Julie Klein Online

It's been a while...

2011-03-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy learning and working my new network marketing business, I haven't had time to post here.

Today, however, I saw a posting on Facebook that reminded me that I've never really shared my own career story. Thanks Therressa for the reminder. My story isn't glamorous, but it is mine.

As a young adult, I was a stay at home mom until my children started school. Then I went to work with Los Angeles County government in the Probation Department. I was the office manager, and sole clerical person in that particular office. I loved it! Me & 9 Probation Officers. Fascinating, challenging work.

Fast forward several years, and my kids were grown. My husband and I decided we'd had enough of the traffic, crime, smog, etc. in Los Angeles. So, we moved to Arizona. We did lots of research prior to the move, learning that our destination city had similar jobs to what we'd had in L.A. and jobs were available.

Well, by the time we made the actual move (complications arose preventing us from moving for several months), the type of job I wanted was no longer available. I worked one minimum wage clerical job after another. I'd never worked for minimum wage before. I didn't like it! Eventually, I was hired by the Federal Probation Dept. After 6 months, the position was transferred to an office 90 miles away. I did not go with the job.

Then I acquired my favorite job ever. I was hired by the local police department, but I was loaned out to the State Gang Task Force, who was housed in the Federal DEA building. So, I did work for all three agencies at once. Again, I was the office administrator, with no other clerical positions. Can you see the pattern here? I loved being basically my own boss, creating office an office set up and procedures that worked really well. The job lasted 4 years. Then, that job was transferred to Tucson - 90 miles away.

At that point, I'd had enough! I started a home typing/resume service. It never grew enough to make a living at it, but with my husband working full time, it was a nice supplemental income. After a few years, I realized I wasn't satisfied with just a supplemental income.

I began searching for a home business where I could actually make a living. I found a network marketing company, which I loved - for a few years. I worked and grew my home business. Some people reading this will know which company I worked with, but I won't name them here. After six years working with them, the company terminated hundreds of us at one time, leaving me without the lifetime residual income I'd been promised.

For a couple days, I was terribly depressed. What I took from that company was some wonderful friendships that I still have today.

Then I started my search for a new company. I was fortunate that one of my former team mates from the company who terminated me discovered my current company. I did my due diligence, and then I joined.

I've only been with the new company for a couple weeks - nearly 3. So far, I am really impressed with their training staff, the product that I sell and the compensation plan. I'm off to a pretty good start with them, and I believe I can and will be very successful.

So, here I am today, with a bright future and a positive attitude. I'll keep you posted!

Practice Makes Perfect?

2011-03-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

“It's not necessarily the amount of time you spend at practice that counts; it's what you put into the practice.” Eric Lindros

So, for the past few days, I've been studying and learning about my new home business. My head is overflowing with everything I have absorbed... Or have I?
I feel as though I've learned SO much, but when I sit quietly and think about all I've read and all the training videos I have watched, I am certain that I'll have to re-read many things and watch those videos repeatedly before it really sinks in.
I am eager to be finished with my training, but will I ever know everything about the business?
Of course not! On every job I have ever worked and every home business I have operated, I was always learning. In order to grow my business, and for me personally to continue growing, I will need to constantly and continuously listen to training calls, read books and watch videos.
Practice will never make any of us perfect. No one can attain that level of achievement. We can, however, always strive for excellence.

Start All Over Again...

2011-03-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

When I saw this quote, I really heard the message.

Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.

Alan Cohen

This week I am beginning. I'm starting out fresh, ready to learn and grow my brand new home business. It has been a long time since I've been really excited to get to work, but it sure feels good!

I Am Back!

2011-03-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

I've had so much going on the past couple weeks, I simply have not had time to post in my blog.

I have just signed with a brand new network marketing company. It is a new business for me, and the company itself is also pretty new. I am excited to actually start working.

Right now, I'm just learning everything about our product, the websites, etc. Since the company is so new, little by little, they are making changes as the need arises. It seems each change, however, is made to help reps like me.

For years I've been telling everyone I've recruited, "You will feel overwhelmed the first few days." In spite of my warnings, I had forgotten what it felt like!

I also have to update all my social networks, create a new Facebook page, etc. So much to do and learn! Fortunately, I have no deadline by which I have to have everything done.

I'd love to hear your experiences when you started a new home business.

Philisophical Question

2011-02-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am going to change gears a bit. To get to know one another, I'll be asking some interesting questions that may reveal a great deal about us.

Would you enjoy spending a month of solitude in a beautiful natural setting? Food and shelter would be provided but you would not see another person.

My Own Response

It probably is not fair to add a condition, however, if I had a stack of good books to read, I think the beauty of my surroundingss might bring me peace and slow down my constantly-active mind.

Your turn. I hope some of you will respond to this question.

How Do You Want to Be Remembered?

2011-02-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

This could be interesting...

Please post how YOU want to be remembered.

The Goose Story

2011-02-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

Next fall, when you see Geese heading South for the Winter, flying along in formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way: as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following.

By flying in V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

When the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.

What Kind of Leader are You?

2011-02-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Describe yourself as a leader?
What is your leadership style?
How attentive are you to your team?

Too attentive
Not often available
Exactly what believe your team members require.

Luck

2011-02-10T13:48:00.003-07:00

Luck, bad if not good, will always be with us. But it has a way of favoring the intelligent and showing its back to the stupid. John Dewey

What is your definition of luck?

Learning

2011-02-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.

Henry Ford

Get Excited!

2011-02-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

I feel sorry for the person who can't get genuinely excited about his work. Not only will he never be satisfied, but he will never achieve anything worthwhile. -- Walter Chrysler

I am so glad that I am passionate about my business and the products we handle. If you don't truly believe in your company and the services or products you market, it is less likely you will ever succeed.

When you're speaking to a prospect, your passion comes through. The prospect wants what you have! Passion cannot be faked. It seems strange, but people can hear passion or lack thereof over the phone.

They can also tell whether or not you are smiling. Try it yourself. Smile when you make your prospect calls. It is contagious! If you think you will have difficulty remembering to smile, put a small mirror on your desk to remind yourself.

When a prospect hears the passion you feel about your business and the joy it brings you, they are far more likely to be interested in joining your team.

Keys of Success

2011-02-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

I just loved these, so I want to share them with you...

* Be ready for your opportunity - We never know when opportunity will present itself. So it is our job to be ready.

* Practice - The only way we become good...is to practice. And this goes for anything in life.

* Move on when something bad happens - We all get hit by disappointments. If we keep looking at what happened, we become stuck.

All these quotes are from Danny Woodhead. They were taken from:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Motivational-Stories---Three-Keys-Of-Success-an-NFL-Player-Applies-Every-Day&id=5598863

When One Door Opens...

2011-02-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us. ~ Alexander Graham Bell

It is important to always be hopeful, to look forward to what is to come. However, hoping without action gets you nowhere. If you do not actually do something, work toward whatever it is you are hoping for, you will never get there.

OR, perhaps you did try to work toward that for which you had hoped, but you were unsuccessful. That is no reason to lose hope or to stop trying. Oftentimes we have to strive, strive and strive again before making our dreams come true.

Quitters never win... Winners never quit.

Association of Women in Home Business

2011-02-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Association of Women in Home Business (AWHB) helps women around the world make more money at home. They have fabulous resources and a terrific directory. You can join free!

If you are currently in a home career but need more income...

Great! The AWHB can help you earn MORE income and also help promote YOU and YOUR business. It is so great to have an entire Association promoting us!

If you have still not found the perfect home career...

AWHB has the BEST Home Careers for Women listings for FREE. Hundreds of women are taking advantage of this prestigious directory and loving it!

To get your copy of the Best Home Careers for Women visit the AWHB website.

To be included, the women in this directory must operate their business/practices with the utmost integrity.

I've joined, and I really think it could help you get your business going stronger too.

Again, it is free to join AWHB.

History of YOUR Life

2011-01-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

The history of free men is never really written by chance but by choice; their choice!

Dwight D. Eisenhower

When history remembers you, how will you be remembered?

Did you accomplish something great?
Did you reach the goals you set for yourself?
Did you contribute to the good will of mankind?
Were you successful? Money alone does not make success. There are those who never earn much money, but they are very successful.

You are responsible for your own "book of life." You are - right now - creating the history of your life. It is unlikely it will be written in any books, but live your life as though it will be, and you will have lived well.

Association of Women in Home Business

2011-01-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

The Association of Women in Home Business helps women around the world make more money at home. It is a fabulous resource to help you grow or start your home business.
The Association can promote you and your current home business, or help you find a home business.

You can get a FREE copy of the Best Home Careers for Women and/or join the Association for FREE!

Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/6yhvso5

What is it that you like doing?

2011-01-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

• What is it that you like doing? If you don't like it, get out of it, because you'll be lousy at it. ~Lee Iacocca
Find a job you like and you add five days to every week. ~ H. Jackson Browne
• The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play. ~Arnold Toynbee
• Whenever it is possible, a boy should choose some occupation which he should do even if he did not need the money. ~William Lyon Phelps

What do all of the above quotes have in common? Each one stresses the importance of enjoying the work you are doing. I won't pretend to believe that every single person can love their job. Many people are grateful that they have ANY job, even if they hate the work.

I am directing this posting to those who work from home in network marketing. In this, we have a choice. There are hundreds of reputable companies with which we can be network marketers.

If you are just now seeking a home business opportunity, take your time, and be certain it is a good "fit" for you. Would you buy this company's product or services? Are their products or services reasonably priced to enable people, in today's fragile economy, to afford them?

If you already have a home business, how much are you enjoying it? Do you look forward to working? Do you enjoy talking with your prospects? Do you truly believe that your products and/or services are great? Do you have a passion for the company?

If you have chosen well, it shouldn't feel like work at all. You should be enjoying what you do. Network marketers should get excited every time they write business or someone on their team does. It shouldn't get old. Each transaction, each contact with a new prospect should be like it was your first. It should bring you joy and great satisfaction. • If you have a job without any aggravations, you don't have a job. ~Malcolm S. Forbes

No one loves every aspect of their home business. None are perfect. Yes, you'll have moments of frustration, perhaps business will slow down on occasion. But if your home business is a really good match for you, these things should be like small bumps in the road, not mountains you must climb.

If, once you gotten into your home business and learned all the basics, if you then realize that you are not having fun - don't just quit! Do everything you can to make it fun.

If in the end, you are certain your current business was a poor choice, while you are still with that business, begin looking for another. If you have any income from your business, don't give it up.

If you find another business that you think is a much better fit for you, while still working your old business, start and learn the new one. If your original company pays residual income and you still have money coming, you need not quit the company at all! You can stop working the business, and still collect your residuals. Meanwhile, you are growing your new business, and hopefully you chose more wisely and found a business that truly is your passion, not work at all.

The World is Against Me

2011-01-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

A Motivational Poem

The World Is Against Me

Poet: Edgar A. Guest

"The world is against me," he said with a sigh.

"Somebody stops every scheme that I try.

The world has me down and it's keeping me there;

I don't get a chance. Oh, the world is unfair!

When a fellow is poor then he can't get a show;

The world is determined to keep him down low."

"What of Abe Lincoln?" I asked. "Would you say

That he was much richer than you are to-day?

He hadn't your chance of making his mark,

And his outlook was often exceedingly dark;

Yet he clung to his purpose with courage most grim

And he got to the top. Was the world against him?"

"What of Ben Franklin? I've oft heard it said

That many a time he went hungry to bed.

He started with nothing but courage to climb,

But patiently struggled and waited his time.

He dangled awhile from real poverty's limb,

Yet he got to the top. Was the world against him?

"I could name you a dozen, yes, hundreds, I guess,

Of poor boys who've patiently climbed to success;

All boys who were down and who struggled alone,

Who'd have thought themselves rich if your fortune they'd known;

Yet they rose in the world you're so quick to condemn,

And I'm asking you now, was the world against them?"

A Brand New Start

2011-01-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. ~ Author Unknown

What a concept! I've never heard it said just this way, but I've heard similar. "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Basically, they all mean the same thing, but I particularly like this one.

Let's say you've been working your home business for a while now, but you haven't reached the success you'd hope for. Maybe you're even considering quitting. Instead, why not start over again, beginning today!

Start from step one. If you have a sponsor or close friend in the business, ask for help. If you are in network marketing, in particular, nearly everyone is willing to help a new or struggling colleague.

Go back and look at your notes or instructions from when you first started your business. Review them, and start all over. You are in a different place when you started before. Our lives change all the time. And we can all change our attitudes! So, using the knowledge you gained during the time you've been working, start all over again. You're wiser now. LOVE what you're doing! If you are not having a good time, you are doing something wrong. When you're having a good time, your prospects can hear it, and they'll want what you have!

So, today is Wednesday, January 19th - hump day. You're already at the top of the hump, you have a head start. Now get going!

“Someday is not a day of the week.”

2011-01-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

How many "somedays" are there in your week?

Someday I'd like to travel to Alaska.
Someday I'll start saving money for retirement.
Someday I'll really start working my network marketing business.

I have a better idea. Why not make TODAY your someday! Start saving money for retirement and that trip to Alaska TODAY!

The best way I know to do that is by "kick starting" your home business (or by starting one if you have not yet done so). If you've simply been playing with your business, working it more like a hobby than a business, it is time to switch gears TODAY!

Think back to why you started your business to begin with, why you enrolled with the network marketing company you chose. You did it to improve your life! There may be many different "why's, but they all come down to improving your life.

I want to stay home with my kids...
I want to fire my boss...
I'm tired of working in corporate America...
I'm unable to work outside my home, but I never have enough money...
I need to supplement my retirement income...

If your "why" is one of these, or one of a hundred other reasons, doesn't it translate to "I want to improve my life?"

Forget "Someday." Go for your dream TODAY!

Patience

2011-01-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. ~ John Quincy Adams

If you work in network marketing, you must have patience. If you weren't patient when you started your business, in order to succeed, you must develop patience.

While we have all seen the websites and ads promising a huge income overnight, we know that in reality, that almost never happens. And no, you will not be the exception to the rule. Like any REAL business, you must grow your network marketing business. Little by little you will see growth. For the vast majority of network marketers, it will take a few months at least to see a real difference in your financial situation.

So, remain patient. As the days and weeks pass by and you are still not earning a living with your business, know that it will happen - as long as you have patience and do NOT quit!

Freedom Isn't Free

2011-01-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

Although this message is about an American, it can apply to anyone fortunate enough to live in a FREE country.

The Tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, where 6 people died and many more were injured, has reminded me how fortunate I am to live in America, where this is - thank heavens - a rarity, and not a common occurrence as it is in some countries.

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

~Lee Greenwood

“Enthusiasm is contagious - and so is the lack of it”

2011-01-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

Enthusiasm: "absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest: He shows marked enthusiasm for his studies. "

Are you enthusiastic about your work? Are you eager to start calling prospects and help your team members?

To inspire your team members, they must see and hear your enthusiasm. If you are not enthusiastic, or if you appear indifferent, your team members and prospects with whom you speak will hear it in your voice.

If you are excited each time you speak with a prospect or team member, they will feel and hear that too! It is contagious! "Get excited and stay excited!" I frequently hear from co-workers. Try it. You'll see how effective it is.

Smiles are Infectious

2011-01-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Smiling is infectious,

You can catch it like the flu.
Someone smiled at me today,
And I started smiling too.
~Author Unknown

Have you ever known someone who has such a great smile that, no matter how you feel at the moment, you simply must smile back?! It is a good feeling.

Something many of us forget is that you can also "hear a smile." When you are speaking with a prospective client, you should always smile. Try it. You'll hear the difference in your prospect's response. If you tend to forget to smile, place a small mirror in front of you to remind you.

There is power in a smile. Use it to the best of your ability in both your personal and professional life.

"Man is the most extraordinary computer of all." - John F. Kennedy

2011-01-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

Do not sell yourself short and rely on other means to think for you. When used regularly, your mind will generate ideas and solutions beyond what you previously thought was possible.

If you are in network marketing, you have an upline upon whom you can rely when you need help. But he/she is not there to work FOR you or keep providing you with more and more ideas to help you grow your business. If you have a good sponsor, you were provided with a good, solid foundation, a place to begin to grow your business.

However, as a business owner, once you know all the basics of the products or services you provide, use your own imagination, be creative about how you want to promote them. Have you thought of a new and unique way to advertise, or are you depending upon your upline for examples or leads. Think instead how you can generate more leads, how you can gain more interest in your company. Be creative, and don't be afraid to try something new. If it doesn't work for you, you have not failed; you have learned. Don't become stale; always keep growing and thinking of new and different ways to work your business.

As network marketers, we are part of a team, and it is important to work with both your upline and downline, but don't forget about yourself, your own business along the way.

A Single Paragraph that Says So Much!

2011-01-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”

Calvin Coolidge quotes (American 30th President of the United States, 1872-1933)

Challenge "The Truth"

2011-01-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true were really true,there would be little hope of advance. Orville Wright

So many people throughout history have challenged what everyone around them thought was true. Of course, the Wright Brothers challenged the centuries old theory that man cannot fly. Today, we have planes carrying us all over the world and space craft flying to other planets.

Early man believed that the earth was flat. Then, as evidence to the contrary arose, that "fact" was proven to be false.

Blood-letting was once considered to be a cure for most illnesses. Now a days blood-letting is considered totally ineffective.

Now, bringing those "truths" into our personal and professional lives. Some still believe that to operate any business, home businesses in particular, you must have experience is sales, management or various other skills.

Most now know it to be true that nearly anyone can run a home business. Sure, if you are illiterate (in which case you wouldn't be reading this post), it would be more than a challenge. The only skills that I believe are required are the ability to work independently, without a boss standing over your shoulder; you must be fairly well organized; and you must be self-disciplined.

However, what skills I believe are required and which I believe are unnecessary does not effect what you believe to be true. If you state as a "fact" that you know you will not succeed with a home-based business, nothing I say will change your belief. You will never challenge yourself, try, try and try again until you do succeed. How sad.

Confidence

2011-01-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right." ~ Henry Ford

Remember the Little Engine That Could?

This is so very true. A positive attitude can enable you to begin any task with confidence, knowing that you will succeed with that task. If, however, you have decided that it is too difficult a task for you to accomplish, you are certainly correct!

Just know that, should you attempt a difficult task and fail, you can just try again. And try again and again if necessary. Eventually you will get it right if you perservere and know that you CAN succeed.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T08:29:00.024-07:00

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!

2010-12-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-12-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-12-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-12-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-12-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-12-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-12-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

“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

2010-11-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-10-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-10-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

“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

2010-10-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

“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

2010-10-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

“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

2010-09-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

“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

2010-09-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-09-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

"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.

2010-09-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-14T13:45:00.001-07:00

“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

2010-09-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

“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

2010-09-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-08-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-16T14:51:00.002-07:00

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

Surround Yourself with Optimistic People

2010-08-13T16:00:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

“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

2010-08-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

“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

2010-08-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-05T09:27:00.002-07:00

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

Success is Connected to Action

2010-08-04T10:49:00.001-07:00

“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

2010-08-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

“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

2010-08-02T09:41:00.001-07:00

“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

2010-07-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-29T09:46:00.001-07:00

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.”

2010-07-28T15:55:00.001-07:00

“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

2010-07-27T14:28:00.009-07:00

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?”

Julie Klein Online

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Discipline Required to Work at Home