"I am sorry, but..." . how many times have you said this to yourself or to others. I know when I first started I did the same thing. Life has a way of throwing obstacles at you. It is way too easy to be pulled into it and use that as an excuse afterwards for not doing what you have to do.
We must constantly remind ourselves that we are not doing this for the team, or for our upline; we are doing this for ourselves and our families. If we don't do the work, we will not see the results; then we will come up with excuses and feel guilty and then a viscous circle of negativity will overcome your business and sabotage your success.
If you find yourself in this cycle, accept what you did yesterday, then let it go. The best way to overcome this is to do something different TODAY!
For 14 years, I used my kids as an excuse to not exercise and lose my extra weight. Later I used my store as a reason why I couldn't do the same, and in the initial months of my Shaklee business, a reason why I didn't get all my dials in. It was a way to protect myself for my failure. I had a good reason why I was not skinny and successful... it wasn't me, right?
The hard truth is that to succeed you need to shed the old you, the one that comes up with excuses, replace it with a new one that dares to fail. It makes you vulnerable. It is only through this change of attitude that you will be able to be a succeed. The level of success is up to you... where you want to be and when.
Pick a realistic deadline for your next goal, look at your schedule, then each day, write down what time slots you are willing to dedicate consistently to working your business. Since you do not have a boss to dictate this to you, it is up to you to develop the discipline to make it happen without excuses.
Don't get me wrong, things happen, you deal with it and forgive yourself and then make up for it another day with extra effort. The most important thing is not get on a roll of the negative behavior - it takes so much more effort to recover. Your goal to reach Director in three months (for example) could end up being pushed out, because too much time was spent on beating yourself up than just getting back into action.
I am a work in process. I continually try to improve. Discipline is a constant effort. Daniel and I want to be Shaklee inside and out. In order to be taken seriously, we need to look the part. We started going to the Gym two days a week, and we are going to a Yoga class on Thursdays. Sunday (now that it is getting cooler) we are going to take a hike and strategize for the next week. This is contagious, because my son is exercising, he is watching what we are doing; much more powerful than any words I can say.
So, my point is, discipline is key, in all aspects of your life, to your success in everything you do, and as a business leader. I will spend my time producing... getting into action. This is the best way I can show you the way. The residual effect of this business, besides the income you are developing, is the discipline, the confidence, and getting healthier inside and out.
Start today by cutting out the words "I am sorry, but..." out of your own dictionary.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Confession No. 17: Am I Dreaming?
Am I dreaming? Why you ask? Because over the last four days, the conference was amazing! Roger Barnett, our CEO, gave us everything we need to make our dreams happen if we work hard for it. This conference showed me that this career choice is an amazing gift that I am proud to share with others. I saw story after story, and talked to people that this truly changed their lives.
I am one of those!
Roger gave us the Dream Plan, a patented compensation that is so much more that any competition in our industry. We watched him give over a million dollars worth of actual Hybrid Mercedes Benz to the Presidential Masters, but unlike any other company in our industry he has given us the ability to earn a car in the first 9 months. He gave us four trips to work for each year! He gave us cash for those just starting. He lowered requirements to achieve ranks and Fast Track, he simplified the point system, he simplified the Gold packs and increased the PV to 250 to get there faster. He gave us a compensation plan that pays to infinity levels on ALL products! Am I dreaming?
He gave us three new products...
There are over 80 million people suffering from high cholesterol, do you think you can find 30 to help with a product that is FDA approved to naturally lower cholesterol? People we can build a business with this product alone!
When every other company is taking stuff away with this economy...Roger is giving us more!
Oh my the Power bonus is amazing, you all know that for the first 90 days for every 15 pts (3X 5pts per Gold) we get $150 bonus, then Shaklee pays another $150 Power Bonus, well you can keep it going past the 90 days, by achieving new rank you get these for another 90 days, achieve another rank, another 90 days...get it?
Fast Track is restarted again and the Gold requirements are removed, just qualify for the rank starting today. The slate is wiped clean, if you haven't reached Director yet, this is your chance!
For those who may have dropped out for what ever reasons, maybe the timing, maybe life knocked you around a bit too much...this may be the perfect time to jump back in. I heard many stories of people that came back after years and finally got it going the way they wanted. We will be there to show you the way. We have an amazing lifestyle and I know there are people you know that want this!
The final day, we got together as a team for lunch to celebrate our own accomplishments, Lou Ann gave me a beautiful diamond star necklace to remind me of the strength our team can have when we work hard together. I want to share my appreciation for all the love and support from everyone that attended, I am proud to work with you!
Last night was the icing on the cake, my family and I were escorted through a beautiful room for 5,351 people, each section was lit in different colors, decorated in theme by each Disney character. Shaklee paid attention to all the details of top event, we went to the head table elevated on
a platform with flower arrangements that any bride would envy. We sat three chairs to the left of Roger, the conversation was riveting, everyone asked many questions about our team! Roger came over to us several times, talked with my kids, took pictures, and asked me if he could use my story of letting go of the rock! After we were asked to sit with the Masters for the final event (this was just my first time!) I sat next to Angel Torres, he was so kind and generous!
We were escorted to receive a dozen long stem roses, and a personalized Tiffany vase, then taken up on stage to be asked questions, for the first time in my life I was so overwhelmed with emotion I was at a loss for words! I hugged my table mates. and then my wonderful team...the Shaklee family is made up of such beautiful people.
I went to sleep with my star around my neck to have good dreams, I was like a Princess afraid to fall asleep to wake to see that it was all a dream...
I dreamt of who I could help realize their own dreams, to travel, a new car, pay off debt, to truly enjoy their lives! I dreamt of who I could take a small part in sharing a way to better health, or social change towards a better environment! I dreamt of the Shaklee lifestyle for my family, a way to travel to amazing places, to get my Hybrid. When I woke up, my necklace was still there, my heart is pounding with the anticipation of what is possible and to try to be a better leader to show you that you can do this, it starts in your head...
Mine started with a dream board, 14 months ago I put a cruise ship on that board, did I tell you that I had a car and a picture of a hut above water from Tahiti on it too?
We have the most amazing gift in our hands, it is up to each one of us to see it and take advantage of it. I will see those that get it in Washington DC next summer, maybe we will drive our new car across country to get there!
What is your dream? What are you willing to do to make it happen?
Make a committment to your self, better yet , to your family and start calling right now, don't wait another day!
I am one of those!
Roger gave us the Dream Plan, a patented compensation that is so much more that any competition in our industry. We watched him give over a million dollars worth of actual Hybrid Mercedes Benz to the Presidential Masters, but unlike any other company in our industry he has given us the ability to earn a car in the first 9 months. He gave us four trips to work for each year! He gave us cash for those just starting. He lowered requirements to achieve ranks and Fast Track, he simplified the point system, he simplified the Gold packs and increased the PV to 250 to get there faster. He gave us a compensation plan that pays to infinity levels on ALL products! Am I dreaming?
He gave us three new products...
There are over 80 million people suffering from high cholesterol, do you think you can find 30 to help with a product that is FDA approved to naturally lower cholesterol? People we can build a business with this product alone!
When every other company is taking stuff away with this economy...Roger is giving us more!
Oh my the Power bonus is amazing, you all know that for the first 90 days for every 15 pts (3X 5pts per Gold) we get $150 bonus, then Shaklee pays another $150 Power Bonus, well you can keep it going past the 90 days, by achieving new rank you get these for another 90 days, achieve another rank, another 90 days...get it?
Fast Track is restarted again and the Gold requirements are removed, just qualify for the rank starting today. The slate is wiped clean, if you haven't reached Director yet, this is your chance!
For those who may have dropped out for what ever reasons, maybe the timing, maybe life knocked you around a bit too much...this may be the perfect time to jump back in. I heard many stories of people that came back after years and finally got it going the way they wanted. We will be there to show you the way. We have an amazing lifestyle and I know there are people you know that want this!
The final day, we got together as a team for lunch to celebrate our own accomplishments, Lou Ann gave me a beautiful diamond star necklace to remind me of the strength our team can have when we work hard together. I want to share my appreciation for all the love and support from everyone that attended, I am proud to work with you!
Last night was the icing on the cake, my family and I were escorted through a beautiful room for 5,351 people, each section was lit in different colors, decorated in theme by each Disney character. Shaklee paid attention to all the details of top event, we went to the head table elevated on
a platform with flower arrangements that any bride would envy. We sat three chairs to the left of Roger, the conversation was riveting, everyone asked many questions about our team! Roger came over to us several times, talked with my kids, took pictures, and asked me if he could use my story of letting go of the rock! After we were asked to sit with the Masters for the final event (this was just my first time!) I sat next to Angel Torres, he was so kind and generous!
We were escorted to receive a dozen long stem roses, and a personalized Tiffany vase, then taken up on stage to be asked questions, for the first time in my life I was so overwhelmed with emotion I was at a loss for words! I hugged my table mates. and then my wonderful team...the Shaklee family is made up of such beautiful people.
I went to sleep with my star around my neck to have good dreams, I was like a Princess afraid to fall asleep to wake to see that it was all a dream...
I dreamt of who I could help realize their own dreams, to travel, a new car, pay off debt, to truly enjoy their lives! I dreamt of who I could take a small part in sharing a way to better health, or social change towards a better environment! I dreamt of the Shaklee lifestyle for my family, a way to travel to amazing places, to get my Hybrid. When I woke up, my necklace was still there, my heart is pounding with the anticipation of what is possible and to try to be a better leader to show you that you can do this, it starts in your head...
Mine started with a dream board, 14 months ago I put a cruise ship on that board, did I tell you that I had a car and a picture of a hut above water from Tahiti on it too?
We have the most amazing gift in our hands, it is up to each one of us to see it and take advantage of it. I will see those that get it in Washington DC next summer, maybe we will drive our new car across country to get there!
What is your dream? What are you willing to do to make it happen?
Make a committment to your self, better yet , to your family and start calling right now, don't wait another day!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Confession No. 16: Hungry Enough
This economy, has put dreams on hold for the sake of survival, there are choices, never give up your dreams...
First of all, look for something that you are passionate about! You will succeed if you are loving what you are doing. When you do not have the capital to start a franchise or your own start up, research into Direct Selling or Network Marketing companies. You get the power of a huge corporation, its product development, research, shipping, stocking, marketing, everything that can eat up the novice entrepreneur.
But be cautious, look for a company that has a seamless reputation, a lengthy history, a company that actually does something, or a real product. Be sure and check them out in Better Business Bureau. The products should be recession proof, what I mean is consumables people use everyday, that when times are tough, these would not be deemed unnecessary. There is no integrity in pushing people to buy stuff they do not need, or worse yet, that they can not afford.
Another aspect is how "hungry" are you. As a business owner, it has to be treated as such, not as a hobby. You will not have a boss to tell you to work before you do the laundry. You have to be committed to making it happen. Even though you have your own business, it does not mean you work alone. If you did your research before you "joined", hopefully you found a team with training and support. Make sure that the things they suggest to succeed are something the you and your family are willing to be flexible about giving you the respect while you are working. Being "hungry" gives you that failure is not an option attitude which will push you through the obstacles of working from home. Once you decide go "all in!" Listen to the steps that the people in the position you want went through, and follow their actions. Work with them to set a budget that you are comfortable with to make this business get to first to break even then amp up the budget a bit more to push for further growth. Depending on how you work, the first few months will seem up hill, after 6 months you are on your way to becoming a magnet, people start asking YOU what you are doing.
Where network marketing firms are great for someone will very little start up capital, the downside is that you have to be persistent and patient to develop the income want. But if you hang in there, there is a silver lining, there is no limit to what you can make. I can actually pass this business on to my kids one day. I used to work like a dog for other people to put money in their pocket, I know now I can work that hard for myself and decide when I want to be promoted! Start dreaming again!
First of all, look for something that you are passionate about! You will succeed if you are loving what you are doing. When you do not have the capital to start a franchise or your own start up, research into Direct Selling or Network Marketing companies. You get the power of a huge corporation, its product development, research, shipping, stocking, marketing, everything that can eat up the novice entrepreneur.
But be cautious, look for a company that has a seamless reputation, a lengthy history, a company that actually does something, or a real product. Be sure and check them out in Better Business Bureau. The products should be recession proof, what I mean is consumables people use everyday, that when times are tough, these would not be deemed unnecessary. There is no integrity in pushing people to buy stuff they do not need, or worse yet, that they can not afford.
Another aspect is how "hungry" are you. As a business owner, it has to be treated as such, not as a hobby. You will not have a boss to tell you to work before you do the laundry. You have to be committed to making it happen. Even though you have your own business, it does not mean you work alone. If you did your research before you "joined", hopefully you found a team with training and support. Make sure that the things they suggest to succeed are something the you and your family are willing to be flexible about giving you the respect while you are working. Being "hungry" gives you that failure is not an option attitude which will push you through the obstacles of working from home. Once you decide go "all in!" Listen to the steps that the people in the position you want went through, and follow their actions. Work with them to set a budget that you are comfortable with to make this business get to first to break even then amp up the budget a bit more to push for further growth. Depending on how you work, the first few months will seem up hill, after 6 months you are on your way to becoming a magnet, people start asking YOU what you are doing.
Where network marketing firms are great for someone will very little start up capital, the downside is that you have to be persistent and patient to develop the income want. But if you hang in there, there is a silver lining, there is no limit to what you can make. I can actually pass this business on to my kids one day. I used to work like a dog for other people to put money in their pocket, I know now I can work that hard for myself and decide when I want to be promoted! Start dreaming again!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Confession No: 15 I am a Control Freak!
I sat in the audience yesterday of my daughters dance competition. Doing my mom thing! I watched dancers of all levels, ages. Some showed fear, and defeat before they even started. Some showed confidence, professionalism and smiles. The ones that stood out, showed the work that they put in before the show, They went the extra mile to push beyond, what ever it takes ( WIT)! They had a coach nearby with smiles and support. She was there to encourage and console, but the performance was not in her control. It was up to the individual dancers and the entire team to come across with a flawless dance and to get to their goal a platinum metal and First Place overall.
Look around your life is surrounded by organizations where we practice, perform and look forward to the reward and the recognition. Whether it is our job, school, women's charity groups, sports etc. Can I control how far my team gets...no. I can only control my performance. Since you are building your organization, you are the CEO, only you can control your outcome. Have you been doing the work to prepare, have you attended the events, training. If you don't know how to do something, have you asked your upline where to find it for yourself? Do you take this seriously, or is it a hobby.
Can you control what the prospect does...no not really. You are looking for the red jelly bean in a big jar of white beans. You are looking for someone who is open to finding out about your business. If they aren't don't invest your time, feelings or energy. Next...you may find a few pink ones, that may turn into red beans. Great. You may find a few red ones that for no apparent reason fall out... next. You can't control that. YOU CAN CONTROL what you do next... keep prospecting, keep finding new red jelly beans! All you need is a couple to really drive your business fast! I know because this happened to us! You can control how you prepare, the work you do, your attitude, your belief, go out there knowing you will get the
platinum metal, maybe today, maybe next time!
We will be there in the wings of the stage, smiling...wishing you all the success you are working hard to achieve!
Look around your life is surrounded by organizations where we practice, perform and look forward to the reward and the recognition. Whether it is our job, school, women's charity groups, sports etc. Can I control how far my team gets...no. I can only control my performance. Since you are building your organization, you are the CEO, only you can control your outcome. Have you been doing the work to prepare, have you attended the events, training. If you don't know how to do something, have you asked your upline where to find it for yourself? Do you take this seriously, or is it a hobby.
Can you control what the prospect does...no not really. You are looking for the red jelly bean in a big jar of white beans. You are looking for someone who is open to finding out about your business. If they aren't don't invest your time, feelings or energy. Next...you may find a few pink ones, that may turn into red beans. Great. You may find a few red ones that for no apparent reason fall out... next. You can't control that. YOU CAN CONTROL what you do next... keep prospecting, keep finding new red jelly beans! All you need is a couple to really drive your business fast! I know because this happened to us! You can control how you prepare, the work you do, your attitude, your belief, go out there knowing you will get the
platinum metal, maybe today, maybe next time!
We will be there in the wings of the stage, smiling...wishing you all the success you are working hard to achieve!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Confession No:14 Nobody starts as an expert
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence therefore, is not an act, but a habit."-Aristotle
Sometimes I think that when people first start, they think " I can't do that, I am not like them." I have a confession to make, I was really bad at this in the beginning. I am getting better now. I keep learning, I keep trying and above all I keep working. This process will never stop, in a couple of years when I am Master Coordinator, I can relax a bit, but I will still keep building to maintain my position.
I remember last year when I first started, it took an entire week to build up enough courage to make my first call. I told Daniel he had to leave the room. I had excitement and enthusiasm to make up for the overwhelmed, confused state I was in. The emails kept coming in, didn't know if they were from Starteam, or Corporate or if there was a difference. I was trying to keep up with the "30 days of Health", attending IC classes, calling a minimum of 20 calls a day. (meanwhile I was still working 6 days a week) I had a hard time remembering where the coupons were for the leads. I only had one autoship set up. I wanted to know everything right then, so that I could sound experienced on the phone. I had no validity in my eyes, why would any one want me for a leader. I even remember one guy, said he would only talk with the person that was a head of our team, OUCH!
My first check was only $50, but it made it real for me. It took me 6 months to understand the compensation plan. I knew I had to work hard to get to Director, when the time spent would start to even out with the money coming in. I did what Lou Ann Salmon and Zal Fink(my business leaders) suggested I do, I mirrored their actions. I attended all events, Shaklee-ized my home, set up my autoship, finished Inner Circle (our team webcast training), listened to OTJ training calls (again live webcasts), Dani Johnson (an expert trainer/mentor). When they started talking about Global Conference, I thought how can I afford to go...airfare, hotel etc. I was in a financial crisis at the time, this was my plan B, and our Shaklee checks were still small. Daniel didn't quite understand what the importance of going to St. Louis when we needed to save our home, our other business. He thought I was crazy, but he saw how hard I was working, he saw my determination and he helped us to the next goal.
This was my Ah Hah moment, it wasn't just the trip, it is what it meant. It meant that when Zal and Lou Ann said that a commitment was needed to truly succeed at your own business, it truly meant doing WIT! I took this business seriously, I am a professional in the Social Marketing Industry. I am the CEO of my own organization, it wouldn't be right to not go to your own Conference, (especially when 2 people in your downline were going). It is scary, because once you make that commitment it is out there for the world to see, (and scarier still for the world to judge). I didn't want to let myself down, or my family. But you know this push to that uncomfortable, new place is what propels you to grow.
I used to feel like I was lucky, but now I believe that the harder you work, often times the luckier you get!
Sometimes I think that when people first start, they think " I can't do that, I am not like them." I have a confession to make, I was really bad at this in the beginning. I am getting better now. I keep learning, I keep trying and above all I keep working. This process will never stop, in a couple of years when I am Master Coordinator, I can relax a bit, but I will still keep building to maintain my position.
I remember last year when I first started, it took an entire week to build up enough courage to make my first call. I told Daniel he had to leave the room. I had excitement and enthusiasm to make up for the overwhelmed, confused state I was in. The emails kept coming in, didn't know if they were from Starteam, or Corporate or if there was a difference. I was trying to keep up with the "30 days of Health", attending IC classes, calling a minimum of 20 calls a day. (meanwhile I was still working 6 days a week) I had a hard time remembering where the coupons were for the leads. I only had one autoship set up. I wanted to know everything right then, so that I could sound experienced on the phone. I had no validity in my eyes, why would any one want me for a leader. I even remember one guy, said he would only talk with the person that was a head of our team, OUCH!
My first check was only $50, but it made it real for me. It took me 6 months to understand the compensation plan. I knew I had to work hard to get to Director, when the time spent would start to even out with the money coming in. I did what Lou Ann Salmon and Zal Fink(my business leaders) suggested I do, I mirrored their actions. I attended all events, Shaklee-ized my home, set up my autoship, finished Inner Circle (our team webcast training), listened to OTJ training calls (again live webcasts), Dani Johnson (an expert trainer/mentor). When they started talking about Global Conference, I thought how can I afford to go...airfare, hotel etc. I was in a financial crisis at the time, this was my plan B, and our Shaklee checks were still small. Daniel didn't quite understand what the importance of going to St. Louis when we needed to save our home, our other business. He thought I was crazy, but he saw how hard I was working, he saw my determination and he helped us to the next goal.
This was my Ah Hah moment, it wasn't just the trip, it is what it meant. It meant that when Zal and Lou Ann said that a commitment was needed to truly succeed at your own business, it truly meant doing WIT! I took this business seriously, I am a professional in the Social Marketing Industry. I am the CEO of my own organization, it wouldn't be right to not go to your own Conference, (especially when 2 people in your downline were going). It is scary, because once you make that commitment it is out there for the world to see, (and scarier still for the world to judge). I didn't want to let myself down, or my family. But you know this push to that uncomfortable, new place is what propels you to grow.
I used to feel like I was lucky, but now I believe that the harder you work, often times the luckier you get!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Confession No:13 Relationships!
Yesterday we clicked on some mentor on the internet, it was a concept worth reinforcing. Many just starting, myself included, started making calls with enthusiasm, sent out an email and then with the magic of a click of a button we wait for them to push the I am ready to get started button. After a year and a half and and nearly 6,000 calls, only three people have come on to our team like that.
It does happen, but don't expect to build very fast waiting for those people who get it at first contact. We were nearly ready, but just needed a call with Lou Ann to go through the demo with us and ask a few questions like how much for the websites, what I mean to say the even people that are ready need to talk to a real person to make sure this is real.
That leads me to something that Dani Johnson covers, in the forming process. I expand this to a more personalized approach. You need to not just only form your contact but to form a relationship. Let me ask you, if you were looking to find a marriage partner, would you marry the first person that walked up to you, introduced themselves and after a brief overview of their qualities? No, they know nothing about you, what you want, need and what your fears are. To be successful we need to develop relationships. It is through relationships we can achieve long term sustainability.
The internet is being flooded with experts, mentors, pitching how they achieved greatness, you can get free ebooks, CD's, DVD's, and books. There are scams pitching hugh sums of moneys without doing anything. One contact told me he got suckered in with a survey that promised him a new I PAD! I told him our company doesn't incentivise our leads, because we are professionals offering a real business.
Knowing all this, we have to make sure we don't sound like any of them, saying the same rhetoric that is so prevalent in the industry. We need to become more transparent, more genuine, more like business consultants than trying to sell our business. If you evade questions, sometimes this can backfire on you and support their distrust they had before they talked to you. Tell them you will give them all the information they need, but first they should see if they can get excited about our company and then you will spend the time answering any question or concern. We are calling them back with the information THEY requested, but they do not know us or trust us. If they are busy and can't talk be empathetic, if you hear kids in the back ground, tell them you understand, maybe a quick line about your kids, and them that kids come first. Anything to get them to let down the defensive guard. If they have been flooded with phone calls, because they filled out several surveys, laugh it off and say you are sorry you didn't want to be the 101 person to call you. I put the power back in their hands, and tell them when they are ready to look at it they can call you back. I try very hard not to talk about the business. You need to first get them to relax enough to talk about themselves. I talk about the weather, restaurants in their town, the kids, maybe the story behind the crazy email they have. I know I have had a good call when I barely have said a thing. I probably got an earful and know what they want, need and sometimes if I am lucky a hot button, something that is their dream, or passion. It is not about me, it is about them and what they need!
Daniel,my husband, put a big sticky note in front of me, find a hole and fill it!
Of course, there will be the calls where you keep hitting a stone cold wall, they are not open anyway, probably wouldn't be a strong candidate for your team anyway. I remember, I was just happy to get a warm living human to join when I first started. As you build you will be able to discern which have a better chance for success and you will concentrate on those RELATIONSHIPS!
It does happen, but don't expect to build very fast waiting for those people who get it at first contact. We were nearly ready, but just needed a call with Lou Ann to go through the demo with us and ask a few questions like how much for the websites, what I mean to say the even people that are ready need to talk to a real person to make sure this is real.
That leads me to something that Dani Johnson covers, in the forming process. I expand this to a more personalized approach. You need to not just only form your contact but to form a relationship. Let me ask you, if you were looking to find a marriage partner, would you marry the first person that walked up to you, introduced themselves and after a brief overview of their qualities? No, they know nothing about you, what you want, need and what your fears are. To be successful we need to develop relationships. It is through relationships we can achieve long term sustainability.
The internet is being flooded with experts, mentors, pitching how they achieved greatness, you can get free ebooks, CD's, DVD's, and books. There are scams pitching hugh sums of moneys without doing anything. One contact told me he got suckered in with a survey that promised him a new I PAD! I told him our company doesn't incentivise our leads, because we are professionals offering a real business.
Knowing all this, we have to make sure we don't sound like any of them, saying the same rhetoric that is so prevalent in the industry. We need to become more transparent, more genuine, more like business consultants than trying to sell our business. If you evade questions, sometimes this can backfire on you and support their distrust they had before they talked to you. Tell them you will give them all the information they need, but first they should see if they can get excited about our company and then you will spend the time answering any question or concern. We are calling them back with the information THEY requested, but they do not know us or trust us. If they are busy and can't talk be empathetic, if you hear kids in the back ground, tell them you understand, maybe a quick line about your kids, and them that kids come first. Anything to get them to let down the defensive guard. If they have been flooded with phone calls, because they filled out several surveys, laugh it off and say you are sorry you didn't want to be the 101 person to call you. I put the power back in their hands, and tell them when they are ready to look at it they can call you back. I try very hard not to talk about the business. You need to first get them to relax enough to talk about themselves. I talk about the weather, restaurants in their town, the kids, maybe the story behind the crazy email they have. I know I have had a good call when I barely have said a thing. I probably got an earful and know what they want, need and sometimes if I am lucky a hot button, something that is their dream, or passion. It is not about me, it is about them and what they need!
Daniel,my husband, put a big sticky note in front of me, find a hole and fill it!
Of course, there will be the calls where you keep hitting a stone cold wall, they are not open anyway, probably wouldn't be a strong candidate for your team anyway. I remember, I was just happy to get a warm living human to join when I first started. As you build you will be able to discern which have a better chance for success and you will concentrate on those RELATIONSHIPS!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Confession No. 12: Distractions or Excuses!
Guilt starts to become the flavor of the day! The weeks escape, did I get everything I wanted to get done? My sister-in-law comes into town, of course we need to take her to Disneyland, spend the weekend.
My daughter had dance competition consuming another day without my calls. Those backward thinking thoughts creep into my consiousness. Ok, I have a huge order that I need to fill for dance teacher. Each day fills my time, I am able to just return a few calls before I need to pick up the kids. Priorities, distractions, or excuses?
The answer is life...this week was not the best for my Shaklee business, I push away the negative feelings, the guilt, replacing it with a new action, the feeling propels me to another action. I see instant results.
I keep my eye on the long term goal, life will always throw out obstacles.
My daughter had dance competition consuming another day without my calls. Those backward thinking thoughts creep into my consiousness. Ok, I have a huge order that I need to fill for dance teacher. Each day fills my time, I am able to just return a few calls before I need to pick up the kids. Priorities, distractions, or excuses?
The answer is life...this week was not the best for my Shaklee business, I push away the negative feelings, the guilt, replacing it with a new action, the feeling propels me to another action. I see instant results.
I keep my eye on the long term goal, life will always throw out obstacles.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Confession No. 11: I am Not There Yet!
As a leader, you have a huge responsibility. When we first started our business it was difficult to be in a position that validated what you were proposing for others. As your business develops this becomes easier, but then the responsibility grows, your team is looking to you for answers, solutions and your secrets to your business growth.
I continue to go through periods of self doubt, evaluation and review. I push these negative thoughts out and replace them with more training, reading new articles, or inhaling books of the best in the business and listening to CD's of my favorite mentors and a few new ones I stumble across. Jim Rohn, who's straight forward and human touch will be missed, but through his recordings and his written words he will live on and continue to influence my life.
My confession is I am not there yet! I may never be there, and I am thankful for that. Because this is the journey that I am passionate about and look forward to what today will bring, the challenges, the learning and the step foward to my goal.
I continue to go through periods of self doubt, evaluation and review. I push these negative thoughts out and replace them with more training, reading new articles, or inhaling books of the best in the business and listening to CD's of my favorite mentors and a few new ones I stumble across. Jim Rohn, who's straight forward and human touch will be missed, but through his recordings and his written words he will live on and continue to influence my life.
My confession is I am not there yet! I may never be there, and I am thankful for that. Because this is the journey that I am passionate about and look forward to what today will bring, the challenges, the learning and the step foward to my goal.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Confession No. 09: Letting Go of the Rock
Daniel told me an old folk tale that I think of often especially when I talk to people about our business.
There was a tribe of people who lived their entire lives in a fast moving river, clinging on to rocks. They would raise their children the same way, holding on with their arms wrapped around their parents holding on to their rocks. "Don't let go or the water will wash you away and you will perish!", warned their parents. This is the way they lived, they knew of no other.
One youth, questioned this way of living in fear. He wondered what live was like down river. Tired of this existence, he let go. The water rushed him away, through the rapids, around the bend where the water soon calmed and left him in a eddy near a white sandy beach and another community of people lived in abundance, peacefully and without fear. His only wish is that he had let go of his rock sooner.
My confession is that we had that rock, working hard for other people, trading time for money. Daniel and I have both been apart of layoffs, and asking for raises, hoping for promotions, fears of losing our jobs during downturns. We let go and now have been happily unemployed for many years. Now we decide what we want to make, and what level we want to be. We are finally getting paid what we are worth!
There was a tribe of people who lived their entire lives in a fast moving river, clinging on to rocks. They would raise their children the same way, holding on with their arms wrapped around their parents holding on to their rocks. "Don't let go or the water will wash you away and you will perish!", warned their parents. This is the way they lived, they knew of no other.
One youth, questioned this way of living in fear. He wondered what live was like down river. Tired of this existence, he let go. The water rushed him away, through the rapids, around the bend where the water soon calmed and left him in a eddy near a white sandy beach and another community of people lived in abundance, peacefully and without fear. His only wish is that he had let go of his rock sooner.
My confession is that we had that rock, working hard for other people, trading time for money. Daniel and I have both been apart of layoffs, and asking for raises, hoping for promotions, fears of losing our jobs during downturns. We let go and now have been happily unemployed for many years. Now we decide what we want to make, and what level we want to be. We are finally getting paid what we are worth!
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