WHATEVER IT TAKES?

As a Networker have you ever said "I'll do whatever it takes"? You've certainly heard it. This was a recent post on BetterNetworker, with this question following: Do you think this willingness to do 'whatever' it takes to make it is part of what turns people off to us networkers?

First, I want to say that no matter how badly I need something, I am not willing to "do anything" to get it. "Anything" is a pretty big category. "Anything" could mean...anything!

What I am not willing to do:

I am not willing to compromise my principles or my faith.

I am not willing to do anything illegal.

I am not willing to sacrifice what is most precious in my life.

I am not willing to ride over others, to knock them down, to use them simply for my own benefit.

I am not willing to look at others merely as instruments to be discarded after I have what I want from them.

I do not want to succeed if I can't take others with me and show them how to succeed. No, I am not willing to "do whatever it takes".

What I am willing to do:

I am willing to work.

I am willing to ask for help.

I am willing to teach others what I have learned.

I am willing to live out my dream, to keep seeking it if I haven't found it yet.

I am willing to ask for guidance and direction when I am unsure of myself.

I am willing to learn new things.

I am willing to make changes where change is necessary to my success.

Remember, success cannot be measured merely on a financial basis. Zig Ziglar once said, "I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can't truly be considerd successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles."

Integrity is a must. If we do not operate on ethical principles and methods, eventually we will find others treating us in the same manner we treat them - unethically and without integrity. We may just find ourselves alone out there with no friends, no support. But when we reach out a hand to someone in need, there will be someone there to reach out a hand when we are in need. We will have lasting friendships and wonderful, caring business associates.

That is the true measure of success.

SEE IT THROUGH

See It Through by Edgar A. Guest

When you're up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it's vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don't let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you're beset,
But remember you ar facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don't give up, whate're you do;
Eyes front, head hight to the finish.
See it through.

There is an obvious truth in this poem that we would do well to heed. When things are at their blackest, when life is hardest it's so easy to give up. No one likes to struggle day after day without an end in view. Though we fear failure, sometimes it's easiest to give in to it.

Nowhere is this so evident as in networking marketers. Companies promise the moon. Distributors, in their drive to recruit, often give false impressions in order to capture a lead and pull him in. Advertising hype declares that no other product on the market is as good, does as much as well. With great enthusiasm we jump in and hitch our wagon to the stars and expect to earn big money quickly. After all, haven't we been told that others are doing it?

Then comes the moment of truth. It's not working the way it was supposed to. What should you do? Quit? Or just keep plodding along in a hopeless string of attempts to 'make' it work?

There may come a time when it is wise to quit that particular business. But should you give up on MLM? No! MLM is a viable way to make a living if you work it right. But it takes patience, effort, time, good strategies, wise advice and sometimes a financial investment of some kind for promotion. You need a plan.

But what happens when that plan fails? Like Mr. Guest says in this poem, see it through! Nothing half done will succeed. Lift your head, face your problems head on. Do the best you can, and when you have done that and failure still seems imminent, get help. And if you do ultimately fail, get right back up and try again. But don't do the same things that you did that caused the failure. Analyze what has happened. Apply that knowledge to improve your manner of conducting business.

Remember, you're not the only one this has happened to. Many others have faced similar circumstances, have failed once, twice, three times yet have gone on to succeed in the end to a far greater degree than anyone would have dreamed. Edison tried 10,000 experiments before he came up with the incandescent light bulb. 10,000! What if he had quit at 9,999? Would we still be using candles?

You may give up certain methods, attitudes, actions, thought patterns, but don't turn your back or run away from your dilemmas. Make the most of them. Use the failures as springboards to success. Fail or conquer. Which one will it be?

See it through!

LOOKING FOR INSTANT SUCCESS?

Sorry, but you've come to the wrong place if you're hoping to become a millionaire by tomorrow. Success is rarely, if ever, instant. The yacht will have to wait awhile.

We live in an age where everyone is in a hurry and demands everything NOW. To accommodate this whim of Western society, thousands of time-saving devices have been invented to free up our time--automatic dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, vacuum cleaners, kitchen gadgets galore. From instant mashed potatoes, frozen veggies and pre-cooked meats to instant pudding for dessert, we can create a meal in minutes. Don't even have time for that? Order in. You can choose from pizza, Chinese food, whatever you like. No work on your part. You don't even need to do the dishes if you use disposables.

Many people today live with the false conception that they must have instant gratification. This has resulted in much frustration, anger and impatience. Driving as much as I do, I see a great deal of this on the road. People passing in dangerous places--curves, hills, etc. In the city they weave in and out faster than the shuttle of a loom. I have watched as one car after another runs a red light seemingly without any thought as to the consequences if they don't make it across before the oncoming traffic starts. Law after law is broken. Speeding is an epidemic. You've heard of road rage and what a person is capable of simply because of out-of-control impatience and anger. And how often have you stood in line at the grocery store or the bank, a line that moves as slowly as corn syrup stored in the refrigerator. Do you fidget, start grumbling internally, wonder if you're ever going to get through? Have you ever blamed the girl on cash for being so slow? Or the customer who holds things up because they don't have enough money to pay and have to, one by one, remove items from their order? Have you ever complained about this? I know, many stores now have check-outs that you check yourself out to save time. The banks have instant teller machines. But they, too, can have line-ups.

But where does this impatience get anyone? Home about two minutes sooner? And what is so important about those two minutes? What can anyone possibly be in such a hurry to do?

Well, it seems to be the trend in network marketing business today, too. How many web sites are offering videos, audios, e-books to tell you how you can make thousands of dollars, or get thousands of leads within the first day, week, etc. All fully automated, mind you, so you can just sit back and collect the money. Of course it costs to buy into these programs, but, like the ads say, who wouldn't want all this money just rolling in? Yes, I want it NOW! Let it come!

But as I said, success seldom comes so instantly. I'm not making aspersions against any of the network marketing trainers who offer their programs online. I'm simply saying that it is not as easy as they make it sound to begin to make thousands of dollars a month. It does require work on our part. It requires time. Maybe not as much time as a 9-5 J.O.B. takes, but without spending time and effort it won't work. Who ever heard of building an instant house? Even pre-fabs take some time to construct. Did you ever read a book in five minutes? Unless it was a children's picture book.

Don't be fooled into signing up for every training course available on the net thinking you will become rich overnight. You'll go bankrupt that way. Be discerning when choosing the right one for you. Better still, approach someone who has been successful in network marketing on a long-term basis. Talk to them. Ask them questions. Learn from their mistakes and the things they have done right, things that have made them what they are today. Most are more than willing to help if you are really serious, but if you're not, please don't waste their time. And if you do opt for one of the video courses, make sure you actually do more than simply watch the videos. They were not created for your entertainment. Use them to advantage. Put into practice what you learn.

And give it time. I repeat, there is no instant success. Even those who seem to pop up overnight in the entertainment world and become a star have spent years studying acting, singing, etc. before they could even audition for a part. There must be a great deal of behind-the-scenes activity--regular and focused activity--if you want to build a successful business. How soon do you think a house would be built if all the construction workers sat around chatting and drinking coffee?

You  need to do more than simply sit back and expect the internet to do it all for you. It sounds so good--pay the fee, set up your web site and let it do the work for you. Get used to the fact that it's not going to happen that way. You need to make some kind of personal contact with your leads if you want them to decide on your business. You need to provide information, training, etc. to make them want to do business with you. If you don't care enough to get in touch after they download your e-book, sign up for your newsletter, etc. then they will think you won't care enough to help them after they sign up with you.

I'm not saying you will have to wait for years and years for success, but it just won't be today or tomorrow if you are only at the beginning. Don't set yourself up for disappointment by expecting that which won't happen tomorrow. Be realistic. Set goals. Work toward those goals. Implement all the tools you can to promote your business. Get all the help you can from others. And most of all, give what you can to others. After all, isn't that what networking is all about?

Now, get to work and that yacht will be yours!

STEPPING STONES AND SPRINGBOARDS

Life happens, one step at a time. Problem is, we sometimes want it to move much faster. Fast is good if you have learned how to run like the wind. But how many of us can make the Olympics?

Then there are those who would rather not move at all. They hope to benefit from what others do. Life passes them by and they are oblivious or simply uncaring about what they are missing. Let's not rock the boat; let's stay on an even keel. Wouldn't do to get too ambitious! It might take effort, work. It might take us away from the beloved TV. Or computer. Or whatever.

Like a toddler, we must learn to crawl before we walk, to walk before we run. And we will have our share of stumbles, falls, cuts and bruises along the way until we become confident that we can do it on our own. One step at a time, whether walking or running.

If we desire to build a profitable business, we must build on a sure foundation. You cannot build a house from the top down. There are certain rules to follow. Build the roof first and where will you put it? But when you build a strong foundation, you can build one brick at a time, one layer at a time, until the whole comes together in a creation that is both beautiful and useful.

Here are just a few stepping stones you will have to step out on if you expect to find success.

Stepping stone #1: When we decide we want to start up in business, the first step we need to take is to decide what type of business we can get excited about. If you have no interest in technology, then it is not advisable to opt for a telecom company. If you love jewelery, you should consider getting involved with a company that sells jewelery. What is your passion?

Stepping stone #2: Which is the best company to associate yourself with? This involves research. Ask questions. Search the internet. Look for distributors who will give an honest report about the company. Decide if it is a good match for you. Can you make enough money with the marketing plan? Is there enough training available for you to be able to promote the product and the business? Is help close at hand when you need it? Is there a good team to join?

Stepping stone #3: What is the investment you need to make, financial, time, etc., to make this business profitable? Make a plan. Write down your goals. Sit down and count the cost. Don't blindly plunge in head first without knowing how deep the water is. Create a business plan. You may not be able to follow it exactly as you first lay it out, but you need a place to begin.

Stepping stone #4: Once you have done your due diligence and have decided on a product, a company, a team you are passionate about, it's time to join. Get started.

Stepping stone #5: Find a mentor or a master mind team you can work with for support, teaching, information, guidance in building your business. Training is an absolute necessity if you hope to succeed. Just make sure it is the right kind of training that can take you to the top.

Stepping stone #6: Make sure you have all the tools you need--a web site, a blog site, an autoresponder, a newsletter, a lead source, etc. Without the tools of the trade, the 'trade' will fail. Learn how to use the tools to the best advantage. Then use them.

The springboard: When you learn to use the stepping stones without attempting to skip over some of them, you will find that your business has come to a point where it begins to take off. Like jumping off a springboard. Now you can jump into the deep end without drowning. Continue doing what experience tells you has been the right thing, and your business will begin to grow exponentially. Success will be yours if you hold tenaciously to your goal.

Now, go out there and just do it!

THE MINDSET OF HEALTHY LIVING or We Can Always Get a Divorce

Yesterday I wrote an article and posted it on BetterNetworker titled We Can Always Get a Divorce. Curious? It addresses what I believe to be the reason why statistics show that 95% or more of the people who join a MLM (MultiLevel Marketing) company fail.

Perhaps you have never been involved in MLM; perhaps you never will. But this topic really addresses the failures we experience in every area of life. Some people would fail at the simplest task; others can master some of the most difficult equations in life. That's just the way it is. Or is it?

Failure, as I said in my article, is usually only a mindset. Change the mindset and the failure magically becomes success. Only it really isn't magic. It takes old-fashioned hard work. Not physical work as in digging ditches, but concentrated mental effort, constant wrestling with our thoughts, to accomplish this. It's not easy. In fact, it's very difficult to change our mindset. After all, it is 'set'. Sometimes set in cement. We've lived with it for a very long time.

A mind set on failure, or simply just not set on success, is not conducive to healthy living. Negative thoughts breed negative results. Where doubts assail, we usually fail. We need to learn to overcome doubts. Self-doubt is actually rooted in doubts of God. So the first step is to learn to trust the Lord.

God has some very definite things to say to and about us. Read His word, dig into the scriptures as for hidden treasure. When you find what He thinks of you, use these things for personal affirmation. Tell yourself over and over, God loves me; He cares about me; He says I'm more than a conqueror; His word says I have the victory in Him; He is always with me; He will never leave me; with Him I'll never want, I'll never fail. And there's much more. Keep digging for those gold nuggets and use them to build up your faith. Believe the Lord means what He says, then begin to act as if you really do believe it. Then success will be yours.

If you would like to read my original article, click on this link: http://bit.ly/pOcuM

HEALTHY LIVING INCLUDES LIVING PLANTS

For me, the expression of healthy living doesn't develop fully without living plants in my apartment. Even though I don't always look after them as well as I should, I love to have growing things around me, green things, flowering plants that bring cheer into a room. I've heard many people say, "I don't have a green thumb. I kill every plant I ever get." Well, I've had a few experiences like that, but I have also had some real success stories as well.

Years ago I bought a hibiscus with only tiny unopened buds. To my surprise, when it did flower, it had double blossoms. Beautiful! I have never seen one like it since. I remember counting 29 buds on it at one time. Then I moved it and it stopped blooming. I moved it back and it did bloom again but never as profusely. Periodically I would re-pot it into a bigger container until it got almost too heavy for me to lift. I cut it back when it finally reached the ceiling! Later it spread out so far laterally that I cut it right back, not knowing if it would ever live through such a drastic pruning. Besides the fact that I really don't know much about pruning--where to cut, when to cut, etc. But it survived for many years.

Many times I cut branches off that plant, put them in water and rooted them. I don't know how many new plants I gave away. But there came a day when old age finally got the better of that hibiscus. I had to throw it away. I'm sorry I never took a picture of it while it was in bloom. The one in the picture above is one from a hibiscus I bought last year and, unfortunately, died a few months later.

But that wasn't the end of that plant. I had given one of my "children" to a friend. Her plant had grown large so she took a cutting, rooted it and gave it to me. I now have a great-grandchild of my original hibiscus and it is growing like a weed though it has not yet flowered.

Today I finally re-potted the plants I purchased in the spring. The thought occurred to me that sometimes we need to re-pot parts of our lives. In other words, we need to give them new space, a larger place to grow, some fertilizer and, of course, enough water to benefit them without water-logging them and killing them. As we need to feed our bodies, we need to feed our intellect and our spirits. In my case, I need to inject new life in my business on a regular basis to keep it healthy.

So, if you are a plant lover, be sure to have lots of them in your home. They bring joy and satisfaction and, yes, sometimes sadness when they die and you have to toss them. But they are definitely worth the effort. Praise God for healthy plants that contribute to healthy living!