Friday, August 29, 2008

Is Your Body Sabotaging Your Health?

Lazy, Lacking Willpower, Failure…?
If you have failed to stick to a diet or exercise routine, perhaps you have been telling yourself that you are lazy, or that you lack willpower. You may even be thinking you are a failure, or don’t care enough about your body to do something to change your current health situation.

If you are in this mindset, I want to hug you and say, “Stop beating yourself up!” Chances are you are simply putting the cart before the horse.

Couch Potato Syndrome
Consider this… will your car start without gasoline? No, of course not. Your body is a magnificent machine – and just like an automobile, it needs fuel to start, and keep running.

You know those days where you just feel incredible? Where your hear and feel you body telling you to get up and dance to a song on the radio, or you suddenly crave going a walk or run? Those are the days your body is fueled up! If you keep fuel in your body, it will want to exercise, rather than sit on the couch like a lump. To try to force the engine to start without fuel, is really quite futile! So you see – you aren’t lazy!

Diet Sabotage
Listen, I am not going to preach you out of enjoying some of the crazy foods on today’s market because it is a fact of life that we are always on the go. The truth is, there is some nutrition in everything we consume… even a Big Mac has some nutrition within it.

The important factor is to ensure your body is able to absorb and assimilate those nutrients as fuel. Without fuel, you not only will not start, but you will begin fade away. Your body depends on minerals, vitamins, and nutrients to survive.

If you aren’t absorbing them, you will typically find yourself with cravings, and unfortunately we crave what we give our body. If the mass amount of what you consume is lacking nutrients and is full of empty calories, full of bad fats or high in carbs – well, guess what it will crave? If you can’t stick to a diet, it is any wonder why? It isn’t your fault!! Your body is simply trying to tell you something and you just aren’t sure how to interpret the message.

Baby Steps, My Friend!!!
You don’t have to run out and join a gym and start eating salads 3 times a day to begin losing weight and feeling great. You simply need to make sure that your body is absorbing and assimilating the key nutrients it needs.

Taking vitamins is NOT the answer!
If your body is incapable of absorbing nutrients – you are simply wasting your money. Not only that, but the amount of energy it takes your body to breakdown typical vitamin supplements is more than you are going to receive from them. If you take vitamins and find yourself still tired – or more tired, this is why!

The “Missing Link” in Your Nutrition
There is something very critical to your body that you need in order to assimilate nutrition… bacteria. And not just any bacteria, it must be healthy bacteria that resides in your gut. These helpful little fellers get in there and fight off bad bacteria while setting up house. They start little families and assist your digestive tract to absorb and assimilate the nutrients you consume.

Typically these helpful bacterial families should be coming into your body naturally from all fruits, veggies and whole grains you consume because they come from soil. However, with today’s over-tilled, irradiated, chemically sprayed and genetically modified whole foods, we are not getting the healthy bacteria we need to survive!

Further, there are many things that kill the healthy bacteria that you are able to absorb. First and foremost antibiotics. Anti means “against.” Biotics means “living organisms.” When you take antibiotics you are not only killing the bad bacteria in your body that may be wreaking havoc, but you are also killing the good guys – those little fellers that keep you alive and help you stave off the bad ones!

A couple prime examples of this that I am sure you can relate to is a child with an ear infection. After a treatment of antibiotics, the ear infections return with a vengeance! Naturally this is because the good bacteria that were there to prevent recurrence were all killed off. Or when women are put on antibiotics, the first thing that happens is a horrid yeast infection. Again, the all the healthy bacteria that naturally fight yeast were eradicated.

Don’t think you don’t take antibiotics!!
If you eat any meat whatsoever that is not organic, or drink dairy products that are not organic – or even drink tap water, you are getting antibiotics into your system!


Learn More About Your Health
What I have shared with you is just the tip of the iceberg! I have uploaded our full audio for you to be able to listen to online at your leisure! Even if you are not interested in the product, I highly recommend you take some time to listen to this audio. It contains extraordinary information about how your body works, and the crucial role healthy bacteria play in your overall wellness, and some incredible statistics about the health of our world today!

(A life changing audio for sure!) EMAIL ME FOR LINK: audio@onewithearth.com


Personal Consultations for You
If you do wish to start a probiotic regime with our products, please contact me directly and I will gladly work with you to help you determine which product to start. Our probiotics are certified organic and are safe for babies (great results with colic!), pets (my pups take it daily!) and of course, adults, such as yourself.

If you wish to shop them online, they can be found at:www.ONEwithEarth.com/organic_nutritionals.htm

Organically Yours,
Candy Loya

I make life greener.

SHOP GREEN: http://www.onewithearth.com/
EARN GREEN: http://www.initforthegreen.com/

Rust Proofing our Bodies

Rust-Proofing
Our Bodies


From Dr Karen Coates

Antioxidants, an essential utensil in our anti-aging tool box

What makes the difference between average health and optimal health? The answer lies not in the genetic blueprint of your family tree, but in our body’s ability to be well nourished and ‘rust-proofed’.

Our three top killers in the developed world are cardiovascular disease (encompassing heart attack and stroke), cancer, and Type 2 Diabetes. Your risk of developing any of these diseases has been proven to be directly related to the amount of antioxidants your diet provides.

Antioxidants found in food protect our cells against the damage done by free radicals, known as oxidative stress. Damage is particularly intense in the powerhouse of our cells known as the mitochondria. Free radicals are unbound oxygen molecules that bombard and damage our cells and capillaries. Recent research indicates that poorly nourished cells are more vulnerable to oxidative stress and have a higher requirement for antioxidant-rich food and supplements. This creates a double insult, with poor nutrition leading to micro-malnourished, vulnerable cells and an increased need for antioxidant protection in the presence of a diet inadequate for optimal health.

Most natural therapists will be aware of the importance of antioxidants for skin health, rejuvenation, collagen production and the prevention of skin cancers. More importantly antioxidants forge a resilient barrier of protection to cells undergoing renewal. It is at this time of cell division that the mistakes in genetic messages may lead to uncontrolled growth which we call cancer.

Incredibly, medical research has only recently confirmed what natural therapists and vets have known for decades: that over 70 percent of the Australian population are micronutrient-malnourished. Regardless of body weight the average Australian on an average Australian diet (the traditional meat and three veggies for dinner) is lacking in at least one or more essential nutrients, in particular the antioxidant group of nutrients.

The cause for this is clear. In 1992 a World Health Organization survey reported that Australian soils are the most mineral and vitamin deficient of all the soils of the world’s continents. It makes commonsense that the fruit, vegetables and grains cultivated on these soils are also lacking in the nutrients required for optimal human health. Our vets regularly provide supplements for cattle, sheep and horses to prevent and treat nutritional deficiencies, but the medical profession has been kept in the dark about these facts for years.
How to Assess your Risk of Oxidative Stress

Live blood analysis is a useful health practitioner tool. This can instantly confirm the cellular consequences of poor diet, oxidative stress, by examining a droplet of fresh blood under a microscope. These damaged cells look somewhat like a dried up sultana on live blood analysis. Compare this to a healthy hydrated cell, full of antioxidants, which looks like a luscious, full-bodied grape.

The most important defense we have against unfavorable environmental chemicals and our major health challenges is a well nourished body. Sensible supplementation is essential for optimal health when deficiencies are suspected. Plant extracted organic supplements, with high ORAC scores and phenolic content are preferred, together with a balanced organic diet and
a healthy bowel.

Dr Karen Coates August 2008

Berry Important
Information!



So What Are Free Radicals Anyway?


Free radicals are atoms, molecules or ions that are usually highly reactive and can be produced within the body by natural biological processes or introduced from outside via tobacco smoke, toxins, pollutants and sub-optimal eating habits. Oxidation is a phenomenon that occurs when free radicals ricochet wildly throughout the body and damage cells. Many forms of cancer are thought to be the result of reactions between free radicals and DNA, resulting in mutations that can adversely affect the cell cycle and potentially lead to malignancy. They are also believed to accelerate the progression of cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, and age-related diseases.


Why Do You Need Antioxidants?


An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. ORAC, short for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a standardized measurement of the total antioxidant power of a substance. Antioxidant power is the ability to neutralize oxygen free radicals. The more free radicals a substance can absorb, the higher it’s ORAC score.

Radically Tested! Berry Radical is PROVEN to be rich in antioxidants by Brunswick Laboratories, a world leader in research and diagnostic services related to antioxidants and oxidative stress. The ORAC score of 1 gram of Berry Radical is 1448. So, one 5g sachet of Berry Radical contains over 7000 ORAC units! One 150g box contains over 217,000 ORAC units. ONEgroup Organics Catalogue Update: The test results from Brunswick Laboratories are not reflected in the current 2008 catalogue edition which displays 4,000 ORAC units. These new test results represent an increase of over 75% to 7,000+ ORAC units per serving.


What Are ORAC Units And How Many Do We Need?


ORAC, short for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a standardized measurement of the total antioxidant power of a substance. Antioxidant power is the ability to neutralize oxygen free radicals. The more free radicals a substance can absorb, the higher it’s ORAC score. Nutritionists recommend that we consume around 5000 ORAC units per day to significantly impact antioxidant activity in the body and reduce free radical damage.

One serving (half a cup) of fruits or vegetables provides approximately 500 ORAC units. If you’re not eating at least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, you’re not getting the recommended amount of ORAC units to mop-up the damage caused by free radicals in your body every day. The ORAC (total) score of 1 gram of Berry Radical is 1448. So, one 5g sachet of Berry Radical contains over 7000 ORAC units! One 150g of Berry Radical box contains over 217,000 ORAC units.


The US Department or Agriculture Provides further reading about ORAC units here:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=15866

The Berry Radical Fact Sheet - Update
For more information, check out the recently updated Berry Radical Fact Sheet:
http://www.onegrp.com/docs/members/Marketing/FactSheets/BerryRadicalFactSheet.pdf

Berry Awesome
Testimonials!


Radical Weight Loss!

I started taking the Berry Radical and In-Liven a couple of weeks ago and noticed after a few days that I felt more alert and energized. At first I thought that it was my imagination but I also started craving healthier foods. Being a sugar addict I could not believe I was turning down my favorite deserts and not finding them appealing. Then I got on the scale this week and noticed that I had lost six pounds! Six pounds in two weeks is amazing since I have been trying to lose the last 10 pounds of my baby weight for two years.

I bought the In-Liven and the Berry Radical because I had been taking a similar product which was a highly respected brand. I thought I would try your product out because I am a new representative with your company and thought I might as well switch. No one told me that I could lose weight! I was told that I would feel better but I was a skeptic after trying every product that was similar and not feeling or seeing any results.

Sara Valakas Illinois, USA


Moment Of Peace

As a mother of 4 children I have very few moments of peace during the day. My Berry Radical moment is my moment of peace. During the school year I run around working my business and cleaning the house, at 1:55 in the afternoon I put the tea pot on, open my Berry Radical and put it into my favorite mug. I sprinkle honey on top and then pour in the hot water. I love to watch the cup fill with the beautiful color of the Berry Radical. I proceed to my fridge and pour in Vanilla Soy milk to top of my treat. I proceed to my family room to sit on the couch and watch my favorite daily show “As The World Turns”. It is just the right combination of treat and decadence that allows me to walk out the door at 2:45 to pick up 4 kids and start the madness all over again! Thank you!

Heather Fahey Massachusetts, USA


Berry Luxurious Facial Mask

Japan is in the middle of summer now, we are having strongest ultraviolet rays everyday. Having “Bihaku (ultimate porcelain-white spotless)” skin is Japanese women’s common ideal skin. However I’d like to have lustrous tanned skin. I am about 40 years old but Berry Radical is helping me to have young & beautiful tanned skin.

I use my special recipe of Berry Radical Mask once a week:

1 sachet of Berry Radical
Rejuvenating mask
Rejuvenating Facial serum
Rose Monsoon Mist
Mix ingredients and apply to face (excluding eye zone) and have a bath.


Berry Radical
Recipes



Cuppa-Radical
Serves 1
1 x sachet Berry Radical
1 x teaspoon organic raw sugar
hot water
organic milk/cream of choice

Chai Radical
Serves 2
2 x sachets of Berry Radical
1 x small can of coconut cream (270ml)
Pinch of each to taste (allspice, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger, nutmeg, star anise, fennel)
1 x bay leaf
1 x vanilla bean
1 x tablespoon honey
270ml water (fill empty coconut milk can with water)

Gently simmer spices, coconut milk and water over low heat for 10 minutes to infuse flavors. When ready to serve, add Berry Radical and stir well. Pour through tea-strainer into big mugs.
BAR shake (Banana Anti-Radical)
(best hangover cure ever – works in 5 minutes!)
Serves 2
2 x sachets Berry Radical
1 x tablespoon organic honey
1 x organic banana
250 ml organic milk of choice

Mix together in a blender (preferably rinse out the left-over alcohol from last night’s daiquiris first!) Bananas have sugar in the form of fructose. They also contain potassium, which is one of the nutrients you lose the most of when you drink. Bananas are also a natural antacid which can help out with nausea. They are high in magnesium (as is the cacao in Berry Radical) which can help relax those pounding blood vessels causing that hangover headache.


SHOP BERRY RADICAL NOW!!


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The Joy of Sales: How to Never Have to Work Again

Stephen Covey, the author of "The 7 Habits," wrote, If you love your job, you never have to work another day in your life." In my days as a corporate recruiter, I lived and breathed by this quote. I truly found my calling when I found recruiting. Helping others find something that would make them feel worthwhile and successful was immensely gratifying.

Each day I would speak with so many kids fresh out of college, who were ready to tackle the world, yet, they would be so blind at the opportunity to find a career doing something worthwhile. It was always about 'the paycheck.'

I would ask them, "Don't you want something that is so exciting it would make you jump out of bed everyday with excitement, and something so rewarding that you would be thankful each night you lay your head on the pillow?" They would look at me and stare - as I had caught them off guard from their collegiate scripted and rehearsed interview methodology.

But then they would look at me, tilting their heads to the side and say, "Yeah, I would like that... but I want to make a lot of money."

After about four years of this, I began to realize that people don't ever stop and think about what would make them feel worthwhile. They think life presents them with this 'either - or' scenario. You can either make a lot of money - or you can find a career that is worthwhile.

I don't profess to be a millionaire (though it is in my future:-), but I know the power of intention to be something great in life. The power of having fun and enjoying yourself. Doing something that is so dang fun - it never feels like work! I know this - because it is going on midnight and I am smiling as I work to type this to into the computer.

Each day I have the joy of knowing that I am in sales. Say what??? There goes your stereotypical view of what sales is. I know - the used car dealer in the polyester image is there - so wipe it away right now! There is nothing wrong with being in sales. For each day that I sell even just ONE SINGLE product, the impact of that sale reaches global proportions.

From the time the ingredients in our products are planted, grown and harvested using absolutely NO chemicals, pesticides, etc. to alleviate the burden on our earth, to the time that they are lovingly mixed into our beautiful potions, to the recycled packaging they get boxed into, to the shipping that is offset through carbon credits and tree planting, to the time they are used by you, the consumer and reduce your body's chemical burden - to all the little creatures who live in the water from the drains from your home... it is global. It is so far reaching and so amazingly beautiful that it can actually bring me to tears.

I think of it this way... for every product I sell, I am leaving the world a better place than I found it.

If you would love to work from home, with a company that truly walks the talk when it comes to integrity and organic standards - and if you would like to make a difference in people's lives, that ironically benefits the planet, all those whom inhabit it, and earn income from this process... consider joining our company!

www.initforthegreen.com

Remember, life never has to present you with 'either - or' choices. When you are faced with such a choice, ask yourself, "How can I have BOTH?"

The solution is there, if you look for it.

Author: Candy Loya,
Owner ONEwithEarth Organics, Toxic-Free products for life, health and home.
web: www.ONEwithEarth.com

.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Moisturizers Spur Skin Cancer in Mouse Study

I found this article a bit redundant in the last statement by Ashinoff. Read through to see if you come to the same conclusion....


Experiments find skin creams boosted rate of cancer growth, number of tumors; experts say human impact unknown.

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter


THURSDAY, Aug. 14 (HealthDay News) -- Common moisturizing creams helped skin cancers spread and tumors grow in mice exposed to UV radiation, researchers at Rutgers University reported Thursday.

"These creams we tested have tumorigenic [tumor-causing capability] activities," said lead researcher Allan H. Conney, from the university's Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research.

But, he added, "I need to emphasize that what we have done is only in mice. We don't know what the implications are for humans. But it does raise a red flag that this is something that should be considered."

The report is published in the Aug. 14 issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

For the study, Conney's team exposed hairless mice to an extended period of UV radiation, which induced non-melanoma skin cancer. After stopping UV treatment, they applied four different common brands of skin moisturizers to the animals' skin five days a week for 17 weeks.

The researchers found that mice treated with skin moisturizers showed an increased rate of tumor formation. In addition, there were more tumors on the animals treated with moisturizers than on the mice that were only given UV radiation.

The moisturizers used were Dermabase, made by Patrick Laboratories in Minneapolis; Dermovan, made by Galderma Laboratory Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas; Eucerin Original Moisturizing Cream, made by Beiersdorf of Hamburg Germany; and Vanicream, made by Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc., in Rochester, Minn.

Conney's group identified several ingredients in the moisturizers that appear to enhance tumor growth.

"We took out a couple of ingredients and made a cream that turned out to be non-tumorigenic," Conney said. The resulting lotion did not increase cancer growth in mice exposed to UV radiation, the researchers found.

"We really don't know what ingredients in these creams are doing that," Conney said. "There is a need to have the various companies test their creams to see whether or not there is a problem."

Conney thinks that companies can modify their products to remove this effect. "I am sure there are creams on the market that do not have tumorigenic activities and some of them may have anti-tumorigenic activity," he said.

Dr. Robin Ashinoff, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine in New York City, thinks the findings are interesting but she said they may not apply to humans.

Drugs that have been implicated in growth in animals in the past do not always have similar effects in humans, Ashinoff said.

"Certainly, the issue here is to protect yourself from that degree of continuous UVB-induced priming for skin cancer by practicing good sun protection and sunscreen use in the first place," she added.

"These moisturizing creams might act as an irritant or a promoter of skin cancer in mice skin, but extensive study is needed before we advise people that their commonly used moisturizers can cause skin cancer," Ashinoff said.

More information

For more information on skin cancer, visit the American Cancer Society .



SOURCES: Allan H. Conney, Ph.D., Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Robin Ashinoff, M.D., clinical associate professor, dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York City; Aug. 14, 2008, Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Last Updated: Aug. 14, 2008

Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Economy v. Ecology

This morning I read a story in the news about a man which I will politely refer to as "Mr. Economist." (I refuse to give him a free plug by mentioning him in my blog) who says that the Green Movement - the whole "Global Warming" impact is a farce. Of course, he would know all about this... after all, his degree is in economics. Who better to determine the fate of our planet than an economist? Um... no folks, that is not a typo, economist, not ecologist.

Economy - Ecology. You say tomato, I say tomoto.

Here is the situation: The industrial revolution made the economy boom and the ecology loom. But now, these "expert" economists are saying that a booming ecology is the cause of the looming economy. They claim that going green will cripple nations financially. They claim that it is impossible to address ecologic concerns and maintain economic stability at the same time.

Er, I guess my lack of a college education prevents me from understanding the important role economics play on a humanless planet.

So I may not have a degree, but I do have some common sense to work with. And common sense tells me that earth has oil in her veins for a reason. Perhaps a lubrication for the mantles? Perhaps a cooling mechanism for the core? Who knows... it could be the very thing that keeps this planet alive, like its own blood supply - and yet, we drain it for our own selfish consumption without question. It is called a non-renewable resource for a very good reason. When it is gone - it is gone. What is the price of depleting it entirely Mr. Economist?

Water is the basis by which all life on this planet exists, and yet we treat it as if it is inconsequential. We dump all our chemicals and sewage into it as if it is a giant toilet. No thought for the life it sustains - including our own. We think we face economic problems due to a lack of oil? Just wait until the water runs dry. What will that cost us Mr. Economist?

Trees - our saviors. They absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen for us to breathe. They provide shade, food and shelter to creatures great and small. Yet we continue to savagely slice them to pieces at a record pace to use as paper for your printed reports, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, newspapers, packaging.... That beautiful tree that provided an amazing balance to the planet and unselfishly sustained our lives through its purpose, has been eradicated... for what? To wipe our asses comfortably? When all the trees are gone, what will that cost us Mr. Economist?

It seems to me that Mr. Economist is way overthinking this issue. It is simple really... and he can't seem to see the forest through the trees.

A sustainable economy is only possible in a sustainable ecology.

The truth is that we cannot afford NOT to go green.



C. Loya

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

What to do with those IRS Stimulus Checks: Invest in a Passive Income

This morning I spent time reading the local paper online whereby residents posted what they planned to do with their government stimulus checks that are arriving through three next three months.

I read things such as, "I am going to build a big garden and buy 1/2 cow to freeze and maybe some chickens for eggs since food prices are so high," and "I am going to do some home improvements," and "I am going to make an extra mortgage payment towards the principle."

Though these are all good ideas, no one mentioned investing. I think the average person thinks that the only way to invest money is to play the stock market or buy bank bonds, IRA's, CD's, and contribute to their 401K. Others see household updates as investing - since it improves the value of their home. However, in looking at the housing market right now, with houses depreciating in value nearly 40%, sinking this stimulus check into home improvements right now will not provide a return for quite a long time.

There is another way to invest that money and it carries an EXTREMELY LOW RISK. In fact, unlike playing the market - whereby your future earnings are dependent on scenarios beyond your control, this investment is mostly dependent on YOU.

This investment that I am speaking of is about starting your own home-based business.

Before you go running away thinking, "SCAM! SCAM! They're ALL SCAMS!" I encourage you to hear me out...

Multi-Level-Marketing (aka MLM) does NOT mean "Pyramid Scheme." A Pyramid Scheme is where there are NO PRODUCTS BEING EXCHANGED. This would mean that a company brings you in and tells you to recruit 10 people into the business and then tells those people to recruit 10, and so on... but has no products being sold.

My favorite example of a Pyramid Scheme is today's typical corporation.

--------------------------- PRESIDENT
------------------------ CFO/CEO
-------------------- UPPER MANAGEMENT
---------------- MIDDLE MANAGEMENT
------------ ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
--------- LABORERS

In the above scenario, what do you think the chances are for a laborer, who is at the bottom, to achieve the position of the president? Slim to none right?

But in Multi-Level-Marketing, or "Network Marketing" as it is also referred to, the structure is entirely open. A person coming into the bottom of an MLM company actually has the opportunity to reach the top level through DETERMINATION AND EFFORT.

Another awesome benefit of MLM is that is does not discriminate. No matter your color/ethnicity, gender, age, demographics, or education level, you are given an equal opportunity at wealth. And when I say wealth - I mean earning six figures or more per year. Though only about 1% of the people in network marketing achieve millionaire status, it does not mean that the opportunity for the other 99% is not there.

There are some people I know of in MLM that are earning $7,000.00 per DAY. There are others earning $7,000.00 a month, or $7.00 a month. Unfortunately many people in network marketing are not earning, but losing an average of $100 a month.

Why is this? Personally I feel the biggest reason for this is that people want a "QUICK FIX" to their financial woes. And with the plethora of unethical Network Marketers out there selling dreams of fortune and fame by not doing any work, people buy into it lock, stock and barrel. Just like playing the lottery, they invest in a home-based business and hope for riches - instead of working to EARN riches.

Many other reasons are to blame. Some of them include: Inadequate training, bad products - or products that do not meet consumer demand, lack of patience on the part of the business owner is a big one... remember, it takes TIME to get any business off the ground, and of course, there are a couple of financially unstable companies out there that close up shop and leave their distributors high and dry.

I have been in MLM for three years now and have learned the TRUTH about Home-Based Business Opportunities through this platform. Here I will share with you the truth, as I see it, about this industry.

THE FALSE CLAIMS OUT THERE...


"Anyone Can Do It!"

Not everyone can do Network Marketing. An introverted personality, regardless of how intelligent, will struggle with this industry because it requires GOOD PEOPLE SKILLS. It requires the ability not only to SELL products, but to TEACH OTHERS how to sell products. Also, folks with low self-esteem will invariably struggle in the business, as it is a fact that rejection is an invariable part of the equation in any sales position.



"It's Easy!"

No great achievements in life are ever easy. If Multi-Level Marketing was easy to do, everyone would be doing it. If it was easy, it wouldn't be part of the curriculum in many universities now. If it was easy, more than 1% would be millionaires. If it was easy, there wouldn't be a 97% turnover in the industry.


"The Products Sell Themselves"

This statement always tickles me. Have you ever heard a knock on your door only to open it and find a little product sitting at your feet saying, "Buy Me!!"? No, products don't ever sell themselves. There may be a great product out there somewhere that everyone in the universe needs and wants... but there MUST be a person behind it making that presentation for it to sell.


"Our System Does All the Work!"

There is no such creation. Never has been and never will be. No automation in the world is useful without a human being behind the scenes. Sure, there may be a program out there that attracts customers and sends them follow-up emails - but that program is not going to answer questions about the products or opportunity. That program is not going to call your prospects or customers. That program is just a TOOL. Just like email is a tool, just like the Internet is a tool, just like this computer is a tool... we MUST USE THE TOOL in order for it to be effective!!


THE TRUTH ABOUT NETWORK MARKETING...

"It is Exciting"

I find this to be very true. I used to be a "job-hopper" because I would get bored with a company or a position within the company and need more of a challenge. In the three years that I have been with ONE Group, I have found it to be never dull and always full of exciting challenges to better my business skills, my knowledge, my personal development - and even my spiritual growth.



"It is Rewarding"

Depending on what you are selling and how you feel about that product or service, yes, it can be extremely rewarding. If you are not passionate about the company or its products - forget about it. You won't find it rewarding or exciting. With my company, ONE Group, they work towards protecting the environment and helping people eliminate toxic chemicals for better health. This resonates with me to the core. And it is a good feeling to know that I am earning an income through ethical means. You must choose a company and products that resonate with what YOU FEEL are important issues because then your passion and zeal will propel you to incredible heights. Also, I must say that helping others establish themselves within the company and begin to earn income that assists them in their expenses or helps achieve their dreams - is something you cannot even put a price tag on.


"It Creates a Passive Income"

This is one of the reasons I chose Network Marketing. I originally started out with a bricks and mortar business. I was making the products, marketing the products, selling the products, shipping the products, handling customer service, website design and implementation, credit card hassles, returned products, etc... The problem with this type of business is that as it grew - I had MORE WORK to do. In Multi-Level Marketing, as your business grows, you essentially have LESS WORK to do - or rather, you wear another hat. Instead of selling products, you begin to train others to sell products. Meanwhile, you can bring people into the business that provide you an income for years to come. If you take a week off work - production doesn't stop. Income doesn't stop. You continually earn money. It is a BEAUTIFUL THING!!


Would Network Marketing be Right for You?

My suggestion is to find products that you LOVE. Not just like - but LOVE. Then make sure the company behind the products is ethical, responsible and has a FAIR compensation plan and GREAT training.

Once you find this company you should SHOP FOR A SPONSOR. Don't just settle for the first person you speak with unless he or she is the perfect fit for you. Remember, you starting up your own business. Take your time. Use your intellect and gut feelings to choose a sponsor that you know you can work with on a long term basis. He or she will be your lifeline to the company.

In choosing a sponsor, here are some things to find out....

1) Are they established and successful in the company? If they are still fairly new - do THEY have strong/successful upline to guide you both?

2) Do you "mesh" on a personal level? Personality is important when choosing a sponsor. If you don't feel comfortable with the person wanting to sponsor you, or you don't feel that "click" when meeting them, look for someone who does.

3) Don't think because they don't tell you their earnings, they are not going to be a good sponsor. Many amazing leaders in a company work the business only part-time for supplemental income. Additionally, many companies do not allow for their representatives to solicit recruits through revealing their incomes.

4) If a representative of the company makes false claims, promises specific incomes, or other statements discussed above, move onto another representative of the company - but don't write the company off entirely. There can always be a "bad egg" in any company. If you find this with more than just one person - forego the company entirely as this is an indication that they are unscrupulous in their recruiting techniques.


Back to the original meaning of this posting...


If you have a stimulus check and want to invest it into something that will make you more money in the future - highly consider the option of starting your own home-based business.

When is your stimulus check coming? Check out the IRS website to find out:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=180247,00.html

I have a couple great videos I can share with those of you interested in considering Multi-Level-Marketing as a platform. If you would like to watch them, please send an email to candy(at)ONEwithEarth.com

If you are interested in ONE Group, please visit my Team Page that lists my most outstanding representatives by city/state and country at:

http://onewithearth.com/our_exceptional_team_members.htm


To Your Success!

Blessings,
Candy Loya
Independent Managing Executive
ONE Group PTY Ltd
www.ONEwithEarth.com
for health. for life. for earth.

-

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

La, la, la, la, la, la bamba!

La-la-la-la-la-la Bamba!!
A Latin Approach to Growing Your Business

Cogito, ergo sum: "I think, therefore I am." Makes sense really. It is stating that if someone is wondering whether or not he or she exists, that is in and of itself proof that he or she DOES exist. But this foundation of Western Philosophy is also known in the sales industry as "Fake it till you make it," or in the modern sub-culture, a foundation that the movie "The Secret," is based on... the principle that if we want something, we can manifest it by simply believing it to be so.

As hokey as it sounds, it holds some merit. To illustrate the malleability of the human brain, an Oxford University neuroscientist, Dr. Greenfield, cites a startling Harvard Medical School study involving volunteers who could not play the piano. The participants were divided into three groups: the first group was given intensive piano practice for five days, the second was taken into an identical room with an identical piano but had nothing to do with the piano, and the third group was taken into an identical room with an identical piano and were told that to just imagine they were practicing piano exercises for the next five days.

The resulting brain scans were extraordinary. As expected, the brains of those who only sat in the same room as the piano had not changed at all. Equally unsurprising was the results that those who had performed the piano exercises saw marked structural changes in the area of the brain associated with finger movement.

But what was truly shocking was that the group who had merely imagined doing the piano exercises saw remarkable changes in brain structure that were almost as pronounced as those that had actually taken the piano lessons. “The power of imagination is not a metaphor, it seems; it's real, and has a physical basis in your brain,” said Greenfield.

When I read this story, I was impressed and ready to put it into action. I play the guitar... well, I TRY to play the guitar. My first Christmas with Marty back in 2001, he bought me a guitar. It was a dream come true, as I had wanted to play the guitar all my life. Interestingly enough, teaching myself was going well for about six months - until I hit a huge snag and realized I was stuck without true instruction. So instead of persevering, I hung up my guitar. Each year since then, I pull my guitar out of its case and try to pick up where I left off. Each time I have to work around the clock to build up my calluses, stretch my fingers, and relearn all the notes.

These past three or four weeks I have been at that point. In fact, as I type this, I am struggling to hit the letters on the keypad due to the enormous water blisters that engulf all my left digits. This month, as I sat there struggling to play, something pretty depressing struck me. I realized that it had been almost seven full years since I received my guitar. If I had continued playing all those years and pushing forth when I would hit a snag - I would probably be living my dream... being able to play the guitar.

In reading the article about Dr. Greenfield, I decided to try something different in my strategy in learning to play. When my fingers would throb and the muscles in my hands would be screaming in pain - instead of stopping entirely, I would sit and imagine that my fingers were still playing. I would imagine my fingers effortlessly reaching that ever-elusive F-sharp. I would visualize my fingers making barre chords without strain, and I would imagine that it was in perfect pitch... and it worked!! After only a few weeks of painful practice coupled with visualizations, I am playing better than I ever played before - and enjoying it more.

What does this have to do with your business?

Your mind is an amazing piece of engineering - but you must exercise it to gain expected results. If you fear doing presentations, visualize them over and over again and imagine them going off without a hitch. If you fear speaking in public - visualize them being successful and rewarding. When your brain starts saying things like, "You don't have time for this" or "You won't ever make money doing this," stop it in its tracks! Visualize yourself successful, imagine that you are making time and enjoying yourself, visualize yourself making money, visualize your dreams manifesting ... and stop beating yourself up with negativity!

Cogito, ergo sum... I think, therefore I am.

Say to yourself:

I am beautiful.
I am deserving.
I am successful.
I am happy.
I am wonderful.
I am kind and generous.
I am healthy.
I am loved.
I am special.

Meanwhile... CARPE DIEM, MY FRIENDS!! :-)


REFERENCE:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1380264/technology_and_drugs_are_changing_brain_function/

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Embrace Who You Are!

One of Marty and my favorite places to dine at is a grubby little hole in the wall here in town. They serve Ma and Pa home-cooked meals. The owners are in the business simply for the joy of it, we know they aren't making big bucks, and we know they are more concerned about the service, the quality of that service, and the taste of their food, than the vanity of fancy ambiance. And that is just A-Okay with us!

I bring up this point, because many of you want to send out email campaigns to existing and prospective customers, but you stall out because you don't know how to make it look fancy and expensive and comparable to all those high profile companies that send you emails marketing products.

Well... STOP THINKING YOU HAVE TO BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHO YOU ARE!!

Look, truth is - you are a sole proprietor. You are just a little guy! Face this fact and you will begin to feel a huge load of weight come off your shoulders.

If any of you subscribe to the email from "Dying to Look Good" you know what I am talking about. It is plain - green and white. Nothing fancy. But the content is relevant and important to you, so you read it. You know she is just one person working hard to make a living. You don't hold her to the same expectations of say Amazon.com or a major retailer.

So - why do you have it in your head that YOUR customers and prospects wouldn't understand that about YOU?

There is NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING HUMBLE! Repeat that in your head over and over. In fact, humility coupled with sincerity is one of the most magificent things you have to offer others! Use it to your advantage!

An example (a rather silly example) of this, is way back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth and I worked at McDonalds. I actually worked my way to management and stuck out McDonald's for a five year ride in my early life. However; sometimes, even in my 4th year, I would just have one of those days where I was brain dead and would forget something. I would look up at a customer and apologetically say, "I'm so sorry, it is my first day."

You laugh! I did - and it worked like a charm. Of course I would wink to let them know I was just kidding, but it was in that initial second that they heard me say I was new, that they would forget to be mad at me. After that - it was smooth sailing. (And unlike many of my counterparts, I never had a milkshake thrown on me!)

Everyone on the face of this earth understands the humility of being new at something. Everyone has tried to ride a bike for the first time, had their first day of school, their first day on a new job, their first public speech, their first kiss...

It is within this understanding that comes instant compassion and empathy. They relate. It is through this relation that a common denominator is laid. A wonderful bond can form when 'like meets like.'

This is why I tell all new reps to play it up and embrace being a NEWBIE! There is no better place to be! You have a great excuse to fall back on when you mess up, and not only that - you have a reason to SEEK ADVICE from others that aren't new. And I am not talking about within ONEgroup...

Visit that chiropractor, holistic dentist, massage therapist, yoga instructor that are in your region. Or visit all those expos and events that feature these folks - and INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Tell them, "Hey, I am A NEWBIE this whole organic business and I can see you obviously are experienced. Do you have ANY INSIGHTS to share with me about how to find people in the market, where to advertise, where people gather..."

They were new once too, you know. If you approach them with humility and seek guidance - that is such a COMPLIMENT to them! People typically love to help others... and if they don't, then they are not anyone you would like to have in your circle of influence to begin with.

But for heaven's sake, don't approach them gabbing up a storm about all your new insights about ONEgroup, the products, the founders, the mission, etc. This is not going to help you with your business. If you try to sell them something, or try to TELL them something - you will lose them.

Remember, our goal is to COLLECT INFORMATION - NOT give information. We are on a mission to learn and grow from every single person we meet. It is not until we learn about someone else that we can even begin to offer any type of advice or information.

You may have been with ONEgroup for a year - or maybe four years. It doesn't matter. Everyday is a NEW day. Every person is a NEW acquaintance. Every second is a NEW chance to learn and grow and be NEW at something!

Be yourself, enjoy what you do. Send emails to folks that show you were thinking about them and wanted to share something with them. No fancy graphics can replace a heartfelt message.

Embrace being new. Embrace being inexperienced. Embrace who you are. Embrace your own style, uniqueness, expressions. Embrace humility. Embrace all these things and you will find yourself embraced by others.

Let's succeed together!

Blessings,
Candy
0x0x0x0x0x0x0

Monday, March 24, 2008

We Really Don't Care

This weekend I went into a beauty supply store to pick up some barrettes for my hair. I couldn't find them so the sales girl took me to the back of the store where I could choose from a small selection that were on sale.

I hadn't gone to that part of the store because it was hair products primarily for African American hair. As I turned around to glance at the product line - which incidentally was pretty extensive - I saw a couple products jumping out at me with the word ORGANIC. I was excited to see "organic" products in this national chain and furthermore, excited to see that they were finally supplying African Americans some alternatives to the chemical-laden products that they are presently marketed.

The first item I picked up was called Organic Root Stimulator with Carrot Oil. Sounded good... carrots are good. So I turn it over and begin reading the ingredients. First listed was water... okay... water is typical. It goes on to say soybean oil and coconut oil. So far so good. Not great - but not bad. Then I see them... screaming out to me from the ingredients DIMETHICONE, PEG-25, PROPYL PARABEN, METHYL PARABEN.... it goes on.

I felt my blood pressure rise 100 points. I stood there alone wanting to scream. I turned the container back over... the GREEN container and read it again, just to make sure I didn't hallucinate originally and there it was again... ORGANIC ROOT STIMULATOR.

ORGANIC? It said ORGANIC!!!

Meanwhile, the African American clerk (who I believe was also a cosmetologist) comes back to check on me. I find myself debating whether to ask the dreaded question that not only makes me appear like some white idiot, but may come across as prejudicial or condescending.... but I went for it. I put it out there. I put my foot into my mouth and asked in a very apologetic way, "So is this the stuff that black people put on their hair and leave on?"

She gave me a look that was definitely begging me for an explanation... so I continued by explaining that I was on a mission to understand products that are for black hair because I want to begin an educational program locally on the dangers of certain chemicals found in such products. I further explained that I taught people how to understand the terms "Organic and Natural" and how to recognize false claims in product marketing.

She listened to me in a very thoughtful way, but my own insecurities began to dominate my thoughts making me more and more uncomfortable. I kept thinking, "Dang I shouldn't have asked her this. I hope I didn't offend her." And also I realized for the first time in my life that I had become one of those crazy "preacher" type people that go around telling people what you think... when if they wanted to know, they would have asked. It felt like I was having an out of the body experience - I had become one of those annoying, mouthy ladies that I used to hide from when I worked in retail!

I began babbling. Mostly to try to regain some confidence in myself. I remember saying FDA does not regulate, I threw out the cancer word, I threw out the green washing word... I just babbled. Then she turned to me and said, "May I be completely honest with you?"

I was thrilled! I encouraged her to be as honest as she needed to me. She continued, "Ma'am, a lot chemicals are actually good for black hair. They make our hair look beautiful. A lot of women WANT these chemicals. To be completely honest, most black women don't care if they feel bad or will get sick from them... if it makes them look and feel beautiful." And then she concluded with, "You know, just being honest."

I stood there in a state of shock. Had I really heard what I just heard? Did she really say to me that people don't care about chemicals? Did she really say that chemicals were GOOD for the hair?? Did she really say that people would rather risk their health if it made them look pretty?

I knew that mentality was out there.... but I had come face to face with it in real life for the first time. I just stood there with my lower lip resting on the cold linoleum floor - next to the other foot that I was about to insert into my mouth.

I continued on more calm this time that I understand chemicals MAY be good for the HAIR...and it wasn't the HAIR I was concerned about. It was the scalp beneath the hair that is absorbing these chemicals. Next stop brain, I said. Next stop blood stream, I said.

Another clerk comes up to relieve this poor soul that I was torturing. This girl is white and roughly the same age as the other. She listens - probably with deaf ears. I felt so foolish as I kept ranting.... again, stepping outside of my own body and looking down at myself standing in this store on my soapbox. But all I kept thinking was, "I just want them to understand that this ORGANIC product is full of chemicals and that chemicals are not safe. It is NOT organic!"

I left the store in a daze. Many apologies flew out of my mouth as I exited through the door. I had not made a difference for the good - for them, for others, for myself....

In fact, as Cheryl, my sponsor, pointed out to me this morning, I had probably offended their very profession and their livelihood. If they went to school to learn how to take care of hair and they built their careers around such knowledge, who was I to come in and threaten that?

But there is still a small part of me that hopes one or both of them went out and looked up the chemicals online, or in a book, and began to question them and wonder if they really were unsafe. Or that perhaps they would stop telling customers the products were ORGANIC just because they said so on the label.

But the reality is that these clerks are probably hoping the same thing about me. That perhaps I heard them honestly tell me... "We really don't care."

~ PS ~

I bought these products and they are online at www.organicrootstimulator.com. They have a CONTACT US button. I highly encourage you to take a few minutes to email them about their blatantly false labeling of these products as organic.

If we can't influence the consumers, let's try to influence the source. :-)

Blessings,
Candy

Monday, March 17, 2008

Antibiotics - Don't Think You Don't Take Them!

I read an article the other day about how many medications are found in our water supply. One of the key medications found was antibiotics.

This is one of those, "Ah-ha!" moments for me when it comes to marketing the In-Liven. We always tell people if they have taken antibiotics, they obviously need to reflourish their healthy bacteria. So - if someone says, "I have never taken antibiotics," I suppose the next question we should ask is, "Do you drink your tap water?"

How can it be that we are so careless as human beings to dump our drugs into the aquifers? I suppose the thought is that the filtering systems and chemicals will take care of it. But this article mentions that many of the drugs CANNOT be filtered and thus - we drink them.

Now, personally, I don't drink our tap water. It is well water - and I am a city girl who is afraid of the unknown. However, because we use a community well, they add chlorine and who knows what else. I am still not sure where exactly the water supply is coming from... I have yet to see a well on this property.

I have hooked up my trusty "dechlorinator" to the shower. (Which incidentally has come in quite handy in my new hobby with aquariums and fish) Marty won't even use the tap water to make the coffee in the mornings. I used to think that was a bit over-precautious, but after reading this article, I am feeling pretty grateful for his decision.

Maybe this is why my new fish, Sacha, is thriving on the In-Liven? I was hesitant to give it to her, but after researching fishy diets, I learned that fancy goldfish love spirulina. The first ingredient listed in the In-Liven is spirulina - so I went for it. She loves it! And unless Marty and I are imagining things, she is looking more shiny and vibrant in her colors than ever! She literally is "glistening" in the tank.

And speaking of the tank... it is amazingly clear! In fact, it is so clear that you cannot even tell there is water in there unless you look at the air bubbles going through the filter. Now, goldfish are the messiest fishies to keep because they poop more than any other fish. But her tank water is more clear than the water from our spigot! I am not sure if the In-Liven has anything to do with this... but I am not going to stop her daily regimine of it, that is for sure!

I tried to find articles on fish and probiotics. I found a lot of scientific studies, that were hard to follow, where fish farms are trying certain strains of probiotics to keep the fish healthy. Fish disease spreads fast - and I can imagine that with a lot of fish, they have severe issues when a fish does contract an illness. They pump the water full of... you guessed it... antibiotics! But, I think it is hopeful that they are at least jumping on the probiotic/prebiotic bandwagon. Especially when you consider bio-accumulation and our food chain.

Okay, I went off topic for a moment, but I can bring it back around. Because you see, another thing we can say to people who don't take antibiotics besides, "Do you drink tap water?" Is... "Do you eat fish?" :P

Lest we forget the carnivorous humans that consume factory farm meat! Holy cow do they eat up the antiobiotics!! (ar, ar) So another question to those who don't take antibiotics is, "Do you eat meat?" or "Do you drink milk?"

BTW... my dogs take the In-Liven twice a day with each meal. Don't forget their are people out there who care more about their pets than their own health! (If you want some incredible testimonials about the In-Liven and doggies - let me know and I will share those with you!)

So, let's recap... In-Liven is great for animals, fish, and any human that consumes meat, fish, dairy, and drinks tap water.

Hmmmm.... Can you think of ANYONE that would benefit from the In-Liven? :-)

Sunday, March 16, 2008

WE MUST EDUCATE PEOPLE ABOUT HAIR RELAXERS!

Contamination with 1,4 dioxane is shockingly widespread.
It is found in 97% of hair relaxers


If you know me, you know this is a pet-peeve of mine! Women and men of all color (but majority of them are black women) put these gels and creams on their hair - sometimes for a single treatment, sometimes as a longstanding conditioner.

1,4 Dioxane is just ONE of the chemicals to worry about. Think of the hormone disruptors that are also found in hair products, especially those marketed to African American females. To me, this is a HUGE concern and we have a responsibility to get out there and educate people who use these products thinking that they are safe for themselves and their children.

They say there is NO Breast Cancer Link to 1,4 Dioxane & Black Women:
http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/news/ng.asp?n=77004-wg-r-lax-rs
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=81432

So these following statistics are obsolete??
Should Breast Cancer be the ONLY concern for Black Women?


* African-Americans are more likely to develop cancer than any other racial/ethnic group in the United States.(5)
 
*African Americans are almost twice as likely to die of cancer than any other minority group, and 20% more likely than whites.(6)
 
* The frequency of pre-menopausal breast cancer in African-American women is twice the rate of Caucasians. Studies show that in most instances, that in African-American women, by age 40, the cancer has already spread.(7)

* Black women have the highest incidence of and mortality from colon and rectum cancer than any other ethnic or racial group.(8)
 
* Black women with ovarian carcinoma are at an increased risk of death compared with white women with the same disease.(9)

* Compared to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks have more than twice the incidence of end-stage renal disease.(14)

Monday, March 10, 2008

Defining Duplication

What Your Upline Can't Tell You

Everyone wants to know how the top Executives in ONE Group made it there. They jump on the Executive Highlight calls hoping to hear the "secrets" of success. They want to find out EXACTLY what this person did to achieve the top levels of the company and compensation plan.

But more times than not, they hang up the phone with the stark realization that nothing specific was said to them. There was no 1,2,3... on how to duplicate this success. There was all this "generic" data, but nothing that really left them understanding exactly what they should do the following day to achieve Executive themselves.

As recently as last week, even I was under the impression that the top Executives were "holding back" on the meat and potatoes because they had some grand secret that they didn't want to share... at least not outside of their own team. That they had figured it out the 1,2,3... easy to follow instruction manual to success with ONE Group.

Then I sat down and thought about it. I mean really thought about it. And guess what I finally realized? There is NO system! There is no system with ONE Group... or with Avon, or Shaklee, or Arbonne, or with any network marketing company.

There is not one, nor can there ever be one.

And here is why:

First, take a look at this little conversation between a Top Producer and a Newbie...

"So, how did you get to Senior Executive?"
"Well, I made 100 cold calls a day."
"Wow... okay. So where did you get the phone numbers?"
"I bought them at I-love-rejection.com "
"Great! And did you buy cold leads or semi-cold leads?"
"I bought cold leads because they were cheaper."
"Super! Okay, so did you follow a script?"
"Yes, I made one that I can email you."
"Awesome! Did you leave messages or..."
"No, I never left voicemail. I only pitched to those who answered."
"That's important to know. What times of day did you call?"

..... this could go on and on, but I will stop it here.

This representative will get off the phone and think they can duplicate this system to reach Senior Executive. They will go out and buy 100 ice cold leads and pull out the script their mentor sent them. Then they will dial a number and get a recording. They will dial another number and it will be disconnected. They will dial another number and the person on the other end will have NO CLUE what they are talking about, be completely offended for the interruption, and hang up on them (not before cussing them out).

This will go on for about 20-50 calls before the rep is just sick to their stomachs. They cannot do it this way. It is just too hard and too discouraging. This is not what they signed up for!

A large percentage of reps will quit at this point, and not quit making the calls, but the whole business. Another percentage will just get on another Executive call and see what THEY did to grow their business only to learn that:

One Executive may have used newspapers, another may have used Google Ad-Words, another may have used lectures or seminars, another may have done expos, another MiSpa parties...

The truth is, that what works for them, may not work for me. What works for me, may not work for you. What works for you, may not work for your personally sponsored members.

We must hone in on the truth about duplication from the get-go or else we are going to create an entire company of people that think there is some magical 1, 2, 3... to success - which there isn't.

I just finished reading a book that I purchased. It was GUARANTEED to help me create a "duplicatable system". Naturally it was intriguing in the first few chapters. I sat on the edge of my seat with anticipation for this great and magical secret to be revealed.

Wouldn't you know, by the fifth chapter, I am reading an advertisement for the REAL SECRET. This dang book was SELLING ME A SYSTEM. They wanted me to spend MORE money to buy this magical cure for MLM blues. Of course! They all do that. They lure you into their net and then SNAG! Dang... I had been snagged. :-(

"I made me $10,000 in my first month after I completed just one chapter in this course!"

OR

"I sponsored 15 people into my business in only one week after reading this book!"

PULLLEASEEE, spare me the carp! These authors or GURU's of Network Marketing, as the call themselves, are out there shoveling it so high they can't see their own noses. They tell you how they made MILLIONS IN JUST TWO YEARS. In fact, this particular "guru" claims to have made $352,000 in one month while doing network marketing this way - his way.

So... why quit that? I mean, if you are making millions from your network marketing business - why branch off into selling secrets and systems? Sure, multiple streams of income and all that... but if I were making over $350,000 a month, I think I might just kick back and play the stock market while basking on some beach with soft, white sand.

Let me tell YOU a SECRET about these "gurus"... they claim to have made MILLIONS in network marketing - but most likely by selling people on false promises of riches, fortune and fame.

Think about it... if they are deceitful enough to charge you for a book that is supposed to contain secrets to success, and the only secret found within the pages is an advertisement to spend hundreds IF NOT THOUSANDS more to get the REAL SECRET or the SECRET AND BONUS WEBSITE that is "guaranteed to make you rich beyond your wildest dreams," aren't these the types of network marketers we loathe and work each day to NOT be like??

This can only lead me to common sense and logic. I am one of the most flighty people you may ever meet in your lives, but even I must ground myself from time to time and come down to reality where 1+1 equals 2.

When I add logic to the equation of creating a simple "1,2,3... Step-by-Step Guide to Success," I see that it is not possible for one to exist in our universe.

And here is my simple logic behind this:

1. If there were such a system, everyone would be using it
2. If everyone were using it, everyone would be successful

So, where does this leave us as representatives trying to mentor others to do what we do when we can't possibly expect someone to do EXACTLY what we do?

There are some specific things that ARE duplicatable...

Or the word I prefer: CONTAGEOUS

- Smiles
- Happiness
- Laughter
- Positive Attitudes
- Enthusiasm
- Faith
- Love
- Dedication
- Determination
- Motivation
- Tenacity
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Peace
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Self-Confidence

These are things WE ALL HAVE WITHIN US!

No one can script these things to follow because you see, they are not tangible. They can be written, they can be read, they can even be said and heard - but they cannot be achieved without something inside of ourselves.

There is no manual on how to get day to day in life... but we do.

How do we do that?

Think about it.

How to be the 1%

99% of people who join network marketing never earn a full-time income!

This is no secret, and you were bound to find this out sooner or later - so let's put in on the table right now.

As you feel the lump rise in your throat, or the tears well up in your eyes, I encourage you to swallow and take a deep breath… because I am going to show you how NOT to be the 99%!

What separates the 99% from the 1% ?

99%: Work the business when the mood strikes them.
1%: Work the business even when they are not in the mood.

99%: Claim they don't have time for their business.
1%: Make time for their business.

99%: See failure as failure.
1%: See failure as learning.

99%: Wait for people to find them.
1%: Go out and find people.

99%: Expect their sponsor to call them.
1%: Call their sponsor.

99%: Blame the products, the company, the comp plan, or their sponsor when they aren’t succeeding.
1%: Look in the mirror and find ways to improve.

99%: Think they are selling products or opportunities.
1%: Know they are offering solutions to problems.

99%: Think it will be easy.
1%: Know nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

99%: Won't leave their comfort zone.
1%: Know that leaving their comfort zone expands it.

99%: Think the products will sell themselves.
1%: Know products don’t speak.

99%: Take rejection personally.
1%: Realize that it is just part of doing business.

99%: Think a person buys a drill because the need a drill.
1%: Know a person buys a drill because they need a hole.

99%: View marketing & training as expenses.
1%: View marketing & training as investments.

99%: TELL, tell, tell!
1%: ASK, ask, ask!

99%: SPEAK, speak, speak!
1%: LISTEN, listen, listen!

And finally…

The #1 thing that separates the 99% from the 1%:

99%: Quit when they fail.
1%: Know the only way to fail is to quit!



Let's Succeed Together!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Why???

That is the question... WHY?

Our "WHYs" are so essential to our being, our lives, and our businesses with ONE Group. Having just hung up from our team call, I am so exhilarated with passion for our business that I just need to spill it somewhere!

Have you ever started talking and suddenly you answer your own question without even knowing there was a question? How in just some unexpected way your own problem is solved and you actually solved it all by yourself without forethought?

Well, that is what happened with me tonight on our team call.

Typically after our calls a few of us "gabbers" stay on, and tonight was no exception as we talked until midnight! :-) But it was great - and it was great because we are all so passionate about this company, about these products, about our own opportunities to reach our own personal goals and destinies - and here we are TOGETHER - sailing on the same ship!

My WHY has been somewhat ill-defined since I joined ONE Group back in July of 2005. But just as we evolve and learn and develop in life through experiences, the same is true in business. Someone may actually marry their mate for security and comfort, only to find out a dozen years later they remain married for love - or vice versa.

I joined ONE Group as a former recruiter, and I was no ordinary recruiter. I loved my job so much that I used to joke with the companies I worked for that I would pay THEM to work because I loved it so much. Thus, my WHY in ONE Group was always to find and nurture others to grow successful businesses of their own.

But now, nearly three years along this amazing journey, I realize that I can't sell products effectively with this only this WHY.

Wanna know a secret?

Looking at MiSpa parties in their true MiSpa platform, I cringe. I want to do parties because I see how effective they are - but I just can't bring myself to do them. I just can't seem to find a reasonable WHY behind pampering a bunch of women to look beautiful just so I can make a commission check.

There... I said it.

Okay - sounds bad, I know. But I realized tonight that I CAN host MiSpa parties, and there is a WHY to sell products for beauty - it was right there in front of my face the whole time. I just needed to understand my own perception of what beauty means.

It is said that, "Beauty is only skin deep." Based on this statement the logical inference equals this: "If I were sell skin care and cosmetics for beauty reasons, I would be doing so for my own benefit... a commission. And those purchasing the products would be doing so for their own benefit... vanity.

Not that there is anything wrong with earning money, nor is there anything wrong with wanting to look beautiful - but for me, it just didn't resonate.

Then it dawned on me that I was holding up this picture, of selling products to make people beautiful, upside down the whole time! When I hung the picture right side up, I could see that I am selling products that don't harm anyone. They don't harm those who use them, they don't harm the planet when they are made OR when they are consumed, and they aren't making some irresponsible corporate money mongers wealthy beyond imagination.

No, our products are doing just the opposite! Offering these products is BENEFITING the planet with sustainable agriculture, BENEFITING the consumer by reducing carcinogenic exposures, BENEFITING Alf and Narelle and Colin, who I wholeheartedly trust will only use for good, and BENEFITING me by allowing me to contribute something special to others... an opportunity to be beautiful as I define it.

I think a lot of you feel like I do and freeze up at the idea of selling at parties - or anywhere for that matter. We tend to think that "sales" is some raunchy word that should never be used. We feel icky when we refer to ourselves as salespeople - and with good reason, after all, look at the stereotypes of used-car salesman, insurance salesman, ambulance chasers... it isn't exactly the noblest profession, now is it?

Have you ever been to a another company's cosmetic party?

You buy because you feel you should, or you buy because everyone else is, or you buy to help the rep who is a single mom raising three kids, or you buy because the hostess wants the free/discounted products... and the whole time - well, for me anyway, I am feeling guilty about spending so much money on myself. Money that could go to ANYTHING more important than my own vanity.

But now, turn this picture around.

Now see that we are offering these gracious consumers a chance to make a PURCHASE with a PURPOSE. To not only pamper themselves with products that will make them look and feel beautiful in the physical sense, but beautiful on the inside as well. Their purchases are not selfish or in vain - actually they are quite the opposite! They are making an incredibly positive contribution to this planet and all those whom inhabit it today - and tomorrow.

This isn't some huge "ah-ha!" moment for me, because this is really what I have known all along. But oddly enough, I never could understand why I felt so shameful when I would consider doing MiSpa parties. I never made the connection of the beauty and the vanity and the selfishness that I associated with it.

If you are struggling with sales of products or recruiting people into the business, perhaps it is time for you to look at your picture and see if it isn't upside down as well. And then take some time to review your WHY's. Consider what makes you feel worthwhile in life. That is the whole point of being in business for yourself is that you can choose to work towards what matters to YOU. You can define beauty, define success, wealth... all those are exclusive to YOU and you alone!

And yes, we are all on this ship together sharing this beautiful voyage of ONE Group, but search inside for what defines you, and your life, and your purpose in this business, and what you can do with it to prosper in EVERY sense of the word - while helping others do the same!

Let's succeed together!

Blessings,
Candy

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

End the Discounting Habit

Dear Team,

I wanted to share this article even though most of us do not discount our products, we many times face the price objection.

Some of you fear getting the price objection so much that you do not actively build your business. Or you try to build your business, but with the anticipated fear of the price objection, you subconsciously or consciously sabotage your own success by making excuses for the prices or apologizing for them.

It is important to understand that price objections are common in every industry and every product around the globe. It is also important to understand that price objections are simply a way of the consumer saying, "I don't understand the value of this product or service."

I always tell the story of the bread loaves and the baker. If you haven't already heard my baker analogy...

Imagine that you go into a grocery store each day after work. Each day you see a bread rack in the front of the store and it has two prices of bread - for the same bread. One is $1.00 and the other is $3.00.

Each time you need bread, you grab the $1.00 loaf. Never in your wildest imagination can you understand why someone would opt for the $3.00 bread over the $1.00 bread.

Then one day you go into the store and the baker is standing by the rack. You greet her and as you grab your $1.00 loaf, you out of curiosity ask, "Why is this bread a lesser price?"

The baker is happy to answer your question. She says, "I am glad you asked. You see, though these are the same breads with the same ingredients, the higher priced one is made from all organic ingredients that are fresh - not processed. Then the bread is baked at a temperature that allows the bread to cook fully, but not so as the ingredients lose their nutritional value. The other bread is still good bread - but basically it is empty calories."

Suddenly you look at the $1.00 loaf in your hand and realize it is not such a value after all.

This is the power of educating the consumer to make informed decisions!!


End the Discounting Habit
And other rules for pricing with confidence
by Reed K. Holden, DBA

I learned the danger of discounting the hard way when I started my consulting business fifteen years ago. We got a call from a company that seemed to be interested in our services. We lept at the opportunity and presented a solid proposal with what I felt was a fair fee. The prospective customer responded by asking for a lower fee. And when we lowered the fee, he asked for a still lower one.

That exchange led to a new conversation and a different proposal. The proposal focused on our understanding of the prospect's business pain, how our services would alleviate that pain, and how the prospect's business would directly benefit from the value our services added. A day later, with no more talk of discounts, the prospect gave us the engagement.

From that exchange, I learned a critical lesson. If all you talk about with customers is price, there is no price that is going to be low enough. Price is important, but there are considerations that must come first. We learned to start the conversation by talking about value. If the prospect still did not value that value, we were happy to let our competitor have the honor of serving him.

Some time later, we received a call from a senior executive at a large electronics company. The executive asked for our fee to train and prepare a sales team for a tough price negotiation with one of its largest and toughest customers. This executive knew our value. Nevertheless, when the fee offered was lower than we were prepared to accept, we did two things. First, we gave the executive the names of two consulting firms whose prices tended to be lower than ours. Second, we asked a question, "Do you regard this engagement as an expense or as an investment?"

The executive paused and then said he was thinking about it as an expense. That honest response gave us a chance to talk about the benefits of thinking about our services as an investment, one with ongoing payback for future negotiations. We booked the deal at our normal fee and went on to do a number of activities with that company.

Successful managers and salespeople know how they create value for customers and know how to change the discussion to value. The best companies know they have to display a little arrogance about the value they offer in order to send an important signal to potential buyers.

That signal is:
We are confident in the value we provide and, therefore, the prices we charge.

When your salespeople get asked for a lower price, what is their response? It should be some variation of, "What do you know about us and how confident are you that we can solve your business problem?" That's what I mean by replacing the discount habit with a little arrogance.
Arrogance, just a little, means that people, especially salespeople, feel confident about what their company offers and why it functions better on behalf of its customers. If they don't feel confident, how can you expect them to price with confidence? If you don't have the arrogance, give up discounting for a while and go out and talk to customers.

*Note from Candy... don't think of confidence as arrogance when it comes to ONE Group products. We are not quadrupling prices for mass profits, we are charging a fair price for high quality beautiful products. Additionally, remember to stand firm to your convictions. For example: If you are concerned about the environment - remember, our products are making the earth a safer, more inhabitable place for all creatures. (Always remember your WHY)

Talk to those who are using your products and services. Ask them a real simple question. Ask the question that you're afraid to ask because it may appear stupid: Why do you use our products? Listen closely to their answers. If these customers believe in your company, then maybe you had better believe in your company, too.

http://www.businessknowhow.com/money/discounting.htm

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Infants and toddlers exposed to baby lotions...

From Los Angeles Times

Infants and toddlers exposed to baby lotions, shampoos and powders carry high concentrations of hormone-altering chemicals in their bodies that might have reproductive effects, according to a new scientific study of babies born in Los Angeles and two other U.S. cities.

The research, to be published today in the medical journal Pediatrics, found that as the use of baby care products rose, so did the concentration of phthalates, which are used in many fragrances.The lead scientist in the study, Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana of the University of Washington’s Department of Pediatrics, said the findings suggested that many baby care products contain a variety of phthalates that enter children’s bodies through their skin.Manufacturers do not list phthalates as ingredients on labels, so it is unknown which products contain them.

The researchers at the University of Washington and the University of Rochester stressed that the potential effects on babies were uncertain.But previous animal and human research suggests that early exposure to some phthalates could reduce testosterone and alter reproductive organs, particularly in males.The three phthalate compounds found in the highest concentrations in babies in the study were linked to reduced testosterone in a 2006 study of newborns in Denmark.

Some scientists theorize such changes in hormones could lead to fertility problems and male reproductive disorders.Representatives of the fragrance and cosmetics industries said they were surprised by the findings and questioned their validity. They said only one phthalate compound is used in baby products, and it is found in such low levels that they doubt it could explain high concentrations found in the babies.In the study, doctors tested the urine of 163 children between the ages of 2 months and 28 months born in Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Columbia, Mo., between 2000 and 2005.

All had detectable amounts of at least one type of phthalate, and more than 80% had seven or more types.“Phthalate exposure is widespread and variable in infants. We found that mothers’ reported use of infant lotion, infant powder and shampoo was significantly associated with . . . urinary concentrations,” the scientists wrote in the new study.In the study, babies exposed to baby lotion, shampoo and powder had more than four times the level of phthalates in their urine than babies whose parents had not used the products. The highest levels were reported in babies under 8 months old, and those exposed to lotions.

Previous studies have focused on a different route of exposure for children: sucking on soft, vinyl toys. Phthalates, in addition to helping cosmetics retain fragrance and color, are used as plasticizers in some vinyl. A recently passed California law will ban six types in children’s toys and feeding products, beginning next year. But no federal or state law in the United States prohibits their use in personal care products or cosmetics.

The study is the first to report that skin transfer may be a main route of exposure for babies.In their report, the scientists advised parents who want to reduce their baby’s exposure to stop using lotions and powders unless their doctors recommend them for medical reasons. They also suggested limiting use of shampoos and other products. Many adult lotions and other personal care products also contain phthalates.John Bailey, chief scientist for the Personal Care Products Council, an industry trade group, said diethyl phthalate, or DEP, is used in the fragrances of some baby lotions and other baby products.

But DEP is used at “very low levels, in the part-per-million range, below what could possibly account for the levels they are finding” in the babies’ urine, Bailey said. “All of the other phthalates, if they’re present, have to be coming from someplace else,” such as plastics or other products, he said.Bailey said he couldn’t explain why the researchers found such high concentrations in the babies that used lotions and the other products.

But he said the scientists shouldn’t have advised parents to stop using them because they did not test any products and cannot prove they were the source.“The results that are being presented and the conclusions being made don’t make a great deal of scientific sense,” Bailey said. “There’s a lot that makes you question whether their findings are valid.”

Europe has banned some phthalates in baby toys and cosmetics, but not the DEP found in fragrances.More than half the mothers in the new study reported using baby shampoos on their infants within 24 hours of the urine tests, and about one-third had used lotion, and 14% used powder within the same time period.No link was found to baby wipes or to diaper creams.The highest concentrations in the babies were for a phthalate known as MEP, which comes from DEP, the compound used in fragrances. One baby had an extremely high level of MEP — 4.4 parts per million.

Friday, February 08, 2008

***Product News - Special Notice***

Tropicana Body Milk Unavailable

A recent drop in the quality of coconut oil supplied to us and used in the manufacture of our Tropicana Body Milk has resulted in a decision to remove existing stock from distribution effective today.Compromising product quality is not an option and ONE Group is committed to using only the highest quality ingredients available.

We are actively sourcing a new supplier and anticipate the reintroduction of a newly formulated Tropicana Body Milk later this year.We have removed the Tropicana from the Shopping Cart and an announcement will be made once the new formula is available.

We are sorry for this inconvenience and invite you to experience our Intensive Body Cream - featuring certified organic shea butter and the exquisite scent of amber - as an alternative.