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

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.

-

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/