Build Your Brand

Starting A Business

This is the second  in a 4-5 part series that examines how I (finally) decide to start a business that I will be marketing online.  You can read the first post here.   And,  please leave your comments at the end of this post if anything I write resonates with you. 

 

If I look back on my career path, I see a definite pattern.  Every 8-10 years,  I switched jobs.  For many reasons, all perfectly valid at the time I made them.   Suffice it to say that I've never been afraid of sticking my neck out and trying something else.  

What might be fair to say is that one of my deliberate career choices was the one that took me back into the classroom as a high school English teacher.   And from there,  off to graduate school to earn my Master's degree.   

The wall that I kept smacking into during those years was the wall of "there are no permanent fulltime teaching positions available unless one of our staff drops dead or gets pregnant and takes a six month maternity leave."   Fortunately,  there were a few of those six month leaves of absence so that I got a taste of having my own classroom.  My own students.  And I loved every minute of it.

I would have taught for free. 

That's passion.

Remember that because "passion" - passion for something - is going to be one of the emotional drivers that I keep coming back to.

Fastforward to 1997 and I had come to the realization that I was not going to be hired fulltime.  Seems that there was another hiring freeze on in the one district that I had racked up a 16 year track record with as a per diem sub.  It would take me another three years to sever my ties with this school district, but that year marked a critical turning point for me. 

That year, I made the second deliberate career choice in my life.   I signed up as a distributor with a company in the direct sale/network marketing field.   During the seven years I was with that first company,  I built a consumer network of 200-plus individuals  that would generate over $10,000.00 in monthly sales volume  at its most productive period.  I attended eight company conventions and  embarked on a program of self-development that is largely responsible for who I am today.  For that,  I will be eternally grateful. 

The company was Arbonne International.   Back in 1997, there were approximately 30,000 distributors.  And, the internet was in its infancy. 

While some people were trying to figure out how to harness the vague perameters of the online world to develop what would ultimately be "internet marketing business models,"   I was wrapping my brain around how to develop  residual income using a network marketing business model.

For several reasons (none of which are important here),  I resigned as a distributor with Arbonne in 2004-05  and went on to explore a few other network marketing companies.   I also began to reach out to small business owners and solo practioners in my community.  This is when I began to build my professional brand as a "consummate networker."  

All this time,  I'd been poking around the internet,  trying to figure out the business models that would let someone make a sustainable income online.   Nobody was stepping up and volunteering that kind of information.   But they were out there and some of them were becoming very successful. 

I kept poking around and over time,  found myself following a couple of people whose online messages resonated with me.   This was long before Twitter, so "following" someone online had a slightly different meaning back then.  

I continued my online research.   And, as luck would have it,  signed up with another network marketing company.   This company was a bit different than the companies  I'd worked with in the past.  Most of the experienced field leaders were building their organizations using systems that internet marketers have been using for years.  Systems? 

Systems.  How about:  autoresponders.  Squeeze pages.  Opt in boxes.   Personal web pages.  I learned about pay-per-click ad campaigns,  got my first peek at the behind-the-scenes preparations for Webinar broadcasts and was a regular participant on  some of them.

It was fascinating to understand how these systems knit together to create an automated process with a series of predicatable actions that would lead to a series of predictable results. 

Systems.   Imagine what I could do on my own with these systems working for me.

 

 

 

Why I Started This Blog

Almost a year ago,  I  wrote my first blog post to reach out to women who were re-inventing themselves.   If you want to read the more detailed explanation of why  I decided to start this blog,  you can click on this line of text.  And, to check out my special interest blog,  on the abilites that dogs have to change  your life, I invite you to visit:  HealingRescueDogs to see what I'm doing.

And, to read my recently published articles,  you can click here.

Smacked Into A Wall - Then Opened A Window

You know how it is.  You're living your life, minding your own business;  have "got your Plan B" firmly clutched in your fist and you're working it.   You've got systems in place,  a fabulous mentor and that enviable of all things:  a road map.

You've been there.  You know what I mean.

Whap!

Into that wall you smack.  Head on.  And,  without any warning,  that Plan B flutters to the side of the road.   It's usefulness? Gone - at least - gone in its present form. 

Now what? 

I can't tell you "now what?" for you.  But.  I can tell you "now what?" for me because  while I was minding my own business,  I smacked into one monster of a wall.  

Remember when you were a kid and you had a nightmare?  Once you could get through the gut-wrenching roar of fear so that you could look your nightmare in the eye,  name it and then banish it,  you felt much better.   Right?

Okay.  I'll just speak for myself here.  I felt better. 

 Well then.  It took four months before my monster wall had a name.   February was the most stressful of these months because that's when all of the special testing took place and I learned how to spell  "neuro-ophthalomologist." 

What brought me to this place first made itself known last October.  I was driving back home somewhat late at night.  It was dark and I was driving in a light rain mixed with some snow.  And, as I made the turn onto the entrance ramp to the expressway,  I couldn't see.   It felt like somebody had flipped a switch and I went from being able to see the road clearly to not being able to figure out where I was spacially in relation to everything around me. 

I could see,  but I'd lost depth perception.   At least, that's how I described it to my neuro-ophthalmologist. 

Pretty scary stuff.

I spent most of my first appointment with the eye specialist running through a battery of eye tests.  Much to my  growing uneasiness,  whenever my left eye was given a task to do - a task that involved my having to look at something and report on what I was seeing,  I wasn't seeing clearly.   And, how badly that left eye was doing was evidenced by how well my right eye was performing.

That day's testing culminated in the first of two brain scans.  The first one was to rule out the really scary stuff:  stroke,  blood clots and/or tumors.   Back the next day for a reading of the scan and then more tests.   And a second brain scan.  And some more tests.  And, we repeated some of those earlier tests.  

Finally,  with one last eye exam at the end of a very long day of tests,  the beginings of a diagnosis emerged .... and my nightmare had a name.

Macular degeneration.

In other words:  loss of central vision. 

The University of Illinois at Chicago gives  the best overall, objective definition of what this "challenge"  is.  And,  the National Eye Institute  offers  one of the best PDF downloads on some of the more in-depth information on AMD.

Of special note is the 10 year clinical trial (AREDS) that the National Eye Institute conducted that showed that taking high doses of antioxidants and zinc could reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD and experiencing severe vision loss.

The study was careful to point out that "there is no cure;"  that taking supplements will not not restore vision already lost, but supplements may delay the onset of advanced AMD.

Loss of central vision affects  driving,  reading and any other "thing" that requires your eyes to see straight ahead.   And, there is a lessening of how you see color.   When my right eye is covered and I'm asked to look at a colorful image - hell - just ask me to look at you standing in front of me - the colors  I see are muted (dull)  when compared to what my right eye sees when the left one is covered.

Interestingly enough what's not affected is peripheral vision.  So.  Perhaps  I'll just walk sideways for the rest of my life. 

There is,  as you may suspect,  huge denial in the early stages of dealing with this.  And,  I'm right there.   This is so NOT happening to me. 

Here's what pisses me off.   If I choose to tell you  about this when you ask me what's new,  do not tell me how sorry you are to hear this. 

Do NOT go there.

Ask me instead,  "What are you doing about it?"   Try very hard not to say,  "Oh, my sister-in-law went blind from that 14 years ago."  She may have.  I don't need to know that.  

If you've got a positive resource to share, do that.

Prayers are good.  I'm so touched by the number of friends who stepped right up and said that they would pray on my behalf. 

It's been a month since that initial diagnosis.   I'm researching supplements, talking with nutritional experts;  still driving although I'm not driving on the expressway at night,  I'm still reading books and waiting to see my neuro-ophthalmologist for a summary visit:  kind of a what's the game plan visit.

Am I still in denial?   I have my days.  This is not one of them.

I know I'm moving past that viseral, irrational,  gut-wrenching denial part of this stage because I've been  looking around for that open window.   And,  this morning,  I stepped through it.

 

What's So Great About Network Marketing Anyways?

What's so Great About Network Marketing Anyways?

If you are unclear what network marketing is or have only heard about it from others, we invite you to stick around for a while and get to know us and the industry.

If you are already a network marketer, this is a great little reminder of why our industry is ideal for so many.

Network Marketing is a perfect vehicle:

• For people who desire a financial change in their lives. It doesn't matter if it's a little change or big change.
• For people who want to grow and know themselves better.
• For people who want to work in a cooperative environment.
• For people who want to have something of their own, something they create that affords them a better life.
• For people who currently have limited funds to start a business.
• For people who currently have limited time to start a business.
• People who want to build a residual income recognizing it takes work but not total sacrifice.

I would like to share with you Willo's personal story

Willo came into Sunrider in 1987 and for three years she used the products and told some family members about them.  No huge growth in her business there.  Then in August 1993 Willo went to her first Sunrider convention and made a decision – key ingredient to her success, a decision – that she was going to do Sunrider full time by Jan 1994.  By August 1996 (only 18 months of solid business building) Willo was a Group Director.  And then because of a number of things in Willo’s life she was pulled from her Sunrider business.  She didn’t work it at all for the next six years. But in that six year period Willo earned an average of $2567.00 per month in residual income.  Yes, residual income.  That means she didn’t do anything in her business except cash the checks

This story is, to me, a perfect illustration of why network marketing is so great. Because she had already set such a strong foundation for her business, Willo was able to focus elsewhere in her life and still make a living. It doesn't get much better than that does it? :)

 

Sounds a lot like  network marketing, doesn't it?   Well, at first glance, it is.

But not in the way that you might think.

All of those words that describe network marketing were written by Jillian Middleton.  They comprised one of the many handouts she provided as part of the material for her six month coaching program created for mlm distibutors.  

That's how I met her.  Way back in 2004,  I participated in one of Jillian's very first six month coaching programs.  That program literally changed my life.  Seven years later,  I'm still using everything that I learned from Jillian in ways that I never imagined I would ... back in 2004.

When I started writing this blog and knew that I wanted to provide valuable resources  for women who might be looking for information about how they could change their lives,  I knew that (at some point) I'd be including at least one post about Jillian. 

Jillian Middleton does for network marketing what Oprah Winfrey does for published authors with her  book club. 

In my opinion. 

If you are already a distributor in the network marketing field,  and you are still trying to wrap your brain around what you're "supposed" to be doing,  Jillian's got some fabulous free stuff you can download from her web site.   She's also got some paid stuff that you would be smart to invest in.  

I did.

If you're a seasoned network marketer and your challenge is to marshall your team into a cohesive organization that relies on systems for future growth and sustainability,  Jillian will be an excellent resource for you. 

If you're shopping around for a network marketing company to join,  and you're looking for some objective information about what to look for,  Jillian Middleton will be an honest, thoughtful voice.   Seek her out. 

And, what, you may be wondering, do I get out of this? 

I get a lot.

But, not what you might think of as a lot.

One of my goals is to offer stellar, impeccable resources for you for wherever you are in your life.   I recommend indivuduals I have personally worked with and/or products that I've personally used ... and benefited from. 

Jillian Middleton is a master of unparalled experience.   She will give you the tools and systems to run your business and show you how to change your mind set so that you become a consummate player in the direct sale, network marketing arena - if you do the work.  If that's what you want.

What you will really be participating in is a  "leadership mastermind training camp" with one of the most ethical supporters of our industry.  This.  Is.  Priceless.

Now.  What you do with this information is entirely up to you.

 

Gentle disclaimer:  As an affiliate  for Savvy Sponsoring,  I will be compensated monetarily if you sign up for any of the programs that Jillian offers from this post.   That's not a bad thing when what you stand to gain is one of the best investments of your time and money for your own success.

Please, don't forget to tell Jillan that Mrs BizWhiz sent you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ask Mrs BizWhiz

Dear Mrs BizWhiz:

So,  I've been stuck in this job for what  feels like forever and I'd really like to start my own business.  One of my friends is doing this thing called network marketing and he says it's really easy and that I should sign up and make a ton of money with him. 

My best friend from high school wants to open a restaurant -- her parents are going to help her and she wants ME to become a partner with her.  I'm good at working with people and she seems to think that I'd be good with the employees she has to hire to wait on tables and help out in the kitchen.   Kind of like the manager, you know?   But, I'm not real sure about this.  I always thought that business partners had to have money to invest in whatever the business venture is, and, honestly?  I don't have any. 

Well, not a lot anyway.

Argh!  I really don't want to stay in this job too much longer.  My boss is an idiot.  I hate being on the phone all day talking to people  who are almost as stupid as he is!  My parents say that I'm lucky to even have a job and that I should just suck it up. 

Help me.   I feel like I'm drowning in job-hell!

Yours truly,

Sad - Mad  Sarah

 

Dear Sad-Mad Sarah:

Chin up!   Your parents are partly right.   However you may hate what you're doing now,  the trade off is that you are getting paid.   And, although it sounds like you're not making bushells of money,  better to be in a job that you hate right now,  making some money,  than not to have a job at all (and be making NO money).

While it's certainly gratifying to have friends  wanting you to join them in whatever business  they're doing,  you're really at the beginning of this,  don't you think?

By that I mean that wanting to start a business is  an admirable thing to want to do.  And, yea! for you for thinking outside of the J-O-B  gerbil wheel. 

But.

Before you jump into anything,  take some time to figure things out.   Research,  Sad-Mad Sarah.  Research and soul-searching are where you want to start.   This article will help you figure out how to narrow down your niche.

Let me know if this helps and what you think.

To Your Success,

Mrs. BizWhiz

 

Idle Chit-Chat? Hardly.

She said:    So.  I've got this problem with my new vendor.  He's not delivering on time which holds up my department's bottom line.  Got any ideas, short of firing him, which I'd prefer not to do?

Then she said:    Well, that's not good.  How long has this been going on?

She said:    Longer than I like - about two months.

Then she said:     Hm.  Not good.  You know...maybe your vendor should partner up with my ex-he couldn't deliver on time either!

 

As women, we know we're notorious talkers.  No subject is off limits.  We start in babyhood when we first make eye contact with adults whose silly interactions with us reinforce the fact that we DO have something to say - it's just a matter of time until we learn how to say it.

Our comments are thoughtful,  off-the-cuff,  insightful and (we think) hiliariously funny. 

We dissect office politics handily as we share tidbits on how to generate new business, encourage each other and trade common experiences about our kids,  husbands,  lovers, and,  a whole lot of ectera.

Did I mention that we also talk about our pets?

These days,  a lot of this seeingly idle chit-chat takes place on  Facebook.  This is a place where (sometimes)  just a tiny bit of knowledge can be 1) a dangerous thing or 2) a source of rich insight into the behind-the-scenes of what's going on in other peoples'  lives.   If you know the players,  it's a treasure-trove  for information.

That "she said/then she said"  quick chat touched on the challenges of how to hande a sloppy vendor whose late deliveries were jeopardizing a company's efficiency then easily segued into a wry comment about an ex-husband's  "late performance."

Don't you just love it?

These conversations,  think of them as almost stream-of-consciousness minutia,  are important for several reasons.  They are an informal way of problem solving,  they can touch on the economic pulse of the business community - both off and online - and, let's be honest.  They're fun!

Just remember to choose your confidents wisely.

Steps to Building a Prosperous Business

Steps are different than rules.   Steps are actions that you can take that cause something to happen.  They are fluid, which means that they can change their shape to fit your plan.  If you take a step and it doesn't quite work out the way you'd intended,  you can tweak it and try again. 

Rules, on the other hand,  are not fluid.  They're not meant to be.  If they're good rules,  they set a standard of excellence - of exemplary behavior - that we can strive for.   For example,  "thou shalt not steal"  is a good rule.  It doesn't mean that it's okay to steal sometimes.   It means "not"  Never.

It is never okay to steal.

Lest we end up in a wild and crazy philosophical discussion here,  let's get back to the heart of this post, which is a light-hearted (but serious)  distillation (mine)  of what I've learned in the 20-plus years  I've been working. 

Okay.

Back to "steps".  

What three steps can you take to become successful in ANY profession?

1)  Brand yourself

2)  Become a raving fan

3)  Re-connect with your community and build networks

Rules To Building a Prosperous Business

"A fool with a plan can outsmart a genius with no plan."   -  T. Boon Pickens

 

When I was growing up, my mom had two rules she expected all of her kids to live by.  Be honest and call home if you're going to be late.  Short and to the point.  And, for the most part, easy to follow.

After college and living at home for two years,  I relocated to upstate New York,  got married and started a family.  I didn't feel the need to add anything to this list of rules until after becoming a mother myself.  Then I added Rule Number Three:  no biting.  That didn't just mean my kid couldn't bite.  Grown-ups couldn't bite either!

Years passed.  My professional life kept reinventing itself around the needs of my family and my own lively sense of adventure.   Just as my mom was able to ground her family in a few, savvy guidelines that would keep all of us from killing each other,  I came up with a list of guidelines that would see me through all of my career changes.

Without further ado,  here they are.

Arrive early, never late.

Keep your word.

Read.

Find your passion.

Make other people happy.

Have a plan.

Stay healthy.

Have a back-up plan.

Do No Harm.

Call ... if you're going to be late.

And  (no matter how tempted you are),  no biting!