Finding the Way Together...

Use Credit to Get Out of Debt?

2009-06-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine has developed an idea that seems crazy, but works incredibly well... He teaches you how to get out of debt (and build a lot of wealth) by using your credit.

My friend's name is Chris Wise and he's known as the "Credit Line Millionaire" by people across the nation. Chris has developed a step by step system that will show anyone how to get out of debt, build your net worth, and create financial security (even in a recession). Best of all, Chris shows you how to do it even if your credit STINKS!

If you're on this site, you need Chris' help, so go to Chris' Credit Line Millionaire Website right now, and sign up for either his free report or his paid course. It will can change your life, but you need to take the first step - right now!

Click Here to Visit Chris' Site...

Great Internet Marketing Resource

2009-05-13T15:38:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for some great internet marketing insite, you should visit Perry Belcher's Blog.

He periodically puts up some great videos to help you grow your online presence and I highly recommend his stuff.

Check it out!

How to Retire Today - A Simple Formula for True Wealth

2009-04-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

By Garrett B. Gunderson

All too often people today are delaying their dreams for some future called retirement. They are contributing to 401(k)'s faithfully, yet not even working in the field they really want to be in. These people have fallen prey to the myth that "life will be better when I retire". What they're really doing is missing out on the rich memories and wealthy life available to them today.

Instead of locking up your money and investing in things you have limited knowledge or control over, why not start by investing in yourself? Why not invest in your own financial education, and become empowered about the many ways to invest? Why not invest in yourself and utilize your own expertise and develop your own abilities, rather than always be dependent on someone or something else that you have no control over?

This is how you minimize risk and maximize fulfillment. What would it take to live the life you want today? If you feel like you do not have the resources, what about your 401(k) or retirement accounts? Can you outperform on your own by investing in your passion and gifts in alignment with your values? With a little help, I am very confident that you can.

Ask yourself: What would it look like to fund your dream and build your life as if YOU were your own greatest asset (not your house or your retirement plan)? This is the business of YOU. How could you increase your individual wealth as if YOU were a valuable stock? What difference could you make in the world? How can you contribute and create value in a way that is consistent with enjoying your life today, rather than chronically deferring your happiness? Where do you have more control of what happens in your life in the business of YOU, or with a 401(k) and the hoax that it represents for uneducated investors?

If you are currently invested in areas that you don't understand-STOP! You are cheating yourself and your chances of getting caught up in a scam or fraud are much higher. Instead, use the money to invest in your own ability to be productive. You may think you do not have the time, but it's all about priorities. A little time now, can make a big difference later.

Think about this... How much time do you waste on a weekly basis? Could you commit to 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week for a year? What if you knew that this relatively small time commitment would transform your life?

The basic investing formula that most people have traditionally relied on in the past has resulted in failure. Money times rate times time (Money x Rate x Time) is limited at best. Handing money over to people you don't know, with complete uncertainty of the outcome, or how it will benefit you now and in the future, has lead millions to financial catastrophe. You can do better. Here are just a few ways how:

1- Find something you have interest in at a minimum, but hopefully passion in.
2- Spend time and money cultivating your ability in the area of interest you have chosen.
3- Donate your time and knowledge to people in order to build your ability to deliver value.
4- Get feedback from those you have served and capture their testimonials.
5- Consider starting a "fun" part-time or full-time business by:

a. Partnering with an existing business

b. Contracting with businesses as an independent contractor

c. Setting up ways to educate others in your field of expertise and charge them for that education (seminars, materials, CD's, DVD's, website, etc.)

d. Find or create a job within a firm that utilizes your unique expertise, abilities, and interests.

e. Work as an apprentice and study those that have gone down a similar path.

f. Consider network marketing that has a product or service that genuinely aligns with you.

Putting these simple suggestions into play will allow you to begin building your own valuable investment portfolio within yourself. It will allow you to live in a state of surety and happiness versus hoping that the stock market increases or that your financial advisor it doing the 'right thing' with your money. This simple "Retire Today" formula will give you complete control of your financial life, and allow you to do what you love - all at the same time.

Garrett B. Gunderson is a self-made multi-millionaire who has launched nearly two dozen companies. His latest book, Killing Sacred Cows: Overcoming the Financial Myths that are Destroying Your Prosperity (Greenleaf Book Group, July 2008), debunks conventional wisdom in the areas of personal finance and retirement planning.

To find out more about Garrett or how you can duplicate his astounding success, get the free investors guide at: http://GarrettBGunderson.com

Garrett Gunderson Helps us Figure Out if Your 401(k) is a Scam or Fraud?

2009-04-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

The financial industry has done a tremendous job of getting companies and individuals alike to heavily rely on 401(k) plans. But are you being sold a fraud or even a scam? Once you've seen the facts, you may agree that this is the case...

Ask yourself, why do certain sectors of the financial industry push 401(k)'s so much? Take a guess. According to financial expert, Garrett Gunderson, (who helped provide much of the information in the article) it may be that they get your money, the government's money (the money that would have been paid in taxes), AND they have the rules on their side to hold on to it for a very, very long time! This is what Garrett sometimes calls the "401(k) Hoax".

Even if your employer offers an irresistible "matching" program [where they match your contribution to your 401(k)], it's still not that great of a deal. Why? The stipulations and rules for how and when you use that money make it difficult at best to ever utilize your money.

Some people use the logic that at least they're saving SOMETHING, no matter how ineffective, for their retirement. Unfortunately, due to a lack of management and knowledge, people are hemorrhaging in these plans and it impacts their overall well-being, attitude, and is putting hard earned money at risk.

Below are some strong alternatives, but first let's look at some of the specific reasons why Garrett suggests that 401(k)s are usually a poor investment strategy for most people, and (more importantly) what to look for instead.

Here are our thoughts:

1. Poor liquidity - 401(k) investment money is so tied up with penalties and restrictions so numerous that it is very difficult to navigate them should you ever require access to the money. There may be ways to loan on part of the money or even certain stipulations for hardships, but overall there is very limited access to money along the way before those restrictions are lifted.

2. Your money is market dependent. - The performance of your funds becomes dependent upon market factors, which means that you have to be okay with losses in the investment if the market does not cooperate. Many times there are limited selections of funds to choose from. Most participants do not change the original allocation and therefore are not managing risks properly.

Do you have any control over what the market will do? Do you know what your investments allocations are and what type of stocks or bonds are in the funds that you have chosen? If not, then what you are doing is more like gambling, a fraud, or a scam, than investing.

3. Administrative fees - 401(k)s are subject to various administrative fees in addition to expense ratios and 12-b1 fees (for marketing expenses) for the funds your dollars are invested in. This is something that most people, and even many financial professionals, ignore. "Hidden" fees often substantially derail your projections and currently there is a minimal amount accountability when it comes to administration fees.

These fees are an all too often an unseen expense since you are not writing the check to pay them. Typically they are automatically being taken out of the account with you even realizing it! Ten thousand dollars invested for 30 years, at a 10 percent interest rate, would hypothetically grow to $174,494. If we add just two percent in fees it only grows to $100,627. That is almost a $75,000 difference!

4. Tax-free vs. tax-deferred - If you don't like paying taxes today, why would you want to pay even more in the future? The tax deferral aspect of 401(k)s, which is touted as a great boon, is actually a primary factor contributing to why most retirees let the money sit, even during their retirement years, for fear of triggering tax consequences. This may be the biggest scam or myth of all because if you just have to pay the taxes at a later date how is it a real tax advantage?

Think of it this way, when you defer things in your life: working out, getting gas in your car, a commitment you make to someone - how does that end up working out for you? If you merely defer taxes, that does not necessarily save anything- it merely defers it.

5. Higher tax bracket upon withdrawal - The general financial advice given in main stream media often fails to take into consideration the possibility of you being in a higher tax bracket during your retirement years than you were when you put the money into your 401(k). If you have achieved any measure of success accumulating money in your retirement plans, you would usually be in a higher tax bracket at retirement, which means that you'll be paying a lot more to Uncle Sam when it comes time to pay the taxes on your 401 (k) savings.

However, for some reason, most advisors project that you will be in a lower tax bracket, which doesn't make much sense. It's illogical to project healthy returns on a qualified plan while also simultaneously projecting that you'll be in a lower tax bracket at retirement.

There is always the chance that the government might lower taxes or you will have more deductions in the future, but do you want to count on that happening? Another consideration is if you are at an age where your kids are a tax deduction today, bu they may not be tax deductible when you pull the money out of the plan and have to pay the taxes.

These are just a few of the many issues surrounding 401(k)s and qualified plans in general. I could certainly keep pointing out even more limitations, but it comes down something more basic: YOU. Your investments should be about you-not just the future you, but you in the present as well. Are you building a nest egg and net worth at the expense of your current production and cash flow? Are you living an ideal life not only financially, but also by doing what you love, taking vacations, spending time with the people you love to be around, and creating time to take care of your health?

The difference between the Business of You vs. mindlessly funding a 401(k) is that the former is exhilarating and profitable, while the latter is uninspiring and uncertain. The bottom line is that there is a lot more risk involved in investing in 401(k)s than many people realize. YOU are a much better investment.

The truth is that you can save for your future AND have fun, AND be in control of your finances, AND increase your current cash flow. I've seen first hand that investing in YOU is always a smarter idea than investing in a 401(k). While writing this article, Garrett Gunderson and I discussed it, and you may be surprised to find out that we've never met someone who is truly rich because they invested in a 401 (K).

Without exception, all of the rich people we know made their money by investing in themselves and following their passions. If you're like most people, however, then you've been taught that you have to settle for less now in order to make it big in the future.

That is a destructive myth that leads to a mediocre and unsatisfying life NOW and LATER. Don't fall for this scam because it's promises are a fraud! Don't buy into the hoax that someone else knows better how to manage your life and money than you do!

To find out more about how to invest in yourself or out perform your 401(k) plan, check out Garrett's Best Selling Book here...

How to Double Your Classified Ad Web Traffic 10 Minutes or Less

2009-04-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that classified ads are a proven source of targeted web traffic and of people who actually buy products. But most people don’t know the most effective way to get ads to more than double the amount of sizzling web traffic they are sending to your web page or affiliate site.

Imagine getting 2, 3 or even 5 times as much web traffic to your affiliate marketing site or your home page. What would that do for your online profits and exposure?

Here is a powerful tip about how to double your classified ad web traffic in 10 minutes or less (and usually get higher quality of traffic too).

Before posting your promotion on a site like Craigslist, Backpage, or Oogle do the following:

1) Decide what the top 3 benefits of your product or service are and write them down. These will be your bullet points.

2) Think of a powerful headline that includes your #1 benefit to the customer and what is in it for them if they visit your website.

3) Find a picture that can be used in your ad to make it exciting and enticing. Usually pictures with people are the best.

4) Use your photo editor to add a headline and bullet points to the photo making it look professional.

5) Upload the picture ad to your hosting account.

6) Use HTML code to display the picture as a hyperlink for your advertisement.

Now you’ll have what is called an ‘Image Ad’. Statistically, you’ll double (or more) your targeted classified ad web traffic – which means more online profits and customers for your business.

Be sure to include the words ‘Click Here’ at the bottom of your ad so that readers know that your advertisement is ‘Clickable’, and post on a regular basis.

Click Here to see an example of an ad that I use to promote my site http://MassiveMarketingSystem.com and the Free Video Tutorials we give away there...

Affiliate Marketing Tips – 5 Top Traffic Generators

2009-04-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

Affiliate marketing is about 1 thing: Generating as much high quality web traffic as possible. This can be pretty easy if you have $10,000 to spend on Google Adwords and other top pay per click sites, but what should you do if you’re on a budget?

Here are 5 affiliate marketing tips guaranteed to generate targeted web traffic:

1) Use free classified sites. This is fairly obvious but using sites like Craigslist, Backpage, and Kijiji gets web traffic. A trick to maximize your results is to use ‘Picture Ads’ that are clickable. It will more than double your responses.

2) Article Marketing is king. Articles such as this one can generate loads and load of quality traffic. In fact, I read a forum survey on the Warrior Forum that asked people for their top 3 traffic sources. Article marketing was the #1 response and was in nearly every marketer’s top 3.

3) Video Marketing. Well done videos can generate massive amounts of targeted traffic and may be the most viral traffic generation method used by affiliate marketers. (Along with free reports) I have a friend who used free software to spend 5 minutes making and posting a 2 minute video. He has gotten over 1000 hits per month since he posted it 9 months ago. How’s that for web traffic generation?

4) Micro Blogging is the next wave. Micro Blogging sites such as Twitter, Brightkite, Plurk, etc. have become an online obsession. Using these tools effectively can drive traffic to your site on demand. If done correctly, this can bring you hundreds of hits per day with almost no effort.

5) Ezine advertising is as targeted as it gets. Ezines are online newsletters and magazines that can get your message in front of TONS of targeted readers with very little (or no) cost. This can bring in quality and quantity traffic in bunches. If you need help finding ezines in your niche market this is my favorite ezine resource. It cost a little bit, but saves SO much time and money!

If you use these 5 top traffic generators for your affiliate marketing programs, you will inevitably see results and grow your profits. There are dozens more ideas available, but pick a few methods and master them first to see the best results on your bottom line!

If you want to know more, check out this very affordable affiliate marketing training program.

How to Target Your Audience on Twitter

2009-04-17T00:13:00.000-07:00

Every marketer knows that finding your target audience is the key to making money both online and offline. It's easy to get off of the trail and find yourself lost and far away from the people that you should be communicating with...

Even if you have the best marketing materials, message, and product- but you’re talking to the wrong people- then you’re throwing your money away. (Think selling ice to Eskimos) So the trick is finding people who are interested in what you have to offer, and then communicating with them in a way that makes them want to buy from you.

Microblogging, and Twitter in particular, is a great format for getting your message in front of people, but how do you find people who are interested in what you are selling? Certainly trying the ‘shotgun approach’ might work, but I’m going to give you 2 tips that will exponentially help you find your target audience on Twitter.

The first way is to seek them out using the ‘Search’ feature on the bottom of the page. This feature lets you search for a keyword or keyword phrase that would indicate that someone is in your target market. For example, if I want to find people who are deeply in debt because I sell credit repair then I might search ‘Bad Credit’ or ‘My Credit Sucks’ or even ‘Credit Card Bills’. These types of searches will bring up recent posts of people who are talking about their credit or their bills. You simply follow them (maybe send them a message if you feel they are a good prospect) and hopefully they will follow you back.

The second method is to let them find you. To do this you need to post as often as possible on Twitter and use keywords that they may be searching to find. Now you must put yourself in the minds of your target audience and think about what they might be searching for on Twitter. Words like ‘Debt Solutions’, ‘Credit Repair’, or ‘Credit Help’ might be good to include in your Tweets to gather some of those coveted followers.

If you use these two techniques on a consistent basis you will grow your target audience on Twitter and have followers who you can help. There is nothing better than someone who really needs your services when you are looking to increase your online profits!

For more good ideas, visit these Free Internet Marketing Video Tutorials.

The Mindset of a Successful Online Marketer

2009-04-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

If you want to be a successful online marketer then the #1 thing that you must have is the “Marketing Mindset”. Most people might mistake this for the ‘Sales Mindset’ that is A-B-C which stands for “Always Be Closing”.

Marketing is very different than sales and if I had to choose to be a good marketer or a good salesman, I’d be a good marketer every day of the week.

The difference is that if you are a good marketer and set up the sale properly, you don’t have to sell at all – you simply take orders because the buyer already knows that he wants to buy from you. However, if you have bad marketing, even the best salesperson may have trouble because he’s talking to the wrong customer or someone who isn’t very interested.

Marketing is about understanding your target market and talking to that specific group in a way that will help them see why they should buy your product, service, personality, etc. This means that you must understand your prospect’s wants, needs, fears, and desires. If you know these key parts of their mental make up, then you can write, talk to, and direct them in a way that ignites their emotions and gets them to take action.

This is where the mindset of a successful online marketer is critical. How well can you understand your potential customer and craft a message that will appeal to them? How can you speak to them in terms that will allow them to understand how your product or service will take away their pain? Can you talk specifically enough to them that they will be nodding their head in agreement throughout your entire presentation?

The mindset of a successful online marketer is knowing how to be inside of the mind of your customer. If you can do this then you’ll never have to ‘close the sale’ again – you simply fulfill order requests.

No Limits to Human Love...

2009-04-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a little off of the topic, but I ran across it (again) 2 nights ago anf think it's well worth sharing.

Anytime that I lose faith in humanity or our ability to love one another I watch this video and my faith is renewed. If you haven't read this story or seen the video then you need to take 5 minutes to read this post and watch the video. My bet is that you'll probably be shedding 'good tears' before it's over...

(I copied the following from this website because I think it tells the story better than other sites I've seen)

I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay For their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots.

But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in Marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a Wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and Pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.

Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back Mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. On a bike. Makes Taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?

And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life.
This love story began in Winchester , Mass. , 43 years ago, when Rick Was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him Brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;'' Dick says doctors told him And his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. ``Put him in an Institution.''

But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes Followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the Engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was Anything to help the boy communicate. ``No way,'' Dick says he was told. ``There's nothing going on in his brain.''

"Tell him a joke,'' Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a Lot was going on in his brain. Rigged up with a computer that allowed Him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his Head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? ``Go Bruins!'' And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the School organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, ``Dad, I want To do that.''

Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described ``porker'' who never ran More than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he Tried. ``Then it was me who was handicapped,'' Dick says. ``I was sore For two weeks.''

That day changed Rick's life. ``Dad,'' he typed, ``when we were running, It felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!''

And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly Shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.

``No way,'' Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a Single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few Years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then They found a way to get into the race Officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the Qualifying time for Boston the following year.

Then somebody said, ``Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?''

How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he Was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick Tried.

Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii . It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud Getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you Think?

Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? ``No way,'' he says. Dick does it purely for ``the awesome feeling'' he gets seeing Rick with A cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.

This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best Time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world Record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to Be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the Time.

``No question about it,'' Rick types. ``My dad is the Father of the Century.''

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a Mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries Was 95% clogged. ``If you hadn't been in such great shape,'' One doctor told him, ``you probably would've died 15 years ago.'' So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.

Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass. , always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.

``The thing I'd most like,'' Rick types, ``is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once.''

And the video is below....

Get Started Making Money with Internet Marketing in 3 Days

2009-04-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

So, you are looking for a way to get started making money with internet marketing, eh? The paths you could take are vast and there are many ways to create profits online, but here is the fastest way that I know to begin making cash online quickly.

With this method you can make money online quickly with no website and only a little bit of know how…

This is called ‘Bum Marketing’ and can yield results within minutes. The process is to find a product that you want to promote through an affiliate marketing program and begin sending traffic to the site. If you don’t know what you want to promote, visit sites like Clickbank, $7 Secrets, or Commission Junction and view their available products and services.

When you sign up for an affiliate program you will be assigned a link to your own tracking sales page. You then use your internet marketing skills to begin getting people to your affiliate page any way that you know is possible. When people buy the affiliate product that you are promoting you will begin making money right away.

WARNING: Working with a site like Clickbank, you will not get your money right away. You need to build up enough for them to send you a check initially, so if you need money tomorrow then this isn’t the way. However, many of the products on the $7 Secrets site and it’s marketplace put money in your pocket immediately. This is the very fastest way to fill up your paypal or bank account in real time online.

On a final note, there are tons of articles on how to promote your sites (I’ve written a few myself) but some ideas for driving traffic to your affiliate links are Forum Marketing, Article Marketing, Blogging, Free Classified Ads, Pay Per Click, and Video Marketing for starters. One of the best places to find great information for online success is: The Internet Marketing Center

Get Free Ezine Advertising – “Affiliate Marketing Secrets” Series

2009-04-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Do you use Ezine Advertising as a source of web traffic for your affiliate marketing business yet? If not, it’s time to see what you’ve been missing and how you can use this valuable resource completely free.

Most people pass on Ezine Advertising because they think that it is too costly and risky an investment. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most Ezines are very affordable to advertise in, and they have proven to get more targeted traffic than most other methods available.

You can always pay for Ezine Advertising, but the affiliate marketing secret that I’m going to reveal today is how to get advertising without spending a penny out of your pocket. Most Ezines are always looking for high quality, original content to keep their readers happy. If you can provide this content, you’ll be their new best friend.

To do this you need to contact the owner of an Ezine and see if they are looking for content or will accept articles. If so, then find out what types of articles they desire for their readers and write something that will work.

As with most articles, be sure to ask the Ezine editor to include your website link or other contact information at the bottom of the article so that you can get traffic. If your article is good and the editor uses it in his next publication you will be getting massive free ezine advertising for your affiliate marketing links.

Try this a few times with different editors and you’ll soon have a whole truck load of free web traffic flooding your site and filling up your wallet.

INSIDER TIP: To find the best Ezines for your articles visit the Ezine Directory.

Internet Marketing Basics – How to Make Money

2009-04-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

If you’re new to making money online then it’s very important that you learn internet marketing basics as quickly as possible. Understanding how things work and the fundamentals to creating profits with the internet isn’t rocket science, but doing it wrong can be frustrating and lead to wanting to bungee jump without a chord.

There are 3 key elements to internet marketing basics that will allow you to make money online as quickly as possible. Each of these will explode your level of profits exponentially, and learning all 3 is like a license to print money.

1) Getting targeted web traffic is your number one priority. Very simply put, no targeted visitors = no sales = no profits. There are dozens of ways to get people to your site, but it is important to find a consistent sources of web traffic to begin making money.

2) Your website must convert traffic into leads or sales. Many people put up a website just to say that they have a website – that is completely pointless. Would you buy a car if it didn’t run or purchase food that you couldn’t eat? The whole point of a website is to get you more customers and eventually create more profits. If your site doesn’t convert traffic into customers or online profits then you are leaving money on the table.

3) You must have an automated follow up system. Email is the most powerful, low cost marketing medium ever created and one of the most overlooked internet marketing basics. If done properly email follow up can increase your online business profits by 10 fold or more. So having a proper follow up system on your side is essential to maxing out your customers and your bottom line.

If you follow these 3 internet marketing basics, you will be on your way to creating a foundation for success. Each of them has many nuances which I discuss in other articles here on my blog. Each basic principle can create online profits, but when used in combination, these 3 elements will skyrocket your bank account and your fun!

If you're ready to begin making money online right now then CLICK HERE to see more...

How to Maximize MicroBlogging to Make Money Online

2009-04-08T23:54:00.000-07:00

Microblogging sites such as Twitter, BrightKide, and Xanga have taken the internet by storm and will soon change the way that most people communicate with their friends, peers, and customers. This constant communication is the perfect marketing tool and top business minds are already figuring out how to maximize microblogging to make money online.

The first thing to understand if you want to use microblogging to make internet profits is that is can be very time consuming if you don’t get leverage. There are dozens of sites that are microblogging communities, and trying to build a relationship with potential clients on each site could be a huge black hole for your time.

The key to maximizing microblogging sites for making money online is to use tools that will allow you to post on multiple sites simultaneously. One of my favorite sites is called ping.fm, and it allows me to post on over a dozen blogs, statuses, and microblogs with the push of a single button. The initial set up requires a little time because you have to create accounts for each of the sites that you want to post upon, but the effort is well worth the result.

You can also specify if you want to post only to blogs, microblogs, or statuses (such as MySpace or Facebook), so you have control as to how your postings show up. This kind of leverage can be fantastic if you want to let people get to know you, or promote your videos, articles, blog entires, etc. to large groups of people.

Ordinarily it would take you hours just to post one promotional item on all of these sites, but now you can do it from your cell phone on the run. Maximizing microblogging to make money online is all about leverage and getting your promotional messages in front of as many people as possible. Try it out and watch your profits grow.

For more ideas, follow me on Twitter.

Video Marketing Basics Part 2 – Increasing Results

2009-04-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

If you’ve used the tips in video marketing basics part 1, then you’ve probably already realized that creating a video and promoting properly can make all of the difference between success and failure.

These are a few more video success secrets that help your online profits grow:
Video Marketing Basics Tip #4: Make the video interesting or add something to arouse curiosity. A simple video of you talking about how great your product or service is for the customer isn’t going to work. It’s boring and no one will watch it. Add music, humor, or something shocking to keep people interested. Also if you have your video end before some sort of exciting ending, and then make people visit your site to see the rest of the video, you’re results will skyrocket.

Video Marketing Basics Tip #5: Use the same video several times to maximize your efforts. With video editing software, it is super easy to modify your video and make it longer, shorter, or slightly different so that the video hosting site doesn’t recognize it as the same video. This allows you to post the video multiple times with different descriptions, keywords, and titles for maximum exposure.

Video Marketing Basics Tip #6: To get search high search engine rankings keep your title, tags, and description consistent. If you have a set of keywords that you want to rank highly for on search engines, then be sure to use those keywords in the tags, description, and title. This will give Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc. a clear idea of the words for which to rank your video highly.

Getting your advertisement found, watched, and enjoyed is over half of the battle of online promoting. If you follow these 3 video marketing basics in a short time you will begin smashing your competition and increasing your sales volume exponentially.

For more in depth tips, check out the free video tutorials at: http://MassiveMarketingSystem.com

Video Marketing Basics – What You Need to Know - Part 1

2009-04-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Currently video marketing is one of the most used and most powerful forms of online advertising available, so it is important that you know the video marketing basics to maximize your efforts online.

These video marketing basics are what you need to know in order to make some minor tweaks that will get you much better results. I’ve learned these from some top pros and from my own failures and successes, so I know that they work:

Video Marketing Basics Tip #1: Use a hyperlink in your description to increase your web traffic. Most video hosting sites contain a ‘Description Box’ where you can tell people what your video is about. Rather than just asking people to visit your site, include (and refer to) a link to your site in the description box. Also be sure to start your link with http:// so that the link will be clickable.

Video Marketing Basics Tip #2: Search Engines can ‘watch’ your video so they use the description box and the ‘Tags’ for each video to determine where it will pop up when people search online. This means that you need to choose your ‘key words’ for each description box carefully, and make sure that they are attracting the customers that you want.

Video Marketing Basics Tip #3: Using programs such as iMovie (Mac) or Windows Movie Maker, always have a title page and a credits page with your website address at the beginning and especially the end of your movie. Many times your viewers want to visit your site but end up writing it down wrong or mis-spelling it. This means that you’ve missed a potential customer and potential online profits from your video promotions.

If you implement these video marketing basics into your internet campaigns you will begin to see higher and higher success with driving traffic and promoting your products. This medium is only going to get bigger and better, so learning the ropes to successful use of video will pay huge dividends in the future.

5 of the Best Tools For Internet Marketing (Don't Miss These)

2009-03-27T01:01:00.000-07:00

If you want to be successful at internet marketing then it’s important that you know about some of the best tools available to helping you be successful. Internet marketing is about 2 things:

1) Driving Web Traffic
2) Converting Traffic Into Buyers

In order to do these 2 things there are a TON of great tools available for internet marketing. Because there are so many, I’m going to share a few of my favorites (and their websites) with you here:

1) www.Twitter.com - Microblogging is the next big thing and Twitter is the top of the heap. This is a great tool for driving web traffic and staying in touch with your clients.

2) www.Ping.fm - This is Twitter on steroids. Ping.fm allows you to input a single entry of a microblog, status, or blog and have it posted on over a dozen sites all over the web.

3) www.TrafficGeyser.com - If you like video marketing then this site is what you have been looking for. Traffic Geyser will upload your video to dozens of video sites (like YouTube.com) and then bookmark each video with dozens of social bookmarking sites such as Digg.com. And it does all of this at the push of a button.

4) www.MarketSamarai.com - If you like keyword tools then you have to check this out. It does things that other tools only dream of…

5) www.TrafficTravis.com - This is a tool that will evaluate your website for keywords, tell you your rankings in Google, Yahoo, & MSN for any keywords, and more.

Using the best tools for internet marketing not only saves you time, it increases your profits rapidly. After all, we all got into this business to make money and enjoy a certain type of lifestyle, right? Well, if you want to make more profits online try these business building tools and watch how they help!

Warning: Don't Make Mistakes With Your Online Business...

2009-03-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

So you want to start a successful online business, right? Before you begin counting all of your cyber money and living in that dream house by the ocean, there are a few things you should know.

Many people fall into a few common pitfalls and knowing these BEFORE you start can save you years of frustration. Here are 3 tops to starting a successful online business that you won’t find anywhere else:

1) Realize that your internet company is also going to require working offline as well. Too many people think that you just put up a website and make money. You need to treat your company the same way that you would treat a traditional ‘brick & mortar’ establishment.

2) Use experts as soon as possible. We all start out on a budget, but if you want to start a successful online business, you need to look better than the next guy on the net. Trying to do it all yourself will cost you a whole lot more than it will save you, so hire good people to help you build your firm. Professional web developers, marketers, programmers, etc. are very affordable if you know where to look. Consider www.elance.com or www.rentacoder.com to find cost effective solutions to helping your over the internet learning curve.
3) Learn from the best professionals possible. There are a lot of people claiming to have the ‘holy grail’ of starting a successful online business- so do your research. Find a company that has been around for a while (at least a few years) and that offers a comprehensive educational system. All companies are going to offer testimonials so look for 3rd party endorsements (not paid reviews). Try www.WarriorForum.com to check up on legitimate product and company reviews.

NOTE: I highly recommend The Internet Marketing Center or http://MassiveMarketingSystem.com as 2 reputable places to start.

If you use these tips to help start your successful online business, you will be way ahead of the curve. Just like a traditional company, you won’t see amazing results overnight, but if you continue to track, test, and build your customer list- you’ll continually make more profits.

How to Improve Your Cashflow In A Recession

2009-03-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

I am often asked about ways to get out of debt without spending any additional money out of your pocket, and there are a lot of answers to that questions. However, a better question to ask would be what are the ways to improve your cashflow in our current recession.

This is because if you only have a dollar to spend, then you have to take from one area to pay more towards another, right? But if you can find a way to turn a dollar into $2 or $3 or more, then you can get out of debt more quickly because you can pay more toward your debt.

There are several ways to improve your cashflow (even in a recession):

1) Get a part time job on the weekends or evenings. This isn’t easy if you have a family or other obligations, but even an extra $100 per week can go a LONG way toward paying down your debt.

2) Find a way to get paid for a skill or hobby that you enjoy and are already doing. For example, I love swing dancing and go out dancing regularly as part of my social life. Because of this, I’ve found people who will pay me to teach them how to dance, and it doesn’t feel like a ‘JOB’.

3) Start a home based business. There are many good websites that teach people how to make money from home such as: http://MassiveMarketingSystem.com or The Internet Marketing Center. There are also ways to make money taking surveys, selling your goods on ebay and more. This area is only limited by your imagination, and I’m more than happy to help you find something that works for you. (Just leave a comment)

The current state of the economy is actually working in your favor in many ways by offering good prices on large ticket items (real estate, cars, equipment, etc.), lenders being willing to negotiate on credit cards, mortgages and more - as well as historically low interest rates for loans. However, you can only take advantage of these if you have the resources to do so…

Send me your questions, and I’ll be sure to help you to understand your options and improve your cashflow in the recession.

2009-02-08T22:33:00.001-08:00

Watching the Grammys on Tivo tonight. does that make me a music nerd? Or just one of the few people who actually watches award shows?

1 Key to Success... Integrity Sells

2009-02-08T22:31:00.001-08:00

In this era of "playing the numbers" (especially on the internet) it seems like the art of actually making relationships has been lost. Too many people think that if they just hit a certain number of people with their spammy, non personal crap, that some of them will come aboard and either buy something or do business with them.

It couldn't be further from the truth.

If you're going to buy something or get involved with something that you are passionate about, what would you rather have - 99 people who don't care about your or your needs, or 1 person who you know and trust because they have integerity and a real relationship with you?

Exactly. The 1 person. (I know I would)

I can't tell you how many things I have bought due to the recommendation of someone I trust... how about you?

What I'm saying is that actually caring about people (real people) and building customers or clients 1 person at a time makes for a strong business and staying power. This is because when times get tough, people only buy from or work with people that they trust and have a realationship with...

The question is, are you one of those people that they can trust and that they know?

Skip all of the B.S. and stay real with people... it seems like a lot more work to some of you 'high leverage' folks, but it is one of the keys to success because in the end, integrity sells!

~:)

2009-02-08T22:23:00.001-08:00

Just got back from watching "Taken" with Liam Neesom - I really liked it. Cliche idea, but it was well done and action packed! check it out!

2009-02-08T12:13:00.001-08:00

Best Quote Ever: "Show me what a man does with is free time and I'll show you his destiny"

2009-02-08T11:17:00.001-08:00

Heading for a jog on the beach and then planning on watching Kobe beat Lebron.

2009-02-05T16:51:00.001-08:00

just read an interesting article on govt mortgage help: http://ping.fm/NqvxC

2009-01-26T20:09:00.001-08:00

Just posted a new blog entry about 'What to do if You Have Negative Equity In Your Home' http://ping.fm/Ic2J6

Are You Confused While Making Financial Decisions?

2009-01-26T19:44:00.001-08:00

As I've been talking with people about their financial situations lately, it has occurred to me that most people are their own worst enemy when it comes to finances.

When I say this I mean that most people are making decisions about their money, debt, and credit without being informed of all of their options- or even worse- making decisions based on MIS-information. The results of these decisions can be crippling to long term wealth and happiness.

For example, many people who have suffered wage cuts or job losses are getting into Loan Modifications or Debt Consolidation types of programs that they cannont afford. They are committing to payments that are still unmanagable because they believe it is the best option that they have available.

Because of this, when I work with clients, I spend the lion's share of my time helping them realize the mistakes that they have been making (without even knowing it) and then educating them on solutions that are maintainable for the long term. After all, does it do any good to get into a program that only prolongs your pain, or gives you minor relief when there are products and strategies that can permanently cure the problem?

So, now it's time to ask yourself, are you your own worst enemy financially?

If you aren't educated on your options for getting out of debt or how to lower your mortgage payments effectively, it's time to get help. If you have questions, ask them here... Or even go somewhere else, but be sure to get accurate information somewhere before making your debt and credit decisions!

For more info, visit http://ping.fm/LHqVL for a free debt or credit evaluation and consultation.

2009-01-26T19:40:00.001-08:00

is still burning the midnight oil at work trying to help people hurting because of the economy...

2009-01-25T17:18:00.001-08:00

Learning how to make and edit videos on my Mac computer... I have some great stuff!

2009-01-23T10:48:00.003-08:00

is wondering why he choose the to take today off of work... since it's raining!

2009-01-23T10:48:00.001-08:00

I'm wondering why I took today off of working even though I knew it was going to be the WORST weather of the week! Blaaaaah!

2009-01-20T16:28:00.001-08:00

Just published a blog post about Helping President Obama rebuild America: http://ping.fm/lTMQA

2009-01-15T14:55:00.001-08:00

Just posted a great article on 10 tips for getting out of debt on my blog: http://ping.fm/vMNxr

2009-01-14T15:18:00.001-08:00

Just found a great article on 7 things NOT to do when you're credit cards get maxed out: http://ping.fm/F5oOp

2009-01-14T15:17:00.001-08:00

Just found a great article on 7 things NOT to do when you're credit cards get maxed out: http://ping.fm/F5oOp

2009-01-09T17:48:00.001-08:00

Just finished meeting with a good friend about effective marketing techniques.

Launching a New Blog on Debt Relief and Credit Solutions

2009-01-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...

I wanted to take a quick note to let you know that I have just recently added a new blog on Debt Relief and Credit Solutions for my company Red Carpet Resources.

The reason that I've added this is because I found that many networkers I talk with are struggling with credit card debt and high mortgage payments. The purpose of Red Carpet Resources is to help people like you to be more educated about your options for getting out of debt.

We are offering free consultations with no obligation so that you can begin getting out of debt and into prosperity.

You can view the blog (and subscribe to the RSS feed that we'll be adding shortly) to become more educated on how to get out of debt rapidly without filing bankruptcy.

Also, due to the Mortgage and Banking Crisis that is happening with the economy right now, we have found companies that can help you lower your mortgage payment by as much as 20-40% for the life of your loan.

I know that many Networkers believe that if you just make a little extra money, then all of the financial worries will disappear. I have discovered that this isn't true. Finding ways to lower your expenses can actually be the equivalent of making an extra $50, $100, or even $1,500 per month in income (depending on your situation).

If you are struggling now or may be in the near future this new blog may help you to make good decisions and handle your financial decisions more effectively.

Also, if there is a topic on debt or credit that you'd like to know more about, please don't hesitate to ask... just drop me a comment and I'll be more than happy to give you my thoughts or do some research.

~Derick

Free Network Marketing Leads – 3 Tips for Free Network Marketing Leads

2008-10-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

The holy grail in the home based business is figuring out how to get free Network Marketing leads for your business with as little effort as possible. There are many ways to go about uncovering free Network Marketing leads, but I’m going to share 3 tips that will enable you to shorten your learning curve without emptying your wallet.

Method #1 Get free Network Marketing leads by searching online to look for trial offers and ‘sample lists’ that allow you to work with a list before you send money on it. You can often get these through lead brokers and most times they will give you 100-200 leads to attempt to establish a relationship.

Method #2 Get free Network Marketing leads by trading your existing contacts with another network marketer or someone who is willing to exchange their list for yours. It’s a great win-win scenario- especially when you are tight on cash.

Tip #3 Get free Network Marketing leads by buiding your own opt in website which will enable visitors to enter their contact information in trade for a free report or some valuable gift such as an educational video. This alone isn’t usually enough to get your prospect’s information at no cost, so here’s the trick. Find some a related product that can be offered to the potential client after he has entered his contact information. Find something that you’ve created personally or a related affiliate offer can off set any marketing costs, and you’ll end up with absolutely free Network Marketing leads.

Of these 3 tips, method #3 for getting free Network Marketing leads is absolutely the most powerful. In fact, you can actually get paid while recruiting for your business, and that is obviously a huge plus. And although the other two methods take less work, the 3rd idea is something that can be used on autopilot and ramped up to fuel your whole team with free Network Marketing leads for as long as needed.

For more information on how to get Free Network Marketing Leads for your business visit: http://buildyourmlmonline.com/ and see how easy it can be!

A Tip for Doing MLM Online... And Reaping the Rewards!

2008-10-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Most people have finally realized that building your MLM online is the wave of the future, but aren't yet sure how to capitalize on all of the advantages the doing MLM online has to offer.

I had this same problem with nearly every business I owned (both Network Marketing and other endeavors), I couldn't figure out how to use the internet to grow my business. I hired "Web Guys" and "Consultants", but at the end of the day I either got no results... Or I was dependant on my "Web Guys" to keep getting results!

I was frustrated by the whole process and decided to take control of my own destiny for doing MLM online.

I have to be honest, it wasn't too easy. I either had to learn and research everything by myself (which can take FOREVER) or pay someone big bucks to teach me.

The good news is that I finally mastered the art of building lead capture pages, and my MLM online results have proven the value of the time and money I spent.

So what does this have to do with you?

Well, I recently released a new book that will allow ANYONE (and I mean anyone) who can turn on a computer and log onto the internet, to create their own lead generating website. This means that building your MLM online is a reality for anyone who is willing to put in a little effort to learn.

Seriously, I've taken what took me 9 months and put it into 20 short video tutorials that will literally walk you through the proccess A to Z.

I've done everything I could think of to ensure that you'd be successful and not have to deal with all of the struggling and frustration that plagued me for a very long time.

If you'd like to know more, you can Learn to Build Your MLM Online at my site.

May all of your efforts toward building your MLM Online be fruitful!

Using MLM Business Tools

2008-10-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

Many people believe that because MLM is a home based business model you don’t need to invest in your business or use tools to be successful. Is it possible that you might succeed without using MLM business tools or education? Yes…

Is it likely? No.

First and foremost, if you are going to make money with Network Marketing, then you need to treat it like a business. If you just want membership discounts or to get your product for free, then this blog entry doesn’t apply to you, but if you want to make a full time income then your home based business can’t be treated like a hobby or something only done when you ‘have extra time’.

Now that we’ve established that you are running a real business (and not a joke), I want to make some comparisons to your networking business and the secret of using MLM tools to grow your downline and profits.

For example, if you owned a hotel, would you invest in tools? Of course you would. A nice hotel without tables, chairs, ovens, refrigerators, cash registers, etc. isn’t much of a place to stay on vacation is it? How about if you own a develpment company? You’d need hammers, saws, trucks, gloves, boots, and other gear, wouldn’t you?

Then why are so many people resistant to spending money on MLM tools and education to grow their business?

It’s because most people don’t see it as a ‘real, full-time business’, yet they want to be able to earn $1,000, $5,000, or even more than $10,000 a month. Does that make sense?

Of course not…

So the secret to using MLM tools to growing your home business is to realize that you are going to need to invest in yourself consistently and then buy and use your MLM tools to create maximum results.

Just as a construction worker has hammers and saws, network marketers use tools like MLM lead capture websites, predictive dialers, ebooks & MLM training, voice broadcasters, cards & brochures and more…

If used properly, these types of tools can increase your results from 50% up to more than 1000% in a very short period of time.

Additionally, most MLM tools are so simple that a 3rd grader could use them, and that with only a few elite Network Marketers using tools effectively, there is almost no competition! So be sure to use this 'Heavy Hitter' secret to creating massive Network Marketing results through using tools, and take some action!

The Law of Importance...

2008-09-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hey again,

I recently went to a movie permier with one of my best friends, Garrett Gunderson, for a great new movie called 'I-Ology'.

This is a great movie in a similar documentary type style as "The Secret", but teaches a very differently concept called, "The Law of Importance". The Law of Importance was discovered by Woody Woodard and explains, among other things, how to discover what makes you feel important and how this directly effects your happiness and your results in the world.

I think that you'll agree that if you could be happier and get better results in any area of your life that you desire, then learning this law is well worth the time.

I highly recommend the movie and personally know many of the people who are involved in it- I mention this because they are very high caliber people, and aren't just giving "Lip Service" to this newly discovered Law.

You can find out more about the Law of Importance at the website: http://lawofimportance.com/

Enjoy!

Are You Having Enough Fun?

2008-08-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a minute and share with you something that has made all the difference in my life... It's about making SURE that you have enough fun!

Sound kinda crazy right? Well, it might be, but it makes for good times and GREAT results.

Here's what I'm talking about... I discovered long ago that when I'm having my greatest successes in life (business or personal) it's always been when I was having the most fun. That may seem obvious because it's easy to have fun when things are going your way, right?

But here's the intersting part- I started gaining more success BECAUSE I was having more fun, not the other way around. In other words, the success followed the fun, not the other way around.

Ever notice how some people just get all the breaks or luck? Are they usually having fun, or not? Of course they are... so why not join them?

It's easy to get too serious and heavy about life when we have a tough day, week, or even year! So why not have a little more fun with it?

Think about this, would you rather hang out with your friends when they are fun, or super serious and stressed out? Or how about doing business with someone, would you choose the 'Fun' guy or the the guy that is all stressed out? What about dating... do you like to date super serious people, or fun, laid back people?

So try it out... have more fun and be more care free this week and see what happens. I'm not saying be irresponsible, but if you have worries, put them aside while you're with your family or friends. Focus on being happy, excited, and inspired!

Before you know it, even more fun will come your way and you'll be in the coveted 'Upward Spiral' that we all love!

The best part is that fun & happiness are a choice... simply choose them instead of fear, anxiety, or depression and ENJOY!

Are You Taking Action?

2008-07-27T20:42:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to take a minute and talk about something that seems to be in the forefront of life right now for many people. I have noticed that a vast number of people have fallen upon hard times- whether through real estate & lending, due to gas prices, or something else- and I've seen a pattern forming.

Most people have been putting off the 'reality check' that is coming for them, and by the time that the "rubber meets the road", it may be too late to regroup without massive changes.

I'm talking about financially in many cases, but also the fact that job and financial stress can leak into your health, state of mind, and relationships (both business and personal).

Ask yourself this... If you continue with your current habits and lifestyle, will you be better off, or worse off, in 2 years?

What I'm getting at is that many people aren't taking the action needed to adapt to a world that is changing... (in fact, "change" is the only "constant" in our world- nothing ever stays the same)

So if this is you, the time for change is NOW while you still have options, time, and reserves on your side. Don't wait until the last minute and then wonder why you are stuck with a bad situation. If you are overspending and running up credit cards- STOP NOW. Cut unnecessary expenses and figure out how you can create a sustainable and improving situation.

If you are neglecting your health or relationships, begin investing in them again immediately. Too many people ruin their marriage or health in order to get money... and then later spend every dollar they have trying to gain their health back and rebuild loving relationships.

Money is essential, but is useless if you aren't in good health or have nobody to share it with...

So be honest with yourself and look at whether you are taking action that will make you better off in the future... Or are you trying to preserve a past that is already gone by not acting?

I'll end with a quote that I just ran across that summarizes it best:

“All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding action (it’s impossible), but in calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer.”

-Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince

How to do YOUR part with the Law of Attraction...

2008-07-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well, in my last post I offered the question of "How do you do your part to truly work in harmony with the Law of Attraction".

Did you come up with an answer?

If you did, I hope that you've posted it as a comment. If not, perhaps you can let me know after you've read my thoughts and see if we agree...

So as we discussed, YOU have a major role in activating the Law of Attraction, and it's a whole lot more than sitting around daydreaming about your future house by the beach and meeting the perfect 'Better Half'!

Many people have been discouraged recently because they feel like they have been visualizing, and 'feeling' abundant and hopeful- but nothing has happened yet.

This is type of reaction is very understandable, and is the whole reason that I'm writing this entry... It's because something is missing- and it's KILLING most people's dreams! The part that is missing is YOU figuring out how to do your part.

So let's get into the meat of it...

Each and every one of us only has NOW in which we can do our part. Dreaming about the future or worrying about the past isn't doing anything except taking you away from NOW- which is where all of your power takes place.

So ask yourself, "What am I doing RIGHT NOW to be create the most favorable conditions for my desires to come into existence?" Once you've done that, now ask yourself, "Who am I 'Being' while I'm working to create these favorable conditions?"

The second question is actually INFINITELY more important than the first one...

"Why?", you ask...

Let's take an example and see... Let's say that your desire is to have a better paying job so that you can make more money. So to reach this desire, what you begin doing is working harder and finishing more work- but you resent every minute of working harder and are 'Being' grouchy or feeling 'Entitled' to get a new promotion.

What do you think is going to happen? Is it possible that you are going to get promoted... sure. But is it LIKELY that you'll get a better job- VERY DOUBTFUL.

Now let's change up what you were 'Doing' and wh0 you were 'Being' in the above example, and see how it changes things.

So now what you 'Do' is not work any harder or smarter and basically accomplish the same results that you have in the past. But as you are doing these things, you do them in a state of complete happiness and joy that exudes from everything you touch, and in all of your interactions with coworkers and clients alike...

Now do you think that you have a good chance of getting that promotion? I would say a resounding 'YES' because of who you were 'Being' not what you were 'Doing'.

To put it another way, if you were the boss or a client, would you rather have someone that gets a little more done, but has a terrible attitude and brings you down. Or would you instead promote someone who works steadily, but brings joy into every interaction with both you and the clients?

I believe that 95% of us would choose the later, and the other 5% of you are either misers, or liars. :)

To take this a step further- In reality, it's nearly impossible for the person with the 'Bad Attitude' to out perform the person who exudes happines, joy, and Love in the long run... Even if they have more talent or skills.

This is simply because everyone loves to work with 'Joyful' people and would rather not work with 'Bad Attitudes'. How about you... would you rather help joyful people accomplish their dreams, or help people that bring you down or believe that you 'Owe' it to them? Most people would rather help the joyful person- so guess how much help they have working toward their dreams?

I hope this helps to clarify that who you are 'Being' is the most important part of you holding up your end of the bargain with the Law of Attraction. If you are 'Being' the highest and greatest version of yourself RIGHT NOW - In this moment- then you will absolutely be prepared when your desires are delivered to your doorstep.

So the question is, who are you 'Being' lately? How are you being with your family, friends, co-workers, clients, strangers on the street, and anyone you encounter? Are you bringing the best of yourself to the table? Or just doing the minimum required to squeek by and still be able to sleep at night?

In the end, it's all up to you... Do you want all that God & the Universe have to offer, or would you rather think up reasons why "It won't work for me..."

Become conscious of who you are 'Being' Right NOW, and the rest will take care of itself...

Derick Van Ness

What People Don't Know About the Law of Attraction...

2008-07-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hi again. A lot has been going on lately, but today I was inspired by another blog that I read periodically, and I thought I'd share something that most people seem to misunderstand.

There's been a lot of talk about 'The Secret' or the Law of Attraction, or the Power of Positive Thinking, or Positive Imaging... but whatever you call it, there seems to be a big piece that most people are missing.

First of all, this has been a practice of human kind nearly since our inception, and certainly has been a HUGE part of organized religion. What am I talking about? Well most people know it as 'Praying'. Think about it... "Closing your eyes and visualizing something that you desire with great amounts of emotion behind your desires." It sounds an awful lot like all of those terms I listed above, but it also defines pray too, right?

Anyway, that isn't the point I wanted to make, but I also want people to realize that what I'm going to talk about next is important whether you belong to an organized religion, only believe in science, or are somewhere in the middle.

We've all been hearing that if you visualize what you want and create an intention behind your desires, then God or 'The Universe' will attract it to you for you to enjoy...

Well, that is absolutely true, but there is more to it than just visualizing. You see, if you stay at home and visualize all day long... you're in for a rude awakening.

The important part of using the Law of Attraction and Vibration is that you must 'Be' the very best version of yourself to truly attract the things that you want in your life. This means getting out and doing your part to create the most favorable conditions for your 'Visualizations' to come true.

If you don't, then you aren't doing your part of the equation, which is seizing the opportunity when it comes. For instance, if God or the Universe delivers your ideal lifetime partner right to your front door, you'd better be ready to invite them in... right? Or if the greatest business opportunity is presented to you, but you aren't educated enough to take advantage of it- who is to blame?

We all know that God and the Universe will deliver whatever you can imagine, but YOU MUST DO YOUR PART or your dreams will never come true.

So how do you do this? I'm going to let you ponder it for a day or two, and then I'll answer your question in my next entry...

Until then... ask yourself what you are 'Doing' and who you are 'Being' that will create the most favorable conditions for your desires to be fullfilled when the chance arises!

Until next time...

Derick Van Ness

Great Quote...

2008-07-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

I thought this was excellent and worth posting because I'm a HUGE believer in always investing in your greatest asset: YOU.

A great man said once,

"Don’t wish things were easier,
wish you were better.

Don’t wish for less problems,
wish for more skills."

- Anonymous

It's a State of Mind...

2008-06-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd take on something that I've been thinking about a lot lately, and give you my thoughts...

It seems like a lot of people are really down in the dumps about life right now because most people's finances have tightend up in the last year or two. With gas skyrocketing to nearly double last year's price, the housing and lending markets moving like a sloth on a slow day, and the trickle down effect of everyone tightening their belts... It's easy to see how you can get down.

However, the truth is that just because the economy is in a down swing, doesn't mean that you need to be...

Happiness is purely a state of mind- and therefore a choice which YOU control!

I've battled my fair share of adversity in life, and have learned that facing your fears with a smile on is a lot easier than wearing a frown...

Now, that might find cheesy, but it's true.

Let's take an example...

How would you feel if your phone were to ring right now, and on the other end was the guy from Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. The happy fellow is calling to tell you that, although you didn't win $1,000,000- you did win a nice $25,000 check, and it should be arriving in about 2 weeks!

Wow! That would be great, wouldn't it? And how would you feel for the next 2 weeks?

Excited, elated, floating on 'Cloud 9'?

But why?

The check hasn't even arrived yet... But you're already happy aren't you?

So, it isn't the money that actually made you happy after all... It's that you CHOSE to be happy. There was no money in your bank account, but you told yourself that you should be happy, and you were...

Even if the check never showed up, you were still happy because you made the choice to enjoy being happy.

Plain and simple, happiness is a state of mind.

It is a choice that you make in each and every moment- and if you have to make the choice anyway- why not choose to have a little fun, laugh at your adversity, or be thankful for all of the incredible things that you DO have in your life.

If you can't think of things to be thankful for, begin with your health. You're still breathing, probably aren't in much pain, and can freely take a walk at the park... right? Then be glad, because your health is the greatest gift of all!

It's easy to take things for granted when we have them- like having air to breath- but if you're feeling down, begin acknowledging how much you truly have... it will change everything.

So this week, realize that you have the choice to be happy- no matter how bad things seem- and DO IT! You'll be glad you did...

ACTION ITEM: For the next week... when you get up in the morning, make the choice that today will be a great day, and that you'll be happy... No matter what!

You'll be amazed at how it changes EVERYTHING, because "We don't see the world how IT is, we see the world how WE are..."

Enjoy!

~Derick Van Ness

MLM Secret – Why You Shouldn’t Use Your MLM Company’s Replicated Website

2008-06-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

As I work with Network Marketers across the country and help them to get started or to grow their existing MLM business, I continually have to explain 1 thing over and over… “Why you shouldn’t use your company’s replicated website.”

I understand that most companies have a beautiful website with all sorts of bells and whistles, I agree that it has good videos and top notch graphics, and I have heard that the guy who designed it is the best web designer this side of Hong Kong… But the problem is that even with all of these wonderful things, it isn’t designed to effectively help you grow your business.

Here are 3 reasons that you shouldn’t use your MLM Company’s replicated website:

1) It is impossible to get search engine rankings for organic (non-paid) web traffic. This is because all of the pages have nearly the same content. Similar headlines, mostly all the same copy, the same videos, etc. You have little or no control over the page, and when it comes to getting natural traffic from Google, Yahoo, or MSN- unique, high quality content is the key. Because of this, it is nearly impossible to optimize your site in a way that is going to allow you to rank much higher than the 1000’s of others using the same website design as you.

2) There are too many distractions. Most company sites include educational videos, short 1 or 2 paragraph pitches, and lots of pretty pictures or animation. However, most of these things distract your prospect and pull them in many directions instead of leading them where you want them to go- straight to your team. There is no ‘flow’ or direction on where your prospect should go or what they should do. The general rule in sales is, “The confused mind always says ‘No’.” This means that your prospect may come to the page and look, but if they can’t figure out what to do right away, they will leave and never come back.

3) It isn’t designed to sell. This is an extension of #2 but is the very basis of why you shouldn’t use your MLM company’s replicated website. Websites should have one purpose- to sell. Either to sell people on giving you their contact information (so you can follow up with them) or to sell them on buying your product or opportunity. Most MLM websites tell about the company founders, how the company gives to charity, etc. But it doesn’t compel the visitor to ‘buy something’, so it is ineffective at selling.

Network Marketing websites are powerful tools, but if you are depending on your company’s replicated website to do all of the work, you are in for a rude awakening. I have had students who have driven many hundreds of visitors to their site without even one person opting in or buying something.

When compared with an original, well crafted ‘sales based’ website for an MLM business, there is no resemblance. I’ve seen sites that convert 1 in 3 visitors into a lead or customer, and have grown MLM businesses on auto pilot.

Now that you know why you shouldn’t use your MLM company’s replicated website to bring your leads or sales- begin by building your own website and using the internet as a powerful tool in growing your business. There are many places that you can get a site designed and built for cheap such as www.elance.com or www.rentacoder.com, and with a little practice and testing, you can have a site bringing your leads day and night in no time.

To learn more about how to effectively grow your MLM business using the internet or other powerful tools, visit Derick Van Ness’ website: http://250kMLM.com and order his Free Report now.

Slow & Steady...

2008-06-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

I was recently at one of the NBA Finals games here in Los Angeles (I didn't have tickets, but was in the bar at the Staples Center) and learned something that really applies to business and life in general.

The game I am referencing is the game where the LA Lakers started off incredibly well and were up on the Boston Celtics by 24 points at the end of the first quarter. Later in the game the Lakers were still up by 20 points mid way through the 3rd quarter, but ended up losing.

The game should have been a blow out, and the Celtics could have easily thrown in the towl and given up. After all, this game was in Los Angeles and the Celtics were expected (by the media) to lose.

However, they chose to stay the course and do their job (which is to win basketball games). The result may soon be their first NBA championship since 1986- which is 22 years!

I bring this up because I see this happen all the time in life and in business- especially with home based businesses. Some people start strong, like the Lakers, but are unable to sustain their intensity and burn out. Their enthusiasm is what gets them results but in the end all of there efforts are lost because they cannot stick with their plan until the end.

On the other hand, I see people who have never been 'fast starters' who are the 'Champions' in the end simply because they have chosen a goal and will stick with it until the end. In business this often means committing to what you know is the 'right' actions for the long term- not just the quick sale. It means investing in yourself, other people, and your systems for the long term.

It's true- many of us get discouraged easily if we don't see success early in our business careers. Statistics show that most home businesses or network marketers don't last past 120 days! Does it surprise you then, that most peple fail?

I've heard countless stories about successful people who simply 'kept at it' until they finally achieved their goals. Henry Ford, Robert Kiyosaki, Colonel Sanders, Donald Trump and countless others have tried and failed. But they started again, or kept on their course until they finally reached their goals...

So the question is, which kind of person are you? Are you someone who excites easily but also gets disappointed very quickly? Or are you someone who can ride the highs and lows realizing that it is all part of the journey to ultimate success?

I'll end with 2 great statements that I think of often- I'm not sure who wrote them, but am certain that they were brilliant people:

"All men are self made, but it is only the successful ones that will admit it!"

"Behind every over-night success story is 10 years of hard work."

Think on those and leave me your thoughts...

~Derick Van Ness

PS- For more ideas that can increase your success visit my new website: www.SuccessSecretWeapons.com

Success Secret – Properly Setting Goals to Achieve Ultimate Results

2008-06-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Goal setting is something that is often talked about as very important, but most people don’t know how to effectively set goals or get the results that goals can provide. Setting goals properly is one of the best kept secrets to achieving ultimate results.

The first mistake is that many of us think that we have our goals clearly defined in our head. The problem with this is that if you believe this, then you are probably misleading yourself. In fact, in classes that I have taught, when asked to write out goals on paper, most people (who say that they have goals) are completely stumped.

It’s easy to believe that you have something clear in your mind, but if you can’t write it out in 1 or 2 sentences, then you need to get more precise about exactly what you want to achieve.
Here’s a comparison that I once heard:

Goals are like buying a plane ticket. If you walk up to the ticket window and ask for a plane ticket, the person at the window will ask, “Where would you like to go?”

If your answer sounds something like, “Just somewhere nice and sunny. Maybe a place with some mountains or an ocean where my family and I can relax.” Then you are in trouble.

The person at the window will have NO IDEA where you’d like to go- and neither do you. You’d never plan a trip without knowing exactly where you’d like to end up- so why wouldn’t you plan your goals the same way?

So, in goal setting, it’s of primary importance to be clear about your intentions, and exactly what type of result you want to achieve. Here is a goal setting checklist of things that will help you achieve ultimate results:

1- The goal must be tangible, countable, or measurable. If you can’t count it, weigh it, or measure it in specific numbers or time, then it’s not tangible enough.

2- Your goal must be believable. If you don’t believe that you could ever achieve your ultimate result, then start with something smaller.

3- You need a time table. Deadlines get results, so if you don’t have a completion date defined, it will undermine your efforts by allowing you to procrastinate.

4- Write your goal down on paper. If you don’t have written goals for your life or business, then you are wasting your time. To reach your ultimate result, your goals must be written.

There are dozens of books, tapes, and seminars all about goal setting, but if you follow these 4 simple rules, you’ll be miles ahead of the pack. Remember, the secret to getting ultimate results is properly setting and following through on goals.

If you'd like more information on how to follow through on the goals that you've set, you may want to look at: The Producer Power Hour for a system that will help you succeed.

129 Ways to Meet & Recruit People For Your MLM Business

2008-06-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

I am incredibly excited and proud because I recently finished and published a new ebook outlining 129 ways to meet & recruit people for your MLM or Network Marketing business- and the feedback has been incredible!

Many of the ideas in the book aren't rocket science, but it's always amazing to realize how many things that each of us take for granted. Based on the comments that I have recieved, people are finding tremendous value and inspiration from the ideas presented.

In fact, I have had several people tell me that even 1 or 2 ideas in the book have completely opened up whole new ways for them to grow their business.

To help make the book even better, I also included valuable resources on how to use the internet to promote your MLM business and bring people to you, rather than you having to chase them. I believe that even one of these techniques is worth vastly more than the tiny price tag on the book.

The whole idea behind creating this book is that I believe it is nearly impossible to grow a huge downline by simply talking to friends & family. And that by discovering new ways to meet the right kind of people you can improve your results exponentially!

I've done my best to create value for everyone that reads the book, and welcome your comments.

You can find out more and purchase the book at: http://meetmoremlmrecruits.com/

A Quote on Faith...

2008-05-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

When you have reached the end

of all the light that you know,

and you must step out

into the darkness of the unknown,

faith is knowing that

one of two things will happen:

either you will have something solid

to stand on, or

you will be taught how to fly!

~Author Unknown

A few good quotes...

2008-05-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

“You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually
do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action.”

-Anthony Robbins

“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say.
I just watch what they do.”

-Andrew Carnegie

Leadership in Multi Level Marketing

2008-05-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

Leadership in Multi Level Marketing is one of the single most important keys to building a growing and lasting business. Multi Level Marketing (also known as MLM or Network Marketing) is all about growing a team and leading them to success.

To be a leader in your MLM, you must be able to show others how to find success by motivating them, offering a good system, and teaching them to be leaders themselves. There are a few important traits and skills that you’ll need to show the leadership in Multi Level Marketing that will take you to the top:

1) You must be able to produce results yourself. People follow leaders that can do what they are telling their team to do. That means you must lead by example at all times and in all ways. Your team will do what you do- whether it is ‘good’ or ‘bad’.

2) You must care about your people. The old saying goes, “I don’t care how much you know, until I know how much you care.” And this is especially true with MLM. People will not follow your lead if they believe that you are ‘using them for money’ or that you have no interest in seeing them succeed. This doesn’t mean that you cannot push your team to grow or give constructive criticism, but it does mean that people must realize that you are pushing them because you care.

3) You must offer value to those who follow you. Leadership in Multi Level Marketing is based on people following someone that offers them value. This could be a great system, inspiration, or just plain old fun—but they must see some value in following you or their efforts will be short lived.

4) You must always continue to grow. As I stated above, people want to work with someone that brings them value. In order for you to do this on a regular basis, you must continue to grow and develop as a leader and value creator. Investing in yourself will never fail to more than pay for itself, and as your team grows you’ll be able to lead them further as a constantly improving captain.

Leadership in Multi Level Marketing is one of the most valuable and profitable traits that you can develop. It will allow you to grow and motivate your team, and over time will enable you to unlock the true power of MLM which is leveraging other people’s time, energy, and resources.

To Learn more about Leadership in MLM & Network Marketing order my Free Report at http://www.250kmlm.com/.

Key Components of an Affiliate Home Based Business Internet Lead Generation Marketing System

2008-05-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

As both Home Based Businesses and the Internet become more a part of the way that people live, creating an internet based affiliate lead generation system has become one of the easiest and most profitable ways to use both.

Affiliate internet marketing is where you promote someone else's products, and receive a commission for anything your customers buy because of your referral. There are several websites such as 'Clickbank' and 'Commission Junction' that offer a huge selection of products that can be promoted.

To be successful at affiliate internet marketing, you must be sure that you understand the key components of a successful lead generation system to help build your home based business.
The basic steps are:

1) Pick your market or niche. This means that you need to decide who you are going to be selling to- which will help you decide 'What' to sell. Doing proper research on who your market is, should not to be overlooked.

2) Pick your products or services. Once you know your market, be sure to figure out what they want so that you can sell it to them.

3) Drive Web Traffic. Next you must get the people who want your products to your website so that they can buy. If no one knows about your products, it is absolutely certain that you will fail.

4) Build Your List. This is the whole point of building your internet affiliate home based business lead generation marketing system- to get a list. So as potential customers come to your website, you must have a way to capture their contact information through some sort of opt-in form or when they buy from you. Usually this requires you to give them something in return such as free information, a newsletter, discounts, etc. This will enable you to compile of list of people who want your type products so that you can market to them in the future.

5) Follow Up With Your List. This is the most overlooked key. Once you have identified a customer, you must build their trust by offering them valuable information, products, services, etc. This will enable you to promote additional products to them in the future and multiply your profits.

If followed and implemented properly, the above outline can provide you with an endless source of income. And if you truly keep in mind the best interests of your customers, they will gladly buy from you again and again-- resulting in compounding profits.

Building an effective internet affiliate home based business lead generation marketing system is a lot of work, but can pay huge dividends. In fact, the benefits can out weigh the work put into the process by 100 fold or more!

If you would like more detailed information on how to build a successful online affiliate income visit: http://www.AffiliateIncomeSecretWeapons.com or http://www.AffiliateSuccessSecretWeapons.com

How to Start Off Quickly for MLM Network Marketing Success

2008-05-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

One of the most important things in a home based business is to start off quickly toward your MLM Network Marketing success. If you can manage to get positive momentum for your business opportunity right away, it will make growing your downline much easier.

As a stepping stone, I’ve created this simple 5 part plan for starting off your MLM Network Marketing company quickly to maximize your success:

1) Get educated as quickly as possible. I can’t tell you how many people have suffered unnecessary frustration because they were recruiting for their business before they were educated about it. This means understanding your product and the business side of your Network Marketing opportunity as a first ‘MUST DO’ in your MLM efforts.

2) Set Goals for your company. It’s impossible to get ‘somewhere’ if you don’t know where you are trying to go. For example, would a sea captain just take a ship out into the ocean without knowing where they were headed? Of course not! And if you don’t have goals for your MLM company, then you could end up ‘lost at sea’. Create real, tangible, measurable goals with a deadline, and you’ll be off to a good start.

3) Create the plan to achieve your goals. I call this creating the ‘roadmap’ to your success. If you don’t have a map or plan of how to get to your goals they can become overwhelming. Take the time to break down your goals into monthly, weekly, and daily actions (or tasks) that will help your Network Marketing company move toward success everyday.

4) Take action. This is the single biggest key to starting off quickly in your MLM Network Marketing success. If you have the best goals and plans, but don’t DO anything, then you have no chance of getting results. So take MASSIVE action. A good rule of thumb is to do 5 times as much as you think you’ll need to do to get the result you want. If you get more, great- but you don’t want to do too little.

5) Be enthusiastic and have fun! Sure, this is a business, but people like to do things that are fun a whole lot more than things that are too serious. MLM is a ‘people business’, and people love excitement, fun, and enthusiasm. Use this to your advantage and let people see how ecstatic you are about your home business- they will feed off of your energy and excitment!

If you can effectively implement this 5 steps into your business within the first 48-72 hours, you’ll be a living answer to the question, “How do I start off quickly for my MLM Network Marketing success?”

Once you have these steps in place, then continue to take action, create new goals & plans, and above all- have some fun!

For more info on how to Find Network Marketing MLM Success Quickly order the Free Report at my website www.250kMLM.com

Do What You Know...

2008-04-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

I was just out getting coffee with a friend of mine who had dropped by to stay the night at my house last night, and an interesting conversation came up... and I thought I'd share it.

It occured to me during this conversation how often many of us go counter to what we know is the 'right' thing or the 'best' thing for us to do. Don't we? We seem to have this inner guidance that hints at what we should be doing- but all to often we either do something else or just ignore it completely.

Have you ever had this happen?

Maybe you were waiting in line at the grocery store and you saw someone who needed help with carrying their items- and you know that you should run over an help them- but you didn't? Or perhaps it was a time when you said something hurtful or judgemental behind someone's back; even when you knew it wasn't a good idea.

Unfortunately, we all do these types of things from time to time, but the real question is 'Why' do we do them? And what is it that's telling us what 'to do' or 'not to do'?

Is it the cute little angel on one shoulder and that sly little devil on the other? Probably not- although that vision can make for some entertaining TV.

I believe that your inner guidance is the Divinity within you that is guiding you though life. Some would call it a 'Guardian Angel', others would say it's just your conscience or a whole host of other names. But I think that most of us would agree that it's something within us that knows 'Good' from 'Bad' and 'Right' from 'Wrong'.

So the question raises itself of 'Where' do we get this guidance? Are we born with it or is it learned?

Again, I believe that it is something that is inborn in every one of us- and is our connection to a higher Power. (whatever Power you believe in) It is a way that this higher Power allows us to be prompted so that we can be in line with all that is Loving, supports life, and in harmony- or not.
The Taoist might call this "Living in the Way"... Others may call it "Christ Consciousness" or "Being in line with the Universe".

But whatever you call it, the choice to align with these promptings is still yours. And the sign posts of what is in alignment are all clearly marked throughout life- but will only be seen if we are looking for them.

This means you must be AWARE of what you are 'Doing' and who you are 'Being', so that you can see these markers and follow their directions...

So why do so many of us ignore these suggestions- like in the examples above? We each have our own decision making process that goes into doing what we do... but are we truly making the right choices or just taking the path of least resistence?

It is often easy to be lazy, inconsiderate, take care of "me first", or a host of other excuses... But have you ever noticed that when you do the 'right' things and align with what you know to be the 'right'- that everything else takes care of itself?

That things that seem like they may be a pain, or inconvenient, or may even set us back- seem to be the very actions that made the biggest difference or left you feeling the most satisfied in the end?

I learned a phrase from a mentor of mine that helps me make decisions of this sort. It says:

Sacrifice the 'Lesser' for the 'Greater'

Maybe it's just me... but I'm making the commitment to 'Do What I Know...' on an even higher level that I have in the past. That means following my inner guidance- whatever the cost- and doing the 'right thing' for myself and others around me.

What about you? Have you been lazy, inconsiderate, spiteful, stubborn, or just plain 'mean' in the past? Would you like to change it? Would you like to let the bad go and show your loving, caring 'best foot'?

Well now is the chance! You simply need to make a choice and become the person that is inside, prompting you toward your Greatest Self.

Anybody got anything further to say? Please feel free to comment...

Derick Van Ness

Tolerance, Acceptance, or Love?

2008-04-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hi again,

In all of the 'March Madness' that has been surrounding me lately, I've had some very interesting thoughts and experiences that I'd like to share.

You see, I seem to have an a brain that is like the Energizer Bunny- it keeps going, and going, and going.... You get the picture. This can be a tough little chatter box at times, but also allows me that chance to harness it's Olympic caliber talents to do my own bidding on occasion.

One such occasion happened as I was spending time at my favorite park over Easter. I had gone out to see all of the ducks, geese, pelicans, etc. that live and play at the lake within this park. I've found that watching 'animal reality TV' at the park can reveal a lot about humans...

So I was watching the animals (and people- who are equally perplexing) at the park and began to meditate. As I was doing this, I began to feel a strong warm sensation of - what I interpreted as- Love.

As this was happening, I begin looking around again at all of the people and animals circulating around me. And I began asking myself- Do I tolerate, accept, or Love these other 'Beings' that are here with me? This got me looking at myself, but also had me looking at history and the evolution of society.

If you look at society in America, we had the Civil Rights Movement in the 60's and now we are seeing it (in a different way) with Homosexuality. These movements began in a state where one group (the group in 'power') didn't even tolerate the other group or respect their rights as human beings. Obviously, this creates a very negative environment for everyone involved either as 'being disrepected' or 'disrespecting' others who are different.

Now, as time progressed (and people progressed) this 'Disrespect' became lessened and was now thought of as tolerance. But is this good? Think about it...

What does 'tolerance' mean? I'd define it as: Something that you 'put up with'. This implies that it is something that bugs you, but maybe isn't worth the time to fix or complain about, right?

Fortunately, this isn't were the evolution of Societal Consciousness has stopped (for the most part). The next step has been Acceptance. This means actually accepting the differences between people without any resevations. Seeing people as 'Perfect, just as they are', and being at complete peace with this.

Clearly this is a much more powerful and peaceful way to live, and it allows for the freedom of self expression. This is critical, because each person is then able to access their unique gifts and share them with the world. Imagine if Michael Jackson, Joe Montana, Winston Churchill, or Martin Luther King had been discouraged and never fully embraced their gifts!

Now, I know that Acceptance is a very powerful state of Being, but what about operating from a position of 'Love'? This would mean NOT ONLY Accepting someone for who they were (and being at peace with it) but actually LOVING them for who they are 100%!

This means no "I wish he was a little more ____" or "I want her to be _____". It means completely loving that fact that someone is exactly who they are- flaws and faults included. It means realizing the absolute perfection of creation, and seeing that "The perfection is in the imperfection".

I like to think of it this way... If we were all 'perfect' we wouldn't need anyone else, right? And if we didn't need anyone else, then we would be isolated & alone. It also means that you would NEVER have the opportunity to be 'needed', and NEVER have the chance to give to anyone else- because they are already 'perfect' and need nothing from you.

I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like 'perfection' to me AT ALL.

So this is where I bring out the dreaded mirror, and let you look yourself square in the eye. Don't be shy, you're cuter than you think... *wink*

Ask yourself: "Am I living a life of Tolerance, Acceptance, or Love?" and if you're not happy with the answer, what can you do to begin changing it?

Do you use the realization of your own flaws and faults to allow you to Love and Accept others for theirs? Are you aware of how you feel when another 'Loves' you? And are you returning the favor to as many people as possible?

Have you come to understand that sharing your 'Love' isn't something reserved for a select few, but rather for everyone you encounter? After all, being Loved when you feel that you don't 'Deserve it', is when it means the most.

And most importantly, how are you being with yourself? Are you 'Tolerating' your flaws? Have you learned to Accept where your perfection lies? Or are you Loving and Forgiving of yourself in every moment, while embracing and relishing both your strengths and your weaknesses?

So which world are you living in? Tolerance, Acceptance, or Love?

The greatest of these is Love.

~ Derick Van Ness

How to Grow Your MLM Opportunity Faster

2008-03-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here's another article I recently published... I've been on a bit of a rampage with these lately.

Enjoy!

How to Grow My MLM Opportunity Faster

Many people all over the world now have a home business and are hoping it will bring them the financial security and rewards that they dream about. Unfortunately, the success rate for home based businesses is far lower than it should be because most people quit their business before they ever really start it.

The key to overcoming this common pitfall is to ask yourself, “How can I grow my MLM Opportunity faster?” If you begin with this goal in mind- a fast start- you are ensuring that you will take action NOW, see results SOONER rather than later, and increase your chances of success exponentially.

The first and most important thing to answering your question of “How can I get faster results and help my MLM Opportunity grow?” is to have a plan as soon as possible. That means sit down and write it out- tonight! Without a plan you will be running in circles (think dog chasing his tail) and getting nowhere fast.

With this in mind, I’m going to lay out my basic plan to every home based business that I ever undertake. See if it passes the “How Can I Grow My MLM Opportunity Faster” Test. ( I guarantee it’s faster than the 3 foot rule)

I call it E.S.T.A.L. and it stands for:

E – Educate. Learn about your product/service and company as quickly as possible.

S – Simplify. Cut out all of the fluff and determine the primary benefits of your product/service. Also decide how you are going to work within your company’s system for maximum results & who you are going to target.

T – Test. Test your plan and system on a small scale, and check the results. If they aren’t profitable enough, tweak your system and test it again. Repeat this step until you get a result that meets your requirements.

A- Automate. Create systems that require little or none of your time to continue to carry out the necessary activities. NOTE: In MLM you will always need to be around to help your team until they are fully self sufficient. Therefore, automate as much as possible without losing the personal connection needed to build and lead your team.

L- Leverage. Simply put, do work in such a way that you do the work 1 time, and get paid for it over and over again. Or work such that you do something once and it is able to reach many people. Again ask yourself again, “How can I grow my MLM opportunity faster?” This includes things like doing training videos (instead of live trainings & presentations), teaching & training in large groups, and recruiting in such a way that you don’t have to do all of the ‘repetitious work’ every time.

If you implement the E.S.T.A.L. system into your business, you will reap the rewards of building you business properly, and the answer to the question of ‘How can I grow my MLM opportunity faster’ will become self evident.

For more tips, strategies, and successful MLM growth ideas- visit Derick Van Ness at his website http://www.250kmlm.com/. You can also order his free ebook: ‘6 Things You Have to Know Before Starting a Home Based Business’.

3 Shortcuts to MLM Success

2008-03-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Most everyone over the age of 18 has been approached by or joined an MLM (Multi Level Marketing) company at some point in your life. And many of us have joined them to have the financial abundance and time freedom that a Successful MLM Business can provide.

However, for those that succeed with their business opportunity, there are many that fail to find success. And even fewer find the shortcuts to MLM Success which can take years off of the learning curve for most people.

These MLM shortcuts to success are among the most important things that someone can know when joining their business opportunity or starting a home based business:

1) The first MLM success shortcut is to realize that when people join your business opportunity, they are buying YOU and your system, not the product. People will buy the product for it’s benefits, but if they join as a distributor, they are buying into ‘Brand YOU’. Simply put, people must believe in you before they will join your business.

2) The second shortcut to success with your MLM is to realize that it is NOT a lottery ticket. In other words, it’s going to take work and you won’t be rich by next Thursday. (You know that, right?) MLM opportunities are a business, and must be treated accordingly. This means you are going to have to grow, learn, and put in the time. You will be rewarded for these efforts, but like any good business, it takes a little longer than the lifespan of a turkey in November.

3) The last success shortcut is that you a plan (besides 3 way calls and the ‘3 foot rule’) and you must work your plan. You need this plan NOW- as in right away- so that you don’t waste 6 months before you get serious. This means that you have to decide on how you are going to meet the ‘right people’ and how to say the ‘right things’ on a consistent basis. This is because once Uncle Jim and Aunt Betty have joined your business, how are you going to continue to grow?

These MLM success shortcuts aren’t a secret, but they are very important. You must treat your business the same way that you would a restaurant or any other business.

You need to have a plan and a system, and you can’t rely on friends and family to continue to make money. You need to realize that it’s going to take time and effort, and you need to work your plan and enroll other people in helping to see it through to success!

As the saying goes, “The shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line.” The better your plan, the straighter the line; the better your system, the faster you can travel the line; and realizing that it takes work and preparation makes the line easier to traverse.

Begin with these shortcuts to MLM success in mind, and you’ll be on the right track!

For more tips, techniques, and free information on how to grow your MLM Opportunity rapidly, visit Derick’s website http://www.250kmlm.com/ or read his other articles online.

Until Next Time!

Derick Van Ness

A Successful Way to Grow a Huge MLM Downline

2008-03-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hi...

This is an article that I recently published because I help Home Based Business Owners to grow their businesses. Enjoy!

Most people in MLM or Home Based Business Opportunities think that they are being taught a successful way to grow a huge MLM downline team, only to realize 6 months later that they were being deceived.

Fortunately, most often this deception comes because the people doing the teaching don’t truly know any successful way to grow a massive MLM downline, and are just repeating what they were taught by their upline.

This is a classic case of the ‘blind leading the blind’.

The good news is that there IS a cure this disillusionment and confusion. The answer to successfully growing this elusive ‘Huge MLM Downline’ lies in understanding how MLM companies work.

All the sign ups, meetings, and trainings in the world are great- but the fundamental basis for any successful business (home based or not) is SELLING PRODUCT! These product sales are what create the secure residual income- and that’s why people join an MLM or Home Based Business, isn’t it?

So a successful basis for a way to grow this huge MLM downline is to find people who actually need the PRODUCT first. If you use this approach, your prospects are much more receptive to you and your sales presentation. You don’t sell them on making a million dollars by next Wed, residual income, or any of the other ‘Traditional’ MLM buzz words. You actually sell them the product and let them be a customer first… Seems too simple right?

Here’s why it works:

1) If people use the product and it works, they become an undying believer. This means that they will stick with the product and probably use it forever- or at least longer than the typical 90 days the most MLM customers stick around.

2) Everyone is an opportunity seeker, but most people don’t want to sell a product or service that they don’t know about or use themselves. By recruiting them as a customer and ONLY talking about the business AFTER they love the product, you have overcome 99% of the hurdles you regularly face.

3) Because they know the product works, this type of business builders will talk to anyone and everyone about it. They will be a ‘die hard’ promoter, and are much more likely to sell a lot of product than someone who is only chasing the money.

4) Even if this type of recruit tries the business and fails, they will continue to use the product because it gives them value and benefit- whether he does the business opportunity or not! This means that your residual income is safe, and will continue to come in month after month.

So if you are seeking a proven and successful way to grow a huge or massive MLM downline, try sticking to the fundamentals. Sell the PRODUCT first, and show your customers the business after they’ve seen how great the product and company really are!

For more on how to grow your MLM Business or Opportunity, visit my website at: http://www.250kMLM.com

The Way of the Tao

2008-03-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hi again!

I've been super busy with creating some new Internet & MLM Marketing systems lately, so I haven't had much of a chance to write.

However, I did run across a passage that I see as very appropriate for our times while re-reading my favorite book of all time The Tao Te Ching (Stephen Mitchell translation).

Currently the economy is influx (which is nearly always is depending on your perspective) and many people in the Real Estate and Banking worlds are suffering the results of some pretty crazy fall out. Inevitably, many of these people will find themselves down in the dumps because they either lose or change their jobs, make less money, or feel unsettled by all of the change surrounding them.

As I've said before- we all have pain brought into our lives, but the suffering is optional. Here is the passage that really caught my attention:

44

Fame or Integrity: which is more important?
Money or Happiness: which is more valuable?
Success or Failure: which is more destructive?

If you look to others for fulfillment,
you will never truly be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money,
you will never be happy with yourself.

Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize that there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.

Lao-tzu

If you haven't read or seen this book, I highly recommend it. I have given this book away countless times to people that I care about. I believe it will change your life in every aspect if you read it with an open heart.

Until Next time...
Derick Van Ness

Investing in You- Your Greatest Asset

2008-03-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hi again!

It's been a few days, but life has been busy, busy, busy...

I'm still playing a little catch up from the 4th of July show that my hard drive put on last weekend- so that's kept my hands full.

Anyway, I've been spending a lot of time investing in myself lately because- if you weren't aware- I'm in the process of switching my business focus. It's partially a chosen switch, and partially forced upon me- both of which has it's advantages.

As a quick summary, I've been doing Real Estate Investing full time for the last 6 ish years. Single family Rentals, Buy-Fix-Sell, Lease Options, etc. were my main focus, and life was good.

However, in my search for what would really make me happy and fullfilled (as well as pay the bills), I realized that Real Estate was not in line with my Soul Purpose.

The problem with this was that I looked down, and I was wearing some very stylish 'Golden Handcuffs'. This meant that although I was ready to look at expanding my future in a different direction, the 6 figure income that I was enjoying would take time and efforts to replace...

This might have been something for me to drag on indefinitely, except that the real estate equivalent of "Hurrican Katrina" hit the real estate market about 12-18 months ago. This quickly allowed me to shed the illusion of the Golden Handcuffs and seek my next path to fortune and adventure.

This meant a new line of work, new skills, new adventures, and new challenges.

I was going to have to invest some time, energy, and resources to get my train rolling on a different track and in the direction of my next destination...

Which leads me to investing in yourself. Ask yourself... Do you invest in yourself? If so, do you do it often enough? If not, why?

To give you an idea, I've probably averaged spending between $10-20,000 per year investing in myself over the past 5 years. Does that stun you? It proabaly sounds crazy, right? If so, let me explain why I do it, and what it has meant in my life...

First of all, I love learning about things that interest or benefit me or my loved ones. I learned a long time ago that anything that I invest in myself- be it books, tapes, seminars, trainers, or other professionals or mentors- I get to keep for the REST OF MY LIFE.

I learned this concept from a friend and mentor of mine Eric Lofholm (http:www.ericlofholm.com)- he calls it the 'Baseline Stragety'. Basically he says that if you take your current skills, talents, and experience (everything that you bring to the table) that is your 'Baseline'. Now if you invest in yourself and get even 1% better at any of your existing attributes, you are now that 1% better than your original baseline allowed.

This might seem elementary, but what most people fail to realize is that the 1% isn't just 1% better. It might end up being 10%, 100% or even 1000% better over the course of your lifetime.

This is because that 1% might get you an extra relationship, or an extra sale, or anything- but what does that relationship or sale lead to over time? Do you get referalls- which lead to more referrals- which lead to more... You get the picture.

Or perhaps the commisson from that 1 sale. If you used it to do more advertising, or buy a book that leads to increased sales- which in turn lead to more sales, commissions, advertising, books, etc.

So what is that 1% really worth? And why aren't you adding more 1% skills into your life? The results are incredible!

In my life, just growing from these 1%, 5%, or even 10% increments (due to investing in myself) has lead to massive results. Those tens of thousands of dollars invested have yielded several million dollars in profits already... and I get to keep those skills for many more years! I can't even imagine what they'll be worth in dollars or quality of life...

This is all because someone once taught me that YOU are your greatest asset. Everything that you invest into yourself is with you for the rest of your life:

Eat better- you'll have better health from here on out. llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Communicate better- You'll have better business and personal relationships. llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Educate yourself- you will be able to apply those concepts in EVERY situation for the rest of your life!

So what are you doing to increase the value of your #1 Asset? If nothing yet- let me make a suggestion or two...

-Try reading at least 2 books per year that would help you in areas that are important and interesting to you- Books on health, finances, and mindset are all excellent choices.

-Commit to attending 1 new seminar or class that will help you improve one of the skills or weaknesses that would prove valuable in your life... learn better computer or communcation skills. Try something to open up your awareness in areas that interest you! It's amazing how much is available to us, if we only learn to see it!

-Pick one skill per year and focus on mastering it. Learn to speak another language, how to cook or throw dinner parties, or even how to dance! (If Jerry Rice can do it, so can you!) These skills will exponentially contribute to the abundance and enjoyment of your life.

So think about it- make your list and check it twice. Be realistic about what you undertake and be sure to realize that it's tough in the beginning, but once you start seeing the fruits of your labors- it is a great addiction!

Here are a few books that have helped me- check them out:

Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley and M.D., Henry S. Lodge (Health)
Multiple Streams of Income by Robert Allen (Investing)
The Prosperity Paradigm by Steve D'Annunzio (Spiritual Prosperity)
Killing Sacred Cows by Garrett Gunderson (Finances and Wealth Creation)

Until Next Time!

Derick Van Ness

Moving Forward Through Discontent...

2008-03-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

Hi again!

You may have noticed that I've been absent that last few days, and that's very nice of you to be paying such close attention. It kinda makes me feel 'special' in a non-'Special Olympics' sorta way...

Anyway, my brief disappearence into the void has been due to a small, not very percievable explosion within my very unappreciated (until recently) computer hard drive. Apparently my hard drive had made a deal with the devil because as of Saturday afternoon, it became officially 'corrupted'.

Well, as you can imagine, I was stunned and feeling very betrayed. After all... my lovely laptop and I have spend many wonderful, and excitement filled hours together in the last few years. For it to just stop working without even saying 'Goodbye' was disturbing to say the least.

Ok... so I've rambled enough about how suprised and caught off guard I was when my computer decided to stop working. This brings me to the point that I wanted to make tonight.

At the moment of the spontaneous combustion within my beloved companion, I stood at a crossroads... Should I freak out because the last 3 years of my life were locked within a silcone coffin, or should I choose the 'high road' and trust that everything truly happens for the best? I can tell you that my initial, panic stricken reaction was 'When did I last back my data up?'

But once I got past this initial 'Gulp' reaction, I realized that what happend next was up to me and my paradigm. This is where I was able to use one of the most powerful tools that has ever come into my life... the tool is what I call 'Recontextualization'.

Recontextualization means taking anything- good, bad, or ugly- and choosing to see it in it's most useful context. In otherwords, looking for the lesson, or silver lining, in everything that happens.

In my predicatment, I could have jumped ship and started screaming for help when my computer decided to revolt, or I could have looked for an opportunity to learn, grow, or improve from this apparent setback.

As it turns out, I passed the test and chose the latter.

After talking with my computer guy, I saw this as a chance to upgrade my nearly full hard drive, and reinstall my 2 1/2 year old windows operating system.

Granted, this meant a lot of extra work and toil, but it did offer a chance for a clean slate with my operating system, software downloads, and a chance to do some 'spring cleaning' on so many of the random things that had crept into my computer over the years.

So you see... it wasn't exactly the end of the world- Thankfully.

Now... what does this have to do with you and your precious life? Good question...

The answer is- how do you handle things when they don't go your way? Do you A) 'jump ship' immediatly and go into 'I need a straight jacket' mode? B) stick your head in the sand and hide from the issue? Or C) do you assess the situation and look for how you can learn, grow, or improve from this 'illusion' of a step backward?

If you chose 'C' then you're on the right track! Congratulations! (we'll have to throw a party later)

But for now, let's talk about why. You see... Life happens- plain and simple.

Sometimes it's good (see "winning the lottery") and sometimes not so good- but the truth is that 'what happens' is NOT nearly as important as how we view the 'happenings' and then take action.

Everyone has 'Good' and 'Bad' things happen... right? Even the super good looking, in shape, rich guy has 'Bad' stuff happen to him... The major difference is how we choose to view this happenings.

Are they 'The world beating us down?' or do you see them as chances to prove your greatness and an opportunity to improve and grow? Guess which point of view truly successful and wealthy people choose?

That's right. They Recontextualize the 'Bad' things to be necessary lessons that will allow them to grow and achieve even greater results in their life...

It's like a Father who makes his kids learn how to take care of themselves through doing homework, chores, etc. The kids see this as a terrible fate to be suffered in misery- but amazingly, they are greatful for the skills they aquired from these lessons once they are in the real world.

So which is it gonna be for you? Are you going to be the ungrateful, pouting child? Or the wide eyed, eager student?

The choice is yours...

Try recontextualizing the 'Bad' things that happen in your life in the next 30 days. Look for, and learn, the lessons that life is offering you- and see what happens!

Until next time!
Derick Van Ness

Decentralization Through Technology...

2008-02-29T19:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight I wanted to briefly talk about what I see as one of the great turning points in the way that the world will develop.

Sure we've seen changes in the past, but this one is going to be HUGE! First we had the steam engine and the telephone, then the automobile, and now cell phones and the internet. Of course, unless you've been detained in some refugee camp or have been living in the stomach of a whale - Pinoccio Style- then you already know that technology has massively changed this little rock we live on.

What I'm seeing though, is a change in how and where people live in the near future. You see, most people live in large cities because of their job and ability to make a living right? Well, that is all about to change.

You see... because of my interest in Real Estate and in understanding how things develop over time, I've been looking at what MAY happen in the next 25 years. I look at things like the developement of Australia, and how Similar it looks to the develpment of the US about 100 years ago. Sydney would the the parallel to NYC with development streaming around the South end of the country- the way that the US develped through the great lakes region-- and way out west the little city of Perth is where Los Angeles would have been.

It's very interesting to look at pictures of LA and Orange County back in the 20's. Almost nothing existed! I've seen pictures of the peninsula that is now Newport Beach and there isn't a house to be seen... Pretty amazing, huh? Hmmm... maybe I should hurry and buy a bunch of beach front property on Australia's West Coast.

Anyway, this sort of thinking has made me realize that-- due to technology-- our country is soon going to see an influx of people moving to more remote or resort locations. Why, you ask? As I said before, most of us live where we do because of that invisible chain that ties us to our home away from home- AKA our ever endearing cubicle.

This invisible chain has existed for so long that most of us have stopped testing it, or in many unfortunate cases, have forgotten it even exists!

The good news is that our old friend the 'invisible chain' may actually disappear in the near future, and we probably won't even miss him! Yep, you heard me correctly. With the advancement in technology, we now have the means to do business right from home-- even if home happens to be 500 miles from the office. With cell phones and wireless broadband, it's no different than if you were working in the next room. (except for the water cooler banter and having to wear a dreaded tie every day).

Do you see what this opens up for those of us daring enough to 'Boldly go where no man has worked before'!? It allows us the freedom of working from our house- whether we live at the base of the Sierra Mountains or we've rented a cottage for the summer in Key West. It means no more traffic, smog, or unnecessary happy hour get togethers with the excitable group from Accounting.

It will mean aboslute freedom geographically!

This trend is already becoming prevalent with books such as The 4 Hour Work Week getting so much attention and leading the charge of this newly mobile or remote lifestyle.

So now comes the question... How will this trend work for you? Can you use it to live in a place or lifestyle that wouldn't have been possible just 15 years ago (when cell phones were either inside of briefcases, called 'bricks' or attached to a car).

The future is wide open and now is your chance to follow your calling...

Let me know what you want to do...

Where would you live? How would you work? What would you enjoy more of in your life?

Until next time... Cheers.

Derick Van Ness

"Be the Party"

2008-02-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hi again.

Today I wanted to talk about something that has made a huge difference in my life during the last few years. This single understanding has - in fact - single handedly delivered every source of joy and success in my life.

I was thinking about this because I was recently read a book by Mike Dillard called Magnetic Sponsoring. This is an absolutely fantastic book written for the Network Marketing industry- but which transcends that field and relates to everything in life.

In the book he talks about how to make yourself "Magnetic" by having value to offer people, and by "Being" a leader 100%- or an "Alpha" as he calls it.

His philosophy is that by "Being" a leader who offers massive value to people- you will magnetically draw people to you like ants to a left over pizza crust.

He outlines how to do this from many different angels in the book, and I'd highly suggest you check it out. You can find it at: http://www.treasuremapmarketing.com/ It also comes with some great videos as a bonus.

Anyway, this book reminded me of how important it is the "Be" something before you can "Have" what you want...

Let me explain: Most of us want things, right? We want to have the dream house, or the ideal mate... We want to have many friends, and have money to travel the world while driving funny looking, neon colored, exotic cars.

This is the "Have" in what is termed "Be, Do, Have..." and I first saw thing in Robert Kiyosaki's book Rich Dad, Poor Dad.

I think you'll agree that most of us focus on the things we want to "Have". The problem lies in the fact that the only way to "Have" these things, is to "Do" the proper things to get them. Right?

So, to "Have" lots of friends, you probably need to "Do" things like inviting them out, meeting new people, throwing get togethers, etc. Pretty simple stuff, isn't it?

But where most of us are left scratching our heads is that we think, "I can't throw a party... that's not me." or "Meeting new people is scarier than Don King's hair... I can't do that!"

This is where our limitations come in, and we listen to the preconcieved notions we have about who we can "BE".

These ideas about who we can "BE" is the root of all success or failure.

You see, who we are "Being" directly effects what we are "Doing"- and what we "Do" gives us the results of what we "Have". The paradox is that most of us focus on the "Haves", but never get them... Do you see why?

I'll give you a personal example. When I was young and single, I used to go out dancing at bars, clubs, dance studios, etc. I enjoy meeting people and the good music, but I also REALLY wanted to "Have" a girlfriend. So I'd meet girls, go out on dates, etc. - but could never find any that worked out.

After nearly 5 years of being single, I was fed up. I'd had enough, and I was going to focus on me "Being the Party" - which translates into "I'm going to have fun, NO MATTER WHAT!" That way at least I'd "Be" happy- even if I was still a lonesome single.

Guess what happened?

Yep... a line of girls started forming at the door and I had more attention that I know how to handle.

Now I don't say this to brag- because that's not what it's about at all. What I'm saying is that by me "Being" the greatest version of myself at all times... I started "Doing" the things (ie- being the life of the party) that allowed me to "Have" what I had always desired- a girlfriend.

So once I stared "Being" the right kind of person- the rest came together faster than goldfish at feeding time. It was all about ME... Just "Being" the person (my attitude of 'Have fun NO MATTER WHAT') who "Did" the things (Dancing, joking, meeting new people, smiling, etc) that allowed me to "Have" the people that I wanted to date.

Now, I've probably gone so far down this road that I'm in a different state- but it's made ALL of the difference in my life- So I believe it is ULTRA IMPORANT.

To summarize, when I focus on "Who I am bringing to the table" in every situation, and do my very best to be the "Greatest Version of Myself" then the rest just falls into place.

It's not always easy, but it's ALWAYS worked out for the best.

So, today's questions is: "Who are you bringing to the table?" Is it the best "YOU" or not?

Try it for 14 days and watch the difference it makes!

Feel free to let me know how it goes...
~ Derick Van Ness

Cadet Maxim

2008-02-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

This is short and sweet, but something that I really enjoy:

Risk more than others think is safe,

Care more than others think is wise,

Dream more than others think is practical,

Expect more than others think is possible.

Why Do People 'Get Old'?

2008-02-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

I went out Salsa Dancing last Friday night to celebrate the Birthday of one of my best friends! Good stuff!

I used to be a 'Dancing Machine' and go out nearly nightly, but I got out of the habit a few years ago when I had a snowboarding run in with a big, tough snowmobile...

I don't recommend it to anyone!

Anyway, I was enjoying the dancing & socializing, and it got me thinking about why people 'Get Old'. I've been blessed enough to stumble into some great social and exercize habits that have perpetuated my youthful energy level and friendships... But what about the average person?

I say that I'm fortunate because according to Dan Sulivan - the creator of an amazing entreprenuerial program called The Strategic Coach- people get old for 3 reasons:

1) They run out of money or financial stability
2) Their friends & family either pass away or leave them alone
3) They have no future plans, goals, or anything to look forward to...

Dan calls this last reason 'Not having a future that is bigger than your past'.

So how does this relate to Salsa Dancing at Mama Juana's? Well, I've realized that something like social dancing fulfills at least 2 of the 3 reasons that people 'Get Old'.

First, I am constantly inspired to become a better dancer, and am always looking forward to my chance to grow and improve. This gives me hope (however slight) that one day I'll be a great dancer and that keeps me excited.

Secondly, I am constantly meeting new people or strengthening bonds of friendship that I have already created. It's like 'Speed Dating' to music, but without all of the awkward questions and indigestion.

I can't think of a better way to get some exercize and meet other social, energetic people. And you know what? Most of them are very successful people in all areas of their life.

You see, people who go out and enjoy life in one particular area, also have a tendancy to let that carry over into all areas of their life. Shocking, huh?

So the question today is-- do you have habits that are going to allow you to WANT to stay alive and enjoy life? Or are you going to turn into one of those 'Crazy Old Men' that is anti-social and can't wait to die?

I'm serious... Are you gonna turn into the fun loving, optimistic Big Bird-- or the cranky Oscar the Grouch?

If you're serious about living out your years on fun filled 'Sesame Street' as a lovable version of 'Big Bird' here are a couple of suggestions:

- Find at least 2 activities or organizations that excite you, and join them. They will be a source of great friendships, activities, and meaning for you throughout life.

- Think of at least one really big idea that you'd love to support/achieve before it's your turn to play a harp and don that golden halo... and start chasing that dream whenever you get the chance.

- Make sure that you take time for yourself. This means not aways doing ONLY what the kids, spouse, or others want. Take time to do the things that YOU love because someday the kids will grow up, and you may have some time to yourself. How would it be to get excited about that time rather than shaking in your boots?

So which is it gonna be? Big Bird or the smelly Oscar the Grouch? The choice is yours!

Think about it and leave me your thoughts or suggestions for living a longer, fuller life... I'd love to hear them.

~ Derick Van Ness

NOTE: To find out more about the Strategic Coach Program go to: http://www.thestrategiccoach.com/

They have great learning tools ranging from simple books (which cost a few dollars) to year long programs that are more expensive. I highly recommend their materials.

Where Does Happiness Come From?

2008-02-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

Happiness... it means a lot of things to a lot of people.

To some it's having a good job. To others, going on a date with that special someone... But where does happiness really come from?

I have given this a lot of thought during the many years of my life, and what I have come to discover is that happiness comes from a completely different place than I originally thought.

I think back through my childhood in good ole Sandy, Utah when happiness meant buying an ice cream cone at the gas station or riding my bike to go play Super Mario Brothers at the local grocery store.

Then as I grew, happiness meant having money to buy new cassette tapes, or going out on a date with the latest girl that made my tummy do somersaults. On other days it was watching sports with my Dad, or camping in the mountains and fishing some little beaver ponds...

Bottom line is that "Happiness" seemed to come from a lot of places. I didn't really give it much thought until my life stopped being so 'busy', and I had (way too much) time to really consider where happiness came from.

Truth be told, I was forced to figure it out because there came a point after college where I wasn't so happy. I'd moved away from College to 'Live the California Dream' in the SF Bay area during the .COM explosion. But instead of turning out like I had envisioned (Picture me living by the beach with my Mercedes, and owning a cutting edge .COM company) I found myself in a strange new place, with no friends, an old pickup truck, and no idea what I wanted to do with my life.

It was then that I began to learn where happiness truly comes from...

I found that all I really had was 'ME', and if I was going to be 'Happy' then it had to come from somewhere inside. Now that might sound a little idealistic, or like a bunch of 'Hair Brained Non-Sense'; but I've found it to be true over and over during the course of my life.

Simply put, Happiness is a choice.

Each day we wake up and decide if we are going to be grateful for all of the incredible things that we DO have in our lives-- or we can be 'Grouchy Smurf' and look at how terrible things are, or focus on what we WISH we had in our lives.

Let me give you an example: Almost every one of us wishes that we had more money, right? Even the super-duper wealthy guy (you know the one), wishes he had more money. And nearly everyone has at least one person who loves them dearly-- it could be your Mom, Dad, Children, Spouse, etc. And most of us spend time being healthy for portions of our lives but also suffer some sort of major health issue along the journey, right?

The point to all of this is essentially that we are all in the same boat. We all have dreams, we all have fears, we all wish we were more like 'Joe Blow' or 'Jane Doe'. We are all the same... we just vary in degree.

So why are some people so happy and others feel that happiness is only something that happens in movies and fairy tales?

It's the choice you make inside...

Are you acknowleding the amazing life that you are able to live? Or are you focusing on all of the things that you (falsely) believe you need in order to be happy?

In the end, it's all up to you. Think about it and make your choice... It will make all the difference in how you see the world-- and the best part is that you control it-- 100%!

~ Derick Van Ness

Are You Really Playing "Win - Win"?

2008-02-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about this topic the other day as a friend of mine conveyed to me her disappoinment in the outcome of her dating situation. She was confiding in me that she was trying to play 'win - win' in order to have a happier, healthier relationship. She had the best of intentions, but things weren't turning out as she had hoped...

As we talked further it came as a shock to her that she was playing 'win - lose' in her relationship-- Correction, she was playing 'LOSE - win'. That means that she was letting the other person in her relationship get the 'win' but she was 'losing'.

Guess how that's working out?

I use this as an example because I see it all of the time-- in fact, I see it as one of the most common forms of delusion practiced in our highly delusional society.

Most of us are programed to see life a certain way. And although we hate to think of ourselves as these little 'robots' that run around predictably doing the same things over and over-- many of us are very close to that sort of consistancy... even if we are only consistent at being inconsistent.

For example, do you ever wonder how your significant other or best friend can finish your sentences? Or have you ever listened to yourself being interviewed? My experience has been that many of the answers, stories, or even jokes that come to mind are the same time after time. I kinda makes you wonder, right?

Well, that's a topic for another time, and what does picturing ourselves as little robots from some crazy Jetson's cartoon have to do with 'Win - Win'?

Well, I guess I'd better answer that before I've created a mutiny in only my 2nd blog...

So here it is... Playing 'Win - Win' and our perception of what that means, are already programmed into our smart little brains. This means that if you've thought you were playing 'Win - Win' but you've really been playing 'Lose - Win' or (the ever poplular version) 'Win - Lose' then you are doomed to repeat this process.

...Either that or you'll change once you've lost your self esteem, money, friendships, or anything else painful enough to make you re-evaluate your current state of 'playing with others'.

So how do you do this self examination? No, you don't need a microscope or one of those 'heart things' that your Dr. has around his neck...

You simply have to make a decision to stop running on auto pilot, and actually take the wheel of your drive through life. This means THINKING before you answer or act. This lost art of 'Thinkin' involves asking yourself- is this truly a 'Win' for me? Is this truly what the other person wants or what is best for them too? If the answer is 'No', then ask 'How can we make this the best of both worlds?'

I'll admit that this isn't easy, but it's much better than playing the victim the rest of your life. It's also reinforces the idea that YOUR feelings and needs are important too!

Yes, you heard me right. You matter! So keep that in mind, and stop fooling yourself into believing that giving others what THEY want- at YOUR expense- is a good thing.

It's NOT... because eventually you can't 'Give' any more, you can't even help yourself, and you've created people who are not pulling their own weight...

Think about it, be honest with yourself, and take the wheel!

~ Derick Van Ness

Intro and Context - Derick Van Ness

2008-02-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hi.

As a first blog entry, I think it's important for me to set a few ground rules about this blog, why I'm doing this, and a few do's & don'ts.

First of all, I've finally broken down and let the maddening power of the internet get to me. I use the internet for so many areas of my life and (until now) haven't given back nearly as much as I have taken. That error is about to change.

You see, my life has been improved by many articles, blogs, advertisments, articles, references, etc. that I've read- so I want to be a part of helping others to succeed and find happiness.

I know that might sound a little hokie, but the truth is that I'm not exactly your ordinary cookie. I'm very 'normal' in a social sense, but as I grow and evolve, I've discovered that I'm becoming more of 'me' and less of what I 'percieved' the world wanted me to be...

Truth is, I've discoverd that the very bestest thing that I can be is 'ME' 100% and unabashedly- because it's what I do better than anyone else that's ever lived- and I've noticed that when I am completely 'ME' everything is better... you, me, us...

That said, I need to make a disclaimer here. I am going to promote things that I believe in, and recommend them without reservations. If it's made a positive difference in my life, you'll probably hear about it sooner or later.

Also, I want to encourage comments, questions, etc. but ask that they are done in a respectful way... I can agree to disagree, but am not in favor of random spewing of hatred, ignorace, or anything else that does nothing positive. Groovy?

So with that... let's head down this 'yellow brick road' of life and see if we can't pull back the curtain on a few of the mysteries that our adventurous journey has in store for us together.

Til next time...
~ Derick Van Ness