You're In...Now what? The Secret To Network Marketing Success

Posted by Randa Johnson on May 25, 2011 at 2:19am

You’ve joined a network marketing company….Now What? Wait for the sales and recruits to start piling up, right? WRONG!! It is not going to happen. Your upline is seeing great success, some of your team members are seeing great success, why aren’t you? The non-sugar coated answer would be that it is ALL YOUR FAULT!! Plain and simple. I know that you may be telling yourself that you are doing all that you can to succeed in your business, but are you really? Are you really taking all of the necessary steps to get where you want to be or are you only half-stepping and expecting to reap the full benefits? First of all let me tell you this….. Never base your expectations on anyone else within your organization. You will be disappointed every time. You cannot compare yourself to others especially those that you see doing extremely well in your industry. You should look to them for inspiration and encouragement and not as competition or comparison.As a new network marketer it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to gain as much knowledge about your company, its products and services as you possibly can. How can you sell something that you know nothing about? How can you develop a passion for something that you yourself don’t understand? You can’t!! You should be a regular consumer of your products. Then and only then will you understand them, relate to them and be able to help others understand and relate to them. This is when your personal organization (your downline) will begin to take lasting shape.Sure, for some it can be easy to initially explode in the business without any real knowledge, but soon the flame will fizzle. I see it often in this industry, you have those that do absolutely amazing. Above and beyond what any others are doing in the company and then before you know it, they are back to square one. Don’t be one of those people. Build your foundation on solid ground from the beginning.If you have joined a company that you really believe in, why wouldn’t you give your all? Didn’t you join the company for specific reasons to begin with? More time, financial freedom, funding your retirement, etc. Whatever the case may be, remember that none of that is going to happen without your full undivided attention to your goals and expectations.Everyone is different. Find YOUR niche. Don’t depend on others to work your business and hold your hand the entire way. Sure your upline should always be available to help you, but that is not always a reality. More often than not, we are left to figure it out on our own. Use the resources and tools available to you. The internet is an excellent source for information about absolutely anything. Take full advantage of it. Your company website should also have tools, resources, tutorials, etc. to help you.Ask yourself a few questions like….. Have you established a clear goal? Have you set goals that are within your reach? What is it that you’re comfortable with? How can you more effectively work your business for maximum results? What knowledge do you need? Whose help do you need? What system should be in place? These are just a few questions that should be addressed. Don’t leave your success to chance. Be active and watch your dreams begin to take flight.

Randa Johnson "Helping You Brand the Best You"

For More tips, visit http://www.randajohnson.com

Join me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Randa-Johnson-Helping-You-Brand-the-Best-You/192559574471

Daily Motivation: Staying Connected!!!!

Posted by Dana Neal on May 16, 2011 at 4:16pm

As business owners and ministry leaders, we have to do what is best for staying connected. We have email, snail mail and text messages. We need to connect to our clients, customers and ministry followers. How can we do that w/o overwhelming them or ourselves? We send a text message!

Yes, keep with the changing times of technology and send a daily or weekly message via text!

Sign up with me for free: https://www.dialmycalls.com/signup/97046990/

If you don't want to send a text but receive one from Fam 4 U Breakthrough Ministries for daily messages, please send an email with your cell number to info@fam4ubreakthroughministries.org

Celebrating Mother's Day Moms in Biz Spotlights for the Month of May - Get yours

Posted by Robin Tramble on May 5, 2011 at 7:13am

Hello,

Mother's day will be here soon. I'd like to celebrate by doing a Moms in Business spotlight

for the month of May!

You will receive a Spotlight on The International Association of Christian women Entrepreneurs site and my Blog.

Bonus: If you're a VIP Inner Circle member you will also receive two tweets to my following on Twitter of over 11,000.

Request your FREE membership to The International Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs here and view

the post under Expert Blogs/Articles with the same topic.

Prepare Yourself for Success: Business Etiquette Will Give You the Edge Against the Competition

Posted by Walethia Aquil on May 16, 2011 at 4:10pm

Are you sabotaging your success?

Everything we do reflect on our company and our products. By acting professionally, we send the message that our business is credible and trustworthy. Personalized care may very well be your edge against the competition. This is why Business Etiquette critical to your success.

You’ve only got one chance to make a good first impression! Anonymous

Do you fear fitting in new social circles, do you feel uncomfortable, out of place?
Learn the Skills of Proper Etiquette and Stop Sabotaging your Success.

You have made it, you are a success. The time has come for the meeting that could change your life forever. You’ve been invited to the social event of the year, doubt and fear sets in. You ask yourself how do I make introductions, how to start and maintain a conversation.
Avoid embarrassing moments-don’t allow negative impressions to sabotage your success.

Attention

Successful business owners
Actors, Actresses and Entertainers
High Profile Sports Figures
Sales People
Coaches
Speakers

Authors
12 Good Reasons to Act Now
How etiquette can help ensure your success:

Develop and maintain business
Project a positive image
Project confidence and authority
Earn more money
Establish relationships with decision makers
Establish trust and credibility
Establish authority
Attract more business opportunities
Get publicity opportunities
Establish your brand
Enhanced confidence and self respect
Feel at ease in social situation

Doors open, as those you meet respond positively and want to build lasting personal and professional relationships.

I’m proud to announce I’m now an instructor with The Global Institute of Enterprise Development now you can enjoy the convenience of learning business etiquette online. This represents an exciting and affordable opportunity for you to enhance your business and social etiquette skills in the privacy of your home or office.

When it comes to understanding proper business/social etiquette and protocol, you can’t afford to assume that you know how these rules apply; you must make sure.
With our course, Business Etiquette for Todays’ Savvy Entrepreneur. you’ll feel confident and ready to handle any social situation.
Click here for more information.
You will be taken to The Global Institute of Enterprise Development page description of the program.

I’m available by email to assist you in any way.
Contact information:
Walethia Aquil (Grace and Charm)
E-mail: info@graceandcharm.com

My gift to the young women of the world

Posted by Walethia Aquil on May 28, 2011 at 6:52pm

It's here, it’s done and I’m so excited. I’m sharing my excitement and sense of accomplishment to inspire, motivate and encourage each and everyone of you.  I’m excited because I’m sharing knowledge that has opened doors for me, knowledge that has put me before great leaders. Knowledge that has changed my life and now I’m given the opportunity to share this knowledge with young women around the world!
Other authors in the book include Sharon H. Hill, Phyllis Clark and Tracey M. Booker to name a few.

Excerpt from "A Guide for African American Girls:
Why Grace and Charm? Getting along with family, friends, enjoying dates, doing well in school, preparing for the future – these are the things that matter most to young girls. Social skills are the foundation of today’s girls personal and career development. It is therefore important for girls to acquire and learn how to apply social living skills on their road to success. Sugar and spice and everything nice, is that what little girls are made of? What an awesome time to be a girl! The possibilities are endless. A girl today can become the President of the United States, an astronaut or anything in between. Today’s girls have so many pressures...they want to fit in, achieve, compete with boys and live up to societies expectations of what and who she should be. Pressures from the media can also hinder a girls self-perception, especially when she doesn’t feel she is pretty, popular, talented or socially accepted.

 This chapter is designed to lay the foundations and ABC’s toward: 

• A healthy, positive self-image that fills one’s life with confidence and develops one’s leadership skills 

• Etiquette and social graces that ensures one’s continued success 

• Self-esteem, academics, and positive behavior You can learn how to make more friends, get along with family member AND be more attractive to others – all with The Power of Grace and Charm.

With proper etiquette and a polished image you can achieve anything you want in life – increased income, freedom, the lifestyle of your dreams, influence and the ability to persuade others.
Whatever it is you are inspiring to do, you can do it with ‘Grace and Charm.’
Pre-order your copy now @ www.pwnbooks.com and give a young girl the gift of ‘Grace and Charm.’ Encourage and empower her to know she is worth and deserving of the best. Available June 28, 2011.

3 Brand Support Systems You Can't Do Without - Part 3 of 4

Posted by Tanya Smith on May 16, 2011 at 10:54am

System #2: Customer Relationship Management

The customer relationship management system refers to the way you take care of your current customers. It may be the way that you process their intake into doing new business with you. It's about how you provide here and service once your clients have already paid or invested in your services. Ultimately the goal is for prospects to become clients and eventually to become raving fans for your business. This happens when you treat current clients or fans very well.

How do you deliver on the promises that you make in your brand. Does it require a lot of manual labor? Can you automate delivery of your services? Can you set up systems with the click of a button that will accept payment and deliver on the promise? If you're conducting a coaching group is there self-service function word new clients can go and access their profiles, pay an invoice, create a support case? This is all part of delivering on your brand promises.
When you have easy tools and systems in place it's much easier for your clients to rave about your services and to refer others to them as well. A great service experience can immediately expand your level of influence and authority.

I am a huge fan of Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM). CRMs were like a dream come true because I was tired of manually tracking loose pieces of paper, sticky notes, e-mails that flooded my inbox from people I worked with. A solid CRM can manage projects, automate your billing, and make it easy for you to find essential correspondence between you and the customer. Examples of great CRMs to research for your business include BaseCamp, Salesforce, Capsule CRM, and WorkEtc.

Another part of the relationship management, however, involves your approach to follow-up. Send Out Cards is a simple but highly distinctive way to show your clients you care. I purchased an account with the company years ago but did not realize the power of the program until I used it to mail personalized postcards to members of a course I was teaching online. It really made an impact with my clients to receive a special thank you from the right at their doorstep.

Trust me, in this age of Internet marketing a postcard or greeting card will help you stand out from the crowd. It will also help to solidify the emotional connection with your customer, which has the potential to generate more sales. Besides, sales are really about creating a personal experience for the buyer.

WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?

You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

About the Author: Tanya Smith is a creative business strategist specializing in showing coaches, consultants and freelancers how to spend more time making money with simple, yet profitable marketing systems. Her company Be Promotable provides clients with fresh actionable strategies and virtual resources to promote their small businesses as power players in their market. Claim your instant access to a free 10 part ecourse, 10 Ways To Grow Your List at: www.bepromotable.com.

Inexpensive marketing strategies to make money 365 days per year

Posted by Sylvia Browder on May 4, 2011 at 11:19pm

Imagine being sound asleep and dreaming your piggy bank or shall we say, merchant account, is being filled to the brim with cash? So, you wake up, roll out of bed, fix a cup of coffee, check your email and notice several new transactions from your merchant. You realize it was not a dream after all! Cha-ching, you’ve created a marketing strategy to earn passive income continuously! In fact, many savvy entrepreneurs are creating online business models using the internet and social media to market 24/7. They are literally turning on their computers every morning and are greeted with multiple sales.

So how can you create a marketing strategy that works even when you’ve stepped away to go golfing, attend your son’s baseball game, on vacation or sleeping? Here are 5 inexpensive marketing strategies to make money 365 days per year.

Launch a Business Blog

As an entrepreneur, it makes good business sense to establish a blog. Once you decide to become a blogger, it is imperative to gain exposure. By doing so, will build your subscriber base and revenue. Here are 3 tips to automate your blog:

Blog Directories:

Blog links are vital by which search engines establish who, what and why of your blog and ultimately how you are rank in search results. Subscribing to blog directories will help in link building. Many bloggers list their articles in blog directories. There are literally hundreds of them, but here are a few that we am familiar with:

Blogarama is a categorized directory of blogs and journals. www.blogarama.com
iBlog Business Directory is a blogging portal featuring the best blogs and news in the
Business blogoshpere. They use strict editorial guidelines ensure the integrity of its growing collection of business bloggers and related business topical information. http://www.iblogbusiness.com
Technorati is a real-time search engine for blogs that tracks what is current and popular. It offers the ability to search blog postings using a tag library, list your blog and find out who's linking to it and from where. http://technorati.com

AD-vertising:

Pay-per-action: a blogger can earn money from the advertiser each time visitor clicks on the ad and performs an action such as making a purchase.
Pay-per-click: a blogger is paid by the advertiser each time visitor clicks on the advertiser's ad.
Pay-per-impression: a blogger is paid by advertiser each time the ad appears on the blog's page.

Affiliate Ads

Many bloggers use affiliate ads to provide products to customers. Bloggers are compensated when purchases are made. The key is to offer products that compliment your business. For example, a benefit to members of National Association of Women on the Rise is access to business resources, such as:

Aweber: an auto responder service provider
BizFilings: help small business owners to form corporation, limited liability company (LLC) or other business structure; with a full range of business filing and compliance products and tools.
1Shopping Cart: an automated shopping cart solution to manage all aspects of an eCommerce business - reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency.

Two popular affiliate advertising programs:

Amazon Associates: allows business owners to make money selling affiliate products.
eBay Affiliates: pays Internet publishers, Web masters, online partners, and eBay sellers to drive new users and sales to eBay.

Write an E-book

Writing and selling e-books are big business! This is due to the popularity of the internet and digital products. Many entrepreneurs use this technique to earn passive income. You don’t have to be an expert in writing e-books, merely, having a message that appeals to your audience. Consider writing a ‘how to’ on a subject that you are an authority on. The possibilities are endless! In addition to making money while you sleep, you will:

Establish expert status within your industry
Fulfill the need of impulse visitors of your website
Earn additional income by revising as your industry changes, and offering your new editions to your current and future audience

Create a Membership Association

Virtual membership sites are very popular as it provides a continual source of recurring revenue. The revenue can be frequent and substantial as members join. After creating your first successful membership site, you can use the same process to create several new membership sites. A few things to consider:

Determine your market. It is important to define your target market. Do you already have a following that you can convert into members? If not, consider starting a group on Facebook or LinkedIn. This is how I grew in popularity as business expert. By doing this, made it easier to start National Association Women on the Rise. Recruiting and retaining members will enable you to have a successful site.

Create content for your members. Be creative in how you provide information to your members. For example, we use:

Audio: Audio Acrobat
Written content: Blog articles, interviews, downloadable PDF files, eBooks, resource guide
Video: Vimeo, Camtasia

Research membership site software. This will enable you to manage your member site. A few things to consider:

Membership levels: you can offer two or more levels adding additional benefits with each one.
Encrypted payment gateways such as Authorize.net
Training program using webinars, teleseminars and inviting expert guests

Select a Membership Platform. There are many to choose from so do your homework before making a decision. Here are a few that we are familiar with:

Wordpress using Wishlist and Buddy Press
Ning
Membergate
Wild Apricot

Develop and sell an App

We are constantly introduced to new applications on the market for either cellular services such as I Phones, Blackberry and other PDA’s; or social network sites such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. Why not create your own app? Though technical knowledge is helpful, it’s not necessary. It is important to plan what kind of app you want to create; and it should be a practical and worth the price you will charge for it.

According to Lloyd Reshard, founder of Tip or Tap Marketing, LLC., and an award-winning electrical engineer with over 20 years experience as a research scientist, says, “Apps use your phone's web browser, so in that sense they are WebPages. The get more complicated when they interact with the native features of your phone. Some typical native phone features are sound, touch, GPS,accelerometer, clock, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and temperature just to name a few. Using the Socialight do it yourself location based platform I didn't have to write a single line of code to develop the 1st Friday iPhone app.”

As a bonus, Reshard is offering the iPhone app, ‘1^st Friday Mobile’ available to our readers for free at the Apple App Store. For Android and other smart phones users, can use the mobile website version of the app at 1stFriday.mobi.

In conclusion, by developing a strategy for creating residual income will ensure that your business is making money whether you are working or NOT!

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Sylvia Browder is founder of National Association Women on the Rise, a virtual community for aspiring and established women entrepreneurs. The association’s mission is to provide professional and personal resources while uplifting and empowering women entrepreneurs through collaboration, education, mentoring, spiritual and peer support, leadership and networking. She has served as an online volunteer SCORE counselor since 2004. For FREE weekly articles go to Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs, www.sylviabrowder.com. She can be contacted at info@nawomenrise.com.

Become a fan of ‘National Association Women on the Rise:’ http://bit.ly/9qqvWW
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/sylviabrowder
Are you LinkedIn? http://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviabrowder
Join ‘National Association Women on the Rise’ on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/dsd5E0
Join our community on NING, www.nawomenrise.com

Do You Have An Emergency Backup Plan for Your Business? If Not, Establish One Now!

Posted by Lorraine Currelley on May 4, 2011 at 4:00pm

Do you have a backup plan for your business in the event of an emergency? A backup plan, what's that? A backup plan is another means to service your clients in the event of an emergency or your absence. Business operations should never be disrupted in an emergency nor your absence. There should always be trained personel that is, persons capable of running operations. We all experience emergencies at one time or another. However, in business especially when you're trying to establish a new business, and a performance and dependability record. You might harm your reputation. Sadly, the reality is sometimes, a first impression is a lasting impression. Suggestion, even if you are unable to hire someone full or part time. Have someone available you can call on in an emergency. Someone who knows your business. Someone you can hire to step in when there is an emergency or in your absence.

Can I be frank? It's business! Don't take your clients for granted! Don't assume you automatically have the patronage of clients based on a shared ethnicity or gender! While, it is important for us to be supportive of each other. It is also important for those we support to be able to deliver!

Your Local Journal = Unlimited Resources

Posted by Felicia Corbett on April 8, 2011 at 3:19am

Almost nine years ago when I moved to the Raleigh/Durham area, I have made it a habit of reading Triangle Business Journal (TBJ). Little did I know that keeping up with the articles in the journal would assist me as a network marketer.

Attending this year's Garner Business & Consumer Expo allowed me the opportunity to network with Circulation Sales Executive Elizabeth Horning. Why was our meeting each other important? Because I now have a local business connection and I was given insight on how much value TBJ brings to the community.

We all know how important it is to help others and sincerely receive help from others. I've noticed that a lot of people claim they want to help you but it seems the more help they give you, the more business opportunities you have to sign up with. Triangle Business Journal knows that there are people in our area who need assistance and they are truly here to help.

For starters, there are seminars provided FREE of charge, on a continuous basis. One upcoming seminar titled "Smart Jobseeker Seminar: Learn how to use Triangle Business Journal as a tool to jump start your career!" or how about "Smart Networking Seminar: Connect with power and make the most of your time with leaders." To top it off they have an upcoming seminar called "Smart Reader Seminar: Learn how to use Triangle Business Journal as a tool to find leads." TBJ provides something to peak everyone's interest!

It is amazing that I have been reading TBJ for nine years and with one conversation I had a whole new prospective of the journal. I see how TBJ really wants to see the citizens of the Raleigh/Durham area succeed. Much success to you Elizabeth Horning and the staff, you really are an asset to the community.

This is my insight for you and if you are in the Raleigh/Durham area make sure you continue to read or begin reading and supporting Triangle Business Journal.

Contractual Agreement

Posted by Tamara Garrison-Thomas on April 7, 2011 at 6:04pm

So, lately I've been talking to my friends who either own businesses that offer services or are thinking about it. And one of their biggest concerns is creating and having a contract. They've been asking questions like, "Why would I need one?" and "What would it say?" etc etc. So, I figured I would address this issue in this week's posting.

Who needs a contract?:

First, let's discuss what type of small businesses would need a contract. Any business that is providing services as an independent contractor like an event or wedding planner, buying or selling goods without an established distributor, distributing equipment, or selling or leasing real estate. You also need a contract if you have partners, employees or even selling your business. Having a contract would first guarantee your services to your customer and THEN ensure that they pay you! Also, with business partners, things can somtimes get sticky so you want to make sure everything is divided properly, to avoid nasty break ups :).

What exacly is a contract?:

Now, what IS a contract, you ask? Well, The World English Dictionary defines a contract as the following: "to enter into an agreement with (a person, company, etc) to deliver (goods or services) or to do (something) on mutually agreed and binding terms, often in writing." In order for a contract to be valid, both parties need to sign and agree on terms listed in the contract.

What type of contracts are there?

There are two different types of contracts. First, there is an Oral Contract which is when people speak on the terms and conditions of the business transaction. Contrary to popular belief, these are legally binding contracts. The only thing is it is harder to prove who said what in a court of law.

The second type of contract is the Written Contract. This is the most common type of contract and obviously easier to prove in the court of law. Usually a contract is written to determine the job that needs to be done and what is going to happen after that job is done. If the people who are involved with the contract, do not keep up their part of the bargain, they can be sued.

What should it say?

Well, there are several contract-writing softwares out there that can help you with the actual wording of the contract but I will give you a general idea. Remember, you want to be very specific about what is said in the contract. Unless you are a lawyer, you don't have to use legal terminology you just have to be clear on the expectations of both parties.

You want to make sure you have the following features in your contract:

~Date of contractual agreement and expiration of contract

~Name of everyone involved- i.e. customer, owner

~The services taking place for the contract- i.e. Company agrees to decorate Customer's house by 5/6/12.

~The payment amounts and DUE DATES- i.e. Initial Deposit, Amount Due after decorating is done

~Any interest that would take place if the payment is not made on due date

~Expiration dates for the contract

~Terms and conditions if contract is broken- i.e. If either party does not adhere to terms on contract legal action will take place

~Terms and conditions for someone to cancel or break contract before due date- i.e. If Customer breaks contract before job is done, the deposit is non-refundable. If Buyer breaks contract before job is done, the Customer will receive their deposit via mail.

~Signature of both parties

If you include all this in your contract, you should be fine! All grounds should be covered. Make sure you go through every aspect of the contract with your customer, answer and ASK all questions. Do not assume that they understand all the terms of the contract. Make sure you also review your state's laws on contractual agreements. They might have certain things that must be stated in the contract.

Lastly, at the end of the day, if you're still unsure about the validity of your contract or NEED that legal terminology included, then consult a lawyer. They will be able to help you ...for a small fee.

For online resources or sample contracts you can visit these sites:

morebusiness.com

allbusiness.com- sample contracts

businessnation.com - sample contracts

Tamara Garrison-Thomas

www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com

www.businessadvice2011.blogspot.com

What makes BizOppers different to other home-based opportunities?

Posted by Sheila Caldwell on April 22, 2011 at 6:10am

What is BizOppers?

BizOppers comes from the word BizOp which is short for Business Opportunities. BizOppers is a social networking site for network marketing and home-businesses that gives you the tools to achieve your financial destiny. Think of it as the Facebook for network marketers and home business enthusiasts.

BizOppers has been created by direct selling and marketing experts with years of experience. BizOppers combines a breakthrough social networking site with a fantastic affiliate program, not to mention world class customer support. One of the most attractive features ofBizOppers is the high 80% commissions, repeated monthly residual income, and the opportunity to connect and earn commissions from existing BizOppers members by interacting with them.

What is the BizOppers GOLD membership?

BizOppersGOLD is for anyone who is serious about making money on the Internet. It provides many advanced features for yourBizOppers account, such as the ability to create groups and invite other BizOppers members to join your group. They are given more visibility and are prioritized ahead of Free members. Members can also participate in theaffiliate program to earn a significant income from home.

For more information, click on the link below TODAY!

http://bizoppers.com/?r=155895

Enjoy, and it's FREE

Sheila Caldwell

The Difference Between a Franchise and Network Marketing

Posted by Tamara Garrison-Thomas on April 21, 2011 at 6:41pm

What is the difference between a franchise and network marketing business model? I meet a lot of people who are not sure of the differences, but if you plan on becoming a business owner you should be knowledgeable of different business models.

Franchise

A franchise is the right or license granted by a company to an individual or group to market it's products or services in a specific territory (dictionary.com) In other words, you (franchisee) would be a third party owner of an already established company (franchiser). You would be given access to the trademarked goods, advertising and marketing methods, and services of a company. You would be given certain territories and continuous training to maintain the franchise. Some franchises need actual buildings or locations and products like a Starbucks or Subway. Others might just provide the material to get started like an interior design franchise that would give you all of your swatches. In exchange for these perks, you would pay a percentage of your gross income and fees to the company. The start up fees of a franchise can range from $8,000 to millions of dollars.

The advantages of owning a franchise is that the company will provide you with all the materials you need to get started. Including logo use, uniforms, and interior furniture and design. You also have support from the company to make your business successful.

The disadvantages of owning a franchise are that you have to be in a location or territory chosen by the franchiser. Therefore, you will work long hours concentrating on the success of your business. If you don't work, you do not make money. But for those who are passionate, it is worth it. You also have restrictions on how your business is operated and have to take inventory on all of the products brought into the store. There is training available, but you have to adhere closely to the policies. Another disadvantage is that you have to pay the franchiser a percentage of the stores sales. You do not get to keep all of the money you make.

Network Marketing

Also known as Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) is a business model in which an independent contractor is compensated for their personal sales and the sales of others they ask to join their team, creating a residual income (residual means continuous). A legit network marketing business is established to help advertise or MARKET a product. Instead of spending millions of dollars on advertising for television, radio, or through ads, a company offers the product to independent distributors or contractors that do the advertising for them. Therefore the millions of dollars that would have gone into the advertising would go directly to the sales force. As an independent contractor, you also get paid for building teams of people that are doing the same thing you are. Because you are marketing a product you usually have to purchase product monthly to have it on hand for your use and as samples. Start-up fees are very minimal ranging from free to $500.

The advantages of a network marketing business are that anyone can do it. Because the start-up fees are so minimal, anyone can learn to operate the business. You also receive everything you need to start including training. The training can help develop business knowledge and for some build self-confidence. As an independent contractor the only money or fees you are paying to the company is the product you order monthly. Otherwise you get to keep all of your earning income. Another advantage is that you do not have to have a location or territory. You can run your business from anywhere. You also have total control of your working hours. Most people start out running their business part-time, but once they see the fruits-of-their-labor, decide to go full time.

One disadvantage of owning a network marketing business is the turn-around time on seeing an income. Robert Kyosaki said "The reason most people do not reach the top is simply because they quit too soon". A lot of people assume they can start making money overnight but do not realize it takes time to build an empire. Another disadvantage of network marketing is the negative perception that the business model is a "pyramid scheme". A "pyramid scheme" is when someone invests in a company and sees no results: No product, no income, no training, and no owner. If you have found interest in a company that does not have easy access to the creators or has no clear policy on how you build a business or a cancellation policy but want you to pay, then yes, it's a pyramid scheme. All the money is going to someone at the top (hence the "pyramid"), and they are laughing all the way to the bank. A legit network marketing business would have all of these things and more accessible to anyone interested in hearing about their products.

So as you can see there are pros and cons to both business models, you just need to decide which one is best for you. I decided network marketing was the best option for me. My team prides themselves on helping people and educating them on how health can build wealth. What type of business model is best for you? It's never to late to find one. We can help you find the one that's best for you. Contact us today!

Tamara Garrison-Thomas

www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com

http://www.businessadvice2011.blogspot.com/

Essential Networking Etiquette That Builds Profitable Relationships

Posted by Walethia Aquil on May 3, 2011 at 11:30pm

Let start with what networking is not. Networking is not handing out a bunch of business cards, and hoping someone calls.

Business networking as described by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Business networking is a marketing method by which business opportunities are created through networks of like-minded business people. There are several prominent business networking organizations that create models of networking activity that, when followed, allow the business person to build new business relationship and generate business opportunities at the same time.

Technology makes it easy for us to expand our circle of influence. However, the most powerful connections are made face to face.

Master these powerful networking skills and you will gain respect and credibility from your colleagues and clients.

1. Take a positive and deliberate approach to networking, you will find this extra level of attention makes it easier to establish relationships.

2. Your business image should reflect your abilities, values, goals, and business mission.

3. Build brand loyalty one fan group at a time.

4. Exude energy and passion to command respect and grab attention.

5. Be honest about what you can do and cannot do. If something has gone wrong be honest and upfront immediately.

6. Focus on following up and following through while you’re still at the meeting.

7. Asking this one questions will increase your bottom line. “Who is your ideal client/customer, and how can I help you.

8. Remember the name. We all like to hear our name, but don’t use first names unless you are asked to.

9. Always defer to the other person. Don’t monopolize the conversation or talk about yourself too much. Allow the others to have the spotlight.

10. Using the terms “ma’am and sir”, shows the utmost respect.

11. Be well informed.

12. Perfect your “30 second commercial.”

13. Remain standing as much as possible-you will appear more approachable.

14. Remain in control even under pressure.

These techniques and tactics will allow you to seize opportunities that otherwise would not be possible.

“Take the time to be exceptional, it will show in how you make others feel, and in your bottom line.” Walethia Aquil

I know how vital it is that you leverage your unique knowledge, experience and brilliance. I definitely want to help you expand your business development and growth experiences, enhance your professional profile, promote your business and create visibility to attract those who want more from you.

Schedule your complimentary discovery session today. Send request to:
walethia@graceandcharm.com. Put Discovery Session in subject box.

Make sure you get your copy of the free report “How to Network Effectively: The Key to Power, Influence and Wealth.”

Affiliate Marketing is One of the Most Cost-Effective Ways to Advertise your Business

Posted by Charlotte Howard on April 2, 2011 at 8:00am

Ever heard of affiliate programs? These are forms of Internet advertising that rewards the affiliates for driving traffic to the advertiser or for other transactions. The advertiser pays the affiliate to place a link on their website, and the affiliate sends traffic to the advertiser in return. Simply put, it's about paying commissions to people who help you make sales. It's that easy.

Affiliate marketing has its ups and downs. It could be draining if you are not armed with updated information and the technical how-tos. But this article's sole objective is to reach out to you and not to badmouth affiliate marketing.

Here are the following reasons on why web marketers go gaga over affiliate marketing as a form of Internet advertisement.

1. Low cost

Many are scared to go on a home based business because of the capital required. In affiliate marketing, you don't have to spend much to start raking in moolah.

2. Inventories not included

Product management fuss could be very stressing. An inventory is not asked to be maintained. The merchant does the maintenance required.

3. Unlimited income through leverage

When you have a paid job, your monthly income mainly relies on whether you go to work or not. With affiliate marketing, your affiliates could all just lead traffic to your site without having to lift a finger after providing them your ad copy and links. Though not every web marketer earns limitless, it still is a fact that all the necessary matters for the advertiser or Internet marketer are all there to be successful.

4. Go worldwide

With affiliate marketing, you are dealing with a global market place. All you have to do is choose a niche product and prepare all the necessary tools for your affiliates to lead traffic from just about anywhere to your website.

5. Low risk

The very main reason for Internet marketer's enthusiasm with affiliate marketing is its having a low risk factor. Especially for those with low budget set aside for advertising, affiliate marketing is just the way to do it.

6. No closing time

With affiliate marketing, your business works every single second of the day while targeting a worldwide market! What could be better than that?

But all of these will be put to waste if you don't have the right niche product and all the other important tools to make it big in affiliate marketing. So you better work on this first before ever considering those benefits.

3 Brand Support Systems You Can't Do Without - Part 1 of 4

Posted by Tanya Smith on May 4, 2011 at 5:16pm

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Every solo business owner has a set of processes or systems that either promote their business very well or contribute to the business’ demise. There are really 3 essential systems that any successful business owner needs in place in order to automate the things they repetitively do over and over again, while adequately supporting the brand. These systems form the structure of success because they are the ways in which you continuously reinvigorate your business for expansion and growth.

What is a system?

For purposes of this article, we’re going to define a system as follows: a set of integrated, interdependent processes that can be replicated over and over again to produce similar results.

This article is designed to explain the 3 critical brand support systems for real breakthrough in your business. These essential systems are key to ensuring your success and creating a structure on which your brand can thrive.

It all starts with the BRAND

Before we cover these systems, let’s talk about brand first. As a solopreneur in the “entrepreneurial renaissance” age – a coin termed by business coach, Marcia Bench, you will have to compete against many people who claim expertise in the same field as you. Regardless of their level of experience or visibility, the sheer numbers require that you carve out a way to stand apart from the crowd. Your brand must be distinctive, powerful and recognizable.

The brand is the foundation of any effective marketing strategy. It is how people perceive you. The brand is YOU in a single owner business. If your brand is weak, the systems I will describe below will not operate to support your business. An analogy would be like building a new house, installing a beautiful kitchen, hardwood floors, and hiring a dynamic salesman to greet buyers at the door when the house has no walls yet.

The support systems we will talk about in this article will allow you to deliver great service, they will engage your customer base, and they will automate your delivery but only when you have taken the necessary steps to first put in place your brand strategy.

This means getting clear about what you do, the market you serve, and how you provide the service. Brand support is most connected to the latter – the “how”.

We will spend time outlining the 3 systems over the next group of articles in this series.

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You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

About the Author: Tanya Smith is a creative business strategist specializing in showing coaches, consultants and freelancers how to spend more time making money with simple, yet profitable marketing systems. Her company Be Promotable provides clients with fresh actionable strategies and virtual resources to promote their small businesses as power players in their market. Claim your instant access to a free 10 part ecourse, 10 Ways To Grow Your List at: www.bepromotable.com.

The Big Secret To Affiliate Marketing Success

Posted by Wendy Taylor-Hill on March 31, 2011 at 11:42pm

I've been on both sides of this equation. I've promoted products & programs that DO NOT have a strong marketing system and I have promoted businesses that have very strong marketing systems. Affiliate Marketing can be simple or it can be very difficult if you dont know how to market and what products to promote.

Out of these two business models the winner without a question is the business WITH a high powered system. Here's why... In order to be successful in your own business you MUST have a business that is easily duplicatable for anyone. Even for people without experience!

The power of any system lies solely in it's ability to allow anyone and everyone to duplicate your results in the least amount of time possible.

Well, when you are associated with a business that does not have a strong marketing system you have to spend a great deal of time teaching and training each of your new team members how to make things work. This equated to a lot of frustration on the new team members part for having to learn everything from the ground up and a slow rate of duplication. This is NOT powerful.

With a high powered marketing system in which a new member can literally get started marketing the instant they join and generate success within hours or minutes of joining you have a highly duplicable system. This equates to a powerful marketing system which leaves you with the highest probability for success.

You NEED a high powered system if you want to generate success and results quickly in any business and that's just the plain and simple truth in today's fast paced world of affiliate marketing.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Top

Posted by Larisa Troche on May 2, 2011 at 3:43am

I got a little too excited. And then I got sidetracked. And then I got bummed out.

What about you? Have you ever had one of those days. . . or maybe one of those months? What is it that shakes up one's momentum just as things are getting really good? April's Success Strategy is "Resourcefulness" and when you start to wander away from the path to success, resourcefulness is just the ticket.

Have you ever fallen into a slump just when you were nearing the nexus of success? Sure you have, you’re an entrepreneur, right? Why does that happen? It is such an energy drain to be brought down low and listless and questioning your every move. Total bummer. So what do you do about it? How do you shake it off? As a business owner and person with some semblance of a life (I say that only slightly tongue in cheek – you know what I mean, right?) we can’t afford to have a bad day.

Many times you can talk yourself out of the miasma of inactivity. A pep talk might be just the thing. Other times you need some real tools to help you move forward. Oftentimes a reversion to the “tried and true” is just the ticket. So when you are not performing up to your normal level, get out your pen and paper and make a list of strategies you can use to get moving again. Remember that project you’ve been meaning to tackle? Well, do it now. Sometimes doing something new can help clear the cobwebs from your brain because when you’re learning a new skill you’re moving in the right direction.

Don’t let a sense of overwhelm keep you bogged down. Create a go-to list of “get my butt in gear” actions to take when you find yourself stuck. I really want to hear your ideas, but here are a few to get you started:

Exercise is always a help – even just a simple walk (usually my best thinking time.)

Work a bit on an open project (and we have plenty of those don’t we?)

Take a nap (Okay, that one might just be a bit of self-indulgent wishful thinking)

Write a blog post! It can help clear the clutter and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Plan your next event. Just as I like to buy my holiday gifts throughout the year so I can peek at them now and again for a little feel-good moment, concentrating on something pleasant can be a nice distraction.

Take a break. Maybe you really are overwhelmed and a little rest might be just the ticket!

What else can you think of that helps shake the “OMG, I’m-really-the-boss-and it’s-all-up-to-me-blues?” Leave a comment; we’d love to hear from you.

Embrace the Entrepeneur Within

Posted by Tamara Garrison-Thomas on March 31, 2011 at 3:49pm

Have you ever stopped and thought about how much money you make for your boss? Have you realized that by not working for yourself, you are working to make someone else rich? Every day you spend countless hours generating income for someone you probably don't know and for a business you definitely don't own. Unfortunately, in this economy no job is secure. So, where do you find the security? What does your future look like?

If you see more prosperity in your future, then you need to take control of your life now. And that means, working for yourself! You need to put yourself in a position to FIRE YOUR BOSS! Set your own hours and reap the benefits of your hard work.

My mom had an “Embrace the Entrepeneur Within” luncheon this weekend, to empower women in their lives and in business. We had 12 to 15 women there that all had positive comments about the illustrious speaker, Melissa Taft. She spoke about the steps we need to take to change our lives for the better. She talked about asking yourself questions like, are you going through life, KNOWING it's not how you'd like it and doing NOTHING about it or are you aware of your displeasure and doing all you can in your power to change your life??? She described how there are different stages to our development in life and wherever our competency level is, is how our life is developing now. So when are you going to take control of it????

So, today the question goes to you too! Are you living your life in complete denial, ignoring all the failures around you, saying, “Oh well, it’s life!”, or are you stepping out on faith, and taking actions to change your life? The bible says "...faith without deeds is dead" James 2:26. If you're wanting a change in your life, you should be praying for a change. You shoud be taking action and doing things like giving up habits you know aren’t good for you or following through with personal goals or doing all you can to get a financial promotion or even better, taking steps to FIRE YOUR BOSS!

Do something for yourself and your family. Make a move to impact your life. Embrace the entrpeneur within today! We can help you today! ==> CLICK HERE

Tamara Garrison-Thomas

www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com

Don't Let Your Business Fizzle, Make It SIZZLE

Posted by Tamara Garrison-Thomas on April 28, 2011 at 2:46pm

So, today I'm going to briefly discuss the difference between business and sizzle cards. First, what are business cards? Usually business cards are bits of information with your name, business information, phone numbers to reach you and email address. EVERYONE should have a business card. Even if you don't necessarily own a business. It's just an easier, classier, neater way to pass on your information when you meet someone.SIZZLE cards ( also known as drop cards) although sometimes the same size as business cards, have an advertisement as opposed to just your information. They are often masked as $5, $10, $20, or $100 dollar bills. For example: As you're walking down the street, you see a $100 bill and pick it up. You think you’ve hit the jackpot but instead it’s a card that reads: Tired of Living Paycheck to Paycheck? Earn $2000-$3000 Part Time! Call now for more information. 555-555-5555See? There’s a hot, SIZZLING message that allows your prospects to make the choice to call and create their own jackpot, or not. Now of course the point is to pass out or drop as many of these cards as you can because the odds of someone getting in touch with you then are much better then giving 5 o 10 out a day. Do your research. There are plenty of great Sizzle Card companies, that have good messages and quality cards to offer. So, today I’m going to create my own electronic SIZZLE card. These are great to post on different sites as well. Here's my ELECTRONiC sizzle card:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------WOULD AN EXTRA $600 A MONTH HELP YOU OUT?Tired of being short a few dollars every month? Want to replace your existing income quickly? We can help.Check us out and see how it literally pays to have friends.www.crazygood.com/refer/whywaitCheck out how my partner made $600 in 4 monthshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G26qHI4C5fY&feature=youtube_gdata_player------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What would your sizzle card say? Comment below.Tamara Garrison-Thomaswww.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com www.businessadvice2011.blogspot.comUpdated April 27,2011

Breakthrough: Real Talk w/Kaleda Carthran (28 downloads in one day)

Posted by Dana Neal on April 14, 2011 at 7:15pm

There were 28 downloads in one day of this wonderful program...please listen at the conversation Kaleda and I had....REAL TALK.

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System #2: Customer Relationship Management

What is BizOppers?

What is a system?

It all starts with the BRAND

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Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.