Happy New Year!

Where are you headed this coming year? What are your goals and your dreams? Let's all go out and make 2011 a great year!  William Arthur Ward quotes (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)

“Another fresh new year is here . . .


Another year to live!


To banish worry, doubt, and fear,


To love and laugh and give!






This bright new year is given me


To live each day with zest . . .


To daily grow and try to be


My highest and my best!






I have the opportunity


Once more to right some wrongs,


To pray for peace, to plant a tree,


And sing more joyful songs!”

Starting Fresh in 2011. Happy New Year!

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.



Edith Lovejoy Pierce
 
Only a couple days remain in 2010.  Did you reach your goals for the year?  Have you determined your goals for 2011?
 
As of Saturday, 1/1/11, we can start fresh!  Whatever mistakes you made are in the past.  You can realease any bad memories you have.  If you didn't achieve everything you'd hoped to this year, you have a whole new year to work with!
 
You can do it!  I know you can, but YOU must know you can.  Approach 2011 with a positive attitude and a new determination.  This time next year, you'll be cheering about all your successes.

New Year - a Time for New Opportunities - the Sunrise of 2011

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!" 

William Arthur Ward



Happy New Year!

A happy New Year! Grant that I

May bring no tear to any eye

When this New Year in time shall end

Let it be said I've played the friend,

Have lived and loved and labored here,

And made of it a happy year. 

Edgar Guest

Hectic, Chaotic, Exhausting Holidays

As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.   --  Donald E. Westla

Adversity vs Prosperity

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.  Anne Bradstreet

I really like this quote.  So often, we forget to be grateful for what we have in our lives.  We may take those we love for granted.  For the majority of Americans, we simply know we will have food to eat and water to drink.  We know we will always know we'll have the basics that life has to offer.

At this time of year in particular, it is good to really notice the wonder in life and appreciate what we have. 

The economic situation has effected nearly everyone, and perhaps your home business has seen a decline.  Many, if not most, have.  Using the theme of the quote above, let us remember how great our business was and will be again.  We are fortunate to still have a business, and simply retain optimism.  In the not-too-distant future, you shall all once again see your business growing.   It will happen, but you cannot quit!

Work vs Holidays

When you like your work every day is a holiday.  Frank Tyger

Before I hired my current "boss," I dreaded going to work many days.   My new boss?  Me, of course!  I have a career at home with my small business.  

I actually am quite a demanding boss.  The difference between what I'm doing today and working an outside j-o-b is huge!  If I want to work long hours, I do.  Most days that is exactly what I do.  But if I need a day off or an afternoon off, I don't need to ask anyone for permission.

We've all heard that if you have a job that you love, you'll never work another day in your life.  Which brings me back to the quote above.   

If your home business is not making you happy, seek another one!  You can add another business to what you're already doing.  Work it until you can stop doing the one you dislike.  But, do your homework!  Select a home business where you believe in and truly like the business or service they offer.

So, as we are in the middle of the holiday season, your work does not have to make you joyful every minute of the day, but if you like what you're doing, "every day is a holiday."  Take advantage of it! 

Thomas Edison, Failure

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”  Thomas Edison, Inventor, Scientist and Businessman

Supposedly Thomas Edison failed to perfect the incandescent light bulb 2,000 times.  I don't know if that is actually true or not, but I've enough read similar stories about him to believe he definitely failed many times before each of his inventions actually worked properly.

When learning something new, we all make mistakes.  And sometimes we feel as though we failed, but in reality it is part of the learning process.  We grow when we do something wrong.  We know not to do "it" that way again.   When you try a new method of working your business - perhaps a new way to present your product - if you get poor responses to that new presentation, you know not to repeat that method again.  Perhaps the method failed, but you did not.  

If you we never take risks, try something new, you will never discover what really works best for you.  Your business may go along supporting itself, but never quite "taking off."  Because a co-worker is successful with a certain manner of selling your product doesn't guarantee it will work for you.

So, go out there, discover what does works for you.  What's the worst thing that can happen?    

Opportunities

"Life's up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals - Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want."                                                                           [Marsha Sinetar]

This message is so true!  Oftentimes, we fail to learn from our mistakes; we don't see the message provided by the error we made.  We all know that life is not easy, and network marketing can be challenging.  However, if you look at each obstacle as an opportunity to grow both yourself and your business, your entire perception of that obstacle will appear. 


What we all must learn early on in our business in order to succeed is that for every "no" you receive from a prospect, you are closer to the next "yes!"  "No" does not mean you failed.  It is simply a signal to move on to the next prospect, and the next, and the next, until you receive your next "yes."  As long as you remain persistent and patient, you will arrive at that "yes."


Don't see a "no" as an obstacle or a setback.  With each new presentation you give to a prospect, you have grown!  As long as you are open to it, you will learn from what you may perceive as failures and your successes.  

Failures are another opportunity to learn not to repeat that particular activity or behavior again.

Truth in Advertising

As a small businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth.    John Greenleaf Whittier  

As a network marketer, you want to let prospects know that their potential income is limitless, however, you also want to be realistic.  If you "promise" a prospect that they will be earning $100,000 by the end of their first year, and they do not reach that income, what do you think they are thinking?

While it is certainly possible to make a six-figure income in the first year of a network marketing business, it is definitely not the norm.  Rather, realistically speaking, at best, it will take about a year to be earning a living with your business.  If your new team member earns far less than they believed they would be earning, they may well simply quit the business, thinking they had been misled.

Those of us in the business for any amount of time have seen people fail completely, and we've seen very successful people.  The vast majority fall somewhere in between.  Too many factors need to be considered to actually be able to tell a prospect how much they can expect to earn.  

• How many hours a week do they intend to work?  
• Do they follow instructions well and participate in training calls? 
• What do you know about their work habits?   There is productive work, and there is "busy" work.

It is impossible to know how successful a new team member will be.  As a team leader, you can give all your team members the best training you know how to provide and the best tools available to enable success, but each team member actually has to perform the work.  I never tell a prospect how much they WILL earn, only how much they could earn. 

Be truthful with your prospective team members, and they are less likely  to quit as soon as they discover they will not reach the promised six-figure income in "X" period of time.

For Success, Ask Yourself These Questions...

“For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?” -- James Allen, Self Help Author 

• What is your "why?"  Why did you choose network marketing?  If you keep your "why" in your mind throughout your work day, it will inspire you to focus on the job at hand.  

• "Why Not?"  Why shouldn't you be one of the great success stories in your company?  There is nothing special about the leaders in your company, your upline.  They started just like you did, at the beginning.  There is no reason why you cannot reach every goal you aim for, as long as you work for it, apply yourself to your business, and ask for help when you need it.  This business is called "network marketing" for a reason.  You are part of a network.  Take advantage of the experience and knowledge of your upline.

  "Why not me?"  There is absolutely no reason why the most successful person on your team cannot be you.  It is, however, up to you.  No one can do it for you.

  "Why not now?"  Don't wait.  Now is the time.  Today is the day to start growing your business and your income.    Don't put off posting ads and calling prospects.  Work with your team to help them grow their businesses.  With most  network marketing companies, your team's success means your success.

  
  

  
  

  
  

   

   

 

 

Leaders

“To be a champ you have to believe in yourself when nobody else will.” -- Sugar Ray Robinson, American Boxer

This is something that takes work for me.  There have been times in my life when I didn't I believe in myself, when I didn't think I could do "it" (whatever it was at that moment).  It rarely happens now, but it does on occasion.

When I became a network marketer, I didn't see myself as a team leader, and in fact, I was afraid of what I'd do when I signed on my first team member.  After all, what did I know about the business?   Although some people certainly are born leaders, but I do not believe that most of us are.  To become a leader - not just an enroller - takes time, training and experience.  I'm a far better leader today than I was when I started in this business, but I'm still improving every day.

As a network marketer, when you are first starting out, one of the most important things for you to do is stay in close contact with your enroller.  It is vital to your success!  Yes, it is THAT important.  Each of us learns from people who have more experience as a team leader than we have.  If you come into the business believing you already "know it all," you likely will not succeed.  

Be open to learning throughout your life and throughout your career.  We should never stop learning and growing - both ourselves and our businesses.

Continue to take advantage of whatever training is offered by your enroller and your company.  Listen to some of the inspirational speakers' recordings.  Read books - there are hundreds out there that can help you to grow personally and also become a better leader.

By KNOWING you can and will succeed, it will happen, but not by living in a bubble.

Leaders

“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” -- John Maxwell, Leadership Author and Speaker 

Network marketing has changed as social networking has grown.  Not very long ago, a prospect would research your company before deciding whether to join your team.  Social networking has enabled prospects to learn about YOU!   Having the right "chemistry" with a prospect has always been important, but it is much more than that now.

This is a very important evolution.  You now want to "expose yourself" even more on the Internet.  If someone wants to "check you out," they must be able to find information about you.  The more sites you join and provide your "profile," the easier their search will be.  Which brings up another point...

If you are involved in social networking, be careful what you say.  When researching you, will people find inappropriate postings?  Do you participate in groups on, say Facebook, that others may find offensive?

I personally do not post anything political.  While I do have political opinions, I do not share them on a public forum.  Not everyone agrees with this, but unless the forum is specifically political, I do not think it is appropriate.  That is a decision you must make.

When posting anywhere on the Internet, keep in mind that there are people deciding whether to "buy into" your team or company.  Represent yourself and your company well.

Huge Tax Savings for Network Marketers

“A network marketing business can result in tax savings of $3,000 to $9,000 dollars per year.” -- Sandy Botkin, tax expert 

After 5 years working in network marketing, I have yet to pay income tax on my earnings.  I am doing well with my business, earning a nice living.  However, because of the many costs that are tax deductions when you have a home business, I have been able to deduct more than I earn.

As a network marketer, you can deduct whatever cost you may have to pay to your company, whether it be a one-time payment, monthly or an annual fee.  

• In most cases, you can deduct a portion of your mortgage or rent and a portion of your utilities.  (Whatever percentage of your home you use as your "home office," you can deduct that same percentage for rent, utilities, etc.)  
• If you purchase advertisements online or offline, if you print or purchase brochures or fliers, they are business expenses, and therefore, deductible.
• If you attend your company's annual convention, all expenses incurred during the event are deductible.  The cost of the registration, your hotel, travel and food expenses all will likely qualify for tax deductions.

There are actually too many to mention here.  Be sure to discuss this matter with your upline and/or a tax professional to see what YOU can deduct, because some deductions vary from one person to another.  Before you actually deduct anything, ask your tax preparer or at least research what is deductible in your situation.

It is very important that you track these expenses very carefully all year long!  You can use tax software, a spreadsheet or just a hand-written record, but record everything!

In summary, remember that even before you start earning money with your network marketing business, you are benefiting by the tax benefits for which you qualify.

Use Your Mistake as a Learning Experience

I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” -- Thomas Edison, Inventor, Scientist and Businessman

As you work your network marketing business, if you don't make any mistakes, you're doing it wrong!  We need to try new things.  Some will work, some will not.  

With each error we make, we are closer to our goal.  Review what went wrong.  Why did the mistake occur?  What could you have done differently to prevent the error?  Then learn from it,  and move on!   

If at first you don't succeed...

"Continuous effort--not strength or intelligence--is the key to unlocking our potential."                                                   [BLACK ELK]

It is easy to complain if we are not successful, easy to place blame.  I see it posted frequently that such-and-such company promised me I'd be earning X dollars in my first year.  That company is terrible.  They didn't help ME.

While certainly there are scam companies and there are some recruiters who don't take time to train their new team members.  HOWEVER, in my experience, more often it is the trainee who doesn't take advantage of the resources provided to them to help them succeed.  The vast majority of team leaders are there to help, but many of their team members simply do not ask for help.

It takes continuous effort to succeed in any business, but certainly in network marketing.  No one can do it for you.  You must put forth the effort; you must do the work; you must ask for help when you need it.  It is not your enroller's responsibility to chase you down to train you.  He/she has an entire team to help, so team leaders must be selective.  They must devote their time working to those who request the help, even if there are team members who need it more.  

It is not a question how much a man knows, but what use he can make of what he knows.
- Josiah Gilbert Holland

It is your responsibility to yourself to continue learning throughout your life.  Certainly you're learning life's lessons, hopefully automatically.

However, when it comes to network marketing, you have to take steps to learn and grow - grow yourself and you will grow your business.  

If your company offers training calls, dial in frequently to hear how other people are working their businesses.  Sharing ideas is one of the great part of network marketing.

Find speakers you enjoy, whether it be Dani Johnson, Robert Kiosaki, Jim Rohn or myriad others.  Each one has their own style and perspective, so you can learn different things from each of them.

Read self-improvement books (or listen to audio books).  There are hundreds, possibly thousands from which to choose.  Some particularly popular ones with network marketers are:  The Slight Edge, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Think and Grow Rich, Your First Year in Network Marketing and so many more. 

If you read these books prepared to learn, you will.  You will get something out of each one.  And, little by little, you will change, you will be better - a better person and a better network marketer.

Obstacles

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” -- Henry Ford, Founder of Ford Motor Company

There is no question that you will have obstacles arise while building your network marketing business.  The question is, do you perceive it as an "obstacle" or a challenge?  

If you know your destination, your goal, your "why," then you will simply find a solution and move on.  If you have difficulty overcoming the problem, it is actually your lack of focus on your goal that is causing the obstacle to loom large.  Re-evaluate and refocus on your goal, and you will be able to move on.

Never Settle

“Once you say you’re going to settle for second, that’s what happens to you in life.” -- John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the USA

Have you settled for mediocrity?  You CAN raise yourself up higher than where you are right now.  It will take effort on your part, and no one can do it for you, but if you want to be a better person, a more successful person, a better network marketer - go for it!  Don't quit now!

Have you set a goal that is attainable, but challenging?  If you've set your goals too low, you're likely to stay right where you are now.  You won't improve yourself or your situation - in life or in business.

Are you aiming for the top, or have you settled for "getting by."  If you just want to earn a little more money, that is truly what you want, then it's fine to continue on your current path.  If, however, you want to reach a higher level, be promoted or again, just be a better person, you must aim higher.  

Where do you think you will be in 6 months from now, a year from now, 5 years from now?  If you don't see yourself in a better place than you are this minute, take time to re-evaluate.  

Do you need additional training, more support or more money?  Write it down and really look at what you have written.  What is holding you back, and what do you need to do to overcome it?

If you are in network marketing, contact your sponsor and ask for help to reach your goals.  If he/she is unavailable, contact someone else in your upline or someone you know in your company.  Nearly everyone in network marketing is eager to help another marketer.   

Don't settle for 2nd!

5 Tips to Reduce Stress – by Unknown

I want to share this wonderful article with you.  I wish I could claim I wrote it, but I did not.  I think it is so good though, I’m passing it along.   

I am "borrowing” this article from: http://www.lifeofhope.com/5tipstoreducestress.htm

Stress Relief Tip 1: Do one thing at a time.

Do it mindfully. Do it well. Enjoy the satisfaction. Then go on to the next thing. Multitasking might work for computers, but humans have yet to get the hang of it. It leads to careless mistakes, shoddy work and unreliable performance. Worst of all, having to do things over. This is no way to live. Give what you're doing your undivided attention. Take the time to get it right. And enjoy the experience.

Stress Relief Tip 2: Cut down on competitive stress.

Today, we compete for everything: the space around us, to be first to own a new product, to get our kids signed up for programs, to get our viewpoints across, to be faster, smarter, richer, sexier. Our days are filled with stressful competitions. And most are absolutely unnecessary. Because they're driven by insecurity, fear of being left behind, an ingrained need to always have more or better than the next guy. Try to get above all that. If you want to compete, vie to be the one who stays calm and in control, who isn't easily sucked in by material things, who avoids being caught up in the daily grab-bag that robs people of health and peace of mind. Compete for that and see how pointless all those other competitions become. And how misguided those who partake in them begin to appear.

Stress Relief Tip 3: Throw something out every day. 

You've got too much stuff in your house. Office. Garage. Attic. Useless clutter that's weighing you down, getting in the way, obscuring the things you really need. Be realistic. If you're not going to use it, lose it. And you don't have to make a humongous project out of it. Every day, find one thing you don't need and toss it. Or give it away. Over time, the clutter will begin to vanish and space and order will magically appear in your home...and your life.

Stress Relief Tip 4: Eliminate meaningless deadlines.

Our life is full of them. Arbitrary and unrealistic time constraints imposed by ourselves and others that serve only to make us more pressured, anxious, stressed out. For no worthwhile reason. Avoid the trap of assigning time frames to everything you do, especially if you have little idea how long it will take. Instead, make your goal one of completing a project in a careful, profession- al, satisfying manner. In other words, as long as it takes to do it right. Save your nerves, and your energy, for the few real deadlines we face...like April 15th.

Stress Relief Tip 5: Get more out of life by doing less.

What a concept! Is your life fulfilling? Or is it merely crammed? Know the difference and you'll realize it's not the quantity of activities you engage in (or possessions you collect) that ultimately determine your happiness. One naturally unfolding, enriching experience can easily surpasses many rushed and distracted ones. But you may be so chronically overscheduled, you never give yourself a chance to enjoy anything to the fullest. Experiment. Choose an occasion and give it your complete, mindful and unhurried attention. Then imagine an entire life of such enrichment. It's absolutely attainable.

Difficult Times

We are living in difficult economic times.  Few industries are not affected by it, including network marketing.  There are likely times when  you wonder when or if it will get better.  You may even consider quitting.  But consider this, "Success bestows those who don't quit." [J.G]  

If you KNOW that quitting is NOT an option, then both your business and the economy will improve in time.  We all just have to wait it out.  KNOW that the country has had bad economic times before, and we always recover.

If you're feeling down, call or IM your upline or other team member.  Over the years, I have become very close friends with one of my team members.  When either one of us needs a pep talk, we are there for one another.  There were times when I told her that I needed "a kick in the rear."  Yes, I too have had my "moments."

As long as you remember that the only ones who fail [with reputable network marketing companies] are those who quit or lose focus and don't work their business.  That isn't you, is it?

Advertising - On the Road

I just returned from a trip.  We drove about 2000 miles.  Although I was visiting family, I took advantage of the trip by advertising everywhere I went.

• At every rest stop, I left a flier, business card or brochure.
• When we dined out, I left a post-card sized flier along with my payment at the table.
• I spoke with a variety of people along the way and at my various destinations about my business.
• I had magnetic signs on my car, so I was advertising everywhere I went.
• When I used a public restroom, I left some form of advertisement in the stall or near the wash basin.

Each one of us is a walking or driving advertisement.  Wherever you go, remember to mention your business.  Sometimes it is the least likely person who is interested in learning more.

As one of my team members says, "Expose Yourself!"

Got Support?

One of the vital ingredients of a network marketing business is good training & support.  I didn't have good support when I started out, and I knew nothing about mlm.  It took me several months - nearly a year - to get my business earning $$, because I trained myself.

I never want anyone to go through that.  In many ways, network marketing is the same no matter what the company.  So, if you have questions and no one to ask, please contact me.  You can post a question here or send an email.  I'll be glad to help in any way I can. 

With network marketing, it is so great that you need not go to your "supervisor" (enroller).  You can contact anyone in your upline within your own company, or join network marketing forums, or you can participate at blogs that pertain to our field.

I wish everyone who may read this blog the best of success with your business.

Goals

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” -- Jim Rohn, America’s Business Philosopher

Surround Yourself with Optimistic People

Life is too short to spend your precious time trying to convince a person who wants to live in gloom and doom otherwise. Give lifting that person your best shot, but don't hang around long enough for his or her bad attitude to pull you down. Instead, surround yourself with optimistic people -- Zig Ziglar

In network marketing, it is not a team leader's responsibility to help everyone on their team.  Why not, you may ask.  It is our responsibility to help ONLY those who deserve help, those who ask for help and are actually working their business.

We need not chase down those team members who don't stay in contact with you.  We need not force training on anyone who does not request it.  No one who has a team of network marketers can say that their entire team is working.  Some do, some don't.  We must devote our time and energy on those who will actually benefit by our training.  Not those who "need" it, but rather to those who want it and are determined to succeed. 

Ups & Downs in Network Marketing

“Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory.” -- Mahatma Gandhi

This statement applies to life in general, as well as a network marketing business.  Although some of the ads posted on the internet may want you to think otherwise, the vast majority of people who start their own home businesses start out slowly.  It takes time and effort to build.   

If it was easy everyone would be doing it!  Not everyone has the patience, perseverance and passion for their business that is required to achieve success.

Even once you have begun building your business, you will have peaks and valleys.  There will be times when it is growing consistently and times when it seems not to be growing at all.  

Some call it stick-to-it-tiveness, the true knowing that you will succeed, no matter what it takes.  Quitting is simply not an option!

Everyone has a different time schedule, however, if you continue working your business, no matter what obstacles arise, you will succeed, you will achieve victory.

Measuring Success

“Real success comes in small portions day by day. You need to take pleasure in life's daily little treasures. It is the most important thing in measuring success.” ~ Denis Waitley

Winners

The real winners in life are the people who look at every situation with an expectation that they can make it work or make it better.  --  Barbara Pletcher

Take Action!

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.
       - Edmund Burke

Success is Connected to Action

“Success . . . Seems to be connected with action. Successful men keep moving. They make mistakes but they don’t quit.” -- Conrad Hilton, Founder of Hilton Hotels

As this applies to network marketing, I am constantly amazed by those who start their own home business and do absolutely nothing!   The big question is "Why?"  Why did they sign up with the company?  Why do they not begin their training?  Why do they not work their business?  After several years in the industry, I have not been able to find the answer.

I've read that 98% of those who join an MLM fail.  In my opinion, the vast majority of those who fail have done nothing to grow their business.  When they fail, they often blame the company rather than themselves.

There are a few very basic things we must each do if we want to have success in this industry.

• Stay in close contact with your enroller.
• Dial in to company (or team) training calls, about 2-3 a week.  Do not stop listening after you've done your "basic training."  To grow your business, you must grow yourself as well.  Continue learning if you want to build your company.
• Promote your business.  There are so very many ways to do this today, both online and offline.  I won't get in to each of them now (save it for an entire posting), but if you don't know how to promote your business, ask your enroller or someone else who is successful in your company.

 To be successful in network marketing, keep moving, and do not stop!

Lead by Example

“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” -- Albert Schweitzer, German Born Medical Missionary, Theologian and Philosopher

As a team leader, each of us in network marketing must not just tell our team members how to perform certain tasks, but rather, show them how to do so by doing it ourselves.   If we are performing our job well and we are successful, our team members will want to do what we do.  

We hear the term "duplicatable" system used frequently.  Those are not just words.  Each of us must conduct our business using the duplicatable system provided by our company.  Certainly, we all personalize things here and there in how we do our work, but as a whole, the way you operate your business should be readily and easily duplicatable.  It is the only way you can provide your team members the knowledge to succeed in their new business.

Network Marketing is All About Helping One Another

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -- Winston Churchill 

When I first started looking for "work from home," I will admit I wasn't looking for a way I could help other people.  I was seeking a way to earn a living without leaving home.  I had no idea what was out there, except that I had seen lots of scams that I knew I wanted to avoid.

I actually spent several months researching, spending week on the Internet, trying to find a way to work at home that 1) would earn me a decent living, and 2) would be something I could feel good about doing.  

There is no home business that is a good fit for everyone, and most of the products I saw advertised were simply not ones that I could believe in or promote.  That is not to say they were not good products, and in fact I really liked some of them.  But I felt that when I found "the right one," I would feel almost passionate about it.

Who knew that when I finally did find a business that I thought was a good match for me, it would be in a field where I get to help people every day!  How cool is that!?  

Which brings me back to Winston Churchill's quote above.  If I operated my business just to make a living, I believe I would have failed long ago.  Instead, I learned that I love coaching and educating people.  When I share information about my company's products, it is exciting!  I am not a salesperson.  I never try to sell anyone.  I simply provide information to those who request it.  I believe in the products,  and I would use them myself whether I worked in the business or not.  So sharing them with others is a pleasure!

Until I started my business, I did not realize that I would actually enjoy the recruiting side of the business and coaching others so they too could build and grow a business.  Here too, I never try to sell anyone on the business.  However, if I answer all their questions, and I give them information to enable them to know whether they think that they could get passionate about the business, I do not need to convince them.  It is either a good fit, or it is not.  If it is not, why would I want to change their mind?  I do not want to work with anyone who does not want to work with me.  

And so my team and I make a life by what we give to one another and to anyone who wants what we have.  We give information, support, information about our great products, and I have been given some new and wonderful friendships along the way.  I certainly have a much better life today than before when I was just working a j-o-b.  Giving is a wonderful way to make both a good living and a good life.

Challenges, Excuses and Giving Up

All home entrepreneurs face challenges in their businesses.  There may have been times in your career when you thought that this challenge (that you are experiencing at the moment) must be worse than anyone else has faced.  You may even have asked yourself why you should put any more time or effort into your business, because you knew you would never succeed.

Before I started my home business, I did my homework.  I spent a couple weeks researching the company.  By the time I decided to join, I was certain that I would succeed, no matter what it took!  I knew about the owners of the company; I had learned a great deal about what I would be promoting; and I was confident that I could overcome whatever obstacles came my way.

What I did not expect, however, was for my sponsor to quit before she trained me!  I had not anticipated that I would have to teach myself the business.  I knew nothing about network marketing; and I did not know that I had "rolled up" to my "upline."  So, I didn't contact her for help. 

Talk about challenges!  I did not get a great start with my business.  In fact, I almost broke company records for taking the longest time to reach my first promotion.  Through it all though, I always knew that I would learn the business and I would be successful. 

I could have made excuses and jumped ship right then and there.  I could have blamed my enroller for abandoning me.  But I CHOSE not to do so.  

Over the next few years, I had two major crises in my personal life that nearly destroyed my business.  I had to start all over again after each one, build my business over and over again.

All these things were bumps in the road, maybe even mountains I had to scale, but because I was confident in my product, my company, and most of all myself, I did what was necessary and moved on.  I gave myself a pep talk, and my team helped me too (one in particular; you know who you are).  I listened to training calls.  That is one of the great things about a network marketing business.  There is always someone to support you.

I am so glad I "stuck it out" and stayed with my business.  My husband wouldn't be retired today had I decided to surrender to failure.   I've had the privilege of helping so many others who may not be where they are today had I left the business.  And there is so much that I have today that I would not have had if it wasn't for my business

We've all heard the expression, but I have taken it to heart.  To me, quitting is not an option!

Setting up Your Home Office

I've had people ask me over the years whether they need a home office in order to operate a business at home.  The answer is, yes, BUT...  

A home office need not be an entire room used exclusively for your business.  There are many people who begin by using their kitchen table, for instance.  The important part, and what makes a "home office" is being prepared with all the supplies and equipment you need and having them readily available.

Seldom can any home business today operate without a computer with internet access and a telephone, preferably with unlimited free long distance.  If necessary, you can start with dial-up internet service.  It will be slower, but it will serve the purpose.  Since you can save "documents" in your computer, if you don't have a printer at the beginning, you may be able to get by without it, but it should be one of your first investments as soon as you can afford it.  A very basic, inexpensive printer is fine for most purposes.  You can find them for less than $50.  I even purchased one for $29!

And, if you don't have free long distance service, you may want to sign up for Skype or Magic Jack, or any other VOIP connection.   They offer long distance service, using your computer, at an extremely low cost.

For those whose business requires a great deal of phone work, a headset or blue tooth will help immensely.  Headsets are inexpensive, so if you do not have one when you start your business, I'd suggest it be one of your first "investments" as soon as you start earning money.  You can find them at Radio Shack for about $20 if you just want something simple.

Other basics that you should have handy are pens, scratch paper, a stapler, paper clips and paper for your printer.  Depending upon your particular business and how you work it, you may need file folders and a file cabinet (or a simple storage crate).

If you do't have a place in your home where you can keep your "office" set up at all times (like if you're using your kitchen table), then store your supplies in a box that is easily carried from wherever you store it when not in use to your work area. 

Always try to have those things that you use frequently within reach so you can grab them quickly when you need them.  While I highly recommend that you get up from your desk and move around often, it is best if you don't have to get up just to reach a document you just printed.

That's it, just a few items close by and convenient make a home office.

And, don't forget that nearly everything you use or purchase for your business is tax deductible... But that is for another discussion.

“An idea is something that won’t work unless you do.”

“An idea is something that won’t work unless you do.” -- Thomas Edison, Inventor, Scientist and Businessman

As an inventor and holder of over 1000 patents, Edison's message carries a great deal of weight!

It is great to dream, set goals and believe in yourself, but unless you work at it, nothing will ever come to fruition.

Discipline Required to Work at Home

While the benefits of working from home are wonderful, for some it can be difficult.  Not everyone is meant to have a career at home.                 

Self discipline is critical. For some, getting up in the morning, taking a shower, getting dressed, eating breakfast and then “going to work” in a home office is next to impossible.                    

Not everyone can set a “work schedule” and stick to it. There are those who must be told that they have to start working at 8 AM, take a one-hour lunch, and go home at 5 PM. They must be given tasks to perform in a given period of time. For those who need a truly structured schedule and assigned tasks, you really had better get a j-o-b.           

Successful home entrepreneurs establish a work schedule for themselves, but if need be, you can alter your schedule if you work for yourself. You'll have appointments, your child will be in a school play, you'll decide to take a vacation. These things happen.           Then, there’s the challenge of dealing with distractions and interruptions. Many home workers establish a time when they will accept phone calls from family and friends. They notify them that they simply will not pick up the phone during certain hours.            

We can even set a scheduled time for calls from clients/prospects. Doing so can prevent distractions when you are working on projects that need close attention.       How about family interruptions? What will you do if the baby wakes from her nap earlier than usual or your children start arguing, as siblings do? You’d planned that time to work!  You must learn to adapt to unplanned situations, because they will occur.                 

We’ve all seen advertisements saying “I work in my pajamas.” I personally cannot get serious about my work when I’m in a nightgown! I won’t say I’ve never answered a quick email or phone call when I’m not “dressed for work.” Ordinarily, however, when I get dressed in the morning, I feel ready for my day, ready to “go to work.”  Getting dressed triggers the mental “switch” that says "it’s time to go to work."              

If you are considering working at home, look inside yourself, be honest.  Do you have the self-control, the discipline it takes to “be your own boss?”