Looking for Flexibility and Financial Freedom

Do you still think there's hope for your Network Marketing business?

Today's post is courtesy of Success.com from an article I discovered not too long ago. I was recently speaking with some entrepreneurs and their interest for flexibility brought me back to this article.

It speaks about why the industry is a great place to be involved in.

So, rather than me speak highly of why they need to be a part of my business, I utilized the tools. I shared this article and similar articles in the past, letting the tools do the work for me. After reading the article if they turn out to be serious, that's when I give them my full attention. We should all use the tools to make our businesses that much easier.

I hope you enjoy this article and use it to grow your business.

Feel free to share this post with people you feel will benefit from this. Also, feel free to share your comments why you feel this STILL is a great industry to be involved in.

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Direct Selling Offers Flexibility and Financial Freedom

May 5, 2008

If you want to spread your entrepreneurial wings but have little or no business experience, don’t have a product or service to offer or are simply looking for a proven system for success, direct selling might be the ideal opportunity.

For more than 100 years, direct selling companies have offered independent representatives the ability to purchase products at wholesale prices and earn a profit by selling them at retail prices. Most direct selling companies also allow representatives to earn commissions for introducing new sales reps to the business. This business model relies on independent contractors, rather than traditional advertising, to spread the word about a company’s products or services. The word-of-mouth marketing approach works for several reasons: Consumers appreciate the personal service, the convenience of shopping from home, and the comfort of buying from those they know and trust.

Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s Mad Money, is bullish on direct selling, especially during a slowing economy. “Direct selling is a great model…with high gross margins, low capital intensity, lots of free cash flow,” he said on a recent show. “It’s a fragmented industry with gigantic room for growth. The top 15 players only account for about half the market.”

Amy M. Robinson, Direct Selling Association Vice President of Communications and Media Relations, points out that, while many people seek additional income during lean economic times, “in all honesty, direct selling is hot because it’s a fun, convenient way to shop that people enjoy. So, poor economic times or not, people find direct selling to be appealing. Great products, personal service and income potential are elements of direct selling that make it a strong economic contender at all times.”

“People motivated to get started in direct selling typically share certain attributes,” she says. “Most seek supplemental income, either short-term or long term. The social aspect also is appealing for those who love to meet new people and many enjoy buying products and services they already use—at a discount.”

With a direct selling business opportunity you can: Join an industry where business is booming and there’s always room at the top. Direct selling, sometimes referred to as network marketing, is a $32 billion industry in the United States and a $110 billion industry worldwide. The millions of individuals building direct selling businesses determine for themselves when they want to move up the career ladder and exactly how high they want to climb.

Tap into a proven system for success. Avoid wasting time or money by learning from others’ experiences and wisdom. Direct selling companies often provide high-quality, high-impact marketing tools, including personal Web sites, brochures, catalogs, DVDs and CDs to help direct sellers present a professional image—at a fraction of what it would cost to produce the same tools on their own. Additionally, training in best practices is frequently offered online and via conference calls as well as at local and national conferences.

Start a business for $500 or less. Direct selling companies offer big opportunity with minimal startup costs. For a small sign-up fee, new reps receive access to training and marketing materials, discounts on products and sample products to show and sell. You can set up office at your kitchen table with phone and laptop. Low overhead combined with minimal(if any) inventory expenses make direct selling businesses affordable. And because many companies handle online orders and deliver directly to customers, independent representatives can focus their time on connecting with potential clients and team members.

Experience flexibility and time freedom. The flexibility to work around full-time jobs or to create an income stream that fi ts into their families' schedules is a huge perk. Because
each representative is an independent contractor, not an employee, there is no set schedule or required number of hours. On average, part-time direct sellers devote three to 10 hours per week to their businesses. Those who pursue the business full time invest 15 to 35 hours per week. In either case, representatives can set their own schedules and build their businesses during off hours and lunch breaks or on weekends.

Earn what you’re worth. When you’re the boss, you don’t have to ask for a raise—you simply go out and earn one. A results-driven industry, direct selling levels the playing field by offering the same opportunity to everyone regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic background. Equal opportunity, a clearly defined career path and no earning restrictions mean there are no limits on what successful direct sellers can earn. While some in the industry are earning millions, it’s more common for direct sellers to use their businesses to earn extra cash per month to pay for dinners
out, private school, college expenses, cars and family vacations.

Maximize your earnings with residual(or passive) income. By building a team of people who love the products and are excited about telling others about the opportunity, direct sellers can leverage their time and maximize their income. Capitalizing on a team’s efforts means a business owner can devote 10 hours a week to their business, but with 10 other people also devoting 10 hours to their businesses, the team leader earns a commission from the collective sales and team-building results of 110 hours’ effort. It also means a team builder’s business has the potential to grow, even while he or she is on vacation.

“I like the honesty about direct selling,” says economist Paul Zane Pilzer, author of The Next Millionaires, “because it openly tells people the way to get rich is residual income: Get paid tomorrow for something you did yesterday—and let it accumulate.”

Reap the rewards of helping others succeed. Building a team definitely makes financial sense, but it also offers significant intangible rewards. Though representatives run their businesses independently, they often develop a family-like connection with their team members and others in the business. The friendships formed and the experiences of helping others improve their personal and financial lives are often as meaningful to direct sellers as the money they earn.

Get the recognition—and prizes—you deserve. In the corporate world, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, much less free vacations, luxury cars or fine jewelry. Direct selling companies know most people work more diligently and with more enthusiasm for a reward. First-class incentive trips to exotic locations, free cars or car allowances, fine jewelry and cash bonuses are offered by many companies to those who excel. And the opportunity to earn such rewards is open to everyone.

Become a better you. Direct sellers are faced with numerous comfort-zone challenges, and by overcoming those challenges they grow personally and professionally. The encouragement and training these independent business owners receive from their companies’ leaders as well as others in the field spur them to step outside their comfort zones to achieve success.

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Dedicated to your Success,

Jerome Ratliff
JeromeRatliff.com

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Marketing for Geniuses

After reading a recent post by Seth Godin, "Personal branding in the age of Google," a certain person came to mind, Albert Einstein. As you know Albert Einstein was a pure genius of science. And, when it comes to marketing geniuses, Seth Godin is one of those people. In Seth's article, he uncovers some of the not-so-obvious steps about marketing yourself and the things you should be thinking about when marketing.

When creating you're marketing efforts, are your efforts in-line with who you are stating to be? For example, you're marketing your business opportunity out to serious entrepreneurs, the last thing you want out on the internet (A.K.A. dirt on you) is you blabbing about how you hate the industry which you are advertising on. Talking about setting yourself up for failure. Duh!!

That's one thing you do NOT want to do.

I know that may sound ridiculous, but just as Seth Godin discovered, sometimes people don't realize the obvious and how what they are doing today may affect where they want to be tomorrow.

So, how do you avoid this? F.I.V.E. words...

"Live Up to Your Name"

Since we are all serious entrepreneurs, the next time your blogging, submitting articles, hanging out in forums, be ABSOLUTELY certain you aren't contradicting who you are intending to be. Otherwise, it's instant disaster.

Your thoughts

What marketing geniuses do you know that you can share with us? Please only provide information that can truly help someone grow their business.

Dedicated to your Success,

Jerome Ratliff
JeromeRatliff.com

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Mission Impossible or Mission Possible?

Over the last year of so, I've been concentrating on increasing my value for me and my team. But, I'll tell you when I first started off, it felt like Mission Impossible. I came up with this crazy idea that I would read and implement the techniques of 4 books per month.

It was a slow start but once I started to truly enjoy what I was reading, I found it wasn't very difficult after all. And, before you knew it, my plan was becoming more like Mission Possible. To give you an idea of how many books and this is only a portion of them, as about the other half are in forms of eBooks, I've attached a photo of my book case. I actually surpassed my goal of reading 4 books per month.

There's a favorite saying that Charlie "Tremendous" Jones had said, and it goes like this: "You are the same today you’ll be in five years except for two things: the people you meet and the books you read."

Every time I hear or read that quote, that exemplifies a leader. Leaders are evolving by improving their lives spiritually and intellectually. And, this is the reason I am dedicated to evolving and succeeding every single day.

If you aren't increasing your value, you're missing out on a lot of opportunities. Choose to read something that will help you and you enjoy. Most importantly, have fun! So, do yourself a favor and don't miss out.

Your thoughts

What ways are you increasing your value? Do you prefer reading books, eBooks or listening to audio books?

Dedicated to your success,

Jerome Ratliff

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10 Ways to Make Your Home Business Easy

The following article was something I recently read about regarding 10 ways to make your home business easy. And, it got me thinking. How many business owners ever intend to make their business easy and FUN? I would say not many and it's probably one of the major reasons why most do not make it.

I hope you enjoy this article from Laura West from Center for Joyful Business and take her advice. After all, if we don't make it fun and easy, then why are we really doing it anyway.


10 Ways to Make Your Home Business Easy

1. Have a Vision. Start where you are, and then determine where you want to go. Be patient with yourself and accept whatever phase of your business you're at. Whether you're starting out, bouncing back, having some growing pains, floundering or flourishing. At the same time, have a crystal clear image of where you're headed - always have a vision! The only way to get out of where you are is to have a vision so you can have somewhere to go. Without a vision, it's like being in a boat and having no idea where you are rowing to. With a vision, you can make a plan, gather supplies, and set direction and sail.
2. Get a partner. Don't try to do it alone. I've partnered with a very cool & knowledgeable tech person, a writing coach and my own coach to hold me accountable for continuing to produce high quality products and content for my clients and customers.
3. Create systems for easy structure to be successful. The partnerships I've created form a system that my marketing tasks fit in - something bigger than me that provides structure and accountability. For instance, I now have a timeline set-up for getting my newsletter published on a specific day each month. It sounds really basic. And, it's amazing how many people have an idea but no plan as to when, how, what it will look like.
4. Get out of your home office. Find inspiration and creativity in places outside the norm. I start each day with "Creative Bagel Time", where I go to a fun cafe and spend some time creating a vision about my business. I also spend one day a week working out of a friends' office suite. The first coaching session I hold with many clients will be at a location that is beautiful or somehow stimulating, such as the park or gardens. It boosts creativity ten times!!!
5. Connect with people on a similar path. Look around and see what other people are up to. When you come upon someone doing something similar, see what synergy you can create together! Instead of slipping into the mindset of competition or comparison, find encouragement that others are making it work! Energy, inspiration and ideas from two passionate people will always be like 1+1 = 10!
6. Take mircro-movements. This suggestion comes from SARK, one of my favorite creative gurus and authors. For me, saying I wanted to publish my first ezine after a year-long break was too big of a step. I had to break the task down into simple small baby steps that feel easy. For me, a good place to start was writing my list of events. That got my pen flowing, set me in motion, and built up a sense of momentum, energy and success.
7. Let go of trying to make it perfect! You can't possibly control or predict the results of your actions, so let go of that and try to stay unattached. Though you have a clear vision and you're committed to making it happen, be willing to accept whatever results come your way -- they might just be better than anything you've imagined! Just let it fly with the intention that "Of course, it will evolve" It always does!
8. Face your obstacles. What's getting in your way? Not enough time, fear of failure, scared of success? We all have them. Partner with your coach or a coach-like friend who can help you through this. One way that I help my clients identify their obstacles and unhelpful beliefs is through a process called the "Heart of the Beast". It helps to neutralize the constrictive energy around your fears. I also use it myself, so I can tell you that it's as powerful as it sounds!
9. Nurture yourself. When we're fatigued, tapped out physically, emotionally and spiritually, and stressed to the max, NOTHING seems easy. Make self-care rituals for your mind, body and soul as important on your to-do list as checking your email.
10. Celebrate! Don't wait until the whole project is completed or until you've seen what the results are -- celebrate each completed micro-movement or baby step. Find fun and joyful rewards that will motivate you to keep going so you can get more of them.

Which of these tips can you apply to a project that's challenging you right now? Here's to making it easy!

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Laura, you couldn't be more right. When we focus our attention towards the things that can make our home business easy, it makes for one happy person. There is a sense of balance!

Your thoughts

What are some ways you've discovered to make your home business easy for you? Which of these 10 ways do you feel you will benefit from the most?

Dedicated to your success,

Jerome Ratliff

photo supplied from IdeaMarketers.com.

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The MLM Cure to Your Sick Business

How many times have you been sick and no matter what type of medicine you take over the counter, it just doesn't work? So, what's the next best thing to do? Get yourself to a doctor or clinic and have them take a look at you!

Going to a doctor or visiting a specialist, reassures us that if anyone can get us better, they could.

If we were to run our business like we take care of a common cold, perhaps maybe our business would not need a cure. But, let's face it, sometimes no matter what we do, we are desperately seeking a cure. The cure that will correct our major issues encountered in a business. Let's discover what some of the MLM cures can do for your business.

The Multi-Level Marketing Cure to Your Sick Business

Don't you wish you could go to your local business store and right there on the top shelf is, "Marketing Cure - Advanced Formula"? Ok, I know that sounds a little crazy. But, let's face it, suffering small businesses are not willing to resolve problems by themselves. They are looking for someone else to fix their problems, which brings me to the top the seven MLM cures for your sick business...

Cure #1
Get an expert to help (seek advice from someone that has experienced your problem) - Using leverage has been one of the top secrets, millionaires have been using for over 100 years. So, why not do the same. When you're having trouble in one particular area of your business, find an expert that has the experience in getting results. Then, offer to share services with this person or compensate them if they are not interested in sharing services. You'll be amazed by what this approach will do for you.

Cure #2
Analyze your current situation (what's working, what's not) - Do more of what's working and stop what's not working. The best method of knowing what's working and what's not, is to keep track. Keep track of everything you do. Especially when it comes to marketing and advertising your business, especially the quality of the customer service you provide. It's important that you are always in an analyzing state, all successful business people do this.

Cure #3
Educate your expectations (look at your marketing plan and determine if you what you have is achievable) - Are your goals SMART goals? If they aren't, consider either toning down your goals or do what successful business people do, "Seek out an expert in a particular area you are weak at and have them be a part of your team." That's a true win-win situation.

Cure #4
Change your approach (come up with an ingenious way of promoting your product and your business). While you are running your business, you may discover some areas or approaches are not working for you, in that case it's time to change it up. Just because you first started with that method doesn't mean you are bound to that. You must be evolving. In fact, there are many forms of marketing your business to running business. But, what's important is that you find a model that works for you and allows you to be successful.

Cure #5
Advertise the business like you're the CEO of the company (this will help you get out of the frame of mind as treating this as your JOB) - It's your business that needs help, no one else! So, start acting like a CEO and get your business under control. You can do that by following some of these cures we are covering here in the post. But, by no means does it mean to stop there. Always search for ways to improve. Improving and evolving is what entrepreneurs do. While you are improving, start off with thinking with good intentions like, you'll be receiving bundles and bundles of endless business. Now that sounds like a CEO!

Cure #6
Build a sustainable network of business partners (teach your current and future team members how they can plug into a system they can easily duplicate) - Everyday while working and not working, you should be searching for your perfect business partner. When you find that person, you mentor them and guide them through the process of being successful so that they can do the samething one day. This way it will be a win-win, but can potentially be an infinite win. Can you imagine that?

Cure #7
Become a leader (when you rise up as leader, you put yourself in a state of attraction where 'like attracts like') - This one, as you know, is paramont for any business. Having troubles with your business? It's time to step up and be the leader. Being a leader is someone who sets an examples for how the business should be ran and turning current and future business partners into leaders as well.

Your thoughts

What are some cures you found that made a difference in your business? Have you ever used any of the ideas discussed above? If so, which one(s) do find gives you the best results?

Dedicated to your success,

Jerome Ratliff

photo supplied from WebMd.com.


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