Friday
18Sep2009
Making Network Marketing & Home Based Business Work -- Finding the Only Shortcut & Taking It.
Friday, September 18, 2009 at 07:41AM My baby daughter was there.
I was there.
If only I knew then, what I know now.
But who hasn't said that before?
I remember my mentality back then...
"I 'gotta' make this work."
And judging by my circumstances I was right.
And judging by my circumstances I was right.
It was an all-too familiar and uncomfortable condition for me in business back then.
I hadn't yet learned about the only REAL shortcut that exists.
I Chased Rainbows.
Little did I know that the pot of gold was in my own backyard.
What a stubborn one I can be.
That stubbornness has served me in one way at least (never, ever quite--right?)
But it has also cost me dearly, with a mentality that seemed to say--
"No, not me... I don't have to work on my listening and communication skills, or learn how to lead. I'll find a much easier way to succeed than THAT."
If only I knew how hard that would be, trying to find the EASY way.
Because...
Looking for the "Easy Way" is the Hardest Way of All.
And, you could say...
What Most People Think to be the "Hard Way" is Actually the "Easiest".
I read personal development books.
I went to leadership trainings.
But I never made it my #1 thing--not back then. I just thought I did at the time.
There I was at 30 years old with my six-month old daughter in my lap.
Chasing the dream from home.
Barely making enough to make ends meet.
I'd made more (much more) from home before that. But then it had shriveled.
I'd worked hard before... real hard.
And then after burning out--after working like a mad-man from age 22 to 27 (chasing all the bogus shortcuts most people still chase), I "checked out" for about two years as soon as the income was high enough.
--Burn Out--
I played catch-up on life.
The color returned to my face.
I smiled more without trying to.
I started a family.
I caught up on what I had been missing while 'building the dream.'
But then, after watching my income slide back down I found myself in familiar territory...
"I gotta make this thing work!"
So I was working feverishly again... and had been for a year since returning from world travels, reflection, and a bout with getting healthy and fit (I needed that after the previous 5-year intensive business effort).
But by this time "being fit" was on its decline right along with my income. I recall a regular 1 a.m. mad dash to Carl's Jr. or Taco Bell (this is not what I'd typically want on the menu); eating healthy's the last thing on one's mind when feeling overwhelmed.
I was really stressed out--working, working... Trying... Sitting with my six month old daughter beside me, trying to find the 'shortcut' again. Trying to live up to my 'big words' to family and friends, most of whom had forgotten I was a winner.
Trying to justify my commitment to succeed.
The Million Dollar Chapter Comes...
But within a year from that challenging time, I had figured a piece of it out (the marketing part) and I started attracting business in a BIG way... though I still hadn't learned how to keep it. I had to go through a very labor intensive learning process because I was still looking for shortcuts in all the wrong places.
By age 31, I had attracted over a million dollars to my new company within the first month of launch and had people joining my networking business before I even had time to make the first follow-up phone call. That was 6 years ago.
It was nice, though there was still plenty of stumbling (as I was still learning what I'll share with you today).
It was actually quite rough... but it WAS a great experience because it forced me to finally--eventually-- realize and take the only REAL shortcut that exists... the very thing I was avoiding the entire time because I thought it would be harder, when it was actually much, much easier.
If only I was getting emails like this.
Fast forward 6 years, I now head up a growing multi-million dollar enterprise. Solid, stable, growing incredibly fast. Enjoyable. In alignment with my values and intentions.
From struggle to now business bliss, I have learned and lived the only REAL short-cut there is, and how to get people to not just stand in line to join my business... and not just stay... but to duplicate in ways that extend far beyond what I imagined possible.
Finding the REAL Short-Cut... And Taking It.
I have always looked for the shortcuts, which would have been great, if only I was looking in the right place.
In my earlier years in business, I was constantly trying to use some new system to generate leads for me. Or to 'qualify' them for me. I even worked hard to create such systems.
Its not that there wasn't value in what I was doing, and in qualifying prospects and using systems to help--that IS a small part of the equation. But this aspect of it is SECONDARY to what is most critical for one's success.
Here's the "Essential List" most avoid making their #1 priority in business:
Focus on Developing...
- A Keen insight
- An ability to influence others
- An ability to choose the right opportunities for you
- An ability to create and communicate value
- An ability to attract people to you through networking and marketing
- An ability to inspire others by truly connecting with them, by listening
- An ability to cultivate partnerships
You CAN develop these things rather quickly, but only if you make that your main aim.
The list is so alien when you're not ready.
Its like hocus pocus.
It might even be scary.
It makes success seem really far away. But that's only if you're not ready to take responsibility for it.
The truth is that when you look at this essential list square in the face, that's when success gets close.
That's when you're getting warmer.
Then, if you don't take your eyes off this list... that's when you get hot.
Attractive Marketer Hot.
Doing so puts your butt on the shortcut... The only REAL shortcut you'll ever find.
I Wasn't Ready...
I wasn't ready to look until I had worked so hard for so long trying to bypass 'the list' of essentials, that I finally just stumbled into it here and there, over time... over a long period of painstaking time because I didn't know it was IT.
I thought it was just "part" of it.
Somehow I had exhausted everything else and I just decided to focus only on that list for a while... that was about 3 years ago.
I buckled down on ONLY it.
I connected with the right coaching, training and people and developed my skills (the essential list) as QUICKLY AS I POSSIBLE COULD.
I did it because I had to. I was exhausted. It was that or admit failure. And that's not me.
This is where my stubbornness helped.
And maybe its why I relate so well with the majority out there who struggle... because I was on that path with such intense determination for so long, avoiding the essential list just like most do.
My Point In All This?
My message to you is that it doesn't have to take you as long to find IT as it took me.
It took me a long time because I was stubborn in believing the B.S. because I wanted to believe it, just like many people reading this want to believe that a system is the answer.. and not you. You don't want to follow through on this advice because you're like I was... you're where I was.
But some of you will move on it. And that's who I'm talking to here.
Don't get me wrong...
The vehicles you use (the opportunities, systems, etc) ARE important obviously... but they are motionless without the list of essentials above.
Like pushing a car uphill versus stepping on the gas and zipping down it. That's what I'm taking about.
I'm talking about finally being able to navigate yourself from where you are to where you want to be with absolute control, safety, comfort and EASE. Every time with ANY system.
And...
I'm talking about accomplishing everything you want FASTER by making it your #1 intention to focus on the essential list.
Are you ready for that?
You are already addressing some of this if you're moving through the Start Here Checklist in your Renegade Professional back office.
But are you consciously addressing the entire list head on?
Is it your #1 aim?
There are 5 things we'll be introducing to you over the course of this fall and winter. You've likely heard about some of them already. Mysuggestion is to study what they offer you.
They are:
3. Super Guides Training & Collaboration Program
4. PBN (Becoming a Trainer for the Professionals, Businesses and Non-profits section of Renegade Professional)
5. Renegade Professional News -- Pay close attention to the students who grow in this community. Connect with them. Know them.
Infuse yourself into the leadership here.
First, see how others are developing their brand & gaining exposure by closely aligning with this open community... then follow in their footsteps.
We're creating an ever-expanding economy here that you can take part in.
Pay close attention to these 5 development opportunities over the coming weeks and months--each is designed to help you attack the "essential list" and take the only REAL shortcut there is.
Take a moment right now to learn a little more about each of those 5 collaborative opportunities by clicking on the links above.
Success doesn't have to be hard.
But it will be if you don't take a very proactive stance to attack your essential list head on.
Here it is again:
You Must Have...
- A Keen Insight.
- An ability to influence others
- An ability to choose the right opportunities for you
- An ability to create and communicate value
- An ability to attract people to you through networking and marketing
- An ability to cultivate partnerships
You have to initiate all this.
It's all on you and it always will be.
But the people and assistance is here if you're ready for it.
Partners in success,
Mike Klingler
Reader Comments (22)
Hey Mike: Incredible and Insightful. I love your passion to compel people to shorten the discovery/learning curve. Your invitation is authentic and the wise will see it and appreciate the enticement.
It is impossible to steer a parked car. In moving forward in action is where the learning/discovery really is. The Renegade/MM team has created possibilites - Carpe Diem.
Thanks for the great article.....it hit home. I joined the program in April and have hovered around the site without much action, and NO participation. I joined with this program as my main priority, and have sense made excuses to myself for why I have not treated it like a priority.
This program has so much to offer anyone willing to use it. The program and busienss structure has created much success for Mike and Ann and I hope it continues to do so for a very long time, they deserve it.
Now that I'm "in the water", I'll stay in it. Thanks again for the story you shared.
James Spanke
Mike,
Whoa! This is some "Deep" Value you're dishing out to us.
Amazing how I watched this article come to be birthed.
I was working at the kitchen table here in Portland, Oregon with Mike as Marketing Merge headquarters. I saw Mike fire up a double shot of expresso and make his specialty coffee drink and start typing what you've just read above.
We both did our thing, not really talking much. I was working on the Renegade Professional News. Later, I fell asleep on the couch, and woke up (in the wee hours of morning) to find that Mike hadn't moved. He was still staring at his computer - wrapping this piece up and getting it out to YOU.
My point is that no one I have ever met works harder than Mike Klingler, and he does so because he genuinely cares about people. It shows in everything he does.
***
The Fastest Way to Success is to be Validated for Your Value.
But how...?
So for everyone reading this-
Here is the question: What is going to validate you as someone who can really help?
Answer: Deep value.
What is deep value?
Deep value is making this realization … if you're not solving people's problems or giving them what THEY want, you're not in business. This is why you see people who've been at this internet attraction marketing thing for so long, and haven't gotten any results.
You have to figure out:
1). What you love i.e. what you want your business to be, and
2) How you can make that your business – in this case, the term "business" is giving people what they want, and at the same time, being really passionate about giving that to people.
This is how you become an expert.
And to be successful in anything, you have to be nothing short of an expert.
I use and recommend Renegade Professional to help learn how to create value and build your system so people can find you and validate you for your expertise.
Without your own unique system (your own "system of giving value" that is), you won't stand out from the crowd or make money with your business.
So…your number one priority is giving value to the people you know need it just like Mike has with this content.
BOTTOM LINE:
Decide what value you're willing to give – the promise you can make to yourself, and the others that are inspired to join your “conversation” – then set up the BASIC components to do this.
EricWalker
http://RenegadeProfessionalBonus.com
Great article Mike,
What I Love About You Mike is How You Have Helped our Family
I've been more of the supportive one - supporting Eric Walker, my fiance, and helping him build his business (credibility and influence).
I have been the one quietly looking over his shoulder. I have been the one whispering in his ear, and I have been the one with a listening ear during those "truth moments" when he's feeling worn out or between a rock and a hard place - those "crossroads" moments as we call them.
And through it all, you've been there with us.
And THIS has made it a short cut for us.
Eric is a natural teacher (like you), but he doesn't have 14 years of business experience that has created gobs of wisdom. But what he does have is -- what he's always been smart about -- is studying what you do, listening closely to what you say and model...etc.
So, when you highlight this essential list...
A Keen Insight.
An ability to influence others
An ability to choose the right opportunities for you
An ability to create and communicate value
An ability to attract people to you through networking and marketing
An ability to cultivate partnerships
...I feel like you're bringing EVERYTHING home that Eric has been working toward for the previous 14 months (14 months as opposed to 14 years - Now that IS a short cut!).
And the beautiful thing about this is that because I've always looked over his shoulder, I've been attracted to your teachings as well, and I've picked up on things that maybe Eric hasn't or have seen things from a different perspective.
Not only do I get to tuck that under my belt, but I can also teach Eric what I see. And there have been a good number of times when my insight has helped Eric tremendously also.
Do you see how this has helped our family! I have to think that the family I see forming in the Renegade Professional community can be just as influential under the roof of all the families - husbands and wives and children! It makes so much sense, both in business and life.
I've enjoyed a lot of your articles, Mike, but this stands as my favorite - never have I heard your voice come ringing out so clearly.
Thank you for all that you do. I can't wait to meet you next week!
Kaitlin Rose
Mike, as usual, you've hit the nail on the head. I'm burning the candle at both ends right now, working a day job and moving through Renegade Pro at night, writing, rewriting, emailing... it's a constant process. I've been with Renegade for about 3 months now and my actual goal is to become a pro coach with all of you later on - that's what I'm working for anyway! i've learned so much from all of you in the past three months; more than I learned in 4 years of college. It's an amazing system and I recently received my first referral from it - funny how little things like that can be so exciting!! But that's when I knew all my hard work was not going unnoticed! Anyway, thanks again for the encouragement and words of wisdom... I will continue to study diligently and refer as many as I can. I will make this work for myself, and I will also help others make it work for themselves!
Erin Burns
Mike,
One person I have seen following you who truly embraces these principles is Barbara Silva. Not only do I consider her a great coach, mentor and friend, but she is a shining example of someone who has followed your wisdom, as laid out above, and applied it in a way that makes sense for her. The result is a new service which I believe has the potential to revolutionize the coaching industry.
I started following Mike around the same time Barbara did, I believe, and he affected me in a similar way. At some point, his wisdom really started to sink in. I stopped chasing the rainbows and started to wonder...could I MAKE MY OWN RAINBOWS? It seemed crazy at the time, but I started to believe in myself more and more, through the feedback and encouragement from members of this great community of people I was learning with. I started to really "GET" where all this was headed, and started to see myself as taking an active role in the movement. Not just going along for the ride, but taking a turn at the wheel. I started to realize I could do more than make money in this industry; I could make a DIFFERENCE.
Now I am working on my own business concept, which, like Barbara's, builds on the concepts that visionaries like you and others have already laid out. I believe my concept will help to move the industry forward and help it gain more widespread acceptance.
My greatest wish of all, though? That someone finds my business, taps into all the resources like what Barbara, Mike, Ann and others have developed, and then develops their OWN improvements, to help others and improve this industry, this economy, and this world we live in.
Critics of people like you and Ann say that what you do isn't duplicatable. I disagree, and say what you are starting to see is evidence to the contrary. True, you aren't seeing cookie-cutter clones plugging in to the easy-to-follow systems that "guarantee" success. What you are seeing, though, are people focusing on those items on the list Mike just posted to create their own path to the end of their own rainbow, and all the success that comes with it, not just a pot of gold. What you are starting to see are people duplicating what really matters.
Lane Romero-Reiss
It never ceases to amaze me how you come up with these gems, Mike. But it's really because you have lived it, seen it's value and have a burning desire to pass your knowledge to others who are listening.
We all need to be shaken at times and you have a great knack at doing just that. Having you as a mentor, even at arms length, can benefit anyone ready to listen to those who have been there and done that.
Thanks once again for being you!
Mike,
With all the marketing information that swirls around us, I'm always wondering if I'm missing out on what everyone else is claiming to be "The Bomb". I've always liked options and wanted to know my choices.
It's astounding to realize how much time, energy, anguish, and money you are saving us by taking the time to direct us to the right shortcut.
I'm keeping my head down low and focusing on the prize that comes with following the right path.
Thanks for everything you do,
Becky
It's not easy to follow some of our illustrious Super Guides comments as between them they say it all.
I have been following and learning forfrom Mike for over 12 "trying", writing, studying and wondering exactly like Mike did why I was not getting anywhere..Now, today I can stop "chasing rainbows' and just follow my leader and watch RPro and Super Guides be the only place to be. I am grateful that I found RPro, Mike and the joyful community that he is creating with unbouned success.
Mike,
Wow! That was a great article. Extremely personal, beautifully written, and very touching. Thank you for sharing your your struggles and your journey to success. You have an amazing story.
Likewise, I have struggled for many years in trying to find success in my business. It hasn't been an easy road and there were times I almost gave up. However, I kept going because I am determined to succeed. I also have a little girl who is a constant positive motivating force in my life.
I'm truly thankful for the renegade professional training. It has allowed me to connect and learn from wonderful individuals like Eric Walker, Barbara Silva, and Patrick Snow.
Since joining Renegade Professional I have found the information, tools, and resources I needed to start writing my first book - The Journey of Hope ~ Finding Your Way to Healing, Recovery, and Empowerment. My goal is to complete writing the book before the end of 2009 and get published by early next year. I have already completed six chapters.
I am also on the list for the Coaching Cognition program. I love what Barbara has created and is planning for the Coaching Cognition Program. It is going to be a great program and I can't wait to get started with the training.
I believe with the information, tools, and resources that are available within renegade professional anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort to learn can succeed. Thank you for creating such a phenomenal program and for the opportunity you are presenting for people to get involved.
Cheers! To A Life With No Limits...
Ness,
Hi Mike,
Thank you for the incredible post. You've always emphasized leading with value. Over the past year I've learned how important it is that if you don't like where you are now in life, you need to work on yourself. You learn to BE who you are and then you can do and have the things that you want. Focus on developing communication skills and leadership skills. Those who are ready to hear the message will work with it and those who aren't won't.
Sincerely,
Joanne Brownlee
Chasing My Rainbow
You've done it again, Mike. Taken something so personal to you and shared it with everyone. I guess that's why I feel like I've known you for a long time!
I can so relate to the stubborness you describe. So many times, I have chased a dream only to find out it wasn't my dream. What makes perfect sense to me at this stage of my life is to grab hold of the opportunities that are right for ME!!
Being a mom, wife and nurturer by nature, I find I too often compromise myself and this ends up being no fun for me or my family. Not any longer. I am keeping my eye on this list you have so eloquently put out there for the community. It's a great list that I read to begin my day and the last thing I read before retiring.
It takes confidence, perseverance and the ability to learn from prior mishaps to become a better person and marketer. I think I'm ready to take that next step and ready to have others follow!
Lead by example, Mike, and you have set a wonderful example for the rest of us.
Lee Ann McVey
Well put, Mike.
When I look back, chasing shortcuts was such an expensive approach. I needed money, so I spent money on the latest, greatest, super-shortcut that promised quick, easy cash.
No quick, no easy, no cash ... just less money. The worst part is that I was most susceptible to buying another shortcut when I really needed the money and could least afford to waste it!
But the most expensive thing about shortcuts is that you are buying a 'rainbow to nowhere'. Not only is there no pot of gold at the end, but it takes you off course.
Time. That is a much bigger expensive from chasing rainbows and taking shortcuts than actual dollars spent. Nothing to show for the efforts, AND I've got to take the time to get back on the right track before I can even start to make progress. The opportunity cost is tremendous.
You've hit all the right buttons with this one, Mike. Continuous investment in myself, my skills, and my focus on connecting with and helping others - it's the right way, and the quickest way, to success.
"Little did I know that the pot of gold was in my own backyard."
Michael Wilson
Hi Mike,
I have watched you grow through some of these steps the last few years and I am amazed at your success. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. I appreciate the encouragement and persistence you continue to give us and the message to not give up on our own success, even when it gets challenging.
My message to lately when there are more tasks to do every day is "It gets done with ease." but I will remember your 6 wise tips, too.
Mike, it great to see how your vision for Renegade Pro is evolving, and the value it bring to so many people. You latest post has caused me to re-evaluate my long team goals,
and spend more time improving the essential skills you listed.
Essentials Eliminate Overwhelm
Mike,
As usual you put your heart and soul into everything you write and do and what's even more special is that you do it more for others than yourself.
Your 'Essentials' list is so focused that it can and will help those of us who often spend much of the time in the land of 'overwhelm'.
It is a laser beam which points to those things that are most important to the success of anyone's business.
Thanks again for helping me to focus my laser beam on what is truly important and which will serve up success.
I can't say enough about the truth in these pearls of wise advice. Let me just say from another voice of experience - mine - that when I started thinking about money as a measure of what I give and not something I receive, things changed for me too. With Mike Klingler's help, I finally began to practice what I already knew about attraction marketing and that is...
... to freely give of yourself to help others succeed and you will attract what you want.
Learn attraction marketing with us at Renegade Professional and you will create a business that in turn creates your dreams!
I’ve read through this article a few times and the Essential List captured my attention each time. So much so, I copied it down and pinned it up near my desk.
Also, the article rings so true for so many of us. Some of us have harder heads than others. I’m convinced it’s the first step toward testing your entrepreneur mettle. After all, if your determination and commitment is there, you will bust through this, too.
And, of couse, Mike, your humanness shows through, as it always does. Your commitment to go-giving is something to strive for.
Glad to be on your team.
I agree with Donnalynn. Your list is so noteworthy that it deserves to be written down where it can serve as a reminder of what is required to achieve success.
And when success is not being attained, reviewing the list to see where the ball was dropped would help in moving forward.
Thanks for the depth of your knowledge and experience.
We are all growing as a result of it!
"Chasing Rainbows"
Yes, most of us start out this way. To be fair it's not entirely our fault. There's sooooooo many people out there selling Rainbows and they are very compelling. It's much easier to believe the B.S.
That's the thing that drew me to Renegade Professional and You. The total lack of B.S. or Rainbow promises.
Just like in this post, you've always "told it like it is". I didn't always want to hear the message. I fought hard NOT to hear it. But your calm, cool persistence (was it stubbornness?) won me over in the end and I'm EVER SO GRATEFUL!
Attracting People
Cultivating Friends
Choosing Opportunities Carefully
Listening To People
Basically... BECOMING A LEADER!
This is the secret to "Building Rainbows" instead of chasing them.
Thanks for showing us the way.
Live Your Dreams!
ShellyB
The-Rat-Race-Rebels.com
Hi Mike:
As everyone above has already said - you hit it right on the head! Sure we would all like to find a faster way to achieve success, but most short cuts either don't work - or are short term. If you depend on short cuts only you will always be re-building your business because you don't have a solid foundation to build upon. The real short cut is to do it right the first time!
Mike,
It is your transparency and candidness that cemented my loyalty 7 years ago.
Many of us were looking for systems that worked. We were not trying to jump the process, but, truly looking for ways that worked.
As you stated, there were several false starts. The sincerity was there and still is.
Now that we have come to understand the principles of getting internet marketing done, there is no place to go, but up.
The Essential List is inspiring, born out your life experience. I'm posting it in my work space and elsewhere.
Thanks, Mike.