This has been a fun week!

This week has been interesting. I usually have many different things to do. Between my office, home, my wife and kids I usually am very busy. I make sure that I spend time reviewing audio files on my MP3 player. I feel it is important to always learn something new, or at the very least reinforce what I already know. It is a great source of self motivation. The more I hear about my different businesses the more motivated I become to implement ideas that will continue my success. This week, however was a bit different...

A full week of baseball to be precise.. I am not talking about Major League Baseball. I am talking about Little League. From my office I found myself going to the baseball fields. My 11 year old son's team played in a tournament this week. I am one of the assistant coaches. We actually did very well, losing 4-2 in the semi-final game. There were 12 teams in the tournament from various towns. So, to finish 3rd overall was a good showing. It was a valuable experience for the boys, since in the fall league is used as an instructional league. Kids get to play in positions they may have not played before. To have the chance to perform under the pressure of a tournament gives them a chance to see how they have learned their lessons over the last two months.

Of course, I try to learn from the experience as well. The games, especially the last one, opened my eyes to basics concept for success. You see, during our last game we had a number of opportunities to score runs; a chance to put more pressure on the opponent. However, due to a few forgotten fundamentals, and more importantly a few incidents in which players didn't listen to their base coaches, we ran ourselves out of a few scoring chances. These lost opportunities cost us the game.

Think about your approach to business. Do you follow the rules, listen to those who have more knowledge than you, and give an honest, consistent effort? Do you put yourself in the best position to be successful. Learn from the little leaguers...Listen to your coaches and mentors. Don't try to re-invent the wheel. Follow the rules and enjoy the success it will bring. Until next time...

Has Today Been Productive For You?

To pick up on my last entry, what have you done to elevate your life in the last few days? Have you learned anything new to better your family life, spiritual life, or business life? How about physical activities?

My point is that each day you should have a goal to do something that is going to better some aspect of your life. I used to be a type AAA personality. I know, it is called "type A". Well, I was AAA. When I was in school I was called Dr. Adrenal because I was always hyper about something. It was usually something positive, but I always had to do something in a big way, and it had to be "right now".

Well, over the years I still am Type a, but not as intense as the lower case "a" would indicate. Make a commitment to do something beneficial every day. For example, if you work out today and get some good physical exercise for your body that is a great accomplishment. Equally as good would be to have 15-20 minutes of quiet time to refresh your mind and soul. Perhaps you took your son or daughter for an ice cream cone and had a few laughs. Perfect. Just what the doctor ordered.

As it relates to your business, you could do some of the following...Work on creating your website (a great link to create a professional looking website is found in this blog under the picture of my daughter and her favorite horse), or start a blog like this one on a topic you enjoy. Maybe you could call some of your leads to help grow your business, or touch base with a business associate to see how he is doing. The ideas are endless.

One thing is for sure...if you can successfully do something positive in at least one aspect of your life each day, you will look at yourself as a success and go to sleep with a smile on your face, looking forward to the challenges of tomorrow... Until next time..

What is Your Typical Day Like? Are You Too Busy?

As you see by the photos on this blog (more to come), you will quickly get a feel of how busy I am. Yet, why is it that many people say they are too busy to take part in your business? Maybe it is simply an excuse or a polite way to say no. What I have found is the most successful people have the most amount of things going on. However, they become masters of using their time wisely.

For example, let's look at my day, today. By the way, it is only 2pm. First thing in the morning, I did some spiritual reading. This reading could also be motivational reading, whatever your choice. But each one of us needs to fill our minds with something positive to get our day started correctly. Next, after a very light breakfast, I went to the gym to work out. While I don't work out every single day, as a physician I can attest to the necessity of physical activites that are NOT work related. Afterwards, I mapped out my goals for the rest of the day. Optimally, this should be listed on paper. However, at the very least you should have a very good idea of what you want to accomplish in your mind, AND in the order it needs to be done to be efficient.

Let's continue. On the way to the office, I made a few business phone calls, and also listened to a "how to " Cd. You can also substitute a motivational cd or something that will assist you in thinking properly. Look at all the time you spend driving. Your drive time could literally be a university on wheels if you decide to use the time wisely.

Once at the office, I did some paperwork and was also able to listen to a training session of ideas on how to help continue my success in my various businesses. And to finish the early part of the afternoon, I am writing this blog. Of course, this does not even include the patients I treat today. You might be saying, no way, that is impossible...Not really. With a wife and four children and all the activities that a dad does you become an expert at time management, as well as determining what are the most important things to do at a given moment. There are plenty of times in which I want to do something business orientated, but instead help my eleven year old with his grip on his fastball. Or, my 10 year old wants me to read to her. Or maybe, simply needs a hug. Perhaps my wife needs help with something in the home, or needs to talk with me.

The point is we are all very busy in our lives. Family, work, social, spiritual...you name it. Get better at time management and watch your business and the quality of your personal life explode!

What will you do today? until next time...

"Are You Tired Of Paying For Leads That Simply Don't Work?"

When was the last time you purchased leads from an online company that claimed the leads were the best, most current, can't miss leads you could possibly imagine? Only to find out that either the lead's phone number was disconnected, the email was returned as undeliverable, or the prospect told you that you are the third person who has called. This is actually not as farfetched as is sounds. In fact, I would venture to say that this scenario is more common than we would like to admit.
Let's face it, one of the main negatives in the network marketing field is having to approach people. Yes, that is right. We actually have to talk to people. Rejection is not something any of us like. However, for those who are wanting to be successful in this industry it something we all have to face.
With the help of our business partners, we go through our list of warm market prospects. Some join, some don't. At some point our list runs out. Now what should we do?
Typically, someone in our upline will recommend that we purchase leads from a lead generation company. Going on line is an interesting experience because of all the claims made by each company. Let's understand something here...in many cases it cost lead generation companies quite a few dollars per lead to accrue what they consider large numbers of high quality leads. So, let me ask you the question... How can the lead company sell you a lead for $1.50-$4.00 per lead and generate a profit? Simple, they must sell to multiple customers. And even if the company states that they will only sell the lead to one person in one particular MLM, there is nothing that prevents them from selling to other opportunity seekers.
To avoid this situation, you have the option of generating your own leads. While it may tend to seem difficult to do, with a little effort and the proper training, the reward for generating your own leads are wonderful. Not only is it great to know that the lead is your own personal lead, but isn't it great to know that the lead contacted you! If you are serious about building your network marketing business, this system is a must.
Visit The Web Resources Below To Learn More!
Dr Santoro is a professional internet marketer. "Do You Want To Learn More About A System That Will Generate Profits For Your MLM business, Even If No One Joins Your Business? And What IF That Same System Paid For Your Advertising To Generate Endless Red-Hot Targeted Leads?"
http://www.criticaltraining4mlmprofit.info/
http://www.blogging4success.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Alfred_Santoro

Lead Generation:To Buy or Not to Buy

This is a question that comes up quite frequently. The normal sequence of events would be something like the following...A new business associate enters your business seeing the value of your products or services and has a compelling reason to want to produce additional income. This business associate, with your help, contacts people he knows. The business model is discussed including the details of what has to be done in order to grow the business. All is going well. As in most network marketing businesses, a percentage of those people who have an interest in hearing about the business get started. At some point in the very near future, your new business associate is going to run out of people in his warm market, people he knows.



What should he do. The easy answer is to purchase leads from one of the many lead generation companies. Not only will this add to the cost of running his business from an overhead standpoint, but it will inevitably cause your associate stess. Why? I can tell you from personal experience that leads from lead generation companies are not necessarily leads who will be joining your business. How many times I have called a lead only to find out that the phone number was disconnected, the email was returned undeliverable, or the prospect informed me that I was the 3rd or 4th person contacting him about a business opportunity.



Let's think about this for a moment. Companies are scouring the world for copious amounts of leads in order to sell them to you and I. The cost of this type of lead generation can be expensive for these companies. So, in order to turn a profit, they must sell these leads to mulitiple business owners. You may notice that many of the lead generation companies will tell you, in the fine print, that the leads are not sold only to you. Some companies may state that they will only sell the lead to one person in one particular network marketing company. Great, what is the benefit of having the person you are calling having already received 3 calls from three different companies pitching their benefits. It is a waste of money and time.



If you have an interest in procurring your own leads, then you have to have a way of generating leads that are yours and your alone. A system must be used. One that has been thought out in great detail. These systems don't have to be expensive in order to get great results. However, if you want to get an edge over a high percentage of people in this industry you must do things differently. Ask yourself if you are really looking to jump start your network marketing business. Do you want to take more control over who you talk to. In fact, wouldn't it be great if leads were calling YOU, rather than the other way around... Take a look at a significant alternative to generalized lead generation. It only takes one simple click to find out if this is right for you. Scroll to the bottom of my blog to find a convenient link to use. Until next time...

"The Winning Formula for MLM Success"

The winning formula for success. Everyone wants to know it. Unfortunately, most of us make it too complicated. Ask yourself this question...are your activities being done to help you and you alone? Or, will your activities be helpful to those in your organization? Be careful, it is very easy to fool yourself on this one.

How many times over the years have you heard someone in the industry say they would not deal with a particular person because they refused to join their business, or worse yet, they quit the business. Why is it that everyone has to be in your organization in order to not be considered a fool?

Everyone has different attitudes and different needs at certain times of their lives. Perhaps a particular business partner is too stressed out or needs additional income over and above what he is making in his network marketing business. Perhaps he simply needs to have the comfort of a paycheck. Maybe this person's spouse needs this "safety net" as well. So be it. You will have many times in your career when a person you are sure would be great in the business says, no thank you. If you are gracious with them in that situation you may be pleasantly surprised months or years later. I have had situations just like that in my career. These people become major producers because they have decided that the business was right for them ON THEIR TERMS.

That is what I meant earlier when I asked the question...are your activities being done for you or for others? When you are congruent with others, when you are in synch with others you will find that your activities will not only be productive but the activities will be beneficial for your whole team. Do things from the heart... The old adage, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, is so true especially in the network marketing field. Stop the attitude. If someone wants what you have great, if not, great. One of my mentors once told me it is impossible to push a rope. I didn't get it for a long time. Finally, I understood that if I gently helped people along, pulling them along to the degree that they felt comfortable, great productivity ensued. If I had attempted to push them into doing things, it would just be like pushing a rope..Nothing happens!

Think about these concepts the next time you are working with someone. You will find if you are doing what is best for everyone, your results will give you great joy as well as financial success. Until next time...

"Which Products and Services Work Best in Network Marketing?"

I get asked this question all of the time. Let me ask you this...if you had $50 left in your wallet at the end of the month what would you pay...$50 worth of cosmetics, $50 worth of nutritional supplements, or $50 towards your cell phone bill or telephone service. If you are like most people you will pay your phone bill.. Why? Because we all have to communicate. Business doesn't get done unless you can talk to clients or customers. Understanding this fact will make a difference in what company you choose. You increase your opportunity for succsss by choosing a company that offers products or services that are necessity items.

In network marketing, the feedback I have received is people do not like autoship. For those who don't know what this is....Every month your company will ship to you products that you have pre ordered. The fees for those products will be charged to your credit card automatically. What happens if you don't need the products yet? Doesn't matter, in order to qualify for your monthly bonus, you must purchase x amount each and every month. At least that is how some network marketing companies operate.

I used to be involved in a number of these companies in the past. I quickly realized that the attrition rate of associates was at a high level because people simply did not want to overpay for products that they not only didn't want yet, but did not want to overpay for as well. After all, how is the upline going to get paid? Wouldn't you agree that it is hard to rationalize paying $5 for that "great" bar of soap when you can go to Walmart and buy 4 bars for a buck!

The best network marketing companies have addressed this subject strategically. First off, they offer services that each and every person ,whether in the business or not, can benefit from. For example... if you can save someone money on their telephone bill I am sure you will agree that this is a benefit for them. It is also obvious that the person will be paying that bill every single month. So, instead of autoshipping products to them, they are actually on an "autoship" program of service that they want and will pay for each and every month with no ill feelings. That is the type of programs I search for and have found. I am sure that there companies out there that offer this type of marketing strategy. I urge you to do your research and look for these types of recurring services that are offered to give yourself the best possible chance for success entering into the world of network marketing. Until next time...

"Which Business Works Best?"

In reality, there are only a few choices. As Robert Kiyosaki states in his book, "Cash Flow Quadrant", there are only four real choices...be an employee, own a business in which you run the show, own a business system that gives you leverage so that you make additional income off of other people's efforts, or be an investor of your own money. Most people do not have the knowledge or the bank account to succeed in the last quadrant. So, we won't discuss that arena.

The majority of people in this world live and die in the first quadrant. They work for a paycheck and benefits. Nothing wrong with that if you are happy having someone else tell you how much you will make and when you can take a day off.

The second quadrant, owning your own business, has its benefits as well. I have been in this quadrant for many years, running a practice. As a physician I have the ability to make a very good living. However, if I am not in my office treating patients, I do not earn income that day. Here is a case in point.

A while back I had a terrible injury to my right hand. It made practicing very difficult, and affected my ability to make a living. I knew, at that point, that I needed a Plan B or a safety net. I wasn't going to give up my practice, because I love what I do. However, I knew that an injury could happen at any time. I had to protect my family.

This is where the third quadrant comes into play. In today's world there are so many business opportunities out there. Everyone is touting their business as the best. In reality, I am happy they do so. Why would someone be in a business unless they thought it WAS the best? But here is where fact meets fiction. There are very specific issues that MUST be addressed when considering a business that gives you leverage. As the days and weeks continue I will be highlighting these issues to help you understand the thought process that makes a leveraged business work and give you my recommendations for businesses for you to consider.

Let me give you an example of a leveraged position that has caused some of my friends hardship... Let's say you are a real estate broker. For this example let's NOT bring the lousy real estate market into the equation for this discussion. As a broker you hire other real estate agents. You train them intensely, giving them all the tricks of the trade that you have learned over the years. They do well for you. This is a leveraged position. You are making income off of THEIR efforts as well as your own. Suddenly, they decide to leave your office and open up their own real estate office down the street. Not only have you lost leverage on your agent, but you have actually trained your competition!

To benefit from a true leveraged position you must be able to earn a percentage of your "agents" income without the risk of their efforts negatively affecting you in the future. For the past decade, network marketing has been taught at the Harvard Business School as a viable business model that works. The trick is considering the various options that a particular company gives you. For example, what product or service are they offering. Is is a product or service that is not only in demand, but is used unconsciously by the masses? What is the track record of the company? Is it finanically stable? What are the credentials of the CEO? Has he had successful experiences in the same field as the business you are considering? Does the company pay ALL people in the business a fair fee for their work? What about the back end...is their residual payment schedule one in which you can actually achieve? We will discuss these issues and more in future posts. Until next time...

"Why Did Your Business Fail?"

Not a great thought! But perhaps a more appropriate question would be...why was your business not as successful as you wanted it to be? That my friends, is the more important question. Self evaluation can be difficult at first. However, if you look closely at all aspects of your business.. attitude, planning, products and services offered, action steps, and follow through, you will find the reasons for your success level. For argument sake, let us assume you had a good attitude and performed the proper planning and implementation of that plan. If your level of success did not meet your expectations perhaps the product or service you offered was not in demand. Does your product appeal to the masses or to a specific niche? Is it a service that must be purchased on a constant renewable basis or is it a one time purchase. The most successful businesses are those businesses that have products or services that appeal to the masses and must be utilized unconsciously over and over again. If your product or service does not meet this strict criteria you have severely limited your ability to succeed over the long term. I have found a way to increase my success in a non-stressful, pressure free environment. Does that interest you? Until next time...

Success IS attainable!

For a long time I have wanted to have a forum in which I could share my concerns, aspirations, and experiences with others. A way to help others feel comfortable in attaining their goals, just like I have. In many ways, success is "all in your head". How many times have you been told this fact. In truth, whether you realize it or not, the beginning of success starts in your thoughts. What is success for you? Success for one person can be an absolute failure for another. So, carefully define your vision for your success. Once done, you have your target. A target which is reachable if you decide to back up your thoughts with action. A man much greater than I once said...."there are no unrealistic goals, only unrealistic time frames". Ponder this thought. Are you willing to be crystal clear in defining your goals? Are you willing to formulate the action steps necessary to reach those goals? And most importantly, do you have a realistic time frame to reach your goals? ...Until next time...