We talk to our friends, family, even sometimes start attacking (yes I used the word “attacking”) strangers on the street, in the stores, at the gas station… etc….. We keep saying the same thing over and over. You know, that script our upline says works MAGIC! ….And yet no one ‘gets it’ like we do.
If that ‘script’ works so great, then why won’t it work for us? What’s wrong with us?
Truthfully, there’s nothing wrong with us. The script just doesn’t work on everyone.
Sometimes I think we put the cart before the horse, or in some cases the wrong horse is in the lead. Now, that’s no fault of ours, but if what you’re being taught to do isn’t working, or isn’t duplicatable by the masses, maybe you need some different skills.
I’m not suggesting an affiliate program, I’m suggesting a free generic education and free skills trainings. For instance -
You have four leads to call today, so, you grab that phone, which may weigh 100 pounds, it may be light as a feather, I don’t know.
Ring, ring. John answers- You start talking. John gives you a one or two word, seemingly abrupt answer. You ask another question, another two word answer. John is so evasive, you wonder why he asked for information in the first place. You get off the phone feeling like you just pulled teeth. John’s a green personality. (35% of the population)
Ring, ring. Jane answers- You start talking, Jane is rather short in her answers also like John, but very warm, polite and accommodating. Even though she’s got a cake in the oven and the timer just went off, she’ll continue to let you talk while her cake goes up in smoke. She’d rather re-make the cake than be rude. Jane is Yellow. (35% of the population)
Ring, ring. Sue answers- You ask your first question and Sue tells you her life story. Though you do your best to get a word in, it’s near impossible and when you hang up, you’re energized but also exhausted. You think Sue just likes to talk, well, maybe that too, but Sue is a Blue. (15% of the population)
Ring, Ring. Bob answers- You ask your first question and Bob takes control of the conversation, tells you who he knows, how important and successful he is and how everybody should be doing it his way. You get off the phone and wonder, well, what just happened here? We feel like a steam roller just ran over us and maybe the hair on the back of our neck prickled just a bit… Bob is a Red. (15% of the population)
It’s the colors technology in action. Though it’s not the ONLY skill we need, it sure rates right up there at the top. Mastering this skill is not an over night process especially in the light that we all have shades of all 4 colors and each color can come out based on the situation at the time. However, we all have a primary that shines through as the most consistent color.
We need all the colors. For in our weaknesses, they carry strength….
If you’ve never heard or if you never really understood why knowing this technology is so important, then get with me and I’ll help you uncover a skill that will literally change your life…. not only your Network Marketing life, but your work life, your family life….. everything …
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher
I found this at the beginning of November 2011 … somewhere …. and pasted it into notepad. Today when I went searching for where I found it originally, I found 4 different sites, the oldest being in 2010… with no reference to the original author, but as though they had each coined the same exact words…… so I quote from an unknown author today:
If you don’t want your life to be “messed up,” don’t fool around with those who have messed up theirs.
It is a peculiarity of human relationships that it is virtually impossible for one individual to have a lasting positive influence upon members of a group of negative thinkers. Usually, it works the other way. You cannot maintain a positive, productive attitude if you spend all your time with negative people. Those who have wrecked their own lives (and usually blame their misfortune on others) are not the kind of people who will help you achieve success in your own life. Choose your friends and associates carefully, and refrain from complaints about your job, your company, or any individual.
Spend your time with positive, ambitious people who have a plan for their lives. You will find that their optimism is infectious.
It’s really that simple.
Oh, PS: There are two lessons here…
1st – the obvious – - – - Pay attention to where you spend your time and who you spend it with.
2nd – the less than obvious — If you’re like me and paste things into notepad for later, save yourself the headache and time later by remembering to also copy the resource link in to the text document.
Til next time…
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher
My sister, who is NOT a Network Marketer, posted an interesting status message not too long ago that I wanted to share with you today.
How we value our self also affects how we present our products/services/opportunity.
If we have a low opinion of our self, it shows not only in our tone of voice, but our words, our actions and even in our silence.
If we have a low opinion of our products/services, don’t think that can be hidden with fake enthusiasm.
Michelle Mayur, over at Wisdom a la carte, wrote a great article: 6 Signs You Are Undervaluing Yourself and What You Can Do About It,
She lists these 6 ‘warning signs’
1. Not knowing what your real Needs are
2. Not being clear to others about your Needs
3. Not setting clear boundaries or allowing people to take advantage of you
4. Faulty subconscious beliefs absorbed from your parents
5. Not putting yourself first![]()
6. Giving more than receiving
Maybe you’re ok here. Maybe you value yourself. In network marketing, we’re going to come across people who want what we can offer, but they’re missing this part in their personal development.
So, give it some thought. Make sure you’re not hanging on the clearance rack and encourage your team to check out where they’re hanging out …. Make sure you’re in the ‘valuable’ section…….. and do it on a regular basis.
Live, Laugh, Love,
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher
YIKES! What happened to that slogan….. Become your own boss. Make your own hours. I didn’t ever hear anyone say such frightening words as- change, sacrifice, priorities! Can’t I build a home based business without those words coming into play?
What do you mean by Change anyway? What? I need to change my clothes, the way I talk, the channel on the TV? I don’t know if I’m all into changing SOME things. Friends? My habits? What’s wrong with my friends? Gosh, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I wasn’t going to Pete’s house for poker night every Tuesday… and then there’s Friday night at the bar with the guys…
And what did you say??? Sacrifice? Are you talking …. like ….. animals at an alter? My kids (sometimes I think that might not be a bad thing
) … We talking body parts… like I have to give an arm or a leg? What do you mean? I may have to miss Sonny’s ball game… or Sally’s piano recital?
Priorities? I don’t think I get that one either … I mean, I want to start a home based business in Network Marketing BECAUSE of my priorities… my family and providing them a better life.
All of these possible conversations can come up when we ask a prospective business partner:
How much time do you have per day/per week to work on building your Network Marketing business?
When we start that conversation with someone, it’s not unusual to hear them say something like "Oh, 10-12 hours a week…. like 2 hours a day I guess." That’s when we sometimes drop the ball …. we don’t have the COURAGE to get real with our prospect. I think we don’t share the realities with them because we’re afraid they won’t join us or if they do, they’ll quit when they find out they really DO NEED to make some changes that will cause them to have to make some sacrifices or changes in priorities.
So, we sit down with them and review what they do during the course of the day. That’s when TONS of roadblocks can come up… and the "not enough time" excuse unfolds. Is it really true that they don’t have enough time to build a business ….. or …… just can’t think outside the box they’ve been living in for so long to see where they could fit business building activities into their day?
Not to change course, just shift it a bit for comparison…. in my endeavors to create a new habit of more exercise in my life, I came across an article by Michael Hyatt, entitled One Thing You Must Have to Get Fit. I found it interesting that many of his key points had been excuses for me. SO I ask you to read through them, then let’s talk a minute more.
So, to build your courage and overcome the “exercise time” barrier, try these 9 steps:
- Make a list of options. You’ve heard things like, “get up earlier,” “use your lunch hour,” or “walk after dinner.” Write all the options you can think of to exercise.
- Write out your “Yeah, but” for each option. We all have excuses for why these options won’t work. So, write them out next to the option. Maybe you wrote, “Walk for thirty minutes after work” and next to it, “Yeah, but I have to pick up the kids after school.” This helps you find all of your objections and makes them real.
- Find One “Yeah, but” and Make it a “Yeah, but I can!” If you are courageous, you will find at least one thing on your list you can make work. It could be asking your spouse to get the kids, or it could be skipping a favorite TV show to go for a walk. It’s there. Don’t quit on yourself. Don’t give up until you find one thing and then have the conversation.
- Put it on a calendar. Now, that you have a “Yeah, but I can” option, choose the day you’ll start and choose a duration—maybe a month—on a calendar.
- Tell someone about it. Accountability is a key factor in forming new habits. Tell a friend what you’re planning to do and ask your friend to check in with you and hold you to it.
- Do it. When the day comes, act. No fear. Get up and get out the door. You’ve just exercised your courage muscle.
- Do it again. Put it back on the calendar to do again. More courageous exercise.
- Repeat. Until you’re ready to add something else.
- Tell it. When you finish, tell someone. Celebrate it! Call your friend, post it on Facebook, Tweet it. You’ll be surprised how many people will rally around you.
If you exercise your courage, you will have a long list of healthy new habits
These 9 steps he talks about taking to create a habit of good health, SOOOOOOOOO apply to making time for our business building activities in Network Marketing. AND as good leaders we have to exercise courage in talking to our prospective /new business partners about some of the growing pains of building a business.
Truth is, to be successful in Network Marketing OR any other endeavor that you’re not in NOW, is going to take some change, sacrifice and probably a bit of re-prioritizing.
Are you UP for the challenge to have what you want? I hope so!
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher
I’m BIG on inspirational quotes. I recently re-shared a photo on Facebook which was really a quote and then got to thinking about all of the inspirational thoughts I have taped up on the walls all over my house, little one liners, poems, pictures, stories, etc.
I do this for ME. No matter where I look, I’m reminded of good, heart-warming thoughts.
I didn’t really think about the impact of doing this in just ‘anyone’s home’…. just my own…… until some of my team members from around the globe came to visit last year.
There were some "WOW I like that", some "Can I make a copy of that" comments, and of course, the answer was yes…. Like I really want to keep all these great thoughts to myself.
Recently I shared my habit of decorating the house with these inspirational snippets with a down-and-out friend of mine. She sighed and said "that sounds wonderful, but I couldn’t do that in MY HOUSE".
I asked "Why Not?"
She sighed again "My family would think I’m nuts. I don’t think I would want my friends to come over and see this stuff, what would they think?"
W O W !
What would someone else think of my having a positive outlook on life? WOW!
Admittedly, I was a bit stunned by her response, but then I got to thinking… I have known a few people over my lifetime who really resented my having a positive attitude and outlook on life.
I have to say that is THEIR problem, not mine…. I mean consider the alternatives. Because someone doesn’t like my being happy about life, I SHOULD CHANGE? I think not ! Should the other person change if I won’t? LOL
All I can hope for is that some of the good things about life rub off on those people… but to worry about whether someone is going to think I’m NUTS?????? Some will, some won’t… The time we have on this earth is too precious to worry about what others think about us.
So let them do and think what they want and you do the same. If you decide to decorate your home with good thoughts and someone doesn’t like it… I’d suggest you tell them "Don’t look!" or "Don’t read them!" and last but not least …. the one I personally used on someone ……
"Being happy and inspired has been known to be contagious and it sounds
to me like you don’t want to catch that sickness, so I’d advise you not to look or touch."
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher
WOW! Thanksgiving 2011 is right around the corner for those of us living in the US.
We talk a lot about the ‘good’ things we are grateful for, the people, situations, ‘things’ we have, but not always the other side … what some might see as the ‘negative’ side.
Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?Be thankful when you don’t know something.
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.Be thankful for your limitations.
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.Be thankful for each new challenge.
Because it will build your strength and character.Be thankful for your mistakes.
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They will teach you valuable lessons.Be thankful when you’re tired and weary.
It means you’ve made a difference.It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment
comes to those who are also thankful
for the setbacks.Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~~~Unknown Author~~~
Isn’t that the truth !!
I’m thankful and grateful for all this and more….
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher
I heard an interesting story involving a study of behavior that I wanted to share.
A group of researchers put 3 monkeys in a room. The room had a high ceiling. In the middle of the room, they placed a pole that almost reached the top. At the top of the pole, they placed a bunch of bananas. With the monkeys placed in the room, they closed the door and waited to observe what the monkeys would do.
After the monkeys had examined their new surroundings, the number 1 Monkey started his ascent up the pole. Just as he was about to reach the bananas, a bucket of ice cold water dumped on him, not only soaking him, but also causing him to scurry back down the pole. After several more attempts, Monkey #1 stopped attempting to climb the pole.
Day two, Monkey number 2 decided he would climb up the pole and get those bananas. So of course, he started his journey up the pole, to find himself also soaked by ice cold water in the same manner as monkey number 1. After several more attempts, Moneky #2 stopped attempting to climb the pole.
So there we have it - A bunch of bananas at the top of the pole, two soaked monkeys and three days later, Monkey number 3 started his ascent… determined to get those bananas. Yes, the 3rd Monkey fell victim to the same experience as the previous 2 monkeys.
For several more days the 3 monkeys alternated in climbing up the pole, none with any success, so eventually they stopped trying all together.
The researchers replaced Monkey number 1 with a brand new monkey. As the new monkey started up the pole, the two older Monkeys frantically pulled him back down. “No, no, don’t go up there. It’s dangerous”.
So all three Monkeys stayed grounded.
The next day original Monkey number 2 was replaced with a brand new monkey and of course, the new monkey was
discouraged from trying.
Eventually all of the original Monkeys were replaced and the room was full of monkeys who had never even attempted to climb the pole and any monkey who gave it a thought was quickly discouraged.
That can happen to us too.
Sometimes we get in a group who have tried something and failed or heard of someone who failed, so we are discouraged from attempting the feat too, especially in Network Marketing when we want to consider building a business from home.
So look around you… if you have a dream to build a business from home via Network Marketing , don’t hang with those who think you shouldn’t pursue your dream.
Go for it!
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher
I stumbled across an article entitled “21 Great Headlines from Trashy Tabloids” and came across this headline:
Secretary lifts car off boss – and he fires her!
I read that headline to my sister and she started giving me all these “well maybe” scenarios to fill in the story that goes beyond the headline.
It made me think of a recent notification I received from the MLMWatchDog. The notification was of the termination of an Icon in the Network Marketing Industry. Rod Cook, editor, of MLMWatchdog shared his shock in these words:
Of all the people in the MLM world to get terminated, the very last I would expect to be a statesman and gentleman like [name removed]! His training and education has truly elevated the whole industry over many long years. He has millions of admirers and the fantastic MLM books he has written and sold would reach 3/4 of the way to the moon!
As I perused the pending lawsuit, something that many, many distributors I’ve spoken with seem to make so light of the term DISPARAGEMENT was one of the causes cited by the company for termination of this Icon of the Network Marketing Industry.
What is Disparagement?
According to the World English Dictionary, disparagement comes from the word Disparage which is a verb and is defined as:
—vb1. to speak contemptuously of; belittle2. to damage the reputation of
Why do distributors gloss over the Disparagement clauses in their contracts?
#1 Maybe because the distributor loves the company, products, etc…. soooooo much, he/she just can’t think of ever saying a bad word
#2 Maybe because the clause looks so benign. Take this clause, for instance, straight from a company’s P&P’s:
5.3 – Non-disparagement [Company XYZ] wants to provide its independent Distributors with the best products, Compensation plan and service in the industry. Accordingly, we value your constructive criticisms and comments. All such comments should be submitted in writing to the Customer Services Department. Independent Distributors should not disparage, demean, or make negative remarks about [Company XYZ's], other [Company XYZ's] Independent Distributors, [Company XYZ's] products, the Compensation Plan, or [Company XYZ's] directors, officers, or employees.
#3 Maybe the distributor is a bit complacent in thinking “that would NEVER happen to me”.
#4 Disparaging behavior is in the EYE of the Beholder.
Let’s say we are at dinner with several of our colleagues. During the course of conversation I make a comment about a new product Company ABC is coming out with that looks like it might have a few more ingredients than a similar product we have at Company XYZ. The conversation goes where ever it goes, but then weeks later, someone comes to you and says “hey, have you ever heard Jennifer say ANYTHING bad about our company, products, people… etc.?”
You, my friend, reply, “well, yeah, 3 weeks ago at dinner she said our pink widget was bad and that Company ABC’s Hot Pink widget was better. George and Sally were there also and they heard it too.”
First off, that’s not what the original conversation was. That’s probably just how you interpreted it……. but now the
Company has grounds to terminate me by using the Disparagement clause… if that’s what they were looking to do…. terminate me.
You may think “Hey, that’s not fair!” But that would be because in YOUR eyes, that’s not disparaging. In the Company’s eyes, wanting to terminate me, that’s enough…. whether it is true or not, taken out of context or not…. it’s ENOUGH.
I know of a gentleman who called his customer service department to get a problem corrected. Whether he was having a bad hair day or the customer service rep was having one doesn’t really matter. At the end of the conversation, the customer service rep reported to the company that he had been rude. He was terminated for DISPARAGEMENT!
Whether you think it’s a big deal or not, it’s in the EYE of the Beholder … and those type clauses in a contract are just as useful as the “terminate with or without cause” or “at the sole discretion of the company” clauses. They are put in there by Lawyers to give the company an “OUT” should the company decide they don’t want to pay you anymore.
No BIG DEAL to you that your company has that clause in their Policies and Procedures? That’s ok, it’s YOUR decision. However, it’s a deal breaker for me because I’ve seen it used more than once against really good distributors who truly loved what they were doing and didn’t deserve to be terminated.
Secretary lifts car off boss – and he fires her!
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher
You went to bed early enough but then tossed and turned…. finally falling asleep. It’s 2:00 AM. You wouldn’t know that if the phone hadn’t just rung. And of course what do we do when the phone rings in the wee hours of the morning? We answer because who would call at this hour if it weren’t an emergency.
So you roll over, pick up the phone and hear:
"Hi, my name is Dave. Now I know you hate these calls just as much as I do, but don’t hang up! ….. Blah, blah, blah…" You press "9" to remove yourself from the list. That doesn’t work and Dave keeps on talking about his GREAT deal or tool (which is more than likely the tool he is using to wake you up.) You hang up.
A lot of people jumped on the robo-dial bandwagon last year. Over the last few months, the auto-dialing calls from programs like IBIZZPro and LeadNetPro seem to have died down for many of us. Instead of getting 5-6 per day, I’ve only been getting 1-3 a week…. quite a difference I’d say.
I’ve read a few different company’s policies and procedures in regards to the telemarketing vs it’s NOT the same as telemarketing vs anyone in Network Marketing is a ‘business’ and calling a business IS allowed.
One of the company’s described the regulations on random robo dialing in depth as follows:
Independent Distributors shall comply with all Federal, State and Local laws in the conduct of their business. The violation or attempted violation of any such law or regulation, or fraudulent or deceptive conduct, shall be grounds for disciplinary action by XYZ. Although there are thousands of governing laws and statutes on the books in the numerous jurisdictions in which XYZ Independent Distributors operate, there is one critical and relatively new federal law which requires specific publication in these Policies and Procedures:
The FTC Do Not Call Registry. The penalties are significant ($10,000 for each occurrence) and the statute also covers fax numbers, if registered. To quote from the FTC’s website:
Q: Who is covered by the National Do Not Call Registry?
A: The National Do Not Call Registry applies to any plan, program or campaign to sell goods or services through interstate phone calls. This includes telemarketers who solicit consumers, often on behalf of third party sellers.
It also includes sellers who provide, offer to provide, or arrange to provide goods or services to consumers in
exchange for payment.
Q: What about an established business relationship?
A: A telemarketer or seller may call a consumer with whom it has an established business relationship for up to 18 months after the consumer’s last purchase, delivery, or payment – even if the consumer’s number is on the National Do Not Call Registry. In addition, a company may call a consumer for up to three months after the consumer makes an inquiry or submits an application to the company. And if a consumer has given a company written permission, the company may call even if the consumer’s number is on the National Do Not Call Registry. One caveat: If a consumer asks a company not to call, the company may not call, even if there is an established business relationship. Indeed, a company may not call a consumer – regardless of whether the consumer’s number is on the registry – if the consumer has asked to be put on the company’s own Do Not Call list.
In a search on a completely different topic, I found this statement in another company’s policies and procedures.
Both federal agencies (as well as a number of states) have “do not call” regulations as part of their tele-
marketing laws. Although [Company XYZ] does not consider Independent Distributors to be “telemarketers” in the traditional sense of the word, these government regulations broadly define the term “telemarketer” and “telemarketing” so that your inadvertent action of calling someone whose telephone number is listed on the federal “do not call” registry could cause you to violate the law. Moreover, these regulations must not be taken lightly, as they carry significant penalties (up to $11,000 per violation)
The only companies I see NOT presenting the ‘do not call’ issue in complete light are the companies SELLING the robo dialing programs.
…………………… So, if you’re thinking about purchasing a program that’s going to automatically tele-SPAM strangers about your business opportunity or service, who are you going to listen to….. the guy/gal trying to make a sale off of you by convincing you the laws don’t apply to you OR the Network Marketing company you represent who you signed up with to create on going income?
Be safe, be smart….. always look at both sides. Discovering what you don’t know you don’t know COULD save you from getting in HOT WATER not only with your Network Marketing company but also perhaps the Federal Government!
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher
Someone asked me recently what it takes to be a successful Entrepreneur and build a business from home. 
I thought ….. hmmmmmm ….. Interesting question. Then I thought back to when I opened my traditional computer business back in 1989. Did I even consider whether I had the right internal "Stuff"? No, I don’t recall that I did.
Instead of asking myself what it would take from inside of me, I got busy investigating and lining up the variety of pieces it would require to put the puzzle together and open the doors for business.
After I was asked that question though, I started thinking…. more hmmmmmm’ing …… let’s see what Google has to say.
I found some interesting views and have shared one of them below.
Since I’ve also abandoned the traditional business ownership for Network Marketing, I’ve highlighted the traits I’ve discovered I’ve needed to STAY IN the business of building a business from home.
Common sense and experience should persuade you that successful entrepreneurs have certain traits. You would likely describe the prototype, “perfect” entrepreneur as follows:
- A goal setter who writes down clear, realistic, challenging, attainable objectives
- Tenacious, determined, and patient enough to complete the job
- Honest, fair, optimistic, cooperative, and tactful
- A straightforward and effective verbal and written communicator
- Self-confident and self-directed
- Driven to compete and succeed against self-imposed standards
- Not afraid of failure; able to deal with and learn from it
- A moderate risk-taker who takes carefully calculated risks with a strong chance for success
- A decision-maker who takes the initiative
- A hands-on learner
- Has a strong drive and energy level maintained through good diet and exercise habits
- A smart worker as well as a hard worker
- Open-minded with a tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty
- Exercises practical judgment with good critical thinking skills, problem-solving ability, and creativity
- Aware of personal strengths and weaknesses and the appropriate use of outside resource people
- Has specialized technical knowledge within the business
- Has good numbers sense and strong analytical ability
- Has a healthy respect for money and the ability to use it effectively and appropriately
Excerpted from Business Start-Up Guide © 2002, Tycoon Publishing
Note that the information I found states the "proto-type ——- perfect" entrepreneur. Since none of us are ‘perfect’, don’t be dis-heartened if you don’t have every ONE of these traits.
When building a business from home via the Network Marketing Industry, we are supposed to be working with TEAMS….
more than just our self.
Because of that, it’s not necessary that we each have all of these traits to start with.
I’ll tell you this… had someone shared this list with me before I jumped out and risked building a traditional business, it’s likely I would have stopped in my tracks. I think I would have said "I don’t have ANY of these traits"… Truth is – I did have some, acquired others and sought out individuals who would be able to fill in the areas of my weaknesses.
Same goes for Network Marketing. We may not have ALL the necessary traits when we start….. that’s ok …
The beauty of the entrepreneurial spirit in Network Marketing is:
Just get started & be prepared to LEARN & GROW as you go.
To YOUR Success
~Jennifer Fisher













