Secrets of the Greatest Network Marketer

The greatest network marketer was born into extreme poverty. His parents were very young and had little in the way of material wealth. However, they were loving parents. His father was the carpenter in their small town and so as the greatest network marketer grew, he learned the trade. When his father died at a young age, the greatest network marketer took over the family business and excelled. He was very good with people and produced excellent work. People traveled from far and wide to see his work and to hear his great wisdom. This young man captured the hearts of many.

As time went on, he discovered another calling – networking. His Upline taught him the true art of networking and very quickly he had recruited twelve front line people. Most of them were truly diamonds in the rough, so the greatest network marketer had to spend many hours teaching them the fine art of networking that had been taught to him by his Upline. Each day he would go out to the common areas of town and conduct an opportunity meeting to attract new people. He was so on fire with enthusiasm that people came from miles around to learn from him. They loved to hear him speak and he loved to teach them about networking. Many joined his network and it began to explode into momentum.

The greatest network marketer understood that he could not possibly train all these new people, so he continued to meet with his twelve frontline people and taught them how to train the others and how to train them to build a network and train their people. By this time the greatest network marketer was traveling from town to town doing opportunity meetings and training those who joined. One of his greatest attributes was the ability to quickly develop leaders who could carry on the work when he was not there.

The greatest network marketer had achieved great success and was reaping the benefits. Unfortunately this attracted the regulators, who were very much like the regulators of today and did not understand networking. In today's world, the regulators just fine people and force them out of the networking business, but back then, if they didn't like what you were doing, you were jailed or executed.

The regulators were jealous of the greatest network marketer’s following and great wealth and so they sought ways to trap him into making income or product claims that were against the law. However, the greatest network marketer always operated with the highest level of integrity and never made any claims. This frustrated the regulators and so they plotted to sabotage his work through false testimony. They paid people in his downline to say bad things about him and claim that he was breaking the law. These false claims enabled the regulators to finally arrest and eventually execute him. They thought that with the greatest network marketer gone, his network would quickly fall apart and their worries would be over. However, the greatest network marketer had instilled a great sense of purpose in his leaders and so they continued on with the work. Today the greatest network marketer has millions of people in his worldwide network.

This fictional story is loosely based on the greatest network marketer ever, Jesus Christ. During this CHRISTmas season when we celebrate His birth, we should remember that we are celebrating the birth of the greatest network marketer ever. There is much we can learn from the way that He built his worldwide network - his loving nature, patience, persistence, focus, and ability to build strong leaders. I have built a couple of successful businesses based on the principles that Jesus teaches in the Bible. I encourage you to study the life of Jesus in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. If you don't have a Bible, pick one up at any Christian bookstore - I recommend that you start with either the New International Version or the New Living Translation, as they are easier to read. I know that you will be surprised at how much you can learn from studying Jesus. Your life (and business) will never be the same.

MLMIA

Having operated since 1985, MLMIA is the longest running association for professional network marketers. It is also the only association that includes all aspects of the network marketing industry - independent distributors, network marketing companies, and vendors to the industry. The Association’s mission is “To Strengthen Network Marketing Around the World” while bringing professionalism and credibility to the industry.

As a member of MLMIA, you receive a number of great benefits:

Advanced Industry Education - authoritative articles from industry experts, teleconferences with top leaders, extensive information on evaluating a company or sponsor, national/international conferences, industry trade shows, and more.

Group Health Insurance and Rx Health Card - medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and prescriptions.

Discounts - consulting, advertising, subscriptions, legal, and educational materials (books, CD's, sales aids, etc.)

Convention and Cruise - annual events that are a who's who of the network marketing industry.

Independent Distributors enjoy the following additional benefits:

• Listing in the MLMIA's online Distributor Member directory!
• Access through the Members Only area to many products and services at savings not available to others.
• Membership Certificate
• Code of Ethics
• A subscription to industry news publications
• Distributor Package, Download from Web
• Receive Discounts on books and tapes when ordering from the MLMIA Library
• The MLM Dictionary
• MLMIA Bylaws
• MLMIA Verifiable Standards
• A "Members-Only" newsletter
• Recommend those who receive MLMIA recognition awards each year
• Discounted rates to MLMIA workshops and executive conferences
• Virtual Office - e-mail account, contact management, calendar, and more!

Joining MLMIA is saying that you believe in the network marketing industry and want it to stay strong and continue to grow. Now is a great time to join, as MLMIA is offering a 25% discount until the end of the year (2009). Go to http://www.mlmia.com/join.aspx for more information or to join.

The Sprint and Recover Method for Building a Huge MLM Business

I'm always very interested in the training methods of elite athletes, as there are many comparisons to training for network marketing. One of those is the sprint and recover method used by athletes in many professions. In my earlier years I was a top baseball player - pitcher and third baseman. I also played quite a bit of football and some basketball. In all three sports we did wind sprints. Now I hated them back then, but over the years I've come to appreciate that method of training. Here's how it works. You run as fast as you can from one point to another and then walk back, giving you the opportunity to catch your breath. Once back, you do it again and again and again. This method quickly builds the leg muscles necessary for many sports and also the cardiovascular endurance to finish strong.

Okay, so what does all this have to do with network marketing? I've also used the sprint and recover method in my business and have taught it to many others. The biggest problem with network marketing is that most people cannot give their business much time, so the spread it out over each week and don't accomplish much. A better way to build is through the sprint and recover method. By working your business hard for a dedicated period of time and then resting.

Here's how to do this in your business:

1. Look at your weekly calendar and figure out where you can allot an hour or two to your business (evening between 7 and 9 pm is best).

2. During that time call as many people as you can and invite them to watch a webinar, listen to a teleconference, or view your web site. Also, schedule a time to follow-up and find out what they saw that they liked.

Here is some effective wording to use when you call: "Hey (their name), this is (your name) and I don't have much time, but what are you doing at (time) on (day)?" If they are busy, just say: "okay, no problem, I'll talk with you later" and move on. If they are available or they ask what it's all about, say: "I've got something that you've got to see. I'll call you at (5 to 10 minutes before the webinar or teleconference or when you are going to walk them through your web site). Make sure you're in front of your computer. Talk with you then."

Follow-up immediately after the webinar or teleconference or at least within 24 hours of the time they watched or listened. Ask them what they saw that they liked. If you are showing them a web site, then walk them through it while you are on the phone. As they hit new information, as questions like: "Isn't that interesting? What do you think of that? What are you seeing that you like? How do you think that would affect you and your family? How does that sound? Etc. DO NOT ask them what they think, because most people don't.

3. When you have someone who is excited and ready to go, get them enrolled right away. When you have people who are interested, but can't seem to make a decision, schedule some 3-way calls with upline leaders, so they can meet more of the team.

Devote a solid period of time calling to invite, following up, and doing 3-way calls every week and then rest for a few days. Each time you sprint, it will create a high level of interest, activity and results. The rest in between will enable you to push through each time you sprint. Teach this same method to your busy downline members and watch your business explode!

10 Minutes to Success

Are you serious about building a six figure income in network marketing? Can you commit to 10 minutes a day? Do you have available a web based business presentation? If your answers were "yes" then the information in this article could radically change your financial future!

The biggest key to success in network marketing is inviting new people to view your business. Here is an easy 4 step approach that anyone can master. Now, keep in mind that unless you have done a lot of prior phone work, you probably aren't going to be very good at first and that's okay. You may even be nervous and that's also okay. Work through that, continue making the calls and the nervousness will leave. The good news is that this 4 step approach will work even if you are nervous and bad; if you use it exactly as it is in this article.

So, here are the 4 steps with the exact words to use for best results:

1. Be in a hurry

"John, I don't have much time . . .

2. Confirm a time

"What are you doing at (time) on (day)?"

3. Create interest

"I've got something you've got to see, be by your computer and I'll call you at (time) on (day)."

4. Confirm the appointment

"Okay, I'll give you a call at (time) on (day). You've got that in your calendar, right? Make sure you're by your computer. Talk with you then."

Tips for the call:

If the prospect asks any questions, just let them know that you don't have time right then, but will answer all their questions when you call.

If they are not available at the time you've requested, move on. Here is what you say:

"No problem. I've got to run. I'll give you a call (later in the week or next week)."

This leaves them in suspense and curious, which is exactly where you want them. Never, never, never give them a second possible time.

Also, do not change the wording or the order. This is a proven method for inviting. If you change it, you change the results.

In the example above, when you call for appointment, you would show them an internet presentation or run through your web site. However, you could also use this to invite them to a webinar or teleconference.

This is a highly effective method for inviting people to look at your business. Each call should only take about 60 seconds, so in 10 minutes a day you could start the process with 10 new prospects. If you direct them into a solid business presentation and do a good job of follow-up, you should sponsor between 1 and 3 of those. If you did that every day (5 days a week) for a month, you would sponsor between 20 and 60 new people into your business. Imagine what would happen if you continued on and taught all of them to do the same thing. You would end up with a huge and prosperous business.

So, get started today and invest your 10 minutes toward the success of your business.

Troy Dooly on the Efusjon Lawsuit

4 Fuels for Your Network Marketing Rocket

As with any rocket, you need to give your network marketing business fuel. There are four fuels that will take to to the stars:

1. Purpose and Goals - the highest octane fuel is your purpose. It's the "why" for your business. First you must figure out why you are in network marketing, then you can determine the goals necessary to achieve your purpose. Your purpose will keep you going when the times get tough and the goals will keep you on track.

2. Faith - if you have done a good job of selecting the right company, then your belief should be strong and will grow over time. In the meantime, have faith that things are going to work out. You must eliminate any non-belief. Have faith in your company, products, upline, and most of all yourself. Faith will help you keep going when the naysayers start telling you that this won't work.

3. Education/Knowledge - if you want to achieve big success in network marketing, you must become a master network marketer. This requires you to read everything you can get a hold of - books, publications, newsletters, online forums and newsgroups, etc. Attend seminars put on by your company and those that are generic. Listen to tapes about your company, products and network marketing in general. Find a mentor within your company - someone who has already achieved a high level of success and is willing to work with you. The greater your knowledge and understanding of how to use that knowledge, the greater your success will be.

4. Action - this is where you put all the fuels together to produce an explosion. This is also the most important phase, as it's the one that will make you money. From your goals, set daily activities. Push yourself beyond your usual level of activity. Remember that all you have to do is build for 2 to 5 years and if you do it right, you'll never have to work again. Action is what ignites the fuels. You can have all the other's, but if you don't launch into action, nothing will happen. Do something every day to build your business and if you want massive results, you need massive action.

If you have found the right company, it's your rocket. Now you have the four necessary fuels. Now it's time to fuel your rocket and blastoff!

Can You Handle the Yoli Truth?

Even our Orange Juice Isn't Healthy or Safe!

Yoli Launched on the 6th

Yoli pre-launched on the 6th with over $1 million dollars in sales on day one. To my knowledge that's the biggest network marketing launch to date. They also launched with over 5,000 distributors and are anticipating that number doubling by the end fo the year. The official launch will occur on January 22-24 2010 in Las Vegas where the company will announce a new product and upcoming plans promotion and expansion.

Shift Into A.C.T.I.O.N.

Those who have built large networks don't just sit around waiting for it to happen. They also don't make up excuses for why it's not working - not enough time, no one is interested, don't know enough people, not a salesperson, not the right kind of person, etc. No, the leaders leave the excuses behind and shift into A.C.T.I.O.N.

A = ATTITUDE

Achievers all seem to have a common "can do" attitude. There is no question in their mind that this is going to work. It's just a matter of time and effort. They are positive and upbeat.

It's often difficult to tell whether they are having a good or bad day, because their attitude is always the same. What's your attitude like? This is the first step to shifting into action. Adjust your attitude and then move on.

C = Clarity

Achievers start with the end clearly in their mind. They have a clear vision of what their life is going to look like after all is said and done. They see their life in minute detail, with all the emotions included. When life is not going well for them, they just pull up their vision and revel in it until any negative feelings are gone. Do you have a clear vision of what your life is going to be like after you build a large and lucrative network? If not, then create your own vision.

It's like making a movie in your mind. You're the producer, director, editor, and the star of the show. You and only you decide what goes into your movie, so make it really good!

T = TIME

Once an achiever has a clear vision, they begin to use their time efficiently. Based on the vision, they set goals, objectives (steps to the goals), and daily activities. Then they figure out how to work these daily activities into their busy schedules by commiting a certain amount of time each week. They know how to prioritize effectively. They are working on A priorities (prospecting, presentations, sponsoring, training, supporting) most of the time. They typically can accomplish twice as much in the same amount of time as the average person who is not a good time planner. How are you using your time? Have you commited a minimum amount of time to your business each week?

Are you working on A priorities most of the time? If not, you better become a better time planner.

I = INITIATIVE

Achievers don't sit around wondering what to do or making excuses for why things can't be done that day. They have a vision and a plan of action, so each day they know exactly what they are going to do and they do it. You won't find achievers sleeping in.

They are typically up early reading and planning. They are constantly learning, so they can become better networkers. They attend seminars and all company functions. They get involved in Toastmasters, so they can become a better communicator. Are you up early each day, giving yourself extra hours to work your business or become a better networker? Do you know what you are going to do every day and get right to it, so you can gain the greatest benefit? If you want to be successful in network marketing or any type of business, you need to have a strong initiative.

O = ORGANIZE

Achievers are organized. They have systems for keeping track of information, prospects, and distributors. They don't have to spend hours looking for something important, thus they can use that time to build their business. Do you have systems in place to keep track of important company memos, testimonials, training information, prospects, distributors, etc? If not, talk with an upline leader and have them help you develop those systems.

N = NAVIGATE

The waters tend to get rough at times. Achievers have their sights on a goal. Because they never take their eyes away, they can navigate through the rough waters. Because they have a great attitude and a clear vision, even the huge waves of diversity will not disuade them from their path. Because of their constant dedication to their trade, they know how to build an effective business. Are you properly prepared to navigate through the rough waters? If not, you better get prepared because they are just around the bend.

Many people say they want the time freedom and financial security that network marketing, but most aren't willing to do what is necessary to make those dreams come true.

Want to be an achiever? Shift into A.C.T.I.O.N.

Motivating Your Downline

Do you have people in your downline who have the potential, but they aren't doing anything?

Unless you have no one in your downline, the answer is YES! This has been a long time struggle in network marketing. All of us face this problem on a daily basis. So, how do we motivate these people?

First, you can't motivate anyone through words alone. You can get them excited, but only they can motivate themselves. They must have a good reason or purpose for their business, then be willing to go out an do whatever is necessary to accomplish that purpose.

Second, people are not all motivated in the same way. Some get very excited about the big money potential in network marketing. Others like the idea of earning an extra couple hundred dollars a month. Many are looking for more time freedom and less stress. It is important to find out what your distributors want, so you can provide them with the most appropriate stimulation.

Here are some ideas for motivating your downline:

1. Within 48 hours of the time the sign up, help them develop a solid purpose, set of goals based on that purpose, and a schedule of activities for the first 30 days. This will give them direction and kick them into action immediately.

2. Provide a proven marketing system that anyone can do. One that has worked well for me is to help your new distributors make up a list of 30 people. Mail or e-mail an information packet to the first 10 and then do 3-way follow-up calls. This gives your new distributors the opportunity to learn by listening to an upline leader and also the chance that some of these people might be interested in either the products/services or business.

3. Keep them active by providing marketing programs such as e-mail marketing, advertising, post card mailings, telemarketing, conference calls, webinars, lead programs, etc. On-going marketing keeps them actively prospecting and then provides a program they can pass on to their new distributors to keep them active.

4. Prepare them for battle - let them know that there will be tough times and mean people. Family members and friends will be rude to them at times, because they don't understand the business. Prepare them for the down times. Building a network marketing business (like any other business) is like a roller coaster - there will be highs and lows. Let them know that when they are excited and up, they should call their downline and spread that enthusiasm. When they are depressed and down,they should call their upline for empathy.

5. Recognition is one of the best motivators.

Constantly recognize your distributors for what they are doing. If they make their first contact, let them know what an AWESOME job they are doing. When they make their first retail sale or recruit their first person, announce it to the world. As they achieve higher levels, give them the recognition they deserve.

6. Stay in touch with them regularly. In the beginning, when you only have a couple distributors, this is easy. As your network grows, it becomes more difficult. Contact your new distributors daily for the first 30 days (whenever possible). Others, you should contact at least once a month.

Some great ways to leverage your time are the use of e-mail and voice mail broadcast. Each allows you to reach groups of distributors with exciting new information, without a tremendous time or financial investment.

The key to motivating your downline is to show them you care about them. Stay focused on their purpose and goals. Work with them regularly to achieve those goals and you will achieve yours too!

I Hate to Sell

Have you ever heard this from a prospect? Maybe you've even said it yourself. It's funny that I've been in professional selling for 20 years and I still hate to sell.

Why do we all hate to sell so much?

I believe it has to do with our perceptions of selling. Most of us think of salespeople as pushy - selling people things they don't want or need. Who would feel good about doing that? Yet, sales is one of our most important occupations. Think of how difficult it would be for the surgeon to perform lifesaving surgery without instruments, pharmaceuticals, gowns, masks, and medical equipment.
Salespeople sold all of those things to the Dr., clinic or hospital.

Selling is nothing more that finding a need and filling it. You already know what needs your products/services fulfill, so your job is to ask questions and find people who have those needs.

Selling is sharing. If you believe in your products/services, you will want to tell everyone about them. You will share your success stories and those of other distributors and customers. No, not everyone is going to buy. Even though they need what you have, they may still say no. That's ok.

I would love to tell you that you can succeed in network marketing without selling. That the products sell themselves, but frankly my products have never jumped off the shelf and convinced a prospect of their value. You will need to sell people on the value of your products and opportunity. So, how do you learn to sell.

Well, actually we are all very natural salespeople. Think about the last time you really wanted to go to your favorite restaurant and your spouse or a friend wanted to go somewhere else. What did you do to convince him or her? You sold the benefits of the restaurant: the great environment, service and food, how much fun it would be, how excellent the food tastes, and so on.

There are many good books and tapes on selling. My favorite book is How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins.

Also, check your local paper and the internet for seminars on selling. If you have a community college in your town, they may also have classes on sales that you can take in the evening.

The key to sales is to find a need, explain the benefits of the products and how they will help your prospect fill his or her need. If you have built some solid trust and have successfully shown the benefits, the prospect will probably buy. If he or she doesn't, find out why. If they are still misinformed, find printed information that will educate them and ask them to try your products again. If they still don't buy, keep good records and contact them periodically with new information. Don't hassle them, educate them. Very soon you will have a good customer who will most likely turn into your best distributor.

Selling makes the world go round and makes your network marketing business grow.

The Importance of 3-Way Calls

In my 30+ years of network marketing, I've had the opportunity to work with and interview hundreds of the industries top money earners. They have all built their businesses at different paces and using different methods. However, the one thing I heard consistently was the importance of 3-way calls.

I know from experience that many new and even older (in time with the company) distributors are not doing 3-way calls. In a recent meeting of approximately 50 distributors, I asked how many were doing weekly 3-way calls with upline or downline and only one person put up his hand. I also know from talking with other leaders that their downline is not doing enough 3-way calls.

If the 3-way call is so important, why don't more distributors do them? I believe it is because they are afraid the prospect will feel "ganged up on" and will be offended. Since many of these calls are to friends and family members, this feeling overides the potential for success. The distributor would rather have the call fail, than to do a 3-way call with the upline.

Personally, I think that distributors are getting the wrong impression about 3-way calls, because we (upline) are not explaining the methodology and benefits properly. So, here goes.

First, let's talk about the best way to make a 3-way call. Now, for my disclaimer. I am not saying that this is the absolute best and only way to make a 3-way call. If your upline has a standard way of doing calls, than that's the way to go. If not, give this a try:

If you are making 3-way calls with your upline, the reason you have your upline on the phone is not to hammer on the prospect or as the heavy closer, but rather so between the two of you the prospect can get all of his/her questions answered. Also, so that your company can be presented in the best possible way and your prospect can make an educated decision.

Here's how the call might go:

The distributor calls upline and discusses the call prior to the appointed time. Distributor puts upline on hold by depressing the "flash" key or the "hook"

button (where the handset hangs up). The distributor should get a couple quick tones and then a regular dial tone, at which point he/she can dial the prospects number.

When it starts ringing, press the flash key or hook button again to re-connect the upline. Here is the dialog when the prospect answers:

Distributor: John, hi this is Rod. I'm calling to follow-up on that information that I (sent/dropped off to) you. I have on the phone with me one of my business partners (upline's name), who is here because I am relatively new and I thought you would have some great questions that I couldn't answer. John this is (upline).

At this point the upline will take over the call and your job is to listen, take notes, and learn. Here is what the upline might say:

Upline: Hi John. How are you this evening? Are we catching you at a good time? Great! We appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. First I want you to know that I am strictly here to answer questions, fill in the gaps, and help provide the information you need to make a good decision. This is a very important decision and our job is to provide you with sufficient information to make an educated decision. The one favor I need to ask you is that you not say yes or no until you have received enough information to thoroughly research this business and make a good decision. Will you do that for us? Thanks! Now, did you get some time to review the information that Bob sent you?

From here the upline is going to handle the call as he/she feels fit, but it will be a very comfortable call for all involved.

Now, if you are doing the calls with your downline, you should follow the script for the upline, which will help make them more comfortable with the calls.

We recommend that every new distributor do at least 30 3-way calls before they start talking with people on their own or doing 3-ways with their downline. After 30 calls the distributor will have heard all the main objections and questions, plus the answers. The best way to do these 30 calls is to have the upline do all of the call on the first 10. During the second 10, the distributor should do the first part of the call with the upline handling objections or answering questions. The new distributor should do all of the calls on the third 10 with the upline on for back-up.

Following you will find examples of how the 2nd and 3rd sets of calls might go.

2nd Set of 3-Way Calls:

Distributor: John, hi this is Rod. I'm calling to follow-up on that information that I (sent/dropped off to) you. I have on the phone with me one of my business partners (upline's name), who is here because I am relatively new and I thought you would have some great questions that I couldn't answer. John this is (upline). (upline and prospect say hi, then continue) John, did you receive the information we sent? (If yes, continue) That's great and did you get a chance to review it? (If no, set a time to call again) (If yes, continue) Excellent! What did you (see/hear) that you liked? What did you find most interesting?

What questions can we answer? (upline will now help with answers)

3rd Set of 3-Way Calls:

Use the same script as in the 2nd set, except that the distributor will answer questions and call in the upline only when he/she gets stuck.

3-way calls are not only effective for quick and efficient sponsoring, but it is also a great training tool. A new distributor will learn much more by listening in on some calls then by you telling them what to do.

Now for the benefits of 3-way calls:

• Distributor - fewer negative calls, better closing ratios, build network quicker.
• Upline - opportunity to train, help new distributor get checks quicker, build own network.
• Prospect - opportunity to hear different perspectives on the business, get all questions answered, make a good decision.

3-way calls are a win-win-win opportunity and a critical part of every success story in network marketing!

Dealing with Different People Differently

Have you ever had one of those presentations where you really hit it off with a prospect? It was like the two of you had known each other for twenty years. Then, in the same day you talk with a prospect and no matter what you say or do, you can't seem to make any progress.

Sound familiar? This is a common problem for network marketers. The reason for this is that every person has their own personality.

There are four distinct personalities, so if you are dealing with all people the same way, then you are only handling a quarter of the people correctly. No person is ever totally one personality. We are all mixtures, but you will discover that people operate primarily in one of the four types. Here are the four personality types you will encounter and the associated characteristics:

Analytical & Amiable:

Ask a lot of questions; speak softly; move slowly; very little eye contact; will lean back in chair; no hand gestures; patient; cooperative; calm.

Driver & Expressive:

Tells you things; speaks loudly; fast movements; direct eye contact; lean toward you; animated hand gestures; impatient; competitive; excitable; enthusiastic; outwardly; positive.

As you meet prospects, try to determine their personality type. Take notes and compare them to the characteristics listed in this section. The more you study personalities and the better you understand how to recognize them, the better you will do in business and in life. Next, you will want to know how to best handle each personality type.

Analytical:

Let them feel they are right; give them facts first; stress the rational and logical facts; observe time constraints; compliment them regularly; give quick, precise answers.

Driver:

Dress professionally; get right to the point; do not waste time; stress results; ask questions that force attention; change voice inflection to maintain interest; put everything in writing; let them feel they are in control; give them choices.

Amiable:

Be friendly and build rapport quickly; talk emotionally; don't pressure them; take your time; reassure them regularly; allow them to include others in decisions; give them one positive choice; help them justify their decision.

Expressive:

Present the "big picture"; talk emotionally; recognize them as being important; put details in writing and explain carefully; reassure them regularly.

Recognizing the different personality types and being capable of working with them at their level will make prospecting more fun and you will recruit more people with less effort.

Ten Keys to Success in Network Marketing

A high percentage of people fail to make a full-time income in network marketing, because they either don't know what to do or aren't willing to do what is necessary to achieve success. In this article, I'm going to eliminate the excuse of not knowing. Here are ten keys to achieving high success in network marketing:

1. Purpose - you must have a strong "why" for this business, otherwise the negativity from the dreamstealers (those people in your life who will try to save you from the pyramid scam). Are you interested in more time freedom? Extra money every month? Helping other people improve their lives? Financial freedom? A strong purpose will keep you focused and ensure your success in network marketing and all aspects of your life.

2. Goals - you must have written steps that will help you achieve your purpose. Set written goals for the next 5 years, 1 year, monthly, daily. Set goals for # of new contacts, # of retail customers, # of distributors, income, pin levels, etc. Make sure these goals are written. Read them daily.

3. Plan - you must have a written plan for achieving your goals. The great eastern philosopher, Yogi Berra, once said, "if you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up some place else." In other words, if you don't have a written plan to achieve your goals, you won't!

4. Belief - you must believe in network marketing, your company, the products, the compensation plan, the leadership, the marketing programs, your upline, and yourself. The stronger your belief, the greater your commitment.

5. Commitment - you must be committed to your company for life! Not, "I'll give this a try for 6 months and see how it works." I can guarantee you will fail! You must know that this is the best company, with the best products. You must believe that this opportunity is perfect for yourself and for others. If this is not the case, find another company where it is.

6. Positive Attitude - bad things will happen. The media will cover our industry, and your company negatively at times. Prospects will tell you you're crazy for being a part of one of those pyramid schemes. Even your family will think your nuts! Keep in mind that they are ignorant of the facts. You have the facts! This is a great industry.

It will revolutionize the way products and services are distributed throughout the world. You are a part of the greatest industry in the world and the greatest company in that industry. Be positive about the company, industry, products, upline, downline, etc. It's up to you to spread positive and hope everywhere you go.

7. Lead by Example - people will do what you do, not what you say to do. They will look to you to lead by example.

If things aren't going well, ask yourself this question, "how happy would I be if all my downline worked like me?"

Are you doing what's necessary to be successful? If you aren't, you can't expect your downline to. Keep prospecting and recruiting people. Give your downline leads and placements. Use the company training system and promote it's use to your downline. If you do the right things every day, your downline will do the right things every day, and good things will result.

8. Love People - in our harried world we forget to love people. I'm not talking about romantic love, but rather caring love. Love your sponsor for introducing you to this great company. Love your upline for helping you. Love your downline for committing to you. Love the company for providing these fantastic products and incredible financial opportunity.

Love your prospects, even those who are mean and nasty. In fact love them even more, because they probably need it more.

If you love people, they will love you back. Wow! What a feeling. It turns this from a business into a big loving family full of members who are willing to do anything for you.

9. Daily Action - this is a business, not a hobby. If you invested a half million dollars in a McDonalds franchise would you work it in your spare time - when you didn't have anything else to do - when there weren't any good T.V. shows on? Of course not. You'd be working 15 hours a day to get your money back. You probably didn't invest much to get into your business, but the commitment level should be the same, because the long-term benefits are much greater in network marketing than with McDonalds.

Work your business every day. Plan time into your daily schedule to prospect, contact, follow-up, work with your downline, conduct training meetings for your downline, conduct business briefings, work online, and study. Daily activity will produce daily results, which build into monthly results, which build into yearly results.

Do you know that if you made up a list of everyone you have ever known and started to contact them, you would recruit at least 10% of them without trying very hard. If you become proficient, you would probably close 30% or better. Just think, if you contacted one person every day, 7 days a week, you would contact 365 people each year. At a 10% close ratio you would have 36 new distributors every year. If they also duplicated, you would add another 1296 the second year, 46,656 the third year and so on. That is the power of 1 contact each day.

Plan it into your schedule to call or see one new prospect every day (and I mean every day, not just when you have a spare moment!) and commit to doing that for the next month. You'll be amazed at the results! Then teach your downline to do the same thing.

10. Cultivate leaders - find natural leaders in the warm and cold markets. Find leaders in your current networks. You will need to find and cultivate at least 3 leaders in each leg in order to secure them. A group of strong leaders under each leg will enable you to have more independence and eventually result in true walk-away income.

Network marketing is a great business. You have chosen a great company. You are a great person. Follow these 10 steps to further greatness!

Sixty-Four $100 Million Dollar Companies

The Direct Selling News just posted a list of sixty-four network marketing/direct sales companies that have annual revenues of $100 million or more. So, if there was ever a question in your mind about whether network marketing works or if it's a legal or ethical business, take a look at this list of successful companies. Particularly note how long some of these have been around. Here is the list from lowest to highest:

64. Southern Living at Home. $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue.
Founded in 2001, this company provides books, garden accessories and home decor. The company markets in the USA using a party plan style of marketing and a multi-level style compensation plan.

63. Golden Neo-Life Diamite (GNLD) International. $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1958, this company provides gourmet food items, nutritional supplements, health/wellness products.

62. Yanbal International. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1967, the Peruvian company markets personal care products, cosmetics, and jewelry thru Party Plan marketing and a single level comp plan.

61. Xango. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2002, this Utah-based company markets nutritional supplements and skin care products thru person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

60. Pampered Chef. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1980, this Illinois baed company markets kitchenware and cookware for cooking and entertaining thru party plans and a multi-level comp plan.

59. Neways. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this Utah based company markets cosmetics, aromatherapy and nutritional products thru a multi-level comp plan.

58. FreeLife International. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1995, this Arizona based company markets nutrional supplements, personal-care and weight management products using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

57. Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing (FHTM). More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2001, this company markets health and beauty products, services and communications using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

56. Agel. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2005, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements via person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

55. Scentsy. $103 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2004, this Idaho based company markets wickless candles, ceramic warmers and fragrance products via party plan and a multi-level comp plan.

54. Keller Williams Realty. $107 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1983, this Texas based company markets real estate via person to person and franchises using a multi-level comp plan.

53. Chandeal. $125 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. This Japan based company markets ligerie.

52. Arsoa Honsha. $132 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1998, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements.

51. PM-International. $134 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1993, this Germany based company markets nutritional supplements and wellness products via party plan and person to person using a multi-level comp plan.

50. BearCere’Ju. $140 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this Japan company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements .

49. Tastefully Simple. $144 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1995, this Minnesota company marketings specialty food items using party plan and multi-level comp plan.

48. The Longaberger Company. $150 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1973, this Ohio based company provides handmade baskets, jewelry and home decor using party plan and multi-level comp plan.

47. Jewels by Park Lane. $150 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1955, this Illinois based company provides jewelry using party plan and person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

46. YTB International. $162.5 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2001, this Illinois based company markets travel services using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

45. Summit International. $180 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1985, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements.

44. Telecom Plus. $186.5 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in1998, this United Kingdom based company provides telephone, internet, electricity and gas services using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

43. Ambit Energy. $197 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2006, this Texas based company provides electricity and natural gas using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

42. CUTCO/Vector Marketing. $197 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1949, this New York based company provides cutlery and kitchen ware using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

41. Stampin’ Up! $200 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1988, this Utah based company provides scrapbooking products using party plan marketing and multi-level comp plan.

40. Nikken Global. $200 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1975, this California based company markets nutritional supplements, air and water products and therapeutic jewelry products using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

39. Team National. $210 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1997, this Florida based company markets memberships packages that include services, home furnishings, jewelry, nutritional supplements and more using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

38. Diana. $239 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1986, this Japan based company markets lingerie and nutritional supplements.

37. Isagenix International. $245 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2002, this Arizona based company markets nutritional cleansing, skincare and weight management products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

36. ERINA. $250 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1970, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements.
35. Tiens/Tianshi. $275 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1990, this China based company markets wellness and dietary products using person to person and retail marketing.

34. Market America. $282 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this North Carolina company markets personal-care, pet-care and auto-care products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

33. K.K.ASSURAN. $289 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1994, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and personal care products.

32. KOYO-SYA. $290 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1975, this Japan based company markets nutritional, cosmetic and personal-care produacts.

31. Aerus. $300 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1924 as Electrolux, this Texas based company markets vacuum cleaners, nutritional supplements and electronic equipment using a single-level hybrid and multi-level comp plan.

30. FORDAYS. $320 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1999, this Japan based company markets nutrition and cosmetics.

29. Naturally Plus. $330 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1999, this Japan based company markets nutrition and personal care products.

28. Mannatech. $332.7 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1994, this Texas based company markets dietary supplements, weight/fitness products and skin care using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

27. Expert Alliance. $360.2 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1997, this Japan based company markets mutual aid services/road service.

26. Nature’s Sunshine. $381.3 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1972, this Utah based company provides nutritional supplements, weight management, aromatherapy, water purification and cookware products using personal to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

25. Usana. $429 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements, personal care, energy and weight management products via person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

24. Tahitian Noni. $450 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1996, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements, juices, skincare and hair care products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

23. Arbonne International. $450 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1980, this California based company markets aromatherapy, cosmetics, nutritional supplements and skin care products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

22. Charle Corporation. $463.6 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1993, this Japan based company markets lingerie and cosmetics.

21. Pre-Paid Legal Services. $464.5 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1972, this Oklahoma based company markets legal consultation services using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

20. Shaklee. $500 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1956, this California based company markets air filter systems, household cleaners, nutritional supplements, water treatment, skincare and weight management products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

19. ACN. More than $500 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1993, this North Carolina based company markets telecommunication, satellite TV and home security systems using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

18. Noevir Co. $586.7 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1964, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements.

17. Partylite. $650 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1973, this Massachusetts based company markets candles, home accents, personal care and food products using party plan marketing and multi-level comp plan.

16. Omnilife Manfactura. $750 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this Mexico based company markets nutritional supplements, weight management, beauty products, beverages and cosmetics using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

15. Belcorp. More than $750 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1949, this Peru based company markets cosmetics and skincare products using person to person marketing and mult-level comp plan.

14. Ignite. $825 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2004, this Texas based company markets electricity and natural gas using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

13. MonaVie. $854.9 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2005, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements and functional beverages using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

12. Melaleuca. $887 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1985, this Idaho based company markets personal care products, cosmetics, household cleaning products and vitamins using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

11. Nu Skin. $1.2 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1984, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements, personal-care and technology products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

10. Forever Living. $1.7 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1978, this Arizona based company markets nutritional supplements, skincare, cosmetics and weight loss products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

9. Oriflame. $1.9 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1967, this Sweden based company markets beauty products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

8. Natura Cosmeticos. $1.9 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1969, this Brazil based company markets cosmetics, personal care and fragrance products using person to person marketing.

7. Tupperware. $2.2 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1946, this Florida based company markets storage and serving products, beauty and personal care products using party plan and person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

6. Primerica Financial Services. $2.2 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1977, this Georgia based company markets financial services using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

5. Herbalife. $2.4 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1980, this California based company markets nutritional supplements, wellness, personal care, skincare and weight management products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

4. Mary Kay. $2.6 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1963, this Texas based company markets skincare and color cosmetics using party plan and person to person marketing and multi-level and single level comp plan.

3. Vorwerk (JAFRA). $3.4 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1883, this Germany based company markets cosmetics and home appliance products using using party plan and person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

2. Alticor (Amway). $8.2 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1959, this Michigan based company markets health/fitness/wellness products, home technology, home care, nutritional supplements and personal care products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

1. Avon. $10.7 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1886, this New York based company markets beauty products, jewelry and apparel using person to person marketing and multi-level and single level comp plan.

The Big Hairy Arm

Let's say you loved to plant and grow beautiful flowers.

You separated a part of your backyard and through many hours of hard work, prepared it for your flower garden. You then carefully planted rows of different flowers. Over the next couple months you spent time every day in your garden, watering, fertilizing, and weeding.

Finally, one day the first fruits of your labor, a sprout. Then another and another. Soon, you have a beautiful flower garden. You love them all, but there is one particular flower that is unique. You have never seen anything like it. Your special flower. So, you pay extra special attention to that flower. One day, you are gazing out your window, admiring your special flower, when suddenly a big, ugly, hairy arm reaches through the fence and rips your special flower out by the roots. To your shock, your special flower is gone, leaving only a hole.

So, what does this have to do with network marketing?

It illustrates what happens in peoples lives every day.

You see, we all have people in our lives that we are afraid to contact. We think that they won't be interested - they are too busy, make too much money, or wouldn't be interested in "this type of business." Those people are represented by the special flower in the story above. Those people may turn out to be very special distributors, but if you don't make contact with them, the big, ugly, hairy arm will come in a rip them out of your network marketing life. The big, hairy arm represents a distributor from another company or even a distributor from your own company.

Now let me tell you a true story. Many years ago, I was just getting started building a network with a very prominent company. I had made up my list and was actively contacting them. Then I arrived at a particular name. This person owned 7 Domino's franchises and was pretty well to do. I was consulting for him and we had become casual friends. We also had a high level of respect for each other.

I kept looking at his name and thinking, he's not going to be interested - he's too busy, makes too much money and wouldn't be interested in "this type of business." Then one day I saw him at the athletic club. He told me that we needed to meet to go over something new. I thought it was a new marketing project, but was shocked to find out that he had sold all 7 of his franchises to do network marketing full-time!!! He was furious with me that I had not told him about my network marketing business, as he would have joined me instead. I've kicked myself ever since! But I did learn a lesson that contributed to my tremendous success in network marketing - never make the decision for someone else!

Now, you can learn from the big, hairy arm story, and from my experience. Don't preclude people. Contact everyone. Even if you don't think they will be interested, let them make that choice. You don't know who will and who won't. You definitely don't want to find out that your brother or sister are in another network marketing company or worse yet, that they are in your company, but under someone else. So, tell everyone about your business and then let them decide if they are interested or not.

How to Convert Leads in a Funded Business Proposal

The whole idea of a funded business system is to generate leads for your network marketing business. Each person who fills out the contact information on your capture page is a potential lead. In the following training, you will learn how to contact, qualify, and convert those people.

Those who complete your contact form will fall into three categories:

1. Looking for a network marketing business.
2. Already with a network marketing company, but not happy.
3. Already with a network marketing company and happy.

Categories 1 and 2 are great prospects for your network marketing company right now. Category 3 may take some time, but odds are that if you do a good job of relationship building, they will join you within a year.

Here are some methods of approaching these people and building relationships.

Phone:

When a person fills out the contact form on your capture page, you will receive it by e-mail. The information includes their name, e-mail address, and phone number. The best way to begin the lead conversion process is to call them.

When you call, introduce yourself, remind them of the site they visited, and find out if they are already in a network marketing company or not. If they are, find out if they’re completely happy. If they are looking for not happy with their current company, you’ve got a prospect for your network marketing business. Ask if you can provide information and then do a good job of following-up (see below).

Make sure that you take good notes during the phone calls, so that as you follow-up, you can show them how much you care, by remembering things about their lives. People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care about them. Remembering details shows them that you are paying attention and care.

E-Mail:

If you are either not comfortable on the phone or you don’t have the time to do it, you can follow-up by e-mail, however you drop the odds of success quite a few percentages this way. E-mails have a way of disappearing or being filtered and it’s much easier to ignore an e-mail than a person on the phone. So, if you are serious about success in network marketing, you should work through the fear of the telephone or re-arrange your schedule so you have dedicated phone time for your business. However, if you’re not ready to do either of those, here are some ideas for creating an e-mail message.

First, keep the message short. Mention the site they visited and then ask if they are looking for a network marketing company or already with one. Don’t try to sell them on anything in this message. If they don’t respond, e-mail them again. I e-mail 3 times without response before I move on.

Follow-Up:

Ineffective follow-up is one of the primary reasons why people don’t succeed in network marketing. Quite often you will have a prospect who seems interested, so you provide them with some information, but they don’t return your calls or e-mails, so you assume that they aren’t interested. In most cases that is a bad assumption, because in most cases, when you speak with them, they’ll show a high level of interest. So, the key is effective follow-up.

You will have over a third of the people who fill out your contact form who will already be with a company, so this step is critical in bringing them into your company sometime in the near future.

You can purchase database software like ACT! or you can develop something in Excel or use the contact management portion of Outlook, or you can use a professionally designed system like Oprius. Which is my preference. Click HERE for information and a free trial.

However you do it is fine, but make sure you have an effective database in which you can store pertinent information about prospects and then easily find that information at a later date. It’s great if the system also reminds you to follow-up.

Once you have a database, the next step is to develop a series of e-mails that you either manually send or use an autoresponder service like Get Response. You’ll want to mix some phone calls in with the e-mails, with the purpose of building relationship. In your e-mails and calls you can recommend free (and paid) resources, social networks, articles, blogs, etc. This will help you show that you care about the person and not just getting them into your business (even though that is also your intention). People will join you because they trust and respect you. Also, because you can offer them a marketing system that will help them build a successful business.

If you do a good job with all of this, you’ll add new people to your network marketing business every month.

*Note: If you don't have a funded business proposal system, I highly recommend Magnetic Sponsoring.

F.O.R.M Your Network Marketing Success

Most network marketers talk too much and don't listen enough, which is why so many don't succeed. Here is a proven method that will produce great success in both the warm and cold markets. The key is to ask questions about areas of life using the acronym FORM (easy to remember):

The "F" is for Family. Ask your prospect about his/her family. Talk about the kids. Discuss family goals. Ask about time with the family. Talk about vacations, their home, vehicles, college, etc. Anything negative indicates a pain area.

The "O" is for Occupation. Ask about their job or business - downsizing, merger, buyout, new boss, business down, long term viability, pay? Any negative comments indicates a possible pain area.

The "R" is for Recreation. Ask about vacations, hobbies, golf, boating, bowling, etc. If your prospect complains about lack of vacation time at work, lack of money to take a vacation or lack of time to really enjoy any outside activities, then you've got a good hot button.

The "M" is for Money. Talk about the insecurity of the economy and social security. Ask what they are doing to prepare for future retirement - investments. If they complain about not enough money or concern over their ability to retire some day, then you have a pain area.

By asking questions, you uncover needs and wants. Once you have uncovered your prospect's pain areas, you can then present information about your company, products and opportunity that will eliminate the pain. You will be amazed at how receptive they will be to what you have to say when you are delivering a solution rather than a sales pitch.

Very Interesting New Video

How to Spot a Scam Before it Get's You!

Better Networker

If you are a serious network marketer, then you need to know about the #1 Social Community for Network Marketers. It's called BetterNetworker and it was created by internet marketing genius and founder of Magnetic Sponsoring, Mike Dillard.

This is like Facebook, but instead of just a bunch of people telling you about washing their cat or painting their nails, you're hearing from top home business people on how to build a home based network marketing business. I'm one of many instructors who are placing valuable articles on there and the best part is it's FREE!!! Plus, you can generate some great business for your own home based network marketing business.

Although content changes quickly, here are a few article titles on the site right now:

Is Network Marketing/MLM for you?
The Wizard of Oz in Network Marketing
Yoli is the Real Deal
MLM Duplication Methods. . .an easy approach to downline building
Better Business Bureau Investigates iJango
How to Spot an MLM Scam Before you Put Your Heart into It
Sponsor More with this "Jedi Mind Trick"

Here are some great discussions that are active on BetterNetworker:

How do you Recognize a Scam?
How to Market in a Tired Market
Debate MLM: Services vs Vitamins vs Home Products

You can get involved in any of these discussions or post your own!!!

Go to BetterNetworker.com and set up your profile, start reading the thousands of articles, write some of your own and establish yourself as an authority, and get involved in some discussions.

Acid Water and Diabetes

Study Shows Type 1 Diabetes Can Be Caused by Acidic Water

Researchers in Norway condusted a study that examined households with 64 cases of Type 1 Diabetes and 250 randomly selected control subjects. Tap water with pH in the range of 6.2 to 6.9 was associated with a fourfold higher risk of Type 1 Diabetes compared with water with a pH in the range of 7.7 and higher. The conclusion that the results suggested is the poosibility that the quality of dirnking water influences the risk of Type 1 Diabetes.

The study also concluded that even though the possible mechanisms by which water acididty or mineral content may be involved in the etiology of Type 1 Diabetes remain unknown, the mechanisms are most likely indirect and may invole an influence on survival of microorganisms in the water.

Source: Diabetes Care 25:1534-1538, 2002 American Diabetes Association

To learn more about the benefits of alkalyzed water, go to http://www.phsciences.com. This company produces an alkalyzer called Alka-Plex(R) that raises the pH level of water. This ingredigent will also be in a new nutritional water line from a new network marketing company called Yoli. You can learn more about Yoli by clicking HERE.

Wizard of Oz in Network Marketing

Having been in the network marketing industry since 1979, I've seen thousands of companies come and go. Some of them hit it big and others fizzle after just a few months to a few years. During that time I've learned some red flags to watch out for and also some keys to look for in a company that is going to succeed and I'll cover those a little later in this article.

Unfortunately the industry is filled with what I call Wizard of Oz companies. If you remember in the movie, Dorothy, Toto and the crew arrive at the Emerald Palace and they are going to finally get in to see the Wizard. However, they are met with fire, smoke, and a big scary face with a booming voice. That is until little Toto pulls the curtain away from the man running the machine. The voice says, "don't mind that man behind the curtain" and that's the way so many network marketing companies are. They are exciting looking on the outside, but don't want you pulling the curtain to see what's really going on.

You can quickly recognize these Wizard of Oz companies as they've got big name business people (from other industries) or athletes out front, there's lot's of hype about making big money without having to work very hard, there's glitz and glitter and smoke and mirrors, but if you invest the time to check out the company from the inside out, you'll find there isn't any substance. There's nothing but a little bitty man behind the curtain.

The difficult part for me is watching so many people get sucked into these companies only to be disappointed and then conclude that network marketing doesn't work. I've done this for 30 years and I've seen tens of thousands of people, from all walks of life, succeed in network marketing. It works and it can work for you. The first and possibly most important key is to find the right company for YOU.

Here are some red flags to watch out for and some keys to identifying a solid company that has long-term potential:

Red Flag #1: Big Name People

If the company is flaunting big name business people, millionaires/billionaires, TV pitchmen, or top athletes, then beware. It's okay to have these people giving testimonials (if they are involved with the company or using the product/service), however many of them are paid spokespeople who couldn't care less about the company, product, or your success, as long as they get paid. I've seen many a network marketing that was using the familiarity of a big name to bring people to their company and it works. The problem is that they typically don't have anything of substance to deliver or they wouldn't have to resort to the big name person.

Key #1: Management Team

One of the biggest keys I've found to identifying a solid company is a solid management team. Forget about the big name people; instead look for management that has successful experience running big companies - managing offices and employees, handling payroll, accounting, etc. Also, look for the team that has network marketing experience, preferably as a successful distributor. That way they will understand what we distributors go through to build a business and will make decisions that help us. Make sure the President or CEO is a dynamic leader that people are going to follow and who also has his/her ego in check. Finally, the management team should have a solid money guy; someone who has vast experience handling financial decisions and systems. It's a big plus if the management team or founders have self-funded the company. That means they are fully committed and are not going to give up easily.

Red Flag #2: Big Money Focus

If a company is only talking about making big money, run away as fast as you can. If you ask people involved with the company about their products or service and they quickly change the subject back to money, run, run away. They are using big money claims to lure you into a business that has no substance and won't last. It might even be a pyramid scheme or at least construed as such by the government regulators. The owners of these companies are just hoping to hang on long enough to make a bunch of money and then get out of Dodge. It's sad, but true; there are many wolves in the network marketing industry who are just waiting to devoir your hard earned money. So be wise when choosing a network marketing company. Don't believe everything you see, hear, or read, check it out. Do your due diligence and make an informed decision.

Key #2: Solid Product or Service

It's okay to share the possibility of making big money, but if a network marketing company is going to last long-term, it must market a solid product or service - something that people would readily buy without being involved with the business. For best results this should either be a consumable product or a renewable service. This will require less selling and since about 98% of the people out there hate to sell, you want a product or a service that people want to buy automatically every month, which brings me to autoship. If the company doesn't offer an autohip program for their product or an automatic subscription to their service, it won't work and you won't make money. Next, the product should be in high demand both now and far into the future. Who in their right mind would market buggy whips in the automobile era and yet many network marketing companies are offering old, obsolete products and services. Finally, the product or service should be something you enjoy, would buy even if you weren't in the business, and can get excited enough about to tell other people. It's a big bonus if the product is unique, patented, or exclusive to that company.

Red Flag #3: We Will Build it For You

I'm appalled at the number of internet and magazine ads I see that claim all you have to do is join and they will build the business for you. No recruiting. No presentations. No talking with your friends or family. No calling leads. No home meetings. Just join and use their proven system and you're going to make BIG MONEY! That's a load of garbage and you should run away quickly. Anything that sounds to good to be true usually is. Network marketing is a business and businesses require financial and time investments. Contrary to all those ads, you are going to have to talk with people, but the good news is that if you have a good company with a product/service you are excited about, you won't be able to stop talking with people. Also, this is a recruiting business and if someone is saying that you will never have to recruit anyone, they are LYING!!! I've been in this industry for 30 years and if there was a legitimate way to build a business without talking to people and recruiting anyone, I would know about it. Oh, there are the list builders and the programs where people can join for free, but no one makes money in those, so don't waste your time.

Key #3: Find a Good Upline Team

No one is going to build your network marketing business for you. They may be willing to put some people under you (in a binary or matrix plan), but you are still going to have to talk with people and recruit. The key here is to find a good upline team that will train and support you. They should offer internet based training via a team web site, e-mail messages, webinars and teleconferences, and even live meetings. This is something I've done for my teams for years and it works. It provides the training, tools, and resources necessary for anyone to succeed. Now, not everyone will, because some will not be willing to do the work, but they won't be able to say they failed due to poor training and support. You should also have upline leaders who are willing to send e-mail messages to or do 3-way calls with your business candidates. They should also offer personal one-on-one coaching or mentoring. Check their motives to see if they are only looking at what's in it for them or if they do sincerely seem interested in your success and are willing to devote the time to help you. A good company and product/service are important, but sometimes a good upline team is even more important.

So, there you go, three red flags to watch out for and 3 keys to success. Find a solid company with an excellent management team, a product/service that is in high demand and about which you can get excited, and a solid upline team that will help you accomplish your goals. When you find those keys and it feels right in your gut, jump in with both feet, put the blinders on and build like crazy. You'll love the results!

Yoli is the Real Deal

I've been in the network marketing industry for 30 years and during that time I have gained the knowledge to know the difference between the real deal and what I call a Wizard of Oz company. If you remember in the old movie, Dorothy, Toto and the crew arrive at the Emerald Palace and they are finally going to get to see the Wizard of Oz. However, there they are confronted by fire and smoke and a big blurry face with a booming voice. The Wizard looks big and powerful. However, little Toto pulls away the curtain to reveal a man. The booming voice says, "Don't mind that man behind the curtain." Well that's the way so many network marketing companies are out there right now. They have big name people out front, lot's of glitz, glammor, smoke and mirrors, but no substance inside.

I'm here to tell you that this new company Yoli, that Troy Dooly has been talking about on his video blog, is the real deal. Two of the founders, Robby Fender and Daren Falter are friends of mine. I worked with them in another network marketing company back in the nineties. In fact Daren was a business partner of mine and I'm not sure there is anyone else in the industry that garners as much respect as Daren Falter. He and Robby are both high integrity guys. I've also now met Rick Eisele who is the CFO for Yoli and he too is a high integrity guy. Adding in Michael Pritchard, Corey Citron, and Bobby Jones, you've got an amazing management team that has tremendous experience both in building large traditional businesses, as well as in network marketing. I've researched well over 1,000 network marketing companies over the last 30 years and one key factor to success is the right management team and Yoli has one of the best, if not the best team I've seen in the last 3 decades.

Beyond the management team is financing. Most network marketing start-up companies are usually cash poor. Not Yoli. This company has been fully funded by the founders. As Robby Fender says, "we've got skin in the game." They have all written very big checks to finance Yoli and will continue doing so until the company launches (estimated in late September to early October). This is a big plus in my book, as it shows me that the founders are fully invested - they are all in and will do what is necessary to make Yoli a success.

I also like that these guys have been successful distributors. I've been with network marketing companies that were started by corporate guys who had never been distributors and frankly, they made decisions that destroyed my business and that of others like me. Robby, Daren and crew know what it is like to be out in the field as a distributor and they will make decisions that are good for the distributor.

Then there is the product. It's the first new and unique technology I've seen in network marketing in the last 20 years. This BlastCap technology is going to rock the functional beverage market. Plus, part of Yoli's mission is to unveil all the hidden stuff in this industry - hot filling and pasteurizing that kill nutrients, sugar - the #1 cause of the obesity epidemic in America, artificial sweetners that are toxic, preservatives that are harmful if swallowed, artifical colors and flavors, fillers and binders, and more. Finally someone has done it right - a nutritional drink that really has in it what the label says. Yoli is bringing the TRUTH to the functional beverage industry and to network marketing. Interestingly enough that is the name of their first product, which is a citrus health blast. I've tasted this product and it's very good - best nutritional drink I've tasted. Plus, it's packed with a tremendous mix of nutrients including the patented Alka-Plex formula, white tea extract, resveratrol, acai, gogi, pomegranite, gaba, and more.

I'm very excited about the Yoli products for several reasons. First, the product is an excellent nutritional product. Second, it's going to encourage people to drink more water, which is always a good thing. Third, the BlastCap makes the Yoli products tremendously demonstratable. Click HERE to watch a video about the BlastCap techology. Imagine going to the health club and blasting a Yoli drink in front of other people. They've never seen anything like it and are going to want to know more. OR what if your child or grandchild took a Yoli drink to a sporting event and blasted it in front of all their friends. Every kid is going to want one, because it's cool. Plus, the parents are going to love the Yoli drinks because they are good for the children. How about a health and wellness fair - blasting Yoli drinks in front of attendees and then giving them a bottle. That would be the most popular booth at the fair. This is an amazing product that is going to change the industry.

Next is the compensation plan. Yoli is using a binary hybrid plan similar to that used by Mona Vie and it vaulted that company to $1.5 billion in sales during it's first four years of business. However, the Yoli founders have added some features to the plan that are going to rock the network marketing industry. First, they added a Break Even bonus that will enable distributors to quickly cover their autoship and dramatically increase distributor retention. Second, they added about five times as many ranks/pin levels as the average network marketing company, which means that distributors are going to get recognized early and often. Some times it's the recognition that keeps people going long enough to make money and stay in the game. This is the first compensation plan I've seen in the last 30 years that is totally fair to the average person (about 95% of the network marketing industry) and yet is lucrative enough to attract the big hitters.

Speaking of big hitters, Yoli is attracting many top income earners from throughtout the industry. I'm not at liberty to release the names, but it's a who's who of the industry.They are recognizing a winner and what will probably be the next network marketing giant and are now building massive networks on paper for the launch in the fall. I'm expecting Yoli to launch with over 20,000 distributors and approach 75,000 to 100,000 by the end of the year.

The next key factors are timing and trends. Yoli is in a pre-enrollment phase that will last until late September or early October (according to the founders). At that point they will move into a pre-launch phase until the end of the year and will then have a big launch party in January.

Now, I've never been a big fan of pre-launch, ground floor opportunities, but Yoli just has too much going for it and I would say it's worth the risk and in fact I think the risk is very low. During this pre-enrollment phase, people can complete their applications and order forms and get positioned in the binary plan. Obviously, the quicker a person joins, the higher up in the legs they are. Then they have the opportunity to build a large network on paper and when the company launches they will start at a high rank level and with a high check. This is a rare opportunity for most people. I personally have never experienced it. So, as long as you are willing to take a bit of a risk, the timing is perfect for Yoli.

As for trends, Yoli is perfectly positioned in front of three major marketing trends that will drive this company through massive growth for years to come. First, is the entrepreneurial boom which has been going on for some time due to the changes in the corporate world, but is now being heavily fueled by down economy. There are millions of people who have lost their jobs, lost money in the stock market, or are just looking for a way to make some extra money and secure their financial future. Second, is the trillion dollar wellness industry that is fueled by the aging of the Baby Boomers. Third, is the multi-billion dollar functional beverage market (vitamin waters, energy drinks, super fruit beverages, flavored waters, sport drinks, etc.). When I analyze companies either for myself or others I want to see that the company is positioned in front of at least one major and growing market trend, but in this case, Yoli will be driven by three massive trends.

I believe that network marketing should be a fun experience. Yes, we all work very hard to build large networks and walk-away residual income, but we also love to play and Yoli is a company that is going be a fun place to be. They have already announced the annual Yoli Cruise which will be in April of 2010 on the Royal Carribbean Oasis of the Seas; the largest and most technologically advanced cruise ship on the planet. Everyone in Yoli is invited to attend and distributors can win a cruise for two. They are also planning many other incentive trips that will enable distributors to meet the founders and other top distributors. I believe this is going to be a very fun company.

Finally, the company founders have grateful hearts and want to give back to society. They have created the YoliGive program where a percentage of the Yoli product sales will go into a fund that will be distributed to non-profit organizations that are doing good things for the world. A couple of programs they have announced are the PharmaBlast Save a Life and the Trees for the Future programs. Distributors will also have the opportunity to give into these and other programs.

Although they are just getting started, Yoli has the makings of a network marketing giant - excellent management team, unique highly consumable product, fair and lucrative compensation plan, major market trends, outstanding training and support, and the right heart.If you would like to watch a pre-recorded company webinar about Yoli, click HERE. I anticipate that in a few years we will all see Yoli as a top company in the industry.

How to Find the Real Deal in this Crazy World of Network Marketing

When I joined the network marketing industry in 1979, we approached everyone face to face with a flip book presentation. We didn't have the internet, web pages, autoresponders, Facebook, Twitter, cell phones, voice mail, or any of the rest of the technology that is now available. However, there were also only a handful of companies, so not much competition.

Today there are well over 3,000 network marketing companies and more joining the scene weekly. It's easy to start a network marketing company. I could launch one of out of house with the right computer system, software, and a drop shipped product. That's exactly what is happening. Now, the problem with that is that the quality of companies has slipped. It's now very difficult to determine whether a company is the real thing and will last or if it's a fly-by-night out of business within the first two years opportunity. So, in this article I'm hoping to cut through the hype and give you some straight forward tips on finding the real deal in this crazy world of network marketing.

In order the find the real deal you first must cut through the crap and the hype and the big names and the "this is the best company ever" claims and get to the facts. There are two many Wizard of Oz companies out there. You remember in the movie when Dorothy, Toto and crew arrived at the Emerald Palace to see the wizard and were greeted with fire, smoke, a big image, and a booming voice. Sounds like a lot of the network marketing companies I see out there today. Then little Toto pulls the curtain on the wizard and he says, "don't mind that man behind the curtain" and that's exactly what's happening out there in network marketing today. A few are saying 'don't look behind the curtain because we really don't have any substance." So, stop focusing on the real estate tycoons who are jumping into network marketing and the companies that are going to be operated by Facebook and find the real deals. Here's how.

Next you've got to decide what's important to you? What kind of product or service is going to get you seriously motivated to get out of your comfort zones and talk with lots of people? What compensation plan best suites you? What upline team is going to best fit your personality? Which marketing method will fit you and your budget? What would you like to see in a management team?

With all that in mind it's time to do your due diligence. Don't just join the first company that comes along. Check out the industry. Here are some keys to finding the right company for you:

1. Management Team - the founders and initial management should have a mix of successful experience in network marketing as a distributor, as the owner of a successful traditional business, and a track record of fiscally sound decisions. Also, you want the CEO/President to be a high energy, attractive, and enthusiastic person. Someone who is going to attract leaders and is a leader him or herself. Also, make sure there's a strong detail person and an experienced money person. Finally, check the egos. If they are too big, run away as fast as you can. Confidence is one thing, but arrogance and pride is another. The Bible tells us that pride goes before the fall and I've seen this proved out thousands of times in network marketing.

2. Product/Service - is this a product you can get passionate about? Is it easy to explain or demonstrate? Is there something exclusive about the product? Also, you will want to have a consumable product or something they use every month, as this will create on-going volume for you and your team. Make sure that there is a large and growing market for the product or service. You don't want to be with a network marketing company that sells buggy whips in a world full of automobiles.

3. Compensation Plan - does the plan have 2 to 3 commissions and/or bonuses that will help the average person earn enough money within the first month or two to cover their initial investment and monthly autoship. Is the plan relatively easy to understand and explain? Does it have back end bonuses that make it lucrative enough to attract the big hitters. Does the company offer non-cash incentives like travel and car bonuses?

4. Timing - is the company placed in front of solid and growing market trends like the entrepreneurial and wellness booms? Are you getting in at an advantageous time for you? If you are a bit of a risk taker, get in with a company during it's first 2 years. If you want more of a sure thing, join after 5 years. If you want that company that has very little chance of failure, look for the company that is 15 years or older (this is a select crowd). The start-up is riskier, but offers tremendous potential for those who get in early and build using the momentum created by the excitement of the ground floor opportunity. For best chance of quick (2 to 3 years) financial success, look for the company that is either just launching or is in a high growth phase.

5. Marketing - if you want to build on the internet, it's important to find a company with great internet tools (i.e. capture pages, contact management system, autoresponders, webinars, etc.). If you would rather market your business face-to-face, find a company that has a product that can be easily and excitedly demonstrated and the tools to present directly to a person. If you want to build your business through direct mail, look for an excellent DVD and brochures. Some of these tools can be supplied by the upline team.

6. Upline Team - find people who have similar values and personalities, so that you will fit in. Check to see if they are truly interested in your success or are the self-focused. What tools do they offer the distributors in their network? Are they free or are they just trying to make money off the sales of tools, systems, and trainings? Are there experienced and successful network marketers who are willing to do 3-way calls with you and your business candidates?

There you go; six ways you can evaluate every network marketing opportunity. Take the time to do your own research. Gather the facts and don't just work off the emotion of the moment. Emotions lie and you'll pay the price later. One last thought. If a person is pressuring you to join now, run away, as they will pressure you all the rest of your time with that company. If you like the company, but not the person who would sponsor you; find another sponsor.

If you do your due diligence and make a good decision, then put the blinders on and build fast and furious, and don't quit until you reach your goals, you'll enjoy a fantastic career in network marketing. I've done it and so can you!

NOTE: If you would like some help evaluating companies or would be interested in what I think are the best companies in each category, click HERE and e-mail me.

Breaking Network Marketing News

I'm finally able to reveal this hot network marketing news. A couple of friends of mine, Daren Falter and Robby Fender are launching a new company called Yoli (Aztec word that means "to live"). They've partnered with several other leaders in the network marketing industry including the legend, Corey Citron to bring to the industry a network marketing company developed by distributors for distributors.

Now, that idea isn't particularly new, as I've seen other companies started by network marketing companies. However, the advantage that these guys have is that they've not only been successful in network marketing, but also in traditional business. They know how to build big businesses, so there is a very good chance that this is going to be big . . . I mean really BIG!

Now, if the management team wasn't enough, they've latched on to the first truly new technology I've seen in the network marketing in the last 20 years. We all know that the nutritional market is #1 in network marketing, but everyone has the same pill, potions, and superfruit drinks (not that there is anything wrong with any of these - well maybe a few of them). Not Yoli, they've connected with a brilliant inventor, Mikel Anderson, who has invented something called the BlastCap. This product has 6 issued patents and a hundred pending. You've never seen anything like it and it's going to take the functional beverage market by storm!

So, what is a BlastCap? It fits on the top of a water bottle and at the push of your thumb releases fresh freeze-dried nutrients into purified water. You really have to see it to believe it, so click HERE to see a video that shows this revolutionary new technology. Wait until you've read the whole article before you click on the link.

Okay, so you're wondering what's the big deal about the BlastCap? Well, first you should know that many of the liquid nutrient products available on the market are hot filled or heat pasteurized, which kills many of the beneficial nutrients. Also, once vitamins are placed into water, they begin to deteriorate. Added destruction of these nutrients occurs because of exposure to light, changes in temperture, and time sitting on the shelf. However, since all the nutrients in the Yoli product are contained safely in the BlastCap, they are then blasted into the purified water at the time of use, resulting in nutrient rich product that tastes GREAT! This is going to be a great replacement for sugary drinks like soda pop, Gatorade, PowerAde, and also the flavored vitamin waters.

Plus, I had to look at this with marketer's eyes. Imagine a kid going to a soccer or softball game or a wrestling meet or volleyball game and blasting the Yoli product in front of all the other kids. Every kid is going to think it's cool and go ask their Mom or Dad for one. When the parents find out there it doesn't have any sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners in it and that it's great for their kids, they're going to want the drinks as bad as the kids do. How about blasting a Yoli drink at the health club, gym, dance studio, weight loss clinic, or anywhere else where there are groups of people. Everyone is going to want one (or ten or twenty). This is pure marketing genius!

Speaking of money, Yoli is using a binary hybrid compensation plan (combination of a binary and unilevel) that is also pure genius. It's similar to one being used by the top growth company in network marketing right now (which shows that the plan works), but has some great additions. First, Yoli has added a breakeven bonus that is going to help distributors cover their product autoship quickly and will dramatically increase retention. Second, they've created many more recognition ranks, which will enable new distributors to be recognized quickly and often. This again will increase retention, as it's often recognition that keeps distributors in the game long enough to make money. The plan is great for the average person and also quite lucrative, which is one of the reasons the top income earners from other companies are quietly selling off their businesses to join Yoli during the pre-enrollment phase.

It looks like Yoli is going to pre-launch in September, with an official launch in January. The founders are anticipating one of the largest launches ever in the network marketing industry. Right now the company is pre-enrolling leaders and they have assured me that no one is getting a special deal. They aren't paying for distributors to come over from other companies or giving them bridge loans or any of the other tactics companies have used in the past. Every person has an equal opportunity.

The last time I got really serious about a company was back in the mid-nineties and I built a huge international business between 1995 and 2001. I then retired to help a friend plant a church and to write some more books. A year or so ago I joined a leading company to drink the product and help our daughter build her business and although I never put much time into that business, I've got well over 200 people in my downline. However, I'm here to tell that after I did a thorough investigation of Yoli, including a flight to the HQ to talk with the founders, I am more excited about this company than any other I've ever seen and I'm out of retirement to build another huge business.

The great part is that I'm not building this alone. I've put together an awesome team called Team Vitality Worldwide (www.teamvitalityworldwide.net) and I've partnered with pH Sciences which is supplying a revolutionary ingredient (Alka-Plex) in the Yoli product. We're going to be supplying outstanding training and support via the internet, webinars, teleconferences, and phone coaching. Plus, we're going to have an outstanding internet marketing system to help everyone on our team generate plenty of leads, and we're partnering with industry giant, Len Clements (who will be our direct upline) to provide some of the best training and support available in the industry.

If you've ever wanted to get in early on the next network marketing giant, this is that opportunity. Email me by clicking HERE to let me know that you are interested in more info. You don't want to miss this one or you'll be kicking yourself for years to come. It may sound a bit cliche, but this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Jump on board during this pre-enrollment phase and secure a great spot in our organization!