Though I had heard people talking of Seth Godin and this book ever since it was released late last year,  only recently became acquainted with his writing after finding his blog and subscribing t his email feed.

It only took a week or so of reading his blog posts to convince me to grab a copy of “Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us” via Amazon and see if everything I heard was true …. I am more than happy to report, I wasn’t disappointed in the least.

I have to admit though, when I first started skimming through the book, I was intrigued by the lack of a “Table of Contents” or “Index” we normally expect with many non-fiction-based books.

As I continued to scan the pages, I quickly noted the reason …. this book is not structured like many conventional personal development tomes … it was structured like a BLOG (just without the dates on the entries)!

Upon reading the book and researching other information about Seth Godin, the fact that “Tribes” is formatted like a blog (non-conventional approach in book form) seems to align perfectly with the message of the book and the man in general …

He is definitely an agent of change and he refers to leaders as heretics throughout the book.

Even with the non-traditional format, the information conveyed by Mr. Godin is nothing short of masterful and virtually every snippet of information drove home a deeper realization pertaining to his view true leadership in today’s world.

One entry in particular seemed to summarize much of the content’s message and here is a peek at what you can expect when you read “Tribes”:

“The Elements of Leadership

Leaders challenge the status quo.

Leaders create a culture around their goal and involve others in that culture.

Leaders have an extraordinary amount of curiosity about the world they are trying to change.

Leaders use charisma (in a variety of forms) to attract and motivate followers.

Leaders communicate their vision of the future.

Leaders commit to a vision and make decisions based on that commitment.

Leaders connect their followers to on another.”

(excerpt from Tribes – page 126)

For those of you unfamiliar with Seth Godin or the Tribes concept, here is a video of an interview where he is discussing some of the ideas behind the book and may provide some additional insight:

Based on discussions with other people who read his book, Seth Godin left an indelible impression on all of us about the need for and qualities required of anyone who will lead their tribe.

Do yourself a favor and grab a copy today!

I truly believe all home business owners should listen closely to Susan Boyle’s dream and hidden message of strength and triumph in the face of the naysayers and cynics …

After watching a video of Susan Boyle’s appearance on the British reality TV show, Britain’s Got Talent, I was completely blown away with the awesome power of the moment.  If you have not yet heard of Susan or watched the performance, take a moment and do so now …..

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Unbelievable, amazing, inspiring … so many emotions arose the moment she started to sing and literally rocked the theater (and since then the World!).

Look, her performance was nothing short of stunning, moving the whole audience but that is only the “tip” of the proverbial iceberg.

As she first walks out on the stage, a plain, 47 year old spinster from the north of Britain who declares she wants to launch her professional singing career and equal the achievements of Elaine Paige, “The First Lady of British Musical Theatre”.

The camera shot instantly pans the Judges Panel (Amanda Holden, Piers Morgan, Simon Cowell) then the audience with views of rolling eyes and facial expressions oozing cynicism.

The music cues … a few intro bars play and the first line flows sweetly and powerfully from Susan’s lips … “I dreamed a dream in time gone by“

Again the camera pans and more facial expressions … eyes popping wide open, mouths dropping, a building crescendo of applause culminating in a series standing ovations …

She totally blew the theater away … totally blew the country away … and has now (given the power of You Tube and video sharing) blown the world away …..

But what if she gave into the vibes of the audience before she began …

What if she gave into the cynics and “naysayers” … where would she be today?

Fortunately for Susan, she doesn’t have to worry about the “what ifs” at this point, her dream is emerging from the fog and her quest is being realized ….

Each of us in direct sales, network marketing or MLM is often faced with a host of cynics and naysayers.  Many of us typically yields to the criticism and sarcasm, lose sight of the dream and the quest dies ….

My question then to all of home business owners: did you hear Susan Boyle’s hidden message of the dream and answer to her naysayers?

So the next time you run into the cynics, naysayers and such when pursuing your dreams and driving on through quest, think of Susan standing on that stage and answer back with your own song of strength and triumph ….

I know I have and when thinking back over the day’s events, I often feel confused about where all the time was spent.

As it turns out, this is not an uncommon occurrence for many business owners, especially those of us who are involved in the home business setting.

Several days ago, I received an email from Steve Little informing me of recent updates to his Perfect Biz Finder video blog. After visiting the blog,  I noticed a post on how to overcome the four top success saboteurs.

During the video, Steve identified four common practices or conditions that many of us incorporate into our daily routine that are not as productive as they should be. Many of us feel that at least one of these practices is actually a very good thing though he argues it deprives us of productivity.

Included in this list of productivity killers is:

1. Multitasking – working on multiple projects or tasks simultaneously;
2. Distractions and Interruptions – co-workers stopping to chat, kids coming by to show their new creation, EMAIL, TWITTER;
3. Friction (or frictional resistance as I like to think of it) – poorly operating equipment or cluttered workspace (not that I know of anyplace like that); and
4. Mind Chatter – those flash thoughts that often lead to day-dreams and tangents.

Panning back over the list a three of these practices/conditions (distractions, friction and mind chatter) make perfect sense but does multitasking?

At first glance, it would seem being able to juggle multiple tasks and projects would enable accomplishing significantly more outcome than limiting and focusing our efforts on one task or project.

Reflecting over several recent projects and comparing those already completed to those still ongoing, it becomes painfully obvious … focusing and completing projects yield far greater results (therefore much greater productivity).

Why … well beyond the obvious (there is an end result) the product of those efforts are already contributing to the desired outcome for those tasks and out ultimate goal for being in business.

When discussing the distractions and interruptions, the obvious intrusions (people stopping by to chat, telephone calls, deliveries etc.) were mentioned but a couple most of us might not think of: email and Twitter were also included.

According to Little, any of these distractions typically involve between 30 and 40 minutes of lost (or at least misdirected) time per event.

I don’t know about you, but mind chatter is a rather frequent occurrence within the grey-matter between my ears (ok, ok along with email, Twitter and multi-tasking!).  This can definitely be a detraction from productivity if it leads you off to day-dream land!

But let’s not leave a list of problems since if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem ….

Here are the suggestions (with some additional thoughts of mine) Steve Little provided during the video:

1. Develop an approach providing a clear focus regarding the key tasks at hand meant to propel you toward your goal.  This is a time period to focus on the task at hand and not get distracted (though I do jot down a line on a notepad about interesting ideas to flush out later). Little also advises not using task lists as the main time focusing tool (since they are open-ended and essentially non-committing).  His suggestion is to use a calendar and block out at least two hours per task.  If a given task won’t take two hours, couple with other similar tasks (might be things like interacting on social networking sites).  I also believe in blocking enough time to complete the task if possible (often meaning more than two hours).  Another thing I like to plan into each period is an extra 20 to 30 minutes of wind-down time and give a chance to flush out any thoughts recorded on the notepad during content preparation.
2. Relax for 15 to 30 minutes after each block of time is completed by taking a real break from your workspace (so it does not mean check email or Twitter!).  You’ll end up being refreshed and ready for the next project task.
3. Establish routines and be responsible with your time.  Always remember that you are your most important asset and squandering time on ineffective activities lowers your value.
4. Rest, renew and recover. Take two days each week away from the business focusing on the truly important aspects of life: our freedom from the 9-5 – 7 day work week grind and spend time with those most important to us (family and friends).

I decided to write this article after hearing of a friend’s economic dilemma and how it lead to her recent entrance into the network marketing business arena. Nicole Cooper told her story of how a successful real estate business crumbled within a 6 month period due to the collapse of the housing market. As might be expected not only did her personal business crash but her personal financial situation fell right along with it.

In time, however, she discovered a network marketing business that appeared to offer a solution to her financial situation. By seizing the opportunity and working through the difficulties of building a new network marketing business, she mimicked the “Flight of the Phoenix” to rise from the proverbial ashes. The truly amazing part is the “comeback” happened during the time when the global economic situation slid steadily downhill.

Nicole used the network marketing opportunity to help elevate her family’s financial situation from a state of near desperation to one of growing prosperity. Anytime I read a story of someone’s triumph over extreme adversity, I find it both motivational and more importantly, extremely inspirational.

Though the inspirational moment arose instantaneously while reading her story, I also realized that with her back ground in real estate Nicole already had a mindset that served her well as she made the transition into a formal network marketing business.

Why would a background in real estate help in network marketing?

Simply because people in a real estate business are already used to employing traditional network marketing tools (warm market prospecting, cold calling, etc.) in their daily business practices. These same tools, however, fall well outside the comfort zone for most of us. Coupling her previous networking background with her business experience Nicole was well positioned to use many of the network marketing tools available and build a successful business.

Given the success of Nicole and others like her, many people impacted by the current economy believe network marketing should be the obvious choice when looking for alternatives to traditional employment. It is also likely that many people are drawn to these ventures due to the relatively low start-up costs associated with a network marketing business.

But is this a realistic answer to their problem?

The honest answer to that question is maybe yes; maybe no.

Thinking back on Nicole’s situation, though her initial financial situation may be similar to many people being impacted by the current economic upheaval; her professional background and experience are significantly different. I know from my own personal experience in previous network marketing business ventures, the lack of an appropriate background and experience often set the stage for a far less successful outcome.

In both of my previous endeavors, I believed in the products, opportunity, company and even that I would build a successful business. Each time, however, I ended up quitting mainly due to unrealistic expectations about how long and how much effort it actually takes to build a business. Additionally, I lacked experience using traditional network marketing tools further inhibiting any substantial progress when actively working those opportunities.

Does this mean that I proved that network marketing or MLM companies are hoaxes or scams?

Absolutely not! Both companies still exist today; have excellent product lines and many successful distributors.

What it does mean is that I wasn’t properly equipped to effectively utilize the available network marketing tools or posses the mindset to see those opportunities through and succeed. Even at the time I quit each venture, I never stopped believing in the companies, products or opportunities.

Over the last 15 years, however, I gained much of the missing background and experience that was previously missing. Today I know any future endeavor in the network marketing business arena will yield the success I always expected.

But what about those people who do not have the right skills or experience?

From my perspective, individuals impacted by or feeling at risk because of the current economic situation can look to network marketing and MLM being viable solutions to their personal economic problems if they understand and act upon the following:

1. It takes time to get the education in both the opportunity, business in general and marketing;

2. It takes time to acquire the appropriate skills with traditional network marketing tools and/or online marketing techniques; business operation, time management, etc.;

3. It takes time to address each of the daily tasks to run business operations (including marketing and sales);

4. You must be patient and persistent in working your business both through the good days and bad ones; and

5. You must maintain realistic expectations for the growth of the business.

Anyone either possessing the appropriate skills or who is willing to work to acquire them as well as adapt to a rapidly changing environment has the opportunity to leverage any of the quality network marketing business opportunities to their advantage. In doing so, they will begin creating a new, independent future for their efforts.

My synopsis of Napolean Hill’s – T&GR – Ch 4

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“I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true.” - Walt Disney

======== April 1, 2009 ========

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” - Calvin Coolidge

======== March 31, 2009 ========

“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise.” - Robert Fritz

======== March 30, 2009 ========

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a Force of Nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” - George Bernard Shaw

======== March 29, 2009 ========

“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” - Oprah Winfrey

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“I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there’s purpose and worth to each and every life.” - Ronald Reagan

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“We all have been placed on this earth to discover our own path, and we will never be happy if we live someone else’s idea of life.” - James Van Praagh

======== March 26, 2009 ========

“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.” - George Bernard Shaw

======== March 25, 2009 ========

This is a true today as it was back in the 1960’s with one little change; rather than just considering the strength of our nation, let’s consider extending it to everyone in the World …..

“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” -John F. Kennedy

Yesterday (March 14th, 2009) was one of those moments for me.

It happened on Facebook when a friend ( Inna Ivhenko) posted a video link from YouTube showing an advertisement originally marketing Apple Computers.

Even though it’s likely that I had been exposed to this previously as during the original Ad campaign, yesterday it struck a chord and is still reverberating through me today.  After replaying it a few times again this morning, I decided to add the video (actually two versions after visiting YouTube) to my blog.  I did this both in a spirit of sharing with a slight overtone of selfishness (making more easily accessible to me).

So take a few moments, watch the videos, close your eyes, reach deep down into your soul and find that craziness in you ….

The Original Version (above) and a Later Version (below)

(When I saw Doyle Brunson I just had to add this too!)

Just remember, none of the people highlighted in the video arrived here and instantly made their mark on the World.

They just found their inner spirit; their strength and were then daring enough to act on it ……

Let us all be so crazy and collectively change the World …..

Have a fantastic day …

Although the immediate outcome is the same, there can be a substantial difference in repeat sales depending on whether the customer is truly happy versus mildly content at the time of the original transaction.  In my experience, happy customers are repeat customers where mildly content are likely to shop around when solving their next consumer problem.

The use of attraction marketing versus traditional network marketing methods in business building may determine the growth rate of a venture.

It’s really all a matter of perspective and highly related to the values of each person during the process.  In the case of the customer, their value revolves around a problem needing a solution.  Their perception of value is defined by accessing the information they deem necessary to resolve their problem.

Their needs are best served by listening carefully to there issues, asking pertinent questions to unearth the root of their problem and then providing information and advice that will help then discover a solution. If the business owner uses that approach and provides valuable information that establishes the path to the solution and allows the customer to come to the conclusion your product or service is the solution, the “happiness factor” is greatly increased.

A problem arises, however when the value set of the business owner comes into play with a prospective customer.  If the business owner only hears the problem as first presented and instantly presents his product or service as the solution that often makes the customer uneasy.

Without determining the root of the problem, addressing all aspects of the problem and letting the customer discover the solution (the product or service) it puts the business owner in the position of having to persuade the customer on the validity of the solution.

Though the customer may “buy” and walk away somewhat content, the process leading up to the sale did little to build the relationship and heighten the business owner’s expertise in the customer’s eyes.  Ultimately, they may look elsewhere when trying to address their next problem.

In my mind these two situations describe the difference between attraction marketing related to the new network marketing model and traditional network marketing approach. Understanding the differences between the two models and applying them to your business marketing strategy on the Internet can greatly enhance your overall effectiveness.