24
Nov
Posted by bodybydesign in Govt Issues. Leave a Comment
Privatization is considered free market capitalism and a Public Option is considered a bureaucratic mess or mistake?
I normally hold libertarian views, when it comes to politics, but I have great difficulty understanding the current health care debate. Recently a nurse told me: “Poor people get good care at the hospital so what’s wrong with the current system?” Actually, a lot of poor people do get good care through the current hospital (ER) system making it almost impossible to get immediate emergency care. Admittedly, a lot of poor people don’t get the preventative care they need (45,000 without coverage die each year based on a Harvard study) but they may eventually get health care if they don’t drop dead first. That’s not the only issue. It’s the middle class people with jobs or small businesses that get screwed.
If you believe that government is taking over health care that will lead to rationing, genetic control, and the death of the population the only thing I can say is: “It’s very doubtful that the middlemen insurance companies with their ties to politicians could or would stop that kind of evil.” Why? The insurance companies don’t exist in a free market system (protectionism, corporatism, and socialism for the rich).
Insurance companies are oligopolies exempted from antitrust laws that would make them free market. Along with baseball they are exempt from the normal laws controlling their existence (baseball was exempted because it is only a game).
In other words, free market capitalism does not apply and the middle class and business owners are at their mercy. If I didn’t have assets I would be tempted to just go to the ER and let the rest of you pay for my problems through your premiums! However, being under insured is a leading cause of bankruptcy.
In a free economy, businesses exist because they “add value” or have value. What value does health insurance companies provide for the 20% they take off the top?
The other argument is that government bureaucrats will screw you and private insurance companies won’t. Bureaucrats are “people” just like insurance company employees (private bureaucrats) and the major advantage of government bureaucrats is they don’t have a “profit motive.” The profit motive says: “You don’t get [major illness] coverage that you paid for if we can help it!” Do you really want your life in their hands? You like your current coverage because you haven’t “really needed it”–as of yet! Just wait till you get a major illness.
Others argue that small business people are not for health insurance reform. This is just wrong. Self employed people have high deductibles and poor coverage in order to afford insurance at all. My concern is that the insurance oligopolies (cartels) will get the best of both worlds through reform: Continuation of their ridiculous rules (like preexisting conditions or premiums so high you can’t afford coverage) and a broader base on which to impose those rules. Win/win for them. Also, people with preexisting conditions can’t afford to lose a job or change jobs (locked into their current employment).
This is a “moral” issue instead of a political issue. Where are the religious leaders? Too cowardly to speak for those dying or dead because they can’t get quality insurance coverage? What kind of society are we living in today?
20
Nov
Posted by bodybydesign in Best Practices. Leave a Comment
The Simplicity of Network Marketing as a business.
So you are a genius when it comes to modeling, operations research, activity-based cost management, material requirements planning (MRP), inventory control, SQL, SAP, Oracle/Hyperion, regression analysis, operating ratios and statistics? Good for you. If you are like me you’ve had to use some sophisticated systems and techniques in your job but don’t try too hard to explain it to your peers in management unless you want their eyes to glaze over. Also, visibility is not something that ANY VP wants and I’ve had more than one VP throw an analysis at me in a meeting with the CEO and call me a [*#&!] liar. Why? Because the numbers made their management decisions look bad even though we were not trying to make someone look bad and only improve the bottom line. When it comes to gross profit and product costing even the CEO would prefer less visibility and worries about outsiders (particularly financial institutions and competitors) getting their hands on the information. And so, when the investors tell you what lousy systems (at least the part they get to see) your company has you have to smile (internally of course). Do you know that a program to improve operating visibility might even get your fired? Another something you won’t learn in business school.
And so, put your talents and education to a more profitable endeavor!
No boss, no payroll, no in-house sophisticated systems, no large inventories, no reports to the government (except tax returns), and no political wars with high level people.
The business environment of a Network Marketing business is “very” attractive!
17
Nov
Posted by bodybydesign in Best Practices. Leave a Comment
In Network Marketing we need to understand critical mass.
Richard Poe, Wave 3:
“I couldn’t do it,’ she recalls. ‘I just couldn’t face writing another resume.’
Only now did Sue begin to realize how angry she really was. On a whim, this regional manager had snatched away her livelihood–and handed it to someone else! Her years of service, her sincerity, her dedication meant nothing to him. Sue realized that as long as she worked for others, she was only a cog in their machine, and a disposable one at that.
‘It was humiliating to think that someone had taken control of my life that way,’ Sue recalls, ‘that someone had eliminated my options.’
…When it happens, it’s like nothing you can imagine,’ says Sue. ‘For me it hit about eight or nine months into the business. All of a sudden, it just exploded. My checks started doubling and tripling. That’s when I realized the equation had started happening, the one they tell you about in the beginning but that you never quite believe.’
Every network marketer knows what Sue means by ‘the equation.’ When you start out in the business, they tell you that if you work hard and persist, eventually your organization will hit ‘critical mass’–that magical point when just the right number of people, just the right level of enthusiasm, and just the right timing in the marketplace converge to ignite an explosion of ‘momentum’ in your downline–MLM jargon for sudden, wild, exponential growth.
Unfortunately, few ever reach that mystical point. That’s because it takes more than just hard work and persistence to get there. It takes the will and the judgment to make correct choices and to make them at the right time.
Sue Grigsby’s decision to ‘burn the boats’ was crucial in mobilizing her downline into action. But her efforts would have been wasted if she had followed that decision with ill-conceived and erroneous actions. The Butterfly Effect is always powerfully at work in your downline. But it works in your favor only when you steer it resolutely on the right course, day after day.”
16
Nov
Posted by bodybydesign in Best Practices. Leave a Comment
People are conditioned by their family and society to seek the “security” of a JOB.
I have nothing against good quality businesses and employment so I’m not against jobs (particularly for some people). Also, I’m not against a quality education and professionalism. I feel like I have accomplished both at high level. As a CPA, I’ve met con artist, immoral, and amoral people working in Corp. America for many years so don’t give me a snobbish comment about Network Marketing. Because of that understanding (like you) I understand the limitations of a job. I understand the politics, the ownership (put in these hours or else) aspect of being an employee, the pit in the stomach or revulsion of going to work, and I understand that you are an asset of the company being fully depreciated over time (one company, ten companies, or more). I have fired the total representative sales force before (not just a few salespeople but all the salespeople). Nothing personal–it was my job. Please don’t try to tell me about the security aspect of Corp. America.
The environment is different in Network Marketing if you get with a quality company. No one calls you and asks: “What did you do for me last week?” Or, being let go after years of service because you’re not meeting some quota or budget (realistic or not). Or, meet your new boss (my ignorant nephew or my new mistress). Or, I’ve sold you all down the river so I can retire in luxury. No jobs that I’m aware of offers residual income. Network Marketing does offer residual income and freedom. No, it’s not easy (or a given) but then what is? If you like people, and can give Network Marketing some of your time, what have you got to lose?
Occasionally, we run across someone who can really do this at a high level. You may surprise yourself.
Someone that not only supercharges their own income but the income of their team (upline and downline) or even a whole company. Sometimes we talk about the power of (3) business builders but sometimes it’s not even three–it’s one! They should never have been in a job because the sky is their limit.
When you understand this dynamic of Network Marketing then it begins to take on a completely new meaning for you. Admittedly, it can become addictive or a rush looking for that “one” person.
12
Nov
Posted by bodybydesign in Best Practices. Leave a Comment
In Network Marketing people aren’t interested in your closing techniques they are interested in your story.
Mark and Rene Yarnell, Your First Year In Network Marketing:
“This is a business of storytelling and sharing personal ups and downs. Traditional business instructs you to emphasize your strengths and past successes. To break down the walls of resistance, network marketing teaches you to share your vulnerabilities–the circumstances leading to your hitting bottom–as well as your successes. It is generally the down times that open the door to network marketing for many people; but more importantly, it is hearing a very personal story that makes other people relate to you as a ‘real’ person. It is very difficult for typical corporate executives to share their weaknesses with others. They have rarely, if ever, been encouraged to do so. But it is the emotional, passionate, personal side of this business that creates its deeply human appeal. Systems such as slide shows, e-mail recruiting, high-tech computer Web sites, hotel meetings, mass mailings, and a host of other traditional, impersonal marketing strategies do not work nearly as effectively in the simplified, easily duplicated field of good old-fashioned, work-at-home network marketing.”
Learn to be yourself and present solutions for your audience (your story or the story of others in the business). People are looking for simple answers and solutions not a professional production. If they can’t see themselves doing what you do–you lose! Showing them your sophisticated blog or website may not paint a picture they see themselves doing in order to be successful Business Builders.
You are already special so don’t reinvent yourself!
11
Nov
Posted by bodybydesign in Best Practices. Leave a Comment
The Law of Abundance is the opposite of economic scarcity. Is there enough business to go around for everyone including the competition?
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38
Most of us realize, at least intellectually, that giving more than is required is good business practice and builds an incredible reputation in the community. However, most people give with reciprocity in their mind. You owe me one. True freedom comes when we stop keeping score with people and stop worrying about the competition. Our own success is dependent upon the number of people we help.
Also, helping people in general (even the competition) is a good principle to build a tremendous network of friends. In fact, don’t many people end up working for the competition? Or, they become the competition by starting their own business and they will need relationships and friends to do that too. We may find that it’s a small world in many industries.
Want to build influence? Be a giver without expecting payment in return!
9
Nov
Posted by bodybydesign in Best Practices. Leave a Comment
Do you understand value statements?
In Network Marketing there is nothing more important than valuing people. And so, here’s a story from Corporate America that makes my point.
Long ago I worked for a Division of PepsiCo Inc., and before Christmas this particular division wasn’t making the “numbers.” The Division Controller was highly educated (University Professor), sharp with numbers, and an impressive Corporate background with high-profile companies. In getting to the desired bottom-line he noticed an expenditure that occurred each Christmas. For years, the company purchased Christmas Turkeys or hams for the employees. Well, cutting out Christmas Turkeys was a no brainer in getting to the desired results.
I was a young man, new to the world of business, but I’ve always remembered the “results” of that decision. I never heard so much complaining by the employees about something as inexpensive as a Christmas Turkey. The employees took it very personal. You mean to tell me that we’re not even worth a Christmas Turkey after working hours of OT each week? That decision was a “value statement” that had nothing to do with cost cutting.
You see, we observed the life style of the executives. Their $150 dollar hair cuts, their two martini lunches at the club, and we realized that those type of expenditures (perks) would not be cut no matter what the financial condition. The value statement that the Division Controller made showed his lack of good judgment because the employee turnover increased, and the productivity went down. I still wonder what that one decision cost the company in productivity.
When it comes to valuing your people don’t be a turkey!
6
Nov
Posted by bodybydesign in Best Practices. Leave a Comment
What one word can get people to say “Yes”?
Noah J. Goldstein, PhD, Steve J. Martin, and Robert B. Cialdini, PhD write this in their book (Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive):
“But is it possible that just a single word from a requester could drastically increase the likelihood that you’d say, “Yes, go ahead”?
Yes–and the single word is because. Behavioral scientist Ellen Langer and her colleagues decided to put the persuasive power of this word to the test. In one study, Langer arranged fro a stranger to approach someone waiting in line to use a photocopier and simple ask, “Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine?” Faced with this direct request to cut ahead in the line, 60 percent of the people were willing to agree to allow the stranger to go ahead of them. However, when the stranger made the request with a reason (“May I use the Xerox machine, because I’m in a rush?”), almost everyone (94 percent) complied. This kind of boost may not seem very surprising. After all, providing a solid reason for the request justifies asking to jump ahead.
The Xerox study demonstrates the unique motivational influence of the word because. The word gets its persuasive power from the continually reinforced association over the course of our lives between because and the good rationales that typically follow….”
It’s a powerful word so don’t forget to use it–just because I said so!
1
Nov
Posted by bodybydesign in Best Practices. Leave a Comment
Third Party Credibility has much to do with Horn Tooting and eliminates sounding boastful by tooting our own horn.
A strong leader gives credibility (speaks life) to all those sponsored into Network Marketing (no matter their pin or skill level).
Noah J. Goldstein, PhD, Steve J. Martin, and Robert B. Cialdini, PhD write this in their book (Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive):
“One option is to get someone else to speak on your behalf. This approach has been widely accepted by speakers, authors, performers, and other public communicators for many years…”
Research has shown how effective it is on phone introductions: “Oh, rentals, you need to speak to Judy, who has over fifteen years’ experience renting properties in this neighborhood. Let me put you through now.”
“I’m going to put you through to Sheldon, our head of sales. Sheldon has twenty years of experience selling properties; in fact, he recently sold a property very similar to yours.”
Let other people “toot your horn.”
