The Quick One, Two Punch

You're familiar with Boxing right?

If you are, then you know how the quick one, two punch can wear their opponent down. For those of you who don't, it's basically a punch from the left, then the right.

Now, let's think of your competition in your market as the quick one, two punch. They are slowly wearing you down, eating away at your self-confidence on whether or not your business can hold up to theirs.

Before we get into the goodies, I will make something very clear and important. Competition is good!

Without competition, you have no business market. Just imagine you have the first product called Kiddiemagoos (not a real name BTW) that has recently hit the market. Kiddiemagoos is a device that helps babies learn how to walk. Sounds like an interesting product for parents? Well, here's the bad news, since you are the only person out there that has made this product, it's hard for you to get your product off the ground. People just aren't believing in your product. No matter how much marketing and selling you do, it goes no where.

Now imagine... that Kiddiemagoos is a well known product, but other products go by another name. What do you think your results will be? How about, much better!!! Because you have competition they are helping you build the recognition of your product. Now, all you need to do is show why your product is so much better than your competition.

If you had to choose either of the options above, brand new product that no one ever heard of or a product that stand's out above your competion, what would it be?

I hope you said the later.

Now that we've set the ground on that, let's dive a little deeper in how you can avoid the quick one, two punch. Well, it all comes down to what we had already touch a little bit on, Standing out above your competition. Basically, why your product should be picked over the competition.

The last thing us business owners want to do is give up. That shows we are not determined leaders who are interest in their team in succeeding.

Standing out above your competition can be service, which by the way is something extremely important and which I follow, or the benefits of your product.

Whatever it is for you, you must ensure than you do not give in to the quick one, two punch of your competition. If you want to avoid the quick one, two punch, then you got to be quick-witted, creative, and up for a challenge. Because as a business owner, you're going to need it in order to succeed.

Be sure you're the one who's giving the quick one, two punch, by showing what you have is better, rather than the one receiving it.

Never give up!

Your thoughts

What are some ways you have developed for avoiding your competition from wearing you down? Please feel free to share some of the techniques you incorporate into your business by replying to this blog post.

Dedicated to your Success,

Jerome Ratliff
JeromeRatliff.com

Photo courtesy of 2sports.info

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Turning Business Into Fun Times

Does the daunting tasks of running your home business sometimes take the fun out of running your business?

If you've ever experienced this, you're not alone. In fact, a lot of home business owners get so caught up in tasks that they completely forget to have fun. I'm here to show you how you can turn those daunting tasks into fun times. Would you like to learn how you can have fun again in your business? Below are five tips you can easily implement into your business.

Turning Business Into Fun Times

Tip #1 - Treat the tasks like a game
(We all like games, when you treat the tasks like a game, you will find more happiness in doing what you do. One game I incorporate into my business is, keeping score. Whenever I finish a task that I have the most difficulty with doing, I give myself a point on my scoreboard. Then at the end of the week, I count up all of my points on my scoreboard, then I celebrate using tip #2 to close out the game.)

Tip #2 - Reward yourself
(After you've finished one of the many tasks, give yourself a little reward. A reward can be taking an extra 10 minute break, buying a coffee, jumping up and throwing your arms into the air and yelling "YES!". Ok, the last one might not work for you, but it may for some. Just get creative here, you deserve to reward yourself.)

Tip #3 - Take frequent breaks
(When you take frequent breaks, you don't get caught up in thick of the task and instead by taking a break you allow for your creative mind to start working for you.)

Tip #4 - Don't take your tasks so seriously
(When you find you're taking your work too seriously, stop it. Instead, find some humor and joy in what you do. Whatever it is for you, just be sure you're having fun.)

Tip #5 - Laugh
(When you're having a hard time finishing or even doing for that matter, any of the business building tasks, try taking a break and laughing. This technique goes hand in hand with tip #4, but instead while taking a break ensuring that you laugh and have a good time. When you laugh, you shift your energy off the daunting tasks to having a fun time.)

The above tips are just a small example of what you can do to turn your business into fun times. Whatever methods work for you, just be sure you're having fun in the process of running your business. Business doesn't have to be boring, it should be fun.

Your thoughts

What are some methods you use to have fun in your business? Please feel free to share some of the techniques you incorporate into your business.

Dedicated to your Success,

Jerome Ratliff
JeromeRatliff.com


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You Are Responsible For What

Have you ever had a conversation with a child where you were encouraging them to do something like take out the garbage?

If you have, then you know their initial reaction was, "Huh!" What they are really thinking is, that's not their responsibility. So why do they need to worry about it.

Well, do you ever find yourself in your business saying same exact thing or least making an excuse why you shouldn't do something? I would bet you had, at least one time in your business or professional career. We all do! What it all comes done to is you are responsible for the results, no one else.

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You Are Responsible For What...

The results! To put this into perspective for you, let's say you're having difficulties generating quality leads for your home business and you find yourself worrying more so than actually taking action by solving the problem. What do you think your results are?

Worry! Stress! That's right.

But is that really helping you move you and your business forward? No. So, rather than having that end result, why not think in turns of results that grow and move your business forward like, purchasing leads, purchasing training material on how to generate leads, etc. Those are the kind of results we want. I call these, Results that Matter.

I recently took a training course on how to be effective. And, what I got the most out of that training course was if you aren't taking action to get you results that matter, whatever else you are doing instead is a Waste of Time.

You see, you are responsible for the outcome and it's directly related to what you are doing. So if you find yourself making excuses of why you shouldn't be purchasing leads, advertising, networking... basically you're saying that's not your responsibility. Well, you're mistaken! You are responsible for your results. After all, it's your business!

So what can you do to get yourself out of this situation...start acting like you're the CEO of your company. Whatever you decide today, either good or bad, you made that decision no one else. Accept the end result and keep, moving, forward.

If you would like to read more about how to Lead and Succeed Like a CEO, click here.

Your thoughts

Why do you think some people feel they aren't responsible for their results? Do you feel responsible for yours? Please feel free to share some of your experiences and opinions why you believe being responsible is the right thing to do for your home business.

Dedicated to your Success,

Jerome Ratliff
JeromeRatliff.com

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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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