This is a guest post by Chris Widener
Eight Choices You Can Make Today That Will Change Your Life Forever
The direction of our lives is determined by the choices we make every day. They accumulate and add up to our ultimate destiny. Here are eight choices you can make—choices that will create for you abundance and prosperity in all areas of your life.

1. Choose to grow personally. This sounds simple but many people only wish to grow personally. They never choose to grow by taking action, such as actually exercising, saving more money, etc. Make a decision today to be a person who is on the never-ending journey of personal growth.

2. Choose to always treat others right. We come across all sorts of people, many of whom will treat us poorly. We can choose to treat them right, no matter how they treat us. When they lie, we will tell the truth. When they cheat, we will play by the rules. We may get the short end of the stick sometimes, but in the long run we will win. And most important, we will be able to sleep at night.

3. Choose to break a bad habit. Take the biggie first. Tackle it head on. If you don’t know what it is, ask a friend. Then spend every effort you can to break that habit. Forget about the others, as you will get to them later. Stop smoking, get out of debt, lose your excess weight. Exercise the power to choose!

4. Choose to work smarter. Many people I work with feel like they are out of balance. One of the first things I do is try to find out how much time they are wasting at work, which makes them work longer, which throws the rest of their life into chaos. Getting your work done by diligently working in the time you have will free your life up extraordinarily.

5. Choose to see your work as a way to help others, and not a way to make money. If you put your heart into helping others, the money will most assuredly come. Spend time helping others grow and your finances will grow with it.

6. Choose to become balanced spiritually, emotionally and physically. Our lives are best when we have these three major areas in balance. Spend some time cultivating your spirituality, becoming emotionally healthy, and physically fit.

7. Choose to sow more than you reap. There are many takers in this world, but our lives will be better as we become givers. The world will become better as we become givers. Give away your time, give away your money, give away your love.

8. Choose to get home for dinner more often. The family is the most important group of people you will ever belong to. Make a decision today to grow in your relationship with your parents, siblings, spouse and children. This one choice you will never regret.

One of my favorite quotes: “The history of free men is never written by chance, but by choice; their choice.” —Dwight D. Eisenhower

—Chris Widener

Chris Widener is the leader of a new generation of personal development and leadership experts. He lives and breathes the strategies and tools he shares with millions around the globe. Chris’ content is rich and practical, and his style is dynamic and engaging! If you want to see real change in your life, or the life of your organization, connect with Chris Widener. — Jim Rohn

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When I was going over my Yahoo! Fantasy Football rosters this morning, I came across this article from Sports Illustrated, September 7, 2009, titled Trust Us: We’re Wrong. The article was written by Phil Taylor and it had this caption:

“With all due respect to my colleagues at SI, we correctly forecast a champion about as often as Derek Jeter goes dateless on a Saturday night.”

My initial thought after reading that article was…
What???

These are the people I trust in order to make decisions on whom to Start or Sit each week…?

They could be wrong…???

“Gee, that must be nice!”

I mean think about it. Here’s a job, where one can be wrong about something and not hear about it from their superiors….ever! They cannot be faulted in any way shape or form for being completely wrong about draft picks, trades, Super Bowl Championships, World Series Championships, NBA Championships etc. They can even use the excuse, that because someone got hurt and didn’t play, that may have skewed the prediction(s).

“Gee, that must be nice!”

My all-time favorite job, that I used to wish I had, was that of a weatherman. Initially, this thought came to me when I was in the U.S. Navy and stationed at Moffett Field. I remember talking with someone who had the task of “predicting” the weather for the P-3 pilots. He, like most in the profession of predicting the weather, was wrong more times than right!

This person would always laugh and tell me, “Well Webb, you know the saying, you pick your rate you pick your fate.” I would think back how, at 19 years old, the only reason I picked the Radioman (RM) rating was because I thought the lightning bolts on the rating patch for the uniforms was cool. My father was a Hospital Corpsman (HM) in the Navy and thought I was nuts for doing that!

The weather. How many times have we heard it was going to rain when it didn’t or did when we heard it wasn’t going to. I can still hear my friend from the Navy, during those times. He was right obviously, as no one can predict the weather nor has control over the weather. Who could reprimand him for it…???

I think about jobs like telecommuting. I haven’t met one person that was able to get one of those jobs but my friends always knew someone who did and no, that person wasn’t able to get them a telecommuting job! My next line of thought is always, when does the telecommuter actually go in to the workplace and what exactly are their hours? No one seems to know! Yet there is a cubicle, complete with a workstation, should this individual just happen to be in the area!

“Gee, that must be nice!”

How about the amount of breaks or type of breaks allowed? I like this one because if you are a smoker, you seem to get some additional breaks as opposed to non-smokers. There doesn’t appear to be a time limit for these breaks either. Non-smokers seemed to be governed at a higher standard in the time allotted and the number of breaks as opposed to smokers, who I might add are still entitled to the same breaks as non-smokers! Other questions I have are, when does the actual smoke break clock start? When the cigarette is lit? When permission is asked and then granted? When the smoker actually is in the smoking area after going to the rest room first? Does drinking a cool beverage or hot cup of joe, with an entree(s) during the time of the smoke break border on or constitute a lunch break..?

“Gee, that must be nice!”

Now, if you’re one of the people (as I was) who rushes to and from work on a 2-3 hour commute each way, trying to listen to positive music or inspirational and motivational teachings on the radio or on CD, only to get to your desk or cubicle and look at the pile of work that you are supposed to be doing or have done, with the “red button” on the phone continually flashing…and mutters to yourself…

“I just want to do something different and meet new people. I’m tired of wasting my time, hanging around people without much ambition and who aren’t going anywhere. I’m tired of spending time with people who work just hard enough…so they won’t get fired, and I’m also tired of working for a company that pays us just enough…so we won’t quit.”

THAT is the moment you should look at designing a lifestyle, that will allow you to achieve everything you want without a glass ceiling. This decision doesn’t have to nor will it jeopardize what you are already doing…!

There are simply too many testimonies, worldwide, of people who have been where you are and made that leap of faith, who have NEVER looked back…!

In business, we have a better way and yes…

IT IS NICE…!!
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Almost one-quarter of the 297,169 youths in the 1.2 billion jobs program didn’t get jobs, as adults sought the same low-wage positions at hamburger stands and community pools, according to an Associated Press review of government data and reports from states.
– Article from Daily Republic Fairfield, “Youth left searching, hoping” California September 24, 2009

Congressman Steve Buyer expressed dismay over a government report released last Friday that shows skyrocketing unemployment for recently discharged veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) study shows that unemployment for veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom ballooned over the past 12 months to 11.3 percent, significantly higher than the overall unemployment rate of 9.7 percent. – Article from Military.com, “Alarming Unemployment Rate for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans” September 24, 2009

For those of you out there still holding your breath and waiting for things to “get back to normal” it’s time to start taking in some air so you can get used to the fact that things may not ever be like they were. Things just might get even better but for the time being we as entrepreneurs need to shift and adjust. It’s not enough anymore to just go with the flow.

If you’re stuck in a holding pattern till things even out you might end up losing more than you bargained for. Being open to new opportunities and endeavors is one of the prime characteristics of a wealth builder.

Once you’ve accepted the fact that things are different you’ll be open to new ways for making money. What worked two years ago might not work in today’s economic climate. It may be time to rethink old strategies and make adjustments to your marketing and /or the packaging of goods and services.

Entrepreneurs are always on the look out for new ways to create cash. Each of you has the ability to change the course of your destiny. It’s times like these that truly separate the doers from the whiners. Which one are you right now?

You’ve got to be in a cycle of continuous learning and earning. Stay abreast of what is working for others. If you’ve modeled your Cash Machine after a similar company, perhaps it’s time to revisit their strategies. Be on the look out for changing trends.

We have abundant opportunities! We all have the power to create wealth even in the current economy. We must remember to ask ourselves what we can do today to create wealth.

Be thinking about how you can make this economic change work for you instead of against you.

If you are stuck in a rut, remember you’re not alone. It might be time to get your self reorganized. Join a networking group. Have a brainstorming meeting with your team. Keep things going in a forward motion, don’t become stagnate!

If it’s time to make a change in your Cash Machine strategies — do it. Don’t hesitate. Business is like the economy, it’s ever changing.

I know things can get tough out there but if you’re just waiting for things to even out you’ll be waiting a long time my friend. You’ve got to think with your creative side and act on your good instincts. It’s understandable to get stuck once in a while but know that it’s up to you to snap out of it.

Are you in control of your future or are you listening to all the naysayers? Do you have a plan or are you just wishing? It’s time to get real, be honest, make changes where necessary and pull your self up by the boot straps. You absolutely can do this!

Loral Langemeier

Loral Langemeier is one of today’s most dynamic and pioneering financial strategists. A New York Times best-selling author and a leading motivational speaker, Loral has spurred thousands across the country from dazed apathy and fear of finance to millionaire status by giving them the simple tools to launch innovative businesses that generate cash and build wealth.

Let’s be honest and not sugarcoat this.

It is true unemployment is at record highs, and even if you have a job, you likely are not being paid anywhere near what you deserve.

But the other side is this…

There are also thousands of people who have decided to take matters into their own hands.

How?

Well, watch this video…!

Let’s face it, there are some things that you can control. I know you have talents, skills, knowledge and strengths unrecognized and unused that can make you CASH RIGHT NOW, EVEN in a bad economy.

If you want to see how me and my friends are profiting in times like this more than ever, you need to check out this video.

You will soon discover how you can not only survive, but thrive in any economy.

Check Out The Video Right Here..!
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This is a guest post by Mark B. Yarnell

09/18/09 10:23 AM
I’ve had about enough self-righteous opinions from financial-sector capitalists who, perhaps embarrassed about their own performance, insist on criticizing legitimate professions.

One such asset manager, David John Marotta, took a shot at multi-level marketing (MLM) or network marketing recently in this journal (Aug. 28 issue, column entitled, “The False Lure of Multi-Level Marketing”). And his analysis was so flawed, unsubstantiated, and preposterous that I simply couldn’t let it slide. Like so many other self-appointed pseudo-experts, Mr. Marotta evidently decided to hold court outside his own domain and, in so doing, embarrassed himself and his profession.

David is probably a wonderful asset manager, but I humbly suggest that he leave multi-level marketing to the experts.

In case you missed his column, here are a few of his bits of wisdom.

“MLM is a non-sustainable business model because it simply provides a product that has been marked up in price.”

Sorry David, but last year alone, as a matter of public record, Amway did $8.2 billion in sales and Mary Kay, Herbalife, and Primerica each generated in excess of $2 billion. Those are just a few examples of companies that have been extremely profitable for dozens of decades. So much for non-sustainability.

Oh, and by the way, on planet earth every product that is for sale has been “marked up in price.” You see, David, that’s how capitalism works. According to your bio, you do fee-only financial planning. Your fee, David, is a mark-up. Instead of anything tangible, you mark up a service that may help people or wipe them out financially. Either way you make money.

Among other things, David goes on to assert that MLM is “not really a business,” “we offend our friends and families,” create “no real value,” and “endlessly recruit hopefuls who churn at the bottom of a pyramid,” while “only those positioned at the top” collect big checks. He closes by calling our profession a “distraction from a genuine vocational calling.”

Mr. Marotta offered not one shred of support for his Wikipedia-style distortions. Why? Because his ramblings lack credible research and support.

As a best selling author, I’ve met thousands of wonderful men and women since 1986 who, like me, joined established MLM companies at the very bottom and became wealthy through hard work and perseverance. We started with no money, special skills, or credentials and delivered superior products and services to people all over the world by word-of-mouth advertising. Many of us have earned millions over the years and given huge amounts to charities and multiple worthy causes.

My international MLM business has taken me to every continent. Unlike financial planners, we don’t just sit at home and collect fees by moving money around, we build international distribution organizations that allow common people with very little capital to prosper based on their own hard work and character. Many of our products and services are far superior to the crap from overseas that people purchase from big-box superstores.

David closed with the following delusional comment, “There are hundreds of legitimate business opportunities available for entrepreneurs who want to build companies that provide real value.” Sorry David, but you need to read a few books by legitimate writers. There are no options for millions of boomers who have been hammered relentlessly into horrible debt loads by unconscionable casino capitalism just in time for retirement. Others have worked diligently for decades only to have their assets “managed” into oblivion by people in your world.

Many have seen their assets converted from 401(k)s to 201(k)s by people in your profession. The only time I turned over $300,000 to an asset manager it was down the toilet in three years thanks to stupid, high-risk investments. Fortunately, I’ve managed the bulk of my MLM income over the years and have been comfortably semi-retired since the late 1980s.

There are good people and bad people in every profession. I’m going to assume that David is more like Warren Buffet than Bernie Madoff because ignorance is not always an indication of malice. So, David, why don’t you pick up the phone and ask Mr. Buffet why he calls MLM a great field. Better yet, ask him why he owns The Pampered Chef. He might be able to teach you why so many experienced asset managers regard MLM with respect.

I’d like to end by thanking Adam Rombel, editor-in-chief of The Central New York Business Journal for his professional integrity. In an age when many periodicals pander only to special interests, his journal is obviously engaged in presenting both sides of issues. It’s refreshing to have access to a legitimate journal with no hidden agenda or stereotypical biases.

Mark B. Yarnell is author of the Random House bestseller, “Your First Year in Network Marketing,” and former contributing editor to Success magazine. Contact him at vbates@telus.net or (250) 769-3214. Share this Post

     

Now, I’ve been travelin’ long and hard
And all over this big land
And I got something here in my bag for every woman and man
And nowhere is too far ’cause I cover a pretty wide base
From way down South to way up North
I’ll shake hands with any friendly face

CHORUS
Salesman, salesman,
Why don’t you sell me something?
Salesman, salesman,
Why don’t you sell me something?
Everybody wants a real deal-everybody wants a real deal

For some strange reason I woke up this morning with that song in my head. It’s a song called Salesman by Stan Ridgway on the album, The Big Heat released in 1986. I think the reason I woke up with this song in my head was because of a webinar I attended last night having to do with networking on various social media platforms without coming across as a…..person trying to sell something…

Sales….

“People don’t like sales nor do they want to do it.”

That was my reaction when I started my business back in April 2001 because that’s what people told me whenever I approached them with an opportunity to make a passive income. As a child, I can remember watching television shows like Green Acres (1965-1971) and seeing the dishonest and oily salesman, Mr. Haney (Pat Buttram) who sold Oliver Wendell Douglas (Eddie Albert) the Green Acres farm, and continued to con his easy “mark” in most episodes. I would watch the show and get upset with Mr. Haney myself!

What a snake! None of the potions or gadgets he had ever worked and he was always trying to upsell everything, which never worked either…! Why did Mr. Douglas keep buying them…?

Here’s another example of sales from another television show from my past, Petticoat Junction (1963-1970). I can remember Sam Drucker (Frank Cady) who ran “Drucker’s Store” in Hooterville and he’d always give credit. He also seemed to have other jobs as the mail carrier and telegraph operator and in order for him to fulfill this roles, he’d switch hats…

Now we’re not talking about the “bait and switch”. We’re talking about someone who was well liked and trusted. We’ve all heard the saying, “People Do Business With People They Know, Like, And Trust”. Drucker’s Store always gave credit while his competitors in the town of Pixley wanted cash. Guess who people liked better? Sam Drucker was always friendly and he also provided some “fatherly” advice. Guess who people trusted? Sam Drucker always gave more than he took.

The reality is about 10 percent of any population could be classified as sales types. They have developed selling skills, have no fear of rejection, and they are constantly on the lookout for new prospects. They drive around in their car all day listening to motivational recordings and say things like, “I LOVE to hear a ‘no,’ because I know after another eight ‘no’s’ I’m going to get to a ‘yes!’”

That means 90 percent of any population would have to be classified as non-sales types. They don’t know how to sell, they hate the very idea of it, and they’re deathly afraid of rejection. They don’t want to wear buttons with corny slogans on their clothes, make cold calls, and chase after strangers at the shopping mall. They will use the products themselves and they feel comfortable referring them to a select group of friends. But they don’t feel at ease in a sales role or “playing store.”

But do 90 percent of any population sell anything….? Absolutely, they sell themselves all of the time. Whether they sell themselves on an idea or concept or they sell themselves to gain employment or work with other business owners. During the interview process for employment or business, they may interview with one or more people who almost always, have to go and sell them to someone else, who has the authority to hire them for employment or agree to do business with them. At the beginning of a relationship, the person wanting a relationship with someone else, more times than not, has to gain the approval or acceptance of one’s family and/or friends. There is a considerable amount of selling involved here…! So, if you are married or in a relationship, there was some selling involved. Either you bought something or they did but something was definitely sold…!

Mr. Harland Stonecipher says it best, “The greatest sale you’ll ever make is when you sell yourself.” I believe that Mr. Stonecipher is saying that as a business owner you have to believe in what you are doing and in what product or service you are providing as a solution to people’s problems.

Develop a passion for what you are doing to help others.

It goes without saying that solving people’s problems makes it possible for you to make 6 figures or more in business. It’s a well-known fact that making 6 figures at a job(s) building someone else’s dream is one thing but making 6 figures in your business, building Generational Wealth for you and your family is another thing altogether…!

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