Do People Really Make BIG Money in Network Marketing?

This is a question I often hear from those who are new to the industry. They hear all the big financial claims, but those they know in the industry aren't making any money. The reality is that, just like in any entrepreneurial business, a large percentage of people don't make much money. This isn't because there is anything wrong with network marketing, it's because people either aren't trained and supported or they don't work their business long enough to succeed.

Although portrayed that way by some, network marketing is not a get rich quick scheme. Now, some people do get rich relatively quickly. I know people who have gone from low paying labor jobs to six figure incomes in a year or two in network marketing. The great part is that there really isn't anything that inhibits a person from making big money in network marketing, except themself. If you find a good company with a product or service you can get excited about, you recieve excellent initial training and on going support, you work your business at least 10 hours a week, and you stick with it long enough, you will build a large income.

Okay, back to the question, do people really make BIG money in network marketing? Here is a site I was directed to that shows the top 500 income earners in network marketing. I can't vouch for the accuracy of this site, but I do know a number of these people and their incomes (as I've heard) are accurate, but the key is that you can see that there are people making very BIG money in network marketing and you could too!

Top 500 earners: http://www.businessforhome.org/mlm-500-top-earners/

Have you found a good company with a product or service you are passionate about? Have you are are you receiving solid training from someone who is already successful? Do you have a team of people ready to support you through 3-way calls, webinars, teleconferences, and two-on-one meetings? Do you have a clear plan for your business that enables you to be productive every single day? Have you made a long-term commitment to your business and have set goals that you've presented to your upline leaders?

If you can answer "yes" to these questions, then all you have to do is be consistantly persistant long-term and you may one day be on that list of the top 500 income earners. Back in the 90's I would have been on that list, but have been retired for too long. However, I too am back in the saddle and will be striving to add my name to the list in the near future. I hope that we will both be there and enjoy the journey along the way.

Getting Ready for Summer

Summer tends to be a slow time for network marketing and if you don't do something about it, your volumes and income will likely drop over the next 3 months. However, summer can also be a great time to build a business. There are going to be all kinds of gatherings - graduation parties, 4th of July, Labor Day, picnics, and more. You are going to be thrown together with groups of people throughout the summer and if you are prepared, you can utilize those gatherings to expand your business. Here are some tips for doing exactly that:

1. Carry samples and marketing tools in your car at all times - you never know when you'll run into an excellent prospect.

2. Ask questions - ask about people. They love to talk about themselves, so ask about their family, job, hobbies, activities, upcoming vacations, etc. As you gather information, look for areas where your business could help them - not enough money for vacation; would love to play golf more, but not enough time; may lose job due to downturn in economy; working too many hours, etc. Once you have 2 or 3 pain areas, you can present your business as a possible option.

3. Summer letter - most people send out a Christmas letter, but you could send out a summer letter, talking about all that is going on with you and your family, including your business.

4. Kids - the kids are going to be going to summer camps, playing sports, or you'll be with them at the playground, pool, or beach. Talk to the other parents (see #2 for questions) and you'll be amazed at how many quality prospects your find.

Summer is a great time to build your business and what you build during the next three months will vault you into one of the best times to build a business, the fall.

Deadline - 6/10 Midnight CDT

I'm sorry to say that you only have until midnight central time tomorrow night (Wed) to order the new Traffic Formula 2. After that it will be unavailable for who knows how long. If you've been thinking about it, this is the time to jump in and learn how to generate hundreds of free leads for your network marketing business. Click on the Traffic Formula 2 icon to the right for more information or to order.

Mission Possible

I'm old enough to remember the original Mission Impossible television show. It was one of my favorite shows. Some of you may remember the show or perhaps you've seen the movies with Tom Cruise. Although I've enjoyed the movies, I liked the TV show better. It had a great cast that worked together on a common mission. That's a perfect template for success in network marketing. Quite often the MI mission looked impossible at first, as our mission in network marketing often does. Yet, against all odds, the MI team managed to complete every mission. I believe this can also be the result for every person involved in network marketing. Here are the keys to making a seemingly impossible mission possible.

1. The Mission - on the TV show, they would receive a self-destructing cassette tape that provided details on the mission. It always said: "If you should accept this mission..." So, the first key to success is to know and accept the mission. In network marketing, your mission is to help as many people become successful as you possibly can. The more people you help become successful, the greater your success. Next, you need to determine why you want to achieve that mission? Perhaps it's so that you or your spouse can quit a job? Maybe it's so that you can spend more time with your children or place them in private school? Could it be that you want more time freedom to travel and do the things you enjoy? Maybe you want to be more generous and help people in need? Once you have a mission and you know why you need to complete the mission, you are ready to move on to step two.

2. The Plan - once the MI team had accepted the mission, they laid out a plan. A plan is also critical to accomplishing your mission in network marketing. How are you going to help thousands of people become successful? Well, you have to start with the first person. Who is that person going to be? Next, you need to help them uncover their mission and the reason for succeeding. Then you help them find their first person and teach them how to teach that person the plan. Once you've gone down a few levels successfully and are seeing duplication, you can find person number 2 and replicate the plan. As you become more efficient at this, you will grow quicker.

3. The Team - the real key to MI success was the team. They had a great combination of people and talents. As you build your network marketing team, invest time to discover the talents in your team. Some may be excellent speakers and could do local meetings or teleconferences. Others may have web design experience and could build a team web site. Some may have internet marketing experience and could help you develop an online marketing system. While some may be experienced salespeople or sales managers and could do some basic sales training for your team. Don't try to do everything yourself; utilize the talent in your team. A great acrostic for TEAM is Together Everyone Achieves More. If you all work together, you will have much greater success than you will individually.

4. The Team Meeting - with mission and plan in hand, the MI team would have a meeting to discuss implementation of the plan. They would divvy up the tasks and strategize how they would work together. At various times during the show, two or three of them would work together to accomplish one or a series of tasks. You too should meet (in person or by phone) with your team regularly. Make sure that everyone knows their daily tasks or objectives and are working on them and towards the accomplishment of their mission. Have members work together to help each other accomplish difficult tasks and to encourage each other through tough times.

5. The Recognition - when the MI team would finish their mission they would be recognized for their success. As the team leader, you too should recognize the accomplishments of your team - when they make their first contact, sponsor their first person, help a downline member sponsor their first person, receive their first check or commission payment, hit their first rank or advance to another rank, and so on. You should be recognizing people every week and since everyone loves recognition, they will thrive in your system.

The Mission Impossible team always accomplished their mission because they all knew the mission and why they needed to finish it. They had a great team with many talents. There was a great plan in place with each person doing their job. They met often to discuss progress and make sure the plan moved forward and they were recognized for their accomplishments. If you follow this MI system, you too will be incredibly successful in network marketing.

Traffic Formula 2

Mike Dillard, creator of Magnetic Sponsoring, Traffic Formula, and Building on a Budget has done it again. In 24 hours he is releasing the new Traffic Formula 2. The original program has helped tens of thousands of networkers generate free leads for the NM business. This new program is revved up and power packed. If you are a serious network marketer, you owe it to yourself to check this out. Plus, Mike is giving away a free 36 minute video that is packed with solid content (not some promot video). Yes, it's free. Click on the Traffic Formula 2 banner to the right and watch the free video. Then order the program and start generating hundreds of free leads every month. Spread the word to your downline and watch your network (and income) skyrocket. Don't hesitate; be the first in your company to order Traffic Formula 2 and start generating all those free leads. Click on the banner to the right for more info and to order.

Social Security, Medicare dwindling in recession

Social Security, Medicare dwindling in recession
Recession hits Social Security, Medicare, too -- funds face insolvency faster than expected
Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Writer
On Tuesday May 12, 2009, 6:35 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Social Security and Medicare are fading even faster under the weight of the recession, heading for insolvency years sooner than previously expected, the government warned Tuesday.

Medicare already is paying out more money than it receives, something that happened for the first time last year. And Social Security will be by 2016, a year sooner than had been projected, the trustees' annual report said.

Unless changes in Social Security are enacted, the retirement fund will be depleted in 2037, four years sooner than projected last year. The Medicare trust fund is in even worse shape. It is projected to become insolvent in 2017, two years earlier than expected.

More immediately, the trustees do not expect Social Security recipients to get cost-of-living increases in 2010 or 2011, something that hasn't happened since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975. The Social Security Administration will set next year's cost-of-living adjustment in October, based on inflation over the previous year.

"We should neither be casual nor hysterical about the revised insolvency dates," Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue said. "The Social Security system will weather this recession. However, the sooner we get on with the task of reforming the system, the easier it will be to make the tough choices."

The recession is hurting both funds, which are financed by payroll taxes. The U.S. has lost 5.7 million jobs since the recession began, meaning fewer payroll taxes are flowing into the funds. At the same time, aging baby boomers and rising health care costs are adding to expenditures.
The trust funds -- which exist in paper form in a filing cabinet in Parkersburg, W.Va. -- are bonds that are backed by the government's "full faith and credit" but not by any actual assets. That money has been spent over the years to fund other parts of government. To redeem the trust fund bonds, the government would have to borrow in public debt markets or raise taxes.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, the head of the trustees group, said reducing health care costs is the key to saving Medicare.

"The most effective entitlement reform measure will be a major health reform that helps bring down the growth rate of national health care spending," Geithner said.

President Barack Obama and Congress have been working to overhaul the health care system with the goal of increasing coverage and lowering costs. But there is no consensus on how to pay for it.

"This report underscores the urgency of action on comprehensive health care reform this year," said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. "As costs continue to rise, the Medicare program so important to so many American families is put in jeopardy."
Republicans agreed that health care reform is urgent, but they warned against creating another government-run system.

"When we can't afford the public health plan we have already, does it make sense to add more?" asked Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the top Republican on the Finance Committee.
House Republican leader John Boehner said the trustees report "confirms what we already knew: Our nation cannot afford to continue this reckless borrowing and spending spree."
Geithner said the Obama administration plans to tackle Social Security once it health care is addressed. The options for fixing Social Security are simpler than for Medicare, though just as politically daunting: either raise revenues or cut benefits.

Workers fund Social Security by a paying 6.2 percent payroll tax on the first $106,800 of their earned income. Employers match the payment. Increasing revenues could be accomplished by increasing the tax rate or increasing the amount of earnings that are taxed.

Workers can currently retire with full benefits at age 66. The retirement age is scheduled to gradually rise to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. One option for cutting benefits would be to raise the retirement age even further.

"Social Security is really a math problem," said David Certner, director of legislative policy for the AARP. "Can you make sure that the money coming in is the same as the money going out?"
The trustees report projected that Social Security's annual surpluses would "fall sharply this year," then remain at a reduced level in 2010 and be lower in the following years than last year's projections. The report said that the Social Security annual surplus would be eliminated entirely in 2016, reflecting increased demands from the wave of 78 million baby boomers retiring.
That means Social Security will have to turn to its trust fund to make up the difference between Social Security taxes and the benefits being paid out beginning in 2016. After the fund is depleted in 2037, annual Social Security taxes collected would be enough to pay for three-fourths of current benefits through 2083.

On the Net: Social Security Administration: http://www.ssa.gov

You Wouldn't Be Interested Would You?

There was once a desperate insurance sales manager who was trying to figure out how to get his agents to sell more. Finally he called them all into a meeting and told them to go out and say to people, "you wouldn't be interested in insurance would you?" Since this was so easy, the agents spoke to many more people and the sales skyrocketed.

If your network marketing volumes aren't where you want them, you could do the same thing. Why not go out and say to people, "you wouldn't be interested in making some extra money would you?" Imagine if you said this to everyone you met, what would happen to your recruiting numbers. What would happen if you taught this simple technique to your entire downline?
You wouldn't be interested in getting wealthy would you?

Contacting in the Cold Market

Most network marketing companies as a new distributor to make a list of their top 100 or 200 friends, family members, and acquaintances (commonly referred to as the warm market). The typical new distributor will blow through this list with very poor results and then quit, thinking that network marketing doesn't work. The key here is that network marketing is a business and any business requires marketing. If you opened up a restaurant or a boutique, you certainly wouldn't rely solely on your warm market would you? No, you would have signs and advertising to let people know about your business. It's the same with a network marketing business.

Yes, by all means, make the list and let your warm market know that you are in business. Give them the opportunity to get in early, before all the rest of the people. However, don't rely totally on them. Rather, provide them all with information and let those who are interested join you. Don't hound or pressure them or you'll end up in the NFL (No Friends League). You can let them know in person, by e-mail, or via a mailer. You can invite them to a business briefing or teleconference or webinar, so they can learn about your new business. Ask them to check it out and refer anyone they think might be interested in the products/services or business. Those who are looking will request more information.

Beyond your warm market are thousands of people in your local area and millions of people throughout the U.S. The key is to put into effect a marketing plan to reach as many of those people as possible. In the balance of this article, I'm going to share some time proven ideas for reaching people in the cold market. These are methods either I have personally used or have been used by other top income earners. Take a look at them all and pick 2 or 3 that fit you and your budget.

1. Walking and Talking: In your every day life, you run into hundreds of candidates for your business. How about the teller at the bank? The clerk at the grocery store? Here are a few others: Accountant, attorney, CPA, insurance salesperson, car salesperson, telemarketers, department store salespeople, owner of the dry cleaners, etc. As you encounter these people, compliment them on their attitude or work ethic (if it is warranted) and then say something like "I'm a recruiter for a national/international/multi-national company that is expanding into the area. I'm always on the lookout for quality people like yourself. Our top people make a lot of money. This isn't the time to talk, but if you're interested in learning more, jot down your name, phone number, and best times to call and we can talk for a few minutes by phone to see if this is a good fit." Make sure you follow-up within 48 hours and in the first call, only give them enough information to wet their appetite and then invite them to a business briefing/conference call/webinar where they can gather enough information to make a educated decision. Don't twist their arm, rather look for those who are open and looking.

2. Local Business Owners: This down economy is dramatically effecting the small business owner and so many are looking for ways to add extra streams of income. You have an excellent answer in network marketing, as it allows them to integrate a part-time business into their already busy schedule and create an additional stream of income. So, you can drive around and visit small local businesses or you can connect with the local Chamber of Commerce or any other business organization. When you encounter a business owner, you can ask something like, "How has the economy impacted your business?" (listen to their answer and integrate it into your response) "I work with small business owners to help them develop a second stream of income that helps balance out their financial situation. Would you have any interest in learning more?" (If yes or what is it? continue on) "Great, it will take me about X minutes to explain and I don't want to take you away from business, so why don't we set up a time to get together and talk. (arrange for appointment) "I know you're really going to like what you see." (Don't give them any details or they have the opportunity for a snap judgment. If they start asking a bunch of questions, just let them know that you have a presentation you want them to see and then you can answer any remaining questions)

3. Classified Advertising: You can advertise for free on Craig's List (www.craigslist.com), but you will be among many others. Advertising in your local paper will cost money, but there will be less competition. You can also place free and paid classifieds on the internet (just do a Google or Yahoo search for classified advertising and you'll find plenty of sites). Keep your ads short with text that creates interest. You want to have a heading that grabs their attention. Something like: You're NOT Going to Believe This! OR What Went Wrong? OR This Blew Me Away! OR This is SHOCKING! You want the heading to attract their attention, so that they read the rest of the ad. Here are a few sample ads that could go along with the headings:

You're NOT Going to Believe This!
No one gets rich working a job.
Start your own proven business today.
We train and support you. Call xxx-xxxx.
24-hour recorded message

What Went Wrong?
No job security?
Concerned about your future?
Take control by starting your
own proven business. Call xxx-xxxx.
24-hour recorded message.

This Blew Me Away!
People like you are making high
six figure incomes in our business.
You can too! Call xxx-xxxx
24-hour recorded message

This is SHOCKING!!!
People with no business background
are making high six figure incomes in
this business. You can too! Call xxx-xxxx
24-hour recorded message.

If you are going to do some classified advertising, you'll need a voice mail box with a 5-minute outgoing message capability. Record your own message that gives some basic details, but still generates interest, so that they will leave their name, phone number, and best times to call. Just do a Google or Yahoo search for "voice mail" and you will find many services. Remember that you will need a system with at least a 5-minute outgoing message and at least 50 message storage system (so you don't miss any calls while you are at work). There are some free systems, but they are very limited, so you'll probably have to pay for a system, but it will be worth it.

These are just a few of the proven cold market methods used by the top income earners. If you would like to view others, you will find an entire section with many methods in my latest book, The Twelve Power Secrets for Network Marketing Success (go to www.RodNichols.com and click on Store for information or to order). Remember to combine both warm and cold market methods in order to build a large and lucrative business.

Financial Freedom Isn’t About the Money!

I was recently giving some thought to financial freedom and realized that it really isn’t about the money. It’s really about time freedom. Now, before you conclude that I’m crazy and stop reading, let me quickly prove my point. There are many very wealthy people out there who do not have financial freedom, because true financial freedom means that you don’t have to work for money. A few examples would be physicians, attorneys, and corporate executives (as we’ve seen in the news, there are many of those who aren’t really working for the money they receive, but that’s a whole different story). These are all people who work long, hard hours for the money they receive. Yes, they are making very nice six-figure incomes, but if they stop working, they stop earning.

So, the real key to financial freedom is to have an income that doesn’t stop, if you stop working. That’s what we call residual income. It’s the kind of income you would earn if you wrote and published a best selling book or produced a platinum recording or had a killer investment portfolio (if that is even possible these days). You do the work once and get paid for a long time after (hopefully the rest of your life). It’s also the kind of income we earn in network marketing. If you build a solid network with lots of great leadership and loyalty to the product/service and business, you will earn long after you’ve stopped working.

From 1995 through 2001, I worked with a very talented team of people and built a large international network marketing business. I then retired to help plant a church and write a few books. Eight years later I still earn a full-time income from that business, but don’t have to work at it. That’s the power of residual income. But, the question that is probably in your mind is: “how can I do that?”

That’s a very good question and I intend to answer it in the balance of this article. After having studied the top income earners for many years and doing it myself, I believe that there are a few keys to building financial freedom. I’m sure there are probably more, but these are the most important:

1. Picking the right company – don’t just go with the first company that a friend or family member recommends. Ask yourself if they know any more about network marketing than you do. If they don’t, perhaps you should do some research and find a company that fits you. First, if you aren’t much of a risk taker, then DO NOT go with a start-up company or even one that is under two years old, as they have a much higher chance of failure. However, if you are a risk taker and can get in early with a solid company, you can make some serious money quickly. Next, make sure that the company has a product or service that you can get passionate about, as that will make it much easier to talk with people. Finally, make sure that the compensation plan is going to suit you. If you find sponsoring easy and can enroll hundreds of people, then you can do well in just about any compensation plan. However, if you’re like me and most others, you’ll probably want to look at the binary and unilevel plans. They are typically the best for those who are only going to sponsor a hand full of people. Personally, I like the binary plan, because it forces teamwork and every person you sponsor goes below someone else to help them. Plus, you only have to build 2 legs and most people can do that.

2. Picking the right upline – I’ve been with some great companies, but had bad upline. They were deceptive and encouraged me to do the same. I couldn’t do it and so I failed in the business. When you are researching companies, make sure you pick an upline team that is going to fit your values. Also, you want to find a team that offers great training and support through web sites, web conferences, teleconferences, and live meetings. Check to see if they will do 3-way calls with you and your prospects. Although it’s fun to be sponsored by a top income earner, often they don’t have time to work with you personally, so some times it’s better to find a big hitter just getting started with a company or a big hitter in the making.

3. Treating your business like a business – there is an old saying that if you treat your business like a hobby, it will pay you like a hobby and if you treat it like a business, it will pay you like a business. If you invested a million bucks into a McDonald’s franchise, you would certainly work long hours each day to recoup that investment. Unfortunately, we only invest a few hundred dollars to start a network marketing business, so there isn’t as much incentive, but those who invest the hours each week to prospecting, follow-up, sponsoring, training, and supporting, will build large businesses and enjoy financial freedom.

4. Sponsor leaders – don’t just sponsor anyone who can fog a mirror. Rather, find people who are already leaders – who have influence over groups of people. You can find them in business, government, the school system, in non-profits, and at church. Look for those dynamic people that everyone wants to be around and follow, as they will bring large groups into your business. Interestingly enough, they are typically approached less often for business opportunities, because they are on everyone’s “chicken list.” So, go past the fear and talk with them about your business. You will probably find them very open to listening and they just might be your next big business builder.

5. Help your people become successful – I discovered a number of years ago that if you can help your downline members earn $500 a month consistently, they will never leave you. They can’t afford to. So, study your compensation plan and talk with upline leaders to develop a plan to help everyone in your downline earn $500 or more a month. The more successful they are, the more successful you will be, which reminds me that your focus should always be on them and not on yourself or the money. Zig Ziglar said (paraphrased) that you can get everything you want in life, if you just help enough people get what they want. There is tremendous truth in that statement. So, go out each day to serve and help others and in no time you will have a rapidly growing network.

Yep, financial freedom isn’t about the money, it’s about how you earn the money. Building a large network marketing business that takes on a life of its own will result in a solid residual income. That will result in your ability to have financial freedom, which creates the opportunity to make your own choices each day – when you work, when you play, when you travel, when you spend time with family – no longer does an employer or a business dictate when you can do the things you love. If you have true financial freedom, you can throw away the alarm clock and wake up when you want. You can leave on vacation at the spur of the moment and not worry about arranging for vacation or how much you might pay for airfare or hotel. You can take month long vacations or work one day a week. Financial freedom gives you choices that others don’t have. So, the only question is: “are you willing to do what it takes to enjoy financial freedom?” Most people won’t! You have to be willing to do what others won’t in order to later do what other’s can’t. So, pick the right business, upline, and product/service. Then treat it like a business and do what it takes to become successful. If you just do that long enough, you will one day enjoy total financial freedom and have the time of your life.

NOTE: If you are struggling in network marketing or just haven't found the right opportunity, e-mail me by clicking HERE and let me know, so I can help you gain true financial freedom.

Paying the Price

Do you want to secure your financial future? Would you like to have total time freedom? If the answer is YES, you must pay the price. Contrary to most of the advertising that we see, network marketing is not a get rich quick scheme. It's a get rich slow business. So, what do you have to do in order to pay the price?

1. Lifetime commitment - if you paid a million dollars for the rights to a McDonald's franchise would you "give it a try for six months?" Of course not! You'd give it a lifetime commitment. You'd be in there every morning at 5 am and back out at midnight or later. You'd work like a dog to get your investment back. Unfortunately, people don't typically give the same level of commitment to their network marketing business. If they did, they would see tremendous success and reach their goals and dreams. So, don't give it a try, give it your life.

2. Have a vision - you must have a vision of what's going to happen. See you're life as you want it to be as the result of building a large network and residual income. Keep this vision firmly planted in your mind's eye, so that when the tough times come (and they will), you can see your vision and stay the course.

3. Stay focused - there are so many great (sounding or looking) opportunities out there that it's easy to get off course. Keep your eyes firmly focused on your vision and don't allow the distractions to enter. In my eighteen years of network marketing, I have never encountered a top money earner who earned their fortune working multiple opportunities. Find the right company and stay focused until you reach the level of success you seek!

4. Do what other's won't - most people allow fear to dictate their success. They are afraid to talk with people about their business. Fear has turned many a high potential person into a miserable failure in network marketing. You must fight the fear every day and do what other's will not. If you do what other's will not today, you will be able to do what others cannot, later. You must get the information out and follow-up with prospects, contact strangers and find out if they are interested, do 3-way calls with people you don't know, and so on. If you do these things, you will never have to worry about money again and will enjoy the time freedom to truly enjoy life!

The #1 Business Killer

Having been in the network marketing industry for 30 years (this month – woohoo!), I’ve had a chance to train and coach tens of thousands of people and I’ve heard every reason for failing in network marketing, but there is one that is absolutely #1 killer of businesses and dreams – FEAR!

It’s what keeps people from talking to their friends and family, calling purchased leads, talking with strangers, and following up when people show interest. It’s the number one reason why people fail in network marketing. In fact, the primary difference between the huge percentage who fail and the small percentage of people who make millions of dollars in network marketing is the way FEAR is handled. It’s not that the top income earners don’t have FEAR, they’ve just learned how to fight through it.

Okay, you’re probably thinking that FEAR is natural. Yes, if you were out in the back woods camping and a bear started chasing you, the natural fear mechanism would kick in and cause flight. If someone attacked you, it might result in fight. However, fear over making a phone call or talking with someone about your business is not natural fear. Rather it is:

False
Expectations
Appearing
Real

It’s been scientifically proven that your mind cannot tell the difference between a firmly planted thought and the real thing. So, if you start thinking that people are going to get mad if you present your business or they aren’t going to be your friends anymore and you dwell on that long enough, it becomes real to your mind. However, the truth is that it is a false expectation appearing real. It hasn’t happened and so it isn’t real. Your mind just thinks it is.

So, here’s what the top income earners have done to build a business in fear. When those false expectations try to enter their mind, they take the thought captive, cast it away, and replace it with the opposite thought. For example, let’s say you are getting ready to call some friends about your business and you begin thinking that they aren’t going to be interested. STOP those thoughts and replace them with thoughts that they will be interested. In fact, they will actually be looking for exactly what you have.

This down economy is creating a great deal of FEAR and that is often resulting in interest in ways to make extra money. Your network marketing business is an awesome solution for many people. It may even be an answer to prayer. Start thinking those thoughts and it will make it much easier to make that call or talk with that great prospect.

The other key is to just do it. I remember back in High School and College when I had a horrible fear of speaking in public. I avoided all speaking classes and would even get physically ill the day I had to do a presentation in my regular classes. My stinking thinking resulted in physical sickness in my body. However, years later I started a business and realized that if I was going to make enough money to live, I’d have to get past that FEAR, so I purposely set up speaking engagements. The first few were terrible. Then they were just bad and after awhile, they weren’t too bad. Then they were fairly good; then good, and today I love to speak in public. Is the fear gone? No, I battle it every time I have a speaking engagement, but I’ve conquered it so many times that it doesn’t take long to move past it.

FEAR will keep you from succeeding in network marketing if you let it. Change your thoughts and just do it in fear. The more often you fight through the FEAR, the easier it will get and the greater your success!

A Business of Educating People

Many people think of network marketing as sales, when in fact it is a business of education. As network marketers, we have three parts to our job: 1) Educate people about why they need our products/services; 2) Educate people as to why they need a network marketing business; 3) Educate new distributors on how to build a business.

Let's briefly discuss each of these:

1. Educate people about product/service - your first step is to read everything you can find about your product/service and the industry it serves. What are the benefits to your customers? What advantages do you have over your competition? When educating, you must bring new information to the prospect and teach them not only why they need your product or service, but also why they should buy it from you.

2. Educate people about your business - you need to help people understand the difference between linear income (work hard once and get paid once - hourly wage, salary, commission, bonus, fee, etc.) and residual income (work hard once and get paid the rest of your life). You need to help them understand that the old 40 year plan (work for the same company 40 years and then retire) doesn't work anymore. You should help them see that social security is not going to take care of us. Show them how they can build a residual income that will result in the time freedom necessary to truly enjoy life.

3. Educate new distributors - teach them a duplicatable system that anyone can do. Show them where they can learn about the product/service, company, and industry. Give them a meeting schedule, so they can begin to attend local business briefings and trainings. Do 3-way phone calls and 3-on-1 meetings with their prospects, so they can hear and see how to do the business. Educate by example - if you are sponsoring and retailing, so will they.

It's no wonder that teachers do so well in network marketing. They know how to listen and to educate. How about you?

H.O.P.E.

Unless you've been living on Mars or in a cave, you know that our economy is a mess and there are a lot of hopeless people out there. I'm so thankful that I have hope in Jesus and will spend eternity with God. I'm also thankful for my network marketing business, which gives me hope in this crazy economy. One of the great features of network marketing is that it excels in a down economy. So, I'm doubly fortunate that I can deliver hope to a struggling nation - spiritual hope in Jesus and financial hope in network marketing. If you are interested in learning more about how to gain spiritual hope through Jesus, click HERE to e-mail me. In the rest of this article I'm going to talk about financial hope:

Helping
Other
People
Excel

Hope through network marketing literally means helping other people excel. The more people you help, the greater your success. So, here three tips for delivering hope:

1. Get your eyes off the money, cars, boats, trips, etc. and get them on people. Find out about their struggles, dreams, and goals and then do everything within your power to help them excel.

2. Be a responsible sponsor. Too many network marketers sponsor hundreds of people, but never train and support them. When you're a sponsor, you are responsible for the new distributors proper training and support. Take them through a training process within 48 hours of the time they enroll in your business. Help them uncover their big WHY and set goals that will lead them to the why. Help them make contact with at least their first 10 (20 is better) prospects. You can do this through in-person meetings or 3-way conference calls. During the first 5 to 10 they just introduce you and you do most of the talking. During the second 5 to 10, they do most of the talking and you just jump in if they ask or need to be rescued. After each call, offer suggestions that will help them improve.

3. Be supportive. Offer regular trainings, teleconferences, web conferences, meetings, etc. to keep your downline excited and motivated. Encourage them weekly via e-mails and phone calls. Remember to focus on them and their needs, rather than your needs. You are not their manager. Remember that this is their business and you are just there to help them succeed.

There are millions of people in the U.S. alone who are badly in need of financial hope and if you have a network marketing business, you have it. You can either keep it to yourself or spread it around and watch your business explode. The choice is yours.

You Are What You Think

Proverbs 23:7 in the Bible reads, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Napoleon Hill, in his epic Think and Grow Rich, wrote, "Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve" Norman Vincent Peale often said, "We tend to get what we expect" Albert Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge" Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "We become what we think about all day long". Are you getting the concept - you are what you think.

In his epic recording The Strangest Secret, Earl Nightingale said that the strangest secret is that we become what we think about most. A young man once heard this and asked if he was going to become a beautiful woman (as that was what he thought about most). This, of course, is not what Mr. Nightingale meant, rather that what you put into your mind will dictate your outcome. Wow! So, what he was saying is that where I am in my life is completely due to what I put in my mind? Yes! We know this because there are many people who have been born into abject poverty and yet have risen to tremendous financial success, as have there been people born into incredible wealth, who have lived a life filled with failure and misery. What was the difference? What they thought about.

So, what have you been thinking about? Do you have a written plan for your business, with specific goals and objectives? Do your thoughts revolve around the success of your business and achieving your goals or are you thinking about past failures or your current circumstances? Remember you become what you think about most. If you are thinking about failures, that is what you will become. You see, thoughts are seeds and your mind is a garden. If you are planting bad seeds, you will end up with a garden full of weeds. However, if you plant positive seeds, your garden will be full of beautiful successes. Your future is dependent on the seeds you plant.

The Bible teaches us to take every thought captive. This is one of the biggest keys to your success in network marketing - when thoughts come into your mind, stop for a moment and determine if they are bad or good seeds. If bad, reject them. If good, accept them. How you handle your thoughts will dictate the future circumstances in your life. So, if you don't like where you are in life or if you would like a better life, check your thoughts.

Now, I want you to understand that your thoughts alone cannot change your future, rather that is the start. Once you get in the habit of thinking positive, forward thinking thoughts, your mind and body with respond with the appropriate actions. For example, let's say you start thinking about moving up to the next level in your company. You work with your sponsor or an upline leader to create a plan of action and that's what your mind begins to focus on. From that your mind will form ideas for how to accomplish your goal and your body will move into action. This is another key spot, because if you allow fear (a big bad seed) to enter your mind, it will stop the necessary actions and you will not achieve your goal. However, if you reject fear and maintain only positive thoughts, you will move toward and achieve your goals.

It's time to check your thinking and get focused on thoughts that will enable you to move up the ranks to total time and financial freedom.

Are You All In?

One of the things that I learned early on in my 30 year network marketing career was that if you treat your network marketing business like a hobby, you'll get paid like a hobby, but if you treat your business as a business, you'll get paid like a business. So, the question is, do you want to get paid as a hobby or a business?

If your answer is hobby, they you can go back to the TV, because the rest of this article is for those of you who want to make a full-time income in network marketing.

If you had invested $1 million dollars of borrowed money into a McDonald's franchise, would you treat that business like a hobby - doing it whenever you have a little extra time? Of course not! You would be there early and late, working hard to pay back the money you borrowed. Interestingly enough, the average McDonald's owner doesn't earn a six figure income from the business until around year five. Yet, I know thousands of people in network marketing, who invested under $500, who started making a six-figure income in their first year in business. I know people who earned seven figure incomes in under 3 years!

So, how did they do it? They treated their network marketing business as if they had invested $1 million to start the business. They were all in! They were committed! Are you all in? Are you committed to your business? If not, you won't succeed. So, get committed.

First, you need to be committed to the company - you need to know that you are with the best company in the industry. Stop looking at everything that shows up in your e-mail box - just hit delete and stay focused on your business. If you aren't committed, you need to read, listen to, and watch everything you can find on the company. You need to attend every even that is possible. If you can, fly to the headquarters and tour the facility. Meet the founders and staff. It's worth the time and money to build that level of belief.

Second, you need to be committed to your product/service. You need to use it and recognize the benefits for yourself. You need a story - a testimony. If you don't have a story or testimony from your product or service, then get one. If you can't, then maybe you need to find a different product or service.

Third, you need to be committed to your upline and team. Get to know them. Go upline and find out who you are working with. Network marketing is a team business. You are in business for yourself, with all the benefits of a business, but not in business by yourself. You have people who have a vested interest in your success - get to know them. Ask them to train and support you. Share your dreams and goals with them. Find out their dreams and goals and commit to helping them reach their goals.

Fourth, you need to be committed to your downline team. Don't just sponsor people and then leave them. Be a responsible sponsor. Treat them like they were your spouse, child, or best friend. Find out their dreams and goals and make a commitment to help them achieve those. Your success is their success. The more people you help become successful, the greater your success.

Fifth, you need to be committed to yourself and your family. You're not going to secure your financial future and that of your family by working a job. It's your network marketing business that will help you develop the income and time freedom necessary to secure your financial future. So, put the blinders on and put the time, energy, and money into your business, so that you can achieve success in reaching your dreams. Take some calculated risks. Get out of your comfort zones and do things that are uncomfortable. Talk with more people. Follow-up with everyone. Get up in front of groups and do presentations. The more you get out of your comfort zones, the greater your success.

I was once told that you can't learn to swim sitting on the side of the pool with your feet dangling in the water. You have to jump in. You can't build a business sitting on the sidelines - you have to jump in. You have to be all in - totally committed! The good news is that if you jump in and make that kind of commitment for long enough (that will depend on you and your opportunity), you will achieve a high level of success and be able to live the lifestyle that most people only dream about. Sound good? Then, what are you waiting for jump in. The waters fine.

Sponsor UP

The tendency in network marketing is to sponsor people at your economic level or lower. Now, if you are a billionaire, this might not be an issue, but if you are like me (and most people in network marketing), you end up recruiting people who have very little money and influence.

Network marketing is a people business. It’s also an influence business. Those who have large circles of influence will generally do better in network marketing. Now, there are the exceptions; those who didn’t have money or influence and are now network marketing millionaires. Yes, everyone can do this, but for the 1 exception, there are hundreds of thousands of those without money and influence who have failed in network marketing. So, save yourself some misery and heartache and find people who have money and influence.

We don’t often think that millionaires or high paid executives or hugely successful business people would be interested in network marketing, but they are. Why? Because they have money, but no time freedom. Network marketing offers them the opportunity for both. Think about the physician who is working 60+ hours a week serving sick people. He/She makes a nice six figure income, but they are slaves to their jobs. The same is true of the attorney, CPA, top corporate executives, and successful business owners.

This is fertile ground and the best part is that they rarely get approached about network marketing. In fact, I’ve run into many of them who don’t even know what it is – can you imagine that? Amazing! All you have to do is let them know that you have something that could enable them to make the kind of income they are accustomed to, but have the time freedom to enjoy their life. Then ask them to keep an open mind as you present the business. If you show them the power of leverage with no employees or overhead, they will jump on board in a NY minute.

So, how do you find these people? Well, start with those you know and ask everyone who they know. Referrals are a great way to reach top people. You can also look for business directories in your area or mailing lists of physicians, attorneys, CPA’s, and corporate executives. You can also attend Chamber of Commerce and Rotary meetings to make new contacts. I would recommend sending them a personal letter or note and then follow-up with a phone call. It may take awhile to reach them (because they are busy), but be persistent and eventually you will uncover a few goldmines that will shoot you to the top of your company.

How to Make a Million Dollars in Network Marketing

I started my network marketing career back in 1979, when it was called multi-level marketing and there were only a handful of companies. I caught the power and vision of building residual income the moment my sponsor drew those circles. I set my goals to become a millionaire and went to work talking to people. I expected that everyone would see the vision and immediately jump on board. Boy was I wrong! Can you relate?

The first 10 years were very rough and I didn't make much money. However in the early 90's I was mentored by a couple of guys who were network marketing millionaires. One day I asked them how to make a million dollars in network marketing and they gave me the best advice I've received in my nearly 30 years in business. They told me to stop trying to make a million dollars and make a million friends. They told me that if I had a million friends, the million dollars would follow and they were right.

So, if you're truly interested in becoming a millionaire in network marketing, you need to immediately change your mindset and focus - get it off the money and on to people. Now, you might be asking, what does having a bunch of friends have to do with business success? Well, there are several answers. First is loyalty - your friends are going to be much more loyal to you and the business, than someone you sponsor on the internet or through some sort of advertising. Second, is that you care about your friends and they care about you. You want them to succeed and they want you to be successful. Because of this, you are both going to work harder to help each other. Third is fun - it's going to be a lot more fun to build with friends and gain financial and time freedom, than with people you don't know. Imagine going on company reward trips together or seeing each other up on stage receiving awards at conventions.

So, what you want to do is talk with your friends about doing this together. Cast the vision of time and financial freedom, going on trips together, living a life of luxury, and so on. Create a partnership (not a legal one, but one of agreement) with them in business and agree to help each other achieve success. Commit to each other not to give up until you have each reached your goals. Then work together to set goals and establish a plan to succeed in your business. Dedicate the necessary time, money, and effort to accomplish that plan, so that each of you can achieve your goals. Also, gather your friends together to do business presentations, so that there is even greater synergy and excitement.

Okay, about now you are probably thinking that you don't have very many friends. So the next step is to expand your friend network. There are two ways to do this - the first is to become friends with your friend's friends. In other words, as your friends bring people into your business, become friends with them. Do the same things you have been doing with your friend and soon they will become your friend.

Here are some ways that you can develop these new friend relationships: Invest time getting to know them - their background, family, occupation, hobbies, interests, dreams, and goals. Share these same areas with them, so they can get to know and trust you. Next, invest time helping them build their business - do presentations for their friends, offer to do 3-way phone calls with prospects, offer to send e-mails to prospects they have in the process, help them train and support new distributors/associates, and most of all work hard to help them make money in your business. If you can help them get to a point where they are making at least $500 a month, they will become a solid business partner. Then, teach them how to do the same for all of their people.

Now, here is one of the biggest power secrets in network marketing - work down and build depth. Most companies offer a back office system that allows you to track your business. As your downline begins to grow, you will want to welcome every new person into the network and invest some time getting to know them and offering to help them. Identify your leaders and focus more time and effort on them. Build a strong friendship and help them start making money. This excitment and growth will motivate those above that person and when they start showing more interest, move up and begin working with them.

About now, you're probably thinking, I don't have enough time to do all this. There is an old saying that if you give a man a fish, he eats for a day, but if you teach him to fish, he eats for a lifetime. This is so true in network marketing, as you want to teach your friends to fish. Don't do the business for them. Instead, teach them how to build successfully - how to attract people, build friendships, how to train and support, and how to build depth.

The second way to expand your friend market is to get involved in your community, so that you can meet new people. Volunteer at church or for a non-profit agency. Attend and join business organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. Join a Toastmasters club, which will help you become a better speaker and also put you in weekly contact with new people. Join a lead exchange club (ask other business people until you find one), which will provide you with a lead source and also more new contacts. Watch for trade shows in your local areas - attend and talk with the vendors. Gather cards and begin building relationships.

The truth is that you don't really need a million friends to make a million dollars in network marketing, but you do need a solid network of friends. So, start today with the friends you have right now. Get your eyes off the money and yourself and focus on helping them become successful. Your success is their success, so the more people you help to succeed, the greater your level of success.

US foreclosure filings up 81 percent in 2008

Yahoo News reports: "WASHINGTON – More than 2.3 million American homeowners faced foreclosure proceedings last year, an 81 percent increase from 2007, with the worst yet to come as consumers grapple with layoffs, shrinking investment portfolios and falling home prices."

The future is looking very bleak for many people. Foreclosures are up, bankruptcies are up, unemployment is up, the stock market is operating like a roller coaster, and the forecasters are saying that 2009 isn't going to be any better.

What they don't know and understand is that it's going to be one of the best years ever for the network marketing industry. It's been reported that during the great depression there were more millionaires created than in any other single period of time in the U.S. history. Now, we aren't in a full blown depression (yet), but we are in a major economic downturn that is spiraling further down and network marketing prosperes in this kind of market.

If you have a network marketing business, you've got the answer to the woes of many people in your area. In other words, there are many more people than normal who are in the "looking zone." They are looking for a solution to their financial struggles and fear about the financial future and you've got it. It's time to start sharing your business with everyone you know.

A few months ago, I jumped back into network marketing after being retired for seven years. I had built a large international network between the years of 1995 and 2001 and then retired with a lucrative full time income. I've been enjoying the time and financial freedom ever since. But as I began to see the signs of this economic collapse, it became clear to me that I was going to need another stream of income, so I'm back in the game.

This time around, I've found it very interested that so many more people are open to looking at my business. I'm sure you will find the same thing, if you just get out of your comfort zone and start talking with people. Ask them, "are you open to ways to bring additional income into your household?" OR "would you be interested in looking at a way you could increase your income?" OR "with this major downturn in the economy, it just makes financial sense to have multiples streams of income - do you?" If these questions don't work for you, come up with your own. The key is to ask a question that will begin a dialog where you can present your business as a solution to the financial situation both now and in the future.

It's time to turn off the television (there's nothing worth watching anyway), minimize the distractions, put the blinders on and start building your business. If you're with a good company that is going to be around for many years to come and you just work hard and smart for the next couple years, you will be very wealthy and enjoy an amazing financial future. The timing is perfect. Are you going to catch this wave or stay in your comfort zone and miss out on probably the best opportunity you will see in your lifetime? The choice is yours! I just hope you make the right choice.

Rod Nichols
Author, The Twelve Power Secrets for Network Marketing Success
http://www.rodnichols.com/
http://www.hopefinancial.biz/

Billionaire Blowups of 2008

Forbes just ran a story about how all the billionaires lost a lot of money in 2008. Here's a quote from the article:

"Dozens of the world's wealthiest lost billions in recent months, but these 10 distinguish themselves for some of the biggest flops. It was a dreadful year for the world's wealthiest as markets and currencies around the world tumbled. More than 300 of the 1,125 billionaires we tallied on our annual list last March have since lost at least $1 billion; several dozen lost more than $5 billion. The 10 richest from our 2008 rankings dropped some $150 billion of wealth, dragged down by steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, estranged brothers Mukesh and Anil Ambani and property baron K.P. Singh, who together dropped $100 billion. America's 25 biggest billionaire losers of 2008 lost a combined $167 billion." You can read the whole article by clicking HERE.

We are heading into a new year and it's time to start thinking about what we are going to do in this new year. The economy will not likely get any better. In fact it may never get better. So, it's going to be important to your financial future and mine for us to develop multiple streams of income.

From 1995 to 2001 I built a large international network marketing business and then retired. I've been enjoying time and financial freedom for the last 7 years, but am now reconigizing that the future is going to require more and so I'm back building another huge network, which will generate another stream of residual income. I'm also working with a few affiliate programs and doing some distribution of books, that will add more streams of income.

I hope you have plans to do the same in 2009. This is going to be a difficult year for those who are steeped in the current economic system. However, it's going to be a very prosperous year for those of us working outside the box. So, get out of the box and let your creativity go wild. You're going to need it in the coming years.

Have a safe and blessed New Years! See you next year.

Rod

Goal Achievement

The first of the year is always a time when people evaluate their lives and plan changes. As a network marketer, it is important to set your annual goals and develop a plan to reach them. Here is a system that I learned many years ago, that has helped me achieve many of my lifetime goals.

The first step is to have a PURPOSE. Purpose is the reason you are striving toward something. It's the why for "why" for what you do. Your overall purpose is what God intended you to do here on earth. For instance, my purpose is to help people live happier, more fulfilling lives. I know this because I was given the talents to write and speak effectively. I also get a great deal of enjoyment out of helping people, even when there is no financial remuneration. You can also have a purpose for your network marketing business. For example, your purpose might be to achieve time and financial freedom.

Once you have determined your purpose, you should write it as a statement: My purpose is . . . at the top of a piece of paper.

Now you're ready to set some goals based on this purpose.

Goals are really the stepping stones on the way to your purpose. All your goals should revolve around and contribute to your purpose. Plus, there are some rules when setting goals. First, they must be written. Goals in your head will never be achieved. Goals on paper have a fighting chance. Second, your goals must be S.M.A.R.T.

S = Sincere. You must believe in your goals and they must fit your purpose.

M = Measurable. Your goals must be measurable in order for you to know when you've achieved the goal.

A = Accessible. Your goals must be achievable under your current circumstances, knowledge, and abilities.

R = Realistic. Your goals must be realistically achieved within the time frame you have.

T = Timely. Your goals must all work together and not conflict with each other. Goals must have the right timing in your life.

You should start the year by writing SMART goals for four areas in your life: Spiritual, Family, Business, and Personal. If you don't have much experience with goal achievement, I would suggest that you set no more than 2 goals in each area. Each goal should be written in the present tense, as if you had already achieved it and should contain as much detail as possible.

For example, if you're business goal was to recruit 50 people by December 31, 2009, you would write: "It's the last day of December and I have achieved my goal of recruiting 50 new distributors this year. Many of them are very motivated and have already built networks of their own. It's fun to have all these new friends helping me build my business, while I help them build theirs." Write these goals on your piece of paper (the one you wrote your purpose on) under your purpose statement.

Once you have your goals set, it's time to develop a plan to achieve the goals. The first step is to determine the steps or activities necessary to achieve the goals. In our example above, recruiting 50 people this year, some of the steps would be: make up a list of prospects, prepare an information package, mail the information package to the first 20 on my list, call to let them know the information is in the mail and to set up a follow-up call, do the follow-up call, sign them up or provide more information, follow-up until the sign up. Write the steps under each goal on your piece of paper.

Once you have the steps written for each goal, then start to plan these activities into your daily schedule. The best way to do this is to review your purpose, goals, and steps each day. Determine what time slots you have available, prioritize the steps/activities and fill the time slots with your highest priority steps/activities.

Then complete these steps/activities every day. If something of a higher priority comes in during the day and you can't complete a step/activity, transfer it to the next day. Make sure you re-prioritize each day to ensure that you are working on the most important things at all times.
Do this activity, follow these steps throughout the year and you will achieve the majority, if not all of your goals for the year and next year at this time you will look back on an awesome year.

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 need to 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 built my last network based on the principles that Jesus teaches in the Bible and it has stayed strong, even though I haven't worked my business for 7 years. 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 and your life (and business) will never be the same.

I'm Filling the Funnel

Well Christmas is almost here and as a network marketing business owner, I'll be glad when this season is over. I'm looking forward to January and February, which are traditionally the best months for network marketing. People start making those resolutions and setting goals to make more money, enjoy more free time, and so on. I'm going to have a tremendous couple months and if you do some things now, you will too.

The holidays are a great time to fill your funnel - that is get people interested in your business, pass out information, mail out letters, give out samples, and build relationships on all those social marketing sites. If you fill the funnel in December, you'll see a bunch of those people join your business in January and February.

So, don't give up on your business in the next two weeks - fill your funnel.

Treat Your Business Like an Investment

We all know that the real estate market is down, the stock market is unstable, and so the typically reliable places to invest money are no longer reliable. However, there is one place that you can invest your money and control the return and that's in your own network marketing business.

In 1994 I invested six weeks to thoroughly research the top 100 network marketing companies and chose the one I felt was the best for me. From 1995 to 2001 I built a large, multi-national network and a six-figure residual income. I then retired to help a friend plant a new church and became a full-time pastor. For the last 7 years I have received a full-time income from that business, even though I've done nothing in it. Now, that's a good investment!

Three months ago I launched a new business and will build another network and another stream of income, which will enhance my investment situation and prepare my wife and I for the upcoming years.

Did you know that if you build a large network that generates an income of $100,000 a year, you have the equivalent of a $1,00,000 investment portfolio producing at 10%. How long would it take to save up $1 million for an investment portfolio? For most people, it's not even possible and yet, with the right company and upline team, you could build a network marketing business that produces a $100k income within 5 years working part-time.

So, if you don't already have a network marketing business, you should start doing your research to find the right one. If you already have done the research and found the right company, then get to work and build your financial future. Pour investment money into your business and yourself and watch that investment grow!

Business Promotion Ideas for the Holidays

As I mentioned in my last post, the holidays can be a very slow time in your business, but that's really up to you. If you slow down, your business will slow down. However, if you promote throughout the holidays, your business will continue growing. Here are some simple ideas for promoting your business in the coming month:

1. Annual Christmas Letter - if you send out an annual Christmas letter, mention that you've started a new business and that you are helping other people earn extra money, replace jobs they hate, and enjoy tremendous tax savings. If you don't already send out a letter, this might be a good reason to do so.

2. Christmas Cards - include a note in your Christmas cards about your new business. If you had just opened a restaurant, you would proudly announce it to all your friends and family, so it shouldn't be any different with your network marketing business.

3. Christmas Gifts - if you have something that your network marketing business offers, use it as your Christmas gift to co-workers, neighbors, people you attend church with, etc. Many companies offer Christmas packs that are decorated and at a special price. Often, they will even ship it for you.

4. Christmas Shopping - whether you like Christmas shopping or not, it's something we all have to do. Dread the mall? Well, now you can use this time to promote your business. Bring along a bunch of business cards that direct people to a web site and as you encounter sales people at the various stores, give them a card and say something like: "You're sharp and I'm sure that (name of the store) isn't paying you nearly what you are worth, so I'd like to talk with you as soon as possible. Call or e-mail me as soon as possible." If they ask what it is, give them the company name and direct them to your web site. Let them know that you don't want to take up their work time, but would be happy to answer questions when they call. The less you tell them, the greater their curiosity and if they are curious, they will call or e-mail. Not many will, but this is a sifting process, so those who do are your best prospects.

Hope these help you have a happy and prosperous Christmas season.

Growing During the Holidays

Most network marketers go into mental hibernation during the holidays, but the top income earners know that this is the best time to build. Think about all the Christmas parties you will be attending and all the potential distributors/associates you will meet. If you are prepared, you will discover that there are a lot of people looking for a way to make some extra money during the holidays.

Okay, so here are some tips:

1. Start conversations - have some ready questions such as: "What do you think of this crazy economy?" "I never thought I'd see the day when financial institutions were failing - can you believe it?" "Have you been affected by any of that?" "And can you believe all the layoffs?" "There are going to be a lot of hurting people out there - are you facing layoffs in your company?" "This is the toughest holiday season I've seen in years - most people are scrapping by and don't have extra money - you probably know people who are really struggling?" The idea behind the questions is to help them see the pain in their own lives and others, so that later you can bring them a solution - your network marketing business.

2. Use F.O.R.M. in your conversations - The F stands for Family - so ask questions about their family. The O stands for Occupation, so ask questions about their work. The R stands for recreation, so ask about traveling and hobbies. The M stands for Money, so ask about how they are feeling about the economy, good investments they have found, and their feelings about the future. Again, you are stirring up pain areas that can be alleviated by your business.

3. Have samples and marketing materials in your car - Be ready at all times. You never know when you are going to meet your next top distributor. If you find that they are interested, run out to the car and bring them in some information and then set up a follow-up time by phone or in-person.

If you do these things during this Christmas season, even if people don't join you until after the first of the year, you will have a great launch for the new year and be way ahead of all those people who took a break. Remember that if you don things now that others won't, you'll be able to do things later that others can't!

Have a great and prosperous Christmas season.

Rod

Are Your Protecting Your Future?

In a Business Week article published today (21st), Dell is praised for laying off over 8900 people, asking people to take unpaid holiday leave, and accept severance packages for leaving the company early. You can read more about it here.

We've got an acquiantance who's husband just got laid off after 32 years with the same company. No severance package - Just a we've used you enough and now we don't need you anymore attitude. His family is devastated.

I mentored a 62 year old man who had worked for the same company for over 30 years and was 3 years from retirement with a nice pension that would take care of he and his wife the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt and he lost all of his pension.

Are you protecting your financial future by building a network marketing business? If you aren't, you should and if you are, I commend you. Network marketing is one of the few industries that will thrive in this economic downturn. Plus, it's just about the best investment out there. You invest your time and money into building a business over the next few years and you can live off the income the rest of your life. That's the power of residual income and you don't have to worry about whether the stock market is going up or down - you decide how big an income you want.

I've been in this industry for 29 years and I've never seen a better time to build a network marketing business. Everyone is looking for something - a way to make more money, a way to recapture the money they've lost in the stock market or their retirement program, a way to secure their financial future, so that they don't have to work at McDonald's at age 70 just to pay the bills. Now is the time to build. Put the blinders on, get out of your comfort zone, and build a big business. A few years from now, you'll be glad you did!

Have a great weekend!

Rod Nichols
www.RodNichols.com
FREE Network Marketing Newsletter
and articles.

Two Types of People

Hello Friends,

In my 29 years of network marketing, I've found there are two types of people - those who make excuses (or blame) and those who make money. Network marketing creates an equal opportunity for everyone. The circumstances of your life don't matter, as I've met network marketing millionaires from 18 to over 80, both men and women, all ethnic groups, college educated and didn't finish high school, business background and no business back ground, and all walks of life. Anyone can be successful in this business.

The key to success is you. Are you going to make excuses - not enough time, not enough money, don't know enough people, aren't good with people, can't do presentations, need to be home with the kids, afraid of what people will think or say - those are just a few that I hear regularly and when I hear them, I immediately know that those people are not going to make money. I also hear a lot of blame - no upline help, sponsor didn't put anyone under me, company doesn't supply training, system doesn't work, blah blah blah. Again, I know that this person isn't going to make any money.

My first 10 years of network marketing I was a miserable failure. I did everything wrong, but I learned from each experience and then used what I learned to build bigger networks each time. For the last 7 years I've been retired and living off the residual income from my last venture. I never made any excuses or blamed anyone and the result was that I made money. Now, I didn't have any upline support, no one sponsored anyone under me, there wasn't a training system, and at the time I was working a full-time corporate job and had five children at home. There were plenty of opportunies for excuses and blame. Now, don't get me wrong, I did plenty of blaming and making excuses in the past, and I didn't make money, but I learned and I hope you will too.

I'm now excited to be back in network marketing and building another large network and stream of residual income. In these crazy economic times (and it will get worse), it makes sense to have multiple streams of income. I've learned to watch my tongue, as it can get me in a lot of trouble. There is a great little book called Hung by the Tongue that every network marketer should read. I believe that more businesses are destroyed and dreams dashed by the tongue than for any other reason. There is power in what you say. The Bible says that there is life and death in the tongue. Are you speaking life or death to your business? If you're complaining all the time, then you are speaking death to your business. The Bible also tells us that we should speak things that are not, as though they were. So speak about your business and future as you want them to be, not as they are now. Your mind will move toward that dominant thought and the coordinating actions will take you to success.

I want to see everyone of you succeed in network marketing. It doesn't matter to me whether you are with my company or on my team; I just want you to succeed, so feel free to e-mail me by clicking HERE to ask questions or get some minor coaching. Also, please share with me your network marketing success stories. I'll share some of them in my blog.

Have an awesome day!

Rod

I'm Baaaaaaack

Just back from sunny California (I live in rainy Washington State) where my wife and I were attending a large network marketing conference. Over 2000 people traveled from all across the country and paid $150 per person to attend the conference. In the world outside of network marketing, people are barely leaving their homes to go get a gallon of milk. Because of the doom and gloom in the media, they are operating in fear, but those who are in the know are joining network marketing companies and investing in themselves. Network marketing is going to be one of the few industrys that explodes during this economic downturn. Tens of thousands of people are going to make a fortune, while the rest of the people are home watching Dancing with the Stars or Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. We decided to come home, cancel our cable, and go on a sponsoring rampage. How about you? Which group are you in - the one who is operating in fear or the one who is stepping out in faith?

Watch

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny.

It’s Finally Time to Vote

I don’t know about you, but I’m really tired of the endless political commercials, the speeches, and the media coverage. I’m glad that tomorrow (Tuesday the 4th), we finally get to vote. This election, as all before them, will have a huge impact on our future income. But did you know that you have the ability to vote every day and have an impact on your financial future?

Since you are in network marketing, you have the opportunity every day to vote to give yourself a raise. You can look in the mirror and say, “I vote to give you a raise!” Then you go out and make it happen. What impact would it have if you went out today and sponsoring one new person into your business? What would happen if you did that for five days a week during the next year? You’re network and income would explode. Okay, so let’s say that you only sponsor 1 person a week; that would still be 52 new associates in your business in the next year. If each of them just sponsored 1 a month during the following year, you would have another 624 new people join your team. What a huge impact, by just sponsoring 1 person a week.

Okay, I can hear you saying, “But, how do I sponsor 1 person a week?” The key is to fill the funnel. Think of your business like a funnel. There’s a big opening at the top and a little opening at the bottom. You have to put a lot of people in the top to get a few coming out the bottom. Your company may be different, but industry averages are about 10% of the people you present to will join. The better you get at presenting and follow-up, the higher the percentage of people joining. However, let’s just work with the 10%. If you’re going to sponsor 1 person a week, you’ll need to present your business to at least 10 people. You can present to those people one-on-one or in groups or use tools. I recommend using tools like web conferences and DVD’s. If you have a really good web site, you can use it as well. The key is to get the person to commit to looking at information and then set up a time to follow-up. Remember that the odds say that 1 out of 10 will join, so don’t be concerned about those who say no. Just keep following up until you find your yes. There will be times when you even run through 10 people without a yes, but in the next 10 you’ll sponsor 2, so keep contacting people, asking them to check out the information, and then following up.

Once again, I hear you asking “where am I going to find all those people?” Another good question; with an easy answer. They are all around you. Some will be people you know well – relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, people you go to church with, people that are in organizations with you, etc. Others will be people you see on a regular basis – bank teller, grocery clerk, owner of the dry cleaners, people at the quick lube place, people at the tanning salon, people at the club where you work out, your attorney, accountant, insurance representative, etc. Then there will be people you encounter in your every day life – strangers who are just waiting for you to come along and present them with the solution they’ve been seeking and even praying for. How many people do you encounter every day – probably more than you are even aware. The key is to have a way to engage them and here are some ideas that work:

Hand out samples – if you have a product that can be sampled, offer samples to people like they do at Costco. People flock to free samples. If they respond favorably to the sample, give them some information and set up a time to follow-up (which means you need to gather their contact information).

Questions – asking a quick question will help you get them engaged. How about “Have you ever heard of (your company or product name)?” They say no and you give a quick explanation (30 to 60 seconds at most), followed by another question like, “does it sound like something you’d like to know more about?” If yes, then provide them with information and set a time to follow-up. Another great question is, “do you keep your eyes and ears open for ways to make additional money?” If yes, provide them with information and set up a time to follow-up.

DVD/CD handout – ask “are you interested in a free DVD/CD?” If yes, explain that it shows them a way to make some extra money and ask if they are interested in that. If yes, exchange the DVD/CD for their contact information and set up a time to follow-up.

If you consciously work your business every day, you should be able to get information into the hands of at least 10 new people and through effective follow-up you will recruit your 1 person a week and watch your business and income absolutely explode!

Kiyosaki Helps You Generate Leads

In today’s market place it seems that thousands of people are trying to get your attention, screaming that they have the BEST BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY IN THE WORLD!

Who should you believe?

The simple answer is look for CREDIBILITY!

Unfortunately the internet is full of scammy programs and people that are trying to teach you how to do, something they have never done.

I can count on one hand the number of true, credible experts, that I buy into 100%. On that short list you will find the name Robert Kiyosaki. You probably know him as the author of the Rich Dad Poor Dad series. Walk into any bookstore in the world and you can find an entire section of Rich Dad Poor Dad books. You may have seen his popular Cash flow TV show.
Today I have a very special offer for our readers. I am very excited to be able to offer you Mr. Kiyosaki’s best selling full length audio cd “The Perfect Business” free of charge.

You can get all the details on this credible cd right here:http://www.automaticprospectingsystem.com

You don’t want to miss out on this extraordinary offer click the link below, right now!http://www.automaticprospectingsystem.com

J.O.B.

Today's AP Headline: Chrysler slashing 5,000 jobs as sale talk goes on.

Are you relying on a job to secure your financial future? Better think again. JOB stands for Just Over Broke or Journey of the Broke. AND in these current economic times, jobs are even less stable than they've been in the last few years.

It's time to take control of your financial future and the only way you can do that is by starting your own business. If you have a lot of money, you could invest in a proven franchies like McDonalds, Burger King, or Wendys, but most people don't have the multi-millions of dollars it would take to do that. If you have $20,000 to $50,000 you could start a more traditional business, open a restaurant or retail store, but again, most people don't have that kind of money just sitting in the bank. Plus, the difficult part is that all of those businesses are going to be affected by the down turn in our economy.

Your best choice in business is network marketing. It is one of the few types of business that isn't impacted by a negative economy. In fact, it actually prospers during recessionary times. Why? Because, when times are tough people are looking for ways to make extra money and network marketing is a great way to do that.

Your investment to get into a network marketing business is likely going to be under $500 and that will include some product that you could use yourself or sell for a profit. If you are with a good company with a responsible upline, you will have excellent training and support available to you, so you don't have to try to figure it out yourself.

There are over 3,000 network marketing companies out there right now and more emerging weekly, so your first task is to find the right company for you. Click on this link to read my article How to Choose the Right Network Marketing Company. There are lots of good companies, a few rather risky ventures, and a bunch of really bad companies that you want to avoid like the plague. Reading my article will help you find that right company for you, your personality, and your budget.

Next, you need to do the things that the top income earners do. Now, you could spend hundreds, maybe thousands of hours interviewing top income earners and studying how they do business or you could invest $20 in my book The Twelve Power Secrets for Network Marketing Success. This book is the culmination of nearly 30 years of research. I've interviewed and worked with hundreds of the top income earners and have gleaned from their wisdom. I've also built very large networks myself, so I include some of the wisdom I have gained as well. This book covers everything you would need to know to be successful. Click HERE for more information or to order the book.

Network marketing is truly the ideal business, so no need to keep looking around. This is the answer you've been looking for. Secure your financial future today, by either starting a network marketing business or building the one you are in. Truly, your future depends on it.

How to Build Your Business Right Now

If you haven't figure it out yet, this is a great time to build a network marketing business. Daily, the media is creating fear about the future of the stock market, retirement accounts, money in banks, and the economy in general. Many top economists are forcasting bad times for the next couple years at least. Although this is bad news to most, it's great news for those of us with network marketing businesses.

All that fear is sending people looking for solutions. They're trying to figure out what to do to secure their financial situation or make up for lost retirement funds. People you know are looking for what you have right now. So, here are a few tips for building your business during these crazy economic times.

First, I would send out a letter to everyone you know. In the first part of the letter, recount the media headlines and stir up the fear. Next, inform them that you have a way that could help them generate more funds, recoup retirement funds, offset stock loses, enjoy tremendous tax benefits, and secure their financial future. Finally, ask them to get in touch with you if they would like more information.

Second, start up conversations about the economy and how it is affecting their lives. Stir up the fear and then ask them if they are interested in a potential solution. If they are, schedule a time to present your business or arrange to provide them with information.

Third, start contacting those professions that have been the hardest hit: car sales, realtors, mortgage reps and brokers, and anyone selling a big ticket item to consumers. Talk with them about the economy, stir up the fear, and then present a solution.

There are some ways that you can benefit from our current economy and help others do the same.

Secure Your Financial Future

Today's Headline: Retirement accounts have lost $2 trillion — so far

Are you relying on the 401k, retirement account, or Social Security to take care of you in your old age? Forget about it! Take control of your financial future with a network marketing business.

First, network marketing businesses are a lot more fun than just sticking money into an account.
Second, network marketing businesses have a much greater potential for return.
Third, network marketing businesses give you the opportunity to help others too.
Fourth, network marketing businesses provide you with much better tax benefits.
Fifth, network marketing businesses create opportunities for your to travel and meet new people.

There are five great reasons to utilize a network marketing business to secure your retirement.

Let me tell you a sad story. A number of years ago I met a man who had worked for the same company for 30 years and socked away a large sum of money into the company retirement account. He was 2 years away from retirement when the company went bankrupt. He lost everything and was devastated. "What could I do in 2 years that would enable me to recreate my retirement fund," he asked me and I told him there was only one thing - network marketing. I then helped him research the industry to find the right company for him and 2 years later he had built a business that generated far more than his retirement account would have.

Think about it this way. If you have a network marketing business that generates a $100,000 a year income, you have the equivalent of $1,000,000 in an investment that yields 10%. How long would it take you to accumulate $1,000,000 doing what you are doing? Whereas there are many people who work part-time and within 2 to 5 years have a network marketing business that generates a residual income of $100,000 or more (much more). Beyond the financial side, a successful network marketing business will give you free time to enjoy life, opportunities to travel and make new friends, lot's of cool contests and awards, and amazing tax benefits. So, if you have a network marketing business, get busy and secure your financial future. If you're looking for a business and would like to work with a proven leader, e-mail me by clicking HERE.

Recession Proof Business

Today's Headline: Stocks decline amid global worries credit crisis is spreading; Dow falls below 10,000.

With banks and other major financial institutions failing around the world, we are clearly heading into a major economic crisis. Whether it is a recession or depression, the key is to be self-employed and one of the most recession-proof businesses is network marketing. Why? Because when times get tough, people look for ways to make money and network marketing offers the idea business. It doesn't cost much to get started; you don't need any employees or leased office or warehouse space; and it's a simple business that anyone can do from home.

Even in the great depression, there were still people who had money, but they were the smart entrepreneurs of their day. Now is the time to get smart and build a network marketing business. If you already have a network marketing business, then build it fast and hard so that you are prepared for the coming economic crisis. If you are either looking for a business or are not completely happy with your current company, e-mail me at Rod@RodNichols.com and ask about my #1 rated company. In either case, quit messing around, get busy and build. As things get worse, you will be a shining light on a hill that people will flock to.