The purpose of this article is to pull back the curtain a little and have you up and running in no time flat! 24 hrs or less to be precise. There are a few things that need to be in place in order for you to be fully integrated and ready to drive traffic to your Landing Page in 2009. After implementing these items you will be ready to begin to Generate Network Marketing Leads in 24 hrs. So, here we go.
1) Social Media: Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Squidoo, Myspace, Betternetworker and any other social networking site is somewhere you need to be. As I write this article, there are some that are more popular than others but we all know that can change very quickly, so get used to all of them and use your favorite. The purpose of the social media sites is to let your leads/prospects to get a chance to understand who you are. You DO NOT want to sell anything on these sites, you want to give as much relevant content as possible. So, think of the company, product/service you're affiliated with. What are some of the benefits associated with your company. Whatever it is for you, make yourself the expert. So, if you have a natural shampoo you're promoting, become an expert about shampoo. Not just your shampoo, but all of them. It's much easier for a consumer to choose you if they understand how your product stands up against everything else that is on the market. Good ways to get your information onto Social Media sites would be to write an article or do a video and then post that article or video to, say, your Facebook page. This way, if a prospect reads one of your articles and does some research about you, they can find a TON of info that you have written on your Social Media pages. This gives you social proof and credit.
2) Blog: This is an outlet for all things both YOU and YOUR industry. This is NOT a place for your company or product/opportunity. This is simply a place to again give tons of relevant content to your reader. All of this is positioning yourself as a leader in your industry so when your prospect does decide to go with someone, they decide you. I would recommend having two blogs. A blog that is about you and a blog that is just about your industry. Remember, if someone reads just one of your articles, you are nothing to that person. I hate to sound direct, but it's true. Now, if that prospect likes what he/she has read or seen they may follow you to one of your blogs. After they have done this, now they get a better understanding of who you are and what you're about. Suddenly you have just become The Man! or The Woman! Either way, you have positioned yourself as a leader who knows what they are talking about. The more relevant content the better. Make sure you're giving quality information. This isn't All about selling something. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care, so GIVE!!!
3) Articles & Videos: You should write AT LEAST one article a day! You should do AT LEAST one video a day! Do your research and find your "money spot" keywords/phrases and hammer them. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, nobody ever dominated the natural rankings of Google in a day. Content, content, content is the name of this game. The more relevant and the better quality, the more the search engines like you. The more the search engines like you, the easier it is for your prospects to find you. This is easier than you think. Your articles should be less than about 800 words and your videos should be less than 5 minutes. The easiest process would be to do a video about the article you just wrote. This makes sure you don't run out of ideas. You follow that schedule for 1 month and you will DOMINATE your particular niche keyword phrase!
4) Auto Responders: It has been researched and proven that individuals buy after seeing something 7 times. So, on your blogs you need to have what is called an opt-in form. This is where you headline it with something like, "Tired of unhealthy roots and dry split ends!? Leave your information below and I'll rush you a 3 part series about one-step Healthier Hair!" I'm sticking with the Shampoo theme we're working with here, so bear with me! Now, when your prospect enters his/her information they are immediately emailed a confirmation and they will receive your report in the interval dates of your choice. The emails should not stop after the report. Set up your auto responders to continue to email them for a few months. You never know when someone will be ready to say YES! Again, just like with everything else, make sure your Auto responder emails contain relevant quality content.
So, to have you ready to Generate Network Marketing Leads in 24 hrs you need to set up your Social Media accounts, start AT LEAST one blog, start writing articles and doing videos, and get your auto responder account set up and emails written. Setting all of this up will only take you a couple hours. After which, you will have a system set up that generates leads FOR you while you work to continue to crank the Marketing Wheel. So get out there and get these items done and you'll be set up to Generate Network Marketing Leads in 24 hrs. I hope this helps on your Journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Does Your Home Based Business Work?
I get asked questions like, "Is this a scam?" "How do I know it's going to work?" "Is there anyone making any money?" My initial thought is that the people asking these types of questions have no business getting in this industry. The Top Earners in this industry automatically see opportunity in the industry. These individuals understand that when they join a certain company or sale a certain product, the success they have is completely up to them. The company has supplied you with a product, has done there own promotion and marketing and given you a lucrative compensation plan. Now, it's up to you to make this thing work. So, what are you going to do to ensure you have some success with this thing? I've got a couple ideas to help you get off the ground.
1) Don't Reinvent The Wheel: There are successful individuals in your company. What are they doing to have as much success as they do? Whatever you see them doing, you want to do that. Now please keep in mind you should be doing what they are doing. If the tell you to do something they are not doing, this should be a red flag. Most top earners are experts at recruiting other leaders. This is the #1 factor in the success of your business. Sure, at the end of the day it's all about volume, but if you want to start to see larger residual money, and who doesn't, you need to begin to recruit other leaders. This isn't something staggering either. You are going to want to recruit 3-5 leaders per year. When it's broken down like that it doesn't seem so bad does it? Please understand, however, you will need far more "consumers" in your organization than just 3-5 per year.
2) Repeatable System: This is when you truly begin to flourish! Remember I said find a leader and do what they do? Now, you have become that person. It is now up to you to give the same system and strategies you use to your team. In the corporate world this is unheard of. Someone may steal your glory! In this industry, it is the only way to glory. Your team has to produce..PERIOD. Remember, this is all about volume the more superstar producers on your team, the better for your business. The best way to do that is to have a system in place that works for you and that you can implement with you team.
3) Don't Wast Time: A long time ago I heard the theory of the 4 SW's: Some Will, Some Won't, So What, Someone's Waiting! At first, you live and die with every single person who says they may or may not join your organization. No other company on the planet operates this way, why on Earth are you. You are running a business! If someone says yes, fantastic, get them plugged into the system and get them started the right way and nurture them. If someone says no, so what, someone's waiting! If you get over involved with each prospect you are killing yourself mentally. You are basically telling yourself you have nobody else to talk to and if this person doesn't join your business is over. This is a Bad place to be mentally. This will also help position you as a leader. If someone says no, no sweat! This type of attitude will actually attract more people into your business. Trust me, EVERYONE has been approached about a Home Based Business Opportunity. They just haven't been approached about one by a Pro like yourself.
So the next time you hear someone say, "Does Your Home Based Business Work?" Laugh it off and just so, "No, I actually think the whole thing is a scam!" And watch as their face lights up with worry. Let them worry, and let yourself reap all the rewards this industry has to offer. And yes, Your Home Based Business Works!! Do You? I hope this helps you on your Journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing!
1) Don't Reinvent The Wheel: There are successful individuals in your company. What are they doing to have as much success as they do? Whatever you see them doing, you want to do that. Now please keep in mind you should be doing what they are doing. If the tell you to do something they are not doing, this should be a red flag. Most top earners are experts at recruiting other leaders. This is the #1 factor in the success of your business. Sure, at the end of the day it's all about volume, but if you want to start to see larger residual money, and who doesn't, you need to begin to recruit other leaders. This isn't something staggering either. You are going to want to recruit 3-5 leaders per year. When it's broken down like that it doesn't seem so bad does it? Please understand, however, you will need far more "consumers" in your organization than just 3-5 per year.
2) Repeatable System: This is when you truly begin to flourish! Remember I said find a leader and do what they do? Now, you have become that person. It is now up to you to give the same system and strategies you use to your team. In the corporate world this is unheard of. Someone may steal your glory! In this industry, it is the only way to glory. Your team has to produce..PERIOD. Remember, this is all about volume the more superstar producers on your team, the better for your business. The best way to do that is to have a system in place that works for you and that you can implement with you team.
3) Don't Wast Time: A long time ago I heard the theory of the 4 SW's: Some Will, Some Won't, So What, Someone's Waiting! At first, you live and die with every single person who says they may or may not join your organization. No other company on the planet operates this way, why on Earth are you. You are running a business! If someone says yes, fantastic, get them plugged into the system and get them started the right way and nurture them. If someone says no, so what, someone's waiting! If you get over involved with each prospect you are killing yourself mentally. You are basically telling yourself you have nobody else to talk to and if this person doesn't join your business is over. This is a Bad place to be mentally. This will also help position you as a leader. If someone says no, no sweat! This type of attitude will actually attract more people into your business. Trust me, EVERYONE has been approached about a Home Based Business Opportunity. They just haven't been approached about one by a Pro like yourself.
So the next time you hear someone say, "Does Your Home Based Business Work?" Laugh it off and just so, "No, I actually think the whole thing is a scam!" And watch as their face lights up with worry. Let them worry, and let yourself reap all the rewards this industry has to offer. And yes, Your Home Based Business Works!! Do You? I hope this helps you on your Journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing!
Your Network Marketing Success
Every year hundreds of thousands, if not millions, or people decide to throw their hat in the ring of Network Marketing. Each of them coming in to the opportunity with Big dreams and an unwavering desire to make things happen. This excitement is what brought all of us to the Direct Sales industry. The problem I see happen to most peoples dreams is that they fade away when they don't see immediate success. On one hand I want to say, "Get over it, it's just like every other business and it's gonna take some time." Then I realize this type of individual will weed themselves out so I should save my energy for my next comment. "Your dreams can come true, you just haven't been shown how to properly generate leads and recruit into your organization." I'm going to try to shed some light on how to generate some free leads and help you with your recruiting process. My disclaimer is this, however, there is no magic pill, course or program that will replace your hard work and effort. Even the best courses and systems out there, and there are some good courses, won't do it for you. It all starts and ends with you. Having said that, here we go!
1) Leadership: This is such a broad topic it ought to be written about on its own. For the purposes of today I'm simply talking about what YOU do to build your business. It's not necessary for you to try to act like a leader or read a script or come across as something you're not. What is important is when you speak with a new prospect you do certain things like keep control of the conversation. Without a doubt your new prospect is going to ask you about your success with company XYZ. How do you handle this? Do you sense his/her nervousness and get on their level and answer with something like, "Well, I just kinda got started and I'm giving it a shot and we'll see." Most of you reading this are thinking that's a horrible answer, but most of you reading this answer those sort of questions just like that. I know, I've been sitting right next to people when they do. I've even had someone say it to me! That, my friends, is not leadership. You immediately turn that, and any other similar question, right back on your prospect. "This isn't about me, I am here to help you succeed, let's talk about what you're looking for and what has brought you to a place where you're ready to build this business!" You may think I'm crazy or forward, but you have IMMEDIATELY positioned yourself as a leader!
2) Ownership: This doesn't simply mean you have a Distributor I.D. # and that makes you an owner. I mean when your friends ask you what you've been up to, you don't hide the fact that you're in direct sales! Own the fact that you have taken your life and financial future back in your hands. This is something to be very proud of and something very few actually believe and own! This simple little tip is what separates the top 3% from the other 97% who continue to bounce from opportunity to opportunity thinking the next one will work, it's gotta be the company. Wrong, it's YOU! If you just landed your dream job you'd be telling everyone on the face of the planet about it. Why don't you do the same when you get involved with your product/opportunity. Because you're afraid of someone stealing your dream and telling you no. I'm sorry, but this is again where I would have to say, "Get over it." People are going to say no. You have to understand that most people aren't willing to put themselves out there to make things happen. Why do you think 3% of the population controls 97%-98% of all the wealth. It's not luck. These people took ownership of what they believe and let nobody tell them any different. This includes the Top Earners in your company.
3) Consistency: You have to have a Marketing plan. At this point I don't even care what it is. You just need to have one and you need to be consistent with it. You should have a time line in mind of when you decide to pull that plan in exchange for a new one if it isn't converting, but you've got to start and you've got to follow through with it. Most people decide to do one thing one day and something different the next. How are you ever going to find a process that consistently works? Do some research about lead generation and marketing specific to your company. Pick one or two tactics and run like you just escaped from prison (your J.O.B).
Network Marketing Success is waiting for you, you just have to go get it. These companies and this industry are set up for you to win. There is no other industry in the world that allows you this type of freedom and the ability to build organizations the size of Microsoft without all of the overhead but with all the profits. So get yourself positioned as a leader, own what you doe and get consistent with your Marketing and Your Network Marketing Success will happen before you know it. I hope this helps you on your journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing!
1) Leadership: This is such a broad topic it ought to be written about on its own. For the purposes of today I'm simply talking about what YOU do to build your business. It's not necessary for you to try to act like a leader or read a script or come across as something you're not. What is important is when you speak with a new prospect you do certain things like keep control of the conversation. Without a doubt your new prospect is going to ask you about your success with company XYZ. How do you handle this? Do you sense his/her nervousness and get on their level and answer with something like, "Well, I just kinda got started and I'm giving it a shot and we'll see." Most of you reading this are thinking that's a horrible answer, but most of you reading this answer those sort of questions just like that. I know, I've been sitting right next to people when they do. I've even had someone say it to me! That, my friends, is not leadership. You immediately turn that, and any other similar question, right back on your prospect. "This isn't about me, I am here to help you succeed, let's talk about what you're looking for and what has brought you to a place where you're ready to build this business!" You may think I'm crazy or forward, but you have IMMEDIATELY positioned yourself as a leader!
2) Ownership: This doesn't simply mean you have a Distributor I.D. # and that makes you an owner. I mean when your friends ask you what you've been up to, you don't hide the fact that you're in direct sales! Own the fact that you have taken your life and financial future back in your hands. This is something to be very proud of and something very few actually believe and own! This simple little tip is what separates the top 3% from the other 97% who continue to bounce from opportunity to opportunity thinking the next one will work, it's gotta be the company. Wrong, it's YOU! If you just landed your dream job you'd be telling everyone on the face of the planet about it. Why don't you do the same when you get involved with your product/opportunity. Because you're afraid of someone stealing your dream and telling you no. I'm sorry, but this is again where I would have to say, "Get over it." People are going to say no. You have to understand that most people aren't willing to put themselves out there to make things happen. Why do you think 3% of the population controls 97%-98% of all the wealth. It's not luck. These people took ownership of what they believe and let nobody tell them any different. This includes the Top Earners in your company.
3) Consistency: You have to have a Marketing plan. At this point I don't even care what it is. You just need to have one and you need to be consistent with it. You should have a time line in mind of when you decide to pull that plan in exchange for a new one if it isn't converting, but you've got to start and you've got to follow through with it. Most people decide to do one thing one day and something different the next. How are you ever going to find a process that consistently works? Do some research about lead generation and marketing specific to your company. Pick one or two tactics and run like you just escaped from prison (your J.O.B).
Network Marketing Success is waiting for you, you just have to go get it. These companies and this industry are set up for you to win. There is no other industry in the world that allows you this type of freedom and the ability to build organizations the size of Microsoft without all of the overhead but with all the profits. So get yourself positioned as a leader, own what you doe and get consistent with your Marketing and Your Network Marketing Success will happen before you know it. I hope this helps you on your journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Do You Want Less Stress & More Success
For some people, stress is categorized differently. Some, the thought of having to go to work and listen to the sound of your Boss's voice give you anxiety. For others, it's the fact that the end of the money comes before the end of the month. Whatever it is for you, I'm going to try to get you on the fast track to Less Stress & More Success.
1) Passion: You need to figure out what it is you truly love to do. You'd be surprised, there are people making obscene amounts of money doing some of the most absurd things. I'm not kidding, I think there is actually a T.V. show about it. The problem with most people is they find themselves going to a Job they truly can't stand. They sit there all day wishing they were doing something different. This usually leads to activities like solitaire and Facebooking all day instead of actually producing any kind of results at work. On the other hand, there are the fortunate people who have decided to make there life's passion their career. These are the people who seem to always be working, even when it seems like they are playing. Please know that if this is not you, it can be simply by making the decision.
2) Mentor: Life is SO much easier when you've got a mentor to help you along the way. This is easier than you might think. It doesn't need to be someone who you know personally and have the ability to see everyday. This can come in the form of an industry leader or simply someone you respect that has books, articles or blogs you can read and study. Don't try to go at this alone. Those who have come before you have already screwed up where you are about to. Do yourself a favor and take their advice.
3) Thoughts & Actions: Don't fight your thoughts. You know what you should be doing. It's those who take action on their thoughts that always seem to have the most success. If you're sitting there and a great thought comes to you..DO IT!! This is what's known as the creative process. Keep in mind, Fate Favors the Bold. So when you get that feeling in your stomach that you should, or shouldn't, do something, listen to it and by all means ACT!! Even if you aren't sure how or why, you need to ACT. You will never get to where you want to go by simply thinking your way there. Remember, we're talking about Less Stress & More Success. What do you think will feel better..taking massive action or wishing you would have. I can tell you right now regret will always leave you stressed.
4) Discipline & Structure: These two words seem to turn off the majority of people. When in actuality these two words will set you free! Personally I keep myself on a 6-8 work schedule (sometimes it's a lot more but this is average). During those hours I have highly prioritized Money Making Activities scheduled. My email and phone are not either of those things. On top of that, I break my hours into 50 minute blocks. This allows at least two things: I know for a fact I will accomplish at least 6-8 highly prioritized tasks throughout the day and by giving myself 50 minutes, I have no time to mess around doing some B.S. that drains my time. Tomorrow, monitor yourself. It's been researched that in an 8 hour day an employee does less than 2 hours of actual work! C'mon, there was a game last night I need to talk about, Lindsey Lohan got put in jail, my best friend just put new pics on their Facebook page, etc, etc, etc. And you wonder why people are stressed about income and freedom!!
This Life and all Business opportunities are journeys. These journeys should be enjoyed. Take the time to set yourself up to win and you will most certainly be living a life and/or operating a Business with Less Stress and More Success. The above mentioned items are easy to do and have been around long before I was here. Start easy and implement them one at a time if you have to. Just make sure you implement them. I hope this helps you on your journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing!
1) Passion: You need to figure out what it is you truly love to do. You'd be surprised, there are people making obscene amounts of money doing some of the most absurd things. I'm not kidding, I think there is actually a T.V. show about it. The problem with most people is they find themselves going to a Job they truly can't stand. They sit there all day wishing they were doing something different. This usually leads to activities like solitaire and Facebooking all day instead of actually producing any kind of results at work. On the other hand, there are the fortunate people who have decided to make there life's passion their career. These are the people who seem to always be working, even when it seems like they are playing. Please know that if this is not you, it can be simply by making the decision.
2) Mentor: Life is SO much easier when you've got a mentor to help you along the way. This is easier than you might think. It doesn't need to be someone who you know personally and have the ability to see everyday. This can come in the form of an industry leader or simply someone you respect that has books, articles or blogs you can read and study. Don't try to go at this alone. Those who have come before you have already screwed up where you are about to. Do yourself a favor and take their advice.
3) Thoughts & Actions: Don't fight your thoughts. You know what you should be doing. It's those who take action on their thoughts that always seem to have the most success. If you're sitting there and a great thought comes to you..DO IT!! This is what's known as the creative process. Keep in mind, Fate Favors the Bold. So when you get that feeling in your stomach that you should, or shouldn't, do something, listen to it and by all means ACT!! Even if you aren't sure how or why, you need to ACT. You will never get to where you want to go by simply thinking your way there. Remember, we're talking about Less Stress & More Success. What do you think will feel better..taking massive action or wishing you would have. I can tell you right now regret will always leave you stressed.
4) Discipline & Structure: These two words seem to turn off the majority of people. When in actuality these two words will set you free! Personally I keep myself on a 6-8 work schedule (sometimes it's a lot more but this is average). During those hours I have highly prioritized Money Making Activities scheduled. My email and phone are not either of those things. On top of that, I break my hours into 50 minute blocks. This allows at least two things: I know for a fact I will accomplish at least 6-8 highly prioritized tasks throughout the day and by giving myself 50 minutes, I have no time to mess around doing some B.S. that drains my time. Tomorrow, monitor yourself. It's been researched that in an 8 hour day an employee does less than 2 hours of actual work! C'mon, there was a game last night I need to talk about, Lindsey Lohan got put in jail, my best friend just put new pics on their Facebook page, etc, etc, etc. And you wonder why people are stressed about income and freedom!!
This Life and all Business opportunities are journeys. These journeys should be enjoyed. Take the time to set yourself up to win and you will most certainly be living a life and/or operating a Business with Less Stress and More Success. The above mentioned items are easy to do and have been around long before I was here. Start easy and implement them one at a time if you have to. Just make sure you implement them. I hope this helps you on your journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing!
The Truth About Home Based Business
People flock to this industry with big dreams of Mansions, Yachts and fancy cars. Thinking that if they just simply join XYZ company and tell all of their friends and family about it, they too will soon be crossing the stage and seeing their names in lights. As you know, I am a HUGE fan of the Direct Sales Industry. What I get tired of are individuals who come into this industry with a Lottery mentality thinking that their registration fee entitles them to the top pay ranks of their company. So, what I'm going to do for you us give you the Truth About Home Based Business.
1) Business: Yes, this is a BUSINESS!! For most of us, we build a big organizations through Network Marketing. I want you to look closely at those two words. Net-WORK being the first word. Somewhere along the way people got it in their head that if you simply join and get your brother and Aunt to join you're going to be Rich. I've got news for you, it doesn't work that way. EVERY top earner works his/her Home Based Business just as hard (probably harder) than any other job they have ever had. The Second word is MARKETING. It's not Inviting, pitching, harassing or my personal favorite, attending. No, it's MARKETING. I know I always hound this point, but if you stop Marketing your business, you have no business. There is a reason the Top Producers in your company are at the top, they always have people to talk to.
2) Expectations: You're results are going to be right in line with your efforts. So, if you expect to get involved with a particular company and have no intentions of putting forth anymore capital or resources, you are going to get the same in return. However, on the other hand, if you go into your opportunity expecting to have to fund it like any other business and you understand there are going to be travel, marketing, promotional and product expenses, you will get the same in return. Too many people come into this industry simply looking for an answer to a problem. What these individuals need to be conscious of is that this is an opportunity and what happens with that opportunity is what they make of it.
3) Thoughts: You are no longer an employee of someone else. You are now your own boss. For many this is an absolute nightmare. Do you know why all successful companies continue to be successful? Because they are all run on disciplined systems. Can you imagine if McDonalds just decided not to make fries for a day? No, you always expect there to be someone there making fries. So, why do so many get into the Home Based Business industry and think they can go a few days without doing something like Marketing. If this is you, you need to take a hard look at what you're doing and why you're doing it. It is now up to you to start thinking like the Founder, CEO and President of YOU inc. That means you get to do all of the work until you are profitable enough to outsource that work. One more piece of advice about thoughts...DO NOT start to think about your hourly rate in the beginning. Yes, you could be making more money cooking those fries we just talked about. Stick with it and continue down your structured path of success and you can buy one of those Franchises (not that you would want to).
I truly do believe there is no other industry like the Home Based Business Industry. My goal here is to make you aware of what it's really going to take for this industry to produce all of your dreams. As long as you come into this focused and understand that it is the same as any other business on the planet, you will have success. Like I've said before, if you treat this like a hobby, it will pay you like a hobby. So, I hope this has shed some light on The Truth About Home Based Business. Until next time, Happy Marketing.
1) Business: Yes, this is a BUSINESS!! For most of us, we build a big organizations through Network Marketing. I want you to look closely at those two words. Net-WORK being the first word. Somewhere along the way people got it in their head that if you simply join and get your brother and Aunt to join you're going to be Rich. I've got news for you, it doesn't work that way. EVERY top earner works his/her Home Based Business just as hard (probably harder) than any other job they have ever had. The Second word is MARKETING. It's not Inviting, pitching, harassing or my personal favorite, attending. No, it's MARKETING. I know I always hound this point, but if you stop Marketing your business, you have no business. There is a reason the Top Producers in your company are at the top, they always have people to talk to.
2) Expectations: You're results are going to be right in line with your efforts. So, if you expect to get involved with a particular company and have no intentions of putting forth anymore capital or resources, you are going to get the same in return. However, on the other hand, if you go into your opportunity expecting to have to fund it like any other business and you understand there are going to be travel, marketing, promotional and product expenses, you will get the same in return. Too many people come into this industry simply looking for an answer to a problem. What these individuals need to be conscious of is that this is an opportunity and what happens with that opportunity is what they make of it.
3) Thoughts: You are no longer an employee of someone else. You are now your own boss. For many this is an absolute nightmare. Do you know why all successful companies continue to be successful? Because they are all run on disciplined systems. Can you imagine if McDonalds just decided not to make fries for a day? No, you always expect there to be someone there making fries. So, why do so many get into the Home Based Business industry and think they can go a few days without doing something like Marketing. If this is you, you need to take a hard look at what you're doing and why you're doing it. It is now up to you to start thinking like the Founder, CEO and President of YOU inc. That means you get to do all of the work until you are profitable enough to outsource that work. One more piece of advice about thoughts...DO NOT start to think about your hourly rate in the beginning. Yes, you could be making more money cooking those fries we just talked about. Stick with it and continue down your structured path of success and you can buy one of those Franchises (not that you would want to).
I truly do believe there is no other industry like the Home Based Business Industry. My goal here is to make you aware of what it's really going to take for this industry to produce all of your dreams. As long as you come into this focused and understand that it is the same as any other business on the planet, you will have success. Like I've said before, if you treat this like a hobby, it will pay you like a hobby. So, I hope this has shed some light on The Truth About Home Based Business. Until next time, Happy Marketing.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Time Leadership For Entrepreneurs
Okay, today's writing about Time Leadership comes out of pure necessity and my own experiences of Today. You see, normally I have a scheduled day of prioritized money making activities. In case you're not familiar, money making activities are the activities that lead to money being deposited in your bank account. For me, 80% of that is Marketing. Without Marketing the wheel stops turning and the money stops flowing. EVERYTHING else is a distraction. Today, on the other hand, I have spent the entire day walking people through a process of them spending money. Now, I know you're thinking, "C'mon man, these people are spending money which means you're making money..isn't that what it's all about?" Well yes and (emphatically) NO! Let me explain some things that need to be in place so this happens without you, or in today's case me.
1) Landing Page: This is where all of your traffic is driven. It doesn't matter if you're doing Article Marketing, Press Releases, Facebook, Twitter, Google Adwords or writing blogs; all of your traffic gets driven to a Landing Page. And just so you know, a Landing Page is different than a Website. Websites have a lot going on. There are lots of bells and whistles, areas for you to learn about the company and hear the story of the product, etc. That is what your companies website is for. Your goal is to generate leads through a Landing Page that is VERY simple and focused on one thing...generating a lead.
2) Opt-in: This is a simple form on your Landing Page that actually allows you to generate a lead. You see, when you have done a good job of capturing your prospects attention on your Landing Page, they will have the opportunity to get more information. This is done through an Opt-in form. After your prospect fills out the form, they are given more information. This could be in the form of a Newsletter or some sort of report. Whatever it is, make sure it is relevant to what you just talked about and relevant to your specific Niche and industry. Oh, and by the way, that prospect just took the necessary steps to turn THEMSELVES into a lead. Congratulations, you're well on your way!
3) Thank You Page: This is the next page your prospect is taken to. On this page they will get even more information about what you had talked about during your Landing Page. This is where the curtain is pulled back a little further and your prospect again has the opportunity to take themselves through the process or not. On this page, the prospect is given a very clear understanding of what it is you do and how you can help them. Remember, all leaders help others achieve their goals. Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care. However, on this page, you are still not asking them to spend any money. You are simply giving them a better understanding of either how your entire industry works or just your business. Either way, you give them an idea of how they fit in the scenario and again, how you can help.
4) Sales Process: This is where the transaction happens, and it happens without you. This doesn't necessarily have to be your big ticket item or even the end all be all of your entire Sales Process. It should, however, be a spot where this lead either becomes a Tire Kicker or a Qualified Lead. This doesn't have to be expensive either by the way. It could be a simple $10 ebook that teaches them how to do what you just took them through. Whatever it is, it is systemically done while you are working on Money Making Activities.
That's where I'm going to leave it for today. You can see that by putting together your own Sales System you have taken control of your Time Leadership. This process isn't new by the way. Next time you go in to get a $15 Oil change, you'll understand why you left spending $100 on filters, wipers, and upgraded oil. All the while the owner sat in an office and figured out how to get more people in the door for a $15 oil change. Do yourself a favor and get control of your Time Leadership and watch your income grow like weeds. I hope this helps you on your journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing.
1) Landing Page: This is where all of your traffic is driven. It doesn't matter if you're doing Article Marketing, Press Releases, Facebook, Twitter, Google Adwords or writing blogs; all of your traffic gets driven to a Landing Page. And just so you know, a Landing Page is different than a Website. Websites have a lot going on. There are lots of bells and whistles, areas for you to learn about the company and hear the story of the product, etc. That is what your companies website is for. Your goal is to generate leads through a Landing Page that is VERY simple and focused on one thing...generating a lead.
2) Opt-in: This is a simple form on your Landing Page that actually allows you to generate a lead. You see, when you have done a good job of capturing your prospects attention on your Landing Page, they will have the opportunity to get more information. This is done through an Opt-in form. After your prospect fills out the form, they are given more information. This could be in the form of a Newsletter or some sort of report. Whatever it is, make sure it is relevant to what you just talked about and relevant to your specific Niche and industry. Oh, and by the way, that prospect just took the necessary steps to turn THEMSELVES into a lead. Congratulations, you're well on your way!
3) Thank You Page: This is the next page your prospect is taken to. On this page they will get even more information about what you had talked about during your Landing Page. This is where the curtain is pulled back a little further and your prospect again has the opportunity to take themselves through the process or not. On this page, the prospect is given a very clear understanding of what it is you do and how you can help them. Remember, all leaders help others achieve their goals. Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care. However, on this page, you are still not asking them to spend any money. You are simply giving them a better understanding of either how your entire industry works or just your business. Either way, you give them an idea of how they fit in the scenario and again, how you can help.
4) Sales Process: This is where the transaction happens, and it happens without you. This doesn't necessarily have to be your big ticket item or even the end all be all of your entire Sales Process. It should, however, be a spot where this lead either becomes a Tire Kicker or a Qualified Lead. This doesn't have to be expensive either by the way. It could be a simple $10 ebook that teaches them how to do what you just took them through. Whatever it is, it is systemically done while you are working on Money Making Activities.
That's where I'm going to leave it for today. You can see that by putting together your own Sales System you have taken control of your Time Leadership. This process isn't new by the way. Next time you go in to get a $15 Oil change, you'll understand why you left spending $100 on filters, wipers, and upgraded oil. All the while the owner sat in an office and figured out how to get more people in the door for a $15 oil change. Do yourself a favor and get control of your Time Leadership and watch your income grow like weeds. I hope this helps you on your journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Who Are The Modern Entrepreneurs?
The last figure I heard was 17 million unemployed people in the United States. Also, the last figure I heard was 500,000 per MONTH look to the internet to find a way to make more money and/or start a business. So, what does this tell you? People are looking, and you now know where they are looking. So what does a Modern Entrepreneur do? The same thing Entrepreneurs have been doing since the beginning of time, filling a void. The only difference now is that we have the ability to leverage the power of the internet. If you've read anything else I've written, you know I'm a huge fan of the Direct Sales industry. This is the only industry that allows a single individual to build an organization as large as some of the biggest companies in the world. Below I'm going to give you a few points to remember while you go out and fill the void en route to becoming a Modern Entrepreneur.
1) Systems: This is not a new concept. McDonalds is McDonalds because of the systems it runs on. I know you know it's not because of the quality of food, it's because you can go to a McDonalds in Manhattan and expect the same thing from a McDonalds in Mexico, MO. The beauty of systems allows you, the owner, to focus on growth of the business and not flipping the burgers. In the Direct Sales Industry your system is set up to produce highly qualified prospects looking to join you in business. You could do it the old, hard way by trying to recruit everyone with a pulse. However, this leaves you know time to continue to build your business because you're too busy "flipping burgers." Let your prospect take themselves through a series of steps and either weed themselves out or pop out the other end as a nice shinny qualified prospect looking to build a business. Then, and only then, you get to know them, understand who they are and teach them the same system that has brought them to you. That in and of itself is a system!
2) Leadership: In the Direct Sales Industry, individuals are not looking to join businesses or opportunities. Individuals are looking to join people who they think can lead them to where they want to go. So, how do you position yourself as a leader? Work! Nothing will ever replace work. Let's say someone finds themselves in the middle of one of your sales systems. They like everything they're hearing and are feeling good about the possibility of moving forward with you. I promise you the next step they take is to go to Google and find out who you are. When they do this, what are they going to find? Do you know what you're talking about? Do you have a TON of content on the web about your particular niche market? Have you produced results? If your prospect goes to Google and can't find you, you are in trouble. It is VERY simple these days to position yourself as a leader, but you're going to have to work. What came first, the Chicken or the Egg? Nothing ever happened without a gestation period.
3) Marketing: I've written so much about this topic I should start column solely on Marketing. The very basic concept here is content. Remember, I'm not talking about advertising I'm talking about Marketing. Nobody likes to be sold, but everyone likes to buy. If you have a product to sell, don't sell them your product, sell them your knowledge and let them decide to buy your product. I know I just lost a bunch of you so here's an example. You walk in to Best Buy and want a T.V. If you're anything like me the only thing you know about a T.V. is whether or not you like it. So, the sales clerk takes you on a myriad of entertainment KNOWLEDGE and by the time he/she is done you're just taking his/her word for it because he/she is the expert. I know some of you are thinking, "not me, he/she is just trying to take advantage of me...I'll show him." Then you buy what you LIKE and end up with lesser quality and a problem setting everything up because it's not compatible. Trust me, people WANT to buy from an expert who they can trust. This should be your #1 focus during your Marketing.
The greatest part about all of these tips and what connects them to The Modern Entrepreneur is that you can do all of this from your house. If you have an internet connection and a computer you can begin to build a HUGE business, no matter what industry or niche market you're involved with. The internet has changed the way we shop, make reservations, order food and get phone numbers. It's about time you become a Modern Entrepreneur and begin to leverage the power of the internet. I hope this helps you on your journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing!
1) Systems: This is not a new concept. McDonalds is McDonalds because of the systems it runs on. I know you know it's not because of the quality of food, it's because you can go to a McDonalds in Manhattan and expect the same thing from a McDonalds in Mexico, MO. The beauty of systems allows you, the owner, to focus on growth of the business and not flipping the burgers. In the Direct Sales Industry your system is set up to produce highly qualified prospects looking to join you in business. You could do it the old, hard way by trying to recruit everyone with a pulse. However, this leaves you know time to continue to build your business because you're too busy "flipping burgers." Let your prospect take themselves through a series of steps and either weed themselves out or pop out the other end as a nice shinny qualified prospect looking to build a business. Then, and only then, you get to know them, understand who they are and teach them the same system that has brought them to you. That in and of itself is a system!
2) Leadership: In the Direct Sales Industry, individuals are not looking to join businesses or opportunities. Individuals are looking to join people who they think can lead them to where they want to go. So, how do you position yourself as a leader? Work! Nothing will ever replace work. Let's say someone finds themselves in the middle of one of your sales systems. They like everything they're hearing and are feeling good about the possibility of moving forward with you. I promise you the next step they take is to go to Google and find out who you are. When they do this, what are they going to find? Do you know what you're talking about? Do you have a TON of content on the web about your particular niche market? Have you produced results? If your prospect goes to Google and can't find you, you are in trouble. It is VERY simple these days to position yourself as a leader, but you're going to have to work. What came first, the Chicken or the Egg? Nothing ever happened without a gestation period.
3) Marketing: I've written so much about this topic I should start column solely on Marketing. The very basic concept here is content. Remember, I'm not talking about advertising I'm talking about Marketing. Nobody likes to be sold, but everyone likes to buy. If you have a product to sell, don't sell them your product, sell them your knowledge and let them decide to buy your product. I know I just lost a bunch of you so here's an example. You walk in to Best Buy and want a T.V. If you're anything like me the only thing you know about a T.V. is whether or not you like it. So, the sales clerk takes you on a myriad of entertainment KNOWLEDGE and by the time he/she is done you're just taking his/her word for it because he/she is the expert. I know some of you are thinking, "not me, he/she is just trying to take advantage of me...I'll show him." Then you buy what you LIKE and end up with lesser quality and a problem setting everything up because it's not compatible. Trust me, people WANT to buy from an expert who they can trust. This should be your #1 focus during your Marketing.
The greatest part about all of these tips and what connects them to The Modern Entrepreneur is that you can do all of this from your house. If you have an internet connection and a computer you can begin to build a HUGE business, no matter what industry or niche market you're involved with. The internet has changed the way we shop, make reservations, order food and get phone numbers. It's about time you become a Modern Entrepreneur and begin to leverage the power of the internet. I hope this helps you on your journey. Until next time, Happy Marketing!
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