If you have been involved with networking marketing for any length of time, you are probably familiar with the term autoship.  If you have been involved in direct sales, you know about minimum purchase requirements.  Both of these terms basically mean that you have to purchase or sell a certainly amount of product each month or each quarter or some other predetermined length of time.  By purchasing or selling that particular amount of product you stay active.  In other words, you are actively participating in your business and you are eligible for all the various bonuses, commissions, offered by that particular company.  You also know that when you first start in a business you get some kind of "starter pack."  This is usually an assortment of products from the company so you can try the various products. Sometimes you get to chose which products you want, sometimes it is a predetermined assortment.

The result of both of these particular requirements is that you can end up with quite a few "extra" products hanging around your house.  So, what do you do with these extras?  They certainly aren't doing anyone any good sitting in your garage and for the most part they are great products--right?  Here are a couple of ideas of how to make those products work for you rather than just take up space.

1.    Use the extras as samples for potential customers.  Maybe your company doesn't offer samples.  These extras can be great way to introduce your products to someone.   Just be sure to use them wisely and get contact information on anyone you give a sample.
2.    Gift baskets.  Teachers, people you do business with, families and friends are just some of the people that might appreciate a gift basket of you products.  Again, be smart and make sure you contact information is at least in the baskets but preferably on the products themselves.
3.    Give the products to charity. This can be a great way to get a tax deduction.  A way to use them for charity and still get you name out is to offer the products as a gift basket to be raffled off or for a silent auction for a school or other charity.  If you don't have kids, just find a school in your area.  They will be happy for the help and you will get some advertising.
4.    Trade shows.  Take those extra products to a trade show and sell them.  This is a grea tway to make some money, talk to potential customers/distributors, and make new business contacts with other vendors.
5.    Have your own trade show.  Have your products on display at a garage sell or other event at your home.  Have an open house to introduce people to these great products you represent.

Having a lot of extra product sitting around is a waste all the way around.  You paid for these great products, let them go to work for you!  (Plus you can use the space for other more important things--like storing that collection of beer cans!)

Thanks for reading!

        

Many of you have read about The Elevision Network and Chris A. Hutcherson on my blog before.  I'm going to be right up front and say that The Elevision Network is a great idea with almost unlimited potential.  The SPEAKERS that have been involved with Elevision are unsurpassed.  Unfortunately, the management fell short.

One of the hazards of meeting and getting involved with people on the internet is that it is difficult to get a real feel for people.  The face-to-face interaction is limited.  As a result, we can miss important cues about people and it is easy to let your guard down.  Especially when the story is really, really good.  Such is the case with Elevision and Chris A. Hutcherson.  How could you not trust a man who was in tears describing is mission to raise 200 million for kids and how Elevision was going to help him reach that goal.  It was really touching.  There wasn't a dry eye in the house.  The more people that get involved, the more you feel like "hey, this is a great thing."  And for a while it was. 

Robin and I have been involved with Chris and Elevision (before it was even called Elevision and before it was even internet television) since October of 2007.  It was a great idea and we were more than happy to help make it happen.  Over the next few months everything and everyone seemed to be coming together.  The business kept growing. There were investors.  Famous names. Then it seemed like things were becoming out of control.  Elevision didn't launched as promised.  There were a very large number of people involved with no one really knowing what the others were doing.  A large amount of money was coming and going. 

Being the administrator that I am, I started to get worried.  There was no business plan, no marketing plan.  No one could produce financials.  People became defensive when you asked questions.  No one seemed to be communicating.  The more we pushed for answers the more questions that seemed to crop up.  No one knew how many subscribers there were.  No one knew who was answering subscriber questions.  No one seemed to know much of anything.  Then they stopped paying their bills and their consultants.

So, what happened and why? There are lots of reasons that things went very bad very fast.  This is not the first company to have these problems and it won't be the last.  (If you want to know more, you can read my series on Recipes for Trouble.  They have been published under Robin's name in various places.)  The two main problem were no business plan and no fiduciary controls.  What do I mean by fiduciary controls?  Controls should exist in any organization, but particular in an organization that is bringing in or has the potential to bring in millions of dollars.  It means that more than one person has access to the bank account.  It means that someone other than the person that is paying the bills is reconciling that bank statement.  It means that more than one person's signature is required for amounts over say $10,000.  It also means that financial statements are provided on a timely basis to investors and board members.  If any of these things are lacking in an organzation, they are just asking for trouble.  None of these existed (or exist now) at The Elevision Network.  These kinds of controls help insure that one person is trying to make all the financial systems.  It protects both the company and the CEO and/or CFO.  It also helps to deter mismanagement, theft, and/or embezzlement. 

I do think that Elevision is a great idea that has great applications in almost any industry you can name.  I hope it is reborn as a company with a plan and the proper controls.  It is just unfortunate that so many good people lost their money, their time, and their dreams.  That is something that can never be replaced.

        

One of the things that being involved with network marketing teaches you pretty quickly is that most people don't understand what you do.  Some think they understand, some think its a scam, some just think you sell things. When you are both able to stay home like Robin and I do, they really start to take you at least a little seriously (or they think you are dealing drugs--just depends!).  Some people think you are taking a chance and, probably, some are jealous.  Who knows.  My dad looked at me the other day and said "you know, I just don't ...<< MORE >>

Okay, I'm a day late.  Yet another impromptu snow day and I have the two year old at home.  This means that working on the computer becomes next to impossible since I have WAY too much help! 

As I look outside today I see a beautiful clear sky and the bright sun.  If I just keep looking up, I can imagine that it is warm.  I can even imagine that I am back in Florida and that I could go out and take a walk in the park.  Of course, I have to keep looking down and the reality sets in.  I see the brown, leaveless trees and the wide expanse of white which is the foot of snow that is on the ground.  The weather monitor on my computer says -6 with a wind chill to -14.  Yikes!

The same thing can happen in network marketing (or any business for that matter).  You keep looking up at the sky thinking everything is great.  The truth is, if you don't keep activity going and keep working your business, pretty soon it will look like the Iowa landscape in January--frozen and inactive and will be March before you see anything going again.

I leave you with an oldie, but goodie, the Diary of Snow Shoveler.  I don't know what made me think of it.  Maybe the four more inches of snow they are predicting for tonight!

The Diary of Snow Shoveler

December 8:
6:00 PM It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our hot chocolate and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9:
We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time ever and felt like a boy again. I did both the driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.

December 12:
The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor, Bob, tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man. I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14:
Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15:
20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly, we aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16:
Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like crazy. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17:
Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20:
Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22:
Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white stuff fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt until August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to go to the bathroom. By the time I got undressed, went, and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think he's is lying.

December 23:
Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What, is she nuts.  Why didn't she tell me that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24:
6" more snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the guy who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was busy watching for the snowplow.

December 25:
Merry Christmas. 20 more inches of the -#2$&# slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's an idiot. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time I'm going to kill her.

December 26:
Still snowed in. Why did I move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27:
Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze.

December 28:
Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. She's driving me CRAZY!!!!

December 29:
10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it will cave in. That's the silliest thing I've ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30:
Roof caved in. The snow plow driver is suing me for a million dollars. The wife went home to her mother. 9" predicted.

December 31:
Set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

January 8:
I feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?

Thanks for reading and stay warm!

        

Happy New Year!  Well, it is the first Monday of the new year.  I know I've been noticably absent from this blog for a few weeks.  Haivng all the kids home during the break plus some impromptu snow days and the holidays pretty much put a big kink in my schedule.  Happily all the muchkins are off to their various locations today (although one tried the old stomach ache routine) and I am back to having the house to myself with the exception of the noisy network marketer in his office! (Actually he's only noisy when he's on the phone.  Listening to one-sided phone conversations is always interesting.)

I have, however, been writing quite a bit under my alias Robin Rushlo.   Some on Elevision some on whatever.  Not all the articles are mine, but maybe you will recognize the ones I wrote.  In any case, I will continue to write articles, but I also wanted to get back to my blog.

It is actually a beautiful day here in the artic midwest.  Cold, but at least the sun is out. Winter in the midwest kind of reminds me of business.  Some days are beautiful, but it always seems like there is a storm looming on the horizon. Sometimes the storm is worse than predicted, sometimes it is not as bad, and sometimes you manage to avoid it all together.  In any case, you do seem to always get through it and there is the satisfaction of knowing that it didn't get the best of you!

I don't really know what kind of weather this year holds for our business or anyone else's for that matter. If I listened to the gloom and doom on the news, I would think that no one will escape the storm of the current economy or the potential policies of the incoming president. As we all know, however, there are always winner and losers in any circumstance.  Network marketing tends to survive.  I think the timing is perfect for Elevision since so many people are looking for uplifting inspiration, ideas, or even just entertainment and they can get it on Elevision. 

For day, like the sun and crisp cold, I feel hopeful, blessed, and just generally ready to face the fun and the challenges that this new year will bring.  I hope you feel the same way.

Thanks for reading!

        

I know, I know, I've talking about The Elevision Network and talking about how it is going to launch right now, and on and on.  But this time I really mean it!  You can read the press release for yourself at http://www.prweb.com/releases/affiliate/elevisionnetwork/prweb1719474.htm.  You can even go to an actual Elevision Network URL affiliateu.com/letter?a=2817 You go to the About Us link on that website, you can learn more about The Elevision Network and how the launch is going to go. This will also get you $2000 in freebies and upgrades after 00:01 am on 9 December 2008

There ...<< MORE >>

I have always wondered if there was a certain test to see if one was truly a network marketer and really understood what it means to work for yourself and, maybe more importantly, believe in yourself.  I think I finally found it.  At least I found one that works with Robin.  Nothing gets him more motivated than when someone tells him it can't be done.  It's really actually pretty fun to watch.

He will walk out of his office with this thoughtful look on his face. 

"So and so just told him that I'm wrong and that such and such can't be done."

"Really" I say.  There is no point in really discussing it much further.  Once I know the challenge, that is all I need to know.

Over the next couple of days, the obsession will set in.  I'll walk in every once in while to see him with this sly smile on his face. Finally, he will emerge with this excited little kid look on his face and say "Guess what I just did!"

Of course, I know he just did whatever it was that someone told him could not be done, but I don't want to spoil the fun, so I say "What?"

"I just did such and such" he says.

"Oh."  I say.  Yes, I remember that so and so said that couldn't be done, but I don't want to kill the suspense.

"Yeah, so and so said it couldn't be done, but I did it.  They spent all this money, but  I did it cheaper and faster and mine is working better."  He smiles

"Cool."  I say, knowing full well that it would happen.

Now, in this case everyone benefits.  The company benefits because he can't resist telling them "I told you so" (like it doesn't make them happy to have someone figure out something that works and brings them more distributors and/or more customers and thus more money--duh!).  His downline benefits because what is more fun than telling the story a ton of times and giving your team the same tools.

The next time you have a hard problem to solve, just tell Robin about it!

Thanks for reading!

        

Speaking of finally I'm back writing.  I have been busy moving, painting and painting and moving and cleaning and...whew!  I would like to say that I'm done, but....More about the move in my next blog.  There is something more exciting to talk about at the moment (and no, it is not the election).

Anyway, on to bigger and better things.  The Elevision Network is about to launch!  It was supposed to be today, but we figured no one would pay attention to anything until after the election, so the official date is now November 7.  Now, I would like to say that I could send you to a website to see what it is all about, but content is being frantically downloaded as we speak, so I'll just have to tell you about it.

I've talked about The Elevision Network in previous blogs, although I'm sure sure how many times I used the actual name.  In any case, it is an opportunity for anyone with an internet connection to get thousands of hours of programming on hundreds of topics.  This is all positive, uplifting information in a high definition, instant gratification format.  It has taken over year, and hundreds of man hours from actually a relative small, but extraordinarily talented, group of people.  We all learned a lot along the way, but also all knew what this should look like.  Compromise was not acceptable which is part of the reason this has taken so long.

If you know me, you know a little about my background. I've been involved with quite a few organizations, some with very noble causes.  However, I have to say that The Elevision Network is probably the project that has the potential to change the most lives.  Not only the lives of the people that are directly involved, but the lives of the people that subscribe and take advantage of having access to the brightest and the best in the world--24  hours a day, seven days a week at their convenience.  I thank God every day for the opportunity to be involved and the people that I have met along the way through this project.  It has been something I will never forget and I wouldn't have misssed it for the world.

If you want more information about this great project, you can contact Robin at drblindguy@gmail.com.  This email has been set up specifically for our work with The Elevision Network. 

Thanks for reading!

        

You know how life goes sometimes--you plod along thinking that the particular phase you are currently in will never end. For months we've been working with Chris Hutcherson on The Elevision Network.  This amaziing concept has also been taking an amazing amount of time to get going.  Don't get me wrong, there are top notch people involve--John Beal, Gary Goldstein, Frank McGuire Art Jonak, Bob Burg, just to name a few, the list is growing each day with more and more people and speakers joining ...I mean, it's a high powered group.  Chris has been great working with this diverse group--but sometime it seems like it is one step forward and two steps back.  None of us gave up, but Chris worked to really keep the excitement up--so this is the month and things are really going move--like at the speed of light.  If you would like to read more about how this all came about and the story of how Chris started it all (as well as some other interesting articles) go to http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi.

Now, the other thing we know will always happen is that when one thing starts moving, everything starts moving.  We have been looking for a house closer to town for about the last four or five months. We looked at over 100 houses.  I was about ready to call the show Hidden Potential--there was a couple of there that had looked at over 800 houses in two years!  Anyway, we finally found one and started moving October 1.  (Notice I said started moving.)  Anyway, now we have moving, painting, all that good stuff going on along with The Elevision Network.

Then we also have a new company that we are working with called Boresha (www.drinkcoffeegetpaid.com).  This is 100% certified organic, fair trade, pesticide free, shade grown, Double AA Arabica coffee from Africa.  Great coffee, but also a great mission for the company.  A portion of their profits go to an organization called Invisible Children that helps kids in Africa.  So, you can drink your coffee and help kids too.  This company is just starting to take off, so we have been working on marketing materials for them as well.

Now, all this, while a little overwhelming, is also fun and exciting. To see months of hard work pay off--well, there is no greater high!  Keep reading--things are going to gear up even more!

Thanks for reading!

        

As you Know I am Dr Robin Rushlo and my wife Kathy writes the blog here. The exception is this one. She wrote this one for my as this man is the reason I keep my sanity and feet on the ground. Chris A. Hutcherson help lift me to the next higher level. This was written so that all of you may see the other side you do not usually see. Thanks

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Once in a while you meet someone really exceptional. Chris A. Hutcherson may be just the one that fits this, but read on and then ...<< MORE >>

Robin and I got into a "discussion" today about a blog I was considering writing.  "If you write that blog" he said, "you will be stealing people's dreams!"  Now, those of you that know me know that I would never write anything that would discourage anyone and what the blog would have been about (since I will probably still write it at some point) is not important.  It made me think about dream stealing.

I've been watching America's Got Talent.  The final show was last night and the five finalist performed.  What set these five apart from the thousands that tried ...<< MORE >>

When I got into the MLM business with Robin one of the first things I told him was "I don't want to sell anything." 

"No problem," he says, "you don't have to." 

"Really?" I said.

"Really" he said.

He said that because when we first got into this particular network marketing company, it wasn't about selling, it was about recruiting.  The problem with forgetting about selling and concentrating on recruiting is that in order for anyone to make money consistently products have to move--and no matter how you cut it, that is about selling. If you concentrate totally on recruiting, the people you recruit concerntrate ...<< MORE >>

You can't take something off the Internet - it's like taking pee out of a pool.  
                                                                                                                    NewsRadio.

One of things that people forget when then sign on with a company is that pesky little thing called "terms and conditions."  Most of us just happily click on the "Agree" button without really reading the entire agreement. After all, it is multiple pages long and you just want to get started.  Yes, you are an independent business owner, but you also represent the company and usually buried in that agreement are the reasons that the company can dump you.  Yes, they can take away your ...<< MORE >>

Robin has been traveling a little for business lately.  On one of these trips, I needed to find something in his office, affectionately known at the man cave.  I hadn't been in there in a while, as evidenced by the inch of dust. (One of the many things about being blind is that things like dust don't bother you because you can't see it.) There were also piles and piles of stuff everywhere.  Trying find what I was looking for might be more of a challenge than I thought.

I started on the desk (figuring that the most recent stuff was probably ...<< MORE >>

I really like Zig Ziglar.  I think as speakers go, he is one of my favorites.  He always has great stories and they are always true.  One he talks about goes as like this.

Col. George Washington Goethels, the man who completed the Panama Canal, handled criticism effectively. During the construction he had numerous problems with the geography, climate and mosquitoes. Like all mammoth projects, he had his critics back home who constantly harped on what he was doing and predicted that he would never complete the project. However, he stuck to the task and said nothing. One day an ...<< MORE >>

The great tour of the southwest continued with three days in Las Vegas Baby! (I really wanted to say that on the radio, but Robin wouldn't let me--spoil sport) and three days in the Salt Lake City area.  Vegas was pretty much just fun (although Robin did have one of his downline fly in just to talk to him).  Salt Lake was a little more business with a visit to relatively new MLM called Orovo.

We get to Salt Lake and Robin, as usual takes over the desk.  He plugged in everything into every available outlet.  He has his laptop, his headphones, ...<< MORE >>

The first stop on our vacation was Albuquerque, New Mexico. We used to live in Albuquerque and we were looking forward to seeing some of our friends.  The kids were particularly anxious to see some of their old classmates.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites.  We had a separate bedroom for us and the kids had a queen sized pull out couch in the outer room.  Worked out very nicely.  The Embassy Suites may seem expensive, but we got a free hot breakfast for the four of us as part of the room as well as a Manager's Reception in the ...<< MORE >>

Hi everyone!  Did you miss me?  We have been gone for the past couple of weeks visiting points southwest.  We traveled a little over 4,300 miles by car and saw some of the most beautiful country (and some of the most boring) country you will ever want to visit.  I thought you might enjoy hearing about the trip, so that will be the topic of the blog for the next couple of weeks.  Needless to say, it was definitely an adventure.

We started off on a cloudy day from our home in Hills, Iowa, geared up for the 1,200 mile. two day trip to Albuquerque.  ...<< MORE >>

Last week I went to Adventureland with my kids.  Adventureland is a small amusement park in Des Moines.  It is the closest amusement park to Iowa City (about 90 miles) with the next closest probably being Six Flags in St.  Louis (a five hour drive).  It is a fun day and if you go during the week, you have the added bonus that it is not very crowded.  We were there on a Wednesday.  Robin had volunteered to stay home with the baby, so that was an added bonus.  He actually "volunteered because he doesn't really like the rides.  In another ...<< MORE >>

Wow--what a week!  From Iowa to Dallas to San Francisco and back again.  Technology, investors, and fabulous people.  Exhaustion and exhilaration all at once.  The excitement has not only not died down, but continues to grow!

In everyone's life there are those defining moments.  Moments that you remember either because they changed you in some fundamental way or because they changed the direction of you life.  Your wedding day, the birth of your children, the day your divorce is final, graduations (yours and your kids), and even deaths.  However, there are also the defining moments in your professional life. The job promotion, ...<< MORE >>

Network marketing is always an adventure.  Sometimes it is REALLY an adventure.  This week is one of those times.  I'm writing to you from the conference room at Splash Media in Dallas, Texas.  I can't get into the details of what we are doing here, but I am telling you that this is BIG (and I'm really hard to impress)!!!  You will have to ask Robin if you want to know more.  Thanks for reading and I'll write more about this adventure on Wednesday! ...<< MORE >>

One of the things that a network marketer learns pretty quickly is the number tasks that are involved in running a business.  These tasks range from just keeping track of people to keeping track of business expenses.  Most networkers, at least in the beginning, do not have the funds for a personal assistant to keep them organized.  And maybe you don't have a spouse to do it for you (or you have a spouse, but they won't do it for you or are too busy themselves).  So, how do you keep it together?  There are lot of books out there about time management and I am not ...<< MORE >>

Okay, although I didn't plan in this way, getting this blog out today has been an exercise in patience.  I'm sitting at Barnes & Noble waiting for my granddaughter to get done with summer school.  I'm on Robin's old laptop (which isn't really that old by the way) which is slower than my laptop. My laptop is with the Geek Squad since my grandson decided to start removing the keys on the keyboard by flipping them off.  Did you know that they really can't replace the keys, they have to send the ENTIRE laptop to the manufacturer to have them ...<< MORE >>

To continue from my last blog, there are a lot of things you can do as a partner in this network marketing business, even if you don't really "get it."

Somtimes, you have to play the bad guy.  Network marketers often really love their companies.  They also can get really close to their sponsors  While this may seem like a great thing, it can affect their ability to be objective about the company and some of their methods.  I am happy to report that only once have I had a strong feeling about a company to the point where I told ...<< MORE >>

One of the advantages of writing your own blog is when life gets in the way and you miss a couple of days, the world doesn't end!  As many of you know, we have had massive flooding in the state of Iowa (with about 2/3rds of the state being delared a disaster area).  While my office and our home are not directly under water (thank God), it has had an effect.  I have not been able to go to my office because much of the University of Iowa has water issues including the physical plant.  Access to the University is also difficult ...<< MORE >>

For all the nice-nice talk about being in a multi-level marketing company for the friends you will make, the self-discovery process and all the other changes that result from getting out of your comfort zone, let's face it, the idea of making a residual income and having multiple streams of income is still one of the main selling points.  While it may be a selling point, explaining a compensation plan in simple terms is easier said that done.

Now, I consider myself pretty good with numbers.  I mean I've taken calculus, statistics, and accounting (and yes, I did pass!).  I have ...<< MORE >>

Sometimes writing this blog is easy, and sometimes, it is hard.  Today, I thought it was going to be hard.  I was walking into work this morning trying to think of something to write about.  I couldn't think of a thing.  To top it off, the sky was a dull shade of gray and everything was wet and muggy from the endless rain that has plagued the area almost all summer.  (I thought the rule was that if you suffered through a horrible winter you got to have a good summer!)  So, I truged into work, fired up my computer.  One ...<< MORE >>

"I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown."  Luke 4:24

No one understands this verse from the Bible better than network marketers, especially those that have been in the business for any length of time.

I think most of us are generally skeptical about anything that does not conform to the image we all have of how one makes money--namely you work for someone and are paid a salary--the exchange of time for money.  Or you own your own business which means a shop, a restaurant, or something else that still involves you going to work.  The ...<< MORE >>

One of the things I struggled with early on (and still struggle with if you want to know the truth) is explaining what Robin does--exactly.  When I first talked to my parents about Robin, I told them he was in network marketing.  Of course, they didn't know what that was (and neither did I). 

Over time, Robin has used various ways to describe what he does.  When we first met, one of his favorite lines was "I teach people how to make money."  Really descriptive and specific, I know.  Or "I give people a chance to make residual income."  I ...<< MORE >>

I don't know about you, but sometimes I have a really hard time making a decision.  Generally, I am pretty decisive, but there are two particular cases where I really struggle with a decision.  The first case is when there is no compelling reason to make the decision right away.  The other is when the decision is complex and involves other people, particularly if the decision may have a negative impact on those people.

As I have said before, I was involved with a direct sales company that sells easy to prepare gourmet foods that are simple.  (I won't say who, but I'm ...<< MORE >>

Robin loves gadgets.  Anything electronic, he is into it. Some people think this is because he uses a lot of equipment to help him "see" the world, but the the truth is that he has always been interested in the latest thing the tech world has to offer.

I like technology too.  It is always fun to see new all the new devices out there. As you might guess, however, there is one fundamental difference between how Robin and I use devices.  Probably the best example of this in our cell phones (although you could substitute computers, TV remotes--pretty much anything that ...<< MORE >>

Someone wanted to know if we involved our kids in our businesses.  The answer is a resounding yes!  After all, they are a captive workforce!  ...<< MORE >>

The first time I talked to Robin it was not in person.  We were talking by IM.  This was also with a company that had methodology that I never really cared for and involved not telling people right away what you were talking about.  Robin has generally abandoned this method since it is somewhat inefficient and can annoy people (like me!).  The conversation went something like this.

Robin:  "I'm in this really great business that can make you residual income."

Me:  "What's residual income?" 

Robin:  "Income that is generated by your business."

Me:  "Cool, what do you sell."

Robin:  "A product that everyone needs."

Me:  "Cool. Do they have a website."

Robin:  "This ...<< MORE >>

For some reason network marketing seems to attacted former military people.  I'm not sure why this is.  Maybe it is because after so many years of being under Uncle Sam's thumb they like the freedom to schedule their own time.  Maybe it's because after being out in the field they need the challenge and corresponding high when things go well.  I don't really know. 

One trait that Robin, as retired military, has never gotten out of his system is the necessity for being on time.  For most people, being on time is goal not a lifestyle.  For him, it is ...

<< MORE >>

Most of you know that network marketers use the web extensively.  For everything from recruting to product information, the web is their main communication with the outside world and particularly potential customers.  So, I'm not sure why some of them insist on having some of these things going on with their websites.  So, here are the top 10 things that drive me crazy on websites.

1.    Video that starts up when you open the website.  You can see it now.  A guy is at work thinking how he would really like to do something else.  He starts surfing the web looking for business ...<< MORE >>

As many of you might guess, Robin and I have very different styles when dealing with people. 

I am very non-confrontational.  If there is a way to do something unpleasant without making anyone angry, I'm all for it.  Now, don't get me wrong,  I can certainly be forceful when it is necessary.  I've been a supervisor, so I've had to fire people, reprimand people, the whole nine yards, but I don't enjoy it.  Confrontation always makes me very uncomfortable and I tend to take it personally, even when I shouldn't.  It takes a lot to get me angry, but if you get me ...<< MORE >>

Hi.  Sorry I didn't publish yesterday.  A) I was sick and Kathy ...<< MORE >>

High expectations are the key to everything - Sam Walton, Founder of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club

What a great quote.  Especially for network marketers. 

When I first met Robin (via our online chats) he told me that he had been in network marketing for over thirty years.  Being the classically trained business person that I am, my first thought was, "Hmmmm, if he's being doing this for 30 years and it is such a great opportunity, why is he still on the web recruiting???"  This was my first lesson in network marketing--high expectations.  For Robin and others like him, it's not about ...<< MORE >>

Yes, I know I left the "a" out! 

By now most of you have figured out that I love my husband dearly--eccentricies and all.  He is by far one of the most brilliant (if not the most brilliant) people I have ever know.  Most of my adult career has been spent in research administration.  For those of you who don't know what that means (including my mother who still can't remember what I got my Master's in) I work with various nonprofit organizations getting and managing grants--usually from the government.  Most of that career has been spent working with a brilliant (and ...<< MORE >>

To answer one burning question that some of you seem to have--no, Robin does not edit my blog.  In fact, he never reads until it is published, trusting sole that he is!

One of the reasons to really like the products you represent is that you have to become a product of the product, which means you have to actually TRY and USE them.  Now, Robin is always open to learning about new companies and new products, particularly health products.  UPS, Fed Ex, DHL, USPS all have a well-worn path to our door.

While I'm all for trying new things, I have to ...<< MORE >>

There is always a lot of talk in network marketing about your why.  Why do you want to do this business?  You whys determine almost your entire motivation and you whys are what you keep you going when things are maybe not great.

Some of you may wonder if I am in a business separate from Robin's.  Now, I know that, given his list, it looks like there is not room in our house for yet another business.  But you would be wrong.  I do indeed have my own business.  So, how did I came to get into another business?  As you may recall, when ...<< MORE >>

Yeah! It's Friday!  Network marketers hate Fridays because it means the standard work week is over.  In our house, that means that the peace and quiet of the week days are over and Robin will have to deal with all of us being in the house for the next two days.  Horrors!

Our house is pretty lively.  We have two teenagers (drama queens--you know what I mean), a nine year old (at the crossroads of moving from the princess stage to the diva stage), and a 17 month old grandson who just pretty much does what he wants while the rest of ...<< MORE >>

Most of the time I'm not very good about remembering jokes, lines from movies, that sort of thing.  However, occasionally, a line or lines sticks, usually because I think it really applies to me.  Such is the case with a line from the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  In case you haven't seen the movie, the mother is talking to her daughter.  They are talking about how to convince the father that the daughter can attend college. The family is Greek Orthodox and the father is extremely conservative and very much the "head of the household."  Anyway, she says "The man may be ...<< MORE >>

As I may have mentioned, I have only known my huband Robin for a little over four years and we will have been married three years in July.  Since he is blind and works primarily at home, you may be wondering how we met.  Well, funny you should ask.

We were both living in Albuquerque at the time.  I was a widow, but had been dating someone for about six months.  Going okay, but I won't say there weren't issues.  I was also working full-time as the COO/Executive Director of a nonprofit research organization.  Doing pretty well if I do say ...<< MORE >>

 Well, I’ve gotten some response, so I guess writing this is not such a bad idea.  Thanks to everyone that sent a comment—I appreciate the feedback.  And thanks if you subscribed.  I hope you enjoy!

One of the responses I got was from my husband. Did he like the blog? Hate it?<< MORE >>

Welcome to a new place for all you hard working spouses of network marketers! 

My name is Kathy and my husband is a rather well known figure in the network marketing/MLM world.  I'll just refer to him as Dr. R for now.  I may reveal his identity later (if he doesn't mind) and since he is a network marketer, I suspect he won't!

I'm fairly new to network marketing and this is the first time I have actually done a blog.  We will see how it goes, but so far, so good!

If you are the spouse of a network marketer, or ...<< MORE >>