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

Better Networker

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

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

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

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

Here are some great discussions that are active on BetterNetworker:

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

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

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

Acid Water and Diabetes

Study Shows Type 1 Diabetes Can Be Caused by Acidic Water

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

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

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

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

Wizard of Oz in Network Marketing

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

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

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

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

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

Red Flag #1: Big Name People

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

Key #1: Management Team

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

Red Flag #2: Big Money Focus

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

Key #2: Solid Product or Service

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

Red Flag #3: We Will Build it For You

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

Key #3: Find a Good Upline Team

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

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

Yoli is the Real Deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breaking Network Marketing News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Network Marketing (MLM) vs. Illegal Pyramid Scheme

I get asked quite often, the difference between network marketing (MLM) and illegal pyramids. Here are the qualifiers as detailed on various State Attorney General brochures and web sites. Check with your State AG to see if they have a brochure or web site.

What is Network Marketing (MLM)?

Wikipedia describes network marketing as “a marketing strategy that compensates promoters of direct selling companies not only for product sales they personally generate, but also for the sales of others they introduced to the company. The products and company are usually marketed directly to consumers and potential business partners by means of relationship referrals and word of mouth marketing.” The roots of network marketing were formed in the late 1800’s, but the first true multi-level marketing companies emerged in the 1900’s, the most famous of these is Amway. Network marketing was ruled to be a completely legal form of business by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in 1979. It has also been ruled legal in over 100 other countries. There are currently many thousands of network marketing companies throughout the world.

What Is An Illegal Pyramid?

An illegal pyramid scheme is a form of multi-level marketing where the marketing of a product is only of secondary importance, or may not be done at all. To join, you must pay some type of initial investment, which gives you the right to recruit others into the company. For each person you bring into the company, you receive money, or other bonuses. Thus your earning potential depends primarily on how many people you sign up, not how much merchandise is sold. One of the easiest ways to identify an illegal pyramid scheme is that they lack a product all together or the product is not something that people would purchase, without the hope of making a bunch of money. In other words, there aren't any customers.

Under Washington State law, if a business venture meets all three of these descriptions, it is an illegal pyramid (check with your State Attorney General):

1. You must make an investment to get the right to recruit others into the program (usually large and you get nothing in return). (A starter kit or administration fee is typically not considered an investment to recruit)

2. When you recruit another person into the program, you receive what the law calls "consideration." That usually means money, but can be anything of value. (If they are purchasing a product or service package and receiving a commission on that, it's okay.)

3. Your new recruits must make an investment to get the right to recruit, and they receive "consideration" for getting other people to join. Remember that all three of these requirements must be met for the venture to be illegal.

What are the penalties for involvement in an illegal pyramid scheme?

Anyone participating in such a scheme is violating the state Chain Distributor Scheme law (WA), and is subject to penalties of up to a $2,000 fine, plus restitution to any injured consumers, and charges for court and attorney fees. If your company meets the criteria for a legal MLM company, then you can use this information to prove to prospects that your company is not an illegal pyramid.

Donald Trump and Network Marketing

Well, the Donald has been talking about network marketing for some time now and it looks like he's putting his money where his mouth is. According to everyone who has been approaching me, it's the best thing since sliced bread, the hottest network marketing company ever, and according to one video - "a guaranteed success". NOT!

Maybe we should cut through all the hype and look at some facts. Here's what the MLM Watchdog has to say:

TRUMP NETWORK - MLM
25 Mar 2009 NYC -- Donald Trump, following his own teachings, bought the "junk yard dog" MLM company Ideal Health. Cheap I bet, per traffic data below. Ideal health, founded in 2003, promoted testing to sell custom made nutritionals for people. They have never been a boomer. Sam Caster of Mannatech (shame or fame?) started Metabolic Technologies back in 1992 in his sister’s name. Metabolic Technologies was a testing and custom nutritional MLM that crashed and burned along with 2-3 others down the MLM halls of time.

Okay, back to me. I don't always agree with the WatchDog, but in this case I think they are right on. Ideal Health is an older company that never took off and although the Trump name will cause a lot of excitement, it won't carry the company for the long-term and mark my words, if it's not making money, the people running Ideal Health are going to hear "You're Fired!"

Watch for my next post, when I'll reveal a new company that I think does have great potential.

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!