I wish everybody would leave me alone…

I’m sick & tired of everybody trying to get my attention. Today, on the way to a meeting, I heard no less than 100 radio commercials, passed 50 billboards, saw dozens of electronic flashing signs at local retailers, had pop-up banner ads on my computer, 57 e-mail solicitations, received no less than 10 pieces of direct mail, had to ignore ad after ad in the morning newspaper, and endured at least 30 ads on T.V. while watching the evening news.

That doesn’t even include the telephone call I got from my phone company asking if I wanted to change long distance providers or the text message I got on my cell phone telling me that I can download my favorite ring-tone from their wonderful company.

Oh yeah, I have a beautiful wife, 2 great kids and bills to pay.

Does this sound familiar to you?

Most people have no clue how many people are trying to get their attention until they consciously focus on counting “attention grabbers” in their daily lives. Most adults have become so callused to marketing and advertising that they completely ignore most of it.

Without boring you to death, I’d like to briefly explain how this works…

Our brains have several levels of consciousness. Delta, Theta, Alpha and Beta. Delta is the lowest of our brain wave frequencies and Beta is the fastest. It is commonly believed in the world of brain wave research that we are in all 4 states of consciousness simultaneously. But - and this is the important part - we only observe, or pay attention to one at a time.

For the sake of keeping this relevant to marketing your self storage facility, we’ll discuss the highest two frequencies - Alpha and Beta.

Most of us spend time observing the Alpha and Beta states throughout our lives. It is said that we spend most of our days in the Alpha state of mind. Since it is a lower frequency, I’ll call it a conscious sleep. We can function normally in this state and perform most of our daily actions. Think of it like a personal auto-pilot mechanism.

Have you ever driven to the office and - after you had arrived - thought, “I don’t remember driving to the office today”? At a more basic level, we do things like breathe and walk without actively thinking about performing those actions. This is because our brains are trained to do an amazing number of things without conscious thought!

What happens when a dog or a child runs out in front of your car when you’re in this state? You pay immediate, intense attention to taking a different action than what you’re accustomed to.

In short, when we are actively focusing on something and thinking, we are observing our Beta frequency. When we are doing things passively, like driving to work and watching television commercials we are allowing our Alpha state to take care of business for us.

Knowing that your potential customers are in Alpha most of the time, the challenge becomes snapping them out of Alpha and into Beta so they’ll listen to or read your advertisement with full attention.

Without doing this, you’re message will be likely be heard or seen, but if they’re not paying attention to it, it might as well fall on deaf ears or blind eyes!

So the first part of cracking the marketing code is called ATTENTION or INTERRUPT.

Getting a person’s full attention is done through another part of the brain called the Reticular Activation System (RAS).

In our next message, we’ll discuss the second part of the marketing code, which is gaining INTEREST or ENGAGING them into your ad. This is every bit as important as getting their attention in the first place. Because, after you’ve interrupted them, you only have a few seconds to keep their attention before they move on to their next interruption.

Copyright 2006 Derek Naylor

Derek M. Naylor is the President of Storage Marketing Solutions (SMS). SMS has created, and proven many turn-key marketing solutions for the self-storage industry. Additionally Derek has helped thousands of businesses increase their profits by helping them implement elite marketing strategies and tactics. For a complimentary marketing strategy session, call SMS at 800.941.4805 or visit http://www.storagemarketingsolutions.com.

Who else want to drive your website sales like crazy by following simple marketing strategies and tactics to promote your products?

If above sounds like you, then you should read on….

Often, we find it hard to market/sell your products to customers. There could be nothing wrong with our marketing strategies but we still don’t get the sales.

If you notice that alot of companies always give off free products and samples during promotions. You will ask yourself do giving off something free really works?

Everyone likes things that are free. Things that are given free are called freebies. If the things that you given to free to visitors to your website are useful and valuable, they become ‘goodies’.

Your visitors will come back to your website for more.

Freebies can be used as the the ‘virus’ to provide the viral marketing effect. When visitors come to your website, try to give something valuable and quality to them, i.e the goodies.

The objective here is to give them free good stuffs so that they will want more of them.

Together, there are 3 types of ‘goodies’ you can give for free:

Goodies #1 - Articles
Have articles on topic related to what you are selling given to free to visitors to your site or ezine directories. Your articles should include links that linked back to your website. If your article provide quality and valuable information that interest them, they will come back to sign up for your Opt-In list, or to purchase from you.

Goodies #2 - EBooks
Give eBooks to existing subscribers and people who signs up to your Opt-In list or newsletter. The eBooks can be bundled together with the things that you are selling or incentives for buying your products(see Bundled Bonuses).These eBooks should be on subjects that related and compliment your main subject. These will help them to ‘addicted’ for the subject and then you can come back to your website for more.

Goodies #3 - Bundled Bonuses
You can also bundled together other things (like softwares, eBooks and reports) with the things that you are selling.All these bonuses will have links pointing to your site, or have links in them that point to things you are promoting. You can use someone else goodies, i.e products from other people that you are given free or resell rights and free to redistribute, as bonuses to buying your products.You can use software available in the market to ‘rebrand’ them by inserting links that points to your website or products you are promoting or embedding a file that have information of your website and products.In this way, you will constantly reminds your visitors of your products and your site.

With all these in place, the next thing you ONLY need to do is to spread your ‘infectious’ goodies or drive traffic to where your visitors can get your free products and information. These can be done by again distributing your goodies through other people’s channels and networks like publishing your articles on some ezine directories or give your free eBooks or softwares in public domain.

Remember givers get! You need to give first before you can take your profits. Give your goodies as freebies to drive your sales crazy!

About the Author:

Jason Chew is an aspiring Internet Marketer and Entrepreneur.
Get the free $100K Report on how to bring in $100k a year in just 7 days NOW!

When parents and teachers say they are about to give up on their behavior modification system, it is often a straightforward matter of fine-tuning the rewards component.

Here are six questions to help you explore and improve your rewards:

1. Are the rewards you are currently using the best choices for your child? Who picked these rewards? Did your child have input? Or did you choose the rewards because you liked them? If you like the idea of the science center but your child would be thrilled with a bowling outing, which is the greater incentive to your child? Of course, introduce your child to the wonders of the science center, but not as a behavior motivator. The object of a reward is to give the child something that he will really want to strive for.

2.Are you keeping the reward a separate and very special event? If the reward for a behavior is a game of pinball, then your child plays pinball only when it has been earned according to your behavior change program and no other time. Just as an A+ is reserved for the best work, pinball games are reserved for the expected actions. If pinball is your incentive, don’t water down the reward by saying “You can play pinball if you are bored.” Find something else to overcome boredom.

3. Are you rewarding too frequently or too elaborately? When rewards come easy, the fun goes out of them. When rewards come too quick it takes the edge off the anticipation and actually tells your child you don’t expect too much. Give big, expensive rewards few and far between. Match the size of a reward to the difficulty of expectations and time it takes to earn them. Smaller rewards on a schedule where they can be earned more frequently, is best.

4. Is your child rewarded too scantily? Don’t let your child grind down in order to reach a reward. If the work is too hard for too long, your child may not even bother trying. One of the most heartbreaking scenarios in a classroom is when everyone is competing for the same thing but there is a huge span in the levels of ability. The kids left behind are usually the same kids over and over. When working with groups, vary the skills required to get to the rewards. Some kids just cannot do speed but given time, accuracy is where they shine. Make it fair and achievable for everyone.

5. Are you following through consistently? Kids are experts at knowing how they can dodge your expectations or get you to give up. If you find yourself saying, “It isn’t working!” chances are very good that you are uneven in following the specifications of your behavior change program.

6. Does your child understand exactly when and for what the rewards are earned? Go over with your child the specific actions and all the little steps in between that are expected in order to get a reward.

Final Tip: Get your child involved! Your child is your best partner in planning a well designed behavior change program.

Ellen Mossman-Glazer M.Ed. is a Life Skills Coach and Behavioral Specialist, specializing in Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties. Over her 20 years in special education classrooms and treatment settings, Ellen has seen the struggle that children and adults have when they feel they don’t fit in. She now works in private practice with people across the USA and Canada, by phone, teleconference groups and email, helping parents, educators, caregivers and their challenging loved ones, to find their own specific steps and tools to thrive. Ellen is the author of two on line e-zines, Emotion Matters: Tools and Tips for Working with Feelings and Social Skills: The Micro Steps. Subscribe for free and see more about Ellen at http://artofbehaviorchange.com/ You can take a free mini assessment which Ellen will reply to with your first action step.

Second mortgages are types of mortgage loans that are subsequent to the original mortgage. Many times, homeowners use these loans to acquire extra cash for home improvements, debt consolidation, and other hefty expenses. If you are considering a second mortgage loan, there are three things you should know before applying.

Loan Terms Vary

Second mortgages have varying terms. Some mortgage loans have terms that last for as long as 15 to 20 years, while other loans require payment in as little as one year. Shorter terms come with higher payments. When comparing second mortgages, make sure you choose payment terms that suit your financial situation. If you doubt your ability to repay, you may want to consider second mortgages that have longer terms.

Interest Rates Vary

Though many second mortgages come with fixed interest rates, adjustable rates may be available. The interest rates that accompany second mortgages depend heavily upon your credit status. If you have good credit, the rate will probably be low. If you have bad credit, the rate may be high. Either way, you should be able to qualify for a second mortgage. Second mortgages are generally easier to obtain than first mortgages, because you already own the home.

Lending Fees May Apply

Many lenders offering second mortgages charge a fee for lending you money. Though the fee is typically a percentage of the loan, the amount of the fee will vary depending upon the lender that you choose. When shopping for second mortgages, take time to compare lending fees. This is the only way to ensure you get a good deal. If the lending fee on your second mortgage loan seems high, you can try to bargain with the lender. Some lenders are willing to waive the fee. If that won’t work, you can try to find a lender who offers lower fees. Here is a list of recommended Second Mortgage Lenders online. It’s important to use a reputable lender online to make sure your personal information is secure.

I had my first book and my first baby in the same year. Not great planning, I know, but it just turned out that way. Now I’m nearing the two year mark and reflecting on what I’ve lost and what I’ve managed to get back after absorbing the inevitable changes that come from having a child. I’m back to my pre-pregnancy weight, that’s good. I’m exercising and practicing yoga again, that’s good. I’m writing again. Is that good? Well, yes and no. I’m writing, but not in the disciplined, habitual way I wrote before my life changed. Now I write in fits and starts, depending on when I can snatch some time to myself, which also depends on how well my son is sleeping at any given time. When I write this way, it’s harder to find my way back to what I was thinking, depending on how long it’s been since I last looked at the pages. I find this a painful way to work and now I realize I miss my writing habit most of all.

I realize, of course, that my habits can’t be the same. I am a mother now, after all. But I believe I can have my writing habit–it just has to be different now and I have to figure out what those differences need to be. Here are some of the things I’m doing to find my way back to my writing habit. If you’re having trouble developing a writing routine, perhaps these steps can help you find a way to yours.

Focus on One Project at a Time

If I’ve learned anything as a new mom, it’s this: multi-tasking is highly overrated! You may be able to physically do more than one thing at a time, but in one way or another, your work in one of the tasks will be affected negatively. I think this becomes more apparent when you near your overwhelm point. The tasks are manageable when your life is relatively quiet, but throw in a holiday, visiting relatives or an unexpected trip and suddenly you’re struggling with the weight of unfinished work that has begun to pile up.

Right now I have four writing projects underway and I’m starting to feel it’s way too many. My brain is pulled in too many directions. I know it’s time to clear the decks. Over the next few weeks I will be completing these projects, one at a time, so I can embark on a bigger project on which I will lavish my full attention. What can you complete or let go of in the coming weeks so you can focus on your writing?

Develop a Ritual

Rituals are those little acts of routine that signal your mind that it’s time to get to work. I used to have a little piece of paper and on it I had written something I had paraphrased from Annie Dillard’s The Writing Life. It said, “Write Sophfronia, write Sophfronia, write Sophfronia, write and do not waste time.” Whenever I went into my cubicle at The Writer’s Room in New York’s Greenwich Village, (where I did most of the work on my first novel), I would pin the paper onto the bulletin board in front of my desk. Then I would take out my materials and begin work.

Some writers light a candle. Some pray. Your ritual can be whatever you want it to be, whatever would most spark your engine. I’m going to look for some pictures of women who look like my characters. I’ll put them up in front of me or on my desk. They will tell me it’s time to work. What ritual can you create to move you to write?

Find Routes Already Traveled

Whenever I’m having a problem getting focused, I look to other artists to see how they dealt with the same issue. Why re-invent the wheel when someone else may have a solution already battle-tested? Right now I’m getting some much-needed support and inspiration from the book, “The Creative Habit” by choreographer Twyla Tharp. She’s all about developing a routine so she’s reinforcing my feeling that I need to get back to a disciplined writing habit. Because of her I know I’m not putting my energies in a fruitless direction. Where could you look to seek aid for your journey?

Can You Make a Commitment?

There’s a certain habit I have that I’ve never dropped: I wash my face and apply toner and moisturizer every morning and every night. I’ve done it for so many years I don’t even think about it. I do it because I know it’s good for my skin and long ago I made a commitment to doing it. I’ve heard author Wayne Dyer made a commitment to jogging every day. He does it even if he’s traveling–he’s been seen running up and down hotel hallways!

When I think of those kinds of commitments, I realize there’s a big piece missing in my work to regain my writing habit. I have yet to make a commitment to it. In the earlier incarnation of my habit, I used to schedule my work and turned down every invitation, appointment or distraction that would have conflicted with my writing schedule. I know I must make that decision to be that committed again. I will work all the steps I mentioned above, but I know it will come to nothing if I don’t make the decision.

What will it take for you to make a commitment to your work? What will it take for you to put it first, to make no excuses, to do it even when it seems like you can’t fit it in? Find that answer–it is somewhere within you–and you will find your writing habit.

© 2006 Sophfronia Scott

Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is “The Book Sistah” TM. Get her FREE REPORT, “The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published” and her FREE online writing and book publishing tips at http://www.TheBookSistah.com

The Book Sistah

230 South Main St.

Ste. 319

Newtown, CT 06470

203-426-2036
Info@TheBookSistah.com

http://www.TheBookSistah.com

The concept of residual income or passive income is probably one of the most important concepts you will ever learn in your lifetime.

I know. This is a pretty big statement.

Well, it’s a pretty powerful concept.

Anyone that can master the concept of residual income is on their way to a pretty comfortable lifestyle. Simply put, residual income occurs by building a system one time that can produce a recurring stream of revenue once the system is set up.

This income arrives on a regular basis. It can occur on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis. The frequency depends on the business system itself.

What’s so great about this is if you are willing to work hard and build a residual- based system in the initial phase, you can reap the benefits from this one-time labor for years to come. If you look around you, you will see examples of residual income all over.

For example, when you pay a internet service provider, web host, telephone bill, or cable TV bill; they are receiving a regular recurring income for providing their service to you. The valued members of a website provide the owner with a regular, recurring monthly income. In return, they are provided with valuable information.

Residual income is what you want. Unfortunately, there are many opportunities available that really do an injustice to this concept.

Seriously speaking. Doesn’t it make sense to make a recurring sale of a product rather than a one time sale?

Of course it does.

Yet so many people just don’t get it.

Master the concept of residual income and you’ll master your destiny.

Copyright 2005 Romel Wallace

Romel Wallace, Jr. is the founder of http://www.makeachange.com - “Make A Change by Associating with Programs that Really Work”. Subscribe to Make A Change Success Tips (MAC) at subscribe@makeachange.com to find out how.
You may freely distribute this article if left intact including this notice.

Loving your step-child can be both simple and hard. It is not enough for parents, step parents and extended family to feel a deep glow of love for the children in your circle of influence. You must convey that feeling into a message that is heard, felt and integrated by the child. Children need to be told both verbally and non-verbally how much they are valued for just being them.

As I interviewed children for my latest book Raise a Confident Child, I was struck by how many children thought their parent’s love was tied to their performance, character or behavior. As Jeremy told me “When ever I score at soccer, my dad really loves me.”

As I teach in parenting classes across the country, many people ask me what they can do to have stronger families and more harmony at home. My answer is in the non-verbal clues we give our children. Verbal communication is the language of information and much of that is spent in lecturing, teaching and correcting our children. No wonder they tune most of it out. Studies have shown we remember only 1020% of what we hear.

Non-verbal communication is the language of relationships and is remembered and believed 80-90% of the time. So even if you do tell your children you love them, do you show them how precious they are to you? Do your actions demonstrate that your love and acceptance is not conditional upon their school grades, soccer goals or manners at the table?

Below are 8 simple (note I did not say easy, because any positive change in behavior is hard, but the end result is well worth the effort) ways to express your love and appreciation to and for your child.

1. Play games together. From the earliest months of your baby’s life, it came natural to play peek-a-boo when changing a diaper, or airplane when trying to get food into your toddler’s mouth. As children get less dependent on us, we forget to play silly games to hold their attention. Bring out the board games and turn off the TV, or play tag in the backyard. Do not allow competition or winning become more important than just being together.

2. Read with or to them at least 20 minutes daily. Children, even a few months old are comforted and soothed by the sound and rhythm of your voice as you read to them. The most important sounds a child can hear come from his parents and care-givers. When you read to children, you share such an important message for them, that you value reading and learning. Snuggling up and reading every day before bedtime or while dinner is cooking should continue, even after the children can read by themselves. We found the best way to curtail arguments while the after-dinner chores were being done, was to read aloud. Good stories provide problem solving experiences and allow children to look at events in their own lives from a different perspective. Turn off the TV and turn on the imagination as you read together.

3. Start and end each day on a positive note. Remember to use body language to indicate approval. A hug, high five, pat on the back or smile says so much without saying anything verbal .It has been said that eyes are the windows of our souls. If that is indeed true, and I think it is, make sure your eyes always say “hello, I’m glad to see you and I am glad you are in my life.” Recognize when your child is helpful and cooperative. Many times we take it for granted when our children do their chores without being reminded, are pleasant to the family and write down messages. However, we only react, sometimes loudly and with negative body language, when the message wasn’t given, the chore wasn’t done quickly enough or the attitude is less than approachable.

4. Try complimenting them at least once a day. Think of it like a daily vitamin, they may not need the supplementation today, but then again they might. Don’t let a day go by without letting them know how much they are appreciated and loved. A wonderful ritual a blended family we know does is recite to children individually each night a list of all the people in their lives that love them. They end with saying, “You are such a blessed and lucky person, look how many people love and care about you.”

5. Truly listen to them. One of the most effective ways to show a child you love him or her is to pay attention when they are talking. Be empathic while accepting your child’s feelings and try to maintain eye contact while they are sharing with you. Children are often deeply upset over things that seem pretty trivial to adults. When we brush off or trivialize their concerns it feels like a rejection of him personally.

6. Have family meetings. It is good to remember a family is an organization. In fact, it is the basic organization of society. This is just one of the reasons I am such a proponent of family meetings. You wouldn’t think of running a successful business without a plan, goal setting meetings, team building sessions and clear missions and expectations. For more information on how to set up family meetings see www.ArtichokePress.com .

7. Develop love touches and signals. The safest touch your new baby has is you. Let him feel your cheek against his sweet little head; rub his legs and arms when you change his diaper. As children grow older, surround them with love in the form of hugs, kisses, holding hands when taking a walk or even winking at them when they look at you. Develop love signals for children as they begin to draw away from displays of affection in public. Perhaps your family gives high fives, touches thumbs, or squeezes each other’s hands quickly to show you are all on the same team.

8. Keep a list of reasons you admire them. Sometimes the very things that irritate us the most with children are the strengths they will need to succeed in life. We have to recognize that a stubborn child will turn into a tenacious adult, eventually.

9. Separate the deed from the doer. Remember it is the behavior that we find unacceptable not the child. There is a big difference between the two and when we are angry, we tend to lump them together. Just because John takes money from the dresser does not make him a thief. It makes him a boy who made a bad decision and needs to learn that it is not acceptable to take money or anything else from anyone without permission.

10. Don’t make it or take it personal. All families have squabbles and all children say they wish their parents and caregivers were more lenient, generous or understanding. We all try to do the best we can with what we have been given, but we are the adults and must make sure that no matter what the children have given or called us, that we give them guidance, love, discipline and respect. It is our obligation to set consistent boundaries and to assist them in growing into self-directed, contributing members of society.

So often we do what is called unconscious parenting, just getting through the day. It is not that we don’t love our family; it is just that the love sometimes gets lost in the translation through poor communications or unskillful methods. I would like to challenge you to be more conscious in the words and actions that affect the children in your circle of influence. Hopefully, you will find some techniques here that will assist you in your efforts.

You do the most important work in the world.

“I was a step-parent at the young age of 24 and would have appreciated the information contained within this article in relation to my role in my step-children’s lives. Thank you.”
-Mary M. Arthur

© Judy H. Wright

Parent educator and PBS “Ready to Learn” consultant, Judy H. Wright works with Head Start staff, child care resource centers, schools and parent organizations internationally. As a powerful and popular presenter for adults who work with children, Judy’s also authored over twenty books. For more information on books, clients and testimonials or to book Judy for your next event, call 1-877-842-3431 or go to www.ArtichokePress.com. She is a founding member of Montana Speakers Network and is a regional representative for National Association for Women Writers.

Most mobile oil change companies only have a few units in fact the average is said to be 2.2 and generally these units are either box trucks or panel vans. The typical mobile oil change business will change the oil in either 5.5 personal cars or 15 fleet vehicles per day. This seems to be about the average and it is enough to keep the companies in business. The most successful companies are in larger areas with industrial capacity where they can change the oil in many fleet vehicles on a regular basis.

For a successful mobile oil change business to expand they will need about 40 to 50 good solid fleet accounts. They should be about two-thirds of their business, which leaves only one-third for personal vehicles, which takes longer and are harder to do and generally the professional mobile oil change operator must do them one at a time. The average price for a mobile oil change on a passenger car is about $34 and that is up slightly in the last two years. Despite the high oil prices, mobile oil change businesses have really not raised the price that much for two reasons; one, you’re only talking about 6 quarts of oil and two, the competition for mobile oil change operators is getting thicker.

One problem that mean mobile oil change operators often find challenging is trying to keep their radius of operation small. Travel time in traffic costs labor and fuel. With gasoline diesel prices pushing three dollars per gallon the mobile oil change operator with a large radius of operation can spend all their profits putting fuel in their tanks. The routes need to be tight and close together to remain profitable. These are some considerations you might wish to think on if you are considering running a mobile oil change business of your own. Think on this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Just whisper the words “network marketing” and you’re bound to
get an emotional response from your listeners.

Many people are still saddled with antiquated ideas of how the
old multilevel companies were run in the 60’s and 70’s.
Remember? Those days when cars had to give way to products
stockpiled in your garage and family and friends were suddenly
afraid to visit you.

But the industry has grown past that caterpillar stage.

Added to this misconception is a common fear of failure. There
are many people who in their quest for a home-based business
opportunity try network marketing and fail at it. Without
questioning why, they have just avoided the industry ever since.
Having ’survived’ the industry for over 15 years I’ll like to
share with you my #1 secret for making it big … really BIG in
network marketing.

The secret is choosing a team with an experienced coach who will
teach, guide and motivate you towards success.

Of course there are other factors such as the financial backing
of the company, timing, the compensation plan and marketing a
consumable product. But if you are not properly trained and
motivated during those early months you are almost doomed to
failure.

Just think about it, every professional business person or
athlete has a coach. Why should it be different in network
marketing? I wouldn’t have survived as a network marketer if it
wasn’t for the gifted leaders that I was privileged to work under
and to learn from.

There are many business owners who will invest over $50,000 in a
franchise and still pay a business consultant a 5-figure retainer
for advice so that their business succeeds. In network
marketing, you can start your business for less than $500 and
literally choose the coach or leader who will train you for FREE!
Of course this will involve doing a little background check on
the team leader you choose to work with but it’s time well spent.

Here are a few pointers that will help you when seeking out the
‘correct’ coach:

1. Make sure that he or she has a proven track record.

Just as the cream always floats to the top of the milk so a
gifted leader will also prove his or her worth in the results
produced. Generally speaking, you will not rise higher than your
leader, so know how high you want to reach and find a coach who
can get you there.

2. Go with someone who has been in the industry for many years.

Gaze up into the night sky and you’ll see an occasional shooting
star. It burns bright and then disappears. This may be exciting
to watch but only for a short moment. You want a leader who will
be like the northern starbright and steady. Those who are
successful network marketers are people who stay for the long
haul. Many people give up too quickly and never reap the
harvest.

You want to choose a leader who have experienced some bumps in
the road and can now be selective in choosing a company that is
most likely to remain out of the MLM graveyard.

3. Find someone who knows how to market.

Network marketing is just that: marketing through networking. An
essential part of the equation therefore is the effective
marketing of your business. Marketing can eat up a small budget
very quickly. Therefore, you must know what works from what
doesn’t work so that you can use your advertising dollars most
effectively. The name of the game is maximum returns for your
money. I mean, that is the whole idea behind network
marketingleverage. This translates into small effort and great
gain.

Find someone who knows how to use the tools of the trade such as
teleconferencing, voicemail, direct mail, the internet and
broadcast media. This is a business so you have to treat it like
one.

4. Find a leader who studies the industry.

Anyone who claims to be a professional will subscribe to
magazines in his area of expertise, attend seminars to keep
abreast of what’s happening and keep his pulse on the industry.
This is the only way that trends can be determined and what is
working for the competition be uncovered. To simply concentrate
on your own company and be blinded to what others are doing is
narrow and myopic.

There are a lot of lessons to be learned from other network
marketers that can be incorporated into one’s own business.

5. Look for a leader who has people skills.

There is no escaping it. Even with all the new technology at our
fingertips, network marketing is a people business. If a leader
doesn’t love people then it will show and recruits will know.
Network marketing could qualify as part of the hospitality sector
because so much of its success depends on empowering and
affirming people.

So find a leader who will be respectful of your value as a person
and not just as another number to add to his downline.

The right opportunity and company may be the vehicle to your
success but an effective coach is like high-octane gas in the
tank!

2005 Copyright (c) Greg Aldrich

Greg Aldrich is a successful network marketer. He
attributes his success to his concern for the success
of others. He is one of the first fifty distributors
in a brand new opportunity poised to be the next
industry giant. Visit http://www.top-network-marketing.com

One of the biggest needs in ANY home business is prospects. Without having prospects to talk to, you really don’t have a business. Here are a few tips on getting more prospects for your home business and turning them into new business partners.

1. Always SMILE whenever you are talking on the phone.

This usually sounds pretty silly to a lot of people, but if you could hear the difference in your voice when you smile and don’t smile, you’d be stunned. People who are on the phone with you can always tell if you are smiling or not. If you have a problem with remembering to smile, tape a note to your phone telling you to smile. This tip alone can make a big difference in the success of your home business.

2. Whenever you talk to a new prospect for the first time, ask yourself if this is someone you would really want to be spending your time with?

Remember, this is YOUR home business, you can work with anyone you want. On the flip side, you can also choose NOT to work with anyone you want. Don’t feel tied down to everyone you talk to. When you’re talking with a prospect and you don’t feel they fit your home business, then politely stop the call and move on to someone new.

3. Always be enthusiastic!

When you’re enthusiastic it becomes highly contagious. Be sure your prospect hears and feels your enthusiasm over the phone. Enthusiasm is really a magnet. People are naturally attracted to others who are excited. Everyone wants to be a part of something that is fun and someone who is having fun. They will want to be a part of your home business.

4. Quit chasing after prospects who are not interested or keep missing appointments.

Wasting your time chasing after prospects who constantly miss follow up appointments is useless to your home business. You can be understanding of a prospect who misses the first appointment, but after that, you should just move on. Face it, they are not really interested in you or your business and your time is better spent than chasing after them. Instead, use that time to find people who really are looking for what you have.

5. Keep rehearsing your script until it becomes second nature.

Practice your phone techniques until they become second nature and it sounds like a normal phone conversation. Practice with a friend and have fun with it. Before long it will become second nature to you and your home business will begin to thrive.

6. Phone 10 more leads than you did the day before.

Challenge yourself by making 10 more calls today than you did yesterday. Do this and you will be amazed at how your business will suddenly begin taking off.

7. Always do 3-way calls with someone in your upline support team.

Be sure you take advantage of 3-way calls. A prospect that hears from someone else they don’t know, adds even more credibility to your home business.

8. Do something in your home business every day.

Keep active in your home business every day. Write down your prospecting thoughts and plans. Write out the times you’ll make calls, give out business cards, etc. Plan out your work then work out your plan.

9. Always do twice as much listening as you do talking.

I can’t stress this point enough. I’m sure you’ve heard it said , God gave us two ears and one mouth for a good reason. There is a great deal of wisdom in that old saying.

Make sure you take the time to really listen to what your prospect is saying. Never be so intent on telling your prospect your story that you lose track of what your prospect is trying to tell you. Take the time to listen what they want and then see if what your home business offers is a match for what they are looking for.

10. Do not quit!

Rejection is going to happen in your home business. There are going to be folks who do not want what you have. Don’t take it too personally. For example:

When you are eating in a diner and your waitress asks if you want more tea, there are times when you do and times when you don’t. The waitress isn’t concerned if you say no thanks. She won’t run off crying throwing a fit because you didn’t want more coffee. She certainly isn’t going to quit because of it.

Never let the problems or rejections that come up in your home business make you quit. Focus on your plans and dreams for your future. Don’t stop.

By applying these tips in your day-to-day prospecting activities, you’ll begin to experience more success in your home business. Above all else, have fun with it!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Home Business