EAGLE-SOLDIER-MENTOR

ATTAINABE WORKABLE GOALS EXPLAINED; PART ONE

2010-01-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, I mentioned that I would be share a method I use for setting goals at the beginning of a New Year. Well let's go. I start by identifying the main areas of my life. There's: a. Spiritual; b. Mental; c.Physical; d. Social; e. Financial; and f. Personal. After I identify these important areas, I spend time brandstorming what issues I want to work on in each of these main areas. Next, I put together goals to correspond to each of the mentioned issues. Why will this work? Why is this better than making resolutions? We will talk about that in subsequent posts. See ya then.

AIM HIGH-THIS NEW YEAR

2010-01-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's at this time of the year that its good take a self assessment and an inventory of who we are; where we are; and where we are going with our lives, We sometimes think about making resolutions; about how we can change and make improvements in areas of our lives in which we would like to do better. Me, I've not had much success at all, in making and keeping resolutions It is too easy at a time of high emotion, to bite off more than you can chew, and promise to yourself something that you can;t attain to. And before long you break the resolution and give up, and feel terrible about yourself. That's why, I don't like to think about making resolutions. I don't want to set my self up for failure. I like to think about making goals; something that I can strive towards; a target that I can shoot at. A while back, I read a thought about hitting a target which I think is appropriate here. 'When your are shooting at a target, it is necessary to set your aim higher than you actually think the target is because over the long trajectory of time and distance, the pull of gravity, and the natural drift downward will pull your shot ever so slightly lower that where you were aimed'. Tommorrow, I will talk about ways of goal setting that has worked for me

The Fountain Of Youth

2009-03-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

I read a quote recently from the great Italian actress of the post World War II generation, Sophia Loren. She said, "There is a fountain of youth; it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." Your mind is a Fountain of Youth. Your mind and thoughts are the only thing you have absolute control over. Yesterday, I had occasion to say to the cab driver who was driving me home from the gym, Eddie, I live where the Sun is always shining and the Sky is always bright. He looked at me half askance as I explained, I am an optimist. For me the cup is always over half full. And he understood what I was saying.. Every once in a which, someone will say to me, "I'm not going to complain; it doesn't do any good anyway. I respond to them, "It is far better not to have anything to complain about. That is the way I strive to live all the time. It sure makes for a much happier life. If you are trying to attract people into your life, and into your business, it is absolutely essential that you have a positive attitude and mindset. Nobody at all will be attracted to you if you are full of doom and gloom, and seeing the glass half empty. You need to work at programming your sub-conscious mind with a positive outlook, and it will WORK for YOU when you meet with the challenges and pitfalls of life that we all meet. Try it. I recommend it Thomas Havis-Detroit Michigan (313) 516-6043 call anytime ASK ME ABOUT MY 2 MINUTE STORY

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!

2009-02-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

Keep it simple Stupid! Last week, I prepared and filed my Federal Tax Return. As I've done for the past two years, I used one of the Free File companies on-line to actually file. It allowed me to file my Federal Return for free. About 20 years ago, the agency I work for developed an e-filing program for its employees. So I've be e-filing for nearly 20 year. For many people, tax time is a nightmare. People get stressed out and frustrated when they do their tax returns. But for me, it is a piece of cake. Because I have a simple lifestyle, and the circumstance of my life rarely change much from year to year. I can prepare my own return. One weekend recently, I sat down with pen, forms, and calculator. Even though I use e-file, I still prepare it manually as a draft. When I sat down, with all my forms, figures, and document it took me all of 1/2 an hour to prepare a rough draft which I was able then to e-file on-line. My advise to you is "Keep it Simple and Concise. If your circumstances do change; do some research, brainstorming, planning; asking yourself the question, "How will this affect my Tax Return. If you do need an Accountant, or Tax Preparer, keep yourself abreast of what he is doing. Be hands on. After all you are signing the Tax Return under penalty of perjury. If a mistake is made, you are responsible. The way that this relates to building a business is this. It is important to keep it simple. Every aspect of your business should be simple and concise; streamlined so you can run it on auto pilot, if need be. It needs to be simple so you can teach it to others so that they can duplicate what you've done. It needs to be simple and concise so that you can be on top of it and be in control at all times. What I said about the Tax Return in the first paragraph, relates to your business tax return; even if you have an Accountant, or Tax Preparer prepare your return: you be abreast of what is going on. Take responsibility for your tax return no matter who prepares it. Remember the acronym KISS. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID REGARDS Thomas Havis (313) 516-6043 CALL AND ASK ME ABOUT MY TWO MINUTE STORY

A Long Term Mindset and dogged Persistence is vital for Success

2009-02-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

We must have a Long Term Mindset if we are to find Success, and build something that has lasting value. We live in a day and age that is characterized by the quest for instant gratification. That is why so many people today are sucked in by the people who are creating programs and schemes promising 'Instant Internet Wealth' Many people who are starting to use the Internet to create income from home, are expecting to get rich quick; mainly because of the hype, and scam that is being promoted online, and the new programs which are being promoted every day. This is not realistic. Life isn't like that. Down every avenue of life we journey along we find that in order to achieve anything, it takes time, effort, patience, and determined dogged Persistance. Let me give you an example from my life currently. Over the past weekend I adopted a cat; actually, still a kitten. Spaz is a 10-month old male Maine Coon mix. He looks big for 10 months, his coat is really nice. And I half expect that he will turn into a really nice looking cat. I already had Elsa Goldenbelle. She is an almost 8 year old purebred Norwegian Forest Cat. She is really beautiful, her coloring is a Golden Mackeral Tabby. She has been living with me for 7 years; and for the last 6 months she has been the only cat. Last summer, I lost the two purebred Maine Coons I had due to acute liver failure. Spaz is adjusting quite well. For several hours after I brought him home he was hiding in the pet carrier that I was using to transport him in. But after I coaxed him out, and he started exploring his new surroundings, he has not looked back. The challenge has been Elsa. As I said, she has been the only cat, and has had the run of the apartment by herself. She is still quite upset with the fact that now she has to share her territory, and share my attention. As of today, she hisses at him whenever she sees him. Sbe doesn't want to be in the same room with him. At this point, 3 days or so into the experiment, I could be frustrated, quit, and qive up the hope that Elsa will get along with him. But that would be foolishness. Not only is it still the first week; but I can see the big picture. I know about Elsa. I know about her past, what she has lived with. And I know that she is a quiet laid back type of cat that has a sweet personality. She will adjust. I have faith that she and Spaz will not only tolerate one another, but that someday; it won't be that long either; they will be best of friends. It will take a certain amount of time, love, and patience. But it WILL happen. Anyone who is seeking Success at a home business must have that same determination to do whatever it take, and to patiently work as long as it takes to find the Success they are looking for. This will not happen overnight. Skills must be learned, Relationships must be build, systems must be established in order to have lasting success. That will take a Long Term Mindset, and a dogged, never say die Persistence.

A System, simple and Duplicatible

2009-02-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

Today as I was sitting at my desk, doing my Federal Government job, it was becoming clear to me, that to perform the administrative tasks which accompany my job, I use several systems. These systems are so streamlined that I could almost work them with my eyes closed. They almost run themselves. They are so simple that I could teach them to anybody, even a ten-year old child. That is the secret; a system that is streamlined, simple-easy to learn. If you are in business, any business; but especially Network Marketing; you are looking for something that is duplicatible that anyone could plug into and have the same Success which you are having. You want to be able to teach your team how they can reach others who can reach others also. Remember Massive Duplication mean Massive Success. You need a System that is Simple and Duplicatible. Best Regards to your Success Thomas Havis-Detroit, Michigan (313) 516-6043 call anytime ASK ME ABOUT MY TWO MINUTE STORY

It's a New Day

2009-01-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

One morning recently, before the holidays, as I was waking up, the thought that came wafting it's way into my mind was, "Its a New Day." As I was getting myself ready to go to work I was aware that the more I meditated upon that thought; the more I was encouraged. It's a new day. There is no need to be holding on to the baggage from yesterday. If there is something carried over from yesterday which needs to be addressed. ADDRESS it, and move on! Take whatever means necessary to get it resolved. Then PUT IT BEHIND YOU. It is in the Past! It's a new day. There are new opportunities; new inspirations; new people to meet; new challenges and obstacles to overcome; new things to do and learn. The Scripture puts it like this in Phil 3:13b-14 "...this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the High calling of God in Christ Jesus". In building your business; each day is new! Learn from what happened yesterday; but don't rest on the laurels of yesterdays successes, and don't build a monument to the failures of yesterday. Today is a brand new page, and you can create new momentum to the Slight Edge continium which is pushing your business and your life to where you want it to be.

The Wisdom to Know the Difference

2009-01-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

We've all read the what is called the Serenity Prayer: Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. This saying is made famous by groups like 'Alcoholic Anonymous who are working to help people change their live This weekend, I heard this thought expressed in a different tone. A man named Octavio Paz wrote that "Wisdom lies neither in fixity nor change but in the dialectic between the two". Each person must struggle and strive to find the values that define their lives. This is a process which takes time, because these values are the foundation stones upon which we build our lives. Once we establish our values, we must hold to them and never change them. However, in each of our lives, there are areas which we need to change, in order to become the people that God made us to be. We need to be open, flexible and ready to make these changes when the light of inspiration shines upon our pathway. The Wisdom lies in the ability to discern between those values which we need to hold fast to, and the changes which we need to make in order to become better people. That is why we need continually to be learning. Education and growth are life long processes. In Network Marketing then, Self Development is a must. We must be continually improving; finding those areas where we need to make changes. If we don't, we will be stagnating and going backward.

The Real Authentic and Individual Me

2009-01-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

I read somewhere just today that the ultimate creative act is to express what is most Authentic and Individual about myself. So I made the decision that for my first blog post of 2009, I would paint a picture of what is most authentic and individual about me. I am a 'green' personality. In the vocabulary of personality study, I would be called a 'melancholy'; although I am not at all melancholy. I have been an optimist, and a positive thinker my entire life for as far back as I can remember. I am very self contained and keep to myself and somewhat indirect. Although, I feel like I have a book inside of me which I need to share with others. So I can't be that indirect. I hate political correctness. I like to state exactly what is on my mind. One of the things currently which drives me bananas is the emphasis on being enviromentally conscious or 'green'. Sure I believe that we need to protect the environment in which we have to live; but today, too many people are going overboard. In my opinion Rush Limbaugh is correct when he calls such people 'Environmentalist Whackos'. Like I said above, I keep to myself. There are alot of times when I enjoy being with people. I enjoy talking with and relate to all kinds of people; but I consider myself solitary, like an eagle. I enjoy my own company. When I travel I travel by myself. It doesn't bother me to go out to dinner by myself. I keep my own counsel. I am a critical thinker. I don't follow the crowd, and I don't care what people think about me. I don't want to be like anybody else. I want to be who I am. I want to be the person that God made to me. I am a Spiritual person. I prize highly above everything else to be spiritually minded. Thirty years ago, I was born-again, and met the God of the universe. To be like Jesus, and to be pleasing to Him. That is the focus of my life If you are in business, especially the network marketing business, you've got to connect with people. You've got to BE YOURSELF to connect with people. If you are not yourself, people will turn you off. You've got to be Authentic, and Individual.

2008-11-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Having just told you about my recent pedestrian auto accident, my mind flashed back to something that happened 41 years ago, on June 01, 1967, when I was 14 years old. I was in the 8th grade at Mary Lyon Junior High School in Royal Oak Michigan. My home room and Social Studies/English teacher was Mr. Schneider. I was in the Boy Scouts. My rank was First Class. Our meetings were on Thursday nights. On this particular evening I had ridden on my bicycle to the scout meeting with a neighborhood friend Art Kowalski. We had to cross one busy street, the intersection of 14 Mile and Campbell roads. That was the dividing line between 4 suburbans in Metropolitan Detroit. Troy, Royal Oak, Clawson, and Madison Heights all came together at that intersection. We called it 4 corners. On my way to the scout meeting that evening, there was nothing unusual about that intersection. The traffic light was operating with normal operation. We just waited until the light turned green, and then we crossed. Foolishly, we rode our bikes in the streets. On the way home, it was already dark. It was after 9 PM. We rode our bikes in the street again, this time on the shoulder of Campbell Road. When we came to the intersection the traffic light was flashing. It had turned into a flasher at 9:00 PM. I remember noticing that it was flashing, and I was anxious about it. Being as careful as I could, I attempted to cross the intersection. I was struck broadside by a car going eastbound on 14 Mile road about 35 miles an hour. I must have been knocked out because I remember waking up, lying on the street, looking up into the face of a neighbor, Mrs. Mapes who lived half a block way on Sheffield. She was asking me if I was all right. I was taken by ambulance to Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital. I stayed over two nights for observation. I had a slight concussion, a sprain, but no broken bones. I guess being on the bicycle protected me. How does this relate to Success and Survival in business? When changes come, and they will, we must be ALERT. and then we must adapt and be flexible to help us get through the changes. Back to the incident I just related; when we were on the way home, and I noticed that the traffic signal had started flashing, I might have avoided the accident entirely by going over to the sidewalk and crossing at the school crosswalk. We must be alert to changes that come. We must slow down, think rationally, and critically. We must be flexible and adapt if we are to survive. I can help you be SUCCESSFUL! THOMAS HAVIS-Detroit, Michigan (313) 516-6043 call anytime

FACING ADVERSITY AND PLOWING AHEAD TO FIND ULTIMATE SUCCESS

2008-10-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

I have been out of the loop for 6 months. Here's why April 1, 2008 started out as a normal day. I rose at 4:00 am. I read my Bible. I ate my normal breakfast. I showered and dressed for work. I got a lunch together, including a thermos of coffee. I left my apartment at 6:30 am and started walking to the bus stop about 4 blocks away. At about 640 am, about a block away from the bus stop, while attempting to cross the street, I was struck by a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country, which is nearly an SUV. I saw myself get hit. I was thrown about ten feet, and hit the pavement on the femur portion of my right leg. As it turned out, the Tibia of my left leg was shattered, and the Femur of my right leg was severely fractured. Fortunately, a workman who was at the intersection that day, called EMS who took me to Detroit Receiving Hospital. I was in the Hospital 10 days, during which time I had 4 surgeries. I was transferred to a Rehabilitaion Center where I was for 45 days. I lived in an Assisted Living Center for 4 months where I graduated from a wheelchair to a walker; and from a walker to a cane. I am still using the cane, but less and less. Gradually, my life is getting back to normal. God has done a great miracle for me. I owe my recovery to my faith in God; people that prayed for me; my support ;system; and the positive attitude that I carry with me all the time All of us go through adversity at one time or another. It may be in that in building a business, the path to success may be filled wth adversity. It may seem that you are Butting your head against a stone wall. I is in have a positive mindset, faith in God, yourself, and perserverence in plowing ahead that you will eventually SUCCEED!

NORMAL WEEKEND STUFF..CLEANING THE CHURCH

2007-09-15T17:41:00.001-07:00

For the last 15-20 years I have been part of the team which has gotten the Tabernacle, and the Church Fellowship Hall prepared the worship services which our church has on Sundays. Of course, we have our worship services, Sunday AM & PM in the Tabernacle. We use the Fellowship Hall for the children's Sunday School Classes which we have during the hour preceding the Sunday Morning worship. We also have classes for the older youth, young adults, and adult in the Tabernacle. On Saturday afternoon at approximately 4:00 pm or later we prepare both building for the Sunday functions. We do whatever cleaning is necessary, do set up work if appropriate, and we prepare the literature for the Sunday School classes, making sure that it is available and set out for use. We make sure that both buildings are prepared and ready for Sunday Morning ; and that we can function without a hitch.

If you are in business of any type; If you work at a regular job; Indeed, at any activity in your life that you wish to be successful, you must plan and prepare. Something that I heard seems to be a Maxim or Truism in this regard "IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAI!! Because I am steering these thoughts in the direction of Network Marketing, and building a Successful Network Marketing Business, I will limit my discussion to some of the planning and preparation that is necessary in building a business from home, More in my nest post,

SUCCESS AND FAILURE IN YOUR ENDEAVORS

2007-09-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, I mentioned that 26 years ago, I was in Basic Training in Fort Leornardwood Missouri for the United States Army. There were a lot of failures I had. I was 28 years old when I enlisted in the Army. Even though I ran Cross Country, and Track when I was in High School, At 28 my stamina wasn't what it should have been, and I found it hard to keep up with the pace of the Company runs. I had a lot of inhibitions that hindered me when it came to the Obstacle Courses, and the Confidence courses which the Unit trained on. When it came to the Fire and Manuever taining, I found myself moving like a truck. I had one of the Company Drill sargents. Sgt Jantzen tell me "Havis, you're not going to make it as a Soldier". And when it came to the Grenade Course, i failed it, and had to be rescheduled to take it over. Finally, I had some type of physical affliction where i feet were swelling up, and i missed a day of marching on them

I had some things that were successes. I managed to qualify with my M-16 the first go-around. I practically aced the "END OF CYCLE TEST on the soldiering skills that we had learned in Basic Combat Training. I managed to pass the Army Physical Training Test (APRT); and I gained the respect and admiration of my fellow recruits.

What made the difference? I NEVER GAVE UP.. This week, some one sent me a story about what it takes to be a finisher. The MORAL is this. If you want to be a Finisher, DON'T GIVE UP!!

This goes Double, Even Triple, if you are trying to build a business. I can guarantee you, it will be a struggle. Nothing in life ever comes easy; Learning all the skillls necessary to talk to people; learn what is necessary to manage your business will all take effort and hard work. Success will not come EASY. But one thing is for sure, IF YOU QUIT. YOU WILL FAIL. GUARANTEED!!! KEEP HANGING IN THERE! EVENTUALLY, SUCCESS WILL COME IF YOU DON'T QUIT.

KNOWING YOUR COMPANY'S COMPENSATION PLAN

2007-09-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

26 years ago, in 1981 I was in Basic Training at Fort LeonardWood Missouri. I went to basic training on July 27. We didn't get paid until the end of August. In the Military there is a mid-month pay; and then there is a pay at the end of the month. Of course in basis training, we wait until they get ready to pay us.

If you are in a network marketing company, It is imperative that you know your company's pay plan. Even though It really isn't all about the money, compensation is a mojor part of why you are in Network Marketing. You've got to be able to see how you can generate the residual income that you are looking to generate. How often will you receive a check: every week, month, three months. It is important that you research the pay plan that your company offiers. 'How many people do you need to sponsor to achieves the goals and dreams that you have. Many people that start with a network marketing company don't have a clue'

NORMAL WEEKEND STUFF-WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING

2007-08-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

We have a prayer meeting every Saturday afternoons at 3:00 on Eastern Time. We gather together and pray for all the Christian believers in the church. We pary about prospects, and people we are ministering to. We also pray about financial needs, and phyical needs.

It is important in your network marketing venture that you meet together with your team on a periodic and regular basis to talk about how things are going on the team. Talk about everybodys progress. Talk about potential prospects and customers. Also plan how to help each one progress from where they are to where they want to be. Remember, Network Marketing is not a sales business, but it is a relationship business. And by having regular team meeting, or conference calls can help you build team cohesiveness, and that can help you in building your business

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS-I HATE IT!!!! PART II

2007-08-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

I WILL GIVE YOU TWO EXAMPLES OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS WHICH I'VE ENCOUNTERED I BELIEVE THAT I TOLD YOU THAT I WORKED FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. ACTUALLY I AM EMPLOYED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, AN AGENCY THAT 'EVERYBODY' KNOWS AND LOVES' I HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE MEN AN WOMEN OF THE IRS FOR APPROXIMATELY 24 YEARS. I HAVE WORKED A SUPPORT ROLE IN THE COMPLIANCE SECTION. ONE OF THE TYPES OF PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH ARE WHAT HAVE BEEN KNOWN TRADITIONALLY AS 'TAX PROTESTERS'. THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO WILLFULLY AVOID AND EVADE FILING TAX RETURNS. THEY AVOID HAVING MONEY WITHHELD FROM THEIR PAYCHECKS BY TURNING IN BOGUS W-4'S, EITHER BY CLAIMING 150 EXEMPTIONS (OR SOME REDICULOUS FIGURE), OR THEY MAKE THE STATEMENT ON THE W-4 THAT THEY ARE TAX EXEMPT; INSTRUCTING THE EMPLOYER NOT TO TAX MONEY OUT AND SENDING IT IN TO THE GOVERMNENT. THIS IS BLATANTLY ILLEGAL. AND OF COURSE THESE PEOPLE 'JUSTIFY' AND COUCH THEIR ILLEGALITY WITH LEGAL TERMS. THEY USE THE CONSTITUTION TO CLAIM THAT MAYBE THEY AREN'T CITIZENS; AND ARE NOT LIABLE FOR TAXES. MAYBE THEY TRY AND US THE 'BILL OF RIGHTS' TO CLAIM THAT TAXES ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL. NEARLY TEN YEARS AGO, THE RULING CAME DOWN THAT WE WERE NO LONGER TO REFER TO THESE PEOPLE AS 'TAX PROTESTERS' IT JUST MIGHT MAKE THEM FEEL BAD. THE SUGGESTION WAS THAT WE MIGHT CALL THEM 'CONSTITUTIONALLY CHALLENGED.

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, I WENT TO A TRAINING CLASS ON THE PROVISIONS IN THE LAW WITH REGARDS TO ACCESSIBILTY FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE. THE PERSON THAT WAS TEACHING THE CLASS SAID QUITE PLAINLY, WE DON'T WANT TO CALL THEM HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ANY MORE. IT MIGHT MAKE THEM FEEL BAD. WE MIGHT REPLACE IT WITH PHYSICALLY CHALLANGED. I'M SORRY BUT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG ABOUT THE TERM HANDICAPPED. IN MY OPINION THE TERM 'PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED' MIGHT BE MORE DORAGATORY THAN 'HANDICAPPED.

THERE ARE OTHER EXAMPLES THAT I COULD GIVE ABOUT POLITICALLY CORRECT WAYS OF ACTING AND OR SPEAKING, BUT I'M GOING TO END IT WITH WHAT I'VE TALKED ABOUT.

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS: I HATE IT!

2007-08-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

In our day and age, the 21st century, the concept of being politically correct, or the state of politcal correctness is much in style. The idea that one can't say things a certain way, or have certain opinions or risk being shunned as being a pariah, apparently has taken over much of our society. I don't know about you, but I HATE it! I am not a politcally correct person, and I dont care! In fact I'm glad I'm not 'pc'.

I remember the first time I was exposed to political correctness. I was in the Army in the first half of the 1980's. I was stationed in the Federal Republic of Germany (West) This was about 5 years before the Wall came down. There was a Staff Sargent (SSG) Hardy, who was one of my superiors. He had a habit of always saying to people, "Right Answer" if it was something that was what they wanted to here, or "wrong answer" if it was something that they didn't want to hear. I always felt funny about that. I have always been, and will always be a great believer in saying exactly how it is on your mind. Of course being tactful, but there is no right way or wrong way of saying anything. I don't want to feel like I am walking on eggshells, or I am having to look over my back.. I WANT TO Be MYSELF!!

You should be yourself when you are relationship building in your Network Marking Business. If you are putting on airs, or trying to be Something other than what you are; the whom you are trying to prospect or build a relationship with will pick it up, and it will hinder trust from developing which is key in relationship building.

NORMAL WEEKEND STUFF: VOLUNTEER WORK AT MY PASTOR'S INNER-CITY MINISTRY

2007-08-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

After going to the Eastern Market on Saturday mornings to purchase cut flowers for the church. I prepare to do volunteer work at my Pastor's inner-city Detroit Ministry. One of her 8 ministries is called the "Glorious Freedom Mission" minisitry. It is a ministry of mercy to 'Cass Corridor' needy. Cass Corridor is the area of the city where her ministries are located; also it is the area where I live. Tuesday through Saturday every week, the door is open from 1000AM-0200PM. Poor, indigent people from the area, alot of homeless, substance abusers come to the door,

We give out a lot of sandwiches, sweetrolls, pastries, glasses of water to the hungry, thirsty people as they come. Oftentimes we have emergency foodbags to share with needy families. We give out Christian literature, and look for opportunities to speak to the individuals about the soul's need; pointing them to Christ, that He can change their lives. We offer them hope that their lives can be better. We also invite them to attend our Church services on Sunday Morning and Evening. The Church is right accross the Street.

About ten years ago or so, Pastor Brown asked me to come on Saturday, and man the door as a ministry. I prayed and felt that it was what God wanted me to do. It has been very fulfilling and rewarding to me, also spiritually satisfying.

It has been said that the excercise most beneficial to our own well being is when we help someone else. This relates to all the areas of our live. And of course our businesses are no different. If we forget about ourselves; if we concentrate on what is best for our prospects; the people that we sponsor and are under us; seek to help them solve the problems in their lives, and reach their goals, and dreams and attain the level of success they are looking for, then well know that our efforts have been worthwhile. Not only that but we'll discover that we will have attained our dreams and aspirations also. That is the only way to have real success in Network Marketing. We must become a "MENTOR WITH A SERVANTS HEART" Remember this is a RELATIONSHIP BUSINESS; not a sales business.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING: FINALLY JOINING THE MILITARY

2007-08-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

Something happened in my life which changed everything. Up to this point, the timing wasn't right for me to join the Military. I had something happen to me which at the time was a great sadness that I couldn't understand. I found myself living again with my Parents, and without a job at that particular point. I was at the hospital visiting either my grandfather or the woman to whom my grandfather was married; when the suggestion came to mind that it was time to think again about enlisting in the Army. At this point the timing was absolutely right. I went and approached the recruiter. I took care of the preliminaries: physical, ASVAB, DLAB. On July 27 1981 I enlisted in the US Army as a Russian voice interceptor for which I needed to learn Russian. That night I was off to Fort Leonardwood Missouri for Basic Training.

The timing was right. It had not been right 6 years prior when I first had tried to enlist; nor 2 years before in 1979. But things had changed to where the timing was perfect in 1981. That is one thing we have to keep in mind in our Network Marketing Business. The prospects that say 'no" today, who can tell what their situation will be like a year or so down the road. Life isn't static. Things have a tendency t0 move around and change. So what is a 'NO' today, could very well turn out to be a 'YES" at a later date. Somestimes sooner rather than later. The important thing is don't give up or prejudge someone just because they say no once. NEVER take them off your list. Periodically contact them. Buid a relationship. You may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

While I am at it, I will tell you the last chapter about timing and my Military experience. When I enlisted I was going through a dark tunnel experience. My first inclination was to look at the Army as a carreer and stay in. Some how More than half-way through I decided that being to much of an individual, that the Army or Military wasn't for me. So I ended up getting out after 4 years. I was in a regular Reserve unit in Detroit for a year and the remainder of the reserve committment was spent in the Individual Ready Reserve. Had I stayed in I never would have gone back to the IRS, I am a career IRS employee, And one day a friend with whom I had lost touch, saw me downtown one day. The started a chain of events which worked to lift and help me recover from the great darkness which I was in. So as you can see from what I've related about my own life that timing plays an important roling in our personal lives; also in our business. NEVER GIVE UP!

TIMING IS EVERYTHING;Enlisting in the Military

2007-07-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

When I graduated from High School in 1971, the Vietnam War wasstill going on. That year, I'd jsut turned 18 years old, and I registered with Selective Service because it was the law. They had just started the Draft Lottery. They drew by birthdates. My birthdate in the first drawing was very low. I started into the university the fall after graduation. so I was able to get a College Deferment. Thankfully, praise God, that I didn't get drafted, because it was during this period of my life that God had awakened me to see my need of a Saviour, had led me to a good church, some good people, and eventually I got saved. So it was really important to me and my life that I didn't get drafted at that time

In 1975, due to a recruiting brochure which was published by the US Navy. I almiost enlisted for 6 years on active duty, in the Navy's Nuclear Power program. I went and took the Military physical examination, and I took the ASVAB 'Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery. This is a series of tests designed to measure ones aptitude to learn the various types of occupations represented in the Military Services. They got a slot for me to go to Boot Camp at Great Lakes. All that remained for me to do was to come back and raise my right hand, get sworn in. The enlistment would be completed, and I would be on my way to Boot Camp. I got up that morning troubled about whether I was doing the right thing. I was expecting that God had a plan for my life, and I didn't at that point want to tie up my life for 6 years. So, I called my recruiter that morning, and told him that I wasn't going through with it.

There were a lot of things happening in my life in 1979. Among them was a period of unemployment, when I moved back in with my Parents. As it turned out, I nearly joined the Military again, this time it was the Army. I was interested in the Linguistic program, and learning a foriegn language. This enlistment would have been for 4 years on Active Duty.. Again I took the physical, the ASVAB battery, I took a special test-(DLAB) test which measured my potential for learning a Forieign Language. I got a slot for Basic Training, and the Language School in Monterey California. Again, I came right up to the point of Raising My Hand, and getting Sworn in as an enlisted person. I backed out of it. Again feeling that the time wasn't right.

Timing is everything in life. In business also. There are some prospects you talk to, and at the time they are not interested. But who can tell in the future, a year or two down the road, what will change in their lives, to where they might become interested. We can never give up on people. Those people , not interested, whom you talk to today, keep them on your list. Make occasional contact with them. You never know just when things will be different for them.

In the next Post, I will relate how in 1981, I did enlist in the Army. This time the timing was right.

NORMAL WEEKEND STUFF-GOING TO THE EASTERN MARKET

2007-07-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

I told you that on weekends I was going to start sharing what Normal weekend stuff is for me. However this weekend is not normal because on Saturday, I attended a seminar which was entitled, "Strategies for Success" It was hosted by Tom (Big Al) Schreiter, a MLM 'Icon' and by Jerry Clark who is a TOP trainer in the Network Marketing Industry. An of course, I was successful in finding someone who filled in for me in my volunteer work that I do each Saturday in my Pastor's inner-city Ministry. So I spent 8 hours this Saturday listen to some dynamic and inspiring Information.

Normally my Saturday morning begins, after I fully wake up, and get myself together, with a trip to Detroit's Eastern Market, or farmer's market. The Eastern Market is located in a corner of downtown Detroit right behind Ford Field where the Detroit Lions play and right behind Comerica Park where the Detroit Tigers play ball.

In the late 1980's, the Church where I attend purchase some Pulpit Furniture including a Plant Stand which is located on the speaker's platform to one side of the Pulpit. Each week, a different church member donates a specified amount of money to purchase cut flowers for the Sunday services, and Wednesday night Service. More often then not a dedication is made by the person who purchased the flowers.

I have had the privilege of going to the market each week and picking out the flowers. I have been doing it for 15-20 years. I have a creative streak about me, and I really enjoy the challenge of matching different types of flowers to build a suitable arrangement.

I will relate this to Network Marketing in two ways. #1 Be creative in building your business. The sky is the limit. If you have a good company, and good people in back of you, it will take creativity, and persistence on your part to make it happen. It is not about the externa factors, it is about you and your determination. Also #2. Don't change who you are. Be yourselve. People can spot a phony a mile away.

EMOTIONAL STORY TELLING-BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS--PART II

2007-07-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I gave an example of how telling a story from your past might be able to engage a prospect emotions which will form a bond, build trust and possibly result in a customer for your business. Today I am going to give an example of how telling a story which appeals to the emotions might land a potential business partner.

Suppose you are talking to a potential prospect. You are listening to them say "Although I have a good job, I just can't seem to make ends meet; I'm struggling to keep my head above water." After prequalifying them by asking "Would you like to do something about it?" You start telling them about the time in your life when times were tough. Perhaps your checking account was overdrawn; your credit cards were maxed out. You were forced to downgrade to a smaller house or apartment. Things were so tight that you could scarely breathe or turn around. As you are relating this, the pictures of these actual situations are coming to mind, and you actually start to relive and experience the worry that we felt; the tightness in the finances that seemed to sap your strength, and made you dread to answer the phone because of the bill collectors that were calling. As these feeling come back to you, you are really starting to become engaged and involved in relating the story. Your energy level is rising and your prospect can feel it . They can sense the intensity level and depth of emotion in your voice. If they can relate at all to what you are saying, and their emotions are stirred then a bond is created. They start to identify with you, and trust is begun. You still have to reel them in. but you have the possibity of getting a potential business partner. MORE LATER

THE APPEALING POWER OF EMOTIONAL STORY TELLING--PART 1

2007-07-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

I am going to talk about the power of Emotional Story Telling Doug Jarvis, a Network Marketing Leader in my upline, instructs that "STORIES sell, facts just tell. Now what actually sells is the Emotional Impact of a story. For Instance: Say you are talking to a prospect customer. The Company you are affiliated with markets a life-changing line of Health and Wellness products. You listen to you prospect say that they have a health issue with severe migraine headache that they've suffered with 15 years or more; and they are not getting any better. Imediately, the picture comes to you that you used to deal with the same problem. Then you started taking a regimen of the Company's products that was specially designed for dealing with the crippling headache. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! As you start telling this story, you are going back in your mind, and actually reliving the Intense pain that you suffered with for years; and also the RELIEF which you felt when you were finally able to get free from the migraines. As you are telling this; because you are seeing the pictures in your mind, and feeling the feelings; you are becoming more engaged, excited, and your intensity level is rising. Perhaps the volume of voice is rising a bit. All of this is heard by the person to whom you are talking. They are sensing the Passion, Excitement, and the Emotional involvement you have in the story you are telling. If they can relate to what you are saying; if they begin to have some emotional involvement; if they can see themselve in what you are relating, then you will start to form a bond with that person. Trust will begin. They will start to sell themselves on whatever product they are considering. You, potentially, have gained yourself a Customer for your business.

THE POWER OF THE MIND, MEMORIES, AND EMOTIONS

2007-07-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Several days ago, I shared with you that oftentimes by meditating on a story or picture from the past that we start to feel the same feelings that we felt when the event originally happened. I am going to share two memories from my life where I can still remember and actually experience the feelings that were associated with these two events from the past. In October of 1962, I was ten years old, and in the fourth grade. At this particular time the Soviet Union tried to secretly put nuclear missiles in Cuba. Our satellites had picked them out. There was a confrontation between President John F. Kennedy and Premier Nikita Krushchev.. There was a lot of tension in the air. I came home from school one afternoon. I came into the living room. Either the television or the radio was on. There was a newscaster who was talking about the latest news about the Cuban Missle Crisis. All at once I was aware of feeling fear. The fear that we might be going to war, and that It might be a nuclear war. As I am meditating, and reliving this incident, I am experiencing again the tension that was in the air, and I definitely can remember and can feer the fear that I expeienced. From 1981-1985 I served on active duty in the Army. I served in Germany during the years of 1983, 1984, The day after thanksgiving that year I received orders to come back to the USA for my last 6 months in the Army. I was to leave for home on the day after Christmas, 12/26/1984. I was really looking forward to coming back home and seeing my family; parents, and siblings again after two years in Europe. My roots are in the Detroit Michigan area, and I had an intense longing and feeling of anticipation which I experience whenever I meditate on the event. I also recall the feelings of anxiety which I felt as I was pressing to get every thing prepared to depart from Germany. There were several hindrances, and roadblocks which caused me to despair that I would be able to make it in time. And I reexperience the intense feeling of relief which I felt when I got everything done. How does this relate to Success in Network Marketing? I will discuss that in tomorrow's post.

A TREASURE TROVE OF RELATABLE STORIES; A DEFINITE ASSET IN RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

2007-07-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in yesterday's post, having a timeline of ones life builds a treasure trove or cashbox of Relatable Stories that you can have to draw upon when you are talking to a prospect, or when you are mentoring and training a person within your organization. We are emotional people. The way that we build relationships and get people to bond with us is to appeal to their emotions. We can easily do that by having relatable stories. When we are talking for instance to a prospect, and we draw a story out of our past, which is appropriate and relatable, the chances are very good that we will connect with the person we are talking with. They will hear the passion and the intensity that we are telling the story with. Their emotions will be aroused, and we will be able to bond with them. The hook will be in their jaw. We will then have a good chance of reeling the fish in.

THE TIMELINE OF YOUR LIFE: A TREASURE TROVE OF RELATABLE STORIES

2007-07-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Nearly ten years ago, when I was going through a period of darkness, and intense struggle in my life, I was aware of an inner impression to construct a timeline of my life. I was to start from the earliest recollections of childhood, and continue down to the present. I was to attach 'Hard Dates' to the events as much as possible; if not I was to approximate the date; but the main thing was to keep the events in proper chronological sequence. So for 10 years or so, I've been constructing my timeline. It is definitely a work in progress; in fact it's hard for me to say how close to being finished i am. The process has been quite an encouragement and a help to me in my personal life. As I go back and recall the events which I can remember, I relive them. Not only that, but many times, not only the pictures come back to me but also the feelings that I was feeling at the time. The events of our life are recorded in our subconscious mind, and are linked together like a chain link fence. If you can picture an event or memory from the past, often times the the event or memory linked to that which you are meditating on will begin to surface also. This process has helped me to see the trail I've come over; and it has helped me to be more resolute and focused about where I'm headed But that is not the real story here. The picture which I'm trying to convey is that a Timeline can be a Treasure Trove of relatable stories, which is an aid to relationship building, and a boon in buiding a Network Marketing Business

NORMAL WEEKEND STUFF

2007-07-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

This past Friday somebody asked me, in fact quite regularly on fridays, somebody asks me, "Tom, do you have any special plans for the weekend?" I answered, "No, just normal weekend stuff." Today, I'm going to list just what 'Normal Weekend Stuff' means for me. And on subsequent weekends I am going to discuss each one of the items in detail. I want to open up a window into my life so you can see where I am coming from, and that I am a real person. Here are the events of my weekend: SATURDAY A. I go to the Eastern Market (Farmer's Market in Detroit) to purchase cut flowers for the Sunday church service. B. Volunteer in my Pastor's inner-city Ministry. Man her ministry door from 1000am to 0200pm on Saturday's C. We have a prayer meeting from 0300-0400pm D. I help to clean the Church and Sunday School area; preparing it for Sunday morning worship E. I read through and prepare my Sunday School lesson. I teach one of the adult bible study classess F. I prepare a list of people I want to try and talk to the during the coming week for my Network Marketing Business G. I have some personal development time. I listen to cd's : read inspiring books; participate in a skill's building conference call; maybe a mastermind call. SUNDAY'S A. I teach the Adult Sunday Bible Study, (as I mentioned earlier) B. We have our morning worship service C . I go to see my friend in the nursing home D. Take a Nap E. We have our evening church service at 0600PM F. Get prepared for Monday AM On subsequent weekends I will be discussing each of these items; one at a time, trying to relate it to relationship building and being successful in Network Marketing.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: THE STORY THAT RELATES--THE EMOTIONAL TOUCH THAT MEANS SO MUCH

2007-07-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in yesterdays post, Network Marketing is a relationship building busines;not a sales business. Your Success or lack of success in this industry entirely depends upon the number and the quality of relationships that you are able to build with your Prospects. You must attract peop to yourself; and then you must SELL YOURSELF TO THEM. I am not a fisherman; but I do know enough to understand that in order to reel the fish in, you have got to have them hooked. One of the best way to hook a prospect is by appealing to their emotions. As Human Beings, we are emotional creatures. The deeper we are able to engage the passions, and emotions of the people we are talking to, the better chance we have of forming a relationship or bond with them. As you listen to an Individual talk about what is important to them; what drives them; what their dreams, needs, worries, and goals are; and you are able to tell a story which relates to their dreams, needs, worries, and goals; this will paint a picture in their mind. They wll be able to relat to you. This will start the process of building the relationship, forming that bond, and implanting that hook in their jaw. You will then have a good chance to reel them in, and to accomplish your purpose in talking to and prospecting them.

IS IT REALLY ALL ABOUT THE MONEY?

2007-07-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Because finances, along with time and health are what most worry about: financial freedom and money are valid reasons for starting a Home Business. But is it enough to fully describe a persons whole heartfelt motivation, or as some people would term it, their 'WHY? Money is a medium of exchange. As such it is necessary to have in order to exist in this world. But money can't buy us Happiness. It cant buy us Peace of Mind, Contentment; and it certainly can't buy us passage into the Paradise of God after we pass from this earth. Money is not evil in itself, but "The love of money is the root of all evil". Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, once said, and it has come down today in the form of a proverb, "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings. They fly away as an eagle toward heaven." Being a Christian, I am an avid Bible reader. Jesus Christ said during his ministry, written in the New Testament, "Give and it shall be given unto you; pressed down, shaken together, full and running over; shall all men give unto your bosom." This is an ="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unchangible law of God's Universe. This runs through all realms of life, and reaches all people; even to those who don't believe in God. This confirms the saying of Zig Ziglar, "If you help enough people get what they want; You'll get what you want." Network Marketing is not a sales business. It is a relationship building business. In order to build lasting relationships, they must be based on trust and confidence. In another way of speaking, I guess that you could say that Network Marketing IS a sales business. WE MUST SELL OURSELVES. We must show them that we care; that we are ready to serve them. We must give of ourselves to the other person in order to help them Achieve whatever level of success that they are looking for. This is the only way that we can find and maintain Lasting Success ourselves in this industry.

ABOUT THE NAME: EAGLE-SOLDIER-MENTOR

2007-07-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

My dreams and goals are lofty and noble; my aim in life is to walk on high ground; I am solitary, and can fly alone if I have to...These attributes speak of an EAGLE I have a SOLDIER'S heart. I am a Christian Soldier. Every avenue of life is a war. I am engaged in Warfare every day of my life. I am a real person; fighting like a gladiator in arena of life. Among the highest aspirations that I hold is the aim of being able to help other people achieve their dreams; and enable them to become a success in things that really matter in life; becoming the person which their Creator intended and created them to be. The World of Multi-Level Marketing (MLM), and Direct Marketing (DM) is a JUNGLE!. There are a plethora and a confusing maze of Business Opportunities in the MLM and DM fields which will ear prospective Home Business Buildiers alive, and will cause them to flounder,sink and eventually end up in a watery grave unless they can find a MENTOR, or Pilot who can help them steer their Vessel through the rough choppy seas. I am offering myself to be that MENTOR. I will have a listening ear, and offer to you a heart that cares about your SUCCESS. I will help you Celebrate your Triumphs, and help to research your Failures for you so that they don't happen again. I will make your Dreams and Goals, my Dreams and Goals and will help you accomplish them

Where I'm coming from; a brief profile

2007-07-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

17 JULY 2007 Since this is a brand new blog, I have chosen today to relate a part of my story and background which paints a picture of who I am, and why I am writing this blog. I have worked 23.5 years for a rather large and notorious U.S. Government Agency. This, when added to the 4 years I spent on Active Duty with the military means I have 27.5 years as a Federal Government Employee. Nearly 8 years ago I accepted an extra duty assignment as an office resource person and a 'Super-User' for several of the Computer Systems and Computerized programs which we use in this rather large and notorious U.S. Government Agency. My responsibilities were to help my fellow employees navigate through these ss="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sometimes user unfriendly, but necessary systems; and to assist them in resolving whatever problems might come up. As you know, if you've ever worked on a computer; and I assume that you have, because you are reading this post online; how frustrating and disconcerting it can be when computer problems come. It today's world you can't live without technology; and many times you can't live with it either. If you job depends on using a computer systme, and you encounter problems such as: forgetting a password, or having the system crash; not having the proper codes to access the information that you are needing; it can be disconcerting at best. It can fill a person with anxiety and can ruin their outlook for the entire day. My discovery was when I sat down with these people and helped them resolve their problems and issues with these somewhat "unfriendly and contankerous" systems that it did something for me. It lifted me up and gave me a charge of exhilaration which propelled me through the day. It gave me new meaning and purpose to my job. It certainly was for me, a great motivator. Recently, upon arrival at the Chicago Greyhound Bus Terminal, being concerned about the departure of the bus that I would need to take to continue my journey. I went over to the large television monitor on which they have listed the Departures and Arrivals. All of a sudden, an individual who was out of breath, and very obviously anxious about catching his next bus asked me if I could help him read the screen. In a matter of a half a minute or less I showed him when his bus would be departing and at what gate he should wait for it. The look of gratitude that came over his face, his expression of thanks, and sigh of relief were a blessing to me. I had made that person's day, and his response certainly made my day. I will be sharing about the task of building a Network Marketing business and relating it to the light that I've gathered and the experiences that I've had thoughout my 54 years thus far on this planet. If I can help you succeed in your endeavor; If I can help you change your life, then I will have intense fulfillment, and my life will be the better for it