Thursday, September 25, 2008

When Prospecting Really Matters

As an active business owner, one of the important pieces to a successful business is the ability to properly prospect people for your business.

The caveat to that is, you may know what you are doing when it comes to prospecting, but are you missing a critical part to the process?

Does prospecting really matter if you aren't thoroughly working through it?

This is what it comes down to, while prospecting you need to ensure you are 'closing'.

Here is how the process should go:

1. Prospect people or be approached, either through the use of attraction marketing or your ability to generate leads.

2. Approach them or be approached. Something drew them to you, either your good attitude, your ability to lead, good business sense, or your past successful experience.

3. Qualify them by determining what it is they want, and find their motivating factor (watch out for this, if you miss it, it could be a deal-breaker)

4. Close. This all comes down to, "Are you ready to move on?" (don't mess up by not asking, otherwise, the person will not take you seriously and you will never know if they are ready)

These steps need to be followed in the order specified above. Otherwise, the process will be rather useless. Can you imagine if you dropped right into the close?

"So, are you ready to join?" The reply, "Huh!"

They don't even know what you are talking about! That why the the order must be executed properly.

Oh, and if you really want to learn how to successfully work this process, here's the best advice I can give you... Just Do It!

The more you go through the process the better you will become.

So what if you are afraid.

So what if you are not experienced.

Your success will be determined by you doing. Unfortunately, there is no other way. If you intend on staying in this business, then face your weaknesses head-on.

Only then will you get better at them.

Dedicated to your success,


Jerome Ratliff
Visit JeromeRatliff.com to learn about the fantastic journey he's embarked through his business ventures.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Thank You, Thank You Very Much

I think Elvis Presley said it the best, but nonetheless it's a powerful statement.

Has there ever been a time in your profession where you were struggling and you needed assistance? Either you couldn't figure something out or you didn't have enough time to get something done. Then out the blue you were blessed with someone wanting to help you.

This recently happened to me. I was continuously facing problem after problem. I had this look on my face like, "Help me! Help me!" No matter what I would do, I was getting buried deep into my work. My business was getting backed up.

And, to my surprise, I was approached by a willing friend. They were an answer to my prayers. I thought I was never going to make it.

Later on I asked that person, "Why did you help me? How did you know I needed help?"

They told me that they can tell how I was acting. I was short with people, I sounded irritated and confused. They knew I wasn't myself. Once they sensed that, they came to the rescue.

But, here's the great part. They said they helped me because I had done the same thing for them in the past. The funny part is when I initially helped that person, I didn't realize I was going to get something back in return. I was most definitely not counting on it. That's just the kind of person I am. I am always willing to help people.

Take my USANA team for example. They are currently struggling in their business and not sure what to do. Because I'm leader, I am always helping my team work through their issues, and help them prepare for their future. It's an ongoing responsibility that I feel is necessary for anyone on my team.

Am I getting anything back in return?

Yes and no.

I am not getting anything back right away, but, over time I will. Because I decided to take the time to mentor my team upfront, I am instilling good quality values in my team so they can do the same for their team.

The next time someone helps you, thank them by saying, "Thank you!" Then, the next team you see someone struggling, ask how you can help. It will be one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Dedicated to your success,

Jerome Ratliff
Visit JeromeRatliff.com to learn about the fantastic journey he's embarked through his business ventures.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Business and Health, Do You Got It?

Do you want to free yourself from pain and illnesses in order to have a constant stream of energy? Do you want to perform at optimal levels in your business or profession?

Just like you watch how you perform in your business, you should also watch what you put in your body. Did you know that successful business professionals like, Brian Tracy, Anthony Robbins, Bill Phillips, etc. take their health very seriously. They consider their health a regular part of their of life.

For my entire college and adult life, I lived a life of being physcially fit. But, I neglected to take health and what I was eating very seriously. As a result, towards the end of the day I would crash. And, crash I did, fast. I found myself so exhausted that I couldn't do anything, especially spending time with my family and running my business.

That's when I realized I need to watch what I'm putting into my body. I immediately started this program called RESET. It cleansed me of all of the artificial, fatty foods that were not good for me. Shortly after the program, I began a 90 day physical work out program called P90x. By my 30th day, I saw a noticeable difference. I had more energy, I was able to run my business, and spend time with my family without nodding off. RESET has transformed me and put me on the path of living a healthy lifestyle. I am happy to report that in 90 days of the program, I lost 45 lbs. That was 1 year ago. Since then, I have not gained one pound and I'm proud of it.

Are you living your business and life following a healthy lifestyle? Watch this program about RESET, where you will hear true stories of people just like you and I who have changed their lives.



Dedicated to your success,

Jerome Ratliff
Visit JeromeRatliff.com to learn about the fantastic journey he's embarked through his business ventures.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Back From Salt Lake City 2008 Int'l Convention

Now that I've had more than a week to settle down from my trip to Salt Lake City and download my pictures, I wanted to share them with you. This was opening day to the convention. It was a perfect day, sunny and mid-80 degrees.



We also had the opportunity to attend a concert held by the company. They had Grammy award winner Colin Raye perform. He did a fantastic job and made it an enjoyable experience. These are some of the people that attended this concert.



I had a wonderful time and learned new techniques to grow my business. In fact, I had a chance to meet some of the top Business Entrepreneurs like, Robert Kiyosaki, Robert Allen and Tim Sales. I was even able to get a picture with Tim Sales, what a brilliant man. That probably explains why he came up with Brilliant Compensation. Here I am with Tim.



I've had the luxury to attend past conventions, but this years was unforgettable. They really stepped it up.

Since this is only a yearly event, I tend forget how powerful attending these yearly conventions can be for your business. It really recharges your business.

Whatever organization / industry you are a part of, make sure to attend your convention, it will change you and your business.

I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Dedicated to your success,

Jerome Ratliff
Visit JeromeRatliff.com to learn about the fantastic journey he's embarked through his business ventures.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Reset Your Life

Did you know what you put into your body can impact how you feel and act?

Foods high in fat...
Alcoholic beverages, soda, high in sugar drinks...
Etc...

Each of these can trigger different emotions. Emotions that are filled with aggression, unhappiness, and frustration. So, it's especially important that you watch what you put into your body. So, what can one person do?

"Reset Your Life!"

Declare that you will stop these bad habits, and incorporate good habits that trigger good, positive responses. When you watch what you consume, you trigger these positive feelings. At the same time, you stimulate your mind.

This is the same for your career or your business. If you notice you aren't getting the results you want, you "reset." You take a step back and acknowledge that things aren't working and it's time for a change. A change for the better.

Dedicated to your success,

Jerome Ratliff
Visit JeromeRatliff.com to learn about the fantastic journey he's embarked through his business ventures.

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