Taking Risks
As long as we live God is going to challenge us to take risks in our lives. I want to encourage you to listen to this message about Taking Risks in our lives as Christians and how taking risks can have a domino affect in the lives of others. Listen to Tim Gocha from The Woods Church of the Nazarene
Click or go to this link:
http://www.wwnazarene.org/podcast/WWCN/May25_08_WW.mp3
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Lion Chasers
In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day
a Book by By: Mark Batterson
The author describes how…
Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn't chase. You will look back longingly on risks not taken, opportunities not seized, and dreams not pursued. Stop running away from what scares you most and start chasing the God-ordained opportunities that cross your path. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day is inspired by one of the most obscure yet courageous acts recorded in Scripture, a blessed and audacious act that left no regrets: "Benaiah chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it" (2 Samuel 23:20 -21). Unleash the lion chaser within!
Many of us are scared to venture out to the unknown of taking risks and starting your own business working from home. We have fears such as “what if I fail” “what if I lose tons of money” “what if I DO become successful” because for some being successful frightens them just as much as failing.
The book is an excellent book for the fact you do not find to many lion chasers these days. Most people think someone is crazy for how Benaiah actually chased the lion into the pit and killed the lion with his bare hands. But he beat the odds and won!
So my challenge to you is to get out there and face your fears and take that chance to be successful in life!
Look at all the opportunities that God has in store for you. For what if the Life you really want and the future God wants for you, is hiding right now in your biggest problem, your worse failure….Your greatest Fear?
a Book by By: Mark Batterson
The author describes how…
Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn't chase. You will look back longingly on risks not taken, opportunities not seized, and dreams not pursued. Stop running away from what scares you most and start chasing the God-ordained opportunities that cross your path. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day is inspired by one of the most obscure yet courageous acts recorded in Scripture, a blessed and audacious act that left no regrets: "Benaiah chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it" (2 Samuel 23:20 -21). Unleash the lion chaser within!
Many of us are scared to venture out to the unknown of taking risks and starting your own business working from home. We have fears such as “what if I fail” “what if I lose tons of money” “what if I DO become successful” because for some being successful frightens them just as much as failing.
The book is an excellent book for the fact you do not find to many lion chasers these days. Most people think someone is crazy for how Benaiah actually chased the lion into the pit and killed the lion with his bare hands. But he beat the odds and won!
So my challenge to you is to get out there and face your fears and take that chance to be successful in life!
Look at all the opportunities that God has in store for you. For what if the Life you really want and the future God wants for you, is hiding right now in your biggest problem, your worse failure….Your greatest Fear?
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Network Marketing - What To Do When Nothing Seems To Work
Network Marketing - What To Do When Nothing Seems To Work
One of the things that many people allude to (and some come right out and say it) is that they have tried everything to get their business to grow, and nothing seems to work. They've tried online and offline systems, genealogy leads and biz opp leads, hotel meetings and home meetings, but things just aren't working.
I want to take a few minutes and give you some advice and some thoughts that may be able to help you (or those you know going through this) have success in the Network Marketing Industry.
Let me begin by telling you my personal story. I joined my first company back in the year 2002. In fact, I am still supporting that company using their products every day. I tried for nearly six years to build that business, but I never had any level of success. In fact, I think my spending to earnings ratio is at least 100:1 (maybe 1000:1).
Now, it wasn't that I wasn't passionate about the products. It wasn't that there wasn't a system that worked. It wasn't that I didn't have successful mentors. It wasn't because I didn't have prospects to talk to.
After about six years, I began working with another company. Working with that company I did much better and was passionate in what I was doing.
What was the difference?
Well, it wasn't because all of the sudden I had a good batch of leads. It wasn't because all of the sudden I now had a patented, proprietary, first-to- market, ground floor, doctor approved, miracle product. It wasn't because I now had an upline that could do killer 3-way calls with me.
The difference was - it was the right fit for me.
I believe (and you may not agree) that there are some companies and segments of the NWM industry that are harder to build than others, for some people. While one person may thrive and flourish with one company, another person may flounder and falter with the same company. It doesn't mean the second person is a moron. It may mean that there is another company out there somewhere that is a better fit.
Now, before I go on, let me say that I am not advocating for people to quit their company and jump ship to another company. I believe in perseverance, overcoming, and breaking through those barriers that can help you become a greater person. I am advocating that a person needs to be realistic and not blame the leads, the system, the upline, etc.
You see, in my first company, there were people who were making six figures a month. There are still people who are recruiting 20+ people a month. In fact, one guy recruited 110 people in one month this last year. It isn't as if the company isn't successful. In fact, they are currently experiencing record growth after 10+ years in business.
Look at the corporate world. People change jobs all the time. I'm not talking about the person who can't hold down a job. I'm talking about the person who changes positions because as he matures he comes to discover what brings him the greatest fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction. While there isn't a job that can provide all that 100% of the time, there comes a time when a person knows what works and what doesn't work for them.
For example, my favorite restaurant is a Italian place called Olive Garden. It doesn't mean I want to work there or even own the place. But, I'll recommend them all day long for someone who wants a great meal. Similarly, I still believe in the products of the first company I joined, but it doesn't mean that company is the best place for me to work and build a business.
Another example - have you ever seen a shirt, dress, or pants that looked great on someone else? But, when you go to the mall and try it on, it makes you look like an overweight, disfigured Manatee that highlights every fault and imperfection on your body. You can either buy the shirt and live with the disillusion that the shirt looks great on you, or you can be realistic and say "the shirt looks great, but not on me."
Here's the bottom line.
I believe in our industry as a whole. I don't believe every company is for every person and that every company is an equal fit and opportunity for every person. I believe it is time to stop blaming the leads, the system, the products, the upline, the leadership, etc. for one's lack of success.
While it may be in someone's best interest to persevere, break through, and achieve success with their current company, there also comes a point when it's time to admit, "the shirt looks great, but not on me."
I tried on a different shirt, and it fits great. I love what I am doing and I wouldn't go back to the corporate world for anything.
Maybe, just maybe, this resonates with you. This article was written for those who can "hear" what I am saying. There is a verse in the New Testament that says "To him who has ears, let him hear." You see, many people are bombarded with guilt because they are told that if they can't make it with "ABC" company, then what makes you think you'll make it elsewhere.
Finally, let me say this. This article is not all about finding a new company. If that is what you've concluded, then you've missed the heart of what is being said. This article is a response to people who have been complaining and blaming, and for those who have been working hard and working smart, but making very little progress. It is about finding success within an industry that would fit you. So have an open mind when entering into this business and search your heart for what fits you. Don’t give up because you failed once or even twice with a particular company.Find the company that fits you and make a bundle of money and be a success!
One of the things that many people allude to (and some come right out and say it) is that they have tried everything to get their business to grow, and nothing seems to work. They've tried online and offline systems, genealogy leads and biz opp leads, hotel meetings and home meetings, but things just aren't working.
I want to take a few minutes and give you some advice and some thoughts that may be able to help you (or those you know going through this) have success in the Network Marketing Industry.
Let me begin by telling you my personal story. I joined my first company back in the year 2002. In fact, I am still supporting that company using their products every day. I tried for nearly six years to build that business, but I never had any level of success. In fact, I think my spending to earnings ratio is at least 100:1 (maybe 1000:1).
Now, it wasn't that I wasn't passionate about the products. It wasn't that there wasn't a system that worked. It wasn't that I didn't have successful mentors. It wasn't because I didn't have prospects to talk to.
After about six years, I began working with another company. Working with that company I did much better and was passionate in what I was doing.
What was the difference?
Well, it wasn't because all of the sudden I had a good batch of leads. It wasn't because all of the sudden I now had a patented, proprietary, first-to- market, ground floor, doctor approved, miracle product. It wasn't because I now had an upline that could do killer 3-way calls with me.
The difference was - it was the right fit for me.
I believe (and you may not agree) that there are some companies and segments of the NWM industry that are harder to build than others, for some people. While one person may thrive and flourish with one company, another person may flounder and falter with the same company. It doesn't mean the second person is a moron. It may mean that there is another company out there somewhere that is a better fit.
Now, before I go on, let me say that I am not advocating for people to quit their company and jump ship to another company. I believe in perseverance, overcoming, and breaking through those barriers that can help you become a greater person. I am advocating that a person needs to be realistic and not blame the leads, the system, the upline, etc.
You see, in my first company, there were people who were making six figures a month. There are still people who are recruiting 20+ people a month. In fact, one guy recruited 110 people in one month this last year. It isn't as if the company isn't successful. In fact, they are currently experiencing record growth after 10+ years in business.
Look at the corporate world. People change jobs all the time. I'm not talking about the person who can't hold down a job. I'm talking about the person who changes positions because as he matures he comes to discover what brings him the greatest fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction. While there isn't a job that can provide all that 100% of the time, there comes a time when a person knows what works and what doesn't work for them.
For example, my favorite restaurant is a Italian place called Olive Garden. It doesn't mean I want to work there or even own the place. But, I'll recommend them all day long for someone who wants a great meal. Similarly, I still believe in the products of the first company I joined, but it doesn't mean that company is the best place for me to work and build a business.
Another example - have you ever seen a shirt, dress, or pants that looked great on someone else? But, when you go to the mall and try it on, it makes you look like an overweight, disfigured Manatee that highlights every fault and imperfection on your body. You can either buy the shirt and live with the disillusion that the shirt looks great on you, or you can be realistic and say "the shirt looks great, but not on me."
Here's the bottom line.
I believe in our industry as a whole. I don't believe every company is for every person and that every company is an equal fit and opportunity for every person. I believe it is time to stop blaming the leads, the system, the products, the upline, the leadership, etc. for one's lack of success.
While it may be in someone's best interest to persevere, break through, and achieve success with their current company, there also comes a point when it's time to admit, "the shirt looks great, but not on me."
I tried on a different shirt, and it fits great. I love what I am doing and I wouldn't go back to the corporate world for anything.
Maybe, just maybe, this resonates with you. This article was written for those who can "hear" what I am saying. There is a verse in the New Testament that says "To him who has ears, let him hear." You see, many people are bombarded with guilt because they are told that if they can't make it with "ABC" company, then what makes you think you'll make it elsewhere.
Finally, let me say this. This article is not all about finding a new company. If that is what you've concluded, then you've missed the heart of what is being said. This article is a response to people who have been complaining and blaming, and for those who have been working hard and working smart, but making very little progress. It is about finding success within an industry that would fit you. So have an open mind when entering into this business and search your heart for what fits you. Don’t give up because you failed once or even twice with a particular company.Find the company that fits you and make a bundle of money and be a success!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
How to Start a Business without Money
How to Start a Business without Money
Several decades ago, before I got interested in starting my businesses in my life, I met a friend who went from being penniless to becoming quite wealthy in a breathtakingly short amount of time. I asked her what the secret of getting rich was.
She said that you should find something that interests you and become an expert. For some reason, she became interested in turquoise and went from knowing nothing to becoming quite knowledgeable about the gem, the various sources, the market, and the players. One thing led to another, opportunities presented themselves and, presto change-o, my friend was showered with dough.
When I started my first business in Network Marketing, which was with a health company, I had no money, I had no business experience, and I had absolutely no idea how to make money in the field. Before I knew it after doing much research in Network Marketing I was making money I never had!
What drove the growth of my business was the growth of my knowledge of the Health products along with the knowledge of Network Marketing. And what drove the growth of my knowledge of health products was my love for the stuff!!!
When you start a business, what must lead the way should be your own interest in or love for whatever it is you want to do. Loving what you do miraculously attracts all the necessary resources, people and opportunities. You definitely don’t need money to start. Bootstrapping will stimulate your creativity and that is worth much more than money anyway.
Besides, money is overrated. I have found through bitter experience that there is always baggage that comes with investors’ money. You take their money and you get their karma too. What may seem like easy money is frequently filled with major headaches and not worth it in the long run. I vastly prefer the freedom and the control that comes with bootstrapping.
But I am also a practical woman who likes a fast-growing business. Therefore I have had to take on financial partners of various stripes. I have learned to be VERY fussy about who I partner with. But that is a whole other story. (In Network Marketing it is important who you pick for your team, for not everyone is cut out for that type of work).
One more thing: Your passion doesn’t have to be about any particular product or service. For me, my passion is the process – building teams, collaborating with others, wrestling with creative challenges, supplying customers with value, entertaining paradigm-shifting ideas, dreaming of the potential for fast growth, and being socially responsible to all the stakeholders, not to mention Mother Earth. I am passionate about those things, so if all those elements are present, then it doesn’t make a lick of difference if the end-product is a health product or lawyer services and identity protection (my second biz and I knew absolutely nothing about that either) or whatever.
Several decades ago, before I got interested in starting my businesses in my life, I met a friend who went from being penniless to becoming quite wealthy in a breathtakingly short amount of time. I asked her what the secret of getting rich was.
She said that you should find something that interests you and become an expert. For some reason, she became interested in turquoise and went from knowing nothing to becoming quite knowledgeable about the gem, the various sources, the market, and the players. One thing led to another, opportunities presented themselves and, presto change-o, my friend was showered with dough.
When I started my first business in Network Marketing, which was with a health company, I had no money, I had no business experience, and I had absolutely no idea how to make money in the field. Before I knew it after doing much research in Network Marketing I was making money I never had!
What drove the growth of my business was the growth of my knowledge of the Health products along with the knowledge of Network Marketing. And what drove the growth of my knowledge of health products was my love for the stuff!!!
When you start a business, what must lead the way should be your own interest in or love for whatever it is you want to do. Loving what you do miraculously attracts all the necessary resources, people and opportunities. You definitely don’t need money to start. Bootstrapping will stimulate your creativity and that is worth much more than money anyway.
Besides, money is overrated. I have found through bitter experience that there is always baggage that comes with investors’ money. You take their money and you get their karma too. What may seem like easy money is frequently filled with major headaches and not worth it in the long run. I vastly prefer the freedom and the control that comes with bootstrapping.
But I am also a practical woman who likes a fast-growing business. Therefore I have had to take on financial partners of various stripes. I have learned to be VERY fussy about who I partner with. But that is a whole other story. (In Network Marketing it is important who you pick for your team, for not everyone is cut out for that type of work).
One more thing: Your passion doesn’t have to be about any particular product or service. For me, my passion is the process – building teams, collaborating with others, wrestling with creative challenges, supplying customers with value, entertaining paradigm-shifting ideas, dreaming of the potential for fast growth, and being socially responsible to all the stakeholders, not to mention Mother Earth. I am passionate about those things, so if all those elements are present, then it doesn’t make a lick of difference if the end-product is a health product or lawyer services and identity protection (my second biz and I knew absolutely nothing about that either) or whatever.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
How long do you intend to keep your life on hold?
How long do you intend to keep your life on hold?
It wasn’t long ago I had a conversation with a customer and the gentleman told me …call me back six months from now maybe I will be ready by then. In my frustration because I knew I had customer not interested in the business …I told this person …do you plan to keep your life on hold until then? It must have gotten to the person because at least I got a laugh out of the person. Then today I thought about someone I know who is from a “younger generation” who spends a great deal of his time on his cell phone, sitting in front of the TV and pushing the remote from one lousy program to the next.
People today just seem to lack ambition in life these days.
Ambition is about stretching our wings and seeking to surpass ourselves. Without it, life is a bird without wings. Ambition provides the motivation, energy and willingness to pursue goals. Without it, nothing will be accomplished. But it is not about competition (other than competing with our past best performance). Rather, it is about self-growth, self-development, self-expression, and self-improvement. It is about shining, not about outshining. We all desire a better life, but far greater it is to desire a better world for ourselves.
When measured against our vast powers, it would be tragic to go through life with little or no ambition. Yet, some seemingly do. Why is that? It is not because of moral decay, but because of ignorance or ineptitude. It is not because of a lack of ambition as much as it is a lack of self-confidence or a lack of direction. Other factors include the fear of failure or the false belief that the sacrifice required to achieve our dream is greater than we can bear. The good news is… all of these weaknesses can be overcome. The disgust we have for failing to live up to our potential can inspire us to change.
Don't be like the young man who went to a guru and said, "Oh Noble One, I lack ambition and am poor as a result. I am sick of my poverty, what shall I do?"
It wasn’t long ago I had a conversation with a customer and the gentleman told me …call me back six months from now maybe I will be ready by then. In my frustration because I knew I had customer not interested in the business …I told this person …do you plan to keep your life on hold until then? It must have gotten to the person because at least I got a laugh out of the person. Then today I thought about someone I know who is from a “younger generation” who spends a great deal of his time on his cell phone, sitting in front of the TV and pushing the remote from one lousy program to the next.
People today just seem to lack ambition in life these days.
Ambition is about stretching our wings and seeking to surpass ourselves. Without it, life is a bird without wings. Ambition provides the motivation, energy and willingness to pursue goals. Without it, nothing will be accomplished. But it is not about competition (other than competing with our past best performance). Rather, it is about self-growth, self-development, self-expression, and self-improvement. It is about shining, not about outshining. We all desire a better life, but far greater it is to desire a better world for ourselves.
When measured against our vast powers, it would be tragic to go through life with little or no ambition. Yet, some seemingly do. Why is that? It is not because of moral decay, but because of ignorance or ineptitude. It is not because of a lack of ambition as much as it is a lack of self-confidence or a lack of direction. Other factors include the fear of failure or the false belief that the sacrifice required to achieve our dream is greater than we can bear. The good news is… all of these weaknesses can be overcome. The disgust we have for failing to live up to our potential can inspire us to change.
Don't be like the young man who went to a guru and said, "Oh Noble One, I lack ambition and am poor as a result. I am sick of my poverty, what shall I do?"
"Don't worry," said the guru, "everything will change in seven years."
"You mean I will be rich then?" asked the disciple.
"No, you will get used to your poverty!" answered the guru.
Don't get used to your poverty or weaknesses! Instead, use your dissatisfaction as motivation to succeed. Now success doesn't necessarily mean fame and fortune. Rather, it means the achievement of YOUR personal goals. Better to be a poor poet and happy than a rich businessman and frustrated.
Here are some more points to keep in mind regarding ambition and success.
1. Lock in on your dream as a missile locks in on a target. Remain focused on it. Always keep it in mind. Take Abe Lincoln, for instance. While still unknown, his friends would hear him frequently say, "Some day I shall be President." Despite the enormous obstacles he faced and numerous failures he experienced, he remained steadfast. When you can see, taste, feel, smell, and hear your dream in your mind, you will inevitably bring it to pass.
2. Mark Twain (1835 ~ 1910) offers sage advice, "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." In their vain attempt to be great, those who belittle you grow small, so ignore what they have to say.
3. Don't depend on others. Stand on your own two feet. Don't be like those who complain, "No one is showing me the way. No one is guiding me. No one is helping me." Life is not about waiting for answers, but about discovering them on your own. Your true nature is that of an adventurer, so live like one.
4. Good negotiators always ask for more than they wish to receive. This way they can negotiate 'down' to what they really want. Take a similar stance when you set your goals. That is, try to achieve far more than you hope for. So, if you fail to obtain it, you will at least achieve your original goal.
5. Acknowledge that sacrifices and effort are necessary to reach your goal, and be willing to do whatever it takes. Or, as Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda said, "When you go in search of honey you must expect to be stung by bees." True, the path to success is not without pain, but it is without suffering; it is not without effort, but it is with the joy of accomplishment. So, face your fears and don't be afraid of taking risks.
6. Have a dream, but don't be a daydreamer. Be a visionary, but don't dwell in fantasy. Don't ignore many possible small successes while dreaming of an impossible achievement. Stretch yourself, but not to the extent that your limbs fall off and are made useless.
7. If you're out of work and can't find a job you're qualified for, what do you do? Some people refuse to take low paying jobs and prefer to wait for 'better' opportunities. This type of thinking is not a sign of ambition but of a lack of understanding that opportunity is found everywhere. After all, success is not to be found in a job, but in you. It is an attitude. It is a willingness to make the best of what you have. A friend of mine is an example. He fled his war torn country with his wife and children. Arriving with just a few suitcases and enough money to survive for a short period of time, he took the only job he could find, a low paying one. Today, several years later, he is still earning far less than he would in his native country. Yet, he now lives in his own condo, has a new car and computer, and both children graduated the university and have good jobs. My friend is successful, not in the sense that he has a 'good' job, but in the sense that he is happy. Instinctively he had followed the simple philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 ~ 1882) who wrote, "Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing."
In this business you can’t afford to lack ambition for it can either make or break you.
Why is that? Why are some people born with a fire in the belly, while others need something to get their pilot light lit? And why do others never get the flame of ambition going?
Not only do we struggle to understand why some people seem to have more ambition than others, but we can't even agree on just what ambition is.
Ambition is energy and determination. But it calls for goals too. People with goals but no energy are the ones who wind up sitting on the couch saying 'One day I'm going to build a better mousetrap.' People with energy but no clear goals just dissipate themselves in one desultory project after the next."
You need ambition. “Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”
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