Are Your Eyes on the PRIZE? Have an Eye of the Tiger in MLM

How did Rocky make it to the top?   From the streets to the ring, to claim the prize.  He had a burning desire to make it happen.  He trained, he practiced, he trained, he practiced and he took all the steps to get from where he was, to where he wanted to be...

Take a moment to read the lyrics to the 'Rocky theme song...

"Eye of the Tiger Lyrics"

Risin' up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive

So many times, it happens too fast
You change your passion for glory
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

It's the eye of the tiger, it's the cream of the fight
Risin' up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he's watchin' us all in the eye of the tiger

Face to face, out in the heat
Hangin' tough, stayin' hungry
They stack the odds 'til we take to the street
For we kill with the skill to survive

Risin' up, straight to the top
Have the guts, got the glory
Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive

******************************

Pretty poweful stuff huh?    Fall down in MLM and get up, get back on your feet.  A desire to survive meaning failure is not an option in MLM.  Sometimes it seems to happen so fast, you feel like quitting MLM.  Sometimes you change MLM companies.  Don't give up, follow your dreams, keep that burning desire to succeed.  Stay hungry, crave the success, do what it takes to get there.  Have guts, take chances, keep going, don't stop, survive and WIN!

Alethea Anderson
Tiger Eyes

Are You Ready to "Crush It!" ? - Succeed Online with your MLM

I just finished the book "Crush It!" this week and all I have to say is WOW!

Okay, that's not ALL I have to say...  If you are new to online marketing, or seasoned at marketing on the web, I highly recommend "Crush It!" to you and everyone you know who web markets.  I've marketed on the web since 2000, and I learned a few unique tricks I had not heard of myself. 

What is nice is that "Crush It!" is an easy-to-absorb book, simple to follow and comprehend.  No overly technical mumbo jumbo to cause the deer in the headlight 'lost' feeling.  I am so pleased with the way this book is presented that I'm recommending it to my team members who wish to web market as well.

Gary Vaynerchuk presents his book "Crush It!" in a positive mindest, to me it shares a subliminal message shared in  the"Think and Grow Rich" book,  basically by conveying the message that one needs to have a strong passion and a burning desire to make it happen.

So again, if you are new to online marketing, or if you've been doing it for years, get "Crush It!" and be prepared to learn a few new tricks.  You can indeed teach an old dog new tricks, grab the book, grab a beverage and enjoy! 

Having the passion and the burning desire to make it happen are just the beginning, you of course need to take the steps to get from where you are, to where you  want to be.  Now go CRUSH IT!

Alethea Anderson
Crushing It!

The Icing on the Cake {look past the sugary coating in MLM research}

So you're looking for a Home Based Business?

It's confusing as HECK isn't it?

So many opportunities are blinking and flashing at you, promising amazing compensation, unheard of profits, huge incomes...

How do you know what is for REAL?

How do you know what one is right for YOU?

Research, research, research!

Now matter how yummy that frosting looks be sure to look past the sugary coating and dive into the moist center of every opportuntiy.

• Ask how much it costs to join and what does this include...
• Ask how much it costs per month in dollars and cents (some opportunities boast a 'point' system where a handful of points can be much more $ than expected)
• Ask if you have to spend more should you decide to build a team (often a monthly commitment goes UP in order to collect your residuals)
• Ask if your team can break away (in some companies you may actually LOSE a valuable leg of your team once they reach a certain level)
• Ask if your distributorship is bequeathable (if your family is able to 'inherit' your distributorship if you die)

Due diligence is key, interview several sponsors, get a feel for the personality and the business ethics of the person you are considering working with.  Are they able to help you?  How do they work their business?  What are their goals?  What have they accomplished?

A home business is so much more than the icing on the cake, it's a package deal, icing, gooey filling, the cake itself and even some luscious berries to boot.  

No matter which company you choose you are going to have to look at where you are, figure where you want to be, and take the steps to get there!

Alethea Anderson
I Love Chocolate Cake

Fork You! What To Do When You Find a Fork in the MLM Road to Success

Sometimes we're flying along the road to success, wind in our hair, smooth ride, and all of a sudden there is a huge FORK in the middle of the road...

Our confidence diminishes...  We thought we were on the right path then *POOF* another option?

Which way to go?

The high road?

The low road?

The route less traveled?

The route paved with fresh lines?

One of the most difficult decisions that may be presented to anyone in the MLM industry... Do I leave it all behind to try something new?

One side of the road may look greener, tempting you to engage stage left for lusher pastures...

How do you KNOW what is right?

Well, you have to do what 'feels' right inside....  Take your time, do your research and analyze WHY you have a desire to move.  Do you feel you'll be more successful with another company?  If so, why?  Are you struggling where you are?  If so, odds are you'll struggle where you go too.

It is the BURNING DESIRE within you, that will make you a success.  Having a company you like with products you like is surely a huge plus.  Having a sponsor you like is a plus too. But if YOU don't have the burning desire within the spirit of your be-ing, you will not be successful no matter what road you choose.

So before taking the greener grasses, before jumping ship, before changing your whole everything, stop, look, and listen to the YOU within you.  Figure out WHY you want to leave.  Talk to your sponsor.  Get some outside, insight.

Trust me!

Always remember to get from where you are, to where you want to be you have to have the burning desire to take all the steps in order to get there!

Alethea Anderson
Desiring to the 100th degree!

Green Eggs and SPAM >><< A SURE fire way to NOT get Leads

Unsolicited SPAM.   no, nO, NO!

There are many wonderful and powerful ways to use the internet to grow your MLM home based business.  However there are many ways to sabotage your efforts.

Here are a few instances of what really turns me OFF when it comes to MLM marketing.

Email Green Eggs and SPAM

• Someone requests information from someone about their business, joined another company, then SPAMMED them with their NEW business.  = FAIL
• Someone fills out a form on a website, leaves all the fields blank, but in comments SPAMMED them with their business opportunity = FAIL
• Someone receives an email where someone happened to CC a LOT of people and they decide to REPLY ALL with their Biz opp = FAIL

Facebook Green Eggs and Spam

• Someone posts their  biz opp on someone's wall = FAIL
• Someone posts a comment on someone's picture with their biz opp = FAIL
• Someone sends someone requests EVERY single day to join their OPP page = FAIL
• Someone Private Message someone asking about their opp, then do a bait and switch = FAIL
• Someone Private Messages someone with their opp link = FAIL
• Someone IMs someone and pitches their opp = FAIL

Phone Green Eggs and Spam

• Someone calls someone pretending to be interested in their opp, then they pitch theirs = FAIL
• Someone emails someone requesting they call about their opp, then they pitch theirs = FAIL

Blog Green Eggs and Spam

• Someone blatantly promotes their biz in a blog comment vs a comment & casual link = FAIL

Link Harvesting Green Eggs and Spam

• Someone explores the www 'collecting' email addresses so you can send them info about their biz = FAIL

All of these methods are low down, dark and dirty.  I do not know ONE person who has success with any of these methods.  Why?  They tick people off!   Using the internet for marketing is about developing relationships, building trust, showing people who you are...

Always remember, do to others, what you'd want them to do to you, in other words, don't do to others what you'd NOT want them to do to YOU!

And to get from where you are, to where you want to be, you have got to take all the steps in between.  There are no 'short cuts'!

Alethea Anderson
I like eggs, I like ham, but no way to Green Eggs and SPAM!

Sponge Bob Success Pants

Sponge Bob Success Pants?!

Captain: Are you ready kids?

Kids: Aye-aye Captain.
Captain: I can't hear you...
Kids: Aye-Aye Captain!!
Captain: Oh! Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
Kids: SpongeBob SquarePants!
Captain: Absorbent and yellow and porous is he!
Kids: SpongeBob SquarePants!
Captain: If nautical nonsense be something you wish...
Kids: SpongeBob SquarePants!
Captain: Then drop on the deck and flop like a fish!
Kids: SpongeBob SquarePants!
Captain: Ready?
EveryBody: SpongeBob SquarePants! SpongeBob SquarePants! SpongeBob SquarePants!
Captain: SpongeBob.... SquarePants! Haha.

So here it is, how in the heck is this naive yellow fluffy friend so spongefully successful in all of his adventures?
 
Easy!  Sponge Bob has absolutely no doubt in himself.  He does not question his ability to conqure any challenge. He sets out to do, and he does.  He is known to be silly and perhaps not the smartest sponge under the sea but his absense of worry is his key to success in whatever challenge that is presented.
 
He has been in school learning to drive for HOW LONG?  He does not care, keeps going, keeps doing, keeps going, keeps doing... Does he get into mischief with Patrick, the so NOT glowing star?  Sure thing, think of it this way, Sponge Bob has reached for and caught his star already...
 
He is as happy as can be doing whatever it is he does on his daily adventures... Out to catch jellyfish?  He gets them.  Out to sell a bunch of burgers?  He sells them.  Challenged to sell a bunch of chocolate bars? He sells them.  Sets out to find Mr. Crabs missing Dollar?  He gets it.  Off on a long adventure to reclaim the crown of the sea?  He finds it.
 
No matter what it is, be it skill or dumb luck, his persistance pays and he reaches all of his goals.  Makes one think that sometimes there is too much "thinking" going on making the mind fuzzy full of all the 'what ifs' and 'self doubts'.... How about living a day in the NOW, step into your spongy splendidness and do like Sponge Bob!   LA LA LA LA all the way home!
 
Sponge Bob knows he won't get from Rock Bottom to Bikini Bottom unless he takes all the steps in between... Now you go make like a sponge and DO it!  
 
Alethea Anderson
If nautical nonsense be something you wish...

Putting the MLM Puzzle Together

What IS MLM?

Many people hear the word MLM and instantly think one of these things...

• SCAM
• Pyramid Scheme
• I got burned in one of those
• I know someone who got burned in one of those

I'd like to elaborate a bit on the true meaning of MLM.  It stands for Multi Level Marketing, meaning that one can have a team on multiple levels.

This is often where people think 'pyramid' as they think that the sponsor is at the top and that they are  making oodles of money off of everyone beneath them.

In legit companies, you can actually bypass your sponsor and achieve a higher title and a higher income!  This completely eliminates the 'pyramid factor'.  Yes, there are those pyramids out there, buyer beware, so while searching for an opportunity do your due diligence.  Any person or company promising easy money via a 'no work'  fully automated funnel system, well, be careful...

Here are some examples of MLM companies I'm sure you've heard of...

Avon
Mary Kay
Tupperware

{{gasp}} yes, it is TRUE, they are MLM companies...  Often when I tell people this they are surprised as they never realized that these HUGE companies are formatted upon an MLM platform!  This eases their fears... Sometimes prospects need a little gentle education to coax them out of the false thoughts on MLM.

The difference between a pyramid scheme and a legit MLM is a  that a legit company offers its distributors a way to earn a decent income primarily from SELLING with an option to recruit as well.  

With MLM 'scams' and 'pyramid schemes' the sole way to earn is to recruit, recruit, recruit with no tangible item to actually 'sell'.   Many of them are formatted with a single product on auto ship, no way to actually 'buy' product and often they don't even allow a way to SELL the product.  Only recruit, get people to buy as customers, and get them to get people to buy as customers with no actual way to earn money 'selling' via direct sales methods.

A great book on the industry that sheds light on all of this is Network Marketing for Dummies, it explains the Direct Sales, Network Marketing, MLM industry to a T and debunks many of the myths associated with them.  It also demystifies comp plans and so, so much more!

Now in order to put your puzzle piece over where it belongs, you have to take the steps from where it is to where you want to put it...

Alethea Anderson
Puzzled!? NO!

Magic Search Engine Optimization Secrets = MLM SEO

What is the Secret to a Top Ranking MLM Website?

What is the Magic Trick for proper Search Engine Optimization?

The SECRET is that there is NO mystical MAGICAL equation to creating a top ranking website.

As the picture illustrates, it is a series of building blocks, starting with the SEO, moving up to the next level, then achieving a top ranking website.

Is it easy?  NOPE!  There is no 'easy button' when it comes to SEO.  As a self taught SEO DIY person, I know first hand that it takes diligence, marketing, research and time sweet time to achieve a top ranking website.

There is no 'easy button', you have to keep learning and working to make it happen.... I coach my business partners in the methods I use to achieve top ranking websites.  They can attest that it is not an overnight transformation.  I give then a series of tasks, with more tasks after each is complete.  It takes a teacher and a willing student to have SEO success!

"My SEO motto is if you can pay someone to do it, then you can find a way to do it yourself!"

Alethea Anderson
SEO WAHM

MLM and Home Business }}{{ The Why, Oh, "U Factor"

Why, Oh, U... Why, Oh, U.... get it?  Y-O-U = the "U Factor"

There are so many parts to growing a successful home based business in Direct Sales and/or MLM, however none are more important than the "U Factor".

Many people look to external sources as a basis of their success.  They put all the weight on the company, the product and their sponsor.  While these are indeed important factors, as someone should choose a company they like, they should use the product, and should hopefully have a sponsor whom they enjoy working with.

But, if they do not experience the success they were hoping for, in their eyes, it's the fault of the company, the product and/or their sponsor.

Screeeeeeeech to a STOP right here.  Where is the U Factor?  What did the struggling person DO to work towards having a successful business?

What steps did they take to move forward? 

What was their part in the equation?

You really need to have your WHY - OH - U in place before moving forward into a successful Network Marketing career.  You need to know your WHY.  You need to understand that "Oh, this is not easy" and you need to put the U into the equation by taking the steps to get from where you are to where you want to be.

In this industry it IS all about you.  Your belief, your determination, your passion, your persistance...  Add all those up and you get your U Factor.  If feel you are 'failing' (which if you read my blogs I don't believe in 'failure'), if you feel like quitting, if you feel like your  business is sinking around you. 

Then you need to look at U.  Compare U to those around U who are having success.  What is different?  What are they DO-ing?  HOW are they doing it?  Once you realize you are on an equal playing field, once you realize the only difference between them and you is U, then it's time to start taking steps...

You CAN do it, yes you can, but you have to apply the WHY - OH - U Factor in order to succeed!

Alethea Anderson
I believe in WHY - OH - YOU!

Imagine...

Greetings,

Today I wanted to share this song, just 3 minutes and 55 seconds of purity from a very inspirational, spiritual man who was ahead of his time and spreading a very important message.

As many of us are moving towards enlightenment, this song weighs even heavier and is more relevant in today's world.

Nearly everyone can sing this song, knowing each and every word.  Though you've listened to the song, have you 'heard' the song?

Take a few moments to listen to the lyrics and 'hear' the words.  Feel the words, hop into the 'NOW'.  Have an amazing day today and every day.







Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Help! My Sponsor Seems to Have LEFT the PLANET!

Help! Help! What do I do? I'm all alone. Lost and confused...

You joined a company and now you feel alone, hey,  I've been there!

There are some sponsors who 'conquer' then POOF, gonzo.   They are out for the quick buck, get in, close the deal, and get out.  On to the next person with zero intent of actually helping them.  This is unfortunate, but, sometimes a reality.

However in most cases, someone who takes the time to sponsor really wants to grow a successful team and help their team members grow their businesses too.

But what do you do when your sponsor dissapears?

If you feel your sponsor has POOFED into outer space, what steps have you taken to reach out to your sponsor?  It is always best to give the benefit of the doubt.  Did they have a family emergency?   Did they leave a message that someone forgot to give you?  Did your spam blocker delete their message?

Then take steps to initiate contact.   Take time to email your sponsor.  Take time to call your sponsor.  Now if you've done this with no response, then you may have a reason to be a bit miffed.  BUT don't let this be the demise of your business.

Don't let this be your EXCUSE!

If you want to be successful in the company you chose, keep going upline!  Most 'back offices' show the tiers of your upline, keep climbing until you find a mentor in the business.  Sometimes a mentor is upline. Sometimes a mentor is crossline.  Sometmes a mentor is outside the company all together.

Never let an absent sponsor ruin YOUR business.  In order to get from where you are to where you want to be, you have to take the steps in between to get there.  Sometimes if the ladder is missing a few rungs, you can mainfest them with a little hard work!

Alethea Anderson
Be there or Be square...

"I SUCK at SELLING!" {Well, if this SMARMY DUDE can sell, so can YOU}

If I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone say "I suck at selling"  well, I'd have quite a little savings account accruing.

Now if Sammy Smarmy in the picture here can sell, so can you.  It's mind over matter and you just KNOW this guy has on too much cologne and will pinch your butt... {GAG!}

Now seriously, how can Sammy Smarmy have sales SUCCESS? 

Confidence. 

He could sell wings to a butterfly.  He could sell ice to eskimos.  He could sell ladders to people in one story huts. 

How? 

Simple.

Because he CAN!  He knows he CAN, he believes he CAN, and he has a CAN DO attitude.

Now does this mean you need a polyester suit, butterfly collar and tons of gold?  Oh my lanta, no, no and NO.

All you need CONFIDENCE!  You need to BELIEVE in YOU.

It takes practice. Everyone who is good at sales NOW, sucked at sales THEN.

Practice, practice, practice and when you think you've got it, practice more... The best way to practice is to JUST DO IT.  If you stumble, it's okay!  

Remember your first day at your first job?  Did you know everything, or did you  have to learn?  How did you learn?  By doing,  and doing it again and yet again until it became natural.  Whether it was making a burger, ringing up a cash register, stocking shelves or answering a phone.  You had to learn by doing.

Always remember, no one starts at perfection, they all started where they were and took all the steps in between to get where they wanted to be...

Alethea Anderson
"If you are not moving closer to what you want in sales (or in life), you probably aren't doing enough asking." Jack Canfield

REJECTED! What IS rejection and how to cope in MLM.

Rejection is a 'feeling' we get based on someone else's decision.   Does that make sense?  Have you ever thought of it that way?

It really is more of an illusion as we create a feeling based on a 'decision' vs what actually 'is'....

What does this mean?  Say you are selling product X.  You give a wonderful sales pitch and someone says 'no thank you'.  Instantly you feel REJECTED. 

Now one must realize YOU were not rejected, the person was not interested in product X.  Now is this really what one perceives to be REJECTION or is it OBJECTION (an inquiry for more information)  See below...

When most people experience rejection they shrink down, lose posture and feel that hollow pit in the bottom of their stomach.

Why?

We take it personally.

The key to remember is that YOU are not being rejected, only your 'idea', your 'thought' or your 'sales pitch' is being rejected. 

Are you going to take rejection as a road block, or are you going to hear it loud and clear as a horn blaring "KEEP MOVING FORWARD!"  

Keep in mind, like I noted above, sometimes rejection is not rejection at all, sometimes it is actually objection.  Often, objection is in reality an inquiry for more information.  When someone says "no thank you" and you leave it at that. you are in essence creating your own rejection.

Many in MLM jump the gun at 'no thank you' and feel that any negative aspect of a conversation with a customer or prospect is 'the end', the MLMer will tuck their tail between their legs and head for the hills while the customer/prospect stands there with a question mark in their mind....

Most are actually rejecting themselves without even finishing the conversation!

Example... The other day I called a lead on the phone, she said right off the bat....

"I am looking for candles to sell, but I won't do an MLM.   I HATE MLMs"  

Now being in an MLM I could have simply said "oh, okay, this is an MLM so I'm not going to waste your time..."    But I said "Really?  Tell me about your experience with MLM that gave you that feeling?"

She went on to tell me how she got stuck with a garage full of stuff from a previous venture in MLM and had no upline support...

So I took a few moments to explain the true definition of MLM, comparing it to many very well known companies in the industry.  I clearly explained the concept of 'how' an MLM gets its name, is structured, and why it works.

Instantly her energy changed, she asked lots of questions, and a few emails and phone conversations later she joined the team with rings on her fingers and bells on her toes.  She wants to sell.  She wants to recruit.

Now I could have taken her 'objection' as 'rejection' and not gotten a new team member, but instead I took her 'rejection' as 'objection' and offered more information....

Something to ponder upon huh?  Remeber to get from where you are, to where you want to be, you have to take the steps in between...

Alethea Anderson
Neglected? Objected? Rejected?  Perfected!

Who are you ALLOWING to be your ANCHOR? (WHO is stopping YOU from being successful in MLM?)

Yes, I said ALLOWING.  No one can hold you back, hold you down or stop you. 

Unless - you - ALLOW - them - to - do - so.

Having been working exclusively from home since 2002 I've talked to so many people that say things like...

• My husband gives me grief so I can't move forward in my business.
• My kids are so young that I have no way to work my business.
• My schedule is so busy that I have to time to work my business.
• My friends don't like the product so I have no one to sell to.
• My community is poor so no one will buy.

Now step back a minute.  All of those are EXCUSES "blaming" someone else for lack of success in home business.   These people are allowing someone to be their ANCHOR.  They are allowing their husband, kids, schedule, friends, community to hold them back and prevent them from moving forward.

Time to pull in the anchor, or I recommend, let it loose to sink to the bottom of the abyss!  Only YOU are your OWN anchor!  

If hubby gives you grief, all you  have to do is work around him.  Do you have the passion to make it happen?  Then keep moving forward!

If the kids are unruly little heathens that never sleep then do your networking at McDonald's, go where the other Mommies go.  If there is a will, there is a way!

If your schedule is so busy then bring your business into your lifestyle!  Pass out business cards, samples, catalogs while going about your daily business.

If your friends don't like the product, find DIFFERENT people who DO.

If your community is poor and says they won't buy, then you simply need a little work on teaching your customers the 'value' of your product.

To get from where you are to where you want to be, you have to cut the anchor chain and take the steps to get there!

I know, hard core right?  Well I believe it's all about CHOICE.  We can CHOOSE to move forward.  We can CHOOSE to run our engines with the 'anchor' firmly attached to the substrate.  What do YOU choose?

Alethea Anderson
Anchors Away! (aweigh)

Pebbles on the Beach

The other day I was speaking with someone about the amazing amounts of inspirational information one can stumble upon on the internet.

There really is so much one can see while surfing the world wide web... A blog post here, a book recommendation there, a quote over here, a tweet over there...

She mentioned that in this vast amount of information,  it is a choice to pick and choose what is most valuable.  Like collecting pebbles on the beach, you see so many, you step carefully over some, some get squished into the sand by your toes and yet others are so amazing that you are inspired to you to pick them up and hold on to them.

Each unique in color, texture, weight... Some are big, some are small.  Some are perfect in shape, some have holes right through the middle...

Now imagine collecting all these pebbles and then putting them in a jar... We keep them because they are pretty, we keep them because they are important, we keep them because we found them and we are proud.

This is just like keeping all those special articles, blogs, books, quotes and more in our minds...  We value these little tidbits so much,  and sometimes we don't realize the impact that one of these tidbits might have on us.

Have you ever read a book because someone said it was great?

Have you ever changed your thought process because of an article you read?

Have you ever applied a tip to your own business and it helped you?

Have you ever written down a quote and put it on your vision board or used it as an affirmation?

Next time you find a valuable tid bit of information on the web, liken it to a pebble on the beach and save that pebble in your jar.  Value it, cherish it, enjoy it!

Alethea Anderson
Collecting Pebbles

Do you Learn from YOUR Guardians of Be-ing?

Today I went to Borders, I {heart} Borders... Something about being surrounded by books just makes me smile!   I am a big fan of self-development books having to do with thought, believing in yourself, and properly directing the energies of the Universe via thought + action = creation = manifestation.

Yes, I am one of those who buys books and keeps them, I feel they are an investment and keep them housed proudly within my home office.  While my collection may be petite as compared to some, the value within the pages is priceless!

Today I was not sure what I was looking for, often I wander into Borders with a desire, and let my eyes guide me to where I need to be.  So I stumbled across "Guardians of Being".  I featured this book awhile ago on one of my websites, as I'm an Eckhart Tolle fan.  I have read Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" and also his book "A New Earth", both very positive and thought provoking books about be-ing in the NOW.

So I picked up Guardians of Being and read through the 110 page book right there on the spot, a brief book, few words per page, but VERY deep and very thought provoking.  The entire book is about how we can learn now-ness from our animals and by simply observing nature.  All of nature lives in the NOW.  They do not dwell on the THEN nor do they WORRY about what is not yet (the future).

Illustrated by Pacrick McDonnell, the artwork captured Eckhart's message beautifully and eloquently... each page is met with a smile or a tear, or both!  The simplicity of watching your pet can bring you into the now, you drift away from the chatter in your brain while sharing a moment with your animal.  When you think about it, how true it is!  When our dog greets us and we kneel down to shower this devoted beast with our affection, it is all about that moment.  It is not until we snap out of now-ness that the chatter fills our brains once again.

Such a valuable lesson on how our pets can teach us to be NOW.  I recommend this book to anyone and everyone, even if you just browse the pages over a cup of java at Borders!

Alethea Anderson
I have 2 Guardians of Be-ing, Bodhi and Astrid, they are my Boxers!

Home Business Tax Deductions >>JUST DO IT!<< Take all your tax DEDUCTIONS!

A common mistake home business owners make is that they do not take their home business tax deductions!

(disclaimer: always check with your state and tax preparer to verify deductions you are allowed to take)

Whether you own your own company that you operate out of your home, or if you are in Direct Sales or MLM, there are many home business tax deductions you are entitled to take.

It is best to track these monthly, however use a method that works best for you.

With this I want to share a tip from SuccessFactory.com

>> Start Article

Subject: Organizing for the New Year – Tax preparation tips


From all of us at The Success Factory, to all of you – Happy New Year!

Don’t you just love turning that calendar page from December to January and seeing the gift of a new start? I know I do.

Our family has had at least one child in college every year since 2001. And so because of that, we have fallen into a very good rhythm of getting our tax records in order as close to January 1st as possible in order to fill out financial aid forms. It has turned out to be a good habit. I’m sure you will agree that your memory of the specifics regarding your business and family finances for the past year is much fresher in January than if you are working to reconstruct things on April 14th.

So, today, on your TO DO list; get your 2010 off on the right foot by closing down 2009.

Transfer all of your files for the past year into a banker’s box. Start a file for the mail that will begin coming in that is marked “For Tax Purposes” (statements of giving, statements from interest paid, etc;).

Start all new file folders for the coming year so that as you begin to accumulate this year’s bills, statements, and as you begin to do your parties for 2010 you are ready to go.

Here are the categories that will help keep your filing system organized for this year if you don’t already have a system that works for you:

· January – December: set up one file per month for your orders
· Advertising ( yellow pages, internet ads, classified ads, business cards, logo items, etc;)
· Auto expenses (gas, repair, oil changes, insurance, lease payments, car washes, etc;)
· Product Cost Allocation (products used or given away but not sold)
· Override Commissions (if applicable – depends on your career plan – bonus money paid out from your team)
· Office Expenses and Supplies (printing costs, paper, envelopes, rubber stamps, etc;)
· Business Supplies (catalogs, sales fliers, order forms, etc;)
· Travel (Air, Bus, Cab, Train Fares and Lodging costs)
· Meals and Entertainment (includes conventions, recruiting appointments, out-of-town business expenses)
· Wages, Casual Labor and Outside Services
· Bank Charges and Bank Statements (includes check printing or money order fees)
- Continuing Education (Seminars, Meetings, Conferences, Conventions)
· Postage and Shipping
· Telephone (including cell phone bills)
· Credit Card Transactions
· Credit Card Statements
· Business Gifts
· Miscellaneous Receipts
· Child Care (Provider’s Name, Address, ID/SS# required)
· Home Office Expenses (Insurance, Repairs, Maintenance, Utilities, Yard and Lawn expenses)
· Medical Expenses
· Interest Expenses (Mortgage, Loans, etc;)
· Taxes (Personal property; real estate)
· State Income Taxes
· Business books, periodicals, dues and subscription costs

Close out 2009 by totaling all your expenses in each category, so that you are ready to present your numbers to your tax preparer. By doing this now while 2009 is still fresh in your mind, you will save yourself a big headache when you file your income taxes.

Copyright 2009 by The Success Factory All Rights Reserved

<<< End Article

I'd like to add in a few not mentioned on the list... Home Office!   If you have any 'area' in your home that is dedicated to your home business, be it an extra bedroom, closet, nook or cranny; as long as that area is for exclusive use of your home business, you may make a tax deduction for this space.

Basically to figure the area take the square footage of the space (or combined square footage of the spaces) divided by the square footage of the home and get a %.  You may deduct this % from your mortgage/rent, electric, gas, water, etc...

Also internet cost, web hosting and more.  ANY expense you invest into your home business is tax deductible!  Always ask your tax preparer to help guide you in the right direction.  I highly recommend you find a small business CPA to help you as they are familiar with the rules and regulations for home business and can guide you on the method that will work best for you!

Alethea Anderson
Deducting!

No Matter How Fast You Run, You'll Get Nowhere on A Treadmill

"Hit the ground running!"  a popular term boasted in the MLM industry, while a very important aspect of growing a strong business, many don't realize that while they are indeed running, they are running in place.

Being on the MLM Treadmill is like staying in "The Safety Bubble" or even like going full steam ahead while attached to the dock.

Now running on a treadmill would seem like progression, one is taking action 'steps' correct?  Yes, and no.  You see, there is motion, but the steps, they are not getting anywhere. 

Don't get me wrong, it's a 'step in the right direction' but what often happens is the runner says "I'm just not going anywhere.  My business is not growing.  Nothing is happening..."

While running in place can be a valuable training tool for someone who is getting on the treadmill every day at the same time, running the same routine.   They will  indeed build stamina, they may go more miles, at a faster speed, even at an uphill angle.  But at the end of the run, they are still in the exact same spot.

The key to this industry is to move forward daily, even if it is just a step or two, you have to get from there to here and the only way to do is is by taking the steps inbetween.

When you find that doing the exact same thing, day after day is not working, what choice are you going to make?  The necessary choice would be change.  While spending some time on the treadmill may be valuable in the beginning, growing, perfecting, building stamina.  We each need to know when it's time to hop off and start moving forward!

If you feel you are stuck on the MLM 'treadmill', what's YOUR NEXT STEP?

Alethea Anderson
Running to Where I Want to BE!

A Leap of Faith is MORE than JUMPING and SPREADING your WINGS....

Many when joining an MLM get very excited and run full speed off the the top of the mountain.  They just know they are going to be successful. They plunge, spread their wings, catch a breeze and soar high into the sky.

However, over time as the breeze fades, they find that they are spiraling downward.  A quick decent, down, down towards the rocky cliffs below.

Many treat it as the end of the ride, and when they land at the bottom, they give up.  They quit.  How possibly can they get that high again when they are at rock bottom?

With the wind no longer beneath their wings, they have lost the feeling and excitement of the freedom of soaring.  They no longer have the 'lift' to pull them up and propel them forward.

What's missing from this scenario?

The effort.

As the eagle soars upon the breeze, he also knows that every once and awhile he needs to flap his mighty wings to create uplift and momentum.  He feels the breeze between his flowing feathers, but also learns to navigate the air stream to his advantage.  He goes with the flow, never against the wind....

Dipping then soaring...
Diving then shooting up past mountain tops...
Sinking when the winds fade then flapping his wings to soar high once again...

An eagle can land, tend to his nest, network with others and enjoy his life.  When he is ready he simply has to start beating the drum of his wings so he can lift once again into the blue skies to soar on brisk breezes.

In this industry, in order to soar, you have to be willing to put in the effort of creating movement and momentum.  Flap your wings to create your elevation always taking all the necessary steps to get from there to here...

Alethea Anderson
Upon Golden Wings

Are You Pretending to Have a Home Business?

Do you REALLY work your home business, or do you pretend to?

Some say they put in 1 hour, 2 hours or even 8 hours a day towards their home business.  However many are categorizing goofing around as working....

When you do research on the web, are you really diving into your topic, or do you get sidetracked like a bee buzzing from flower to flower and all of a sudden find two hours have passed watching funny videos on YouTube?

When you pop into Twitter, are you lost in the sea of posts unrelated to the reason you logged in?

When you get on FaceBook are you tending your farm and cooking in your cafe?

When you hit up the message forums, are you in the threads that will help your business, or are you lurking around other areas?

When you work on your website, are you optimizing it and using the above methods to market said site?

Now there is a lot to be said about social networking and marketing on the web, it can be an amazing tool, but it can also be the demise of a home based business.  One must devote quality time to their business in order to yield quality results.  You get out of your business what you put into it, and if you treat your business as a hobby, you won't get paid!

Of course allow time for all the 'fun stuff' but you also have to dedicate time to the 'business stuff' too.  If you want a successful home business, treat your business like a business!  Always ask your sponsor for tips if you feel lost or stuck in a rut.

Remember, you have to take all the steps in between to get from where you are to where you want to be!

Alethea Anderson
Working and Playing, when the times are right!

How to Allow )( Ask, Believe, Receive

Asking is simple.

Everyone has perfected the art of asking for something. 

• I need more money. 
• I want to be happy. 
• I long to be healthy. 
• I deserve a good life. 

But this is where a huge percentage of the people remain, stuck, in the rut, of asking.  The same persons who ask, follow their reqests with thoughts like...

• I'll never be rich.
• I can't be happy.
• I always get sick.
• I must have done something to deserve this.

If you ask, but do not believe (allow) you will never, ever receive. EVER.  Have you ever heard "careful what you think" or "you get what you ask for" ~ well, keep reading as I define this...

Of course you've heard this one "If there is a will, there is a way", but there is a catch, you have to believe it is possible.  If you don't believe it in your heart and soul, if you don't believe in the YOU that is your being, if you don't believe that you can achieve something, how possibly can you receive it?

Why is such a large percentage of our population stuck in asking mode?  We were brought up this way.  Think of these quotes I bet you can finish the sentences on your own...

• "Money can't buy..."
• "Money isn't..."
• "Money is the root of..."
• "You get what you...."

We are trained that we don't deserve to be healthy and wealthy.  We are trained to feel guilty for having when others do not.  We are trained that it is what is is and that we are unable to reach higher.

Time to retrain the brain!   You DO deserve to be healthy and wealthy.  Do NOT feel guilty for having when others do not (you achieve your greatness and then share with others, let your blessings bless others).  It is not what it is, there is always more that bigger and better.

Now how to get here from there? Take all the steps in between. 

No matter what it is you are asking for, you will get it, but pay attention.  If you ask for money, then say you'll never be rich, you are confirming you'll never be rich, and that's what you'll get. If you ask to be happy, yet focus on your misery, you'll get more of the same.  If you ask to be healthy, but are always affirming that you are always sick, that's what you'll get.  If you ask for a good life, but keep thinking how your life sucks, you'll get more of the same.

Fine tune your request with laser focus, believe in what you ask for, and don't counter your asking with a negative follow up thought.  The strongest thought will win and if you beat the positive thought up with the negative one, the negative one will win because it is stronger in your mind's eye.


When you ask for more money, tell yourself that you allow more money to flow to you.  Do not for one nano second even think that it will never get here.  If you catch yourself sliding into the downward thought process, squelch it.  If you have to, wear a girthy rubberband on your wrist and pop it each time you catch yourself in negative thought!

Now, when asking for money, will this money appear in a paper bag on your porch, probably not.  In the art of allowing, you have to take the steps in between. You ask, then be aware. Look for the rungs of the ladder that are going to get you there.  A new door opening?  A new opportunity presented to you?  Meeting someone and making a business connection?  There are no coincidences, ask, believe, be aware, take the action steps, and always be prepared to receive.

Is this easy?  Heck no!  You literally are retraining your thought process from a lifetime of conditioning.  There are many books on positive thought, and I recommend reading as many as you can get your hands on. 

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer
Think and Grow Rich ~ Napoleon Hill
The Power of Now ~ Eckhart Tolle

Do you WANT to change your thought patterns?  Then make a choice to do it, and take the steps to get here from there...

Alethea Anderson
Allowing

The GOLDEN F, The F Word in MLM = F BOMB or F is 'da bomb'!

Do you Drop the F BOMB in your MLM business?

FAILURE
FEAR
F*#% THIS

Or do you say F is DA BOMB in your MLM Business?

FINANCIAL FREEDOM
FLEXIBILITY
FUN

It's mind over matter, and it's the matter in the mind that creates the outcome of your thoughts.  It's the attitude of gratitude that will turn your negative F into a positive F.  Refuse to fail, face your fear and just avoid the other one...

Accept that Financial Freedom is reality, embrace that flexibility that comes with the territory and by all means have FUN!  If you do what you love, it's not work!  I love what I do and I do what I love and I'm all the happy Golden Fs!  Let's rock!

Alethea Anderson
F.........REE!

A Brick Wall Begins with A Single Brick :: Your Team Begins With a Single Person

"You don't plan on the whole wall, you lay the first brick, as perfectly as you can, then lay the next brick the exact same way and keep doing it.  Then all of a sudden you have a perfect wall..." ~ Will Smith

This analogy ties directly to the MLM industry and team building. A team, like a sturdy brick wall, does not form overnight...

The reality is, you don't plan on the whole team, you sponsor one person, then sponsor the next person, and keep doing it.  Then all of a sudden you have a huge team.

It takes mortar, the glue of your be-ing, to attach people to your wall.  It's a process, you have to mix the mortar to the proper thickness, apply it to the wall, then apply a new brick. 

What does your mortar consist of?  YOU.  Now you may have a pile of bricks ready to go, but some may  be chipped or broken, others may just not fit in the wall, and that's okay.  The key is to keep building, one brick at a time, and each brick will end up right where it is supposed to be when it is supposed to be there.  Held in place by the mortar that is you.  Now if some of the brick wall crumbles, that's okay.  It's not your fault, life happens!  Just keep moving forward, and keep building!

A brick wall begins with a single brick, your team begins witha single person... remember, you won't get here from there, without taking the steps in between...

Alethea Anderson
The Mortar that is Me

I Wish for You Now and Zen in 2010!

Twenty Ten is Now and Zen

What do I mean my NOW and ZEN?    We are entering a new decade, we just closed out 2000-2009, it's pretty amazing what has been accomplished in 10 short years.  But it's time for change.

The past has passed and we can not change it.  As we emerge into this new decade it's time to LET GO of all that has happened.  It's gone.  No matter how hard you think about it. No matter how many times you re-live moments, you will not be able to grasp them and edit them.  They are what they are, no ifs, ans or buts about it.  LET GO of the past and start living in the NOW.

The world is making a shift, there are so many changes happening daily, the horizon holds many new changes for each new day.  But we must focus on today, not tomorrow.  Grasp each second of each day as it is happening, and absorb it.  As it passes, it is gone, and let it go and enjoy this fresh new second presented to you.  Each breath is new life.  Each moment is new time.  Each day is NOW.

BUT, what is the key to flourishing in this new year, in this new decade?  Be-ing NOW.  How to be NOW?  Being NOW is living in the current moment without thoughts of what was, or thoughts of what will be.  Fully immersing yourself into this very moment. 

For instance, can you read this blog and only read this blog?  Is someone distracting you?  Are you listening to the TV or radio in the background?  Are you thinking of what you need to add to the shopping list?  If you have any thoughts in your head other than the present task at hand, then you are not in the NOW.

Is it easy to be-now?  NO.  We are programmed from day one to think ahead, make plans, calculate outcomes and so on.  Society has created a population of dwellers and worriers.  The first step to being NOW is to come to the realization that you simply will not change the past no matter what, and that it does not serve you NOW.  The next step to being NOW is to come to the realization that worrying about the future also does not serve you NOW.

Now on to Zen, meaning at once concentration, dynamic stillness, and contemplation.  Basically Zen is one way to be NOW.  Of course Zen is a 'way' of be-ing tied to the thought process.

So as we enter this brand new year in this brand new decade, I wish for thee Now and Zen in 2010!   May your New Year be abundant with all good things, prosperous, healthy and happy.  Focus on you, focus on now and be Now and Zen in 2010!

Alethea Anderson
Now and Zen baby!