? Well, there are some on the team who have a large team growing and really don't provide anything in terms of support or coaching. I recently contacted one of my frontline people, who had dropped to inactive. She has a LARGE organization developing under her. I asked her if she realized what she was missing now, and what she would miss potentially by not getting back involved.
She is now on board again and we'll see what happens. I don't know if she is ready to build a business, seriously, yet, but I did want to point out what can happen.
That growth happened without any effort on her part. A leader was there and took action.
So, as long as you are directing people to the tools and support they need, and fulfilling your end of the bargain, relax. It's not you. It's not anything you are doing or not doing.
Keep turning over stones and keep adding to your frontline. Don't be tempted to "stack in people" for growth. Go wide, wide, wider until you can't control the explosion.
Start that snowball rolling!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
It's true in this business like any other. It's the number of outlets that you open that generate your success.
Let's look at why this is -
First, leaders show up at all different times and on all different levels. When I look at my own report, I see leaders on just about every level. Some I sponsored, some I obviously didn't. That means that some who I sponsored ultimately led me to leaders somewhere. Or, rather, led leaders to me.
Some people need to sponsor 5 people to have a leader show up. For others, it is 50. That reality doesn't need to discourage you. The bigger your numbers grow, the closer you are, really! And, with a solid, equitable pay plan, it doesn't matter where they show up!
In my first company, my biggest leader came early on. Because of the way that pay plan was structured, my upline made hundreds of thousands of dollars. I made thousands on that leg. Big disparity. And, certainly not what I would call equitable. But, that experience became invaluable because it taught me to closely evaluate pay plans and understand the good, bad and ugly.
Believe me, there is a lot of "ugly" in MLM Pay Plans. You may think yours is great. Don't be afraid to play devil's advocate with all aspects of it to be sure.
You may be struggling with the "when is it going to happen for me" syndrome. I know how you feel, I've been there myself.
And, it's hard to hear - "Oh, just go sponsor another rep."
But, it's true. If you don't feel you have yet landed someone on your team who shares your same drive and passion. That's okay. They are on their own agenda and that is fine.
Your agenda, however, is to keep uncovering stones until you find one, or two, or twelve. Or, until they lead you to someone.
It's tempting to think - "I must be doing something wrong, or I am not doing enough."
Nope, not true. It's not you. How do I know this? Well, there are some on the team who have a large team growing and really don't provide anything in terms of support or coaching. I recently contacted one of my frontline people, who had dropped to inactive. She has a LARGE organization developing under her. I asked her if she realized what she was missing now, and what she would miss potentially by not getting back involved.
She is now on board again and we'll see what happens. I don't know if she is ready to build a business, seriously, yet, but I did want to point out what can happen.
That growth happened without any effort on her part. A leader was there and took action.
So, as long as you are directing people to the tools and support they need, and fulfilling your end of the bargain, relax. It's not you. It's not anything you are doing or not doing.
Keep turning over stones and keep adding to your frontline. Don't be tempted to "stack in people" for growth. Go wide, wide, wider until you can't control the explosion.
Start that snowball rolling!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Thursday, June 05, 2008
What is WRONG with Network Marketing
This question was posted on a blog I visit frequently. Below is my response and I thought it might be helpful to anyone struggling with the "it's not happening fast enough; or why haven't I made a pile of money yet, etc, syndrome!
What is wrong with Network Marketing?
Wow! That is an attention getter.
This blog asks - "Please say who you are, what you do, and how Network Marketing is screwed up."
I'm Jackie Ulmer, and I am a professional network marketer. I don't use that term loosely.
What that means is that Network Marketing is my career choice, and I earn a full time income here.
I had to "go to school" for a few years to get my degree. Maybe I was lucky because I understood that going in. I knew I was going to have to study, learn, be open to learning and spend some time getting experience under my belt BEFORE the full time income was going to show up.
NOTHING is wrong with Network Marketing. In fact, much is RIGHT!
There is plenty wrong, however, with some network marketers. They don't tell the truth. Or, they leave out big pieces of the truth.
This isn't get rich quick; it doesn't happen quickly; you don't need to talk to just a few people; you will need to invest time AND money; you will be frustrated much of the time in the beginning; you must work on your mindset and develop your skills.
Knowing this up front, how many people would actually sign up? A better question to ask would be - how many would actually stay in and be successful? Probably more if they knew the facts up front.
My husband is an airline pilot and has wanted to fly professionally since age 8. When he turned 18, no one handed him a set of wings, a pilot's license and said "get after it" just because he had a wish and a dream.
No, instead he had to get his private pilot's license (and he had to PAY for that!) and then get other ratings which also cost him time and money. Then, he became a flight instructor, earning very little and worked his way up the "airline" ranks; still earning very little for a long time.
Today, that industry is taking massive pay cuts; suffering large layoffs; and having retirements slashed dramatically!
Network Marketing is a viable option for anyone looking to commit and pursue something that they can control. It won't be easy; it won't happen quick; but if you can commit to it like going to college, pursuing a career degree; or taking it further and getting a higher degree, then you can have anything you want with it!
Going to college takes time and money and one can be in serious debt before ever earning a dime in the chosen career.
Seeking success in any endeavor is going to take time and money. Network Marketing is no different. Anyone who knows that going in should be fine! Commit to yourself and build something for YOU instead of your boss or the company owners!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
What is wrong with Network Marketing?
Wow! That is an attention getter.
This blog asks - "Please say who you are, what you do, and how Network Marketing is screwed up."
I'm Jackie Ulmer, and I am a professional network marketer. I don't use that term loosely.
What that means is that Network Marketing is my career choice, and I earn a full time income here.
I had to "go to school" for a few years to get my degree. Maybe I was lucky because I understood that going in. I knew I was going to have to study, learn, be open to learning and spend some time getting experience under my belt BEFORE the full time income was going to show up.
NOTHING is wrong with Network Marketing. In fact, much is RIGHT!
There is plenty wrong, however, with some network marketers. They don't tell the truth. Or, they leave out big pieces of the truth.
This isn't get rich quick; it doesn't happen quickly; you don't need to talk to just a few people; you will need to invest time AND money; you will be frustrated much of the time in the beginning; you must work on your mindset and develop your skills.
Knowing this up front, how many people would actually sign up? A better question to ask would be - how many would actually stay in and be successful? Probably more if they knew the facts up front.
My husband is an airline pilot and has wanted to fly professionally since age 8. When he turned 18, no one handed him a set of wings, a pilot's license and said "get after it" just because he had a wish and a dream.
No, instead he had to get his private pilot's license (and he had to PAY for that!) and then get other ratings which also cost him time and money. Then, he became a flight instructor, earning very little and worked his way up the "airline" ranks; still earning very little for a long time.
Today, that industry is taking massive pay cuts; suffering large layoffs; and having retirements slashed dramatically!
Network Marketing is a viable option for anyone looking to commit and pursue something that they can control. It won't be easy; it won't happen quick; but if you can commit to it like going to college, pursuing a career degree; or taking it further and getting a higher degree, then you can have anything you want with it!
Going to college takes time and money and one can be in serious debt before ever earning a dime in the chosen career.
Seeking success in any endeavor is going to take time and money. Network Marketing is no different. Anyone who knows that going in should be fine! Commit to yourself and build something for YOU instead of your boss or the company owners!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Do You Have to Flash Checks to be Successful?
Do you have to flash checks to be Successful?
I just visited another new community website for network marketers. It's designed, they explain, to help you build your business. To encourage members to buy the programs of the site owner(s), they post the typical income testimonials from people who have "achieved financial independence when all else has failed."
Why use income testimonials (including attained 'financial freedom') to sell others, if those stories are really "not typical" and "not representative" and if the sellers of the business programs "have no idea how well you will do?"
Income statements have never done anything for me. I didn't see one when I joined my first company and in over 14 years, have never asked anyone upline from me what they are making.
Nor have I ever "flashed a check."
I didn't need anyone to show me a check to see the value in rolling up my sleeves and going to work in a Network Marketing business. I understood that it wasn't going to happen overnight, and that understanding probably was due to the fact that I entered into Network Marketing by taking a business approach.
I sought out material to study and read. I wanted to master the business skills of building the business and that ultimately led me to the relationship skills.
That's where I have spent all of my time ever since.
Keep your flashy cars, homes, vacations and the like. Give me credit for being able to figure out a viable opportunity without the flash and hype.
I would sign up ten times over with someone who looked me in the eyes, explained what it was going to take, both the good and the bad, and committed to work beside me. The person who flashes the check won't sign me up.
And, as was stated above, funny how when you say "Okay, I see the money, now show me the way to get there."
That's when the "oh it's easy, just talk to your friends and family." Or, "You only need a few people." lines show up.
The reality of finding those few people really means sorting through hundreds and thousands in most cases.
For me, the big money, free time of MLM is appealing enough that I am willing to sort through those numbers. But, I better know it going in!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
http://www.mlm-success-training-tips.com
I just visited another new community website for network marketers. It's designed, they explain, to help you build your business. To encourage members to buy the programs of the site owner(s), they post the typical income testimonials from people who have "achieved financial independence when all else has failed."
Why use income testimonials (including attained 'financial freedom') to sell others, if those stories are really "not typical" and "not representative" and if the sellers of the business programs "have no idea how well you will do?"
Income statements have never done anything for me. I didn't see one when I joined my first company and in over 14 years, have never asked anyone upline from me what they are making.
Nor have I ever "flashed a check."
I didn't need anyone to show me a check to see the value in rolling up my sleeves and going to work in a Network Marketing business. I understood that it wasn't going to happen overnight, and that understanding probably was due to the fact that I entered into Network Marketing by taking a business approach.
I sought out material to study and read. I wanted to master the business skills of building the business and that ultimately led me to the relationship skills.
That's where I have spent all of my time ever since.
Keep your flashy cars, homes, vacations and the like. Give me credit for being able to figure out a viable opportunity without the flash and hype.
I would sign up ten times over with someone who looked me in the eyes, explained what it was going to take, both the good and the bad, and committed to work beside me. The person who flashes the check won't sign me up.
And, as was stated above, funny how when you say "Okay, I see the money, now show me the way to get there."
That's when the "oh it's easy, just talk to your friends and family." Or, "You only need a few people." lines show up.
The reality of finding those few people really means sorting through hundreds and thousands in most cases.
For me, the big money, free time of MLM is appealing enough that I am willing to sort through those numbers. But, I better know it going in!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
http://www.mlm-success-training-tips.com
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Your Worst Enemy - Comparing Yourself to Others
Yesterday, my daughter had some pictures taken for a project she is working on and had some fun with a make up artist who was also there. Quite a thrill for a 13 year old!
Iris, the make up artist had a recent copy of one of the fashion magazines, (I think it was Vanity Fair) and it featured Sharon Stone. Iris was laughing and commenting on the magic of "airbrushing" because in the photos, Sharon is flawless and well into her 50's. Wrinkle free, perfect in every way and drop dead gorgeous.
Iris recently saw her at some event and said she looks terrible in real life. Dark bags and circles under her eyes, a few age spots and lots of wrinkles. Now, I'm not dissing on Sharon by any means, but the discussion made me think about things we all do in real life and in business.
We compare ourselves to others, in many cases, comparing ourselves to others without even sort of knowing if it's apples to apples or apples to oranges.
I watch my daughter struggling with this with girls at school; I watch my friends struggle with it regarding weight, wrinkles and aging; and I see many network marketers struggle with it when they believe their business is growing more slowly than others; that others have it easier.
Comparison is always a dangerous thing. Most of the time, things are not quite what they seem, as we know from the covers of fashion magazines. Airbrushing goes on in real life and in business, too.
We see fast starters seemingly shoot to the top of companies; we see people rewarded with bonuses greater than ours; we see names grace the top sponsor lists; and we look at ourselves and ask "Why not me? What is wrong with me?"
Here is a survival tip for this business and life in general - Stop Comparing Yourself to ANYONE. Compete only with yourself and your own personal best.
It's easy to look at Sharon Stone on the cover of the magazine and think how nice for her that she has bypassed all aging that goes along with being 50 plus years old. We look at a fast starter and think that he/she must know some special skill or have some secret; his/her friends must like him/her better.
Here's the thing - there is most always a story behind the story; the one that you and I never see.
Models and actors have the benefit of airbrushing; and most fast starters have a success story from before, that we don't know about and don't take the time to research. Top income earners in Network Marketing pay their dues somewhere; ask any top income earner. And, everyone's life circumstances are different.
Some people have a $500 monthly budget with which to run their business, and assuming they invest is wisely and take action on it, they will likely have faster results than the person spending $25. The person who makes their list of everyone they know; send out the friends and family letter; drops off a packet and some products to sample; hosts a BOSS or networks the business in some way consistently will have better and faster results than the person who gets out into cold market right away.
We all have a learning curve and a process to go through in business success. Sharon Stone paid her dues as a starving actress for years and today is paid very well; and can afford to be airbrushed! We didn't see her in those early days, facing rejection after rejection. We look at her now and think - wow, what a life!
Listening to Jan Ruhe this morning reminded me about what it takes to pay one's dues. She did not have immediate success and yet is a millionaire today. Jordan Adler of Beach Money invested THOUSANDS of dollars and talked to lots of people for over TEN YEARS and had no success in Network Marketing. Today, he is a millionaire.
If you compare yourself to either of those two today, you might feel badly for the rest of the day; think it can't happen for you. However, if you can flash back and make that comparison to either of them in year one, year two, or in some cases, year ten, you might feel VERY good about yourself and where you are.
Compare yourself today to the action steps you took yesterday. How do you feel about that? What can you improve upon?
To quote Eleanor Roosevelt - "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." And, to add to it - "Over and Over again until your results shoot you to the moon!"
I'll see you there!
Expect Success!
Jackie Ulmer
-----===(*)===-----
Iris, the make up artist had a recent copy of one of the fashion magazines, (I think it was Vanity Fair) and it featured Sharon Stone. Iris was laughing and commenting on the magic of "airbrushing" because in the photos, Sharon is flawless and well into her 50's. Wrinkle free, perfect in every way and drop dead gorgeous.
Iris recently saw her at some event and said she looks terrible in real life. Dark bags and circles under her eyes, a few age spots and lots of wrinkles. Now, I'm not dissing on Sharon by any means, but the discussion made me think about things we all do in real life and in business.
We compare ourselves to others, in many cases, comparing ourselves to others without even sort of knowing if it's apples to apples or apples to oranges.
I watch my daughter struggling with this with girls at school; I watch my friends struggle with it regarding weight, wrinkles and aging; and I see many network marketers struggle with it when they believe their business is growing more slowly than others; that others have it easier.
Comparison is always a dangerous thing. Most of the time, things are not quite what they seem, as we know from the covers of fashion magazines. Airbrushing goes on in real life and in business, too.
We see fast starters seemingly shoot to the top of companies; we see people rewarded with bonuses greater than ours; we see names grace the top sponsor lists; and we look at ourselves and ask "Why not me? What is wrong with me?"
Here is a survival tip for this business and life in general - Stop Comparing Yourself to ANYONE. Compete only with yourself and your own personal best.
It's easy to look at Sharon Stone on the cover of the magazine and think how nice for her that she has bypassed all aging that goes along with being 50 plus years old. We look at a fast starter and think that he/she must know some special skill or have some secret; his/her friends must like him/her better.
Here's the thing - there is most always a story behind the story; the one that you and I never see.
Models and actors have the benefit of airbrushing; and most fast starters have a success story from before, that we don't know about and don't take the time to research. Top income earners in Network Marketing pay their dues somewhere; ask any top income earner. And, everyone's life circumstances are different.
Some people have a $500 monthly budget with which to run their business, and assuming they invest is wisely and take action on it, they will likely have faster results than the person spending $25. The person who makes their list of everyone they know; send out the friends and family letter; drops off a packet and some products to sample; hosts a BOSS or networks the business in some way consistently will have better and faster results than the person who gets out into cold market right away.
We all have a learning curve and a process to go through in business success. Sharon Stone paid her dues as a starving actress for years and today is paid very well; and can afford to be airbrushed! We didn't see her in those early days, facing rejection after rejection. We look at her now and think - wow, what a life!
Listening to Jan Ruhe this morning reminded me about what it takes to pay one's dues. She did not have immediate success and yet is a millionaire today. Jordan Adler of Beach Money invested THOUSANDS of dollars and talked to lots of people for over TEN YEARS and had no success in Network Marketing. Today, he is a millionaire.
If you compare yourself to either of those two today, you might feel badly for the rest of the day; think it can't happen for you. However, if you can flash back and make that comparison to either of them in year one, year two, or in some cases, year ten, you might feel VERY good about yourself and where you are.
Compare yourself today to the action steps you took yesterday. How do you feel about that? What can you improve upon?
To quote Eleanor Roosevelt - "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." And, to add to it - "Over and Over again until your results shoot you to the moon!"
I'll see you there!
Expect Success!
Jackie Ulmer
-----===(*)===-----
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Results or Excuses in Your MLM Business
The Two Things That Speak Loud and Clear
There are two things that speak loud and clear – results and excuses.
Which do you produce more of on a daily basis?
When your business isn't moving forward the way you want it to, who do you blame?
When chaos consumes your life, who do you blame?
At the end of the day, when you are in a funk, who do you blame?
In my early days in my business, I lived with a lot of excuses –
Things will be better when the company does THIS.
Things will be better when my downline does THAT.
More people will be interested when THIS happens.
What a train wreck that kind of thinking was!
I have watched people spend thousands of dollars and thousands of hours building systems and the "perfect" mousetrap, and yet no more mice were caught.
Success in this business is NOT about systems; NOT about the next new product; NOT about the perfect script; NOT about what others can and should do for you.
Yes, systems can help; and new products are nice; and new scripts may feel more comfortable. But they are not what determine your success.
Success in this business, day in and day out, lies with YOU. Every day, success is a choice. Every step you take and every step you delay determines your success.
What steps will you take and what steps will you delay today? The answers will determine your success and the speed of it.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
There are two things that speak loud and clear – results and excuses.
Which do you produce more of on a daily basis?
When your business isn't moving forward the way you want it to, who do you blame?
When chaos consumes your life, who do you blame?
At the end of the day, when you are in a funk, who do you blame?
In my early days in my business, I lived with a lot of excuses –
Things will be better when the company does THIS.
Things will be better when my downline does THAT.
More people will be interested when THIS happens.
What a train wreck that kind of thinking was!
I have watched people spend thousands of dollars and thousands of hours building systems and the "perfect" mousetrap, and yet no more mice were caught.
Success in this business is NOT about systems; NOT about the next new product; NOT about the perfect script; NOT about what others can and should do for you.
Yes, systems can help; and new products are nice; and new scripts may feel more comfortable. But they are not what determine your success.
Success in this business, day in and day out, lies with YOU. Every day, success is a choice. Every step you take and every step you delay determines your success.
What steps will you take and what steps will you delay today? The answers will determine your success and the speed of it.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Friday, May 09, 2008
Do Your Prospects Know What to Expect From You?
When you are working with potential team partners for your business, do they know what to expect of you and from you if they decide to "sign on the dotted line?"
What type of training and support can they expect?
What will the next step be?
When will they hear from you?
You can increase your sign ups dramatically if you layout for them exactly what to expect and what will happen next.
This can be done in a few different ways -
1. In the phone conversation, ask the question - "Jim, do you want to know what to expect and what the next step will be when you do get signed up?"
(Jim ALWAYS answers yes!)
Here is my answer -
"You'll receive and email from our corporate office with away with your company ID and details for accessing the back office of your site. You'll also receive a welcome email along with your First Steps to Success outline and the Roadmap to Success. Those documents will get you into our team training site and discussion group. And, you'll know exactly what to do first to get your business started.
I would then like to schedule a phone call within 48 hours to go through this information, answer any questions and assist you in developing a business plan that will fit for you.
From there, we'll be working closely together to get your business going. How does that sound? Any questions?"
Now, you've gone a long way in furthering the relationship and the future is right out before your prospect.
My next step is then to give them my website where they can see a little of my training process and email them the signup link, unless they ask for it right then.
Give this a try and see what happens.
To see how I outline my training process, click My Training Information.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
What type of training and support can they expect?
What will the next step be?
When will they hear from you?
You can increase your sign ups dramatically if you layout for them exactly what to expect and what will happen next.
This can be done in a few different ways -
1. In the phone conversation, ask the question - "Jim, do you want to know what to expect and what the next step will be when you do get signed up?"
(Jim ALWAYS answers yes!)
Here is my answer -
"You'll receive and email from our corporate office with away with your company ID and details for accessing the back office of your site. You'll also receive a welcome email along with your First Steps to Success outline and the Roadmap to Success. Those documents will get you into our team training site and discussion group. And, you'll know exactly what to do first to get your business started.
I would then like to schedule a phone call within 48 hours to go through this information, answer any questions and assist you in developing a business plan that will fit for you.
From there, we'll be working closely together to get your business going. How does that sound? Any questions?"
Now, you've gone a long way in furthering the relationship and the future is right out before your prospect.
My next step is then to give them my website where they can see a little of my training process and email them the signup link, unless they ask for it right then.
Give this a try and see what happens.
To see how I outline my training process, click My Training Information.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
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