How would that feel? If it feels like utopia, I have some GOOD news and BAD news for you…
Because I like to solve people’s problems, I always like to get the BAD news first, so here it is …
Bad News … Oh No!
The BAD news is that it’s NOT easy as it sounds to setup and build a successful online business with a strong residual income, especially if you have a poor work ethic and a job mentality mindset..
Here’s a few things you must get good at to achieve that utopia you recently painted in your mind from home with a home business:
- How do you master lead generation?
- Do you use offline or online advertising or both?
- How do you “effectively” follow-up with your prospects?
- How do you know if there’s actually a market for your product?
- How large should your marketing budget be if you want to make $50,000/monthly or more?
- How do you make ads FTC compliant so that you stay of out hot water with the government?
- How do you leverage your time with a personal assistant? Where do you find one?
- What should you do with the money you make so you don’t blow it all like most people do?
- How do you train your team so that they can duplicate your success?
- How do you leverage your time and resources so you’re not working 70 hours a week? (this is huge)
Good News … Yeah!
There’s a lot to it, but the good news is that you’ve found this blog and I can help you … if you can help yourself.
If you’ve ever pursued a home business before, then this information is going to feel like a completely honest, open, and revealing breath of fresh-air compared to some of the garbage you’ve probably heard in the past.
I can show you how to build a pipeline of prospects, and then how to market to them “correctly” using automated tools … it’s the only way to go in my opinion.
The Internet is Full of Garbage …
Too many times, too many people get sucked into hype and sold on empty promises like, “The system does all of the work for you.”
Well guess what … That kind of talk and positioning does nothing but attract lazy losers who don’t want to do anything, unappreciative customers, and the attention of the good-ol’ boys at the FTC.
Sounds like a winning strategy, doesn’t it?
Well before we go any further into that topic, let’s step back and take a quick look at your options…
95% of all home businesses are usually found in the MLM or direct sales industry.
While they have many similarities, the primary difference is the compensation model. I prefer the direct sales model because it’s MUCH easier to replace a full-time or six-figure income compared to any other type of home business. Period. With that said, here’s two secrets of earning a real income from home …
Two Quick Secrets
Secret #1: Choose DIRECT SALES over multi-level marketing (MLM)
If you want to generate a large income quickly and attract higher quality people. If you want to attract the business owners, professional salespeople and white collar professionals like I do, you need to have a business that pay high ticket money.
Let’s be frank: Business owners, professional salespeople and white collar professionals have, during their life, proved they can finish what they start and they are producers and go-getters. We don’t want to bust our ass for $20, $30, $50 and $100 checks … period. If that doesn’t resonate with you, build a bridge and get over it.
Secret #2: Understand how you will really make your money and build your mini-empire.
You see, a business opportunity is really nothing – not an opportunity at all. In fact, it’s just an agreement on a piece of paper.
Joining for the Wrong Reasons
The vast majority of people who end up starting a home business do so because they get all hyped-up, usually on a conference call, about some “super” new product that they think will overtake the market and make them millions in the process.
Well .. unfortunately … that’s not how it works. But boy did that conference call sound good and that presenter was massively articulate.
The only way you’re ever going to make REAL money … I’m talking $500,000, to multiples of that, is to do one single thing…
And if you’ll sit back and really absorb the meaning of what I’m about to share with you, money will NEVER be an issue for you again. Ever. I guarantee it 100%.
So here’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ll ever get from me:
Increase your personal value to the world.
IS THAT IT?
Yes that’s it: “Increase your personal value to the world.”
Did you ever consider that the amount of money you make is a direct measure of your worth to society? It’s why a software engineer makes more than a cashier. They’re simply more valuable.
And if you want to increase your income, you MUST increase your value to others. Once you do that, money starts coming at you like wouldn’t believe. Business becomes a piece of cake.
Social Dynamics
It all comes down to “social dynamics.”
You see, people like to work with, learn from, and buy from proven leaders who can offer them REAL value. People want to invest in a business from someone they perceive as a consultant, not just another peddler preaching hype.
It’s a genetic instinct because associating ourselves with people of means and power increases our chances for survival and prosperity. If you don’t believe me, take a look at how much money you make and then take a look at how much the five people you spend the most time with make. Then find someone making 50K+ a month and check out how much the five people he spends the most time with makes.
This is nothing new — this behavior dates back to the cavemen days.
In essence, when you increase your value to others, you never have to “sell” anything. People approach you. Your become a prosperity magnet, an agent of change, a leader and achieving the kind of financial prosperity you want becomes so easy, it’s a “non-issue”.
On the other hand, if you don’t have any real value to offer someone, they’ll take their business elsewhere to a court they see has value, especially if it’s a great prospect and an attractive person.
As Jim Rohn says,
To attract attractive people, you must become attractive.
So the most important thing you could ever do, no matter what your occupation, is to increase your value to others by increasing your knowledge, experience, and skill sets.
And that’s when marketing becomes FUN!
It’s My Advantage
My knowledge of Internet Marketing is why so many entrepreneurs choose to work with me. As one of the top income earners in the industry with the ability to write and engineer custom Web Sites and software, I obviously have a lot of value to offer sharp, ambitious people like yourself …
… especially in the arena of Internet Marketing and using online systems that market and generate leads and sales non-stop. I love the Internet and know how to to de-mystify the “techie” stuff.
Now go learn all you can about Internet Marketing, leadership, prospecting, etc. There’s a ton of resources out there. And make sure you align yourself with winners!
]]>NEVER Blame Your Upline For Your Failure
The first thing you need to remember is that you should never blame your upline for your own failure. Even if your upline isn’t doing well, this is no excuse for you. You are responsible for the actions that you take. Don’t try putting the blame off on your upline if you don’t succeed.
If you are not succeeding and making a profit, then more than likely it’s because you are doing something wrong. You need to find out what it is and stop doing what isn’t promoting you. Your success does not hinge merely on the success of your upline. So, start accepting the blame yourself instead of trying to pass it all off on someone else. Accountability is a very admirable quality – learn it.
You’re Not Responsible When Your Downline Fails
At some point you are going to become an upline leader yourself. When you become a leader, you’ll have a team below you. Often your team can help you to make even more money in network marketing as it’s all about leverage.
It’s your job to help train your downline and to give them the instructions they need in order to be successful. However, this doesn’t mean that you are responsible if certain members of your downline fail. Drill this into your head: The failure of people in your downline is not something that you are personally responsible for. Each person in your downline is responsible for themselves and whether or not they are successful. So, don’t feel guilty if something happens and someone in your downline doesn’t make it or they totally fail. This is not your fault.
Remember You’re NOT A Baby Sitter
When you have people in your downline, it’s so important that you remember that you’re not a baby sitter. Sure, you are there to provide help along the way, but you shouldn’t have to baby sit those in your downline. Give them the information they’ll need and then let them go. They will be responsible for how they use the information and how they perform in network marketing. You should have not to spend the time repeatedly looking over their shoulder to make sure they are performing. Let them go, don’t baby sit them, but be ready to offer some help if they ask for it.
The Guilt Factor – Quitting Because You Feel Responsible
Unfortunately, one of the main reason that good people quit network marketing is because they feel responsible for their downline and feel the need to baby sit them. And if the a team member doesn’t perform, many people take it personally and, on a subconcious level, struggle to make more sales and grow their sales team.
Over time this becomes a burden and can be very frustrating as well, which is so many people end up in the network marketing cemetery. It’s important that you don’t let these feelings control your ability to be successful in network marketing yourself. You don’t need to feel responsible for what your upline or downline does. Instead of quitting, refocus on what really matters – being a success yourself.
It All Starts And Stops With YOU!
Remember, when it comes to network marketing, it all starts and stops with you. If you are successful, that’s because of you. If you fail, then it’s probably your fault. You aren’t responsible for others and they aren’t responsible for you either. You are the one that will make or break this business. Once you begin to realize this, you’ll feel a new type of freedom. You’ll feel as if the chains have been broken and you are free to be successful. Don’t let those feelings drag you down, but be responsible for your self and you’ll be able to climb your way to success if you are willing to work hard yourself.
As the saying goes, “the buck starts and stops with you.” So never pass it.
]]>Here are 6 qualities of a leader who knows how to run a successful business.
1. Consistency
One of the most important qualities of a leader is consistency within their habits.
Habits + Time = Results.
You do not want to run a business different from day to day. The last thing you want is to care about the business one day and forget about it the next. In that case, you’re running a hobby. 
It is important to keep things fresh, especially on the Internet where things chance more than the stances of politicians, but it is even more important you stay on the same direction. People will lose confidence if you are frequently making radical changes.
2. Understanding Your Business
As the leader, it is up to you to understand everything there is to know about the business. In order to train people and show them how to get to their desired paradise, you have to understand how to take them there. You can NOT get away with faking your knowledge; people will be able to tell. That quote “fake it till you make it” I’ve found to be really bad advice.
3. Integrity
Just because you are the leader does not mean you have to show you have more power or you are better than others. You want to gain the respect of others by showing you care about them and showing some integrity. This is one of the qualities of a leader that can make or break a team.
Favor being a strong, postured and inspirational leader instead of someone who comes off as a dictator or another jerk. And learn The Power Of Appreciation.
4. Admit Your Mistakes
Believe it or not, you are human and you will fall on your ass at times. Everyone within business or free enterprise understands this as well. Therefore, admit your mistakes and move on. If you try to deny them or place blame on others, you will give up your power and be perceived weak or conceited.
5. Ability To Listen
One of the qualities of a leader who is looking to have success and gain the respect from employees is the ability to LISTEN. And I mean to listen sincerely, not just “hear.”
This one can be tough and one I’ve been developing for a long time. Most people when communicating just want to win over the other person. It’s the “it’s all about me” syndrome that’s just part of human psychology.
So learn to listen sometimes and take opinions contrary to yours into consideration and absorb their thoughts. To learn more about listening, check out How To Make People Feel Good By Shutting Up
6. Decisiveness
While it is important you take others’ opinions into consideration, at the end of the day it is you who makes the decisions. As the leader, it is up to you to make the final call. The buck starts with you baby and there is no one to blame. This is the only way a business will progress and succeed.
Of course, there are several qualities of a leader. These are just 6 of them I feel are important. I would recommend you read John Maxwell’s The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader to get a very deep understanding of leadership.
]]>1. Determination
Running an online business is certainly more difficult than most people understand. Many believe they can get online and start making money instantly. While there are some opportunities that give you the chance to make a few bucks here and there instantly, it takes a great deal of effort and determination to actually start a career online. You have to be willing to devote your time and energy toward the business.
2. Focus
One of the most difficult things to get used to as an Internet newbie is the endless amount of freedom you are given. You have no one to tell you what to do, when to do it by or how to do it. It is up to you to remain focused and put aside the countless distractions you will face from working at home.
3. Excitement
Next on the list for qualities of a good entrepreneur is excitement. The wonderful thing about the Internet is you get to do something you have an interest in and enjoy. Therefore, show it in how you run your business. People are much more willing to listen to you and pursue your business if they see how excited you really are to be running it.
4. Eagerness
Part of determination is being eager to succeed. You have to want to make money online in order to actually succeed. Be willing to do anything and everything you can to generate that first sell and reach your goals. The more eager you are, the harder you will find yourself working to achieve your goals.
5. Patience
When first starting out, there is nothing more difficult than investing a great deal of time and seeing little results. What you have to understand is that it takes time to generate traffic. It takes time to create that first sell. And it certainly takes time to create a regular flow of traffic and customers. Whatever you do, do not give up just because you are not rich after the first month. You have to be patient.
When it comes to having success on the Internet, these are a few qualities of a good entrepreneur. Not everyone has what it takes to make money online and get rich; in fact, not even half of those who try actually succeed. If you want to make it in the Internet industry, you have to possess the true qualities of an Internet marketer.
]]>While you are solely responsible for your own business and survival, you will be amazed at how much of an impact the leader can have on your success assuming you’re willing to weigh your ego with your bank account and allow the bank account to come out on top.
One of the top reasons so many entrepreneurs fail on the Internet or home businesses is because of a lack of training and guidance. Most companies cannot expect Internet newbie’s to jump into a new program and know exactly what they are doing.
And, for the most part, most companies have no clue on how to market effectively (especially on the Internet), thus, that’s why they pay great leaders and distributors to move their products and services around. This is exactly why you want to take the time to find a program with a quality leader.
Openness
The first of many qualities of a good leader is openness. You want to look for someone who is more than willing to answer any of your questions and be there for you. You should never feel uneasy about approaching your leader to ask for help or guidance. That is their job to make you feel assertive and confident.
If they are open with you and tell you the truth, that’s a great quality. For example, if you talk to someone who guarantees you’ll make money or paints an easy-breezy rainbow road to gold, that person is bullshitting you so run. And run fast.
Training Materials/Knowledge
The next thing to look for in a good leader is someone who will provide you with training materials particularly marketing materials and resources. You should be given or recommended tutorials, audio to listen to or e-books to read. The more materials you have, the better off you will be in the long-run provided the material is solid.
This way you have something to fall back on if you do not know the answer and cannot get a hole of your leader.
Communication
Training and learning the program and how to market is a process. And, off topic, it’s a priviledge to go through this process that can really set you free.
Part of being open is the leader contacting you to make sure you are progressing properly. They should contact you from time to time to make sure you are understanding everything proficiently and do not have any questions. At the same time, you should contact them if you have questions. This way if you do have questions and have just been nervous to ask, you can get them answered.
The Loose Factor
One of the key qualities of a good leader is being loose and easy going. When first starting out, it can be nerve-racking and unsettling not knowing whether or not you have what it takes to succeed. Your leader should be confident in you and act as a motivational leader as well. They need to be there for you to let you know you can and will succeed.
The No Control Factor
Lastly, your leader needs to have enough confidence in you to let you do your own thing once you understand the concept. The beauty of the Internet is being able to work on your own without someone breathing down your neck. At first it is nice to have the support and guidance; but after awhile, it just becomes annoying. A good leader knows when to back up and trust you! Not everyone wants to market the same or use the same system, so if you find something that works for you that your leader isn’t using, he or she should not care.
After all, the only thing that determines success is results!
]]>The reason for this is because most network marketing companies teach you how to be a disciple of their vision, their services, or their products rather than teaching you effective prospecting tips and closing tips (more commonly known as sales closing techniques).
And that’s fine. Your network marketing company is really only required to pay you on time and make sure the products and services or delivered on time and managed properly. The rest is up to you, the professional network marketer!
So what does it take to master the art of prospecting and closing?
Well, it takes quite a few elements, and you can read many prospecting tips and closing tips, but none of them matter unless you possess one element that will make you or break you when it comes to prospecting and closing:
Your Mindset.
Your mindset is everything. You can do everything else right, but if you don’t possess the proper mindset, you likely will not last very long in network marketing.
Mindset is simply the state of your mind. It’s what’s running through your mind when you’re talking with a prospect…
Are you asking the prospect to do you a favor by looking at your presentation?
Are you praying and holding on to your four-leaf clover, rabbit’s foot or lucky rock that they will look at your presentation and/or sign up with you? And is it working if you are?
Are you letting the prospect ask all the questions on the initial meeting and making you sweat buck shots?
If you are, then your prospect will likely pick up immediately you are not a professional, you are new, you are indirectly begging them to join your business, or you simply are NOT the leader they are looking for.
If this is the case, you likely will NOT sign anyone up and if you do not change your mindset, you will probably quit and head to the network marketing cemetery thinking to yourself
“Wow, I made a big mistake! Obviously no one is interested in network marketing. Everyone was right. This is a scam!”
You can point the finger at a lot of things or you can simply hold yourself accountable and develop the proper mindset and that mindset is to BELIEVE that you, as my friend Tim says, have the goose that lays the golden egg and you have an abundance of people who want the golden eggs that your goose lays.
When you really BELIEVE this, you simply feel comfortable asking your prospects questions to ensure they qualify for your time and your leadership.
So, how to you develop this form of mindset?
First and foremost, you must engage in personal development. It’s the best way to really develop the type of mindset required to win in business. I actually said the most important tip I can give you is to “develop your mindset.” I could have also said the most important tip I can you is to “engage in personal development.” They go hand and hand.
Another great way to make it easy to develop a strong mindset to have more prospects than you have time. When this happens, it makes it easy to be extremely selective in who qualifies for your time, heart, knowledge and leadership and your mindset will grow even stronger.
Throughout my blog, I will provide you with tips to assist you in getting more network marketing prospects than time (mostly using the Internet).
NOTE: Although this tip is filed under prospecting tips and closing tips, mindset is crucial for all aspects of your businesses and your personal life. You have to have the proper mindset to lead, to market (or to hire the right people to market it for you), to expand your team, etc.
Any endeavor requiring sacrifice and commitment all begins with a proper mindset.
Bottom line: Mindset is your most important element. So definitely engage in personal development to effectively development your mindset. Or, simply get ready to take a trip to the network marketing cemetery. It’s your choice.
In the next prospecting and closing tip, I’ll discuss how you can make them really hold their hand outs for one of your golden eggs. It’s like fishing with $100 bills, so if you want to know how to bait your hooks with $100 dollar bills, read it now.
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