Your Past is Calling, Hang Up!

I used to wallow in the past. I would actually drive in the car and get lost in it. Sometimes I would miss my exit thinking about bad choices I had made or people that had wronged me in the past. I had a virtual file that I would scroll through constantly and think about. It got me no where, it didn't help me and it made me upset and sad. How crazy is that???

Then one day I realized that I was wasting my life thinking about stupid things that I couldn't change. I was not present in my my life! I was not in the moment enjoying my life. My past was actually messing up my present and my future. It was a bad habit that took me a long time to break. But I have. Here is what I learned.

1. When your past calls, hang up! It has nothing new to say!
2. Life lessons are important for growth. Some of my most painful growth moments made me into who I am today, and I am proud of her!
3. Each day is a new start and a new day. It is up to you to decide today how tomorrow looks.
4. You can become whomever you want to become.

Take your past and use it to your advantage. Learn from it. Use it to make yourself stronger. Use it to believe in what you can accomplish. Now go crush your goals and let's GROW!

Go get 'em network marketers!

Use Social Media as a Tool, Not a Crutch

We are lucky in this day and age. We have technology at our fingertips. We have text, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and more. Getting in touch has never been easier.

I love technology. I love what it has done for our business of network marketing. But, are you hiding behind technology? Network marketing is a PEOPLE business. It is a face to face, talk on the phone kind of thing. Our business has been around for over 100 years. This was way before the internet. People actually had to talk to one another. The same is still true today. To get your point across, to connect with people, to help someone, you must talk to her.

So what is your reason for hiding behind social media? I hid behind text and Facebook messenger for years. I was afraid of rejection and hearing the word no. Well, let me get blunt here. In our business, we are going to hear rejection 90% of the time. That is a lot. You can lessen that rejection of being ignored or getting snarky texts, by calling people and talking to them face to face. They may not say yes, but the sting will be less. You will be genuine. People appreciate that.

As one of my upline leaders says, "Pick up the damn phone!" She is right. Go make those connections, build relationships and do it in a personal way with in person conversations or on the phone. You will see your business soar.

Go get 'em network marketers!

The Objection Connection: "I don't have the money to join you in business."

The topic of today's objection is, "I can't join you in business because I don't have the money." This is a common one we get in our line of work. Let's explore how to diffuse it.

(And scene...)

Marty: "Thanks Rachael, but I am a single dad and I am just trying to make ends meet. I don't have the savings to put down on a kit."

Me: "Gosh I am so sorry to hear that money is tight right now. What's going on?

Marty: "Well, since my divorce, I am scraping by. I work all time just to make ends meet."

Me: "Let's dream a minute. If you had enough money, what would you wish you could spend it on?"

Marty: "Well, I would love to take the kids to Disney. They have never been."

Me: "Marty, if I could show you ways to find the money for your kit, and money was no longer a concern to get started, and the possibility of paying for Disney became possible, would you want to hear more?"

Marty: "Rachael, I just don't think that it is possible. I am stretched so thin."

Me: "Marty, isn't the real question here, in your opinion, as to whether or not you will get more out of your investment than you put in?"

Marty: "Well yes. What if I lose my shirt in all of this."

Me: "If I could show you how you could pay for your kit, as well as make your money back fast, would you be open to hearing more?"

Marty:"Ok. I would be open."

Me: "Let's make a list right now with ways to pay for this. Then I will show you a quick video from my company to give you an overview of this business. How does that sound?"

Marty:"Ok, let's brainstorm."

Have you noticed that people have the money for things they really want and find valuable? At this moment Marty, while he could be right he doesn't have the money, doesn't find the business valuable enough to come up with the cash. It is your job to help him see that he can make back his investment. Show him how he can do that. Show him what is possible.

So what are ways that Marty can make extra cash? Here are some ideas: a garage sale, Ebay of items, Craigslist, borrow money from a family member or a friend or do a small part time job. I am sure you can come up with even more ideas.

So go give the gift of network marketing to everyone you know!

Resilient Optimism: Decide Today How tomorrow Looks

We have all been there. We hear no, no, and more no. But every once in a while we get a yes! That is how the cycle goes. No, no, no, no, no, yes! It is like a roller coaster ride. It is hard to feel in control isn't it? It is easy to get down and think of quitting your business or just giving up.

I was listening to a leader in my company, who is at the top, talk about resilient optimism today. It really resonated with me. Resilient. The definition of resilient is:

(of a substance or object) able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed. (of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

Isn't that what we do on a daily basis with network marketing when we experience rejection? Absolutely!

Now put optimism with that and you really have a winning phrase! Resilient optimism is when we stay positive in the face of negative events, outcomes or adversity. It is a belief that you can and will achieve and won't give up. I love this!

Your mindset decides how your future is going to look. Your resilient optimism keeps you positive and on track. It makes you stay the course and see your dreams through even when it gets tough. It helps you discipline those disappointments. It helps you know in your heart that you are working hard and that you are going to reap the reward. Now that is powerful thinking.

Take a moment. Reflect. Are you a resilient optimist? If not, become one! Decide today, how tomorrow will look.

Go get 'em network marketers!

Find YOUR opportunity!

How many of up are “looking for our next job”? Help wanted section, craigslist, linkedin, facebook. What ever. WHAT IF you CREATED your own job. Lived life on YOUR own terms?

Go find a product and company you love in direct sales. Get behind it. Give it your all. Network marketing people! It is a brilliant business model that could be just what YOU are looking for! Think outside of the box and go get ’em!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...Well, Books To Set Your Business on Fire!

Hello network marketers! I had to use the Sound of Music in my title being a singer and all, but I thought I would share with you some of my go to books for network marketing that have really made me excited about our profession.

You are your own boss and CEO of your business. "What?", you many be saying, "little old me?". Yes YOU! Wow! Business owner and CEO. Yup. Now it is time to think like one. 90% of your business is between your ears. To keep your mindset focused on your goals and dreams, learning is essential. The books I listed below are written, in my opinion, by visionaries. They provide nuggets of information that will make your business explode.

Drum roll please, here are my top picks for books to get your business on fire!

10. The Happiness Advantage, by Shawn Achor

9. The Four Year Career, by Richard Bliss Brooke

8. Rock Your Network Marketing Business, by Sarah Robbins

7. See You At the Top, by Zig Ziglar

6. Go For No!, by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie

4. The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, Deepak Chopra

3. Failing Forward, John C. Maxwell

2. Raising A Giant, Robert Crisp

1. Top Earner MLM Recruiting Secrets, Ray and Jessica Higdon

So there you have it! I hope you enjoy these books and feel inspired to become all you can be. 

Go get 'em network marketers! 

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...Well, Books To Set Your Business on Fire!

Hello network marketers! I had to use the Sound of Music in my title being a singer and all, but I thought I would share with you some of my go to books for network marketing that have really made me excited about our profession. 

You are your own boss and CEO of your business. "What?", you many be saying, "little old me?". Yes YOU! Wow! Business owner and CEO. Yup. Now it is time to think like one. 90% of your business is between your ears. To keep your mindset focused on your goals and dreams, learning is essential. The books I listed below are written, in my opinion, by visionaries. They provide nuggets of information that will make your business explode.

Drum roll please, here are my top picks for books to get your business on fire!

10. The Happiness Advantage, by Shawn Achor

9. The Four Year Career, by Richard Bliss Brooke

8. Rock Your Network Marketing Business, by Sarah Robbins

7. See You At the Top, by Zig Ziglar

6. Go For No!, by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie

4. The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, Deepak Chopra

3. Failing Forward, John C. Maxwell

2. Raising A Giant, Robert Crisp

1. Top Earner MLM Recruiting Secrets, Ray and Jessica Higdon

So there you have it! I hope you enjoy these books and feel inspired to become all you can be. 

Go get 'em network marketers! 

How to Share Your Business and Products without being Cheesy and Salesy

I have been on my network marketing journey for a while now. I have fallen into the common traps of trying to spread my message too fast and inadvertently making people feel used. I wasn't trying to do that, but yeah, if you meet someone at a birthday party and tell them about your biz right off the bat, that really wasn't what they bargained for. While I was so excited to share my message, they were just hoping for some cake and ice cream with kids, not a sales pitch. Been there, done that.

To make matters worse, I felt salesy and cheesy and it didn't work anyway. After some soul searching, I knew this was not the kind of brand I wanted to build and how I wanted to go about finding leads. I knew there must be a better way. I think most of us have been there before at one point or another. 

So now that I am a bit wiser in my journey (of course I am always learning), I am trying a new angle. That angle is being real, being myself and making real relationships with people. What a concept! I make new friends all the time and broaden my circle with more elegance and grace. I am planning coffee dates and nights out with new friends. I am getting to know the person. My main focus is not what is in it for me, but how can I be of help or service to her.  I am being a good listener and learning about who it is I am trying to get to know. Network marketing is a people business right? You have to be good at "people"!

Today, I don't really care what the outcome is with people I talk to. Maybe she will join me in business. Maybe not. Maybe she will buy my product. Maybe not. Maybe she will lead me to my next referral. Maybe not. It really doesn't matter, because I enjoy meeting people. Getting out there is fun and I love it.

With this mindset,  my connections with others are so much more comfortable, easy and organic. I still share who I am, what I do and who I am looking for, but I do it at a better, more appropriate moment. When you do it this way, you don't feel cheesy and salesy. At least I don't.

Give it a try! You will be surprised where it will take you and who you will meet!

I wish you success in your business!
Rachael

Don't Become a Secret Agent in Your Business

Let's talk about your business and you. I am going to ask you a question and I want you to answer it honestly. When it comes to your network marketing business, do you share freely, or are you a secret agent and feel shy to share? So what was your answer? Sharer, or secret agent?

If you answered yes to being a secret agent, then no one knows what you do! What is holding you back from having the business of your dreams? Let's delve into some common reasons why.

1. Fear of not being liked. This is a tough one to admit. Are you afraid people won't like you if they hear about your decision to join your company? The tougher question is why? Why would people not like you? And if they decide they don't because of this business, then were they good friends in the first place? Stick to your guns and believe in yourself and the decision to pursue your network marketing opportunity.
2. Fear of failure. Are you worried that you are going to fail? The only people that fail at this are people who quit and people who don't open their mouths. Your company should have training and mentors for you to access. Follow what they say, follow the system and work hard. You will be surprised what happens!
3. Fear of success. Are you afraid of what will happen if you succeed? Why? How would you like to see your life in 5 years? Network marketing can be a vehicle to get you there! When you get to the top, the reward will be so sweet.
4. Fear of rejection. Are you worried people are going to say no to you? Well, many are! But you are looking for the ones who will say YES. Every no brings you closer to yes. Just because someone says no, it does not mean they are rejecting you. They are rejecting what you offered them. Many times people change their minds! You would be surprised.

Let's get down to it. Why did you join your company? There must have been a pressing reason. Was it to have more time with family, or to start a side income to leave that job you hate? Was it to start a next egg or pay for college? Was it to help with the bills? What was your why?

Ponder this. When you make a decision to purchase a car, do you ask for the approval of friends and family? No! Are your friends and family paying your bills or saving money for you? No! So why are you putting so much importance on their acceptance of your business and your decision to do it?

99% of this business is between your ears. What you tell yourself is very important. Be proud of your business, be confident, and be postured. It goes a long way and people will sense it. So take off your secret agent glasses and hat and go get 'em!

I wish you success in your business.

Rachael Gorbutt

Verbal Vomit is a No, No!

Have you heard the term “verbal vomit”? It is a used in network marketing to describe a person who will not stop sharing her business with someone. For example, Jane has just joined xyz company. She is so excited. It is all she thinks about and talks about.  She is so pumped that she tells you about her new business and the limitless possibilities. She talks, and talks and talks, incessantly, without noticing that your eyes are glazing over. Cue hook from stage left to get rid of Jane.

We have all been there, myself included. You see the possibility your company can provide and you want to share it. You really want  others to see it too. Then you verbally vomit on them and the prospects wish they were stuck in traffic over listening to this sales presentation.

What is the best way to go about sharing this with people with out turning them off? My general rule of thumb is to create relationships with people. Get to know the person and ask questions, even if it is the first time you have met her. What is she all about? Does she have a problem that your opportunity or products can solve? How can you help? People aren’t stupid and know when they are being sold.

After you have talked for bit Jane may ask you what you do. But if she doesn’t,  elegantly drop your business into conversation and wait and see if she is intrigued and asks more questions.

When the subject of your business finally does come up, have a well crafted elevator speech. I usually say something like, “Well Jane, I have an at home business and I mentor other women and help them have at home businesses too.” Be direct and to the point and be true to you and what you stand for.

When the prospect inquires about what you do, then you can respond with a very brief over view. If she would like to hear more, then schedule a call, meeting or an email follow up for more information. Keep it short, sweet and to the point. Stay confident and postured.

But please, please, please, don’t verbally vomit on someone! It won’t get you anywhere.

I wish you success in your business!

Rachael

Snow Days with Your Kids and Maximizing Your Business

In the news this week is the prediction of a storm that could blanket the east coast. We have hardly had a flake this winter and the weather has been balmy. It has been very bizarre. The thought of any accumulation makes my children giggle and chortle with glee. For me? Not so much. I don't know about you, but the thought of being stuck in the house with my kids, while fun for a while, gives me anxiety. Pass the wine please.

When it comes to entertaining children and being stuck inside, which can be a challenge, snow days really are a boon for our network marketing businesses. Why? Rachael, are you crazy? Well, yes, I am, and my husband would confirm that, BUT, think about what everyone else is doing on a snow day! NOTHING! They are cooped up their houses bored, watching TV and checking the internet. They are also HOME. 

Why not maximize this opportunity! Here you have a captive audience who is searching for something to do and be interested in. Fill that void for them by putting up fun and engaging posts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Conduct a virtual business opportunity meeting with Periscope and invite people to attend virtually for that snowy evening. This is also a great time to use spare moments to make phone calls. Is there someone you have been playing phone tag with? Is there someone you never have time to call because your schedules don't match up? They match up today!

So let's make snowy lemonade out those snow day lemons. Leverage your business and have fun with your kids.  

And you know what? You are an angel because you are a mom doing her very best. This is true today and every day. Remember that! Now go make a snow angel. 

Here's How To Talk About Your Business Without Bugging Your Family and Friends

Congratulations! You have joined a network marketing company. A common problem many newbies experience when they start is that they don’t want to bug their friends and family with their new business venture. This is very understandable, but an objection that is easy to remedy. So how do you avoid this? One common mistake that newbies make when they first get started is they “verbally vomit” on anyone who comes into their path. The opportunity and the products they offer dominate their conversations with people. This can become tiresome, annoying and just rude. When having conversations with others, carefully and thoughtfully insert your new company into the conversation. When people hear your excitement in your newest venture, many will want to hear more. Read their body language and listen to what they say. Are they interested in learning more? If they are, great. Get their contact information and set a date and time to discuss your company and services further. The worst thing you can do is corner someone at a party and talk her ear off. I actually know someone who was corned in a coat closet while someone was “sharing” her opportunity! What was this woman thinking? She certainly was not going to get a new client or consultant this way. This person wanted to run away but couldn’t!

Some people will not be interested in your company and its opportunity. Don’t take it personally. Remember, many people who say “no” are really telling you “not right now”. It can take between 8-12 touches before a person buys or joins your team.

Here are some ideas on how to spread the word you are now open for business in a non threatening way.

1. Post a facebook announcement about your big news! You have signed up as a consultant and you are so excited! Put a link to your website for friends and family to find out more.
2. Host a business launch. You are officially open for business. Just like a brick and mortar store, have a grand opening introducing you, your business and the products or services you offer. Invite people to your home and launch yourself. Invite your sponsor to come help you with details and educating your guests. Ask her to help you get off to a good start. Keep the launch simple and to the point. Avoid too much food and drink. Keep people focused on the task at hand which is getting educated on your new business. Follow up with people who attended and with people who couldn’t come so that you can continue to spread the word and find customers and consultants.

Network marketing is about building genuine relationships with people and providing them information. You are not bugging anyone. You are simply looking for people who are looking for you. In order to do that, you must share your excitement and your company! Let your friends and family know what you are up to and see who is interested in what you have to offer. It is that simple.

How to Set Goals for Your Business in 2016

Happy New Year! It's a great time of year because it is the time for planning and goal setting for your network marketing business. Does this seem overwhelming? It is easy when you break down your goals into small chunks. Here's how.

1. Write down where you would like to see you business in 2016. Do you have a specific sales target, recruiting numbers or incentive you would like to achieve?
2. Next break it up into monthly goals. What do you have to do each month to achieve your long term goal?
3. Now break it up week by week. How many reach outs do you need to do each week? What is your target number for phone calls, one on one meetings or three way calls?
4. And finally, break it down into daily goals. What needs to be accomplished each day to get there?

Does this seem a little easier? I think so. It makes the large goal not so overwhelming and attainable.

So hop to it network marketers!

I wish you success in your business!

Rachael Gorbutt

Busy Moms and the Beauty of Network Marketing

I came upon this quote while reading a Forbes Magazine article. “It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?” Henry David Thoreau This is worth pondering when looking at our network marketing businesses. Let’s compare two busy, amazing moms, Mary and Suzy.

Mary has three kids and, rightfully so, she is super busy. She is shuttling kids to activities, checking her Facebook for a few minutes that turns into 30, volunteering at the elementary school, planning activities for the girl scout troop, food shopping and doing laundry. As an escape, because she is so spent at the end of the day, she watches her favorite reality TV shows after the kids go to bed. Weekends are filled with soccer games, barbecues with friends and corporate dinners with her husband. Life is full and it is busy.

Mary has a masters degree in international business and misses having something of her own. To fill this hole, she has joined a network marketing company. She is very frustrated because her business isn’t taking off at all. She is exhausted from her jam packed life and doesn’t have a moment to spare. “How do other women do this business?”, she wonders.

Now meet Suzy. Suzy is just like Mary. She too has joined a network marketing company and has a masters. She is a mom of 3 and does the same things Mary does, EXCEPT, while she is shuttling her kids to activities, she is on the phone with prospects and doing three way calls with her downline. She limits her time on Facebook with a timer and uses it primarily for business purposes. While she is folding laundry,

she is on the phone with prospects. She cuts out reality TV after the kids go to bed so that she can work on her business, and while she is at soccer games, food shopping, volunteering, leading the girls scouts and at corporate dinners, she makes new friends and strengthens relationships to add to her list. Her life is full and busy and she is earning a nice paycheck with her network marketing company. She is going to be able to pay for a family trip to Disney. She feels fulfilled and like she has something of her own.

When you compare Mary and Suzy one can see that they are both amazing moms raising their kids. Unfortunately, Mary is unable to find the time for her business and Suzy does. Why? Suzy has figured out that her network marketing “office” is where ever she happens to be. In reality, Suzy is not any less busy than Mary, she is just fitting in her network marketing business into her busy life. Suzy is working smarter. Mary can too!

I think Thoreau was on to something. We are all busy. As moms, we are all scheduled to the max. Have you considered the nooks and crannies of your time and what you can do with them? What are YOU busy about?

I wish you success in your business!

Rachael Gorbutt