Tonight’s free 48-minute seminar is titled OuttaWork but Finding Myself.. I am going to spend 48 minutes giving you some updates on work opportunities and tips for taking advantage of unexpected changes. Just click on the link for the information – then join me tonight, Tuesday, May 26th at 7:00 PM. OuttaWork but Finding Myself It’s a free call – I’m not selling anything; just offering some hope and encouragement.
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Speaking of spreading hope -- Our next 48 Days Seminar training class is this Friday here at the Sanctuary -- 48 Days Seminars. If you’d still like to squeeze in, let Ashley know pronto. See the link below for more information.
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This week’s OuttaWork prize package winner is Melody Warner from Middletown, Indiana. Melody left a 19-year teaching position to increase her level of service at a high-risk vocational school. Unfortunately, after only one school year she was told the school is closing in June. And now that she’s out of the former system she is finding no opportunities to get back in.
Thanks for all your submissions in this two month contest for outtawork stories. Be sure to be on the seminar call tonight if you're still looking for work.
********************************* ”Hunger is not the worst feature of unemployment; idleness is.” -- William E. Barrett
With layoffs continuing and jobs difficult to find, a lot of people are signing up for direct selling opportunities as a way to create their own income. Mary Kay reported a 22 percent increase in its new sales force in the first quarter of 09. Avon reported a 51% increase in March in active representatives selling its products. Hundreds of companies promising beautiful skin, free legal advice, reversed aging, magical effects of tree bark, reduced mortgages and unique wealth systems are targeting those desperate for generating income.
As you know, I love entrepreneurial opportunities and am seeing thousands of people who saw their layoff as a wake-up call for releasing a long dormant dream. And there are legitimate options for starting your own business and being “recession-proof.”
But I get tired of the continued misrepresentations by so many of these MLM companies. Here are just a few snippets of recent questions:
Dan, do you have any information on this business? I have signed on as a consultant and I feel like it requires much more time than my upline will admit to.
Hey Dan, Would you check this out and let me know what you think about this? I would appreciate it. According to this guy, this is not something I would have to have meetings for or do any selling.....it's all done through the Internet. He says that people that aren't making money just simply don't have the right leader.
Thanks,
Dan, I am selling make-up products from_____. I also am selling another line of products that I really like. Now they are telling me I can’t do that. I thought I was in business for myself.
These are common questions – and require more in the way of answers than space here allows. Just be very clear – MLM companies are notorious for misrepresenting what is really needed for success. Because there is so much pressure to recruit new distributors, they are very tempted to say it doesn't really require any selling or much of your time. Neither could be farther from the truth.
If it could just be done on the Internet, why would they care about signing you on? They could just push a button and magically grow their business. But it doesn't happen that way. It doesn't matter how great the products are or how wonderful the company is -- the bottom line is that it takes thousands of hours and thousands of people contacts.
Now I know many people are looking for ways to be more in control of their lives and time and MLM offers that. But just as there are a lot of mismatches in regular jobs, there are many mismatches in the MLM arena. And here’s the primary reason: Most multilevel marketing companies are promoting a fundamental falsehood, namely, that anyone can be a great salesperson; they just need the right tapes or coaching. That is absolutely false. Most people will never be good enough at selling to make a living at it, especially the nose-to-nose selling required in MLM. And no, don’t tell me now it can be done on the Internet. To succeed in MLM you need to be able to connect with people and have an ability to handle rejection. Most people don’t.
The success of the few comes at the expense of all the other people, the little people who waste their time and money pursuing a goal they can never reach. And that’s my problem with 99% of multilevel companies. You are encouraged to make money on your ability to use other people. Selling is an honorable profession. If you can sell you can provide a valuable service to your customers, taking advantage of no one in the process. Be cautious of companies that provide one solution to everyone’s dreams. Have you been interviewed as a reasonable candidate for what is required, or have you just been recruited as one more number in someone else’s “downline?” If you are building your own MLM business, would you hire Uncle Fred as a salesman if you had to pay him?
The median income for a direct salesperson is $2400 a year, with only 10% of sellers doing as a full-time job, according to their own Washington, D.C. based Direct Selling Association. Fewer than 1% of all MLM distributors who sign up ever recapture their original investment and earn a profit.
Do your research. Yes you can start your own business, but make sure it is something that “fits” you and where you have a reasonable chance for success. A home cleaning service or selling those great cheesecakes you make may be a perfect choice for you.
Doggie day care, canine bakeries, mutt massage, sunglasses for dogs, and now there’s dog party planning services. American pet owners will spend $31 billion on their pets this year, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Anneliese Johnson of Ana’s Ark, charges $13 per four-legged guest at the parties she organizes. Brady, a black lab, had 21 pals join him at a recent Denver dog day-care center for his first birthday. You do the math!
Any business idea has to line up with your personal interests. Pets are definitely not on my list – I could care less about Fido’s birthday; thus I would be foolish to pursue any pet related opportunity. Look at your own interests for the seeds of the best business ideas.
See what other 48 Days readers to turn their ideas into real businesses at 48Days.net. You can join the growing ranks of people who are putting themselves in the driver's seat -- never to be laid off again.
Each week I read though the questions submitted to select a few to respond to in this recorded podcast. Thanks for sharing your hearts' concerns:
My unhappiness increases each and every day in my current position. My stress is at an unhealthy level. My position is stable. My benefits are fantastic. My salary is near 6 figures. Why am I so unhappy? What am I missing? What should I be doing differently?
How would you recommend dealing with negativity and cynicism in the workplace? Should I purposely avoid contact (as much as realistically possible) with the negative people? Should I leave or work towards a transition into a different job or position?
I love podcasting and blogging. I would love to make this my full-time job or at least a part-time job so that I can quit my boring day job. I do have a family to support. Any ideas or direction would be greatly appreciated.
I am working on setting up a laser tag arena. I am going to try to rent/lease some land first and have it outside. How do I approach the owners of this property and work out some agreement when I have no start up money to buy this land? I heard you discuss about 30 Day lease with option to buy. But this is land is way out of my price range.
I've been in sales for 30 years. My formal education was in Marketing, Accounting and Finance. I don't do well sitting in one spot or behind a desk so I got into sales. I get bored and lose interest after I've proven I can do it. Many people have said I should start my own business, but doing what? I can't seem to find a passion for any one particular area.
I am a Chinese and in China now. I am finding a job now, but I realized that I need to find myself first. I am kind of losing directions, to be exactly, I never have one. I want to change to something new, but don't know what talents I have, nor do I know my interests. I don't know where to go or what to do. My confidence and enthusiasm are completely destroyed. I even want to go to an unknown place where nobody knows who I am. But I have no idea of what to do there. I am tired and feared with this mess in mind. Cannot figure a way out. Will you be able to help me?
********************************* If you have a question, just email me at askdan@48Days.com and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life.
And you can click the link below to listen to this week’s broadcast immediately – no downloading – no wait.
Lead the 48 Days Seminar
Are you someone who just naturally provides hope and encouragement? Would you like to help more people know the 48 Days principles? My daughter Ashley and I are offering a one-day training program here at the Sanctuary on May 29th to help anyone who wants to be ready to lead this six-week program. We'll provide you with a complete set of leader instructions, DVDs, and the confidence to begin sharing immediately. The one in March filled up very quickly. We’d love to work with you! Certified 48 Days Trainer
********************************* ConGRADulations Package
Do you know someone getting ready to graduate from high school or college? Yes, you could get that person a necktie or bottle of cologne – but how about something that can make them stand out in a sea of job candidates. Ashley has put a super GRADuation package together, full of tips and inspiration: ConGRADulations Package
********************************* Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Are you feeling stuck? Are you struggling to get interviews or a job offer? Do you have a business idea but are not sure how to move forward? Maybe I can help you see some new ways of moving forward. See the details here: Coaching with Dan
********************************* 48Days.net
By now most of you know about 48Days.net. This is different than 48Days.com. At 48Days.net you’ll see lots of other excited people who have ideas – and they’re willing to share those with you to help your business grow and profit. If you want your life to be different this year, get involved with people who are on the same path. There is no cost – just lots of helpful people and resources.
********************************* Find Yourself First
How do my parts fit together?
The most popular product in the 48 Days arsenal continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. Before you begin seeking a better job or self-employment, you need to be sure you are pursuing opportunities that match your personality style and will fulfill and reward you for a lifetime!
Mrs. Smith answered a knock on the door one day, only to be confronted by a well-dressed young man carrying a vacuum cleaner.
"Good morning," said the young man. "If I could take a couple minutes of your time, I would like to demonstrate the very latest in high-powered vacuum cleaners."
"Get lost!" said Mrs. Smith. "I haven't got any money" and she proceeded to close the door.
Quick as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the door and pushed it wide open.
"Don't be too hasty!" he said. "Not until you have at least seen my demonstration." And with that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure all over her hallway carpet.
"If this vacuum cleaner does not remove all traces of this mess from your carpet, Madam, I will personally eat the remainder.
"Well," she said, "I hope you've got a good appetite, because my electricity was turned off this morning."
How do my parts fit together?
