Tag Archives: Entrepreneur

How To Make 2013 A Great Year

It’s GrOw Time
Greetings,

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! The past few weeks always seem to be super busy. Now it’s time to get our focus back on our visions and dreams so 2013 can be a terrific year. Thanks to Keith Patterson for sending me the following 5 possible barriers all of us might face during the coming months.

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Why do some people achieve their goals while others fail? I believe it’s because successful people manage to overcome five barriers that, in many cases, guarantee failure. Here are those barriers and how to overcome them:

1. Uninspiring Goals

When most people set goals, they envision a “thing,” such as a particular amount of money, an object (like a new car), or a specific achievement (like writing a book). Unfortunately, these “things I’m gonna get or do” goals don’t appeal to the core of what motivates you, because they miss the point that what you’re actually seeking in life and work is the POSITIVE EMOTIONS that you believe those things will produce.

Fix: Rather than envisioning a “thing” as your goal, envision–with all the strength in your imagination–how you will feel when you achieve the goal. That way, you’ll be inspired to do whatever it takes (within legal and ethical bounds) to achieve that goal.

2. Fear of Failure

If you’re afraid of failing, you won’t take the necessary risks required to achieve your goal. For example, you won’t make that important phone call, because you’re afraid that you’ll be rebuffed. Or you won’t quit your dead-end job and start your own business because you’re afraid that you might end up without any money.

Fix: Decide–right now!–that failure, for you, is a strictly temporary condition. If things don’t go the way you’d like, it’s only a setback that, at most, delays your eventual success. In other words, accept the fact that you’ll sometimes fail, but treat that failure as an unavoidable (yet vital) component in your quest.

3. Fear of Success

In many ways, this fear is even more debilitating than the fear of failure. Suppose you achieved something spectacular, like enormous wealth. What if it didn’t make you happy? What then? What if you ended up losing all of it? What then? Would your friends start acting weird? Would your family be envious? Such thoughts (and they’re common) can cause even a highly motivated person to self-sabotage.

FIX: Decide that you’re going to be happy and grateful today and happy and grateful in the future, no matter what happens. Rather than focus on possible problems, envision how wonderful it would be to be able to help your friends and family achieve THEIR goals.

4. An Unrealistic Timetable

Most people vastly overestimate what they can do in a week and vastly underestimate what they can do in a year. Because of this, most people try to cram too many action items into the short term rather than spacing out activities over the long term. The inability to get all the short-term steps accomplished creates discouragement and the impression that the final goal is slipping away.

Fix: As you list the activities and steps required to achieve a goal, schedule only the 20% of the activities that will produce 80% of your results. Beyond that, set ambitious long-term timetables, but always leave some “wiggle room” when you plan short term.

5. Worrying About “Dry Spots”

It’s easy to get discouraged when you reach a point at which nothing you do seems to advance you toward your goal. For example, suppose you’re trying to master a certain skill. You make swift progress at first but then, after a while, it seems as if you’re not doing any better, or maybe a little worse. Some people use these “plateaus” or “dry spots” as an excuse to give up and therefore fail.

Fix: Whenever you reach a plateau or dry spot, it’s time to celebrate rather than give up. A plateau is almost always a sign that you’re on the brink of a major breakthrough, if you just have the patience to stick with it and trust that you’ll eventually achieve your goal.

“Go for No” – How to Build Your MLM Business

I was on a call tonight that was hosted by Tyler and Mimi Ford and featured Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz from GoForNo.com.

Here are some of the things that I learned.

In MLM, it can be to your advantage to learn to “Go for No”, meaning that you want to hear the word “NO” and even seek it out. How can that work out?

  • By hearing the word “NO” over and over again, it loses its power over you.
  • If you are hearing the word “NO” that means you are out talking to people – and that is a real key to success.
  • NO doesn’t always mean “NO”, it can also mean, not right now; so you want to follow up later.
  • But you have to be able to recognize when it really does mean NO, so it is time to move on and not create any bad feelings.
  • By setting goals of hearing a target number of “NO’s” each week or each month, the impact of each one won’t be the same as before.
  • This process can help you overcome the “roller-coaster” you sometimes feel in building your business. It may dampen the positive feelings of each “YES”, but it will be off-set by not feeling down when you get that next “NO”.

This is a great approach for everyone out there selling and building their business.  You never know when you are out there searching for the next “NO” might turn out to be the best “YES” you have ever achieved.

Now to put this into practice, I think it will be important to:

  • First figure out where all of these “NO’s” might be lurking. You can only talk to your friends and family so many times. There needs to be a much larger pool of potential people to talk with. That is the next step.
  • And you also will need to devise a way to capture the contact information on the people you think really mean “not yet”.  This is where using the internet can definitely come in handy. A good email program – with the right list of your contacts – can be incredibly powerful to organize this information for future use.

To learn more and get started you can check out the information on the web site for Richard and Andrea at http://goforno.com. And for a special discount, you can check out the coupon code available from Tyler and Mimi on TylerandMimi.com.

I just ordered the book “Go for NO” and can’t wait for it to arrive. I want to get started right now! Click here or on the image below to get your copy.

Go for No Book

Remember that in MLM usually the people who have heard the most “NO’s” are the one that are making the most money!

Top 10 Criteria For Picking A Company

Simon Prentice on RichGrads.com posted on May 24, 2009 a list of the the types of questions you should ask when checking out any business opportunity such as Shaklee.  Here is a link to his posting:

Full Article on RichGrads.com

In order to help you filter out the good companies from the bad, I have put together a post that discusses the Top 10 Qualities to look for when selecting a network marketing company.

These 10 characteristics are based on research put together by D.C. Falter Marketing, The University of Illinois Network Marketing Faculty, MLM Insider and Networking Times. By finding a company that has all of these qualities, you can feel assured that you will be getting involved in a company that will give you your best chance of achieving success.

Here is the list and how Shaklee stacks up:

1.) The founder of the company started the business for a purpose he or she was passionate about.

  • Shaklee was founded by Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee in 1956 and was passionate about improving peoples’ lives through better health and a more healthy home.

2.) The products are consumable. For example, if the company sold water it would meet this criteria as water is consumable. Vitamins are another very good example.

  • All of Shaklee products are consumable – from vitamins, Cinch weight management products, Get Clean home products, and all healthy beauty products.

3.) A binary compensation plan is used. It is far easier to make passive income with a binary compensation plan.

  • Shaklee does not use a binary compensation plan, but is a type of “stair-step” program which is often described as being driven by both product and performance.  This doesn’t mean that binary plans are not good, they are just a different format. What is important is that the compensation plan is built around selling product, not recruiting new distributors for a fee.

4.) The company has a good reputation. Google it! Sketchy companies will have many negative comments written about them. Good companies will have more positives than negatives.

  • Check it out and see for yourself. Because Shaklee has been successful for so many decades means that they are doing something right.

5.) The company has been in business for at least seven years.

  • Shaklee was started in 1956 – over 50 years and growing.

6.) The industry the company is based in has a future not a past. Therefore, there is growing demand for the products. A good example would be products that serve the baby boomers (a growing segment).

  • Shaklee is in the center of the nearly $1 trillion health and wellness industry, focusing on health and wellness, anti-aging, green products, nutrition and beauty, and home-based businesses.

7.) The company has exceptional training programs and marketing materials.

  • Shaklee provides comprehensive training for all new distributors, such as the online Shaklee University. Training continues through local, regional, and global conferences. The most important training comes from your sponsor.

8.) The product or service is distributed through online systems.

  • All distributors have a personal web site (PWS) which is used for processing all orders. No distributor needs to order, house, or ship products.

9.) The company prides itself on HELPING people not selling to people. Sketchy companies focus most of their energy on training you how to just recruit other distributors. Good companies focus on training you about their products and why they help people and how to help people achieve their goals.

  • Shaklee likes to focus its products as designed to help individuals and their families live a healthier life while treating the planet well. Of course the most successful Shaklee distributors work on developing new business leaders, but their compensation is based on total product sold – not income from new memberships.

10.) The company has an exceptional product or service that people will want to recommend to their friends.

  • You have to determine this for yourself. Our household has been using Shaklee products daily for over 20 years and we do not hesitate to refer others to these products.
Based on this criteria – which we think is an excellent way to evaluate these types of marketing opportunities – Shaklee stacks up pretty well.

10 Reasons for LGBT Entrepreneurs to Build a Shaklee Business

Corporate America has becoming an increasingly accepting opportunity for members of the LGBT community. There are more and more companies that offer non-discrimination policies for sexual orientation and even benefits for partners. Co-workers and management can be supportive and allow gay and lesbian workers more freedom than in the past.

But being an open member of the LGBT community in the workforce can still be a tough situation. In some parts of the country it is more accepted than others.

What is a good alternative?

Becoming your own boss and building your own business has been a way for gay entrepreneurs to earn a good living and live their own lifestyle. But starting out on your own can be stressful, take an incredible amount of initiative and effort, and often requires a significant investment. One good opportunity we have discovered is to build a Shaklee business as an Independent Shaklee Distributor.

10 Reasons for Gay Entrepreneurs to Build a Network Marketing Business:

1. You can be your own boss.

You will have flexibility in your time and schedule, deciding on the best use of your time. And you will have the opportunity to truly enjoy your work.

2. You can select your business partners.

When you decide to join Shaklee and start building your business you will be able to select the people you will be working with on a daily basis – no boss or company will tell you who your co-workers will be.

3. You get a choice in who are your customers.

In addition to having a choice in your business partners, you will also be able to have a say in who your customers are. You can promote Shaklee products to anyone so why not select people you like to see every day?

4. You can build a business promoting healthy products in the $350+ billion health and wellness industry.

Shaklee has been in business for over 50 years and is the number 1 natural nutrition company in the US. Shaklee is the first company in the world to be Climate Neutral™ certified. The Shaklee products are excellent quality and you will be genuinely helping others to live a more healthy lifestyle.

5. You will have the opportunity to promote three of the most valuable products for the LGBT community:

  • Vivix Anti-Aging Formula
  • Vitalizer Healthy Nutrition Supplements
  • Nutriferon Immunity Boost

6. You can be rewarded based on your efforts.

The Shaklee program provides you with unlimited income potential. There are 7 ways to generate income and it one of the best in the industry. And importantly you will be recognized for your achievements

7. You can work in a supportive organization that values individual contribution

Instead of working for someone else, being constrained by the existing structure, you will be part of an organization that recognizes individuals based on contribution – not on who they are.

8. Becoming a Shaklee Independent Distributor does not require a large investment.

Starting as a GOLD Ambassador costs only $349, providing a $500+ value. There is no inventory, customer service, or transaction costs. And you can build your business online, giving you the chance to promote your business nationwide and even globally.

9. Shaklee provides comprehensive training to get started.

Shaklee is not looking for just sales people. We are looking for entrepreneurs. The training is extensive, including online and printed material. Shaklee University will give you the tools needed to business a successful business. And most importantly the person who sponsors your member will become your mentor.

10. Become part of the LGBT Shaklee “family”.

We all spend a tremendous portion of our time in our work. We feel that this time should be spent with positive individuals who want to work with us no matter what community we belong to. And at Shaklee we are working to build a large and successful LGBT network of distributors.

Does this sound interesting to you? Do you want to know more? We hope so and want to hear from you.

What’s next?

• Click here to learn more about Shaklee Products and the Shaklee Opportunity on our web site

• Check out our Green and Healthy Vitamin Supplements blog

• Sign up for our Shaklee Opportunity and Training Webinars

• View our Shaklee Videos on YouTube

Follow us on Twitter

And most importantly you can Sign Up with Shaklee today!

You can always reach us to ask questions and get more information by going to our Shaklee web site and clicking on the CONTACT ME link at the top of each page.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

“Your future life will be exactly what you decide to make it” – Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee

A TOUGH TIME FOR RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES

HOW SHAKLEE CAN BE THE SOLUTION

The recession has hurt all Americans but has been particularly hard on the Millennial generation (born 1977 – 1998), according to the latest Pew Research Center survey. As jobs vanished and businesses closed, America’s newest entrants into the labor force have often found themselves among the last hired and the first to lose their jobs.

Sobering facts include:

  • In the 2010 survey, as a battered economy struggles to rebound, about four-in-ten (41%) people in the same age group say they are working full time—a decline of 9 percentage points from 2006.
  • Millennials are also more likely than older Americans to report they recently lost a job (10% vs. 6% for adults ages 30 or older).
  • Data from the Labor Department show that the unemployment figure for college graduates in that age group was 10.6% in the third quarter — the highest since early 1983 and more than double the rate for older college-educated workers.
  • Over the past 12 months, an average of 17.7 percent of 16-to-24-year-olds are neither employed nor in school. That’s 1.2 million more than before the recession.
  • The class of 2010 will be entering a labor market with the highest rates of unemployment in at least a generation; unemployment rates for both college graduates and non-graduates younger than 25 are nearly double their pre-recession levels.

But amid numerous reports of havoc and despair created by the current economic climate, more and more young people are taking things into their own hands by starting their own business. Entrepreneurship – starting their own business – has become an increasingly attractive alternative.

The Shaklee Opportunity can offer smart, energetic individuals of all ages the chance to build their own business with a minimal investment. For only $349, anyone can start with their very own “business-in-a-box”.

About Shaklee Corporation

Founded more than 50 years ago, Shaklee has been a leading provider of premium-quality natural nutrition products, personal care products, and environmentally friendly home care products. In 2000, Shaklee became the first company in the world to be Climate Neutral™ certified to totally offset its CO2 emissions, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment. Through Social Marketing™, Shaklee offers an economic opportunity to anyone regardless of background or experience, and has paid more than $4 billion in commissions to its independent distributors worldwide. With a robust product portfolio, including over 50 patents and patents pending, Shaklee has more than 750,000 Members and Distributors around the globe and operates in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and China.

What Attracts Young Entrepreneurs to Shaklee?

Many young Independent Shaklee Distributors were introduced to the high-quality products by their parents growing up and recognize their value. But others are finding out on their own how their lives and the planet can be made healthier.

Why Would a Young Entrepreneur be Interested in Shaklee?

  1. Exceptional Products. Shaklee only carries truly exceptional products that everyone wants and needs; from healthy nutrition, weight management, and green living at home.
  2. Environmentally Responsible Products and Business Practices. Everyone interested in “green” products will appreciate working with a company that is based on environmentally responsible products and business practices.
  3. Low Introductory Cost. By joining as a Gold Ambassador for only $299, a new Distributor is given everything necessary to start their own business. And with Shaklee there is no need to handle many business functions such as stocking inventory, sending invoices, shipping product, and handling customer service issues.
  4. Training. Shaklee provides training for all new Distributors on the product line, business practices, and how to build a successful business.
  5. Working with an Established Company. Shaklee has been in business for over 50 years, with a track record of millions of satisfied customers. And the CEO of Shaklee is Roger Barnett, a visionary leader that is committed to building the company far into the future.
    Roger Barnett
  6. Exceptional Earning Potential. With 7 ways to earn, it is possible for anyone of any age to develop a significant income. A Shaklee Independent Distributor earns from both product sales and from bringing other Distributors into the business.
  7. Earning Based on Effort. The Shaklee Opportunity is based on receiving compensation reflecting the amount of effort devoted to the business. So instead of working to make an employer successful, the entrepreneur can benefit directly from their efforts.
  8. Social Networking Opportunities. Shaklee has been successful because of the personal relationships developed between Distributors, their customers, and their Business Leaders. But with the power of the internet, building an online business using established Internet tools can be an incredible opportunity for young entrepreneurs who know their way around the Internet.
  9. Mentorship. Every Shaklee Independent Distributor is sponsored by an existing Business Leader. This relationship is designed to be long-term and provides anyone with limited business experience a strong support team. Our team has been building successful Shaklee businesses for over 30 years and can provide the best training and support.

How Do I Get Started?

  1. Learn more. Check us out. Look over our website. Check out the products and learn more about the Shaklee Difference. Here are our online resources:Shaklee Web Site: http://vitaminsupplements.myshaklee.com
    Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/2healthylife
    Check out our blog at:http://mysocialmediabootcamps.com
    See our YouTube Channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/greenandhealthy4u
  2. Ask Questions. Use the CONTACT ME link at the top of each page of our web site to ask any question. We want to hear from you.
  3. Join Shaklee. Start today by joining our Shaklee Team by registering as a Gold Ambassador. For only $349 you will receive over $500 in products and will be on your way! Click here to join today.