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.

My husband accuses me of not being able to relax on a beach.  Sad as it sounds, he’s right.  I am not a sitter.  I maybe, in a bad week, watch 3 hours of TV.  I’m just busy doing something (although I have neglected my dust.)

So I run across an article today that says “How to Tie your Shoes in 9 Steps”.  Sure enough, there are nine steps regardless of whether you choose the standard shoe tying option or the bunny ears option (my personal favorite to this day.)  This is what is wrong with the world.  Not the bunny method, the shear fact that somebody has to write a step by step guide to something so…simple!  Obviously the article wasn’t meant for a child to read.  So no learning there.  It’s just another deterrent to actually DOING something!

Brian Tracy wrote a great little book called, Eat That Frog!  The subtitle is 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time.  Amen.  I don’t know one person who says, “Gee, I have all the time in the world and nothing to do.”  But rather than just taking action, we do the easy tasks and put off the tasks that are perhaps more challenging or difficult. 

This happens in home businesses all the time.  People get distracted by tasks that not only don’t move their businesses forward but actually set their businesses back.  Folks get so hung up WANTING the step by step details that they aren’t taking action.  Why?  I’m not sure.  Maybe they are afraid they will fail so using this “learning” excuse sounds valid.  Maybe they lack self-confidence and are not used to making decisions so it’s easier to just do a task or two rather than really step out into their greatness.  Maybe they aren’t able to prioritize what’s important so they do what is easy rather than what’s necessary.  Who knows.  Humans are an odd bunch sometimes.

But I do know this - you are either growing or you are dying.  Your business is either moving forward or it’s moving backwards.  Nothing is static.  (Thanks James Ray!)

Hold your focus on what is truly important.  Consider each task (briefly - don’t slide into  the “let me think about this” mode too long) and decide if it is an action that is helping your business.  If it’s not, but is something that needs to be done, then just do it as quickly as possible and move on.

Brian Tracy states in his book, “Here is one of the greatest questions you will ever ask and answer:  ‘What one skill, if I developed and did it in an excellent fashion, would have the greatest positive impact on my career?”  I can promise - yes I said promise - that if you put your attention on actions that are business building actions, on a daily basis, your business will move forward.  I can also, unfortunately, promise you that if you focus on the minutea, those tiny irrelevant details, your business will continue to suffer.

So if you are foturnuate enough to be in a business that has a solid system in place, by all means follow it!  Don’t concern yourself with the size of a label.  Your customers won’t care.  Don’t fret about which color bag you should put your product in.  Your customers won’t care.  But DO care about taking consistent and meaningful action, building relationships with your customers and prospects and having integrity throughout.  THOSE matter.  Those will move your business forward.

But above all, just do it already!  <smile>

So I have a pet peeve.  I bet you are surprised!  <smile>  Here goes - why in the world, do the car manufacturers stick with the same boring colors when they produce brand new cars?  They are clearly Crayola challenged.  Heck, I can go to any store in my area and buy a box of 64 colors - and that’s not even the biggest box!  But cars?  You can pick from the boring array of gold, silver, black, white, red, blue, green and maybe brown.  BORING!  How about a nice periwinkle?  Or a deep purple?  Or a sunshine yellow?  Even M&Ms have greatly expanded their delicious little candies to come in 25 colors now!  These car folks need to expand their terminally gray horizons for sure.

So do I have you thinking, “yeah, why don’t they get more creative?”  I’ll tell you why.  Because people choose options that are familiar and comfortable to them.  Toyota made a cute little pink car once.  How many of those do you recall seeing on the road?  Not many.  Because people choose what’s familiar.

It’s the same dilemma Network Marketers face when speaking with a prospect about a new business opportunity.  The prospect might think what you have to say sounds great!  They might even dream a little about the possibilities of a life without debt…or that dream vacation…or a new purple car (okay, that might be pushing it) but when the question is posed, “are you ready to make a change in your life?” most will shy away and stick with the familiar.  In this case, the rat race.  The 9-5 job (if they are lucky enough to have those hours these days.)  They stick with what’s comfortable and hold on to their safe life.

It truly saddens me that I can’t just go to the dealership and purchase my purple BMW.  With white seats and purple piping I might add.  But what saddens me even more are the countless number of people who have the skills and talent to change their lives - and many others - yet continue with the familiar and comfortable.  I am sad that they aren’t willing to take a chance.  And I can’t imagine what it will be like for those folks as they age and ponder what their life might have looked like if they had only taken a chance. 

So I am calling for a rebellion.  Next time you purchase a car, step outside the norm.  I know that’s a challenge in itself when very few car manufacturers offer anything but the boring.  Just purchase the car with the most unique color and drive it proudly as you show off your bravery.  Maybe if we start with something small, like the color of a car, people will begin to change their thinking and enjoy ALL that life has to offer - not just the mundane.

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.

I did something last night that could have resulted in an immediate firing if I still worked in Corporate America. But instead I am involved with a wonderful Natural Candle Company with the nicest owners you could ever hope for.

So here’s the situation…

Our company is having a Regional Conference in Las Vegas at the end of March. All of us who are planning on attending are very excited not only to see each other but to get top-notch training. You see, for the first time in company history we have an “outside” speaker presenting for an entire day. We are honored to have Michael Clouse impart his wit, wisdom and insight to us in glorious “Sin City.”

So last night, Michael Clouse joined our conference call and I was fortunate enough to introduce him to the listeners. Michael, of course, provided quick, helpful nuggets that every distributor at every level could benefit from. The call went great. Until he finished and handed the call back to me.

Uh-oh. This wasn’t the plan (although he probably didn’t know that so I am not faulting him at all). I thought one of the company owners was going to be on the call to end it but I didn’t hear him. So I wrapped the call up, thanked everyone and hung up.

Then the worry set in. Those nasty little voices in my head kept yelling at me, “You weren’t supposed to end the call, Charlie was!” Of course he was. He’s one of the owners. What owner wouldn’t want the opportunity to end a conference call with an internationally recognized industry trainer? Well guess what - no surprises here - Charlie WAS on the line but as I fumbled the ball and just ended the call, he just politely sat back and let me do my thing.

Needless to say I immediately sent the “I am so sorry…” email (with head hung appropriately low) and what was Charlie’s response? “No problem - it was a great call. I love it when the field can participate in these calls.”

All I can say is “wow” - how truly fortunate I am to be doing what I love, enjoying a great deal of freedom, and working with the nicest bunch of owners there could ever be. Life is good.

Thanks Charlie!

Who really knows how my mind works sometimes, but for whatever reason I was thinking about the old Batman and Robin show. Not the new, fancy, high-tech Batman (poor Robin got the ax) but the old tights wearing Batman and Robin who really couldn’t act to save their lives. Sorry Adam and Burt.

You see, I am incredibly fortunate. I not only have one Batman (make that Batwoman) in my life - I have two and that’s not even counting my Mom. But my two Batwomen are incredible. They consistently jump in and solve a problem before it’s even a problem. They have ideas that leave others far, far in the dust. They are generous beyond belief (you would think they really do live in whatever Batman’s mansion was called) and they do everything they do freely, without searching for accolades from anyone! They give of their time. They give of their resources. They give friendship.

Me? Oh, I think I am a leader in my own right. But I am more like Robin. I am willing to “get in the fight.” I can follow their runaway at impossible speeds on a curvy track train of thought. I can test the waters and endure a shock now and then. But mostly I am in awe and more appreciative then they will ever, ever know. But not so loopy that I will be wearing green tights at our next convention in Vegas.

So Cathy and Kathy, I thank you. And with that I must end by saying, “Holy I just saw Elvis Batwomen - let’s go to Vegas!”

So the news reported today that as of right now, 13.1 MILLION people are without jobs. They went on to spew other nauseating figures as well but what intrigued me the most was the title of the article, “25 Best Jobs for 2009.”

What was the number one job to seek out in 2009 you ask? A Public Relations Manager. Um…yeah. I can see THAT conversation. “Yes sir, I would be happy to do a tap dance for the media so they don’t notice your enormous spending sprees.” “Please, allow me to take all YOUR heat for this one.” And this is a job somebody actually wants? I hope the company they work for has a lucrative mental health plan.

So why is it that we continue to focus on “jobs?” In mainstream media, when was the last time you saw, “25 Best Home Based Businesses for 2009?” (or any year for that matter.) Obviously the traditional picture of employment has long been snuffed out. Very few people start working with a company right from college or high school and continue to work with them until the day they retire. Very few people have worthy retirement plans anymore that imprison the worker - fearful of the loss they would take if they left. Very few people enjoy the time off they would like to - time with family, time exploring the world. You are lucky if you get 3 weeks (two of which are spent painting the house.)

Yet the job mentality continues. Seriously, if I ever go for my MBA I am going to do my thesis on this topic. Because I truly believe it is the job mentality that holds so many back from a promising and lucrative lifestyle of contentment and freedom.

What holds you back? Or if you have taken the plunge and are in charge of your life, what set you free?

I know the economy is supposed to be terrible, but I can tell you, the candle business is booming! We are so fortunate to have incredible candles (all natural wax of course - think GREEN) but because of all the woes of the economy, people are enjoying the little things in life at an all time record pace. They may be putting off the new car or the new house, but they are NOT putting off buying a little candle.

And, because so many non-profit organizations are getting less and less funding, the need for good fundraisers is up, up, up! I have a distributor on my team who is working with a school group of over 1400 students. I am so excited for her because her profit will be in the thousands for one fundraiser. How awesome is that? Not only does she feel great about helping a local school, she will make a nice profit as well. Life is good.

I know people who don’t understand the candle business think how can you make money on candles? Well, it’s NOT just “a little candle business.” It is far, far from that. It is a 3 billion dollar industry in which nearly 85% of all households use the product. It’s a consumable product. And it’s a simple business - no need to know complicated information.

So if you are thinking this is just a little business that you can’t really make any money at, I am here to say you are wrong. And of course, I would be happy to tell you more. If you would like to request a free information packet and scent samples, then please visit www.HaveTheFreedom.com

Normally I don’t put much faith in my daily horoscope. In fact, I rarely even read them. But one day this week I decided to take a peek at my future. Here’s what my specialized, custom, newspaper printed horoscope (generally referred to as Horrorscope) read:

As far as you’re concerned, there’s nothing worse than opting for the boring known things when you have a chance to explore the unknown. You’ll follow the one who offers you a suspenseful story with a surprising finish.

I had to laugh and decided this wasn’t my daily horoscope, it was my everyday horoscope. The big horoscope that applies to everyday of my life. You see, I detest boring. I don’t want the absolute predictability of the daily grind.

That’s precisely why I have my own home business.

Just out of curiosity, I went to see exactly how Webster’s defines entrepreneur. Here’s the definition:

A person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.

Fair enough. And in perfect alignment with my newfound horoscope. But that is the absolute wonder and beauty of having your own business. You take the initiative and you reap the rewards. You take the risks and are rewarded with excitement and passion. Not to mention tax breaks!

As I see it, I only have one life to leave and when I go I want to make sure I have made the most of it. And that I have lived a suspenseful story with a surprise ending. I can hardly wait to see what life brings and what life I create.

So here’s to an incredible life full of adventure. Party on!

We have all heard it said many times that success is a journey.  In fact, I have written about that myself - and it’s true.  And hopefully an enjoyable one at that.  But success is far more than just a journey.  It begins by YOU defining what success is to you.  Does success mean financial freedom?   And what does financial freedom mean?  Does success mean having great relationships?  And what does having great relationships mean?  You get the idea - you need to have a very clear vision of what success means to you.

That said, you need to ALWAYS keep in mind that success - however you defined it - is the goal.  Success is the goal, not the process by which you seek success.   Oohh - deep. 

Case in point.  You are not feeling all that well.  So, you go to your doctor.  You get to the clinic and noticed the manacured lawns.  The oversized glass doors are spotless and the greenery in the lobby looks like you have entered a posh hotel.  You are greeted by an amazingly friendly receptionist who assures you that you will be seen very shortly by the doctor.  A lovely nurse begins to take you back to the examination room, making the requisite stop on the scale.  Even the scale looks nice and the nurse has clearly learned to not really acknowledged that you have just been weighed.  You enter the examination room and find it to look like something out of a decorator’s magazine.  Those plush leather chairs are really nice!  All the instruments are shiny and neatly arranged in a manner that screams professionalism.  The doctor enters the room promptly and greets you as though you are an old friend.  You patiently explain your ailments and the doctor nods, clearly understanding the issue - you want to be healed.  Grabbing a thermometer, the doctor takes a reading and says okay, thanks for coming in today and escorts you out. 

All the bells and whistles seemed good at the time.  The cleanliness, the friendliness, the attention to detail.  However, you do not feel a bit better.  Why?  Because you were focused on the process and not the goal.

In business it’s easy to get caught up in the process.  Do the tasks.  Make the calls.  Keep the statistics.  All are worthy business actions.  But without that clearly defined goal - success - the processes really won’t get you very far.  Yes, you will look busy.  Yes, it will look like you are doing the steps necessary to achieve success.  But if you don’t KNOW what success is to you, how will you know when you achieve it?

The little satisfactions along the way are not success.  I have seen it over and over again when a distributor reaches the first level in team building.  They achieved that first level and that first success paralyzes them into thinking “I made it!”  The actions decrease.  The focus decreases and before you know it their team decreases.

So get that laser vision focused and by all means, keep success the focus, not the processes by which we achieve success.  Without it, you might as well be shooting an arrow at a target while blindfolded.