Browsing Category Personal Development
7 Keys to get ahead in the New Year
I was recently on an incredible mentoring call, where one of my mentors and business partners was giving a weekly mentoring call on how to build not only our businesses, but also how to improve ourselves. Let’s face it, if we want to accomplish great things in this lifetime, we need to improve ourselves first, then we can truly facilitate the change in others, as well as our world at large. There is a good reason why, when on a plane, they say “if the oxygen masks come down, please place yours on first BEFORE assisting small children”.
So there were 7 points on this call that I would like to highlight here, because when I heard these myself, it really caused me to reflect on what I need to do to improve as a person, as a business owner, a leader, a husband. My hope is that these will cause a bit of reflection on your part as well.
THE SEVEN “F”‘s
1. Forsake: There are some things we need to give up, to forsake if we are going to move to the next level. What is holding you back? What could you do without in order to move forward? Bad habits, wrongs thoughts, bad influences, etc.
2. Forget: We have all been hurt, we have all had failures, it’s time to move on, and not dwell in the past. “Are you reaching for the stars, or living on your scars?”
3. Focus: Now is the time to focus; Affirmations, goals, a plan. Hope is NOT a strategy. Focus on what you are looking to achieve.
4. Find: Find out what it is that excites you? What are your dreams? You should be THRIVING, not just SURVIVING. FIND out what it is that truly moves, inspires, and motivates you.
5. Follow: Follow those who will teach you. Find a mentor, someone who is where you strive to be, then follow them, and let them coach you.
6. Form: Form a plan to get to where who are going. You can’t jump in your car and aimlessly drive around town hoping to find your destination. Same thing with your life. Your plan IS your google map, your directions.
7. Forge: Once you have your plan, FORGE ahead with passion and purpose. Wake up everyday with a positive attitude, and don’t allow anyone to steal your happiness or positivity. If you do, the one who loses is YOU
-Great thanks to Mr. Brad Hager for this awesome, inspiring information. I hope this is helpful for you. Happy New Year, let’s go 2011!
Peace,
Jamie
Is Network Marketing a Scam?
As someone who is involved in the Home Based Business industry knows as Network Marketing, I am very aware of the stigmas and preconceived perceptions that people have regarding it. Many still view Network Marketing as a “pyramid scheme”, or think of it as a very negative business, without much income earning potential. Many that I have spoken to about Network Marketing have said the same thing: “I tried that once, didn’t really make any money, I just don’t think I am cut out for it”.
Well, I have some thoughts on the subject that I wanted to share.
First, what is Network Marketing? It is a method of distributing products using word of mouth advertising, instead of traditional tv, print and media advertising. A company’s product or service usually can only be purchased through an independent distributor, rather than in retail stores. The independent distributor earns a commission each time a product or service is sold. Furthermore, the distributor can enroll others that have a desire to become distributors themselves, and the enroller (sometimes called the sponsor) then would receive an additional override on the new distributors sales as well.
In a traditional retail model, when a company sells product through traditional retail outlets and stores, the profit goes mainly to the company. The stores themselves would make a profit as well. But the end user is simply consuming or using the company’s product or service, and paying full price for it.
With a Network Marketing business model, the company puts an opportunity for financial gain into the hands of literally anyone who wishes to take advantage of it, simply by using a product or service, and then building an team of people who also wish to use the products or service.
Okay, so why do people think it is a “pyramid scheme”? Honestly, I don’t know. A pyramid scheme simply involves money exchanging hands, without any goods or services being sold. A pyramid scheme is illegal, and has nothing to do with NWM.
There are some who say that NWM “is not really about the products, its just a sign up game”. Well, here is my take on that. If a company doesn’t have unique, proprietary products that people want, there is no way that a company will last 2 or 3 years, let alone 50. So it HAS to be about the products. However, if it were ONLY about the products, then the company should just put those products in stores and sell them through traditional retail channels, end of story. But NWM is also about creating an opportunity for people to grow a business, whether that means simply making enough money to get their products for free, or building a massive team, and building a full time, passive income. it is completely up to each independent distributor to decide for themselves how big or small they want to grow their business.
Next, let’s talk about why so many seem to “fail” at NWM. The answer to this is simple. Most people do not take the necessary steps to succeed. It’s really that simple. NWM is a simple business, that doesn’t mean it is easy. It takes work, perseverance and dedication, just like any other business. It is a marathon, not a sprint, and usually, one needs to have vision and see the long term picture of where they will be if they stick with the plan. But most just can’t seem to follow through, an stop before they even start. Maybe there is a lack of belief in themselves or in the industry, so they quit, then blame their “failure” on the company or the industry as a whole. This is not exclusive to NWM, by the way, I think this is indicative of people in general. It’s a small percentage of individuals who will take the road less traveled, and do what is necessary to reach their goals. Too many people listen to those that don’t know what they are talking about when it comes to NWM. If I gave you advice about something that I never even tried, should you listen to me? Of course not. But that is what I see all of the time, someone’s brother tells them “hey don’t do that, that is a scam, a scheme, network marketing doesn’t work”. All the while they should be listening to the woman who just quit her full time job and is staying home with her children now because of NWM. Or how about the amazing story of a woman I know who was working in a grocery store, miserable, found network marketing and became one of the top income earners in her company. Or the musician friend of mine who found NWM several years back, and now is building a second home…. in Costa Rica. This wouldn’t have happened with the money he made as a Las Vegas lounge musician. And the lives that they have changed and touched are many. Listen to the right people. That’s another post of mine, actually.
The final point I want to make is this: Building a Network Marketing business is about helping people. I can see a lot of people scowling right now, shaking their heads, saying “yeah, right”. Well, I also know that the ones that are shaking and scowling have never built a large NWM organization, or you would understand what I am saying. It’s a business where there is no way you are going to be successful unless you help a lot of other people become successful. And the only way that is going to happen is if you develop yourself first. A very large part of Network Marketing is about personal growth, leadership, and teaching. The funny thing is, may people view this industry as negative, when actually the only way that you can grow a large team is by actually caring for and nurturing them! It’s people helping people.
And yes, there are some companies within the industry that are not the most upstanding and ethical. But that is no different that any other industry. You will find good and bad within every sector of every industry in the world. The truth is that Network Marketing has created more millionaires than any other industry, with the only exceptions being Microsoft and Google.
I love being a part of this industry. I love offering someone a chance to change their future, and watching them seize that opportunity and run with it. It’s an amazing thing to behold. We are living in a time when people need opportunities more than ever. With Network Marketing, you are paid what you are worth. If you work hard, you earn that pay. If you work a little, you earn that pay. It’s a better way.
I hope this is reaching you in a way that you understand, and at a time when it is meaningful to you.
Sincerely,
Jamie Hosmer
Thinking Outside The Box
It’s probably an understatement to say that we are living in, well, let’s say “strange” economic times. Certainly we would all agree that things are different now then, say, 5 years ago. I currently live in Las Vegas, and 5 years ago in Vegas things were booming like crazy. Housing prices were through the roof, there were plenty of jobs to be had, whether you were in construction, entertainment, the service industry, whatever. Things were good. Life was good. Hmmm….a bit different story today.
I am not going to rehash the unemployment numbers, or the percentages that housing prices have gone down. My purpose here is not to depress anyone, or state the obvious. So let’s get to my point for writing this:
When everything was all hunky-dory and we were all just grooving along on auto-pilot like life will be just like this forever, what were you doing? And the bigger question is this: What are you doing NOW? Are you doing the same thing? And what are your results? If you are one of the lucky ones that has a career that is still flourishing since the downturn, and all is well with your life, then I say awesome and congratulations. But if, like the world, things have changed for you and things are not so great, think about what you are doing to change with the times. Are you changing at all?
Remember Einstein’s definition on insanity: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Folks, now is the time to think “outside the box.” In fact, I say this is just about a necessity. The old days are over. One job for life, one career, retirement provided by your employer that will be there when you retire. These are things that for most will not be a reality. It’s a new day, it’s a whole new world. But it’s also a time for renewal, for reinvigorating ourselves, rethinking our lives in general. It’s a time when our creativity and zest for life will be brought to its fullest potential. It’s a time to really focus on what we truly are passionate about, what our talents are (are you using your given talents?), what our strengths are.
Speaking of strengths, check out www.strengthsfinder.com for an analysis of what you truly excel at. It can be a real eye opener. But I digress….
The only thing that will hold you back from achieving everything you want, all of your goals, your hopes, dreams (yes, even now in this economy) is…..YOU. Figure out what you want, which for most is the hardest part. Focus on that like there is nothing else, pinpoint, laser attention to that vision. Finally, take the action required, think outside the box, there is NO obstacle that you cannot overcome. Go and get it.
Let’s shred those boxes,
Jamie
What Do You REALLY Want?
I know I write quite a bit here about things like focusing on what you want, personal development, proper nutrition, among other things. I do truly believe that we are capable of bringing into our lives whatever it is that is truly in line with our passions, our strengths, our desires.
But, here is the thing. What is it that we REALLY want? And I don’t mean something like a new TV, as nice as all of these amazing looking flat panels are these days! What I mean is, how do you want to FEEL? Or course, all of us want to be happy, healthy, fulfilled, right? And what is at the center of all of that? What, at the end of the day, will keep us happy, healthy, fulfilled? It is inner peace. Think about that for a second. What if, you actually had complete, inner peace in your life right now. An inner peace so strong that there wasn’t anything that could upset you. There wasn’t any circumstance to break that perfect sense of bliss within. Nice.
Is it a pipe dream? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing I do know is this. If we have inner peace, then that means that nothing “out there” is going to be a problem for us. There is nothing “outside” of ourselves to disrupt the inner balance and calm state of being. Hmmm….so maybe if we focus on creating inner peace, then the outer world will take care of itself. The world “out there” has a tendency to “fold in” around what we think, feel, and focus on. So if what we think, feel and focus on is inner peace, then the outer has no choice but to conform to that.
So don’t give it a choice. Focus on the inner, focus on inner peace, and see what happens. Hey, maybe someone will bring you a new TV! (just watch a peaceful station 
)
To your inner peace,
Jamie
Do We Have To Choose Peace OR Prosperity?
I have a great saying in my home office that reads: “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart”
I love this saying, but the big question is how do we get to that place where we are still in our hearts? I mean, most of us are running around like crazy, trying to do this and that, pay the bills, feed the dogs, work out, make dinner, get to work on time, maybe even just hold down a job. Does that sound familiar? Where does the peace come into play?
In all of this striving to do more, get more, and be more, is there something that we forgot to do? Did we forget to focus on US? And by US, I don’t mean the money, the car, the house, the job, the goals. Nothing wrong with any of that, but we are so easily distracted these days from what we really want and need. And what do we really want? We want peace. We want a sense of tranquility with ourselves and our surroundings. ….I sense you may be saying “well, duh, of course that’s what I want”… but hear me out.
While it may seem like a no-brainer to want these things, how many of us actually focus on creating that in our lives. We may think we are, we may think that by continually striving for more things, for a bigger promotion, for more money, etc. that this will somehow create peace in our lives. But somehow this doesn’t happen. You see, peace can only come from within. Everything else that is external can be taken away from us at any time. Peace is lasting, In fact, peace is EVER-lasting. And it’s a funny thing about inner peace; when you feel it, things just sort of seem to happen. You may actually GET that promotion, or you may get a raise, you may find yourself in nicer surroundings. The trick is not to get caught up in these things, not to get too attached to them. Be attached to your sense of peace.
The world has a way of folding in around a peaceful purpose. And you will find that prosperity loves to find and latch onto someone who has found a lasting sense of peace. So all these things we talk about today, like abundance and prosperity, it all can be yours, but first and foremost let’s focus on the inner, let’s create inner peace for ourselves. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors anyways.
To your own inner peace,
Jamie
The “Impossible” Dream
Have you ever really looked at the lyrics to the song “The Impossible Dream”? I was thinking about this recently, thinking about what the vision for my life is, and I remembered seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger in an interview. In this interview he was asked how he had achieved the things that he has in his life. His story is pretty amazing actually. But he ALWAYS has had big dreams.
He says that he has set goals for himself that are so lofty, that they are almost unimaginable that he could even reach them. But this kept him striving, always pushing or that next rung. Now I am not saying that we should all be always on the edge of our seats, always pushing, never stopping to smell the roses, or enjoy the beauty in life. No.
Life is meant to be fun, enjoyable, blissful. And we should follow our path, we should go in the direction that is meant for us. And yes, sometimes that means pushing ourselves, growing, learning, reaching. And if you are in one of those places, as I am right now, then maybe these lyrics will mean something to you. I know they spoke to me loud enough that I wanted to share them with you.
And so with that, I say go and get your “Impossible Dream”!
-Jamie
To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
And I know if I’ll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I’m laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star