Leading Forward in Network Marketing

Congratulations! America is #114

Just read a news brief where the authors claim that residents of the United States rank 114th in terms of happiness.  While we celebrate that achievement, we hope even more countries pass us soon.  Here's why:

The authors equate 'happiness' with 'contentment'.  Their definition implies that true joy is the result of your satisfaction with the status quo.  We disagree. 

"Only fools are satisfied."
~ Billy Joel

Discontentment has been the catalyst for the majority of innovation and success we enjoy. 

- The Wright brothers were not content remaining Earthbound. 

- Dr. Salk was not content to let polio cripple children.

 - Martin Luther King was not content with racism.

Discontentment can be very positive, motivating, and even liberating.  Yes, you should celebrate each day with immense gratitude...Then, do your best to make everything even better! 

While lowering your expectations might bring contentment, true happiness is the result of passionately pursuing your dreams.  That rich satisfaction comes not just from the rewards of success, but from the person you become through your efforts.

When you attend your network marketing company's next convention, you'll see two types of distributors.  The most successful leaders will take the stage to accept the rewards and recognition for embracing excellence.  They will probably share their stories of incredible success and how it all began with a feeling of discontentment. The majority of those in attendance will hear these stories and appear motivated to excel.  However, shortly after returning home, they will be overcome with feelings of contentment - satisfied with their mediocre businesses. 

Which group is truly happier? 

When will you choose to take the stage?

Being ranked #114 in contentment isn't bad, but we can do better America.  Let's keep expecting more from ourselves.  Our brightest future demands it.

Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad

Championship Points

This past weekend, we celebrated the achievements of two remarkable athletes, Roger Federer and Tiger Woods.  They have both reached the pinnacle of their professions.  In fact, they are so dominant that the only thing the sports writers and commentators can discuss is the phrase, "The greatest of all time."

One quick lesson you can take from both of these men is that you create a remarkable future by focusing on the task at hand.

Two weeks ago, at the start of the Wimbledon tournament, the reporters all asked Roger about the exciting prospect of breaking the all-time record by winning his 15th Grand Slam event.  The champion smiled and said he wasn't focused on that - He was focusing on the first serve of the first point of his first match.

When Tiger won his first major tournament, he covered his face with his Nike hat.  He later explained that he wasn't simply overcome with emotion; he was overcome with the idea that there wasn't another shot to hit.  He was so focused on the task immediately in front of him that he was somewhat shocked to realize the tournament was over and he was the champion.

Vision is crucial in your network marketing business, however, you must connect your long-range goal to your immediate present and take action.  Focus on what you are doing today to construct your future as a champion...the greatest you of all time!

Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad 

The Very Good News

This week, we took the first of what will be many visits to the orthodontist.  Our daughter is going to have braces, and she couldn't be more excited - you see, she views this not as an expense or a burden but rather a rite of passage into the brave new world of teenager land.

The orthodontist was positively beaming when she gave us the news, which included all of the costs and a detailed payment plan.  We assumed she was already imagining the interior design of her new luxury boat we'd be financing when she told us this is "very good news!"

When the doctor noticed that our daughter was the only one sharing her level of enthusiasm, she  explained:  This dental procedure is very good news, because it's something she can fix.  She knows what the problem is.  She is confident her plan for improvement will work. And she can already envision the beautiful result.

How many of your problems or struggles can you view as very good news?  Is the size of your bank account too small and your waistline too big?  Are your relationships with business partners stronger than the ones with your family?  If you can identify the need for change, develop a plan of action, and create a clear picture of the desired result, you can begin to smile.  It's very good news. 

The only question left to answer is, "Are you willing to pay the price?" 

The price for our daughter's dental work will be a monetary investment combined with some initial discomfort.  A worthy investment for a lifetime of dazzling smiles.

As a direct sales or network marketing entrepreneur, you may choose to pay a similar price.  If you are willing to invest some of your time, energy, and resources into your business, and are ready to stretch your comfort zone, you can create the life you imagine.  How's that for very good news?

Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad

How About Now?

When would be a good time to pursue a dream, to reinvent yourself, to attempt something others deem impossible or even ridiculous?  Age 18 might be a good time for that; you've just become an adult, and you're ready to put away childish things and take on the world.

Turning 40 would be an excellent time to take stock of your life's direction.  At that point you've had a variety of experiences from which to learn, and which will serve you well in your new endeavor.

How about when you reach 75?  That turned out to be the perfect age for my mother and her two best friends.  Despite the fact, or perhaps encouraged by the fact, that most people consider them old, they decided to dream a new dream.  They combined their love of music with their desire to entertain others and formed The Harmony Voices.

This dynamic vocal trio began, innocently enough, when three friends who sing in a local choir decided to blend their harmonies into a rendition of an Andrew's Sisters song.  The sound wasn't pitch perfect, but the thrill sparked a flame.

For the next year and a half, these three young ladies in their mid 70's joyfully practiced almost daily.  Despite frequent interruptions by their own fits of laughter, they were able to develop a portfolio of almost 50 songs which they now sing with a precision and enthusiasm that holds audiences spellbound. 

In addition to their unleashing their vocal prowess, this trio choreographed their performances, designed costume changes, and channeled their love for each other into delightful stage banter that has audiences around the state on their feet in appreciation.

They now have a manager, sound engineer, and a lighting director.  They've recorded a CD, which can be sampled on their website.  They delight in telling audiences that their next goal is to perform on Barbara Walter's The View.  While the audience laughs, the Harmony Voices keep moving forward with the clarity and confidence that comes from taking charge of your own future.

One big point to make.  The neighborhood chorus from which this trio formed has many talented singers.  Some arguably better natural vocalists than these three ladies.  They all love to sing.  It's the depth of their vision and their courage to sail uncharted waters that sets the trio apart.  When one fellow chorus member heard that these ladies now have over 50 songs in their repertoire, she asked, "How did you ever learn all those songs?!"  My mother smiled and said, "One at a time." 

The Harmony Voices trio set themselves apart from the crowd by outworking everyone else.  They rejected the idea of mediocrity that traps most people in their comfort zones.  Many singers shared the same dream of performing, others wished for opportunities, and some even desired to create something very similar - these ladies simply put in a greater and more persistent effort.

This model of the few outworking the majority holds true in every area of performance from sports, to entertainment, to business.  There are a few people in your network marketing or direct sales business who will outwork everyone else and earn a life-changing income.

When would be a good time for you to take that next small step toward your greatest life?  How about now?

Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad

Just Keep it Real

What an exhilarating learning experience!  Our family of four made our acting debut this week as extras in an independent film.  Granted, this wasn't a big-budget Spielberg production, but we were all excited to be part of it. 

We were cast in this film thanks to our daughter who joined an acting class for kids this year.  Her coach heard about this film being shot here, in Sarasota.  She suggested that any of her students who were interested should contact the film makers.  Apparently, we were the only ones who said, "Sure, why not?  Sounds like fun!"

There's lesson number one: There are far more opportunities available than there are people willing to seize them.

As we arrived on location (that sounds so cool, doesn't it?), our 9 year old daughter, the actor, was ready for her close-up...no fear.  Our 6 year old son was also eager to jump right in as he, like all young boys, is only afraid of picking up his toys, eating broccoli, and having to walk around mud puddles.

As adults trying something new, we felt slightly intimidated.  Everyone else there had done this before - They knew what to do and how to do it.  As the director was explaining our roles, and showing us our 'marks', and having us rehearse, he sensed our apprehension.  In a moment of brilliance, he stopped everything, took our hands, and smiled.  He looked into our eyes and warmly said, "Just keep it real."

What powerful advice in only four words.

That's lesson number two: If we can stop trying to 'act' like someone else - or who we think we're supposed to be - and just be ourselves, be authentic, we can make real connections.  This is true on film and, more importantly, in your real life.

As you grow yourself and your network marketing business today, try something a little bit different, even if it's a little bit scary.  Don't worry, you'll know what to do.  Just be yourself.  Just keep it real.

Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad