Freedom On Toast

Fact:  Everything starts with your mindset.

So it is always very interesting to me when I am speaking with a “possibility thinker” about starting a new home based business when they say, “But it’s going to cost me money.”

This is where I bite my tongue.  I WANT to say, “Did you REALLY think you could start a new business without any investment?”  Or, “Have you taken your medication today because you are obviously actively delusional!”  Or, “Tell me again…you want to make a million dollars a year without putting any money into anything to get you started?”  Or, “So you were planning on starting a business but not actually MAKING any money?”  For I am CERTAIN that my ears must be plugged.  I couldn’t possibly be hearing such statements.  We are, after all, living in a real world, with real people who presumably have real brains.

But what REALLY, REALLY gets me is that these folks are not seeing the big picture.  And it makes me sad.  They are looking at their business as an expense rather than an investment in their future.   They are not seeing their business as a money making opportunity.   They are not viewing their business as the link between their real world and the world of their dreams.  At this point, there are really only 2 options…

1.  Really work on your mindset.  Evaluate your goals.  Consider your aspirations.  Do your homework.  In order to be successful in business you MUST - there is no room for wavering - you MUST consider your business an investment.  If you can’t get yourself to that point, then you have option 2.

2.  Quit.

I know.  It’s not pretty is it.  And I could soft-shoe it and make it sound a little more glamorous, but, well, I’m not going to.

Now don’t get me wrong.  I am not suggesting you max out every credit card you have to get your business going.  Havng a business budget is not only responsible, it’s critical to your long term success.

But I am suggesting you consider your mindset.  Do you view your business as an expense or an investment?

I can provide you with support.  I can provide you with a solid “system” that will move you toward success.  I can provide you with 1:1 coaching.  I can provide you with free online resources.  I can send you a CD that will give you the secrets to success.  But ALL those things won’t help you a bit if you don’t have the right mindset.  That is THE critical component.

So, that said, do you believe your business is an investment or an expense?  And which of the 2 options are you choosing.

I read this quote this morning:

“All truth passes through three stages.
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”

Schopenhauer (German Philosopher)

And so is the path of the Network Marketer.

In Vegas we heard Michael Clouse talk about why people quit the business.  Statistically when someone quits the business in the first 90 days it is because someone told them Network Marketing is bad.

What a shame.  These poor folks didn’t even have a chance to experience success on any larger level in that time period.  Many distributors have heard from loved ones, friends and acquaintances that their new business is a scam.  That they are involved in a pyramid scheme.  That they are stupid if they think something like this will work.

These hurtful words are often enough to push the distributor to “close the shop doors” for good.  THEY aren’t going to be called stupid again.  THEY aren’t going to be ridiculed like that again.

But what’s really behind those hurtful words?  Maybe the speaker had been involved in a business that didn’t go as planned themselves.  Maybe they have a basement full of products they couldn’t sell.  Maybe they were with a company or sponsor that vanished as soon as they signed on the dotted line.  Or maybe they don’t want to see the new distributor succeed where they have failed.

It takes a lot of fortitude for a new distributor to hear those types of comments and commit to working their business anyway.  They must have focus and determination and “thick skin” to endure the difficult comments.  And they must BELIEVE for if they don’t, the first sign of difficulty will have them agreeing with the naysayers.

Next, the distributor will experience “violent opposition.”  Now, I have never been punched over having a business but I have certainly dealt with opposition on many levels - from speaking with friends and family to speaking with leads who have incorrect information about network marketing.  A little education can go a long way in overcoming opposition.  And again, YOUR focus, ability to get things done, and belief will get you through the rough times.

Finally, we come to a point when your network marketing business is accepted and the previous myths that were held are dispelled.  After all, if Warren Buffett and Donald Trump can be involved in network marketing it can’t be all bad! 

There is certainly a sense of satisfaction when you reach the point when people are asking about your business and surprised and happy to hear of your success.  This isn’t an “I told you so” moment - that won’t help anyone.  But rather a moment of appreciation when you realize you have achieved a certain level of respect for going out on a limb and trying that crazy business - and succeeding!

For those of you who are newer distributors, keep the faith!  You came into the business for a very personal reason and YOU have the ability to see it through.  Keep your support close, your focus sharp and your belief strong as you reach for the stars.