Back in my professional life before working at home for myself, I was part of the desktop publishing and graphic design software industry for 20 years. I was a Press Relations Manager and my duties included, of course, writing press releases and working with editors and publications to circulate the announcements of new and updated software products, and working with the software developers to produce information about the upcoming or soon to ship products. To keep informed in the industry, I made it a point to read industry-related publications and to actively participate on the forums. These forums produced a plethora of information in a number of different ways. There were users on there who had "wish lists" for products they would love to see developed, users who were having problems with products, and still others who had knowledge or tips based on their own experiences. It was the latter that I found most intriguing and the most valuable.
See, none of us are experts in all areas. And we all started somewhere on our quest to own a business or to work at home. We have—every one of us—developed knowledge and skills along the way that make our job easier, make us work more efficiently, assist us in marketing or to gain exposure, help us to better deal with clients or prospects, and more. But we developed or learned those skills over time, and so there will always be people out there that know things we don't. This is where the forums come in.
There are all kinds of forums that target businesses—business owners, small business owners, entrepreneurs, home-based businesses, business startups, etc. And each of those forums has a variety of topics at any one time in which we can garner information and learn from others what has worked for them or not worked for them. Either way, it benefits us. There are all kinds of people on those forums. Some are specialists—writers, marketing professionals, advertising professionals, business advisors, etc—and in a lot of cases, they can provide some pretty valuable information.
Another important use of forums is to be able to see what people are asking and inquiring about. Many people turn to forums as a way to find out what opportunities are out there, how they worked for other people and what they would need to plan on to be successful themselves. In many cases, I respond to forum users by introducing myself and offer any helpful input I have. Sometimes I can provide them links to information that will better enable them to find the answers they are seeking, and other times, I can answer them directly. I put myself in their place, just starting out or trying to overcome a hurdle, and I offer whatever I can in the way of support.
Forums are made up of people from all types of businesses, in all kinds of places, from all walks of life, and with all kind of experience and backgrounds. If you find time on your hands, and you haven't before, check them out. They are a superb collection of knowledge, sharing and inquiring minds that want to know...and your business may just be the answer they are looking for.
Some Recommended Forum links:
http://www.homebusinessonline.com/community/forum/
http://www.businessopportunityforum.com/forums/
http://www.small-business-forum.com/
http://www.small-business-forum.net/
http://www.businessknowhow.com/forum/
http://www.businessknowhow.com/forum/
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Business opportunity: Ask "why" as well as "what" prospect looking for
I read a great ebook awhile back. It actually provided potent pointers on how to set your business apart from all of the other business opportunities out there. And having read the whole book, one suggestion in particular stuck out as a great way to tell if a prospect would really be able to be successful in the opportunity you have.
Most business owners conduct a phone interview with prospects asking what they are currently doing and what they liked about it, and what they are looking for, exactly, in a home-based business opportunity. What they may fail to do is ask "why" the prospect is looking for the opportunity. What's the difference? A big one!
See, when asking a potential client about his or her present situation and desires, in a great number of the cases, you will get a pretty general response—something like "I want to make alot of money", or "I want to work from home". But those responses, although telling, are not the key to what may or may not mean that this person would be a good fit for a home-based opportunity. Because it's the "why" they want those things that matters and drives a person to succeed.
After reading this ebook, I began making it a point to ask prospects who contacted me exactly "why" they wanted to "work at home" or "make a lot of money". The answers were surprising and actually very insightful. They let me get to know what the prospect was "about" so to speak. From the single mother who wanted to work at home to avoid daycare costs which were stifling her, to the gentleman who wanted to make lots of money to help his parents pay their medical bills and get health insurance himself, the reasons speak volumes about whether this person will indeed have the drive necessary to succeed.
When a person doesn't know why they want a home-based business, I believe they are sometimes setting themselves up for failure. Not always. But many people don't see it as real work and picture sitting at home and waiting for the phone to ring or an email to come in. It has to be much more than that to really be lucrative. Sure...alot of opportunities say "sit back and watch the money roll in". And I suppose in some cases it might to some degree. But would I want to be a part of a company that didn't offer continued support and mentoring, a great product or service, new and exciting marketing ideas, and key, ambitious people that were continually striving to expand? No. I want to know that the people out there who are offering the business opportunity and product that I have brought them in on, are willing to take the time to ensure that they are, in turn, selling the opportunity to like-minded people. I value the business we are in and try to work with quality people who are in it because they, too, believe in the product and business.
We only put in part time hours, that's true. But those are quality, dedicated hours and we continually are seeking new ways to market and advise prospects about our opportunity. We do a few key things daily, but we also explore new options and most certainly have never "sat and waited". When we aren't marketing, we are learning more about the product and the company and participate in anything the company has to offer that will further our success.
If you sell to just anyone and their "why" isn't enough to drive them, will they succeed? Maybe. But I assure you that if you sell your opportunity to someone who is goal-driven, they will make far more of the opportunity and your business will secure key people that will contribute to the continued success of your product or service in the market place.
Most business owners conduct a phone interview with prospects asking what they are currently doing and what they liked about it, and what they are looking for, exactly, in a home-based business opportunity. What they may fail to do is ask "why" the prospect is looking for the opportunity. What's the difference? A big one!
See, when asking a potential client about his or her present situation and desires, in a great number of the cases, you will get a pretty general response—something like "I want to make alot of money", or "I want to work from home". But those responses, although telling, are not the key to what may or may not mean that this person would be a good fit for a home-based opportunity. Because it's the "why" they want those things that matters and drives a person to succeed.
After reading this ebook, I began making it a point to ask prospects who contacted me exactly "why" they wanted to "work at home" or "make a lot of money". The answers were surprising and actually very insightful. They let me get to know what the prospect was "about" so to speak. From the single mother who wanted to work at home to avoid daycare costs which were stifling her, to the gentleman who wanted to make lots of money to help his parents pay their medical bills and get health insurance himself, the reasons speak volumes about whether this person will indeed have the drive necessary to succeed.
When a person doesn't know why they want a home-based business, I believe they are sometimes setting themselves up for failure. Not always. But many people don't see it as real work and picture sitting at home and waiting for the phone to ring or an email to come in. It has to be much more than that to really be lucrative. Sure...alot of opportunities say "sit back and watch the money roll in". And I suppose in some cases it might to some degree. But would I want to be a part of a company that didn't offer continued support and mentoring, a great product or service, new and exciting marketing ideas, and key, ambitious people that were continually striving to expand? No. I want to know that the people out there who are offering the business opportunity and product that I have brought them in on, are willing to take the time to ensure that they are, in turn, selling the opportunity to like-minded people. I value the business we are in and try to work with quality people who are in it because they, too, believe in the product and business.
We only put in part time hours, that's true. But those are quality, dedicated hours and we continually are seeking new ways to market and advise prospects about our opportunity. We do a few key things daily, but we also explore new options and most certainly have never "sat and waited". When we aren't marketing, we are learning more about the product and the company and participate in anything the company has to offer that will further our success.
If you sell to just anyone and their "why" isn't enough to drive them, will they succeed? Maybe. But I assure you that if you sell your opportunity to someone who is goal-driven, they will make far more of the opportunity and your business will secure key people that will contribute to the continued success of your product or service in the market place.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
In Business, Live Positively and Without Judgement
I remember, clearly, a story a good friend of mine told me years ago that I've carried with me ever since. He was a very successful building contractor who was quite a family man and worked hard during the week so he could dedicate his weekends to his wife and two daughters, ages 4 and 6. He told me that he knew he needed to invest in new company trucks—4 to be exact—and so planned to spend a Saturday taking his wife and girls to a local carnival they had been wanting to go to and then swing by a couple dealerships to see what he could find. After the carnival, the girls were tired and fell asleep promptly in the car. So, when he stopped, he and his wife each carried one to walk around the lots and decide which trucks would best suit their business needs.
After being out in the new truck area of a particular dealership for over 15 mintues with no one coming out to inquire if they could assist them, his wife went inside to see if someone could come out and speak to them regarding a couple of the models. She was wearing cut off jean shorts and her tshirt had some snow cone stains on it from their children. Her daughter had gotten somewhat dirty at the carnival and had cotton candy dried on her little face and her shoes off. Outside, her husband was dressed similar and of course, their older daughter looked ragged as well after the long day of rides and games and carnival food. Not a single solitary person said anything to her when she asked for help. They all just stood looking at her. No one stepped forward at all and after a couple of minutes, she turned and went back out to the lot. They loaded the girls in the car and headed out, angry, frustrated and feeling slighted. They drove to a nearby dealership who greeted them warmly, offered to let them put the girls in the lounge in the air conditioning near their receptionist and spent all the time needed to find the perfect fit for them in the 4 vehicles they needed. My friend wrote a check for the full amount of all four trucks, warranties, taxes, delivery, etc. And left a happy customer, sure to return in the future.
But he didn't go right home. He swung by the previous dealership which had failed to wait on them and parked out front of the show room. He went in and asked for the manager. A gentleman stepped forward—one of the same men who failed to respond to his wife's request for help—and told him about how he was here earlier and couldn't get anyone to assist him. The man said "well, you didn't look like someone who was in a position to buy today, so we thought we'd just let you look." What???? My friend replied, "well by not giving us the time of day, you just missed a cash sale on 4 brand new trucks and warranties." And the whole group of those salesmen instantly looked shocked. My friend left and told me he realized that day how important it was to always realize that anyone you meet—regardless of age or appearance, is a potential customers. See, they had looked at the way my friend and his family were dressed, seen they appeared dirty and unbathed, and had assumed they were not good candidates for a brand new vehicle. THEY decided they weren't a potential customer.
I can't emphasize enough that when you are a business owner, selling an opportunity, service or product, you need to treat everyone you meet as a potential customer. You need to act with respect and courteousness to anyone you come in contact with. From the grocery checker and bag boy, to the receptionist at the hair salon to the lawn service guy, they are all people who have dreams and goals and are probably always open to the possibility that what you have to offer may be exactly what they have been looking for to change or improve their lives. Introduce yourself, say "hello" and thank them for the service they provide you. Your consistent kindness and friendliness should extend to every area of your life.
What people don't always take time to think about is, that you never know what drives a person or what they are looking for. If you adapt a positive attitude in your day-to-day interactions, people will sense that and will respond in kind. I've had someone ask me about what I do just because I made friendly banter at a check out stand and they then wanted my card so they could check out the opportunity. Had I been distant, or rushed or hard to approach in my demeanor, they probably wouldn't have wanted to be a part of anything that I had to offer.
We all have probably been guilty of "judging a book by its cover" at one point or another in life. I've worked hard on that for years, simply because our son is tattoo artist in Denver and at first glance, you see someone who looks "rough around the edges" and even a little intimidating with his tattoos. To know him, you realize he has a heart of gold, is actually very funny naturally, and loves his kids more than anything else in the world. We know that what you "see" at first glance, isn't always what you get.
In your business, present your best self, everyday, in every situation. You have nothing to lose. And you will gain friendships and valuable acquaintances that could just be your next potential customer. Living positively and without judgement leads to a life of abundance—personally, financially and spiritually.
After being out in the new truck area of a particular dealership for over 15 mintues with no one coming out to inquire if they could assist them, his wife went inside to see if someone could come out and speak to them regarding a couple of the models. She was wearing cut off jean shorts and her tshirt had some snow cone stains on it from their children. Her daughter had gotten somewhat dirty at the carnival and had cotton candy dried on her little face and her shoes off. Outside, her husband was dressed similar and of course, their older daughter looked ragged as well after the long day of rides and games and carnival food. Not a single solitary person said anything to her when she asked for help. They all just stood looking at her. No one stepped forward at all and after a couple of minutes, she turned and went back out to the lot. They loaded the girls in the car and headed out, angry, frustrated and feeling slighted. They drove to a nearby dealership who greeted them warmly, offered to let them put the girls in the lounge in the air conditioning near their receptionist and spent all the time needed to find the perfect fit for them in the 4 vehicles they needed. My friend wrote a check for the full amount of all four trucks, warranties, taxes, delivery, etc. And left a happy customer, sure to return in the future.
But he didn't go right home. He swung by the previous dealership which had failed to wait on them and parked out front of the show room. He went in and asked for the manager. A gentleman stepped forward—one of the same men who failed to respond to his wife's request for help—and told him about how he was here earlier and couldn't get anyone to assist him. The man said "well, you didn't look like someone who was in a position to buy today, so we thought we'd just let you look." What???? My friend replied, "well by not giving us the time of day, you just missed a cash sale on 4 brand new trucks and warranties." And the whole group of those salesmen instantly looked shocked. My friend left and told me he realized that day how important it was to always realize that anyone you meet—regardless of age or appearance, is a potential customers. See, they had looked at the way my friend and his family were dressed, seen they appeared dirty and unbathed, and had assumed they were not good candidates for a brand new vehicle. THEY decided they weren't a potential customer.
I can't emphasize enough that when you are a business owner, selling an opportunity, service or product, you need to treat everyone you meet as a potential customer. You need to act with respect and courteousness to anyone you come in contact with. From the grocery checker and bag boy, to the receptionist at the hair salon to the lawn service guy, they are all people who have dreams and goals and are probably always open to the possibility that what you have to offer may be exactly what they have been looking for to change or improve their lives. Introduce yourself, say "hello" and thank them for the service they provide you. Your consistent kindness and friendliness should extend to every area of your life.
What people don't always take time to think about is, that you never know what drives a person or what they are looking for. If you adapt a positive attitude in your day-to-day interactions, people will sense that and will respond in kind. I've had someone ask me about what I do just because I made friendly banter at a check out stand and they then wanted my card so they could check out the opportunity. Had I been distant, or rushed or hard to approach in my demeanor, they probably wouldn't have wanted to be a part of anything that I had to offer.
We all have probably been guilty of "judging a book by its cover" at one point or another in life. I've worked hard on that for years, simply because our son is tattoo artist in Denver and at first glance, you see someone who looks "rough around the edges" and even a little intimidating with his tattoos. To know him, you realize he has a heart of gold, is actually very funny naturally, and loves his kids more than anything else in the world. We know that what you "see" at first glance, isn't always what you get.
In your business, present your best self, everyday, in every situation. You have nothing to lose. And you will gain friendships and valuable acquaintances that could just be your next potential customer. Living positively and without judgement leads to a life of abundance—personally, financially and spiritually.
Monday, January 25, 2010
New or small business? Take advantage of ALL Training Available
We are part of a "team" in the business opportunity we chose. That, in and of itself, helped us to realize that it was the perfect opportunity for us. In perusing different options out there, few of the ones we saw as actual considerations offered the free ongoing training and mentoring that this one did. Some did have programs you followed and manuals, but few had the one-on-one or team type of approach.
The value of the training and mentoring in the business opportunity you sign on with is immeasurable. Training and mentoring are the most important aspects to helping you become successful. See, others are there and doing it, and are obviously successful at it or they wouldn't continue doing it. And their knowledge can help you start, or continue, with just the proven methods—the ones that work—in your business.
A "team" approach is the most beneficial. Hands down. I know some of you will disagree, but what you don't realize is that the other people who are in your business and who are implementing different methods of marketing and speaking with business prospects and working on their websites and campaigns can offer a great variety of insights as to what may work for you. You can also skip marketing that didn't work as well for some of your team members, learning from their experiences and results, saving you time, and in some cases, money. You can have "brainstorming" sessions with your team members on calls that can bring some powerful ideas and new approaches to marketing.
Another biggie is the feeling of comradery that being part of ongoing training through a team or other business consultants in your line affords you. Do not underestimate that. If you've had a particularly discouraging day—business- or personal-wise—comradery is just what you need. Knowing there are others out there that can offer advice, ideas and results is certainly the best remedy for getting you "up and out there" again.
Free training and mentoring that is ongoing should be a part of the business opportunity you decide on. Why? Because it's "free" for starters. After investing in any business venture, you want to use the resources you do have financially to grow that business, not spend additional funds on learning how to spur that growth. Don't get me wrong....I've purchased books that I've read countless reviews on and have found beneficial to offering me ideas, and you can't continue growing in any area of your if you don't continue learning. But I also count on those team calls and the training materials our business offers every consultant to be able to efficiently, cost-effectively, and consistently promote my business.
I hear from all kinds of people who have bought in to all kinds of business opportunities but they have gotten nowhere. Why? Because either there is not adequate training provided, or worse still, they don't utilize the training that is made available to them. They can't be bothered to call in for team calls, they can't be bothered to read the entire manual or marketing plans and tips, they don't want to take the time to listen to webinars or sample testimonials or even their corporate live calls which offer inspiration, education and updates about what is going on company-wide that could assist them in their pursuit of success.
Make sure you choose an opportunity that provides CONTINUING free training and mentoring, and that once you find that opportunity, you exploit that training. Don't take shortcuts and don't tell yourself you don't have time for it. For a very minimal commitment each day, you can take your business to a level of success that you always dreamed you would!
The value of the training and mentoring in the business opportunity you sign on with is immeasurable. Training and mentoring are the most important aspects to helping you become successful. See, others are there and doing it, and are obviously successful at it or they wouldn't continue doing it. And their knowledge can help you start, or continue, with just the proven methods—the ones that work—in your business.
A "team" approach is the most beneficial. Hands down. I know some of you will disagree, but what you don't realize is that the other people who are in your business and who are implementing different methods of marketing and speaking with business prospects and working on their websites and campaigns can offer a great variety of insights as to what may work for you. You can also skip marketing that didn't work as well for some of your team members, learning from their experiences and results, saving you time, and in some cases, money. You can have "brainstorming" sessions with your team members on calls that can bring some powerful ideas and new approaches to marketing.
Another biggie is the feeling of comradery that being part of ongoing training through a team or other business consultants in your line affords you. Do not underestimate that. If you've had a particularly discouraging day—business- or personal-wise—comradery is just what you need. Knowing there are others out there that can offer advice, ideas and results is certainly the best remedy for getting you "up and out there" again.
Free training and mentoring that is ongoing should be a part of the business opportunity you decide on. Why? Because it's "free" for starters. After investing in any business venture, you want to use the resources you do have financially to grow that business, not spend additional funds on learning how to spur that growth. Don't get me wrong....I've purchased books that I've read countless reviews on and have found beneficial to offering me ideas, and you can't continue growing in any area of your if you don't continue learning. But I also count on those team calls and the training materials our business offers every consultant to be able to efficiently, cost-effectively, and consistently promote my business.
I hear from all kinds of people who have bought in to all kinds of business opportunities but they have gotten nowhere. Why? Because either there is not adequate training provided, or worse still, they don't utilize the training that is made available to them. They can't be bothered to call in for team calls, they can't be bothered to read the entire manual or marketing plans and tips, they don't want to take the time to listen to webinars or sample testimonials or even their corporate live calls which offer inspiration, education and updates about what is going on company-wide that could assist them in their pursuit of success.
Make sure you choose an opportunity that provides CONTINUING free training and mentoring, and that once you find that opportunity, you exploit that training. Don't take shortcuts and don't tell yourself you don't have time for it. For a very minimal commitment each day, you can take your business to a level of success that you always dreamed you would!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Business opportunity? Without consistency, there is no success
It rained last night here. Hard. All evening. On nights like that I am so tempted to curl up on the sofa with a blanket and a good book. And I would have, but then I remembered that I wanted to answer some email inquiries we had and chat with some friends on Facebook that I hadn't chatted with in awhile. Didn't sound as appealing as that book, but I knew that I needed to be timely in my responses to those people who emailed us wanting to talk about the business opportunity we offer. So, I responded to those emails and jumped on Facebook and once I was up-and-at-em, I was glad I did.
See, it takes consistency to be successful. I don't care what business you are in. Consistency is absolutely imperative to creating a business that people notice and trust. If I run an ad, and yet don't feel like making calls that night, then why did I place that ad to begin with? And if I have a website that I add content to and then don't respond to inquiries through that website, why do I have it? Or better yet, why do I add content? And if I have business cards printed, yet don't hand them out when opportunity presents itself, I may as well have saved the money I spent on printing.
We have some friends that actually went into an MLM business and the last time I saw them, she told me they hadn't had many leads or contacts coming in. I asked what they did to generate leads and to get their business opportunity "out there" and she started with a pretty impressive list of things they had done: business cards handed out, flyers made up and distributed, ads on Craigslist and in some small publications, started a Facebook and LinkedIn account.... Well, you get it. Some great steps to gain exposure. However, after further conversation, she admitted they weren't very active on Facebook or LinkedIn, they placed ads sporadically, they hadn't really thought to bring their cards everywhere they go and they had been sitting on a good number of those flyers waiting for the "right time". When is the "right time"? Always!
With all the business opportunities out there, people can't afford to not be consistent. In every aspect of your business, you need to maintain the relationships you develop, utilize the tools you have invested in and make sure you have a presence in every place that it makes sense for you to be. People can't learn about your opportunity if you aren't actually actively promoting it. And to do things "here and there" will not make for a successful venture.
I've had people ask me if I ever got discouraged about the business. My immediate answer is "no". You can't. If you do, it will reflect in the way you interact with potential clients and it will definitely show in your lack of enthusiasm when you are out there in any form—social media or person to person. No matter what anyone else tells you, if you aren't consistent, you will not succeed. You have to want it all the time, tell yourself you will make it succeed and then actually get out there and get it.
So take a few minutes to examine what you REALLY do daily to make that business the best it can be....do you have a daily list of key ways to promote your business? Do you make sure all the things on that list are done? Do you do those things with a "successful" attitude, and most importantly, do you do them to help others achieve success themselves? Because if the answer is "no" to any of those things, it won't matter what your business opportunity is. Hang in there and be consistent and success will definitely follow!
See, it takes consistency to be successful. I don't care what business you are in. Consistency is absolutely imperative to creating a business that people notice and trust. If I run an ad, and yet don't feel like making calls that night, then why did I place that ad to begin with? And if I have a website that I add content to and then don't respond to inquiries through that website, why do I have it? Or better yet, why do I add content? And if I have business cards printed, yet don't hand them out when opportunity presents itself, I may as well have saved the money I spent on printing.
We have some friends that actually went into an MLM business and the last time I saw them, she told me they hadn't had many leads or contacts coming in. I asked what they did to generate leads and to get their business opportunity "out there" and she started with a pretty impressive list of things they had done: business cards handed out, flyers made up and distributed, ads on Craigslist and in some small publications, started a Facebook and LinkedIn account.... Well, you get it. Some great steps to gain exposure. However, after further conversation, she admitted they weren't very active on Facebook or LinkedIn, they placed ads sporadically, they hadn't really thought to bring their cards everywhere they go and they had been sitting on a good number of those flyers waiting for the "right time". When is the "right time"? Always!
With all the business opportunities out there, people can't afford to not be consistent. In every aspect of your business, you need to maintain the relationships you develop, utilize the tools you have invested in and make sure you have a presence in every place that it makes sense for you to be. People can't learn about your opportunity if you aren't actually actively promoting it. And to do things "here and there" will not make for a successful venture.
I've had people ask me if I ever got discouraged about the business. My immediate answer is "no". You can't. If you do, it will reflect in the way you interact with potential clients and it will definitely show in your lack of enthusiasm when you are out there in any form—social media or person to person. No matter what anyone else tells you, if you aren't consistent, you will not succeed. You have to want it all the time, tell yourself you will make it succeed and then actually get out there and get it.
So take a few minutes to examine what you REALLY do daily to make that business the best it can be....do you have a daily list of key ways to promote your business? Do you make sure all the things on that list are done? Do you do those things with a "successful" attitude, and most importantly, do you do them to help others achieve success themselves? Because if the answer is "no" to any of those things, it won't matter what your business opportunity is. Hang in there and be consistent and success will definitely follow!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
IN BUSINESS, EVERYONE IS SOMEONE’S MOTHER, SON, GRANDMOTHER…
Years ago, back in the beginning of my working life, I was a debt collector. You are cringing, right? Because most people think of that profession and automatically assume the worst—harassing calls, threats and people that would do anything to get people to pay. But that wasn’t the case. I was a great collector—top in my agency consistently, actually. And I loved going to work each day and working toward the goals the agency set. But the way I went about my job of collecting was much different than people first assume. I was the “good guy”. Literally. I had people wanting to call me back and get their situation resolved. Why? Because I worked with them to set up an affordable payment plan and did everything I could to keep it from adversely affecting their credit record. They were far less likely to avoid me when they knew I considered their situation and that I knew you can’t get blood from a turnip, so to speak.
Everyone I collected from was someone’s mother, or son, or sister, grandmother, father…. And it could have just as easily been me if I had fallen into hard times. And that is exactly what I told myself with every call I made. They didn’t want to be in the position they were in. And in most cases, welcomed the chance to have someone work with them to resolve it.
See, that is actually the key to any business success. People are people. They aren’t numbers and they don’t represent money in your pocket. That is where a large number of business owners fall short. They don’t first see their customers—or potential customers—as real people with real lives, needs and desires. And if they would, they’d would ask themselves, “what would I want from this business if I were considering purchasing it myself?” or “what would make me return to this business?”
When my husband and I were considering owning our own business, we were drawn to the couple that we bought our business opportunity from. They were patient and listened to our questions and concerns and actually answered them. There was no pressure and we were left to make an informed decision. That was exactly what we needed to be able to pull the switch.
We love our lives and this business and all the people we deal with on a daily basis. We don’t go around “selling” to people everywhere we go. We simply meet people, get to know them and definitely answer their questions when they ask what it is we do. I view each person as if they were me—or my mother, son, grandmother…. Because when you take a moment to do that, you will find that your approach is a warm one. One that actually inspires people to want to take a look at your opportunity and one that doesn’t pressure people who may already be desperate to find the answer but fear making wrong decision.
If we all realized the value in seeing people as individuals who have dreams, goals, desires or even needs, we would have unbelievably lucrative businesses. It takes no extra effort to listen to those dreams and goals and will actually let you see where your opportunity would help them the most. And they feel they actually “know” you and that your business opportunity (or service or product) is a good one—one that is to be trusted. You are also more likely to convey the best things about your company when you are expressing them to someone you view as important as a family member would be.
We continue to carry the same approach as I did as a bill collector because that is the way business should be done. And I go to bed at night knowing I have offered everyone I talked to about our business, a chance to change their life and reach their target. And believe me….that makes for a good night’s sleep!
Everyone I collected from was someone’s mother, or son, or sister, grandmother, father…. And it could have just as easily been me if I had fallen into hard times. And that is exactly what I told myself with every call I made. They didn’t want to be in the position they were in. And in most cases, welcomed the chance to have someone work with them to resolve it.
See, that is actually the key to any business success. People are people. They aren’t numbers and they don’t represent money in your pocket. That is where a large number of business owners fall short. They don’t first see their customers—or potential customers—as real people with real lives, needs and desires. And if they would, they’d would ask themselves, “what would I want from this business if I were considering purchasing it myself?” or “what would make me return to this business?”
When my husband and I were considering owning our own business, we were drawn to the couple that we bought our business opportunity from. They were patient and listened to our questions and concerns and actually answered them. There was no pressure and we were left to make an informed decision. That was exactly what we needed to be able to pull the switch.
We love our lives and this business and all the people we deal with on a daily basis. We don’t go around “selling” to people everywhere we go. We simply meet people, get to know them and definitely answer their questions when they ask what it is we do. I view each person as if they were me—or my mother, son, grandmother…. Because when you take a moment to do that, you will find that your approach is a warm one. One that actually inspires people to want to take a look at your opportunity and one that doesn’t pressure people who may already be desperate to find the answer but fear making wrong decision.
If we all realized the value in seeing people as individuals who have dreams, goals, desires or even needs, we would have unbelievably lucrative businesses. It takes no extra effort to listen to those dreams and goals and will actually let you see where your opportunity would help them the most. And they feel they actually “know” you and that your business opportunity (or service or product) is a good one—one that is to be trusted. You are also more likely to convey the best things about your company when you are expressing them to someone you view as important as a family member would be.
We continue to carry the same approach as I did as a bill collector because that is the way business should be done. And I go to bed at night knowing I have offered everyone I talked to about our business, a chance to change their life and reach their target. And believe me….that makes for a good night’s sleep!
Business: Ask not what it can do for you....but what you can do with it!
I've spoken with a lot of people this week who are looking for a way to have a business of their own. Seems there is no shortage of people who are out of work, or are just looking to change their lives and secure something that they themselves can control the success of. Many of them are drawn to the fact that the business we offer is two-fold—it offers a valuable product that helps people eliminate debt and create wealth and provides information on investments, saving on taxes, etc, and it also offers a business opportunity at the same time. However, a large number of these people approach their inquiry in such a way that they are asking, "what can this business do for me?"
Here is where I immediately need to interject, "Well, what can YOU do for this business?"
No, it's not a runaround. It's simply bringing to them the message they need to hear no matter what business opportunity they are looking at. Yes, it's important to know what the opportunity offers in the way of product or service, compensation, hours required to make it a successful venture and even estimated marketing costs. But also, and equally important, is that the person seeking an opportunity needs to realize that the success of anything depends on them. Will they be consistent in their efforts? Will they approach it with a positive attitude and dedication? Will they believe in the product or service enough to promote it successfully? And will they adapt an attitude that tells any potential prospects "this is a great opportunity"?
Those people out there, some of them desperate to find a solution that will end their financial woes, need to go into any endeavor with a positive attitude about themselves and what they are capable of. I have, over the years, taken a number of personal development courses. These courses guided me into realizing that I alone—no one else—determined my success at anything I attempted. Without ambition and confidence and the ability to stay positive and focused, only a rare few succeed.
I peruse the classifieds a few days a week to see what opportunities are out there. There are a lot of them, to be sure. But what people need to do to determine a "fit" for them, is check out the product or service, see if it is of benefit to them, and society in general. By representing and selling/promoting a usable, valuable product or service, they can more easily reign in their confidence and enthusiasm to ensure they succeed. A little leg work that might just involve checking out a website or calling a number in an ad and asking about the product will save them a great deal of time and frustration.
We opted in on this opportunity exactly for that reason. The product was invaluable in that by following the teachings, it would offer return on investment, hands down. That got me excited and the fact that a thriving business could be made out of this powerful product had me wanting to start talking about with people immediately.
Take some time to discover what motivates you. Approach inquiries into advertised opportunities by asking yourself exactly what YOU can do with that opportunity and you will find it easy to make a decision and move forward. Because until you do that, chances are you will not succeed.
http://www.wealthywayoflife.com
Here is where I immediately need to interject, "Well, what can YOU do for this business?"
No, it's not a runaround. It's simply bringing to them the message they need to hear no matter what business opportunity they are looking at. Yes, it's important to know what the opportunity offers in the way of product or service, compensation, hours required to make it a successful venture and even estimated marketing costs. But also, and equally important, is that the person seeking an opportunity needs to realize that the success of anything depends on them. Will they be consistent in their efforts? Will they approach it with a positive attitude and dedication? Will they believe in the product or service enough to promote it successfully? And will they adapt an attitude that tells any potential prospects "this is a great opportunity"?
Those people out there, some of them desperate to find a solution that will end their financial woes, need to go into any endeavor with a positive attitude about themselves and what they are capable of. I have, over the years, taken a number of personal development courses. These courses guided me into realizing that I alone—no one else—determined my success at anything I attempted. Without ambition and confidence and the ability to stay positive and focused, only a rare few succeed.
I peruse the classifieds a few days a week to see what opportunities are out there. There are a lot of them, to be sure. But what people need to do to determine a "fit" for them, is check out the product or service, see if it is of benefit to them, and society in general. By representing and selling/promoting a usable, valuable product or service, they can more easily reign in their confidence and enthusiasm to ensure they succeed. A little leg work that might just involve checking out a website or calling a number in an ad and asking about the product will save them a great deal of time and frustration.
We opted in on this opportunity exactly for that reason. The product was invaluable in that by following the teachings, it would offer return on investment, hands down. That got me excited and the fact that a thriving business could be made out of this powerful product had me wanting to start talking about with people immediately.
Take some time to discover what motivates you. Approach inquiries into advertised opportunities by asking yourself exactly what YOU can do with that opportunity and you will find it easy to make a decision and move forward. Because until you do that, chances are you will not succeed.
http://www.wealthywayoflife.com
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tenacity and a great mentor are the key to a business succeeding
As I've mentioned before, my husband and I have wanted our own home business for years—ten to be exact. We spent nights talking and trying to come up with ideas for internet-based businesses we felt strong enough about to invest the small amount of money we had tucked away. Many nights of perusing the web, as well, for what opportunities were out there. Nothing ever felt right. Not right enough to jump in, anyway. It was frustrating and sometimes, when I was feeling particularly hopeless about whether we would ever take the plunge, I would think to myself that we were so afraid, NOTHING would ever seem right and we'd just keep plugging away, never making the changes in our lives that we longed for.
When the opportunity to join Wealth Masters came to us, it was through some long time acquaintances that were doing unbelievably well with the business. They had previously been with a couple other home based businesses, but switched to Wealth Masters solely based on the compensation plan. It was also direct sales, which was what appealed to them, versus an MLM. I happened to see them on Facebook talking about their trips to Rome and eating in great restaurants and riding their new Harley in the middle of a work week day. I, obviously, had to know what it was they were doing.
When we talked to them at length, the business seemed right up our alley. My husband has always been great a budgeting and record keeping, but we knew we might be missing the boat on tax deductions we would qualify for, investments and planning for the future. We also felt we could create the success our friends did. Did this mean we would jump in? No. What we did want to know, is how we would market this new business should we decide to invest and run with the opportunity. Also, we wanted to know what training or support the company offered. So, at our friend's recommendation, we listened to a live call/presentation and found out details and explored the full disclosure website and talked endlessly with our friends who actually do team calls nightly Monday through Thursday with ideas for marketing at low or no cost, co-op opportunities, the chance to listen to them speak with prospects and question and answer times where we could inquire about anything we had questions about. THAT sold us!
We have heard horror stories about businesses that sign people up and then don't return calls, aren't available to give support or don't much care beyond the initial benefit to them. So this was absolutely the type of company we felt comfortable and confident going with.
Now, it's up to us to have the tenacity and utilize those support channels to be successful. And not a day goes by that we aren't thankful for the chance to be a part of this company. We believe in what we represent and that's more than 1/2 the battle right there, but simply following our mentor's lead has brought us everything we hoped for—and then some!
When the opportunity to join Wealth Masters came to us, it was through some long time acquaintances that were doing unbelievably well with the business. They had previously been with a couple other home based businesses, but switched to Wealth Masters solely based on the compensation plan. It was also direct sales, which was what appealed to them, versus an MLM. I happened to see them on Facebook talking about their trips to Rome and eating in great restaurants and riding their new Harley in the middle of a work week day. I, obviously, had to know what it was they were doing.
When we talked to them at length, the business seemed right up our alley. My husband has always been great a budgeting and record keeping, but we knew we might be missing the boat on tax deductions we would qualify for, investments and planning for the future. We also felt we could create the success our friends did. Did this mean we would jump in? No. What we did want to know, is how we would market this new business should we decide to invest and run with the opportunity. Also, we wanted to know what training or support the company offered. So, at our friend's recommendation, we listened to a live call/presentation and found out details and explored the full disclosure website and talked endlessly with our friends who actually do team calls nightly Monday through Thursday with ideas for marketing at low or no cost, co-op opportunities, the chance to listen to them speak with prospects and question and answer times where we could inquire about anything we had questions about. THAT sold us!
We have heard horror stories about businesses that sign people up and then don't return calls, aren't available to give support or don't much care beyond the initial benefit to them. So this was absolutely the type of company we felt comfortable and confident going with.
Now, it's up to us to have the tenacity and utilize those support channels to be successful. And not a day goes by that we aren't thankful for the chance to be a part of this company. We believe in what we represent and that's more than 1/2 the battle right there, but simply following our mentor's lead has brought us everything we hoped for—and then some!
Monday, January 18, 2010
MBA WORKING AS BAG-BOY—THERE’S A BETTER SOLUTION
I was leisurely reading the Sunday paper yesterday and an article caught my eye. It was about a guy here in Florida that lost his job and according to the paper “wasn’t too proud to take a step down”. My first thought, as were other people’s I’m sure, was “well at least he is getting out there instead of giving up”. But after a few minutes, I realized that I completely disagreed with the move he made being okay. I mean, yes, some of us would step up and do whatever it takes to feed our family and pay the mortgage and that is honorable. But not when you consider that there are other options.
Some of his comments involved things such as “used to be a big-shot and now am just a bag boy” and “feel like I take my brain out and hang it on a hook”. Just reading those two statements turned his story of perseverance into a story where I found myself wondering how a person that has so much on the ball and so much experience could possibly settle for that. He went on to tell about how he’s met customers who are in the same position.
Here’s where a person has to ask themselves, “is there another way?” Just taking a minute to explore options could change these people’s life—mentally, physically and financially—and yet they choose to be complacent in their lives.
“Don’t let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth – don’t let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency.”
~ Aesop
Sometimes taking that leap is frightening. I won’t lie to you. I was. And therefore I stayed in my position at the job that wouldn’t lead me to the life I wanted, for year after year. It actually took knowing that we would never be able to help our children financially and having no health insurance before I decided “what’s the worst that could happen?” Knowing that we weren’t where we wanted to be and that something had to change or we never would be was finally enough for me to say “I’m doing it”. Was I nervous about my decision once I threw the switch? You bet! But then, I returned again to the “what’s the worst” thought and decided only I could make this a go. Dwelling on my fear of failure and stressing on the “what if it doesn’t make it” was going to exhaust my energy and drive for keeping those things from happening. And the program we bought offered personal development that went hand-in-hand with the business opportunity and wealth and fiancial development that it offered. It was the real deal. It had all the components necessary to let us be successful. All we needed to do was utilize those components.
Will I ever bag groceries? No! Will I ever take a minimum wage job and count myself “lucky” to have it? Absolutely not! I know I am capable of more and to settle for anything less than the full ride would leave me depressed, drained and wondering what life is about. Instead, I spend my time wondering what it is we want to buy, do or who we want to assist next…..Isn’t that a better alternative?
Some of his comments involved things such as “used to be a big-shot and now am just a bag boy” and “feel like I take my brain out and hang it on a hook”. Just reading those two statements turned his story of perseverance into a story where I found myself wondering how a person that has so much on the ball and so much experience could possibly settle for that. He went on to tell about how he’s met customers who are in the same position.
Here’s where a person has to ask themselves, “is there another way?” Just taking a minute to explore options could change these people’s life—mentally, physically and financially—and yet they choose to be complacent in their lives.
“Don’t let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth – don’t let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency.”
~ Aesop
Sometimes taking that leap is frightening. I won’t lie to you. I was. And therefore I stayed in my position at the job that wouldn’t lead me to the life I wanted, for year after year. It actually took knowing that we would never be able to help our children financially and having no health insurance before I decided “what’s the worst that could happen?” Knowing that we weren’t where we wanted to be and that something had to change or we never would be was finally enough for me to say “I’m doing it”. Was I nervous about my decision once I threw the switch? You bet! But then, I returned again to the “what’s the worst” thought and decided only I could make this a go. Dwelling on my fear of failure and stressing on the “what if it doesn’t make it” was going to exhaust my energy and drive for keeping those things from happening. And the program we bought offered personal development that went hand-in-hand with the business opportunity and wealth and fiancial development that it offered. It was the real deal. It had all the components necessary to let us be successful. All we needed to do was utilize those components.
Will I ever bag groceries? No! Will I ever take a minimum wage job and count myself “lucky” to have it? Absolutely not! I know I am capable of more and to settle for anything less than the full ride would leave me depressed, drained and wondering what life is about. Instead, I spend my time wondering what it is we want to buy, do or who we want to assist next…..Isn’t that a better alternative?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
CHANGING ENVY TO RESPECT AND AMBITION, DETERMINATION
I have this friend….and she’s a real friend. One of those that is always there when needed, doesn’t interfere or try to give advice when it’s not wanted and knows me, perhaps, better than anyone. That kind of friend is so valuable and hard to find. Needless to say, I view that friendship as a gift. Who wouldn’t?
But this friend has always had a knack for being successful at everything she does. And I mean anything. She has owned a service bureau, she is a writer of a published book, she owns multiple companies and worked for a major player in the desktop publishing software industry, successfully making changes in the company that were all great changes. She also started a way cool website that always people to vote on topics that are very controversial. And now, she owns a building that she couldn’t seem to sell off, so she is starting a business in that building that will, undoubtedly, become a huge success.
I always loved her dearly, but also, this part of me was always envious of her. Envious of her brilliant ideas, ability to work so hard and so smart at achieving her goals, and her ability to somehow, always find or create the resources to make her dreams and goals work. I never treated her as though I envied her. But I did envy her. Who wouldn’t?
Then, when my husband and I decided to do this business, I found myself doubting my ability to be as successful as my friend. I thought, “what if we don’t have what it takes? What if we aren’t as talented as her and this is not the road we should have taken?” And I compared our past to hers. We had stayed “safe” and secure in our long-time jobs, and yes, we did appreciate those jobs and were luckier than most in having those jobs. But we wanted more. A lot more! And we wouldn’t get it unless we left that “comfort zone” and ventured out to own our own business and change our quality of life. Very scary. And very daunting to say the least.
After purchasing the program, Wealth Masters, we took advantage of their personal development as well as their finance and wealth creation information and all of a sudden, I was able to view this friend in a whole new light. She already was implementing all the teachings they offered and that, and nothing else, was the key to her success—in life, in ventures and in her unbelievably unselfish form of friendship. And now I could take that envy and transform it to respect and determination to get us where we wanted to go.
We all know that to start a business and have the advantages of being self-employed, you have to spend a little or, in most cases, a lot. If it’s a retail business, for example, you have to lease or buy a store front, furnish it with counters, shelves, cash register, decor and more importantly, stock it. We couldn’t hope to do that. We weren’t hurting, but we most certainly didn’t have a savings account that would allow that kind of venture. What we did have, though, was a small amount to get started in Wealth Masters and that, alone, started us down this new, exciting and positive road. Am I recommending Wealth Masters? Absolutely….it is a complete package that leads to wealth, a healthy outlook on life, a way to reach your goals and a proven system. But even for those of you who choose another path or business, I want to say that you CAN transform that envy into something that will take you as far as you want to go. And that adventure is unbelievable!
But this friend has always had a knack for being successful at everything she does. And I mean anything. She has owned a service bureau, she is a writer of a published book, she owns multiple companies and worked for a major player in the desktop publishing software industry, successfully making changes in the company that were all great changes. She also started a way cool website that always people to vote on topics that are very controversial. And now, she owns a building that she couldn’t seem to sell off, so she is starting a business in that building that will, undoubtedly, become a huge success.
I always loved her dearly, but also, this part of me was always envious of her. Envious of her brilliant ideas, ability to work so hard and so smart at achieving her goals, and her ability to somehow, always find or create the resources to make her dreams and goals work. I never treated her as though I envied her. But I did envy her. Who wouldn’t?
Then, when my husband and I decided to do this business, I found myself doubting my ability to be as successful as my friend. I thought, “what if we don’t have what it takes? What if we aren’t as talented as her and this is not the road we should have taken?” And I compared our past to hers. We had stayed “safe” and secure in our long-time jobs, and yes, we did appreciate those jobs and were luckier than most in having those jobs. But we wanted more. A lot more! And we wouldn’t get it unless we left that “comfort zone” and ventured out to own our own business and change our quality of life. Very scary. And very daunting to say the least.
After purchasing the program, Wealth Masters, we took advantage of their personal development as well as their finance and wealth creation information and all of a sudden, I was able to view this friend in a whole new light. She already was implementing all the teachings they offered and that, and nothing else, was the key to her success—in life, in ventures and in her unbelievably unselfish form of friendship. And now I could take that envy and transform it to respect and determination to get us where we wanted to go.
We all know that to start a business and have the advantages of being self-employed, you have to spend a little or, in most cases, a lot. If it’s a retail business, for example, you have to lease or buy a store front, furnish it with counters, shelves, cash register, decor and more importantly, stock it. We couldn’t hope to do that. We weren’t hurting, but we most certainly didn’t have a savings account that would allow that kind of venture. What we did have, though, was a small amount to get started in Wealth Masters and that, alone, started us down this new, exciting and positive road. Am I recommending Wealth Masters? Absolutely….it is a complete package that leads to wealth, a healthy outlook on life, a way to reach your goals and a proven system. But even for those of you who choose another path or business, I want to say that you CAN transform that envy into something that will take you as far as you want to go. And that adventure is unbelievable!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
What's wrong with this picture?
I opened the newspaper this morning—the St. Pete Times—to an article which says it all really. “Families wages outpaced by inflation”. No surprise there. But what I read tells the whole story. Evidently food prices experienced the biggest drop in decades—since 1961 to be exact. And yet energy prices rose 18.2%. So, we all know what that translates to.
When I thought about that and realized how many people I know, even if just as acquaintances, that are struggling to stay in their homes and make ends meet, it only served to reinforce my belief that we have to make our own way. Are jobs dependable and secure? Absolutely not. I met a woman the other day who had worked for a major credit card company for 13 years in a top level capacity that was layed off without any notice. She was a top earner for the company and it knocked the wind out of her sales, to say the least, when it came. Scary. No, horrifying, really.
So when we talk about the financial situation in the world today, we realize we made a smart decision and made that decision at the right time. We purchased a Wealth, Finance and Personal development product that changed our lives—literally. I don’t want to mislead you. We weren ‘t living hand-to-mouth like a large number of people are. We were both employed and had been for decades. We could still do things and even pay for our daughter’s college. So how was it a smart purchase? We realized that for all of our working lives, we’d been missing the boat on tax deductions, we were able to have zero balances on our credit cards now and we were able to SAVE. That’s right, save. And immediately I lost that feat that resided permanently in the back of my mind about having to be the person that handed out carts at Walmart when I’m 75 because I had no way to save for retirement. We also viewed our lives in a completely different way.
We spend time daily being grateful for what we have and what we are going to have. Absolutely going to have. Hands down. We’ve set goals and with this decision to make this program a permanent part of our lives through running a business selling it, we WILL attain every one of those goals.
I can’t even explain the feeling that gives a person. It’s a combination of security, happiness and a new day every day that offers the chance to change people’s lives while changing our own. And if anyone can say they have that, then they shouldn’t stop what they are doing. But if they can’t, they owe it to themselves and their family to change their situation. It’s as simple as a decision to do it.
I turned the page after reading that article knowing that it didn’t matter about inflation. I can’t stop that. I can, however, change how that effects us. And I am doing that daily.
When I thought about that and realized how many people I know, even if just as acquaintances, that are struggling to stay in their homes and make ends meet, it only served to reinforce my belief that we have to make our own way. Are jobs dependable and secure? Absolutely not. I met a woman the other day who had worked for a major credit card company for 13 years in a top level capacity that was layed off without any notice. She was a top earner for the company and it knocked the wind out of her sales, to say the least, when it came. Scary. No, horrifying, really.
So when we talk about the financial situation in the world today, we realize we made a smart decision and made that decision at the right time. We purchased a Wealth, Finance and Personal development product that changed our lives—literally. I don’t want to mislead you. We weren ‘t living hand-to-mouth like a large number of people are. We were both employed and had been for decades. We could still do things and even pay for our daughter’s college. So how was it a smart purchase? We realized that for all of our working lives, we’d been missing the boat on tax deductions, we were able to have zero balances on our credit cards now and we were able to SAVE. That’s right, save. And immediately I lost that feat that resided permanently in the back of my mind about having to be the person that handed out carts at Walmart when I’m 75 because I had no way to save for retirement. We also viewed our lives in a completely different way.
We spend time daily being grateful for what we have and what we are going to have. Absolutely going to have. Hands down. We’ve set goals and with this decision to make this program a permanent part of our lives through running a business selling it, we WILL attain every one of those goals.
I can’t even explain the feeling that gives a person. It’s a combination of security, happiness and a new day every day that offers the chance to change people’s lives while changing our own. And if anyone can say they have that, then they shouldn’t stop what they are doing. But if they can’t, they owe it to themselves and their family to change their situation. It’s as simple as a decision to do it.
I turned the page after reading that article knowing that it didn’t matter about inflation. I can’t stop that. I can, however, change how that effects us. And I am doing that daily.
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