Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The State of Your Life and the World Today

Sitting in Tampa and not really feeling like I live in Florida today. The weather is dreary with overcast skies and the rain falling in a steady drizzle. The best part of the whole day is that our good friend Charlotte is here for a few days from Atlanta and we are spending some quality time together.

I know there are a ton of people out there losing their jobs, savings, homes and a host of other things including their drive to make something happen in their lives. All you ever see on the stupid TV and newspapers are how bad the world is getting today and unemployment is reaching epidemic proportions.

I am almost to the point that I won't watch the news or read anything other than Parade magazine or the comics...yes, I still read them for the brief respite from everyday BS and all of the negativity around me. You really need to have a handle on your attitude or all the crap going on will drive you crazy.

I am a firm believer that for all of us to get through this time in the world, we are going to have to get out of our comfort zone and explore other options in our lives. I always keep telling myself, my wife and all of our friends that our days of the W-2 are over and it is a 1099 world now.

When you look at working for a big corporation please keep this one thing in mind. We had a good friend that was a year away from retiring, their company downsized and they were laid off from a job of over 28 years just before the golden retirement party. They still got something but not nearly what they deserved.

When you work for those corporations they they will control your life. People get laid off and the corporations look to the surviving people to do more but for the same (or less) pay. The have your back against the wall because people are terrified of losing their employment and will not say anything to "Rock The Boat".

I don't understand how people can let something have so much control over their lives. I fully understand that we all need some sort of income in order to pay our bills and lead a good life. I am just saying that you need to possibly look at being in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

There are so many good opportunities out there today but please beware...there are a ton of scams as well. When the economy gets this way then the freaking bottom feeders (I call them scumbags) come out to prey on the helpless and downtrodden.

These idiots are a pitiful excuse for people and in my opinion a waste of space and air so I put them in the same classification as palmetto bugs in Florida. I am a firm believer that those type of people will get theirs in the end...not sure what it will be but it is waiting on them. I take pride in what I do and sleep very well every night.

Look around and keep your eyes open because your life changing opportunity is just around the corner waiting on you. Maybe you aren't sure what it is, even if you are looking straight at it. It may be disguised as something you aren't even interested in, but please explore all your opportunities before making a decision about anything.

Get out of that comfort zone and open your eyes to all of the possibilities around you today. It is in times of economic hardship that millionaires are created because they can see the possibilities all around them. Don't be afraid to take a leap of faith and have the confidence in yourself to get it done because nothing in your life will change until you are willing to change it.

If you are afraid or unsure of things then just back up, regroup and look again. If you don't do it today the world is not going to stop turning, the sun will still shine and the moon will be just as pretty as ever. When you find the company that you like and they will give you what you need, then take that leap of faith and never look back.

Make sure you don't decide against anything because you don't totally understand it either. People should never turn their back on something they don't understand...that will be a HUGE mistake. If anything is that complicated then you should walk away from it very fast, because no one else will understand it either.

Another big thing you need to remember as well. Anything cheap will always give you cheap results as well. You have to spend money (not a lot) to make any money. NOTHING is free in this world so if you think it is, then get back on your spaceship and go back to your home planet to sell them on your FREE ideas because that stuff isn't happening here.

Success or failure starts in your head so control what the gray matter does and thinks of. If you think you can then you will...if you don't think you can then you won't. I am certain that has been said before sometime...as in countless times. So funny but it still holds true to this day.

So get off the couch, recliner, floor, bed or whatever and go out and make a difference in your life as well as others. It is ALL up to you and no one else is going to do it for you so just get going. Beware of all the scams that mention autopilot as well...no one earns money on autopilot. After you have been with a company for a few years it will get easier though because of leverage.

Always keep learning with your opportunity and never stop growing. Read and absorb everything you can to put the gray matter to work with something besides all of the negative BS in the world today. Here is another one...if you keep doing what you have always done then you will get what you have always gotten.

If you need some help or advice then get in touch with me, I am easy to find because I don't hide behind a PO box or a fake persona. My name is Don and my cell number is 813-842-6131 and you can actually pick up the phone and give me a call. I don't have all of the answers but I sure have more than a lot of the other so-called guru's.

So just get out there, do it and quit making excuses. Life goes by very fast so please make the most of it because someday it it will be out of your reach. Don't let life control you, you control your life because that is the only way to live life. Get in control, stay there and the rest of the world will be yours for the taking.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Do Not Turn Your Back on Something Not Understood

It amazes me the people that turn their backs on something they don’t understand or know nothing about. People will make a decision about something before they get all of the facts or information. They will say to themselves…this won’t work, this can’t work, this will not work or I can’t do this.

Have you then just wanted to scream and kick yourself repeatedly for not at least taking the time to research it and get all of the facts? Did you make the decision to not have a look because of your own choosing, or the input of family and friends? Are you the type of person that can’t make a decision without all of the input from everyone else?

Many opportunities have been lost or cast aside because of people pre-judging whatever is put before them. If this is the way that you approach things then you may be making one of the biggest mistakes in your life. Have you ever said “NO” to something and then find out later what a great deal or opportunity it turned out to be?

Case in point…I used to be a “Used Car Salesman” and this older fellow walked on our car lot carrying a paper bag and no one wanted to wait on him because he looked very unkempt and everyone said he was a zoo-bag (car salesman lingo) and was a waste of time. I was new so I waited on him and guess what…the bag was full of cash. He bought a new car; I made a big commission and learned a huge lesson that day.

“Do Not Pre-Judge or Pre-Qualify Anyone or Anything Until You Get All The Facts”

I also know a lot of people that suffer from this disease called “Analysis Paralysis” which is one of the most absurd things around today. When you finally agree to take a look at something and see the possibilities you then go into the analysis stage, never get any further with it, never make a decision and it passes right before your eyes.

I understand that research has to be done and all of your questions need to be answered but give me a break…how long should this step take? I am sure you have heard that timing is critical for an opportunity as well. If you take weeks or months to make a decision then you are missing out on a lot of opportunities to go to the next level.

When something is put before you take the time to learn about it and make your own decisions about it. Don’t depend on family and friends to do the research and help you make any decisions on what you should be doing. If they think it won’t work then you can be sure of one thing…this is what they will tell you and that is what will happen!

How do you think your life would be today if you had gotten involved with Microsoft, AOL, Yahoo, Twitter or any of the other huge companies out there? They all started with an idea and a plan of action, they all started from nothing and now they are all worth millions or billions of dollars. How would your life be different?

The point I am trying to make is this. There are companies out there today that are poised for massive success and ready to take the market and the world by storm. When you see one with the possibilities to do this then you should be ready to take action ASAP and stake your claim to them because they will wait on no one.

When you find something that is on the forefront of technology, has a plan in place, has the systems in place, the “Answer” you have been looking for and the “Solution” you have always wanted, don’t wait. Do not turn your back on something you don’t understand because you will be making the biggest mistake of your life.

Don Egnor
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com

What Do You Say To Prospects?

Have you ever had these questions or concerns...?

"How do I get my prospects to see the big picture like I do?"

"What do you tell people when they say they don't want to sell?"

What is your response when asked in a fearful or quippy tone, "Is this one of
those pyramid deals?"

One of the hardest lessons everyone must learn when it comes to sponsoring is the willingness to "just say no."

I want you to read those questions again and notice what each of them have in common...

Do you see it?

In every case, a hard working net worker is unwilling to let go of a bad prospect.

Please let this sink in... Sponsoring someone is NOT your goal here but sponsoring the right person is.

The "right" person has a deep desire to start a home business and already sees the big picture. The "right" person knows exactly what a networking business is because they've been doing their homework at the local book store for months or investigating online.

The "right person" does not have ridiculous pre-requisites for owning a business like "I don't want to sell." The "right" person knows that it takes money to make money. The "right" person doesn't whine, complain, or make excuses.

So here's what I say when any of those questions arise...

"How do I get my prospects to see the big picture like I do?"

You can't get your prospects to do anything, nor would you want to. The desire MUST already be in place and it cannot be injected into them by you or anyone else.

It can only come from within that person.

Answer: "Thanks for your time John, but I don't think this is right for you."

"What do you tell people when they say that they don't want to sell?"

Again, trying to sponsor a person who asks a question like this is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

They're obviously not right for this business. Let them go.

Answer: "Thanks for your time John, but I don't think this is right for you."

What is your response when asked in a fearful quippy tone, "Is this one of those pyramid deals?"

This is someone who would "like" to make money from home, but they have no real intention of doing so at all. If they did, they would have done enough research by now to know the difference between a networking business and a "pyramid."

By now you already know my answer and here's my point...

You don't answer questions like these because the answer is irrelevant. These aren't the people you're looking for so let them go.

Staying emotionally attached to the outcome with prospects like this will doom your business.

It leads to frustration, doubt, and confusion... All of which is unnecessary.

I started sponsoring people at will when I finally became willing to let them go... When I became "willing" to sponsoring someone, instead of "needing" to... When I held all the power in the interaction instead of my prospect.

I know that "letting go" of your prospects in order to sponsor more of them might seem backwards, but it makes perfect sense once you understand the psychology of attraction.

Your foundation of attraction is based on the level of value you have to offer others.

Coming across as needy or desperate in anyway is like holding up a sign in front of your prospect that says, "I have NO value!"

So it becomes very important that you demonstrate your ability and willingness to "let your prospects go".

Successful Partners don't" need" to sponsor more people. They don't "need" to return phone calls, or constantly chase down prospects.

And once a prospect realizes that about you, is the moment they'll feel a strong desire to work with you.

I hope this gives you a better insight into the sponsoring process. We're looking for the people that are truly looking for us.

Success Is A Choice, Make It Happen, See you at the TOP!!

Don Egnor
813-842-6131
FFE - The Mastermind Group
donegnor@aol.com

Sunday, May 31, 2009

The Best Network Marketing Secret - Revealed

Although many people scoff at network marketing as a pyramid scheme, it is one of the best business models available to entrepreneurs today. The problem is that most people who start out in the business don't know how to market properly and/or they expect unrealistic results "right away" with little to no effort on their part. Therefore, they quit and go back to their job telling everyone around them "what a scam network marketing is," just to justify their own failure.

Why Most Network Marketing Prospects Fail

96% of people who enter into network marketing ultimately fail. That's right, only four percent actually succeed and stick with it.

Why is this? This network marketing virus is caused by business leaders who place ads that have phrases in them like, "It's easy, anyone can do it," "make thousands from your own home in three weeks," "100k in six months, guaranteed," etc.

Network marketers place these ads because they want their marketing to produce the most calls and leads. Yes these ads do pull a lot of calls, however they are the wrong type of people at the other end of the phone.

People who respond to these ads do not have what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur. They are looking for the next get rich quick scheme to give them monumental success in a very short period of time without really learning the business and applying themselves.

These prospects may seem really eager and determined at first, but that will quickly fade as they realize that network marketing is no joke. Most prospects come in with such high emotions that they get crushed and depressed when things don't work out for the short term.

To be the best in network marketing you need to be calm and collected no matter what happens with your business. Otherwise you will be an emotional roller coaster as the ups and downs of this business will ride you into insanity.

What the Best Network Marketing Gurus Know

Ever wonder why only such a small percentage of the network marketing population makes over six figures a year? It is because they know a few things others don't. If you want to become wealthy you need to know what it takes to be the best:

* Clear, specific goals
* Persistence
* An unwavering belief that you will succeed
* Dedication (time and resources)
* Willingness to learn
* Positive Thinking
* Excellent marketing and business strategies

The Best Network Marketing Secret

If you want to learn the best network marketing business building technique you need to first understand why someone would be attracted to join your opportunity. I know it may be hard to believe, (because of the generic training tapes your company gave you about how great their product is) but people do not join your organization for the opportunity or the product.

There are a ton of network marketing opportunities and products that are all great and offer many advantages and benefits, so why bore prospects with the same crap everyone else is. Remember you are going after quality when you are looking for prospects, not quantity. So only market to people who already understand the network marketing model and believe in it.

Put yourself in their shoes. If they already understand the network marketing business model wouldn't they be looking for the best opportunity that offered them something more than an up-line who wants to make money off of them? This is the secret - you need to offer them an opportunity to join the best team in network marketing (your up-line, your down-line, and you).

Make it clear to them the goals of your team and that you are looking for other distinguished leaders to join and help grow the team. Finally, offer them ways to become the best by offering great educational business resources. This way they can continue to improve on their network marketing skills without having to go out and find the information themselves.

If you follow those steps you should be able to build an efficient and effective network marketing business. Remember to be the best you need to be persistent, learn from failure, and never stop educating yourself on how to improve in the business.

Don Egnor
813-842-6131
http://www.joinmetoday.com

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Ten Commandments for Better Networking

Do you shy away at the very thought of networking at business functions? If you answered yes, you are not alone! Many business people and entrepreneurs get a bit uncomfortable when it comes down to walking up to someone and starting a conversation. Many others are concerned about getting effective results from the time they spend networking. The process does not have to be traumatic, scary, or a waste of time. When done properly, it can truly make a difference in the amount of business you can generate. With the right approach, you can use it to build a wealth of resources and contacts that will help to make your business very successful.

Use the following Ten Commandments to help you network your way through your next business networking event:

1. Have the tools to network with you at all times.

These include an informative name badge, business cards, brochures about your business, and a portable business card file containing cards of other professionals whom you can refer.

2. Set a goal for the number of people you’ll meet.

Identify a reachable goal based on attendance and the type of group. If you feel inspired, set a goal to meet fifteen to twenty people and make sure you get all their cards. If you don’t feel so hot, shoot for less. In either case, don’t leave until you’ve met your goal.

3. Act like a host, not a guest.

A host is expected to do things for others, while a guest sits back and relaxes. Volunteer to help greet people. If you see visitors sitting, introduce yourself and ask if they would like to meet others. Act as a conduit. The people who are too shy to move around will appreciate this and will remember you for it!

4. Listen and ask questions.

Remember that a good net-worker has two ears and one mouth and uses them proportionately. After you’ve learned what another person does, tell them what you do. Be specific, but brief. Don’t assume they know your business.

5. Don’t try to close a deal.

These events are not meant to be a vehicle to hit on business people to buy your products or services. Networking is about developing relationships with other professionals. Meeting people at events should be the beginning of that process, not the end of it. People in a networking event will not appreciate hard closing tactics.

6. Give referrals whenever possible.

The best net-workers believe in the givers gain philosophy (what goes around, comes around). If I help you, you’ll help me and we’ll both do better as a result of it. In other words, if you don’t genuinely attempt to help the people you meet, then you are not networking effectively. If you can’t give someone a bona-fide referral, try to offer some information that might be of interest to them (such as details about an upcoming event).

7. Exchange business cards.

Ask each person you meet for two cards - one to pass on to someone else and one to keep. This sets the stage for networking to happen. Never just walk around pushing your cards on people. They will end up in the trash. It is not effective to just hand people your card. Ask them for their card first. Then, there is a fairly good chance they will ask you for yours.

8. Manage your time efficiently.

Spend ten minutes or less with each person you meet and don’t linger with friends or associates. If your goal is to meet a given number of people, be careful not to spend too much time with any one person. When you meet someone interesting with whom you’d like to speak further, set up an appointment for a later date. Be sure to follow up with the people you would like to meet with in a timely manner.

9. Write notes on the backs of business cards you collect.

Record anything you think may be useful in remembering each person more clearly. This will come in handy when you follow up on each contact.

10. Follow up!

You can obey the previous nine commandments religiously, but if you don’t follow up effectively, you will have wasted your time. Drop a note or give a call to each person you’ve met. Be sure to fulfill any promises you’ve made.

I hope everyone is having a great day...as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com

Monday, May 4, 2009

How to Keep a Positive Attitude

Keeping a positive attitude isn't always easy, especially when you are going through a difficult time in your life or you are trying to get past years of habitual negative thoughts. Positive thinking is the key to having an optimistic outlook on life. You can keep a positive attitude, even when things aren't going smoothly in your life.

1.) Fill your mind with positive things. Read encouraging, affirming books and listen to upbeat, happy music. Think about happy memories or things you have to look forward to rather than bad things that have happened or things you dread.

2.) Develop yourself spiritually. Research shows that those who are spiritual live longer and more satisfying lives.

3.) Keep positive people in your life. Avoid people who have a negative mindset and surround yourself with people who are upbeat, spiritual and fun.

4.) Practice positive thinking. Try not to let negative thoughts enter your atmosphere. Think instead of all the good things in your life, even if there aren't very many. Concentrate on your good features instead of your faults.

5.) Laugh often. Watch a funny movie or hang out with someone who you can be silly with. Laughter is a great way to get a positive attitude.

6.) Learn something new or take up a new hobby. Get out and do things you love to do and enjoy yourself.

7.) Reevaluate your situation. It's easy to think negative or pessimistic thoughts when something happens. However, when you think rationally about the facts instead of the fears, you can see a more positive side of things.

When you do all these things on a consistent basis you will find that your attitude improves and will stay on the right path to help you reach success. Our mind can be our worst enemy when it comes to working your business and reaching out for success in today's world.

You will also find that it is you who has total control over your feelings and thoughts as well. When you let all the negative stuff take over your mind then it just makes everything much harder to control. Do not let anyone tell you anything different and always keep that positive outlook in order to move forward in your endeavors.

Don Egnor
813-842-6131
http://www.joinmetoday.com

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Advantages of a Network Marketing Business

Network marketing businesses are an excellent option for those who want to start their own small business. Network marketing allows you the flexibility of working part time or full time and requires nothing more than your interest and desire to explore. It is among those exceptionally few business ventures that do not impel entrepreneurs to invest huge funds to start up or survive. All you require is the right networking base to communicate with. You can market a host of products.

Structure of Network Marketing Businesses

The business structure in Network Marketing is like an established corporation where you are your own boss. You work with an ever-increasing number of people from varied backgrounds and locations, all striving to achieve a common goal: the sale of products. The industry is never saturated and there is always scope for more. Networking businesses work like an office grapevine, where a casual recommendation spreads across a network. The benefits trickle as soon as the word spreads.

The key advantage of this type of business is that it allows you to take chances without costing you much. You can give it a try and see if it works fine for you or not. The exit barriers just like the entry costs are negligible. The best part is the residual income and the tax benefits offered by network marketing businesses. You can continue to earn even after quitting.

Starting a Network Marketing Business

The endless benefits of network marketing businesses, ranging from extra income to lavish time management, are reason enough to start up your own business. Before you start up your own network marketing business, it is important to understand and take care of a few basic requirements.

1. There is a start up fee.

2. You must figure out how much time you're willing to dedicate and stick to that figure: Though the network marketing business is not a 9 to 5 job, it is best to allocate a lot of time while starting up to establish the desired people base.

3. You should undertake necessary research to collate information about the kind of options available, including which market you'll be targeting and existing networking channels.

4. You need computer and other basic communication devices.

A Synopsis of Network Marketing Businesses

A strongly linked chain of people earning through each other's efforts and support is the synopsis of networking marketing business. Network marketing requires neither heavy financial backup nor an extensive amount of time. It offers an interesting way to make money. If you are determined to succeed, then a network marketing business is just the thing.

I hope you are having a fantastic day…as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
TFF Mastermind Group
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com
http://www.joinmetoday.com

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Can I Really Be a Network Marketer?

When I first got into business online, I didn't really know what it meant to be a network marketer or be involved in multi-level marketing (MLM). I wanted to sell a product and a service that would eventually generate a good residual income for me. It is becoming clearer to me now as I get into network marketing that it does take a certain kind of person with certain skills to excel in this business, but if you've got the desire, passion, energy, and commitment to be successful at it, then anyone can do it!

Network marketing, or multi-level marketing is about people. It's about building and team - a downline - and teaching them to be successful like you. Yes, there are different levels in the organization you build, but that's not to say that all network marketing endeavors are pyramid schemes. As long as there is something of value being offered in the program and it's not a program designed to pay only those higher up in the pyramid, then you are pretty safe.

Once you are into a network marketing program, you have to work on yourself and your own success before you can hope to achieve success with others you recruit. The problem is that many people are attracted to the big money aspect of it, and hope to make it big with little effort on their own part. Once you're in, you have to make a commitment to yourself and your program, no matter what big hitters are above you, and you have to work it like any other business. This will take time, and you have to be willing to invest that time, and believe that in time you will see the results you seek.

Believing is huge in this industry because you start with a dream. There is a reason you got involved in network marketing, and one of the big reasons might be that you want to be a millionaire. The trick is to believe and feel that you already are, even if you're far from it. This kind of positive attitude must be maintained, even though everyone will go through good times and bad in their businesses. If you love what you do, you will be able to maintain a healthy attitude and the discipline needed to propel you to greatness.

Most people think that network marketing is about making sales when really it is about relationships with your prospects, your customers, and your team. The best way to be confident about relationship building and team-building is to educate yourself and develop the skills you need to succeed. A lot of it has to do with conquering your fears about talking to new prospects by analyzing what the fear really is and developing the skills you need through practice and repetition. Part of relationship building is also to be a leader to your team and knowing how to handle objections to your offers, or excuses for not joining. Being prepared with a list of questions for your prospects will help you deal effectively with their issues.

Network marketing can be a business for those who are willing to work at it. Money won't grow on trees, so if you want to be successful at it, then take the time to learn, grow, energize yourself, love yourself and what you do, and carry yourself and your team to the top!

I hope you are having a fantastic day…as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
TFF Mastermind Group
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com
http://www.joinmetoday.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Marketing Success Secrets Of A Homeless Man

Earl Nightingale, in the world-famous motivational tape, "The Strangest Secret," defines success as the "progressive realization of a worthy ideal." Using that definition, success then, especially for any business owner or entrepreneur, may depend upon whatever ideal a person holds dear.

Beyond that, it may be measured by the reaching of goals set on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually basis. You must get a clear picture of success in your head, otherwise how will you know when you get there?

Nearly every day, I see a man who appears to be homeless on the corner of the intersection of a major freeway in Miami, FL who we can classify as "successful," mainly because his marketing success causes him to thrive at getting (progressive realization) a good number of "donations" (his worthy goal) on a daily basis. Normally, I would never equate being homeless with being successful, although I know many good people who due to circumstances beyond their control, found themselves in that situation.

However, we cannot deny that this particular homeless man's marketing methods and tactics work for him. So we have established that by looking the part, this "entrepreneur," followed the first tenet of success for any business owner.

Very few people, if any, would give to a supposedly homeless man, decked out in the latest fashions complete with cell phone and accessories. But, without further investigation, he personified the old saying, "If it looks like a duck, quack likes a duck and walks like a duck; it must be a duck."

The second principle of his success shows that in spite of adversity, he projected great tenacity; no matter the time of day -- early morning, midday or late evening, you will find him plying his trade -- begging by the roadside. In fact, on many days, even in inclement weather, you could find him, much to the jeers of some passing motorists and competitors who wanted in on his turf.

In other words and with due respect to the inscription found on some U.S. Post Offices: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays this homeless man from the swift completion of his appointed location." In their day-to-day goals, many business owners wish that they would do so well.

Merriam Webster states that tenacity means being "persistent in maintaining or adhering to something valued or habitual." Tenacity for business owners simply measures the persistency in your day-to-day work habits, goals and objectives.

Tenacity equals going for it -- in spite of your surroundings and situation. The fact that the homeless man focuses entirely on money causes me a problem because it compares with some people I know who go into business with making money as the sole purpose.

A capitalistic society encourages making money, but most professionals go into business to make a difference, to contribute to society, to help their clients, or to make the world a better place. To do so calls for real tenacity.

Tenacity means we focus on action with the end in mind. We don't just go through the motions. There's something higher that keeps us going, even when we don't want to go.

One of my friends, a successful businessman in Tampa, tells the story of him getting in trouble with the taxman. My friend basically squandered $90,000 and the tax official assigned to his case, threatened to close his business down.

He didn't possess the money to pay the bill, but knew certain high-paying projects, when completed would be enough to pay off the bill in full by the deadline. My friend came in early, stayed late, and often slept on the couch in the reception area of his office. In just a couple of weeks, he wrote a check for the full amount of the taxes owed.

When asked to describe how my friend could accomplish do so much in such a short time, his wife gave a one-word sentence. Tenacity.

I hope you are having a fantastic day…as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
TFF Mastermind Group
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com
http://www.joinmetoday.com

Thursday, February 12, 2009

How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur

As you go through life you have two career options. One option is called security, or a job. The other choice is freedom, or to become an entrepreneur and start your own business.

Most people choose the first option and sadly, even though they think they have security, the reality is that they are usually living paycheck to paycheck, and are often in debt.

What kind of security is that? Many of these people are even making six figure incomes, but barely make enough to pay all of their expenses. This is because every time they get a raise or a bonus they quickly spend it on some material thing. They have nothing to show for all of their hard work except a pile of bills and a lot of useless stuff.

The security option is really a prison that drags you in and captures your life. All you have in this life is time, which I assure you is not meant to be herded around like a sheep. It should be spent taking action to achieve your goals so you can do whatever you want in life.

The second option, freedom, allows you to:
* Have anything
* Do anything
* Be everything you ever imagined.

You can change. You just simply have to believe in yourself and remember this: The path toward freedom will not be easy, that is why it is chosen by few. It will always be foggy, scary, and ever changing.

But isn't that how life is anyway? Life is scary, the future is always unclear, and the world is always changing. You just simply can't control that so don't go hide behind a job thinking that you can.

You will be left to retire and live off of half of what you made while you worked. That does not sound very secure, or like a lot of fun.

I was going through the line at the grocery store the other day and realized that the person bagging my groceries, it was usually some teenager, was an old man. I started asking him questions while he was bagging my groceries and got him to tell me a few things about himself.

His name was Carl and he was 74 years old. He has to bag groceries because he can't afford to pay the bills on his $1,000 a month pension alone. Carl used to work for one of the major car manufacturers in the United States. He worked there for 36 years.

A $1,000 a month retirement income sounded pretty good to Carl back in 1954. He did not take into account inflation and the ridiculous cost of living the twenty-first century has brought about. People like Carl are in trouble because life is only going to get more expensive.

He was a very nice man and I felt very bad for him. He did not necessarily do anything wrong, but I do know one thing about Carl. He chose the security path long ago and used to think he had it all figured out as he worked at his job through the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's.

During those years he thought he had all the security in the world. All he had to do was just go put his time in every week, and eventually he could retire and do whatever he wanted. I hope this doesn't sound familiar. If it does you need to do really sit down and ask yourself, what do I want?

Follow these steps in order to make it come true:
* Make a clear specific goal for yourself
* Visualize yourself attaining it
* Take Action and go do it!
* (Don't visualize yourself bagging groceries at 74)

I am not saying that you should quit your job right away and start a business out of nothing, just start to spend more time imagining what you want. Believe it or not eventually you will figure out how to do it.

Spend more time thinking about what you want and how to achieve it; it could really change your life. Get off the couch, away from the television, and spend time working on your business and your goals.

If you want more money, focus on making more money, not the burdens associated with being broke. Again, be specific as to how much you want. You can set short term and long term amounts. Think big, but do not think unrealistically for your current situation.

Most people do wish for money, but they wish on a whim for more money, without taking action. This leads nowhere. They will often play the lottery, or gamble thinking it will just fall out of the sky.

There is not a get rich quick scheme out there to solve your problems, but having specific goals and taking action to achieve those goals can lead you to places you may have never imagined possible. Take control of your life and either start a business or if you are already an entrepreneur, take it to the next level.

I hope you are having a fantastic day…as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
TFF Mastermind Group
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com
http://www.joinmetoday.com

Friday, February 6, 2009

MLM Success - Your Check Will Grow When You Grow

I want to make a fortune and I want to make it now…does that sound like you?

That's the attitude of the majority of people that start in MLM or network marketing. People that have been broke all of their lives or at the very least, just getting by, expect to be rich in no time when they start an MLM business.

Although MLM has literally changed the lives of so many people around the world, the real reason why people become successful is so simple. Two words. Personal growth.

Most of the time you will not become successful in MLM if you don't discover and fully embrace personal growth. Don't get me wrong you may experience some success, you may even have tremendous success, but it will only be a fraction of what you could gain if you were serious about becoming more than you are today!

We have a member of our team, who has been successful, but his success reached a peak and now his income has fallen.

Years ago it was obvious that this was coming but he wouldn't listen. He had begun to believe that he was a great leader when all he really cared about was himself, a sad fact that others began to see as well.

He didn't need to grow or learn from anybody because he knew it all. Because he was blessed with an outgoing personality and charisma he was able to become successful, but it was a house of cards that would not last. If only he would have been as committed to personal growth as he was to showing off, this never would have happened.

Ego. That little word has caused so much damage in so many lives, especially in MLM.

If you are new to MLM we hope that you will hear these words, your check will grow when you grow. We would never have experienced long term MLM success if we hadn't decided to listen and learn from other more successful people. So, what's the best course of action if you really want to experience MLM success?

Read the best success books you can get your hands on. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is still one of the best books to get you to start thinking differently. You are no longer an employee, you are now an entrepreneur, and entrepreneurs think differently than employees.

Stop listening to the radio and fill your mind with the vast storehouse of knowledge from Joyce Meyer, Jim Rohn, Les Brown and others. Make a decision to learn more so you can earn more. Find at least one or two people that will mentor you and hold you accountable so that if you start to believe that you are infallible they will straighten you out.

Although we are successful beyond our wildest dreams we still make mistakes and you will too. Nobody expects you to be perfect but if you are ever going to become really successful in MLM you will have to engage in a deliberate process to become more than what you are today.

I hope you are having a fantastic day…as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
TFF Mastermind Group
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com
http://www.joinmetoday.com

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

How to Save Time and Leverage Properly With Your MLM/Direct Selling Business

The hope of entrepreneurs lives and dies based on time. Money can really come and go, but the aspirations of so many entrepreneurs are fleeting because they don't know how to manage their business effectively.

They give up so quickly because of fear that time will catch up to them or that they will run out of money in the time they have allotted in their mind. The truth is that you can really always find money, you can't bring time back. These are some simple areas to look to leverage your time well to get to your success faster.

1. Money- You should look to save a lot and spend wisely. Many people put money in areas that are not going to bring them any money back.

2. New Associates- Get referrals from your customers and use it to impact others. This will save countless dollars in marketing and advertising.

3. Star Associates- Protect your most productive associates and use them as sounding boards for everything that you do. They have the understanding of what is going on in the battlefield and their opinions will always be valid. Be willing to wrestle ideas with a panel of members from your company to find out what will bring the greatest amount of success.

4. Systems- Learn how your business will operate the best and let it run by itself without you pulling it along. These systems have to be simple, easily understandable, and the most effective way to empower your associates with the steps they need to make you, and them, the most profit and people coming into their business.

5. Cutting Edge- Be ahead of the curve when it comes to technology and systems. You will be very attractive to customers, media, investors, and employees. Make sure your opportunity has the newest cutting edge product.

6. Research and Development- When you have found what areas you can improve in or gain ground on the competition then make sure that you move correctly to find out what the consumer is really missing today. Quality is a priority before quantity.

7. Create an Avalanche of Excitement- The funny thing is that you probably already have the answers to a lot of questions, but you are not looking close enough to see what is making your business special. Find that unique selling point and announce it to the world. You will create an impressive niche.

8. Reputation- Create a brand that is credible. How many commercials do we see of companies claiming to be patriotic and how that is supposed to appeal to an American consumer like apple pie? Create your own apple pie image that will make your Granny come with a fist full of dollar bills.

9. Focus- Don't multi-task or you will spread your energy and put in mediocre efforts and it will be noticeable after a while. Make a list and get it done in order each day. This will save you hours.

10. Walk Away- One of the hardest things that any entrepreneur can do is be willing to step back and let the process happen. Many want-to-be entrepreneurs feel it is necessary to micromanage every aspect and that will frustrate your associates and misuse their skills. You are only burying their talents and missing out on more financial success.

I hope you are having a fantastic day…as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
TFF Mastermind Group
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com
http://www.joinmetoday.com

Friday, January 23, 2009

Business Opportunities From Home…Can You Really Succeed?

Have you been looking at business opportunities from home because this is a dream of yours? Have you always wanted to make any of the business opportunities from home a success so you can live your life the way that you want to? Then you are not alone. There are thousands of other people who have the same dream.

No matter what your reason for wanting to start your own home business with any of the business opportunities that are available you need to know that it is very possible for you to succeed. How successful you are with your new business will depend on you. Let me explain what it will take for you to be able to realize your dreams.

First, it will take hard work and persistence on your part. A lot of people get online and expect to be able to sign up with a business opportunity and just start making money right away. You need to realize that just like with any business it will take work on your part over a period of time. Once you have the business making some money you will not have to work as hard but you will always have to work at it.

Second, it will take commitment from you. A lot of people want their own business to be successful right away and when it is not, they quit before they ever give themselves or their business a chance. Don't ever give up. When you commit yourself to making your dream of running your own home business come true you will need to stick to it no matter how long it takes. You are the only one that can do this.

Third, one of the most important things that you will need is education. Just like with any business you will need to educate yourself on the business opportunity that you have started your home business with. You will also need to educate yourself on how to market your business. When people don't know that you are there, you will not make any money at all no matter how long you wait. So learn all you can about internet marketing and find out how to advertise your business.

There are more things that you will need to make your business successful. However, these are the most important three that you will have to know. Without doing even one of these things you will never see your dream of your own successful business come true. So once you have decided on which of the business opportunities from home that you are going to do make sure that you commit to yourself that you will not give up no matter what. That is the key to becoming successful even if it takes you a while.

I hope everyone is having a great day…as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
TFF-The Mastermind Group
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com

Friday, January 9, 2009

How Are You Different and Unique…In The Sea of Competition?

What do you differently on a daily basis to make sure you aren’t just like everyone else doing the same old thing? How do you set yourself apart from the masses? How do you convince someone to join you and your business when everyone is pulling at them from all different directions?

Is there a huge trick to getting peoples attention to share your story with them, your “why”, the things that drive you and why you are the one they need to join. Is there a magical elixir that can be spread through the internet, phone lines, texting, through Skype or whatever, to get them to listen?

Are there trigger words, splash pages, auto responders, capture pages, mind control or emotions to get them interested in you and your opportunity? When you find out where any of the above stuff can be bought or rented from then let me know because I want to see a fool and his money parted.

There is nothing on the free market to be had that will give you the power to control people and make them do your bidding…at least not on this planet. Just look at all of the marketers on the net today trying anything and everything to part you with your money and they must have some of that coveted fairy dust that’s going around!

The big problem is that some people will believe all of the empty promises and BS. When this happens they waste their money, time and resources to go out and hustle for 6-8 weeks or longer, and not get anything in return for the work they have put in. This in turn gives them such a bad experience so they will never look at anything else.

The biggest secret to get people on your side and to like you is simply to be real, honest, a true friend and above all, just be yourself. Don’t try to be a fake, don’t try and sell anything to anyone or push them into doing anything they don’t want to do or anything there is any hesitation about.

You should offer to help them in any way you can, and mean it when you say it. If you don’t or won’t follow through on what you say or what you start then how can you expect anyone to respect or listen to you? When you do things the wrong way it will come back eventually and bite you where it hurts.

One of the worst things you can ever do is just throw your business in someone’s face with even asking if they really want to look at it. This is the biggest problem I see today on all of these social sites and people using them the wrong way. These sites are for making friends, contacts and developing relationships…nothing more!

You should make them aware you are in business and have information readily available if they want to explore it further, but let them make the decision when they are ready to look at what you offer and the things you can do for them. The worst possible thing you can do is try and shove something down their throat.

People do not want to be sold on anything; they want to sell themselves on it. This is just human nature and we can’t change it. I think it is due to 1000’s of years dealing with club and wheel salespeople from Stone Age times to used car salespeople today, no pun intended folks…I was one of those guys for 20 years before I found a way out.

You need to really care about and enjoy meeting and working with new friends. If you come across as anything else then people will shy away from you and tell their friends about it. If you come across as a salesperson then just quit what you are doing and go back to selling cars, wheels, clubs, houses or whatever it was that you were selling.

You see, there is a principle in our world called "The Value Proposition" and basically what that means is...

Money and Success will come back to you... when you offer enough value to the marketplace and the people you come into contact with. But most network marketers don't think like this and they are running around out there 'Spamming People'. One of the sites I am on is terrible for this so I am going to delete my account with them.

Every time someone puts a comment on this site and my page, (no names mentioned) all they are doing is “Spamming” me, and I hate it with a passion. I started out just stopping their emails and comments but other people have started doing it. No way would I ever pay any attention to these people because they do not have my best interest at heart.

When you really are trying to help people and are sincere about it then this is the way you will come across. If you try and “fake it till you make it” then you are just setting yourself up for failure and this is not the end result you are looking for. If you don’t have the right system and teacher this will be your end result.

Always treat people the way that you want to be treated, never lie, never make empty promises and always do what you say you are going to do. I know this is “old hat” to some of you but will be eye opening to others and they really are looking for that perfect opportunity so who knows…it could be you they are looking for, so treat them with the utmost respect when you come into contact with them.

They could be your next associate or business partner and will rely on you to help them get started off on the right foot…so don’t ever let them down.

I hope everyone is having a great day…as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
TFF-The Mastermind Group
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com