One of the most popular types of businesses that people tend to consider nowadays is an online business. It isn’t hard to see why either. These businesses can be run from home; they can bring in sales even when you are sleeping, and they can also be extremely profitable if they are run properly.
But online business is a very broad area to consider. If you want to make money in this way you should think about what kind of business you want to run before you dive into anything.
For instance some people find they can build a business around their skills. This could mean selling a service or creating a product they can sell instead. Some people are good at writing and therefore they offer this skill as a service, writing articles, blog posts and web content for their clients. Other people are good at making homemade greetings cards, so they create a unique range and sell them from a website.
This doesn’t mean you have to have a particular skill already that can be translated to the web though. Another good business model to focus on is to earn money from affiliate sales. An affiliate is a person who earns a commission from each sale of a product or service they make. There are thousands upon thousands of products and services that can be sold in this way.
Some companies have been created specifically to offer lots of different affiliate opportunities all on the one website. This means you get all the information and links you need in one place; all you have to do is to focus on how to make the sales. This can be done by creating a website on a specific subject and populating it with good content and your affiliate links.
Another popular way to make money online is to sell things on auction websites. You can either start by selling second hand goods or you can opt for buying wholesale and selling items at a profit. Both methods work and indeed many people have started off part time and left their full time job to devote their whole lives to this kind of online business.
The key to your eventual success will be to find a business that you really enjoy. There are plenty of ways to earn money from the internet – all you have to do is to find a business model that is perfect for your skills and ambitions. Remember you can learn as you go along as well.
Eventually you may have to consider upgrading some of your equipment to make it easier to run your business. A new computer might be in order, as could broadband for business, instead of using a standard residential connection.
Just remember to spend a little time deciding what your best online business model would be. It will be time well spent.
Paul is a part of the digital blogging team at shoutingindigital.com who work with brands like BT. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in retail news, check out my posts at shoutingindigital.com or visit my Twitter account, @shoutingID.
This is a great article about Online businesses. I love working from home and having a business that is online. I can set my own hours and work around my sons activities. It really is the best of both worlds. I would suggest you do something you are passionate about. I love helping others become healthier and as well as reach their goals. I hope this article helps you decide on a perfect online business for you.
To your success!
Lori
Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!
I have been happily married for 13 years and we have a wonderful three year old son. I am thankful everyday for my life and all of my blessings. I have been working from home since 2008 and I love being able to help others reach their goals and potential.
This is an informational blog on personal development, health & wellness, working from home and enjoying life.
Showing posts with label Stay at home moms in Kansas City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stay at home moms in Kansas City. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
What are you putting on your body?
David Suzuki talks about the chemicals present in our personal care products. If you want to find out how you can eliminate these from your home simply by switching stores to better, safer products, and save money!
What are you putting on your body?
April 16, 2010
Do you know what's in your cosmetics? (Credit: Shawn Campbell via Flickr)
By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola
Every day, we slather ourselves with liquids, lotions, and potions-from shampoo and soap to deodorant and makeup. After all, most of us want to look and feel clean and to smell nice. It's not uncommon for a single person to use 10 or more personal-care products daily.
We don't usually think of our cosmetics as a source of pollution. But U.S. researchers found that one eighth of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal-care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, plasticizers, and degreasers.
Take a look at the ingredient list on your bottle of shampoo or hand lotion. Most of us would have a hard time identifying which chemicals in the typically long list of ingredients may be harmful to human health or the environment.
Chances are your personal-care products contain 'fragrance' or 'parfum'-often the last item on the ingredient list. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets so manufacturers don't have to disclose the chemicals they include. More than 3,000 chemicals are used to create 'fragrances', usually in complex mixtures. Up to 80 per cent of these have never been tested to see whether they are toxic to humans.
These fragrances are not just found in perfumes and deodorants but are also in almost every type of personal-care product, as well as laundry detergents and cleaning products. Even products labelled 'fragrance-free' or 'unscented' can contain fragrance, usually with a masking agent to prevent the brain from perceiving odour.
The negative effects of some fragrance ingredients can be immediately apparent, especially for the growing number of people with chemical sensitivities. For example, fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and migraines. Researchers have even found evidence suggesting that exposure to some of these chemicals can exacerbate or even contribute to the development of asthma in children.
Other chemicals may have harmful effects that don't show up right away. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a cheap and versatile chemical widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent last longer. But it is associated with a range of problems. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed it as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. Phthalates have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus (when the mother is exposed during pregnancy).
Some research has also suggested that phthalate metabolites may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in men. Health Canada has moved to ban six phthalates in children's toys, after evidence showed that prolonged exposure can cause liver or kidney failure, but it has no plans to regulate the chemicals in cosmetics. DEP is also listed as a Priority and Toxic Pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act, based on evidence that it can be toxic to wildlife and the environment.
Fragrance chemicals often harm the environment. Some compounds in synthetic "musk", which wash off our bodies and find their way into nature, remain in the environment for a long time and can build up in the fatty tissues of aquatic animals. Researchers have found measureable levels of synthetic musks in fish in the Great Lakes (pdf), and they've found that levels in sediment are increasing.
In response to the sensitivity many people have to airborne chemicals, a growing number of offices and public spaces are becoming "fragrance-free". This is a great initiative, but what are these and other harmful chemicals doing in our cosmetics in the first place?
Canada's regulations don't measure up to standards in other parts of the world. The European Union restricts many fragrance ingredients and requires warning labels on products if they contain any of 26 allergens commonly used as cosmetic fragrances. Europe also prohibits or restricts the use of chemicals classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins in personal-care products.
The David Suzuki Foundation and other organizations are working for safer products. We're conducting a survey to raise awareness and to find out what's in the products people use every day. We plan to present the results in September, along with recommendations for strengthening laws to protect Canadians and our environment from harmful chemicals in personal-care products.
You can help out by becoming more aware of what's in the products you use and switching to products that don't contain harmful ingredients.
I hope this information helps you. I think we all need to be more educated on consumer products and the first step is to switch stores to utilize products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
To Your Success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
What are you putting on your body?
April 16, 2010
Do you know what's in your cosmetics? (Credit: Shawn Campbell via Flickr)
By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola
Every day, we slather ourselves with liquids, lotions, and potions-from shampoo and soap to deodorant and makeup. After all, most of us want to look and feel clean and to smell nice. It's not uncommon for a single person to use 10 or more personal-care products daily.
We don't usually think of our cosmetics as a source of pollution. But U.S. researchers found that one eighth of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal-care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, plasticizers, and degreasers.
Take a look at the ingredient list on your bottle of shampoo or hand lotion. Most of us would have a hard time identifying which chemicals in the typically long list of ingredients may be harmful to human health or the environment.
Chances are your personal-care products contain 'fragrance' or 'parfum'-often the last item on the ingredient list. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets so manufacturers don't have to disclose the chemicals they include. More than 3,000 chemicals are used to create 'fragrances', usually in complex mixtures. Up to 80 per cent of these have never been tested to see whether they are toxic to humans.
These fragrances are not just found in perfumes and deodorants but are also in almost every type of personal-care product, as well as laundry detergents and cleaning products. Even products labelled 'fragrance-free' or 'unscented' can contain fragrance, usually with a masking agent to prevent the brain from perceiving odour.
The negative effects of some fragrance ingredients can be immediately apparent, especially for the growing number of people with chemical sensitivities. For example, fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and migraines. Researchers have even found evidence suggesting that exposure to some of these chemicals can exacerbate or even contribute to the development of asthma in children.
Other chemicals may have harmful effects that don't show up right away. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a cheap and versatile chemical widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent last longer. But it is associated with a range of problems. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed it as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. Phthalates have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus (when the mother is exposed during pregnancy).
Some research has also suggested that phthalate metabolites may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in men. Health Canada has moved to ban six phthalates in children's toys, after evidence showed that prolonged exposure can cause liver or kidney failure, but it has no plans to regulate the chemicals in cosmetics. DEP is also listed as a Priority and Toxic Pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act, based on evidence that it can be toxic to wildlife and the environment.
Fragrance chemicals often harm the environment. Some compounds in synthetic "musk", which wash off our bodies and find their way into nature, remain in the environment for a long time and can build up in the fatty tissues of aquatic animals. Researchers have found measureable levels of synthetic musks in fish in the Great Lakes (pdf), and they've found that levels in sediment are increasing.
In response to the sensitivity many people have to airborne chemicals, a growing number of offices and public spaces are becoming "fragrance-free". This is a great initiative, but what are these and other harmful chemicals doing in our cosmetics in the first place?
Canada's regulations don't measure up to standards in other parts of the world. The European Union restricts many fragrance ingredients and requires warning labels on products if they contain any of 26 allergens commonly used as cosmetic fragrances. Europe also prohibits or restricts the use of chemicals classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins in personal-care products.
The David Suzuki Foundation and other organizations are working for safer products. We're conducting a survey to raise awareness and to find out what's in the products people use every day. We plan to present the results in September, along with recommendations for strengthening laws to protect Canadians and our environment from harmful chemicals in personal-care products.
You can help out by becoming more aware of what's in the products you use and switching to products that don't contain harmful ingredients.
I hope this information helps you. I think we all need to be more educated on consumer products and the first step is to switch stores to utilize products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
To Your Success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Friday, February 11, 2011
Simple Things That Can Make You Feel Happy and Reduce Stress
Smile
Laugh
Go For A Walk In The Park
Order Ice Cream
Laugh
Sing
Pray
Extend Forgiveness
Whistle
Eat Your Favorite Food
Listen To Music
Exercise On A Consistent Basis
Play A Clean Practical Joke On Someone
Get More Exercise
Jump Or Skip Like A Child
Delegate Projects To Capable People
Set Goals
Plan Early For Deadlines
Get Enough Sleep
Take A Vacation
Leave 15 Minutes Earlier To Avoid Rushing
Continue To Grow Spiritually
Minimize Complaining
Hug Everyone You Know
Volunteer For Community Service Projects
I hope this helps you in some way.
To Your Success!
Lori
Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!
Laugh
Go For A Walk In The Park
Order Ice Cream
Laugh
Sing
Pray
Extend Forgiveness
Whistle
Eat Your Favorite Food
Listen To Music
Exercise On A Consistent Basis
Play A Clean Practical Joke On Someone
Get More Exercise
Jump Or Skip Like A Child
Delegate Projects To Capable People
Set Goals
Plan Early For Deadlines
Get Enough Sleep
Take A Vacation
Leave 15 Minutes Earlier To Avoid Rushing
Continue To Grow Spiritually
Minimize Complaining
Hug Everyone You Know
Volunteer For Community Service Projects
I hope this helps you in some way.
To Your Success!
Lori
Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!
Monday, February 7, 2011
10 Quotes for Moms by Erika Carrillo
Being a Stay at Home Mom is the most rewarding job, but it’s not always an easy task. As a Mother to my 3 ½ year old Son and 2 year old Daughter, things may get a bit hectic. Apparently three is the new two. My 2 year old daughter seems to be following her brother’s footsteps. Who knows what I’m in for next???
Between the never ending laundry and dirty diapers, some days are harder than others. While being a Stay at Home Mom to my two kids can be a handful, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. At the end of the day I like to sit back, and think of a couple sweet moments my kids and I shared!
I’ve found these 10 Great Quotes for Moms that show the value of being a Mother. They have helped me realize what a blessing it is to be a Mom! I hope you enjoy, just as much as I do!
1. I know how to do anything – I’m a Mom. ~Roseanne Barr
2. Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs… since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B.
3. Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty
4. Make a memory with your children, spend some time to show you care, toys and trinkets can’t replace those precious moments that you share. ~Elaine Hardt
5. Making the decision to have a child-it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone
6. Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother. ~Lin Yutang
7. When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren
8. Only mothers can think of the future – because they give birth to it in their children. ~Maxim Gorky
9. All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. ~Abraham Lincoln
10. The phrase “working mother” is redundant. ~Jane Sellman
Until next time… Enjoy Life, every day is a blessing!
Thanks so much Erika! Great Quotes! She is a member of Internet Ceo Moms!
I hope you enjoyed!
To Your Success!
Lori
Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Working From Home Since 1999!
Between the never ending laundry and dirty diapers, some days are harder than others. While being a Stay at Home Mom to my two kids can be a handful, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. At the end of the day I like to sit back, and think of a couple sweet moments my kids and I shared!
I’ve found these 10 Great Quotes for Moms that show the value of being a Mother. They have helped me realize what a blessing it is to be a Mom! I hope you enjoy, just as much as I do!
1. I know how to do anything – I’m a Mom. ~Roseanne Barr
2. Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs… since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B.
3. Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty
4. Make a memory with your children, spend some time to show you care, toys and trinkets can’t replace those precious moments that you share. ~Elaine Hardt
5. Making the decision to have a child-it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone
6. Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother. ~Lin Yutang
7. When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren
8. Only mothers can think of the future – because they give birth to it in their children. ~Maxim Gorky
9. All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. ~Abraham Lincoln
10. The phrase “working mother” is redundant. ~Jane Sellman
Until next time… Enjoy Life, every day is a blessing!
Thanks so much Erika! Great Quotes! She is a member of Internet Ceo Moms!
I hope you enjoyed!
To Your Success!
Lori
Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Working From Home Since 1999!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
My story
I feel very fortunate to have such a supportive husband and a wonderful son. I have been working from home with Internet Ceo Moms since August 2008.
My husband and I felt it was really important for me to be able to stay at home with our son. However, I felt it was really important for me to contribute to our income while being at home. I was very blessed to find the Internet Ceo Moms and that it was a perfect fit for me.
I have always worked in the corporate world and I have never done any type of home business before. I was very particular about finding a home business that I felt passionate about their mission. I found the Internet Ceo Moms in a Parent Magazine while taking my son to his doctor appointment. I did my research and I was impressed with the teams morals and ethics. The business is very simple and rewarding, which is exactly what I was looking for in a business. Internet Ceo Moms has partnered with a wellness company that have been around for over 25 years. The company has very impressive credentials, to name just one is they won the 2008 Torch Award of the Year from the Better Business Bureau. That award tells me all I need to know about he company, as well as they have grown every year since 1985. They reached over 900 million in sales last year. Not many companies are growing in this current economy.
I know I have a very supportive team that will help me achieve my goals. I have gained so much knowledge and I know I am exactly where I am suppose to be. I am proud to be a part of something that truly helps families in so many ways. I love helping others reach thier goals whatever they may be. I know in 2011 I will be advancing my business no matter what while helping others do the same no matter what! The sky is the limit. I have my plan B in place, do you have yours?
Let us help you achieve your goals.
To Your Success!
Lori McDowell
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
Visit our official fan page on Facebook:
http://www.likeinternetceomoms.com
My husband and I felt it was really important for me to be able to stay at home with our son. However, I felt it was really important for me to contribute to our income while being at home. I was very blessed to find the Internet Ceo Moms and that it was a perfect fit for me.
I have always worked in the corporate world and I have never done any type of home business before. I was very particular about finding a home business that I felt passionate about their mission. I found the Internet Ceo Moms in a Parent Magazine while taking my son to his doctor appointment. I did my research and I was impressed with the teams morals and ethics. The business is very simple and rewarding, which is exactly what I was looking for in a business. Internet Ceo Moms has partnered with a wellness company that have been around for over 25 years. The company has very impressive credentials, to name just one is they won the 2008 Torch Award of the Year from the Better Business Bureau. That award tells me all I need to know about he company, as well as they have grown every year since 1985. They reached over 900 million in sales last year. Not many companies are growing in this current economy.
I know I have a very supportive team that will help me achieve my goals. I have gained so much knowledge and I know I am exactly where I am suppose to be. I am proud to be a part of something that truly helps families in so many ways. I love helping others reach thier goals whatever they may be. I know in 2011 I will be advancing my business no matter what while helping others do the same no matter what! The sky is the limit. I have my plan B in place, do you have yours?
Let us help you achieve your goals.
To Your Success!
Lori McDowell
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
Visit our official fan page on Facebook:
http://www.likeinternetceomoms.com
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A Leader always sets the trail for others to follow
One of the most exciting parts of your home business will be building and leading a team. When I first started in my company, I had zero experience. My home business was my very first at home anything I had ever done so I had A LOT to learn. It has been such an incredible journey going from someone who had no experience at leading a team to someone who has grown an organization of thousands. I'm SO excited to share with you how I did just that!!
My 10 tips for you follow the letters in LEADERSHIP:
L - Learn from other leaders. When I first started my business, I didn't have any experience at this sort of thing at all. I was so green to this business and didn't have the slightest idea how to lead a team. One thing that really helped me was watching my mentor and the other leaders within our team. I watched and learned everything from them. I watched how they ran their businesses and lead their teams and I started implementing a lot of the same things they were doing. When any of them would give advice, I would listen and listen hard, whether it was a one on one conversation, on a team call or on stage at an event. They had already built dynamic organizations so it just made sense to follow their lead rather than reinventing the wheel. I remember asking my mentor "What do you do, because that's what I'm going to do." I listened very closely to her answer and took notes because I figured if she could do this business, I could too!!! I have always believed that if you surround yourself with successful people and do what they do, you too will reach success. And basically, everything else I am about to share with you guys is what I learned.
E- Environment - You want to create an environment for success. An environment where your team members can learn, have fun and most importantly GET IT DONE. And the way to do this is by getting them connected. Not only connected to you and the rest of their upline but to each other as well. What makes our group great is that our entire organization works together as a team. I have everyone connected with each other and we are a very tight group. The reason to do this is because it's so easy to feel like you are working by yourself when you work from home. Make it your goal for them to know that we are working FOR ourselves NOT by ourselves. You want them to feel a part of something big and special. It was my goal to create a special team environment and it's worked out beautifully. Some things you can do to accomplish this goal:
* Get your team connected on a Forum or Yahoo Group that you setup for your team - This was probably one of the best things I've done for my team. There have been a lot of great friendships and business relationships built on these. This is a place that they know they can go to to ask questions and get immediate answers. That way, for example, if someone on your team can't get a hold of you right away, they know they can go there for support. It also doubles up as a time management tool. A lot of new team members or team members in general have a lot of the same questions. When we answer them on the group or forum, that could answer five other team member's question that they also have which saves you time in answering them over and over again. It's all about working it smart guys.
* Setup challenges for your team and do the challenge with them! For example, I've done 90 Day Challenges with my team. Where we set specific goals to reach within that period and we all work hard toward them. The keyword being WE. Meaning if you want your team to do it, you need to do it. Leading by example is everything when you're building a team
* Get them connected to the team calls that your team and company provides. Host your own team call. Even if it starts with two people, start small, it will build up. Your team will appreciate hearing your voice every week. Until you feel comfortable doing that, send them to your upline's team calls.
A - Attitude - I'm just going to start by saying that attitude is everything. In every aspect of your life but especially in your business. When you maintain a positive attitude throughout your day and life, you can move mountains. Attitude is 90% of this business, the other 10% can be taught. If you're up, down and all around.....your business will be up, down and all around. Now I'm not saying it's not okay to have a bad day, we all have bad days. But don't let a bad day turn into a bad week or even worse a bad month. When I start having a bad day, I give myself an attitude adjustment. It's a choice that I make. Either sit and be miserable with my bad attitude or shake it off, put a smile on my face and keep moving forward. It's especially a very important choice when you're leading a team. Your team is watching you!! Attitude reflects leadership. If you want them to have a good attitude, you must have one!! Never complain to your team members, ever, if you're having a bad day, don't show it to your team. Attitudes are contagious, so ask yourself if yours is worth catching???
D - Daily Action - Your team is watching YOU!!! You MUST lead by example. A very common mistake I see new leaders make is that they go into management mode. This will put a screeching halt on your business. You can't tell your team to go out and recruit new team members and customers, if you're not recruiting new team members and customers. One thing I noticed when I first started was that my mentor was still putting business on the books every single month, even at the top level in our company and $250K in lifetime residual income. She wasn't just talking the talk but she was walking the walk and that inspired me to go out and do the same. I'll never forget what she told me when I hit my first level of management, she said "You're team is watching you, if you're adding business and promoting, they will follow you." She also told me to keep my name on the lists, meaning the top recruiter lists. That's been my goal ever since she told me that. It will make your team proud of you and it will inspire them. It will also give them a much higher respect for you as a leader if you are actually out there doing what you're asking them to do.
E - Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way- This is something I didn't really understand fully until about my third year in my business. Many of us go through obstacles and struggles in the beginning of our business. I know I had a lot of struggles and discouraging moments in the beginning of my business and now I'm so happy that I did. For me, mine were everything from going through a divorce, being a single mom working a full time job outside of the house, my utilities getting shut off, I had a HUGE fear of the phone, I made about 200 presentations before getting my first yes, I had very little money for advertising, I could go on with more stuff but you guys get the point. I am a person that firmly believes that everything happens for a reason. At the time, all that stuff seemed really big and hard but what I didn't know was that was a part of my training to become a better leader. Because when my team members go through those things, I can relate to them and help them through those times. I can inspire them and let them know that if I did it, they can do it! So, think of it this way. Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way, because you're going to learn from it and when YOU are a Top Leader in your company, you can help your team members through it! It's all about attitude and perspective!
R - Recognition - This is my very favorite part. I love to shower my team with recognition. I will never forget the first time I saw my name on a Top Recruiter list. It felt really good. I was so proud and it put a fire in me. And from that moment on, I aim to have my name on all the lists. I remember telling my mentor that and she told me that people will work harder for praises than raises. It's so true. We LOVE to be recognized for things we're doing right, it's human nature. Recognition has been a HUGE part of my building a successful team. You can recognize your team in many ways.
* Team Newsletter - You can send this out weekly or at very least, bi-weekly. You can create an email with pictures of team members being recognized, graphics, articles and much more. For the recognition part, you can include the top customer and team member recruiters month to date, the Top Producer for the month (which includes all business added), New pin level and income level promotions and also do a featured team member of the week. Choose one leader every newsletter to be in the spotlight and include their bio in the newsletter. You want everyone on your team feel as special as they are. The best part, they ALL race for these spots. It's a nice healthy competition to get you're team moving!
* Team Calls - You can also mention all of those accomplishments on your team call. And at least once a month, I put a leader in the spotlight on my team call as my special guest.
* Mail greeting cards to those hitting new promotions/income levels - Everyone likes receiving good mail (you know, NOT bills) so a handwritten note from you is special. Taking the time to do that shows that you truly care.
* E-cards and emails for new business added - When someone enrolls their first piece of business, I'll send them an e-card with a short little message like "Congratulations on your first enrollment, remember if you can enroll one, you can enroll hundreds. Get ready for an amazing future." I also send a short little emails to congratulate my team members on new business. It could be something as easy as "Yay Traci, I'm so proud of you."
S - Step out of your comfort zone - I tell you, getting to the level I am now has required a lot of stepping outside of my comfort zone and I know that to stay successful, I am going to have to continue to do so. While this makes me a little nervous, I know that it is good for me. Picking up the phone to call a prospect is where it started, leaving fliers at businesses, being a special guest on a conference call (I will never forget the first time my mentor asked me to be on a call with her, I thought I was going to pass out!!!), hosting my own team calls, being in a television commercial and speaking at events, now THOSE last two were HUGE steps for me. However, all of those things have helped me to become a better person and leader. I love that my mentor pushes me to grow and be the best. It's a gift that she has given me. It might not have been as fun as getting a birthday gift...but after the fact when I stand back and see that I faced a fear and beat it, I am so grateful to her. The truth is, you must step out of your comfort zone to reach greatness in life. It will make you a better leader and your team will be proud of you!!!
H - Help your team - This one is kind of a given but still very important. When your team emails or calls you, it's important to get back to them quickly. I try to get back to them to same day but if I can't, at least by the next day. You want them to feel comfortable coming to you so they don't feel like they've been left hanging to figure it all out for themselves. Now, while it's very important to help your team, it's also important that you are working on your own personal production too. My team knows that I am unavailable for training between the hours of 12:00 - 2:00 Monday through Friday because I am working on adding new business. This also sets a great example of balancing training and prospecting for them to follow when working with their own teams.
I - Inspire and believe in them - Keep your team inspired. You can send them inspirational articles, quotes, videos, audios, anything to get their blood flowing. Also, by reaching different levels of success within your own business, it inspires them to know that if you can do this, they can too! Let them know the obstacles and struggles that you overcame and that you are absolutely no different than them. The only difference is that you have been here longer. Also let your team members know that you believe from the bottom of your heart that they can do this if they want it bad enough. From the day I became a leader in my company, my mentor has always showed me in many ways how much she believes in me and it was amazing to see how that made me believe in myself and made me more confident.
P - Personal Development - Personal Development is something I never realized was so important until I started my home business. I guess I thought I just "didn't need that stuff." It took me a few months to finally give into it. When I did, it was a shocker to see what I was so skeptical of transforming my life both personally and professionally. I am a firm believer that if you keep feeding your mind that you will reach greatness on every level. I incorporate personal development into my daily routine. Every morning, I get up an hour before my kids to and listen to an audio while I am checking emails and having my coffee. It's an awesome way to start the day. It really sets the tone for my day when I immediately start putting good stuff in. I also encourage my team to do the same, not necessarily my schedule but at least a couple audios or chapters of a great book per week. When you start incorporating personal development into your life and business, your family and friends will notice it. You will be a more pleasant and positive person to be around. It will rub off on your team and you will be amazed at the growth you will have in your organization. I have people ask me just about everyday, "How do you do it, how do you stay so happy and positive all the time?" I tell them it's a choice I make and that I continue to work on being a better person and leader everyday.
Those are all of the steps I have taken to build a HUGE team over the years. Following those steps will help you to build a DYNAMIC organization as well!!
GAME ON!!!!
Thanks Kristie Wooten for such a great article!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Lori
My 10 tips for you follow the letters in LEADERSHIP:
L - Learn from other leaders. When I first started my business, I didn't have any experience at this sort of thing at all. I was so green to this business and didn't have the slightest idea how to lead a team. One thing that really helped me was watching my mentor and the other leaders within our team. I watched and learned everything from them. I watched how they ran their businesses and lead their teams and I started implementing a lot of the same things they were doing. When any of them would give advice, I would listen and listen hard, whether it was a one on one conversation, on a team call or on stage at an event. They had already built dynamic organizations so it just made sense to follow their lead rather than reinventing the wheel. I remember asking my mentor "What do you do, because that's what I'm going to do." I listened very closely to her answer and took notes because I figured if she could do this business, I could too!!! I have always believed that if you surround yourself with successful people and do what they do, you too will reach success. And basically, everything else I am about to share with you guys is what I learned.
E- Environment - You want to create an environment for success. An environment where your team members can learn, have fun and most importantly GET IT DONE. And the way to do this is by getting them connected. Not only connected to you and the rest of their upline but to each other as well. What makes our group great is that our entire organization works together as a team. I have everyone connected with each other and we are a very tight group. The reason to do this is because it's so easy to feel like you are working by yourself when you work from home. Make it your goal for them to know that we are working FOR ourselves NOT by ourselves. You want them to feel a part of something big and special. It was my goal to create a special team environment and it's worked out beautifully. Some things you can do to accomplish this goal:
* Get your team connected on a Forum or Yahoo Group that you setup for your team - This was probably one of the best things I've done for my team. There have been a lot of great friendships and business relationships built on these. This is a place that they know they can go to to ask questions and get immediate answers. That way, for example, if someone on your team can't get a hold of you right away, they know they can go there for support. It also doubles up as a time management tool. A lot of new team members or team members in general have a lot of the same questions. When we answer them on the group or forum, that could answer five other team member's question that they also have which saves you time in answering them over and over again. It's all about working it smart guys.
* Setup challenges for your team and do the challenge with them! For example, I've done 90 Day Challenges with my team. Where we set specific goals to reach within that period and we all work hard toward them. The keyword being WE. Meaning if you want your team to do it, you need to do it. Leading by example is everything when you're building a team
* Get them connected to the team calls that your team and company provides. Host your own team call. Even if it starts with two people, start small, it will build up. Your team will appreciate hearing your voice every week. Until you feel comfortable doing that, send them to your upline's team calls.
A - Attitude - I'm just going to start by saying that attitude is everything. In every aspect of your life but especially in your business. When you maintain a positive attitude throughout your day and life, you can move mountains. Attitude is 90% of this business, the other 10% can be taught. If you're up, down and all around.....your business will be up, down and all around. Now I'm not saying it's not okay to have a bad day, we all have bad days. But don't let a bad day turn into a bad week or even worse a bad month. When I start having a bad day, I give myself an attitude adjustment. It's a choice that I make. Either sit and be miserable with my bad attitude or shake it off, put a smile on my face and keep moving forward. It's especially a very important choice when you're leading a team. Your team is watching you!! Attitude reflects leadership. If you want them to have a good attitude, you must have one!! Never complain to your team members, ever, if you're having a bad day, don't show it to your team. Attitudes are contagious, so ask yourself if yours is worth catching???
D - Daily Action - Your team is watching YOU!!! You MUST lead by example. A very common mistake I see new leaders make is that they go into management mode. This will put a screeching halt on your business. You can't tell your team to go out and recruit new team members and customers, if you're not recruiting new team members and customers. One thing I noticed when I first started was that my mentor was still putting business on the books every single month, even at the top level in our company and $250K in lifetime residual income. She wasn't just talking the talk but she was walking the walk and that inspired me to go out and do the same. I'll never forget what she told me when I hit my first level of management, she said "You're team is watching you, if you're adding business and promoting, they will follow you." She also told me to keep my name on the lists, meaning the top recruiter lists. That's been my goal ever since she told me that. It will make your team proud of you and it will inspire them. It will also give them a much higher respect for you as a leader if you are actually out there doing what you're asking them to do.
E - Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way- This is something I didn't really understand fully until about my third year in my business. Many of us go through obstacles and struggles in the beginning of our business. I know I had a lot of struggles and discouraging moments in the beginning of my business and now I'm so happy that I did. For me, mine were everything from going through a divorce, being a single mom working a full time job outside of the house, my utilities getting shut off, I had a HUGE fear of the phone, I made about 200 presentations before getting my first yes, I had very little money for advertising, I could go on with more stuff but you guys get the point. I am a person that firmly believes that everything happens for a reason. At the time, all that stuff seemed really big and hard but what I didn't know was that was a part of my training to become a better leader. Because when my team members go through those things, I can relate to them and help them through those times. I can inspire them and let them know that if I did it, they can do it! So, think of it this way. Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way, because you're going to learn from it and when YOU are a Top Leader in your company, you can help your team members through it! It's all about attitude and perspective!
R - Recognition - This is my very favorite part. I love to shower my team with recognition. I will never forget the first time I saw my name on a Top Recruiter list. It felt really good. I was so proud and it put a fire in me. And from that moment on, I aim to have my name on all the lists. I remember telling my mentor that and she told me that people will work harder for praises than raises. It's so true. We LOVE to be recognized for things we're doing right, it's human nature. Recognition has been a HUGE part of my building a successful team. You can recognize your team in many ways.
* Team Newsletter - You can send this out weekly or at very least, bi-weekly. You can create an email with pictures of team members being recognized, graphics, articles and much more. For the recognition part, you can include the top customer and team member recruiters month to date, the Top Producer for the month (which includes all business added), New pin level and income level promotions and also do a featured team member of the week. Choose one leader every newsletter to be in the spotlight and include their bio in the newsletter. You want everyone on your team feel as special as they are. The best part, they ALL race for these spots. It's a nice healthy competition to get you're team moving!
* Team Calls - You can also mention all of those accomplishments on your team call. And at least once a month, I put a leader in the spotlight on my team call as my special guest.
* Mail greeting cards to those hitting new promotions/income levels - Everyone likes receiving good mail (you know, NOT bills) so a handwritten note from you is special. Taking the time to do that shows that you truly care.
* E-cards and emails for new business added - When someone enrolls their first piece of business, I'll send them an e-card with a short little message like "Congratulations on your first enrollment, remember if you can enroll one, you can enroll hundreds. Get ready for an amazing future." I also send a short little emails to congratulate my team members on new business. It could be something as easy as "Yay Traci, I'm so proud of you."
S - Step out of your comfort zone - I tell you, getting to the level I am now has required a lot of stepping outside of my comfort zone and I know that to stay successful, I am going to have to continue to do so. While this makes me a little nervous, I know that it is good for me. Picking up the phone to call a prospect is where it started, leaving fliers at businesses, being a special guest on a conference call (I will never forget the first time my mentor asked me to be on a call with her, I thought I was going to pass out!!!), hosting my own team calls, being in a television commercial and speaking at events, now THOSE last two were HUGE steps for me. However, all of those things have helped me to become a better person and leader. I love that my mentor pushes me to grow and be the best. It's a gift that she has given me. It might not have been as fun as getting a birthday gift...but after the fact when I stand back and see that I faced a fear and beat it, I am so grateful to her. The truth is, you must step out of your comfort zone to reach greatness in life. It will make you a better leader and your team will be proud of you!!!
H - Help your team - This one is kind of a given but still very important. When your team emails or calls you, it's important to get back to them quickly. I try to get back to them to same day but if I can't, at least by the next day. You want them to feel comfortable coming to you so they don't feel like they've been left hanging to figure it all out for themselves. Now, while it's very important to help your team, it's also important that you are working on your own personal production too. My team knows that I am unavailable for training between the hours of 12:00 - 2:00 Monday through Friday because I am working on adding new business. This also sets a great example of balancing training and prospecting for them to follow when working with their own teams.
I - Inspire and believe in them - Keep your team inspired. You can send them inspirational articles, quotes, videos, audios, anything to get their blood flowing. Also, by reaching different levels of success within your own business, it inspires them to know that if you can do this, they can too! Let them know the obstacles and struggles that you overcame and that you are absolutely no different than them. The only difference is that you have been here longer. Also let your team members know that you believe from the bottom of your heart that they can do this if they want it bad enough. From the day I became a leader in my company, my mentor has always showed me in many ways how much she believes in me and it was amazing to see how that made me believe in myself and made me more confident.
P - Personal Development - Personal Development is something I never realized was so important until I started my home business. I guess I thought I just "didn't need that stuff." It took me a few months to finally give into it. When I did, it was a shocker to see what I was so skeptical of transforming my life both personally and professionally. I am a firm believer that if you keep feeding your mind that you will reach greatness on every level. I incorporate personal development into my daily routine. Every morning, I get up an hour before my kids to and listen to an audio while I am checking emails and having my coffee. It's an awesome way to start the day. It really sets the tone for my day when I immediately start putting good stuff in. I also encourage my team to do the same, not necessarily my schedule but at least a couple audios or chapters of a great book per week. When you start incorporating personal development into your life and business, your family and friends will notice it. You will be a more pleasant and positive person to be around. It will rub off on your team and you will be amazed at the growth you will have in your organization. I have people ask me just about everyday, "How do you do it, how do you stay so happy and positive all the time?" I tell them it's a choice I make and that I continue to work on being a better person and leader everyday.
Those are all of the steps I have taken to build a HUGE team over the years. Following those steps will help you to build a DYNAMIC organization as well!!
GAME ON!!!!
Thanks Kristie Wooten for such a great article!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Lori
Monday, September 20, 2010
Famous Momisms
I think at one time or another we have all heard the famous mom sayings, I know I did and it is scary now, I am starting to use them. The circle of life.
· Money does not grow on trees.
· If I talked to my mother like you talk to me....
· Always change your underwear; you never know when you'll have an accident.
· Be careful or you'll put your eye out.
· What if everyone jumped off a cliff? Would you do it, too?
· You have enough dirt behind those ears to grow potatoes!
· If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
· Don't put that in your mouth; you don't know where it's been!
· Be careful what you wish for, it might come true.
· What's meant to be, is meant to be.
· I hope that when you grow up, you have kids "Just Like you"!
· Because I'm your mother that's why.
· If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.
· If you fall out of that tree and break your leg, don't come running to me.
· Because I said so.
· Just wait till your father gets home.
· No dessert till you clean off your plate.
I brought you into this world and I can take you OUT !!
· I've got eyes in the back of my head, that's how
· Just you wait until you have kids of your own - then you'll understand
· I slave for hours over a hot stove and this is the thanks I get?!
· Honestly... You'd lose your head if it wasn't on your shoulders!
Here are some interesting “Top Sayings From Biblical Mothers”
· Samson! Get your hand off of that lion. You don't know where it's been! (Judges 14:5-8)
· David! I told you not to play with that sling in the house! Go practice your harp. We pay good money for those lessons!
· Abraham! Stop wandering around the countryside and get home for supper!
· Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! I told you never to play with fire!
· Cain! Get off your brother! You're going to kill him some day!
· Noah! No, you can't keep them! I told you, don't bring home any more strays!
· Gideon! Have you been hiding wheat in that wine press again? Judges 6:11)
· James and John! No more burping contests at the dinner table, please. People are going to call you the sons of thunder! (Mark 3:17)
· Judas! Have you been in my purse again?!
And the number one biblical saying of mothers is:
· Jesus! Stop working on that old wood and come in and eat! You'd spend you life on that wood, if your father asked you to!*
I hope you enjoyed these Momisms and it has brighten your day.
To your success!
Lori
Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
www.MomsForGreen.com!
· Money does not grow on trees.
· If I talked to my mother like you talk to me....
· Always change your underwear; you never know when you'll have an accident.
· Be careful or you'll put your eye out.
· What if everyone jumped off a cliff? Would you do it, too?
· You have enough dirt behind those ears to grow potatoes!
· If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
· Don't put that in your mouth; you don't know where it's been!
· Be careful what you wish for, it might come true.
· What's meant to be, is meant to be.
· I hope that when you grow up, you have kids "Just Like you"!
· Because I'm your mother that's why.
· If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.
· If you fall out of that tree and break your leg, don't come running to me.
· Because I said so.
· Just wait till your father gets home.
· No dessert till you clean off your plate.
I brought you into this world and I can take you OUT !!
· I've got eyes in the back of my head, that's how
· Just you wait until you have kids of your own - then you'll understand
· I slave for hours over a hot stove and this is the thanks I get?!
· Honestly... You'd lose your head if it wasn't on your shoulders!
Here are some interesting “Top Sayings From Biblical Mothers”
· Samson! Get your hand off of that lion. You don't know where it's been! (Judges 14:5-8)
· David! I told you not to play with that sling in the house! Go practice your harp. We pay good money for those lessons!
· Abraham! Stop wandering around the countryside and get home for supper!
· Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! I told you never to play with fire!
· Cain! Get off your brother! You're going to kill him some day!
· Noah! No, you can't keep them! I told you, don't bring home any more strays!
· Gideon! Have you been hiding wheat in that wine press again? Judges 6:11)
· James and John! No more burping contests at the dinner table, please. People are going to call you the sons of thunder! (Mark 3:17)
· Judas! Have you been in my purse again?!
And the number one biblical saying of mothers is:
· Jesus! Stop working on that old wood and come in and eat! You'd spend you life on that wood, if your father asked you to!*
I hope you enjoyed these Momisms and it has brighten your day.
To your success!
Lori
Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
www.MomsForGreen.com!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Understanding "True" Residual Income by Donna Stewart
When it comes to choosing and having a home business, my advice would be to make sure that there is a "True" residual income.
What exactly is residual income anyway? Simply put, residual income can be defined as any payment system where you receive regular, ongoing payments as a result of a one time effort. Payments that are regular and ongoing with no further effort (except for a little maintenance) once the initial work has been done.
As you surf the net, you will come across a wide variety of business opportunities. Invariably, each one will claim to have the best compensation plan available and many will claim to offer "residual income". However, a quick examination of many of these pay plans will reveal that, although there may be an earning opportunity, it cannot truly be described as residual income.
For example: Let's say you are in a home business that promotes water softeners. Once a sale is made, that customer will no longer require any further water softeners. At least not for a while. It's a one time sale, not an ongoing income.
Now let's look at a cosmetic business or a jewelry business as another example. Although your customers may need cosmetics or jewelry on a regular basis, unless they are signed up as an ongoing member that commits to purchase a certain amount each month, you can only "hope" they come back to you to purchase their cosmetics or jewelry.
Picture this scene. You had several parties during a month where you made $2000 in sales of your cosmetics or jewelry (of which you receive a commission). No one signed up as a consistent monthly shopper, but rather simply made a one time purchase from you. What are the odds that those who shopped from you last month, will come back and shop for just as much or more this month or the next, or even the next? The chances are slim. What is required with this type of home business is a commitment to begin each month searching for new prospects to replace the ones from the month before.
With genuine residual income, the products should be needed and consumed on a monthly basis. With that type of reorder process your current customer base continues to shop every month. So when a new month starts, and you build your business, you are simply adding to your current customer bases, thereby continually growing your business with a true ongoing residual income.
Donna Stewart
Founder, Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Achieve their goals since 1999!
For more information check out my website www.momsforgreen.com
What exactly is residual income anyway? Simply put, residual income can be defined as any payment system where you receive regular, ongoing payments as a result of a one time effort. Payments that are regular and ongoing with no further effort (except for a little maintenance) once the initial work has been done.
As you surf the net, you will come across a wide variety of business opportunities. Invariably, each one will claim to have the best compensation plan available and many will claim to offer "residual income". However, a quick examination of many of these pay plans will reveal that, although there may be an earning opportunity, it cannot truly be described as residual income.
For example: Let's say you are in a home business that promotes water softeners. Once a sale is made, that customer will no longer require any further water softeners. At least not for a while. It's a one time sale, not an ongoing income.
Now let's look at a cosmetic business or a jewelry business as another example. Although your customers may need cosmetics or jewelry on a regular basis, unless they are signed up as an ongoing member that commits to purchase a certain amount each month, you can only "hope" they come back to you to purchase their cosmetics or jewelry.
Picture this scene. You had several parties during a month where you made $2000 in sales of your cosmetics or jewelry (of which you receive a commission). No one signed up as a consistent monthly shopper, but rather simply made a one time purchase from you. What are the odds that those who shopped from you last month, will come back and shop for just as much or more this month or the next, or even the next? The chances are slim. What is required with this type of home business is a commitment to begin each month searching for new prospects to replace the ones from the month before.
With genuine residual income, the products should be needed and consumed on a monthly basis. With that type of reorder process your current customer base continues to shop every month. So when a new month starts, and you build your business, you are simply adding to your current customer bases, thereby continually growing your business with a true ongoing residual income.
Donna Stewart
Founder, Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Achieve their goals since 1999!
For more information check out my website www.momsforgreen.com
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