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.

-

Multilevel Marketing Millions

By Brian Tracy

Eight Keys to MLM Success
If you're looking at a multi-level marketing opportunity, here are eight key considerations.

Look for a multi-level business that has, number one, quality products with a good reputation.
Never waste your time trying to sell anything that is not of excellent quality. Quality products are the starting point of your success in business. No successful business can ever be built on an average or mediocre product.

Look for Competitive Prices
Number two, look for a company that has prices that compare favorable with the competition. Remember, nobody's going to pay more for your product or service if they can get the same or equivalent somewhere else at a lower price. So check the price comparisons.

Demand a Money Back Guarantee
The third thing you look for is a 100 percent unconditional money-back guarantee. In other words, the product must be so good and the company must stand behind it so strongly that they're willing to give a 100 percent refund guarantee on anything that they sell. That's a very good rule for starting and building any business.

Carry a Small Inventory
The fourth key in finding a multi-level marketing opportunity is that there should be a small or zero inventory requirement. You should be able to get into a multi-level marketing business with very little money. Not more than a hundred dollars.

Keep Good Records
The fifth requirement is that the company provides prompt delivery and efficient internal bookkeeping. A multi-level marketing business that's well organized will be able to deliver your products within 24 or 48 hours for you to sell, or deliver to your customers. They'll also take very good care of the books and give you accurate financial statements each month.

Seek a Strong Support Organization
A sixth thing to look for is a strong support organization. This is perhaps as important, if not more important, than anything else. Look for a support organization that will offer you training, that will give you seminars on product knowledge, that will give you motivation, and give you opportunities for personal and business development. Many people who have started with multi-level marketing companies have gone on to be very successful in their own businesses because of the training they got from the multi-level company. If the company doesn't have a training system, try to find a company that does.

Honesty is the Best Policy
The seventh factor that you require is honesty and integrity. Make sure that the parent company has an impeccable reputation in the marketplace. Remember it has to be a company that you can be proud of. You should never have to make excuses for the company you're working for.

Product Should be Consumable
Products should be consumable, leading to reorders and repeat business. You should try to sell a product that people use up on a regular basis, so that if they're happy with it, they'll continue to reorder and reorder and reorder. And once you get a customer, sometimes you can have a customer for years.

Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do to put these ideas into action:

First, look for a product that you really like, use and enjoy yourself personally. You can only sell something to someone else if your heart is in it. And if your heart is in it you will enjoy using the product yourself.

Second, look for a product that has something new or special that makes it different and better than any other similar product in the market today. The number one reason that any product fails is because it is not superior to and different from the competition.

* From Candy,
If you have someone on the fence about the opportunity to join ONE Group, consider offering them this checklist for them to use as a guide. You can easily share what ONE Group offers in each of these requirements. The third party list will reinforce your prospect's confidence in the industry as a whole. By additionally providing detailed information how our opportunity meets (and EXCEEDS) the criteria, your prospect will be able to come to a more informed decision!

I highly recommend visiting Brian Tracy's website which is found to the righthand side of the blog and subscribing to his tips and hints via email.

Making a Lucrative Income in Multi-Level-Marketing

I know that many of you reading this have tried at some point to sell Avon, Mary Kay, AMWAY or some other direct selling products through Multi-Level-Marketing. How were your results? Are you living in that dream mansion? Are you traveling the world?

Maybe not – but that doesn’t mean that Multi-Level-Marketing doesn’t work.

Multi-Level-Marketing offers a legitimate opportunity for financial freedom and wealth. With so many misconceptions about Multi-Level-Marketing, and the United States ever shrinking job market, I thought perhaps this topic would be of interest.

Let’s look at some common Multi-Level-Marketing Myths…

Multi-Level-Marketing is a Pyramid Scheme.
Actually no, it isn’t. A pyramid scheme is where no goods or services are being exchanged. For example: stuffing envelopes for money when you are stuffing envelopes with only literature asking others to stuff envelopes for money. It is a circle with nothing exchanged.

Additionally, let’s take a look at a typical corporation and how it is structured. At the tiny top of a corporation you will find the CEO. The step down is the President/CFO. Down another level are the VP’s and then moving on through the wider section is middle management, only to arrive at the large bottom section of staff members. Am I mistaken, or is this structure shaped like a pyramid?

At least with a Multi-Level-Marketing company, the bottom dwellers have a chance to rise above the CEO. This won’t happen in Corporate America very often!

Multi-Level-Marketing Sets You Up to Fail.
Again, this is another myth of the industry. Multi-Level-Marketing sets you up with a business - failing at it is usually a choice. In this country 80% of small business start-ups fail. Roughly the same number holds true for Multi-Level-Marketing Representatives. However, how much money you lose in starting up a bricks and mortar business is significantly higher than with starting a Multi-Level-Marketing business.

To Succeed in Multi-Level-Marketing You Have to Be Good in Sales.
I hear this one almost everyday – and this is one of the biggest misconceptions about the industry of Multi-Level-Marketing.

Fist of all, if you have to SELL someone on joining your company, you are going to have to SELL them on working each day. Why would you want to take on that responsibility? As for the products, if you align yourself with a company that has products you believe in and use yourself – you don’t have to sell anything – you simply share your passion and zeal.

Here are Just Some of the Incredible Benefits of Multi-Level-Marketing
- It doesn’t discriminate. No matter who you are, what your color, race, creed, religion, political preference, sexual orientation, demographics , status of wealth – you are all on equal ground when you start the business.
- You can make a little money or a lot, the choice is YOURS. You are paid what you are worth. You will not be passed over for a promotion or raise because of corporate politics, preferential treatment, or the like.
- It creates a passive income for the future. If each person you recruit into your business recruits one person also - you are extending yourself across the span of the infinite.
- Unlike bricks and mortar where the more you grow – the more you work, the opposite holds true for Multi-Level-Marketing. The more you grow your business, the less you have to work.
- You are your own boss and may work whenever you please, however you please, and wherever you please.

How to Shop for a Multi-Level-Marketing Company
Do you homework, you are starting a business! First you need to find a company that sells products or services that you love. Not just like, but love! Be sure this product is not a fad – but a trend. Trends are here to stay, fads will come and go.

Once you have accomplished this, you need to research the company to find out when it was started, where was started, and by whom. Then find out: Are their lawsuits pending? Are they debt-free? Do they have long term strategies for growth and expansion in place? Are their values and mission in line with your own core beliefs?

Be sure they are promoting a product or service first – and the opportunity to market the product or service second. Also make sure that there is just as much, if not more, commission paid on the goods, as the opportunity.

Most importantly, shop for a sponsor! Don’t sign up under just anybody. It is the person that sponsors you into the company, that will be your lifeline to success. Their mission is to duplicate what is working for them and pass it onto you. You want this person to be knowledgeable, established and successful in the business, friendly, helpful, available at all times, and be someone that you genuinely connect with.

Be wary of anyone that tries to pressure you into joining on the spot. If you feel it is moving too fast – speak up. If they don’t back down and push you further – walk away. This is not ethical business practice.

Take time to make your decision. If that warm and fuzzy feeling you had on Monday is still with you on Thursday – chances are it is the right opportunity for you.

Don’t quit your J.O.B. to start a Multi-Level-Marketing venture!
Just like any business, it can take three to five years to produce the income you are desiring. By choosing a company that is in line with your values, and products that will seamlessly flow into your lifestyle, working part-time with the business should be more than enough to accomplish your financial goals for the future.