Financial Freedom
Focus…Making time for your goals
Of course when we talk about eliminating extras when it comes to finances, we talk about budgeting and couponing. When we talk about eliminating the things that aren’t helping us towards our goals when we talk about fitness, we’re talking about cutting out all those treats. These are common sense solutions that we’re all familiar with.
But I want you to look beyond the obvious here. When you have a lot on your plate, every single second is precious. I want you to think for a moment about the things that are taking up your TIME that could be keeping you from your goals.
Let’s take finances for example–what activities are keeping you from making the time to work on your business? Did you know that the average American with a full-time job has between 4-5 hours of leisure time every day? Do you feel like you have 4-5 hours a day? Most people don’t. And yet, if they look, they’ll find that they are wasting time or using it inefficiently.
Guess how the average person spends those 4-5 hours? 1) 3 hours on TV 2) 1 hour on social media 3) 6 MINUTES on reading and 4) 45 minutes with actual people. We should be doing the opposite–spending time reading (personal development) and building relationships with the people in our lives.
Maybe you’re not watching TV or wasting time on the internet. But, chances are that you do have things in your life that could go. Take an inventory of where you are spending your time. If those activities don’t lead you toward your dreams, phase them out. Or try to figure out how you can replace certain activities with others that make better use of your time.
For instance, instead of going to the gym, maybe you can take a walk or go for a jog every morning-saving time but still achieving your goals. If you like reading, read personal development books instead of fiction.
The bottom line is to make time for the activities that will move you towards your goals.
Focus on Financial Freedom
Is Network Marketing a Scam?
Are you ever tempted to click on one of those links? You know, the ones that say, “(fill in your company) is a SCAM!” If you do, you are likely to find one of two things–someone trying to sell you something to help you build your business or someone who absolutely hates network marketing trying to tell you that network marketing is only for liars and cheats and no one makes any money doing it.
CREDIBILITY
Unfortunately for these latter folks, the truth is that network marketing is anything but a scam. When you have people like Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki, well known for their financial genius, telling people that network marketing is a great way to build wealth and buying/supporting network marketing companies themselves, that adds tremendous credibility to the profession. Not to mention the fact that many well-known corporations, like Nestle, are creating their own networking companies to sell their products. If network marketing truly were a ‘scam,’ it is unlikely that these folks would invest in the system.
Check the credibility of the folks running these sites insisting that network marketing companies are scams–are they multi-millionaires with a track record of building residual income and financial freedom for themselves? Probably not.
WHAT ABOUT THE 95%?
What about the 95%? You know, the 95% who supposedly “fail” at network marketing? It is true that many people don’t make much money in network marketing. There are actually several reasons for this. First, many people just give up too soon! Maybe they get discouraged quickly. Maybe they have life events that compel them to focus their attention elsewhere. Or maybe they find the grass greener somewhere else and jump from company to company, never giving themselves a chance to succeed.
Second, many people who do not make a profit with their company never joined to build a business, anyway! I recently signed up as a distributor in an old friend’s company. I NEVER PLAN TO BUILD A BUSINESS OR RECRUIT ANYONE FOR THIS COMPANY! Is that a surprise to you? Why would I sign up as a distributor if I don’t plan to build a business?
1) It cost me the same amount to be a distributor as a customer, so this helps my friend out.
2) I get a little bit of extra money back on my purchases as a distributor. It’s always nice to get a little money back, right?
3) You never know…I might someday find someone who wants to use these products, too–I do think they are pretty awesome. I have a company that I am committed to, so I’m not looking for another opportunity. (People who divide their focus between multiple opportunities are less likely to be successful!)
4) I would much rather buy products from my friend and help her earn a little extra cash than from Wal-Mart, especially when the products are much better and save me money!
Finally, while there aren’t many people making 5 figures or more a month, millions are making a few hundred dollars a month. Is working a few hours a week worth a couple extra hundred dollars a month for you? It is to me. That $200-500 a month can pay for groceries and gas, a car payment, etc. Lots of people are just looking for a way to make a little extra money to make it through a tough time or to save for a vacation or new car. While they may not be considered a success by others, they are pretty happy with their results! (and it sure beats putting in hours at a fast food restaurant!)
Bottom line, when you see that “everyone fails” statistic, be aware of the reasons that those people don’t succeed and the reality that not everyone is in network marketing to make a fortune. In legitimate companies, everyone has a chance for success–but many choose not to make the most of this opportunity. Case in point: I recently heard a story of a woman who brought in one new rep in a skin care company. She decided that it was too much work and quit. That one recruit ended up building a multi-million dollar business–and that woman lost out on earning hundreds of thousands of dollars–because she decided to quit too soon!
THE TRUTH
The truth is that studies have shown that people who join a network marketing company and stick with it, using and sharing their product consistently, achieve success. In fact, 95% of people who stick with one company for 10 years achieve success beyond their wildest dreams. Were they ‘on the top’? No. Were they extra special? No. The key component to success for 95% of people is simply sticking with it.
So, yes, 95% of people ‘fail’ in network marketing. BUT I like the odds for every single person out there who is willing to commit to 10 years with a company that they love, sharing a product they love with people they know and meet along the way. Is it easy? No. But 95% SUCCEED if they are willing to do just one simple thing–STICK WITH IT!
PS Looking for info on those “pyramid schemes”? I’ll tackle that misconception in another post. :)
Sister of the Month!
I am so excited to be the Mompreneur Sister of the Month! Theresa Ceniccola is an amazing coach who has the wonderful ability to help women achieve success in their business, while putting faith and family first. I participated in the Mompreneur Mastermind last spring and experienced a great turning point in my own business as a result. I am so blessed to have found a likeminded friend to encourage me in my own journey. I highly encourage you to take a look at what Theresa has to offer!
Not meeting a goal is NOT a failure!
This past week, I was working feverishly to meet a challenge with my company. It wasn’t a terribly difficult challenge; in fact, I was absolutely sure I could do it! All I had to do was set up 10 new accounts, which only cost $15. Easy, peasy, right?
So, I spent all day every day last week making phone calls, sending e-mails, and contacting people on Facebook. I went walking around town to see who I could introduce my amazing service to. I really stepped out of my comfort zone and stepped up my normal business activities. In all, I believe I talked to more than 200 people last week about my service. Several people loved it and said they would think about it. Others said, “absolutely, I will get set up this weekend.” And yet…that didn’t happen.
Out of all that activity, I got 4 new accounts. I was SO disappointed–that I didn’t win the challenge, but mostly in myself. And then, I started thinking about it. I had the opportunity to talk to a LOT of people last week. People who I might not have otherwise contacted. I have several appointments set up this week and even a few referrals that I never would have received had I not expended all that effort last week.
Not only did I grow as a person by stepping outside my comfort zone and create some new possibilities, but I also reinforced for myself that not meeting a goal is not a failure. It’s not the end of the world. What matters is that you put in your very best effort and don’t give up, no matter what happens. People are people, and you can’t force them to buy your product or service. No matter how much they say they love it, no matter how much they need it, no matter how great a value it is, in the end, it all comes down to choice. As Jim Rohn says, if they don’t buy, just say, “Next!”
Have a great day!
Karen
Having a Clear Sense of Purpose
On our LONG trip to AZ yesterday, I took the opportunity to use some of my car time to listen to Think and Grow Rich. One of the things that struck me was the author’s insistence on having a clear sense of direction. If you don’t know what you want, your subconscious mind cannot lead you in the right direction. This reminded me James 1:6-8, “…for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Sometimes I find myself at a sort of crossroads. It seems that I have multiple visions of my future. On the one hand, I see myself as a mom, baking cookies and making bread. On the other, I see myself speaking at events, motivating my team members and other women to create financial freedom for themselves and their family. I think most of us have these different kinds of dreams–what we need to do is find a way to merge them together. How do all the different aspects of our personalities fit together to make a future vision that makes sense for us?
This week, I’m going to take some time to re-vision my future. Who do I really want to be? How do I see all of my dreams merging together? Once I have a clear direction, I’ll be able to move forward with confidence towards the life of my dreams!
Karen
Creatively Fit!
This summer, the kids and I have been having fun with the Creatively Fit painting marathon! The idea is to allow yourself to be creative without fear of making mistakes. This is not a “Painting Class,” but more of an opportunity to have fun with some tips thrown in for good measure.
We have only completed 6 of the 26 paintings this summer, so we have a long way to go! Each new painting is created by simply painting over the last
one, so I’ve been taking pictures to document the process!
It’s fun to see what the next picture will be–they are all
simple and begin with a simple drawing (some even require using your non-dominant hand) and then filling in with paint.
Creatively Fit will be our art for this year, and I’m looking forward to spending time more time with the kids stretching our creative muscles!
Find your Purpose!
Last night, I was reading through a re-cap of a Monday night team call from one of my favorite people–Jordan Adler. Jordan is such an inspiration to me because he is a real person with a real heart for making a difference in the world. His call Monday night really reflects his passion–and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it!
Meaning or money–which one are you after? Your answer to this question can determine the outcome of your business, of your life. If you are only after money, you will find life pretty empty. Empty of relationships. Empty of meaning. BUT if you are after meaning–you will find success. Jordan says, “I do not believe that money should be the goal. When money becomes the goal, it can corrupt the soul’s purpose. We are guided to our higher purpose as long as we don’t allow greed to creep in.”
I’ve mentioned this before, but I LOVE this quote from Mathew Barnett’s book, The Cause Within You, “When you find that sweet spot that reflects your cause, it is at the intersection of your passion (what really matters to you), your gifts (what you do best), and your contribution (how you make the world better).”
Our lives should be about finding that sweet spot–that purpose that we were created to accomplish. Did you know that the Bible says that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph 2:10) We were created for a specific purpose to do good things that God prepared for us to do! True meaning in life comes from finding those good things.
And when those good things intersect with making a commission–that’s fantastic! But money should never be the primary goal in our lives. Our mission should be the primary goal. As we serve others and fulfill our purpose, we will find that success comes our way. As Jordan says, “Money is a result, not a destination. As we attract others that share a common vision and mission, our checks will go up BECAUSE we have a compensation plan is attached to our mission.”
So, as you search for a company to align yourself with, make sure it’s one that you believe in with all your heart–one that aligns with who you are and what your purpose is. I have–and it has made all the difference! :-)
Blessings-
Karen
Quick and Easy Meal Prep
As a stay at home mompreneur, I often find that by the end of the day, I am toast. After doing school with the kids, working my business, and taking care of household duties, I just don’t have the energy to spend two hours making dinner. At times, it can be tempting just to make sandwiches or order a pizza or, even better, go out to eat! But, since my family’s health is important to me, and we all know that eating dinner as a family is important, as well, I had to figure out a way to make dinners work.
Thankfully, I have a great friend who specializes in meal planning. I sat down with her a few weeks ago and made a plan–using the dinners that my family likes, the types of foods that we appreciate, and the time that I have. Basically, Jessica taught me to minimize meal preparation time by preparing several meals at once. Another strategy was to plan for some easy dinners–hot dogs on the BBQ, breakfast burritos, etc that don’t require much preparation.
So, last week, I was to bring dinner to a friend who just had a baby, and she requested meatloaf. So, I pulled out four, instead of one, packages of grassfed hamburger, and decided to try out Jessica’s plan. I put all four packages of hamburger into one bowl and added 4 eggs and some salt and pepper. I made some hamburger patties to BBQ later that week and put those on a plate in the fridge. Then, I mixed in some crumbled saltine crackers. I made enough meatballs for one dinner and put those in the freezer. Finally, I added in my secret meatloaf ingredient–tons of ketchup–and made meatloaf cupcakes–enough for my friend’s family and my own family.
Voila! Four dinners in less than 30 minutes. I had a great dinner in the oven, another planned for later in the week, and a dinner in the freezer for the next week.
Today is meal plan #2–Chicken! I will let you know how it turns out!
Karen
Lifestyle Marketing
One of the reasons that I love SendOutCards, and network marketing in general, so much is that it supports my values. But, as a mom, sometimes it’s hard to stay focused on ‘income producing activities’ when my kids need me. Or, let’s face it, when my house needs cleaned. I admit, I’m one of those people who can’t focus unless my house is in order–literally!
So, I’ve found that I LOVE lifestyle marketing. That just means that everywhere I go, I’m listening with what a friend of mine, and author of Secrets of the SOC Drawer
For example, the other day, I walked into Handy Andy late in the evening to hear the two gals talking about how the paycheck just doesn’t stretch far enough. When I went through the check out, I said, “It sounds like you could use some extra money!” When she affirmed that, I gave her one of the tools I always carry with me.
Today, I was in Target. The gal who checked me out smilingly offered to trade me places when I said I wouldn’t mind staying a little longer–she would go home and get my kids and I could stay at Target and do her job. I said, “I am so glad that I can work from home.” With a wistful look in her eye, she said, “well, not everyone can do that.” How excited I was to inform her that YES YOU CAN!!! I left her a copy of my book with my phone number. I truly hope she calls me!
Opportunities are everywhere, and you don’t have to spend a lot of time finding them. Just be listening for the need, have the tools available, and be willing to respond. You never know what might happen!
Karen
