Resigned to Mediocrity

Most people have given up without knowing they have given up.  They accept their "lot" in life without challenge or question.  They drone through days and complain all-the-while... and confuse complaining with challenging.

Anyone can complain.  It is easy.  Take anything negative and describe it in negative terms.  Challenge, on the other hand, requires taking a stand and doing something about it.  This is not easy to do... for many.

Complainers, for the most part, are resigned to and destined for mediocrity.  They hate what they do for a living, they wish they had more resources, they detest the grind of the workweek... but even in light of this, they do nothing about it - save complaining.

Peoples' "truth" is what they perceive it to be.  Some people will engage and "get after it" if shown something worthy of "getting after".  These are the people we seek in building our business.

It is a very strange paradox that "most" people find themselves in the self-contradictory and self-defeating position of wanting or needing more money, but do nothing to elevate beyond this status quo position of "acceptance".  Why is that?

Feel free to comment.

Community, Club, Collective & Agreeing To Participate

Our Community, for all intents, works on the same premise as a club or a collective.  The idea here is that people are interested in and agree to participate in something.  In this process, we share ideas, strategies, tools... all leading to the outcome of people achieving a similar result:  to create an additional financial resource.

As I "grew up" in a small town, the adult "clubs" were the Lions, Moose, Kiwanis - that all served some civic or social function.  Typically, these were predominantly male organizations who all agreed to rally around and participate in "good works".  For example, among other things, the Lions Club sponsored the public pool we went to in the summer time.  They also rented the space in the Club House for community functions.  The proceeds all fed back into doing more good works and to perpetuate their core mission of "service".

The similar thread we share with any club is that we agree to and participate in the Good Work of helping people elevate their life circumstances.  This is made possible by this core construct of "Agree To - Participate In".  This is what we do.  Our "job" is to find people to educate to the point that they agree with our strategy to create additional income.  This is 80% of the first half.  The other 20% is getting people to trust that their participation will be rewarded with results.

This gets us to the 50-yard line.  Pushing the ball down to the goal line is the other aspect of our business:  teaching, supporting, holding accountable.  The monetary goal is different for everyone based on their situation.  My first goal was to replace my part-time job at a Home Improvement Center.  This was approximately $300 a week, or $1,200 a month of consistent, reliable income that I could count on month after month.

This consistency is only possible when the ones supporting the consistency are having success.  In other words, "success" goes well beyond initial recruitment efforts.  Success means that you help, guide and mentor others to ensure the stability of their and consequently, your income.  This gets to the idea of a "collective" of shared norms and values... primary among them is doing our level best to ensure everyone succeeds.  Again, this is done through education, support and mentorship and buying into the ethos that "no one gets left behind".

A Money Club.  People agree to and participate in a way to make money.  We share this common interest and consciously choose to adopt the norms and values of the Community as they relate to all the positive and productive outcomes we seek.

The goal is the number of commas we see in our bank balance.  However, to get there involves significantly more... and it all starts with exposing people to an option to learn about, agree to and participate in.   Then, having them pull the trigger to commit, and join with us.

The Best Version of Yourself

Being the best version of yourself entails many things from kindness and compassion informed by a moral underpinning, to a fundamental sense of happiness and self-satisfaction that imbues how you carry yourself through life.  The former is fundamental to one's character and is ingrained as it assimilates over time to express itself in simple gestures.  The latter is more a function of how your choices in life now manifest in your being as a human.  So let me ask, are you happy?  (Note:  my editors encouraged me to ask you to read the preceding as many times as you need to - to connect the dots.)

Our Community exists to enable happiness.  It is about the "latter".  It is about making a choice.  This choice is to agree with a strategy and join with a common cause - and sharing a frame of reference with all who participate.

In this process, we enable the creation of money.  It is important to understand that money is a tool that facilitates and lubricates.  It "enables" choices that otherwise do not exist.  If you are not happy, it is very likely because your choices are being dictated to you (and) you are "resigned" to a life of doing what is "responsible".  As such, you have a job and exchange time for money.  You may like your job.  However, most say they do not... or at least have a difficult time connecting what they do to any sense of a "greater good" and doing something that serves this "best version of yourself" idea.

What we do and why we exist has everything to do assimilating core constructs into our collective "being".  Inherent in this is sharing common beliefs and values that drive and mandate how we function.  Money is simply a by-product that is pressed out of a complex array of variables.  Money does not exist as its own entity.  It is interdependent with all of the other factors in a formula.  Our community strives to define what these factors are and provide a framework for people to integrate them in order "press out" financial rewards.

In creating money, we facilitate choices.  Greater control over choices facilitates happiness.  If you are happy, you are best-positioned to be the best version of yourself.

As such, as a Community, we provide a context for the creation of money that enables people to become the best version of themselves - which is totally consistent with our tagline, "We organize knowledge, people, and money for everyone's benefit".

We enable being the best version of yourself and surround you with people who make you better.  This is special.  It is rewarding.  It genuinely helps people and is very much in line with the statement, "May you be blessed so that you may be a blessing".

Make Your Mark

Most people are comfortable with their stable, predictable, status quo lives.  It is referred to as peoples' "Comfort Zone".  Much has been written (by many) about breaking out of this "zone" and progressing toward a goal.  Some are willing to experience the ill-at-ease and discomfort of doing things that stretch and challenge their ordinary, daily routines.   However, most people drone through life repeating the same cylce - as days, weeks and years pass.

The whole notion of "making your mark" will only appeal to those with the aspiration to do so.  It will only entice those not satisfied with their lot in life.  Our goal, our "job" is to find these people.  The issue is this:  they are the exception, not the rule.  This is true, even in the context of what we do:  teaching people to make money, and providing the platform to make it happen.  If "the idea" of most people wanting or needing more money is true, then why wouldn't they be beating a path to our door to jump in?  This paradox is important to wrap your head around but really comes full circle to the very simple notion that is expressed in the previous paragraph.  Most people simply do not have the willingness (ability) to integrate something new into their lives.  They are comfortable with the way things are, even though they will readily say they need "more" financially.

So, it is gut check time.  What about you?  What are you willing to do?  What are you willing to learn in terms of knowledge, skills and how you need to modify your daily habits?  Are you willing to integrate new behaviors (expend hours) of your life invested in changing the course of your life?

Is making your mark important?  How do you want to be remembered?  How many people will you have helped?  Is helping people a viable and credible way to earn a living, simply by showing them the mechanics of a process and teaching them that process?

You can "make your mark" by teaching and helping people.  That is what we do.  We all agree on a strategy and implement that strategy.  At this level, it is as simple and straightforward as it gets.  We are educators who make a living by finding people open to being educated.  The "allure" (the carrot) is making money.  The "stick" is the process and system to make it happen.  With no stick, you can't dangle the carrot in front of the donkey to have them chase it.  Unfortunately, all the donkey sees or cares about is the carrot.

But leave no doubt, at the end of the day, we "sell" sticks.  Without the stick, the carrot doesn't matter.  If you want to make your mark, embrace the fact that we are in the stick business.  We sell the competencies that give us the ability to demonstrate how money is a by-product of skills, systems, and processes...

This will only appeal to those who have the aspiration to ascend to a place that is "better" than what they currently know as "comfortable".

A Match Made in Heaven

We teach the skills to make money to people who want or need more money.  A match made in heaven, right?  I mean, what could go wrong?  It is precisely what everyone needs.

You would think.

So, what inhibits people from moving too far from the core of their status quo life?  The following are my top five reasons:

1. Skepticism and Lack of Trust - people write us off as "one of those internet things" they have heard about, or maybe even have tried at one time.  It seems shady, like some kind of scheme.
2. Inability to Change Lifestyle and Habits - people are well-entrenched in their lives.  Work, supper, TV, sleep... do it again.  Weekends are the same, just different items.  Finding time in this "busy" life is simply too tall an order for many.
3. Risk Aversion - even if the money required is small, many people will not "float" that amount of money to prove to themselves something can work
4.  Fear of Failure - This is driven by a lack of self-confidence and in most cases built on a foundation of previous failures.
5. Reputation Fatigue - many people, to their credit, have tried to do other things to make money and had marginal success.  They worry about how this is viewed by people who know them.

Our job is to educate.  Methodically, thoroughly, consistently... we need to make "exposures" to as many people as we can to find the ones who do not fall into one of these categories.  The more people we expose, the more money we make.  We simply need to sift and sort.

There are people who want and need more money who are willing to learn the skills to make money.  We get paid to find them.

Social Commerce

People in social groups drive commerce, whether it be cars, blue jeans or a particular brand of hot dog.  People "buy in" literally with their wallets - and figuratively with their opinions and behaviors.

What we do is no different.  We drive commerce by earning people's trust and influencing opinions. We provide information and act as a guide.  In this process, we talk about aggregating and leveraging resources through a group of people with a common purpose.  This purpose is greater financial security.  All this makes sense to us.

Here's the thing... not everyone will be enticed by our offer. Our job is to find and appeal to people who are hungry for change... not everyone is.  In our world, most people are stuck in the status quo and are not "hungry" (enough) to change.

Ultimately, your success is predicated on your ability to understand the social nature of our business and "frame" what we do as:

1. Education
2. Helping people with an aspiration [to achieve and have more] decide to participate with us.

In the context of a social group, people consciously and rationally choose to participate in and contribute to a cause that is larger than themselves, and at the same time in themselves.  In our case, "the cause" is their own financial well-being, made possible by being involved with and supporting the larger community that makes it all take place.

This defines Social Commerce.  It defines Affinity Marketing.  It defines Referral and Word-of-Mouth Marketing.  Ultimately, the strength of your business is predicated by the strength of what binds the people in your business.  These metrics are their commitment and their loyalty and these two factors are a function of their success - monetarily, in regard to status and leadership and their knowledge they are making a difference in others' lives.

A Way to Make Money

This post is about simplicity.

Recently, I found myself talking with a 20-year old guy about his future... whether he had a resume... and his frustration with being overlooked at his job for "promotions".  The conversation migrated to what I do for extra money and I found myself talking about our Community, getting into the "weeds" about "how" we make money... about the industry... about the products...

In retrospect, I would have been much better off if I just kept it to, "It's a way to make money".  Then I should have said, if you want to know more, go to this website, then if you have any interest in learning more, send me an email at ______.

We have many, many websites to point people to - depending on the person we are talking to.  Then, "our system" is to have a Gmail autoresponder message set up that provides information in detail and they have this within 60-90 seconds.

That's it.  Keep it simple.  Don't oversell.  Let the system(s) do the work.  Especially if you are "new", the last thing you want to find yourself doing is defending... by providing too much information to someone who is naturally curious and typically skeptical.  The problem is you do not yet have "the marbles out of your mouth" to concisely convey the power of what we do and you will end up talking past and confusing what is really a simple proposition.

We offer people a way to make money.

Construction

We build things.  On the hub, we build groups of people who share a common interest of greater financial security.  In the spokes, we build other things.

We build knowledge and skills which builds self-esteem and self-confidence.  Along with this, we build hope and optimism that people can live a better future by simply participating in a Community Group that exists to steer people in a common direction.

We aspire to the good and noble in constructing the elements that form our whole. This whole has every potential to elevate individual lives beyond their current circumstance.  Daily, we lead people to a window and invite them to look outside at a new world of possibility. This cycle simply repeats itself.

We build a passion for helping others - with success begetting success - as we grow personally and collectively - as a Community.

And, in the manner we approach what we do, we build trust because without trust, none of the rest matters.

Agreement

One way to look at what we do is simply to get people to agree with us.

We have a proposition that involves two components.

1. People work together to leverage money in the context of a Community that is "ours" and something we choose to be a part of.
2. Our foundation is a learning environment where we share knowledge and resources. 

Members of our Community are inherently inter-dependent and literally support each other with their ongoing financial participation - all equally, in a "parallel economy to our jobs".  This involves a commitment and responsibility that we all agree to.

Our tagline is also our mission statement, "We organize knowledge, people and money for everyone's benefit."   Our goal is to be as simple and straightforward as we can be in describing who we are and what we do.  At the same time, we never want to shy away from the fact in agreeing to participate, each member has a responsibility to grow.

Inherent in this growth, you create value.  You learn new things you will be able to pass along.  And, you will be paid in direct proportion to the level of value you create.

These are some of the basic ground rules for what we do.  Our job is to find people who understand and agree to a mature sense of purpose in helping elevate lives by inviting people to participate with us.

Agree?

Close Your Eyes, then You Won't See

Preface:  This title is loosely borrowed from the Bonnie Raitt song, "I Can't Make You Love Me".  I listen to music when I write for both entertainment and inspiration.

Here is what I believe.  Most people are complacent and "satisfied" with their lives, even those who struggle and complain, those who are frustrated with life to wit's end... however, at the same time, the metaphor for the title of this post is that they are living with their eyes closed.  This is the reality we confront in "finding" people to work with... to "join" our business... and who show the initiative to elevate themselves from the drudgery of a job.

For whatever reason, they simply won't see that options do exist.  What we offer is simply one... and even though what we do is solid and credible, many may have a look, but stay frozen with their eyes closed.  Why is that?

The broadest stroke I can paint to answer this is HABITS. It is about being creatures of the "same old, same old".  It is about not living with or wanting to endure the discomfort of change.  This is the biggest reason people stay "stuck".  It is resistance to change and disrupting the status quo - and consciously or subconsciously not wanting to let go of a living a life that is familiar and predictable.

So, they pack their lunch in the morning and go do it again.  If eyes not closed, then it may be more apt to say they are sleepwalking through their lives... seemingly conscious, but nonetheless "living the dream" that never confronts the reality of barely scraping by - and doing something about it.

Sad, really.

Decisions

Making decisions can be gut-wrenching.  This is especially true if risks are involved.  However, the right decision can change your life and your family's future forever.  So... how do you decide?

One of the core statements of our Community is, "Give us 10% or your trust, we will attempt to earn the other 90%".  The thing is, trust is developed over time and through information gathering.  Therefore, we give wide berth to peoples' process in evaluating and integrating new information and judging it on its merits.  The last thing we want is to be perceived as wham-bam closers.  The final result (the ultimate goal of what we do) is a lifelong business partnership.  This is far too important for a"quick hustle".

We actively seek thoughtful, careful, measured people, not quick-hit artists.  Our orientation is culture-based and ascribing to values and norms.  Primary among these is respecting peoples' process to question - and to eliminate ambiguity about whether what we do is plausible and viable (for them).  We encourage learning at every step, both before and after joining.  Learning and decisions take time.  This is as it should be.

If you spend any time on this blog delving into the posts, you will find other references to "decisions are a function of information". [ d=(f)i  ]  Our role is to invite people to have a look at what we do and then provide information for them to evaluate.  We help people make decisions that are in their best interest, as a consultant and advisor - not as a closer looking to make the next buck.

Each individuals' circumstances and process is different.  Some will "see it" and jump in immediately.  Some take days and weeks to wrap their head around it.  Some never give the serious consideration (we think) it deserves and do nothing as a result.

It's all good.  That is what we do.  Invite and educate.  Some will get involved.  Some won't.  The "job" of what we do is to expose as many people as we can so they can make an informed decision about whether what we do has any merit and will fit with their character and lifestyle.

It roughly goes like this:  Expose.  Educate.  Engage.  Enroll.  Educate (more).  Earn.

The Daily Crisis of, "Can't Afford It"

I was in the grocery store recently.  There were two young kids with their mom.  The boy was about 7, the girl 4 or so.  Like most kids in the checkout line, they were wide-eyed and grabbing candy bars.  Even before they could ask, the Mom said, "Put it back, we can't afford it".  With a sunken whimper, they complied and that was that.

For me, I just stood as a stoic observer, but inside I was crushed for the kids.  They were just doing what kids do... testing limits and "going for it".  But, the thud of the Mom's authority struck me.  Their budget obviously could not withstand a frivolous candy purchase.  She didn't say, "Not this time" (or) "No, we got candy last time..."  It was like, shut 'em down, drop a rock on their head finality - and they knew there was no sense in arguing.  They were being trained to "not afford it".

This simple example is how many people live... on the edge and barely making it.  A $2 make-or-break proposition that sucks the life out of things.  It is the daily wearing down of peoples' souls because the money simply does not exist to buy $2 worth of happiness.  It is chronically being in crisis - day after day, month after month.  It is the definition of being stuck, frustrated and miserable... and a candy bar is just one little example of the millions of ways this can play out.

We simply offer an option.  A different, additional path to consider.

To have the tact and empathy to approach this Mom - and invite her to have a look at what we do and explain how we can help is just one little moment that may never avail itself again.  This was a woulda', shoulda', coulda' moment for me.  I didn't say anything to this Mom, this time.

These moments exist every day.  Our role is to ask for permission and invite them to evaluate something that may be able to help them.  In doing so, we potentially elevate peoples' lives.  You never know, unless you speak - you act.

Technology and Humanity

There is a saying in the online marketing space that "the money is in your list".  The assumption is that the bigger your "database" of names is, the bigger pond you have to go fishing in.  It follows that then the more likely you will be able to make money as a function of large numbers.  Then, let autoresponders reach out to people with the latest and greatest offer.  This is not our model.  A large email or subscriber list is one way to go about things, especially for affiliate marketers selling other people's stuff.  However, what we do is more focused on quality than quantity.

Said differently, our focus is on humanity.  We strive to build deep and long-lasting relationships... not to interact with "names" on a list and see if the flavor-of-the-day might appeal to them.  Please do not misunderstand, there is value in a large list, but it is not where anyone starts... and therefore telling people to have (or get) a list is fundamentally bad advice as a place to start.  Obviously, the "large list" crowd would disagree.

Our model requires only 40-50 people who are fully participating to replace most middle-class incomes, and these 40-50 are built in a group, by the group.  It is uncannily smart.

This is not a technology-driven large list.  This is a drop in the bucket list that is driven by trust and reciprocal best-interests.  Humanity is what drives our business.  It is about helping people elevate beyond their current circumstances.  It is about hope anchored to pragmatism.  It is about bright futures being tied to daily disciplines.

Ultimately, it is about being genuine and real with people in terms of what is required and expected if one is to achieve success.  This is the practical, human thing to do.

Major in Your Life

OK.  This is a college (or education) analogy.  If you go to school, you are expected to learn things.  On these things, you get tested and get a grade.  Some people are honors students, some do the minimum and squeak by with C's and some fail.

Owning a business is really no different.  The premise here is that you can choose to go to school to learn and apply new things, or you can choose to do the minimum (or nothing) and let the status quo be "your life".  Note that the word "choose" is in both statements.

Now, taking this one more step, the tuition you pay (in real dollars) is next to nothing compared to a conventional college... and the education is essentially free.  What you are paying for with what we do is access to a platform that aggregates and tracks people and money.  There are literally thousands of these platforms.

The differentiator, the value proposition of what we offer is the culture and community that surrounds the money vehicle(s).  It is about norms and standards.  It is about shared values and expectations.  It is about time-defined (daily, weekly, monthly) disciplines.  But leave no doubt, it is all about EDUCATION and becoming competent, otherwise, the money does not really matter because the likelihood is that you will not make any.

This is no different than becoming an Accountant, Engineer, or any other Professional.  You need to learn things and then apply what you have learned on a consistent basis.  Said differently, you need to go to work every day.

Major in your life.  Elevate your circumstances.  Choose to change.  Embrace the saying, "If it is to be, it is up to me".

You are not alone.  We are here to help.  If you need help, ask for it, no different than office hours with a Professor.  When you graduate, you will have earned your "degree" in Life Transformation.

Resources and the 24 Hour Work Day

Ours is not a "normal" business unless you consider working around-the-clock as normal.  We teach and preach personal branding, establishing credibility and being of value to others and the marketplace.  This cannot be done in the absence of resources that enable people getting to know who you are and how you (we) think.

Once you establish a core set of resources (a bio page, an email auto response, a social media presence) these will "work for you" around-the-clock.  But, here's the deal:  they do not just appear.  They need to be created, worked on, and refined.  This is just part of the equation for developing into a business that has "legs" for the long-term.

If the person you are working with is not "engaged" in creating resources, you are being under-served.  If anyone has been involved with our Community for more than 30 days and does not have a rough bio page that they can refer others to... their head is simply not in-the-game.  As well, you need to be looking yourself in the mirror on this one.

You are your business.  People will join YOU.  The "deal" you represent (that is the financial vehicle enabling the exchange of money) is not your business.  The community and relationships you build is your business.  Without people who are engaged with and agree about core beliefs and values, there is no long-term business, but just a quick flip, buck-making exercise.

Your goal should be to build something that lasts.  Something that lasts needs to be built on a strong foundation.  The cornerstone of that foundation is YOU.  Resources that work around-the-clock for you is a simple fact of life for a successful home business owner.

Our Community exists to assist and support in making it all happen.

Make an Impact. Make an Income.

Mission and money.  Hmmm...  What if the mission is money?  Can making money be a stand-alone mission of an organization?  Money, almost universally, is something that just about everyone says they could use more of, right?  So, what if the core "mission" of an entity is boldly stated, "we exist to make money (for ourselves and for each other) - independent of the product or service that "legitimizes" the exchange and flow of it.

Well... that is pretty much what we do.  However, in doing so - the more important aspect is (more to the point) of the "impact" creating a new source of income has on peoples' lives.

Call it what you will: transformation, renewal, metamorphosis...  What we do does change lives.  Some engage, learn and apply themselves (then) get into profit... then scale their profits.  Some stick their toe in and then for whatever reason choose not to engage.

You will know you are "making it" when you feel you are having an impact.  The money will be there.  It an inherent part of the equation.  Let your goal be to help people and impact peoples' lives.  The money will take care of itself.

The Hot Dog: A Metaphor

We teach the skills to make money to people who want and need more money.  So, what does this have to do with hot dogs?  Well... not everyone likes hot dogs.  But let me ask, is there anyone who does not need or want more money?

We enlist people and encourage them to adopt a common (our) strategy.  We all agree that the "path we take" is sound and well-reasoned.  We choose to be inter-dependent and create a resource by contributing to and participating in that resource.   Some will agree and join with us on our journey.  Some won't give us "the time of day".

Likewise, not all people choose to eat hot dogs.  Some frankly, are grossed out by them.  Not all things appeal to everyone.  Essentially, there is a "finite universe" of hot dog eaters... as there is Ford Taurus buyers or Wrangler Jean wearers.  Not everyone goes to the movies or has season tickets to a pro sports team...  In each case, movies continue to be made, jeans and cars are manufactured and pro sports are not going anywhere... we could cite examples of "consumer behavior" until the cows come home.

So, one of the "raps" on what we do is that at some point, there will be no more people to "sell to".  And, at that point, these "schemes" we market all eventually fall apart.

My point in response to this is that a garden not tended will be overgrown by weeds and choke out the tomatoes and cucumbers.  No business will survive thinking you can set it and forget it.  Any business requires ongoing care and effort (tending).  And, as long as there is consistent effort applied long-term, there is no reason to believe that what we do is a "pyramid doomed to failure".  This is poppycock.  It is like saying hot dogs should no longer be manufactured because at some point, we will have reached the last hot dog eater.  The argument is silly.

People will evaluate a sober proposal and judge it on its merits.  We are proof of this.  To be discouraged by the myth that one day we will run out of people to talk to is simply that - a myth.

We are a Community that has consciously chosen band together and create our "own economy" by sharing a common strategy.  It will not resonate with everyone.  But then, just like the point being made here...

Not everyone likes hot dogs.  Not everyone eats hot dogs.

Not everyone will want to do what we do to earn extra income.  There are plenty of people who will and this "resource" keeps replenishing itself in cycle after cycle of school bills and graduations, job loss, childbirth, new homes and cars... in all these cases, people need more money than they had yesterday... therefore a new "candidate" for what we offer.

Our job is to simply get information in front of them to evaluate.

Live Compassionately

There is an old adage of the empty vessel.  From afar, it looks fine.  It floats.  It is doing all the things that vessels do... but as you get closer and finally board, you find nothing there.

You don't want to be that boat.  Live compassionately, with empathy and generosity of spirit.  There are plenty of hucksters and charlatans in this world.  We need to be at our best and firmly perceived at the opposite end of the continuum from the cons and quick flippers.  This is only possible if you are compassionate in your approach to others - in valuing their needs, understanding their circumstances and helping them understand your goal is to help them.

We talk a lot about moral posture.  This includes caring about what we do as a mission, not just a "biz opp".  If you are not invested emotionally, you will be smoked out as one who is disingenuous.  Being honest in all you do builds credibility.  It speaks to your integrity.

Many people in this world are hurting - their lives are a vicious circle of psychic pain from financial strain.  Our delicate role is to cajole people into understanding that what we do is a viable option -  to alleviate stress, not add to it.  Some will see it.  Most won't.  This is just the reality of large numbers.

As you grow into and choose to wear our Community's mantle of goodness, I encourage you to think as Physicians do, i.e. ''do no harm".  People do not need us complicating their already complicated lives.  We want to be perceived as a huge breath of fresh air due to our candor and empathy.  We are a positive force in the world and you are an Ambassador sharing a viable alternative for people to consider.

Live compassionately.  It will serve you well.

Helplessly Hoping

Helplessly Hoping.  Not much as a life strategy, would you agree?  I was in a store the other day and heard a guy with all due earnest optimism say that his time to hit the lottery had to be near.  Again... hanging one's sense of optimism on the lottery... go figure.

As many of my generation know, Helplessly Hoping is a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song.  If you will allow me to borrow randomly from the song, one line of the lyrics is, "confusion has its cost".  Frankly, I am not certain whether it is confusion, lack of knowledge, lack of trust... but I am certain that there is a lack of something inherent in people not taking charge of their financial destiny.

Confusion presupposes that are different aspects to be confused over, right?  As I think about it, it may be more apt to say "ignorance has its cost".  This is not meant in a negative way.  This is simply to say lack of knowledge about any subject can be costly.

As marketers, our job is to educate.  As mentors, our job is to educate.  As people who have a responsibility to "raise people up", our job is to educate.  This is the foundation (and the reason for) calling ourselves a Learning Community.

We need to inspire people beyond helplessly hoping in real terms that are actionable and achievable.

That's what we do.  That's who we are.  And, at the end of the day, we get paid to do so.

A Core Offer

This applies to people starting a home business who do not have a group of people with whom they are currently working.  If this describes you, please read on.

Everyone needs an anchor - a home base - a primary program.

This has to be what you build your brand on - what you are known for - and what you unflinchingly support as your foundation.  It is what you "lead" with to new prospects who are considering joining you.  We recommend strongly that it is not "this or that"... but it is ONE THING that defines who you are, what you do, why you promote it - and is the expectation for anyone who joins you that this program is what your business and community are built upon - at its core.

This is not to say that in time you can not add things to your earning portfolio.  It is simply to say that "out of the gate" you are consistent with your primary offer when engaging new people.

Obviously, you do not need to follow this advice, however, if you are looking to build a long-term, stable and prosperous business, it must be built on a stable foundation.

This stable foundation is your initial, primary offer that everyone in your community adopts and embraces equally and who have the ability advocate for it making sense as a great place to start.

Iterations

So, what does iteration mean?  One definition could be doing something over and over until you get it right.  Another could be successive approximations.  Another could be the process of continual improvement or refinement.

A part of what we teach is to have an "About Me" website.  This is a brief bio that enables people to get to know your story.  It is the beginning of building your brand as someone worthy of trust and being followed.  For some, this is a difficult task.  Understood.

Here's the thing.  It does not need to be perfect.  As you refine it over time... it inherently evolves.  This is a work-in-progress.  Remember, you are "paid" in direct proportion to the value you offer.  If you have a weak bio, your earnings are a reflection.  This is the same as not having the skills to teach... but if you never set up the tools to use, you will never be able to teach someone else how to use them.

The point is this:  start somewhere.  Make the effort.  In all areas of your business, you will not have "arrived" on day one, but it will take constant tweaking to improve.  This is the reality... and most people do not have the persistence to stick with themselves if they don't see immediate results.

Effort equals results.  There is no mystery here.  There is no guessing.  Everything is a matter of competence.  You become competent by engaging in iteration after iteration after iteration... until you are confident that what you have produced is the best you can make it.

At that point, your money "issues" should be in the rearview mirror.

What Would You Do to Save Yourself?

I once worked with a guy in a retail environment.  He was about 40, had 6 kids... was articulate, knew his job and was good at what he did.  At the same time, he was literally drowning in frustration and hated what he did.

Although he uses computers all day every day at work, he defined himself as a computer illiterate outside of the confines of the tools we used.  I always found this irony interesting.

I have a pretty strict guideline of not mixing my home business with those whom I associate with on a daily basis.  Nonetheless, when I have written different pieces for this series, I have naturally mentioned some of them to him.  His lack of interest has always puzzled me.

This brings me to the question of this title.  "What would you do to save yourself?"  I mention my co-worker simply because I think he represents many people who hate their lives and what they are obligated to do (go to a job they hate) in order to meet their bills.  It is the classic definition of being "stuck".  Every day... year after year.

So let me ask you:  what would you do?  Our business requires a bit of risk of time and money... followed by doing things on a daily basis to effect an outcome.  x=y.  Do the things, get the outcome.  It is not quite that linear at first, but ultimately with time, it is.

Save yourself.  It doesn't need to be with what we do.  Simply commit to doing something to save yourself... from the lack of money... from the frustration of having a job you hate... from all of the choices you need to make because you can't afford it...

What we do is just one option.  The key is to find your "side thing" and make it happen.  One of the articles I shared with my co-worker was, "You Can't Out-Earn Your Self Image".  As long as you continue to define yourself as an hourly wage worker and see (or seek) no other alternatives, you will remain stuck.

So, let me ask again, "What Would You Do to Save Yourself?"

Difference Makers

Do this exercise.  Put yourself on your death bed.  Let's assume you have lived a long life.  Will it be important to you to have made a difference?  How will that be defined?  Will you have had a positive impact on the world, or did you simply and complacently exist; conforming to what was "normal" and expected?

We are a Community of difference makers.  At the most fundamental level, our goal is to make a difference in peoples' lives.  We are driven by this purpose and are united by common values of competence and credibility, honesty and integrity, candor and accountability, and this is just some of what is at our core.

Do you care about being exceptional, or about distinguishing yourself in some way?

There is no higher calling and no greater honor than to lift people up and enable their new beginning.  We offer one viable and realistic path... not the only path, but a solid one to consider if one is seeking change.

People in our Community come to understand the noble nature of what we do.  We help change lives.  We transcend the petty deal-making and espouse a greater good that is only attained through effort and perseverance.

We create change by backing potential and possibility with skills and disciplines that include mastery of tools and tactics.  This is not "join, shoot from the hip and hope for the best".  What we do is thoughtful, strategic and smart.

Make a difference by joining us, then, invite others to consider being a difference maker as well.

The Shrewd and The Naive

This post can quickly devolve into what many would describe as class warfare.  OK, so be it.  Let's call out oppression for the sake of profitability - and - the lack of conscience corporations and the economic elite demonstrate.  Not much joy in talking about this, but here we go...

Let me ask a fundamental question this way:    Do you think your employer is looking out for your best interest, or their own?  Some would say yes, my employer understands positive culture and rewarding performance.  These are the lucky ones.  Most laugh at the question as preposterous.  Why is that?

In the Fortune 500 culture, shareholder value takes precedence over everything.  At the end of the day, if a company is not growing and increasing profitability, Management is forced to squeeze what they can control to maintain their "numbers".  The first, most obvious and easiest thing is to cut labor... or to repress labor by short staffing, increasing production requirements and then firing non-achievers... there are as many ways to do this as Heinz has pickles.

The bottom line for you and me is that they depend on our compliance.  We are relegated to fear for our paycheck because many are living hand-to-mouth, month-to-month.  We are manipulated by a system designed to get the most out of us at the least possible cost... with the old notion that a JOB stands for Just Over Broke and as such, most are stuck.

I use the word Shrewd in the title, but perhaps what I mean falls closer to Abusive.  The darker side of shrewdness gives license to executive and management compensation, with those contributing the same hours and talent (providing value) receiving a relative pittance.  Nonetheless, we conform and keep our mouths shut due to the fear of retaliation, which ultimately could mean job loss.

Our community exists to simply pose an alternative.  An option.  A Plan B.  Some "see it".  Most don't.  Here's a way to look at it.

At the end of the day, what we do is no different than giving birth to a child.  When you join us, you give birth to the possibility of a new life.  This requires daily care and attention and your life is inherently different with the advent of this new thing, whether it be a baby or a business.

Most people do not take this responsibility seriously and therefore fail.  It is not the fault of the business model, it falls squarely on the shoulders of people who do or do not invest the time to plan and perform tasks... otherwise known as work.

So, think about your job.  Think about your effort.  Think about being stuck and droning weekly, year after year.  Then, think about investing a similar effort in something you own for yourself and your family.  Think about taking something seriously and changing your circumstances.

It is all possible.

Freedom and the Right to Choose

We are all free to make choices.   However, many times, jobs are not chosen but are more a function of circumstance.  As a result, many stay stuck in their lives, relegated to a job they have by default and then rely on the relative safety of the status quo in the 40 hours a week for 40 years grind.

This is the expectation set by societal norms - and the value system that is most prevalent in public schools.  It is the worker bee mentality of doing your job, doing it well, earning a wage or salary and making a commitment to this as an expression of "responsibility".

There is no arguing this, except in the context of alternatives and the right to choose.  We do not recommend or encourage "dumping your day job".  We strongly encourage doing our "side thing" as a means to earn extra income and offer a strategy to first equal and then exceed your current full-time income.

What we do is measured, calculated and predictable.  The financial aspects (how the money is earned) is straightforward.  The rest is a formula of effort invested equalling results derived... E=R. There is no mystery, it is simply a matter of choice.  Answer these for yourself:

1. Are you comfortable with, and do you see yourself living the same life for the rest of your life?
2. Are you willing to integrate new things into your life?
3. Are you willing to take a risk and bet on yourself in getting started?
4. Are you willing to trust that a community exists that will help you?
5. Ultimately, are you willing to re-define who you are?

These are all choices.  You are free to choose.  Answer the questions.  Look in the mirror and choose to get going or to remain where you are.  We exist to encourage and help guide your destiny.  This is what is truly in the balance.  There is a whole new world of possibilities if you are receptive to it.

Keep Your Colors Wet

The reality is this.  Most people are a dried, brittle canvas.  In terms of life experience and expectation, the oils have hardened, the acrylic is set, or... the water is dry.  Their futures seem certain as long as they continue to conform to what is expected and stay in their safe-zone of a job and benefits.

Most people feel "set" financially in meeting their bills and saving for Christmas and vacations.  No value judgment here, I am simply describing reality.  Most are "comfortable" with their lot in life and not seeking to rattle their status quo.  We wish them the best.

In keeping your colors wet, it enables moving around the mix on your canvas.  It maintains the possibility of the next brush stroke.  We are a community who are malleable to opportunity, wherever it may arise.  As such, we do/will not appeal to brittle canvases of the world.

We seek to attract artists wanting and willing keep adding depth and color to their canvas of life... to be open to the possibilities of what can be rendered, without having yet created it.  You can call it risk-taking or intrepid adventurism... but simply know that whatever "it" is, most people do not have "it".

Our job is simply to expose and invite people to have a look:  all the while welcoming their being objectively critical and thorough in their analysis.  Here's why:  what we do "stands up" to examination.

It is thoughtful.  It is thorough.  It is practical and it makes sense due to its simplicity.  It is not high art, but daily brush strokes that over time result in mastery.

Keep painting your life.  Create a vision of your higher self and expend the effort to achieve that vision.  It is not about the money.  It is about what the money will enable in terms of options.  It is about enhancing peoples' lives with money being the byproduct.

The canvas is yours.  Always keep your colors wet.  Life is, and will always be a work-in-progress.

The CIA

No, not the spies in Washington DC... the CIA in our world is an abbreviation for the words Competence, Integrity and Analysis.  Stick with me here.  These three words encapsulate most of what we do, so let's take a look at how they apply; and, why you will want to understand (and use) these words when describing yourself and how they form a part of our moral foundation.

Competence 
If you don't know already, we are a "skills pay the bills" organization.  There is no faking it.  We talk about providing service and value - and - being paid has a direct correlation to the amount of service and value you provide.  Competence means that you have made the transition from student to teacher and you possess (have earned) the skills to teach others.  Competence means you consistently engage in business building activities as a part of your skill set on a daily basis.  Competence simply means you are capable of transacting a process from 1) marketing to, 2)  recruitment to, 3) support - with each having their own set(s) of tools used in each part of these three processes.

Integrity
Without integrity, you will not build trust.  Without trust, you will not be a worthy business partner and have no business. Y/our brand must exude honesty, with the premise that we are genuinely interested in helping people.  The notion that we are interdependent means that we rely on each other in the context of a community that has stated norms and values.  A portion of these values is being conveyed here, through this article.

Analysis
Analysis means that we invite and welcome skepticism.  We want people to look hard and what we do and come to a confident decision about being involved.  Through this process, we will earn trust and create good-will.  We want T-crossers and I-dotters.  It's all good... and having to answer tough questions will only serve to make you sharper and more valuable.  Therefore, don't shrink from peoples' analysis and skepticism... embrace it.

We are a purpose and values-driven enterprise.  Our focus on community norms serves the very real purpose of putting everyone on equal footing.  This is to say that if you are a part of who we are, you have something to offer people who consider joining you.  At first, you legitimately lean on the rest of us, but ultimately (to be in business) you need to have skills to teach, behaviors to emulate and be a leader whose character aligns with The CIA.

Access to Economic Opportunity

This article is about tone.  It is about how we present ourselves to people evaluating what we do.  It is about "access" to an off-ramp on the highway of life.  Some people will choose to read the road sign, turn on their blinker and pull off to have a look.  Most will keep moseying on down the road without a thought of attending to what is passing by them.

Yes, we have something to offer.  Ultimately, it can be transforming in terms of income, lifestyle, and options people have.  Our ethos and values dictate that people understand that we are simply one of many options.  We feel no need to impress others in a showy manner but allow the overall "tone" of what we do carry-the-day, followed by responsible, descriptive information.

We don't want to be perceived as the latest, greatest, whiz-bang deal that you want to jump on and get rich with.  It is simply not that easy and does not work that way.  Therefore, our focus is the friction.  It is the work involved.  It is the competence gained through skills and knowledge acquisition.

The overall mechanics of what we do are no different than many, many other opportunities.  The value proposition of what we offer is how we go about posturing and explaining what we do.  We offer a portal to Economic Opportunity and invite people to step through it to experience what is on the other side.  Our goal is to be perceived as honest and measured in our approach.

As such, we are educators who provide information for people to evaluate.  We do not need to "sell".  People will see it, or they won't.  This is the nature of the "game".

At the end of the day, the more people you expose to what we have to offer, the more money you will make... with the caveat that you focus on, and build productive relationships with people you bring into our business.

As the old saying goes, we lead horses to water... however, humans have a bit more brain power in deciding whether they drink.  The point here is that we are "leading", not pushing or prodding.  Inherent in what we do is to create exposure to people who potentially may be interested based on varying degrees of being stuck and frustrated with their lives.

If the time is right, if the life-angst is high enough, if the few bucks it takes to get started are available... or, if the "risk" seems worth the effort, then people act and join.

The majority do not.  This is simply the reality of what we do.  The predicate to your success is the number of exposures you make to people who may potentially be interested in having a look.

From Tinkerer to Titan

My view is that everyone should have a "side" something to make money.  It could be painting rocks you find - and selling them at a flea market... it could be anything...

When considering what we do, we would be foolish to not embrace casual "lookers" who are at the tinkering stage of getting involved with something.  Once we have their attention, it is our job to demonstrate that there is "meat on the bone" that is worthy of cooking and eating... (and) that can be a sustainable food source for years to come.

Going from tinkerer to Titan is an evolutionary process.  Evolution inherently means transformation over time.  In our terms, time means weeks and months, not eons.  It is about things learned, tasks completed and moving up the knowledge and competence food chain.

Skill acquisition and then being able to pass along these skills is the heart of what pumps life into the success we have.  You must embrace being a learner with an eye to becoming a teacher, mentor and role model.

You will be paid in direct proportion to your competence and credibility.  If you are not learning and teaching others what you have learned, you are not in business.  Our role is to transform tinkerers into Titans, and this is a noble and worthwhile endeavor.

Everyone Wants What We Have

Yes, everyone wants what we have.  The trick is to enable them getting it.

This begs the question of defining the "what" in what we have.  Ultimately, this is financial security that has the potential to migrate to prosperity, then with time, legacy and generational wealth.  And boy... does this presuppose a lot!

The nitty-gritty of getting there is explained in the posts in this series.  If the math works... if the marketing makes sense... if the vibe feels right... if the people associated with your "thing" seem genuine and sincere... (and) if you are committed to doing what you need to do on a daily basis to make-it-work, then success should be a certainty, right?

It is just a matter of applying effort doing specific things.  It is about finding people who may be interested in "what we have" (but/and) are willing to take the steps necessary to "own it".  It is simply a matter of 1) time spent, 2) applying effort, 3) doing specific things.  This is not complicated.

Your role (and your goal) is to find people with the maturity and hunger to find the time to do these things.  And, at the end of each day, before your head hits the pillow, you will have the opportunity to ask yourself about how much time you spent applying effort doing specific things to build your future.

Our community exists to help you stay on target, to be an accountability mechanism, and to help and support you in making the transition from the person you were in the circumstances you were in, to a whole new world of possibilities.  Most people can not make this transition and stay stuck in entrenched, habitual lifestyles from which they can not break free.

The question you need to ask yourself is whether you are the exception or the rule?  Everyone wants what we have.  Not everyone is willing to make the sacrifices and change the behaviors necessary to make it happen.

Gut check time.

Go Out and Do It, Before It's Too Late

Dreams can come true.  It starts with a decision to get going.  Then, a commitment to keep going... until attained.  It is not a fantasy, but something earned.

"Pity the fool" who thinks it does not require effort, overcoming setbacks, handling the sense of being overwhelmed, getting stuck and then unstuck... and all of the peaks and valleys that are an inherent part of growth.  Nothing is a straight linear progression, but in many instances is two steps forward, one step back.  It all good - this is when and where the learning takes place.

Decide.  Commit.  If you join us, you will be in a good place, however, it does not need to be with us.  Find something you are comfortable with and get going.  The clock inexorably ticks, however if you are not motivated to excel or exceed your current circumstances the weeks and months will turn into years and decades.

Waiting for the time to be right?  It never will be - and might as well be now.

Decisions are a function of information.  Gather information.  Analyze it.  Then decide and get going.  It is better to regret having done something than to regret never having done anything at all.

Chop, chop.  Get cookin'.  If you want to eat - gather what it takes and, get cookin'.

Planning Night

OK.  One night a week you have to plan.  Well, you don't HAVE TO, but if you want to increase the probability of your success, you will.

This goes hand-in-hand with making a schedule and generating a task list.  It takes a bit of effort at first... to get to know Google Calendar and how you make the actual schedule and identify all of the big chunks of time that are already committed.  That is the easy part.  Where success is driven is in all of the "uncommitted" hours.  This is where the work gets done for your business.

I recently wrote a post, and in it I said:  "If You Don't Know What You Are Doing, You Don't Know What You Are Doing".  This gets to the heart of a schedule and task lists.  This defines daily activity and taking the steps necessary to build your business.  It makes you focus and apply conscious effort.

My planning night is Sunday.  I typically know what my fixed commitments are for the coming week by that time - and I can always adjust on-the-fly.  The point is this:  have a pretty firm idea of how you are going to "attack" your week.  Know what your daily goals are.

You will want to break your task list into daily production targets when you are first getting started... depending on how you are choosing to market.  We will be talking about all of this.  Then, as you build a group, you will need to create spots of time for helping your team.

These are the two main things you do:  recruit and support.  The when and the how is defined by a schedule and task lists... and then having it reflected in an activity tracker.

As the saying goes, "this is not rocket science".  It is simple accountability to yourself and providing a structure of what's and when's... i.e. what are you going to do, when?  If you follow this simple advice and set daily activity targets, your chances of success skyrocket... and you do not have to be a rocket scientist to make it happen.

Multi-Level versus Network Marketing

Let me be clear.  We build a network through marketing.  This inherently qualifies us as Network Marketing.  However, Multi-Level Marketing (typically) infers percentages of group volume at different levels that are (many times) termed in stones (diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby...) precious metals platinum, gold, silver, bronze...), organizational or geographical titles i.e. National Director, Regional, Area, and starting at some entry-level inferring "Representative".  There are many, many more.  However, in some form, they all infer "rank".

Most of these models require successively larger organizations or group sales volumes associated with a group size.  With size and volume, you "rank advance".  Also, with each, the higher levels get larger and larger pieces of "the pie".  These pie pieces (again, typically) are percentage-based.

Again, we do not shy away from being network builders, organization developers or community organizers.  The biggest difference in what we do is that we are whole-dollar-based, not percentage-of-the pie-based.  Ultimately, where we want to end up is with much smaller groups of people and reaping 100% of whole dollar amounts.

As such, we need far fewer people as we concentrate on quality and education, not large numbers with never-ending recruiting creates a vicious circle because as many people quit, as join.

There are many more differences, but let me mention just one more.  Most MLM's are physical product based.  What we do is education-based.  Our product will never end up in your garage stacked in boxes of stuff you can't sell.  Everything we do is a service or is digitally-delivered.

The programs we work with were chosen for their compensation models.  Ultimately, culminating in a monthly subscription with a group of 30-50 people (as a first goal) that will equal most peoples' primary income.  And, as you know, or will come to learn - this is done in a Community with everyone participating - helping each other learn, earn and ultimately prosper.

Fear is Temporary. Regret is Forever.

I understand caution and holding on to the reins as tightly as you can.  I understand a conservative approach to life and having all of your bills met.  I understand not "acting" on something because it is beyond your current world-view and does not match with the current status quo.

There is fear of loss (financially, time, credibility).  There is a fear of self (can I do it?).  There is fear of not knowing what to do.  There is fear of others (said differently, can I trust the person or thing has my best interest in mind?)  And actually, there is fear of success (for example, if money is not a concern, as a couple, then do we really don't need each other?).  There are many more examples.

Fear is the driver that prevents people from moving forward.  (I am budgeted so tightly, I can not rob Peter to pay Paul to come up with the money to get started).  This is many peoples' situation, and it keeps them stuck.

Our role is to provide a safe comfortable place to sit.  To consider.  To ponder if what we have to offer is reasonable - to any thinking adult.  Ultimately, it is about odds and probability of success.  If the assistance is there...  if the compensation and growth projections make sense...  if the person you are talking to (who is wanting to get you involved) is consistent with everything we stand for... then we will be a comfortable chair that feels welcoming and safe.

This mitigates fear.  It bolsters confidence.  It emboldens striking out in spite of the fear(s) and enables people who are considering what we do to feel a difference - in the context of ways to earn additional income.

The other end of this is regret.  It is staying stuck and living a life of quiet desperation.  We understand the dilemma. Fear is at the core of most decisions.

Regret is the consequence of not confronting and defeating it.  Now is the time.  Trust what you are learning here.  I hate the over-used term, "it can change your life", but hopefully we put some weight behind the claim and you understand that we are more interested in your success than your money.

Unless you are successful, the money does not matter, because none of us will make any.  It all starts with confronting fear and taking the first step.

To Do Lists

Ponder this for a minute:  You don't know what you are doing if you don't know what you are doing.

This gets to the core of the daily discipline of being organized and getting stuff done.  Chances are if you are not keeping yourself accountable to things written on a list, you are being far less productive than you could be.

It can be an app or a software program... if you use the list function in Gmail or Outlook (which is what I do)... or if you have a notebook and pen... or the back of a napkin... you are robbing yourself of productivity if you are not crossing things off of a list as you get them completed.

Having a list is the same thing as knowing what you are doing.  It inherently forces intentionality... i.e., "what do you intend to get done today?"  I am not going to extend this discussion to objectives and goals, but they are all related.

Write things down.  Execute on the things.  Then, cross the things off when completed.  This is self-accountability and it is the time-tested way to make things happen.

You are "Paid" for Attention and Mentorship

The title here is about your income in a home business being directly correlated to the value you offer.  I encourage you to think about the people you enroll in your business as clients and investors.  They have paid you (invested in) your services.  Clients (can and should) have expectations that you will "deliver" by attending to their needs - by being a good mentor and role model.  No different than an Attorney, Accountant, or any other professional who are retained for their expertise and the results they deliver.

Service and value are at the foundation of the Law of Compensation.  You will reap what you sow.  Our community is built on a foundation of norms and values and primary among them is that you build an organization based on quality and competence.

If so, you will build an organization that will last and your future security will be on much more solid ground.

Re-Wiring Time for Productivity

When will it happen?  When will you make it happen?  If you are a generally busy person, you need to nail down segments of time.  Let me provide an example.

Writing this piece takes time.  I have an appointment at 11:00 am.  It is now 9:15.  I need a half hour to shower and get dressed.  That gives me 45 minutes or so to write this and then I am out the door.

So what? (you may ask).  Here's the deal.  I am consciously jamming productivity into my day.  I am being mindful and intentional.  I am taking action.  This has been the case for the 100+ posts I have written for my readers, in addition to all the other things I do to grow my business.

Now, apply this snippet to your own life.  How can you best-utilize bits and pieces of time?  It starts with understanding the big picture of what your firm commitments are (work or going to class, sleep, personal hygiene, eating, walking your dog...) then all the rest of your time is "at play" in terms of how you divvy it up.

There is no more important resource than time.  This is all about how you intentionally use it - or, you capitalize on the use of it.

Jam productivity into your day.  In this context, it is about building your business, however, whatever your passions... make things happen.  Be awake, be alive, and get busy.

Money Instructions

Bake a cake, put together a bookshelf that comes in a box, learn how to operate your new remote for your TV... you simply read the instructions and do as they say.  What we do isn't quite that simple, but almost.  Whether we call it instructions or principles, let's get to the point.

There are core things you need to understand in managing a home business.

1. Everything hinges on you having a way to get "what you have" in front of people for them to evaluate.  We specifically target types (or groups) of people and use methods that are low cost or no cost.  If you are not telling people about what you do, you are not in business - and your business will not survive, let alone grow.  This has to be done with regularity and consistency.  Initially, it is all you do.  Then, you need to apportion chunks of time to teach others what you do.
2. Inherent in doing #1, requires a commitment of time.  This time will replace old patterns and habits.  We will do a time analysis with you and get you to commit to how many of the 168 hours a week you will invest in your business.  This is a baseline inventory of your life.
3. Inherent in #2 is "change".  Not successfully adapting to change is the primary reason people do not thrive in a home business.  If you are not willing or ready for things to be different in your life and how you spend chunks of your time, you will remain where you are.
4. Your authentic self is critical.  Our community is built on a foundation of transparency, integrity, and authenticity.  Being open and honest about who you are, what we do and what our motivations are is critical to the establishment of trust.  Without the ability to earn trust, you will not succeed.  
5. You need to understand the principle of reciprocity.  This means you exchange things with others that match or are equal.  It is somewhat akin to playing tit for tat.  For example, if someone tells you (or you ask them) that their favorite color is blue, you respond with your favorite color.  Now take this and apply it to any piece of information you might learn about, or want to disclose to someone.  This builds trust.

I could go on.  This is a good start to understanding the core of what is important.  Having a budget, understanding the numbers, baselining and benchmarking your progress... there is a ton more to integrate into your "becoming" a professional home business owner.

To Act is to Live

There is a quote by the WWII General Omar S. Bradley:

"This is as true in everyday life as it is in battle: we are given one life and the decision is ours whether to wait for circumstances to make up our mind, or whether to act and in acting, to live."

If you are waiting for the stars to align... or for the perfect moment to pull the trigger that will initiate change... you will stay stuck.  Decisions are a function of information.  The formula is this: d=(f)i.  What our Community does is educate about a path, then educate about a process.  We do not compare ourselves to others... but pose just one option that hopefully "feels right" to people.  We know we are different.  People recognizing this difference is our basic value proposition.

The quote above speaks to living a life of quiet desperation.  Circumstances will not change unless you do.  I saw this attributed to Bill Gates recently:  "Learn to drop the L."  The notion of change involves a great deal of learning and forming of new habits.  I say this over and over, but it bears repeating... the reason most people fail is that they are not successful in incorporating something new into their lives.

It is the same as a New Year's Resolution.  Major intent.  No follow-through.  Why?  Because integrating new behaviors and shedding old patterns is inherently hard.  For me, it was "Good-bye" to evening TV.  Goodbye evening news.  Goodbye Jeopardy.  Goodbye Big Bang Theory.  So long Rachel Maddow.  "See you when I can afford to watch again".

So what do I do instead?  Well, for one, I am writing this.  I communicate with and support new people.  I post things on Social Media.  During the day, I get out of the house and talk to people... but this is a small slice of what I do simply to provide examples.  What you do may be similar, but the point is that your life (will be/needs to be) inherently different from your former lifestyle.

When you make the decision to join us, you are a Business Owner.  To grow a business takes effort.  This effort involves a commitment of time doing new and different things with your time.

I can't say this enough.  If you want to succeed, you need to wrap your head around and embrace this fundamental shift - that - it is necessary to invest segments of your day differently until they become new habits and lifestyle choices.

It is not easy, or everyone would be doing it.  Being exceptional requires you being the exception.

Time to look in the mirror and ask yourself what you want from your life.  In acting, you live on your own terms.  It is a choice you need to consciously make and vibrantly embrace.

Our Community exists to help you, and support this choice.

Have a Monthly Housing Expense? Then,You Need What We Have,

The title of this article helps us define the working poor.  If you have a mortgage or are paying rent, you are captive to this monthly obligation.  As a result, obviously, you have a job to meet this primary expense.  For most, it goes without saying, that if this expense did not exist there would be a world of possibilities of where to direct this money... whether it be savings, travel, toys, better food choices, giving to charity... how many ways can you think of to use money?

The bottom line here is that (given a choice) most would welcome eliminating their mortgage (or) having their monthly housing expense covered by a predictable stream of monthly income.  This is the goal of our Community.  What we work toward is the creation of residual income that will exist over time.

The glue that holds it together is a commitment to the concept of inter-dependence and people buying into (literally and figuratively) the notion that we can create our own economy by pooling our resources and subscribing to a common set of beliefs, values, knowledge, and actions.

The first (micro) goal is to make your first dollar.  The first (macro) goal is to replace your income and have all of your expenses covered.  If you get to that point, the sky is the limit and you will be in a position to eliminate your eight-hour-a-day commitment.  The corollary to this is that if you equal your conventional income once, there is no reason you will not be able to create generational wealth.

I wrote another article recently about never out-earning your self-concept.  If you can not see yourself as being "free" of your job, the probability is that you never will be.  This has everything to do with mindset being borne of mini-success + mini-success + mini-success equalling a milestone.  Then, milestone + milestone + milestone equalling a transformed life.

Part of this transformed life is having no worries about your monthly housing expense (nor any other bill for that matter).

Get Deep In the Rhythm

This is a lighter post.  Some say you get to know people by the choices they make.  I want to share a video that is one of my favorites... for its groove and sophistication.

"I kicked the habit.  Shed my skin.  This is the new stuff.  I go dancin' in."

This is what our community is all about.  Shed your skin.  A crustacean (a crab, a lobster)... sheds its shell to grow.  Vulnerable for a while - but bigger and stronger as a result.

"You could have a steam train if you just lay down your tracks."

Anyway, I love this performance.  Hopefully, you will too!  Got headphones or earbuds?  Enjoy...

Credit goes to my friend Shirley who introduced me to this singer, Morgan James.

Breaking Free of Needing a Job

There is another post I had written recently talking about an alternative to the job economy.  The majority of people are "wired" to have a job with benefits... and the job paying for a portion of health insurance and matching a portion of your 401K contribution...

This is the reality.   This is the pool of people who are future business partners.  This then begs the question of "how" we are able to transform the circumstances of people - to enable them to start to consider breaking free from "needing" a job.

The bottom line is money, right?  If you have enough money to pay for your living expenses, buy your own health insurance and put chunks of money aside... then you don't need a "job"... or, am I missing something?

A good place to start with all this is understanding the math, both in terms of dollars and people participating in your business.  You need to articulate a number.  What will it take for you to comfortably and confidently be in a position to not fear losing your job?  For me, that number is around $5000 a month.  Roughly, this replaces a $60,000 salary.  This number is different for everyone.

With the business platforms we use, we know exactly what-it-takes (academically) in terms of total numbers of people and the total dollars derived.  What is not spelled out is attrition, loss-of-interest, lack-of-effort, and self-sabotage.  Therefore, this has to be built into the equation.

There is no such thing as people participating equally and/or predictable geometric progression.  This is one fault I find with the primary platform we use.  It is much more honest and useful to describe level advancement in terms of phases, and not assign any time references such as weeks, months or years.  If you describe a path to a million dollars in 6 months, it is theoretical and hypothetical - AND (more importantly) not real or plausible.  It, therefore, detracts from the genuineness of the overall proposition.  But, I digress.  Trust me, there is nothing that is perfect.

The point I am wanting to make here is working backward from a number.  That number is the dollar amount you need.  Typically, for most people, this is the amount that replaces your current income.  The strength of an organization is its ability to attract and retain people who are participating fully, committed to the mission of helping others and who are confident ambassadors of being a part of this worthwhile endeavor that truly is a "way out" for the Working Poor.

Our job is to find, educate and engage people to the extent that they are able to "break free".  If you can find and help (a solid) 40 people in our model, you will be well-on-your-way to replacing your income.

This does not happen on its own, but it is a relatively safe bet if you invest the time, acquire the skills and develop the daily habits to make it happen.

Do Good and Keep it Real

The worst advice I ever received is "fake it until you make it".  Here's the thing.  If you fake honesty, you are lying.  If you fake being genuine, you are being disingenuous.

While our role is to be optimistic and ambassadors of goodwill, please understand that being truthful about who you are, where you have been and where you are in your home business journey is critical to your authenticity.  Ultimately, we help people elevate themselves through enhancing their finances.  This alone has skepticism written all over it.  Most people are jaded and negative.  Some are outright hostile, especially if they have been burnt in the past.

Our goal is to wade through the masses and find the ones who "see it".  Then, when someone shows that they are open and receptive to learning more, the last thing you want to be is a "tail feather fluffer" and appear to be bigger than you really are.

Your genuine self is all-that-you-are.  Your genuine self will evolve.  You will add bits of credibility as-you-go.  Yes, you can lean on "the community" as being a great thing to be a part of.  You can talk about your business associates and the affect you have for them.  You can talk about skills acquisition and what you are learning...  What you don't want to do is posture yourself as someone you are not.  This is foundational.  It is where you build your base of credibility.

Being likable and personable is a great advantage.  There is a common adage in the home business industry is that people join with people they know, like and trust.  This is true for anything.

This is why we "lead" with an About Me page.  It is the first step to being real.  It is being open and setting an expectation of what our values are and how we operate.  If it is too great a challenge for you to write a one page summary of your life and learn the skills to put this online for the world to see, (then) how we function may not be for you.

As you grow, this autobiography becomes a work-in-progress.  It is a part of your toolset that you will continue to refine over time.  It is a look in the mirror at first and then quickly evolves into credible examples of success, how you have helped others and the value you offer without expressly stating it.  Ultimately, it will reflect your character and how you choose to operate in the world.

A related way of saying "Do Good" is Do No Harm.  Generally, we deal with a frustrated and bitter lot who are seeking a better way.  Never give them a reason not to trust you.  This is why we don't lead with "the money".  We lead with the reality of what it takes to earn the money... and this has everything to do with you and everyone you encounter understanding that skills + tools + values + daily habits = the size of your bank account.

If you are missing all of the +'s, you will never get to the =.

Advice: Choose. Then, get after it.

Here's the reality.  There are many, good, reasonable ways to make money.  As well, there are many great mentors and systems to follow.  Most lay claim to be plug-and-play... just join and follow the system... what we do is really not all that different.

The point of this post is to simply choose.  Do your homework. Make some assessments about your level of trust in the process, the people, etc... and then jump on whatever horse and ride it at a gallop.

The system is important.  Our differentiator is that we espouse that learning, teaching, relationships, and community are as equally significant variables in managing a successful home business.

All of this is preceded by trust.  Unless we are able to establish a baseline of trust that is earned from providing honest and real information and a plausible path forward, nothing will happen.

Our job is to help people choose us - then, get after it with gusto.  We help people change their lives.  When you get to the point of understanding that this is a noble and worthwhile endeavor, you will be a professional in the home business industry.

You Can't Out-Earn Your Self Image

This post is about hope - seasoned with realism.  The Working Poor No More Community exists to help people elevate themselves financially.  While this is a worthy "goal statement", it presupposes a great deal in terms of how to get there.

There are a number of different (competing?) schools of thought in regard to what is important to understand in the home business arena.  Many people package and sell this information in their own "system", not all that different than what is done here in the WPNM Community - the difference being is that we do not attempt to make money from our information.  It is free and open to anyone given its universal truth - intended (again) to help people regardless of their business affiliation(s).

The notion of out-earning your self-concept has everything to do with mindset.  Some preach that this is the "all important" first step to success.  I am inclined to agree - to a point.  The other major school of thought is "taking action".  Or, engaging in business-building activities on a daily basis.  This has everything to do with choices of how to invest available time, lifestyle modification, and adapting to the fact that your life will be (and needs to be) inherently different - as a business owner who consciously controls your daily activity... creating your own resources, making contacts, following up with people who are interested and evaluating what we do... and working with people in your group to grow their skills and business.

Therefore, if you combine mindset and action-taking you have a reasonable foundation for launching a successful business.   The first step in defining success is making your first dollar.  This means that someone will have said "yes" to your offer.  They are now a-part-of what we do and you now have the responsibility to help them grow by teaching and modeling the habits of a successful home business owner.  The important thing to recognize is that this does not happen on its own and inherently requires a relationship that has the components of communication and accountability.

So, unless you see yourself as a leader and teacher with something to offer (or understanding that this needs to be your destination), what we do may not be the best fit for you.  Your self-image needs to be that you provide genuine value to others and there is value in partnering with you.  Otherwise, you will simply be a ticket-taker to an "opportunity" and once people pass through the gate, they will go and be lost in a whole stadium of people.  This can't be you.  You have to accompany them to their seat and watch and explain the game.

The Law of Compensation basically means reaping what you sow.  Another way to frame this is that you are compensated in direct proportion to the value you offer.  This means leading, teaching and mentoring.  It also means casting aside the mindset of where you are (were?).  You need to re-define who you are and be able to articulate (verbally and in writing) the value proposition you offer.

When you learn to incorporate these things into your self-image, there will be no limit to what you can earn.  And, this earning has a direct correlation to the success you have in others emulating who you are and what you do.

The amount of money you earn is not the yardstick to be measured by.  The real important metrics are all the fundamentals that contribute to your true asset - which is the community you build - the loyalty and fidelity to that community - and the long-term relationships that are the building blocks of that community.

This has to be ingrained in who you are and how you function as a home business owner.

We Organize Money and People for Everyone's Benefit

After years of pondering, this statement may be the best characterization (to date) for what we do.  We organize groups of people and encourage them to use a portion of their money that we then aggregate and leverage through the use of online money-making platforms.

Organizing involves finding and educating, and these two things are defined by specific marketing methods and tools use.  There is no mystery.  It is all about applied effort doing things that will put information in front of people for them to evaluate.  The more people you get to evaluate what we do, the more money you will make (if you are a good mentor).

Then, long-term, the way you engage the people who join with you... the leadership you provide... will determine if you will have built a sustainable business.

That's it.  Find.  Educate.  Engage and support for the long-term.  Build on the habits, values, and sense of community that we talk about on this blog.  It is a worthwhile endeavor that will enable you to truly impact others' lives.

This is one of the shortest posts on this blog.  Read it again.

Contribution to Each Others' Success

Early on in the evaluation process of joining a business, it is prudent and fair to evaluate your enroller.  This is why we "preach" to anyone considering joining us is that you have to work hard at establishing your credibility and be worthy of being followed.

One lens to look at this is through in the title of this post.  It is fair to consider how two people can "contribute to each others' success".  In this context, please understand, you need to make a commitment to entering a relationship.  You are "joining" a person and a community... not a "deal" to make money.

It is completely fair and reasonable to judge how you will "click" with the person who has introduced you.  Hopefully, in them, you will glean a sense of integrity and truthfulness with a bit of an edge (a disclaimer) that what we do is not easy and is not for everyone.  Otherwise, everyone would be doing it.

Our business is about the interdependence of a large group of people "buying into" a common set of principles and values.  Beyond the "character-givens" of being a decent human being, this has to be about being "smart" and different.  It is a new path clothed in a robe of goodness and guided by a moral compass with compassion for peoples' lives.

Our mission is to help people and their families.  Recruiting and sponsoring people into anything is just the first step into a whole new world of possibility.  Once this threshold is crossed, then the real work begins by helping people understand "what it takes" to be successful.  This has to be done with cheerful accountability in terms of how those you work with invest their time.  More specifically, what they are doing to enhance their skills, polish their credibility and introduce others to what we do.

It is a model of constant, incremental improvement - of yourself and on business-building activities.  As such, this post is meant for both the enroller and the enrollee.  If you do not "see" a positive role model and mentor, or if you do not see yourself as being a positive role model and mentor... this is a huge red flag.

Successful businesses do not "just happen".  There is a ton of work and learning involved.  In contributing to each others' success, you need to understand that it is fundamental to expect that new habits, new choices of how to invest hours of your day and an overall facelift of your lifestyle is necessary to achieve success.

If this is a bitter pill, it is better you know up-front and you should save your time - and put your aspirations on hold.  But, to end on a positive, it is best that you join with someone you trust is going to be an effective mentor and team builder and who can model the habits necessary to grow a successful home business.  At the end of the day, this will enable you to contribute to each others' success.

Security

What is security?  To many, it means having a job with benefits.  Going to work every day, having a predictable paycheck and getting two weeks off a year.  All play a role in defining how most people view "security".

There is a movement going on in the home business industry that suggests you "create your own economy" that is independent of the traditional economy.  What this means is that you have control of your finances (such that) you can/could live independently from the eight-hour-a-day slog.

Forget about the lifestyle considerations this will afford you.  Forget about ALL of the creature comforts of toys, travel and being a big tipper.  Simply reflect on the underlying, fundamental baseline of what it will feel like waking up every morning knowing that your bills are covered - and will be for as long as you can rationally see into the future.

This is what our business model offers.  This is the goal.  Getting there does not happen with a wiggle of the nose (Bewitched reference), but is absolutely possible by finding and leading a group of people that is guided by the standards and values of our Community.

I encourage you to think about security.  Really ponder what you are willing to sacrifice to "have it".  And, when pondering, fully realize the daily minute-by-minute and hour-by-hour decisions you will need to make by simply focusing on things other than you have been accustomed to.

I have written about this many times, however, it bears repeating.  The single biggest factor in anyone's' success is their ability to adapt to change.  This means to recognize and implement the things that are necessary to affect results.  This is the fuel that runs the engine.

For many, this simply means turning off the TV and focusing on business-building activities.  For others, it means going to the bar or going to the gym less.  For others, it simply means getting up earlier or going to bed later.  It is all individual, but it all starts with recognizing your life (inherently) is going to be different - tangibly - in how you choose to invest your waking hours.

If you want security, this needs to be fundamental to your understanding of how to achieve it.

An Alternate Economy to the Job Economy

Most people have jobs.  Understood.  All good.

For most, this is not a choice - but is a function of how they have been taught to think and then adapting it to their role in life... to have a job with benefits... being a responsible, productive member of society... yadda, yadda, yadda...  Still, all good.  This is the way the world works for most people.

The WorkingPoorNoMore Community exists to pose an alternative.  We propose (in addition to your current job) that you take the time to understand a different and more personalized way to make a living.  The common sense aspect deals with your ability to control your future by controlling your income.

Under the WorkingPoorNoMore umbrella, we have a variety of marketing sites that focus on different target markets.  We introduce people to a specific online businesses that is progressive, ultimately building into full-time residual income that enables people to consider leaving the world of the "full-time employed" to the world of an independent entrepreneur, professional mentor/group leader, and teacher.

This is simple in theory, but not so easy to execute.  It becomes easier when the structures and supports are in place to enable individuals' competence through our Learning Community.  It is very real for those who embrace it.  It is absolutely possible if you make a commitment and invest the hours in doing very specific things to make it happen.

We exist to help you understand what those things are.