Uniquely Qualified

The cosmic "accident" that one fortunate sperm out of three million inherits the legacy of a family's empire does not guarantee effective leadership. It may create stewardship. Throughout history, heirs to the thrones of the greatest kingdoms have ended in utter ruin due to a lack of essential leadership skills and ability. The litmus test for leadership is not the equivalent of HCG.

Leadership skills are developed, over time, through life experiences unique to the individual. We all possess these skills but those that consistently engage themselves and others in achieving their maximum potential will rise to the positions of leadership.

"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority."
- Ken Blanchard -

"It is the responsibility of intellectuals to speak the truth and expose lies."
- Noam Chomsky -

"Good leaders must first become good servants."
- Robert Greenleaf -

"Leaders aren't born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal."
- Vince Lombardi -

"The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born -- that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born."
- Warren G. Bennis -

A Tale of Two Quitters

The measure of success for any entrepreneur is perhaps persistence. To venture forth with new ideas and, despite the obstacles, stay focused on reaching your objective. To weather the storms that many may claim as failure, to get back up when you are knocked down, and try a new direction to achieve your aims.

Here is a short story about two such "failures" - two "Quitters, according to currently invoked logic.

Two childhood friends partner to start a business together after terms in the military. Their first enterprise is to start a local aviation service they named "Wolverine Air Service". Neither were experienced pilots, had no particular business experience, no airport, but they pressed on despite the obstacle. After a year, they looked for another business opportunity.

"Quitters?"

They immediately sought a new enterprise in pursuit of success. The next venture, a restaurant in their town. They called it "Riverside Drive-Inn Restaurant". Once again, as with the air service, neither of the guys had experience in running a restaurant. They continued to explore other options.

"Quitters?"

Here is a list of some of the other businesses these two friends started together -

Canoe rides
Flight school
Charter Service
Repair Service
Aircraft and Gasoline Sales
Boat Rental and Charter
Restaurant

They had also tried there hand at toy-making by marketing a wooden rocking horse for children.

Eight different business interests but none of these would be the enterprise that would bring them the success they had dreamed about for so long. EIGHT failures by prevalent standards? These guys were eight time losers if you were to buy into the critics pronouncements.

These gentleman would later start one of the largest and one of the oldest direct marketing companies in the world. They would eventually play a very significant role to the growth and expansion of their hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

You have probably guessed the names of these persistent entrepreneurs.

Richard DeVos and Jay VanAndel



Imagine. The gentleman who founded Amway and Quixtar being labeled as "Quitters". Here is a quote from the autobiography of Jay VanAndel:

"A good entrepreneur never rests, so we were always trying to think of something else that we could provide the customers ..."
p.17
An Enterprising Life
Jay VanAndel

I heard a saying recently that offers -

"every blade of grass that I have ever walked upon has brought me to this moment"

It is a good thing that Rich and Jay were quitters in their earlier businesses.

Efficient and Effective

MLM Training- The Secrets to NOT Quitting in MLM
Author: Doug Firebaugh

Frustration can be a killer to your business. And rightfully so, as we all go through frustration from time to time. You know --where you don't feel like doing anything. Talk to anybody and you are starting to doubt this business really works. At least for you. Been there?

You right now may be thinking that you want to do this business, but nothing is working and you seem to be working your rear end off. You make the calls, and nothing happens. You follow up and nothing happens. Your prospects disappear without a trace.

You are thinking--"Can I REALLY do this?"

But yet you are BUSY. Busy at doing what? There is a difference in MLM between EFFICIENT and EFFECTIVE. The average distributor in this business is Efficient. Bur LEADERS in this business are EFFECTIVE. EFFICIENT we have heard is doing things right. And yes, you must do things right or this business will not work as it should. EFFECTIVE is doing the right things and THEN doing them right.

Most people in MLM never grow past Efficient(If they even grow at all) and they work their enterprise the best they know how, and yet it seems to never really move that much. You seem to be doing everything right. But the question is -- are you doing the right things?

There is only one thing we will ever get paid for in MLM and that is COMMUNICATION. Simply:

Your Job is to do one thing:
Create EFFECTIVE Exposures and a LOT of them.
That's it for the new person. That is what you should focus on and no more.
Here is a Radical Paradigm Shift for you:

Your job # 1 is NOT to sell. Your job is NOT to recruit. Your job is NOT to train. Those are FRUITS of an EFFECTIVE Exposure. Those are what GROW and Blossoms from an EFFECTIVE Exposure and Communication. Your JOB #1 is to create an EFFECTIVE exposure about your business and products through magnetic communication which attracts the prospect to take action. You may be BUSY, but busy at making ineffective Exposures, which are killing your business and your self esteem and it it can be corrected so easily.

What creates an EFFECTIVE Exposure?

Three things:

1) IMPACT.
Your job is NOT of INFORM but IMPACT. Most people who are BUSY and EFFICIENT focus on DETAILS --Facts, and the information. Folks who get rich in MLM create an IMPACT and they are not focused on Details but Destiny. The prospect's destiny--they move the prospect on the inside by talking about what waits for their life and future on the outside. They are not focused on their paycheck --but the PROSPECT. And they are not focused on the Process as much as the Power of Change as they know they are in the LIFE CHANGING BUSINESS.

2) Emotional Connection.
You must create an Emotional Connection with the prospect. How?
Simple --you focus on what they want to change for the better or add to in their life the most, and then show them how your business and products can help bring that into their life. They must develop and emotional connection to the product, or the business, or you as a Leader and you must create the possibility that what their life is missing can be obtained through you and your company. And then show them how. With an EFFECTIVE Communication called a PRESENTATION.

3) VALUE.
Let me ask you a question: Would you buy a car that had no value to you? Would you buy a house that had no value to you? Would you buy a pair of shoes that had no value to you? Of course not. Guess what? Your prospect will never start moving towards you as long as they don't see VALUE in what you are offering, what you are doing, and who you are.

VALUE RULES SUPREMELY!
You MUST show Value to the prospect in everything that you do and say. How? Find out what THEY VALUE in their life, and show them how your Business, Products, and YOU can help increase that in their life. I call it the "4 Major Wants of Lifestyle":

People are looking today to "INCREASE, EXPAND, ENLARGE and EMPOWER their and their family's life" and you simply must show them how you can help them do that.

What are you spending your time doing in MLM?
Selling? Recruiting? Training? Being BUSY?

How about getting EFFECTIVE at Exposing your business and products, and let all of the above be a FRUIT of your actions --not the sole focus? If you do that, your results will blossom abundantly like fruit on a tree--a MONEY TREE! And your growth will be UNSTOPPABLE in this business of MLM and Network Marketing.


blessings....

doug firebaugh
(c) 2006/all rights reserved
http://www.passionfire.com
http://www.theoriginalnetworker.com
This article is free for republishing
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com

Friendships and Business

In our profession of Network Marketing, we recognize and encourage the development of relationships. We look for opportunities to connect with others on a personal level. We seek common experiences and ambitions to establish rapport. As we advance through our business growth, we experience personal growth through the associations we develop.

If we are fortunate, we may even begin to form what may be lasting friendships with the people in our business. In my opinion, this last is the one greatest, intangible benefit from building a networking career.

I have also witnessed, however, that the title of "friend" can also be bandied about far too carelessly; even generically. Perhaps this is the current trend within our culture today and, if so, I think that most unfortunate.

We may introduce our products and business opportunity to our friends. We may begin to build the bridges of friendship with those in our organization. I believe it is critically important to respect and uphold the value of friendships whenever it is granted. Being a friend involves a commitment far beyond the mechanics of the business and carries the expectation of mutual trust and emotional investment. Friendship involves sharing in common core values but begins with honesty and openness.

Friendships formed or maintained solely for business purposes are merely proprietary associations. We may have friendly relationships with others through our business but the first step to allow these associations to develop into true friendships rest with us.

Plan to improve

From Josh Hinds

The Continuous Improvement Formula
By Brian Tracy

Put Your Career On The Fast Track...
There are many things you can do to put your career onto the fast track. You can set clear, specific goals for each area of your life and then make plans to accomplish them. You can plan your work and work your plan.

Ask For Greater Responsibility...
You can accept 100% responsibility for everything you are and everything you become. You can refuse to make excuses or to blame others. You can tell your boss that you want greater responsibilities and then when you get them, put your whole heart into doing an excellent job.

Utilize Your Inborn Talents...
In the parable of the talents in the New Testament, Jesus says, "Oh good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over small things. I will make you master over large things."

Ellie Drake

In the current issue of HBC (Home Business Connection) magazine, there is an article about Ellie Drake. I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with Ellie. She was a guest trainer in the Passport Guest Speaker series and offers an inspiring story of her journey to the United States from Iran.

My Journey to America
"I was born in Tehran, Iran. For many year during my childhood, I started feeling that something was not quite right in the country that I was born in. People around me told me to give up on my dreams, because to have a dream and not have the opportunity to pursue my dreams would hurt so much. I was in Iran during the bombing of Iran-Iraq war. One day with my own eyes, I saw a rocket in the sky not too far up. It landed on the same street as my High School. For many years, I started dreaming about starting my life in a country where I would have the choice to pursue my passions."
More from Ellie

About The Direct Selling Association (DSA)

From Direct Selling Association -

The Direct Selling Association (DSA) is the national trade association of the leading firms that manufacture and distribute goods and services sold directly to consumers. More than 200 companies are members of the association, including many well-known brand names.

The Association's mission is "To protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers."

The cornerstone of the Association's commitment to ethical business practices and consumer service is its Code of Ethics. Every member company pledges to abide by the Code's standards and procedures as a condition of admission and continuing membership in the Association.
Learn more from the DSA web site.

Jody Breaks Wind, Again

I recently caught a headline from Jody's blog that was titled, "Some unscientific 'facts' about the wind". Aside from the hidden intention of the headline, I can think of no one better to discuss this subject than my good friend from Ohio.

Of course, we have all heard that the 'facts' don't count. (I find myself wondering whether this post is something best read at a Seinfeld fan tribute page.)

I am sure there are many amateur meteorologists that could provide all the salient details explaining the phenomenon of wind currents and the jet stream.

But, once again, I am reminded that the wind is not the only thing that blows.

About The MLMIA

From the MLMIA web site:

Network Marketing Association

The Multi-Level Marketing International Association (MLMIA), is "The Association for Network Marketing - Worldwide." A professionally managed not for profit trade organization, it is strongly committed to the advancement of the rapidly growing Network Marketing industry.


Founded and managed since 1985 by highly experienced and successful Network Marketers (see Founders), MLMIA focuses its efforts specifically on the protection, support and promotion of the individual opportunities and entrepreneurial aspects of the Network Marketing/Multi-Level Marketing/Direct Sales industry. From ongoing networking opportunities to high-powered government affairs committees, MLMIA insures that its members are represented by skilled, well connected professionals in the Network Marketing industry.

The Wizard of Og

Brainy Quotes

Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.

I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

Og Mandino 1923-1996

Tips For Network Marketers

Micheal Oliver -

"More Tips For Network Marketers And MLM Distributors On How To Use Natural Selling
Yesterday I made a suggestion to help you start using the Natural Selling approach quickly and easily in your Network Marketing and MLM business.

Here's some further tips and suggestions taken from the opening sections of my book "How To Sell Network Marketing Without Fear, Anxiety Or Losing Your Friends!"...

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice, practice, practice with real people all the time. Practice one thing at a time in small steps. Notice how people’s atti-tudes toward you change as you progress. Observe others re-sponding to you differently. Do it and be it! "Doing" and "Being" create changes. That will take a little time. You might be like that proverbial water faucet that hasn’t been turned on for a while – it’s going to be a little rusty at first, but it will work."

Read more.