Time waits for no one. Where do you plan to be in five years? Have you given that any thought?

I’ve found that time passes quickly, even quicker than you think. What seems like a short time may well be two or three years ago. Five years goes quickly. If you don’t believe me, watch how fast it goes from when you have a new born baby, till he or she enters the school years. BLINK. Time is gone.

It’s the little things you do today, that will determine where you will be in five years. If you are building a business, no matter what happens you must spend time working it and growing it. If you don’t, you will find out it won’t grow.

Building a business means taking action daily! Inch by inch, little by little, day in and day out. If you want your business to be successful in five years, you have to do two things:

1. Stay focused and work consistently, little by little.

2. Be there five years from now.

If you are constantly starting and stopping or switching businesses, you’ll get no place. Stay on track and five years from now you’ll be glad you did.

Wow another year has come and gone.  It’s hard to believe how fast it went.

Most people start the year making resolutions of what they will accomplish.  Did you keep what you committed to at the beginning of last year?   Will you make new resolutions for this year?

Did you accomplish all you wanted in 2010?   Are you any better off than you were when the year started, or did you slide backwards?

I find it hard to believe how fast a year goes.  I guess  time waits for no one.

In the blink of an eye, things happen.  If you don’t believe that try raising a family.   A new baby is born, and it seems like over night they are gone and have children of their own.   Life waits for no one.

Seems like just yesterday we were welcoming in 2010.  Where did it go?  I sometimes think that someone has fast forwarded the world, as time seems to go faster and faster.

What will YOU do in 2011?

Do you have dreams and goals?   If time and money were no object, where would you be this very moment in time?    Think about that!

Remember NO one but YOU can keep you from reaching any dream you have.  It all starts and ends with you.   You can’t blame your spouse,  your friend, your child, your sponsor in a business.  YOU are the only one that can keep yourself from reaching the pinnacles of success.   YOU!

Is there a goal you’d like to accomplish?  If so what is it?   When do you intend to start?

I know from working with people for so long, many people reach out and start a business, planning to work and build it, and reach their dreams.   The sad part is many of those that start,  never finish.   They let life get in the way.  They make excuses, so they never reach their dreams.

Success is within reach of everyone, but it will only come to those that take action on those dreams.   Those that reach out and stay focused, will make things happen.  Those that only dream, will find their life slipping away without accomplishing anything.

What about you?  Where would you like to be in 2011?   What do you hope to accomplish this year?

Without action NOTHING happens.   You can make money or excuses, but never both.   What will YOU do this year?   You either move forward or fall backwards there is no standing still.

I hope to see you moving forward, and reaching those dreams.   Start now.   Don’t wait.  Don’t blink.  If you do,  it will be 2012 and you’ll be left behind again.

Make 2011 be  YOUR best year ever, and start taking action RIGHT NOW!

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Anytime anyone starts a business, they want it to be successful. It doesn’t matter if it’s only a part time business or a full time business that is located in your home, office, on the Internet or more. There are a few things that one can do in order to run a successful business for yourself. You must have developed and implemented a plan that will ensure your success from the beginning.

Here are a few helpful tips that will allow you to run a successful business:

• Business plan. Remember that plan mentioned earlier? A business plan covers all of the basics like the goals, how you plan to achieve those goals, where the business will be in 5 years, what route you have to take to make sure the business stays on track and more. The business plan can cover the finances, advertising, supplies, and more.
• Capital. A successful business cannot operate unless it has plenty of financial resources to achieve its ability or to just pay suppliers or the bills.
• Advertising. If consumers do not know that you have a business, they will not do business with you. Advertising to the right target market is essential to the success of any business. You must also advertise through the right avenues in order for it to work for the business properly.
• Quality over Quantity No matter what type of business you are in, it is always better to have quality over quantity. When it comes down to it, quality is what keeps long term customers. If you are pushing out items that are in bulk but do not have the quality desired, you will eventually run into some serious problems. No company can thrive on products or services that do not offer the ability to satisfy the customers in the long run, thus, you should make your policy that no matter what, quality comes first. Not only will you have more satisfied customers, but you will see people returning time and time again to use your business.
• Make Close Employee Relations When it comes to successful business tactics, there is nothing more important than having good employee relations. Whether or not your employees are successful and efficient at their jobs is completely determined by the inter-workings of relationships with the management. Thus, it becomes absolutely essential that you create a good relationship with the people who work with and for you. The more enticing and friendly the atmosphere, the more motivated the employees will be to do their best at their jobs. A happy employee means a better work ethic and ultimately a better business.

These tips are just basic tips that anyone can implement into their business in order to obtain the potential that the business has.

A successful home business is only as successful as the owner allows it to be or is able to make it. Being prepared from the beginning, knowing the direction to go, what it will take to get there, and developing the right tools to make it get there is required. The word “plan” says it all.

When you need further guidance on a practical home based business, call or email me and I’ll give you my experience on cutting through all the confusion and get down to just making money and having freedom.

Too often when building a business, people look for someone they feel superior to.  They look at people that are doing nothing.  They look for people that are dead broke because they think they will the ones that want to earn extra income.

Unfortunately, you’ll find that those that need extra income the very most, are usually the ones least willing to do anything about it.   They come home from their job, and don’t want to do anything.   They watch TV reruns while falling asleep in their lounge chair.

Have you ever watched people win a lottery and become a millionaire over night?   If you check up on those same people 8 or 10 years later they are dead broke again because they never learned how to manage money.  They go on a spending spree and their lives change.

It’s sad but true.   If you want to build a business, look for those at are already more successful than you.  Look for those that are already successful.  Learn to recruit up.

Call your chicken list.

A chicken list is a list of people you are afraid to talk to or those you think may not be interested.   These people are usually those you know that already have a lot of money, or appear to have the lifestyle.  They have the big homes, the boats, fancy cars and all the toys.   They appear to have it all on the surface, however, if you look behind that surface, they may be heavily in debt and working long hours.

Look for people on your “chicken list”.    These would be people that look up to.  These would be those you think are already more successful than you.  Successful people tend to be better candidates, because successful people are a bit wiser and smarter and open to opportunity.   Don’t be afraid to show them.   Ask them if they  are open to looking at a new source of income.

The worst thing that could ever happen to you when talking to anyone is they may say no.  No’s are a blessing.  No means the timing is not right and they may not be ready now.  No’s are freedom.  They free you up to talk to others without having to hang on to that person right now.

No’s are those you put on a later list.  Check back with them in 6-12 months.  Things may have changed in their lives and they may be ready for an chance to do something different.   Don’t be afraid to ask successful people to take a look at your opportunity.   They are the ones that will be more open to taking a look.

Learn to love no’s.    The best people in the world that teach how to “Go For No’s are Richard Fenton and Andrea Walsh.   They have some amazing books, and tapes on the subject.  I think you would enjoy them. They make learning fun.

If someone says NO,  thank them. They did you a favor.  Move on to the next person.  Get enough no’s and the yes’s will come.

Get out that chicken list and go to work and watch your business grow!

It’s taking me years and years to learn that communication and keeping in touch with my customers, and clients is the ONE thing I need to do on an ongoing basis.   Too often you make a sale, and then send a thank you card and the person never hears from you again.  That is a HUGE mistake.

Last year I purchased a brand new car for cash.   I mentioned to the salesman that it’s really important to keep in touch with customers and asked him how he did that.   He muttered a bit about how the dealership would send things out for them.  I showed him an easy way to do that himself to build his own name, which would get him more business.   He indicated to me he was going to do that.

It was a year last month, since I bought this car.   Over the years, the dealership sent me a few sales pitches, like come in to buy this or that from them.  They send reminders and coupons and stuff like that.   I did NOT get even a thank you card for them.   I was surprised because I had paid cash for the car.  You’d think they would want me to buy another car from them and/or refer my friends.  Sending me sales pitches and coupons just does not have the same effect as sending out a nice heart felt card or thank you.

Some people just don’t get it, so I thought I’d have my car send them a card.  I took a photo and my car sent them the following photo card.  

My car didn’t even hear back from them, so needless to say, when I buy my next car; they won’t be getting my business.    We found a new service center for the cars oil changes as well.

I had someone ask me a few weeks ago where I bought my car.  I told them but also told them I certainly would not recommend them.   You see, keeping in touch with clients, and building a relationship with them is very important.  IF you keep in touch, you win.  If you, you lose.

If you want to get some free tips and ideas for keeping in touch with your clients, customers, family or even friends, please feel free to join us on a weekly webinar.   No matter what business you’re building we’ll give you some great tips, ideas, and easy things you can do, to get and keep more referrals.

I can also show you an easy way you can keep your name in front of your clients 4-5 times per year, for around $5-6 and about 5 minutes per customer.   I’d love to help you grow your business no matter what it is you’re growing.    My mission is to help others with their future.

All businesses need to get and keep customers to survive.   Hope you’re is going strong

When you’re growing a business, you will find that people will come and go.  Most all will be all excited when they join you.  Then comes the 4 letter word “work”.

People work in their own time at their own pace.  Some go fast and others go slow and still others never start at all.  Those you think will do the most usually do the least and visa versa.   There is nothing you can do that will change that.  You can show them the way and then it’s up to them.

To often people quit before they get started.   Many times they will have sponsored one or two before quitting.   Sometimes one of them build a business and the quitter loses out.  It’s almost sad.

When you are building an NWM business, if you want to be successful, make a vow never to quit or give up.  Just stay focused and keep on working and it will pay off.

Think of this like you have  a deck of cards.  If I put the deck out in front of you and shuffled it, you know there are 4 aces in the deck.   I start to deal you cards one by one.    What you don’t know is if you will get all 4 aces on the first 4 cards, or if you will not see an ace till the last 4.   That’s how NWM is.    If you stick around long enough your aces will show up.   We’re looking for aces.    We don’t know how many it will take us to get to the first one but we keep on looking and we will find them one by one.

Aces keep going, aces are winners.  You can be an ace, if you stick with it and keep going.   Don’t ever give up.

When I got in this industry 15 years ago, I vowed I would NEVER quit or never give up.  So when I ran into tough times and challenges,  I have gave myself the option of quitting.

I ran into the same thing everyone else did.  Things like people that set appointments and didn’t show people.  I ran into many companies and people that lied, people that did nothing, or those that quit before they started.

I never had an option of quitting because  I knew I’d never give up.  I borrowed and kept the quote “quitters never win and winners never quit”.

Today I’m very thankful that I never gave up.  I’m thankful for this wonderful industry that provides me the freedom to come and go without having to ask a boss.   I can travel and enjoy the freedom I always wanted.

I know if I can do this you can as well.  Just get started and never give up.

Don’t chase after those that have said they have no interest in your business.  This is a sorting business, and you sort thru many no’s to get the yes’s or right people.

Have you ever heard the saying ” A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still?    That is very true.  It’s not worth your time if you have to chase anyone.  It’s not worth your time trying to drag someone along or into your business.  If they are not willing, move on talk to someone else.

Too often people talk to one person, that says no or shows no interest, and they spend the next weeks or months trying to change their mind or chasing after them.   Don’ t do that.  You’ll wear yourself out.

If the person happens to be a friend, a family member or people that are in your life that you have to see and deal with from time to time, don’t keep on trying to save them.  Sometimes they just don’t get it.  I feel sorry for those that are so close-minded.   I see so many people struggling, living paycheck to paycheck, yet not willing to do anything about it.

It’s your job to share, and show them how to get out of that mess.  If they don’t get it, there is nothing you can do.  You have to move on.   You have to leave them behind.

Send them a card from time to time if they have a special event, or just come to mind, but NEVER a send sales piece.

Let them chase you, if they ever decide to do anything.     Let them know you’re still around, but don’t talk about your business to the anymore unless they ask you.

There are many people that need extra income.  There are many struggling out there.    Share what you have with them.  If they are not ready, go on to the next person.  They are waiting for you.

Have fun and enjoy what you do.  Keep on sharing and growing and in time you’ll find the people right for your business.

Down the road you’ll make new friends and business partners.   They are waiting for you to go find them.

See you at the top.

Do you ever get discouraged because someone promised to look at your opportunity,  or set an appointment with you, and then didn’t show up.   Did you ever have a time where you had an appointment to call someone, and you confirmed the time, even sent them an email reminder and then when you called they didn’t answer the phone?   Did you ever drive to meet someone  or invite someone to go with you to a meeting and they were a no show?

Welcome to the real world.  That happens to many that chose to build a business.

In todays fast paced environment,  people just don’t always keep appointment they make like they used to years ago.    Life happens.   Sometimes the no shows are legitimate, and other times they are people that just are scared you might “sell them something” and they don’t have the guts to say NO.  People LOVE to buy but they hate to be sold.

Have you ever gone  to a store where a sales person followed you around always wanting to “HELP”.   Probably today that does not happen as often, as sales forces have been cut to the minimum, yet  they used to do that a few years ago.  I always hated it when you didn’t have time to look at what you wanted cause they kept making “suggestions”.

People don’t like to say no,  so they LIE to you.  They make excuses or they tell you they FORGOT. Maybe something came up but more often, they may have gotten scared.

Have fun with it.  Just make a list of all the excuses people use, and then tell them to look at the list and say  ”Excuse # 22,  to save  them time and.

People come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and mentalities.    A home business is not something that everyone will see themselves doing,  That’s just a fact.  They may know nothing about it at all OR they may have been burned  in another business once, so they think all business are like that.    We know that’s not true yet  the mind is a funny thing.

If you think you can or if you think you can’t you are right!   Don’t let anyone stop you EVER.

If you are serious about growing your own business, remember it starts and ends with you.  Unfortunately, there are many things around that can and may distract you.   The only way you will ever be successful at anything is to stick it out and be consistent.

It is the simple day to day actions, that will grow you a solid successful business over time.   A lot of time, people don’t want to hear that.   They want to get rich, and they want to do it NOW!   Don’t you think if that was possible, everyone would be rich?

I have been online now, for about 15 years.  I’ve seen so much.   The Internet is constantly changing.   While it changes, these “deals”  seem to cycle, so when you’ve seen one you’ve pretty much seen them all.

What I’m noticing today is a big buzz going around tricking new people into joining their stuff, because they start off by telling people what they “want” to hear rather than the truth?   I find that very sad and dangerous.

The latest things I have seen  going around seem to let you believe that if you just buy in, and take their lessons, buy their books and tools,  you can get rich while you sleep.  They will tell you that you never have to talk to family or friends, in fact,  if you don’t want to, you don’t even have to talk to ANYONE.

I received an email last week telling me that I could buy some “leads” for about $100 or so.   Now once I bought them, if I didn’t want to call them, that was ok,  I could buy into this machine for $500 that would just do all the calling for me on autopilot.

I’m sorry I was not born yesterday.  There is no way an autodialing maching is going to do all the work for me, while I sleep and it won’t do that for you either.    If you want to waste a lot of money and time, and be spinning your wheels,  buy into all the stuff they tell you.

I’ve watched people online try to beat the system.  I’ve seen vidoes and audios of people indicating they were making 6 and 7 figures.    The sad part is I know a lot of the people IN those vidoes and I know they are NOT making anything,  however someone taught them to talk good and make videos.

I’ve been burned by my share of things like this over the years.  I learned the hard way.   It’s ok, it was a valuable lesson.

Today I have an amazing business,  that I  totally love.   I make a very solid income and I can come and go as I please.    I work it now by choice, because my mission is to help others achieve their dreams.

To do that is simple.   People try to over complicate it but is is NOT that hard.   Sometimes what is simple and easy to do, is also simple NOT to do.  It will take work, and it will take time.  It will take simple day to day actions.  It will take treating your home business as a SERIOUS business, and putting in time each day to grow it.

Use common sense.  Don’t listen to those that are shouting what you “want” to hear.  Don’t fall for those that are out to steal your dreams.   Find a business you love and plan to work it 3-5 years and not get distracted. Be consistent.

Five years will pass, whether you chose to grow a business or not.   Where were you 5 years ago?  Where will you be 5 years from now?   It’s all your choice!