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Setting Up Your Success Plan for Your Home-based Enterprise

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What is it that some network marketers do to become successful while so many others struggle and become frustrated, overwhelmed, and stuck in analysis of paralysis? Here’s what I’ve done over the years to develop a full time, MLM career income and so have many other successful entrepreneurs in network marketing who are earning six and seven figure incomes.

It starts with treating your network marketing enterprise like a real business, and that means getting set up like a business right from the beginning. If your plan is to attract the right kinds of people into your business, (i.e., entrepreneurs, business professionals, and those seeking to become one or the other), it’s best that you start presenting yourself as a professional right from the start.

Wise business owners start with a business plan for success, then set goals and put them in writing. Always keep in mind that the essence of this plan is to improve the quality of your life. Goals and plans are extremely important for your success because they give you a road map to follow and keep you on a clear path. It’s good to share them with a trusted confidant, coach or family member to help you stay accountable and on track. Of course, when goals are met, you set new ones. And, you always have to take into account that some may not be met due to unforeseen circumstances. Any course can always be re-adjusted.

The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

God honors a plan. Without a clear concise plan, confusion is inevitable.

Once your plan is in place, it’s time to take action and follow it to achieve your goals! Here are some tips:

· Obtain a separate phone line, which is actually required for tax purposes. Check with your accountant. If you’re going to deduct expenses, you will want to be set up as a real business. This is important because you do not want your children or anyone else answering your business phone. It does not present a professional image and you may not be able to deduct that expense.

· Put a professional outgoing message on your voice mail–no kids, dogs, husbands, family, or other unprofessional agenda on your business voice mail. For instance, on my voice mail on my home office line and mobile, people hear, “You’ve reached the home office of Sue Seward.  I’m not available to take your call at this time so please leave a message with your phone number, even if you think I have it, and the reason for your call. I will return your call as soon as possible.  Take care!”

· Obtain a voice mail box to use for responses to your advertising, business cards, and flyers. This way you do not have people calling your phone line at all hours of the day and night, and they cannot trace you to your home line for security purposes.

· Create a professional email address–preferably your first and last name or your business name. I always use my first and last name. This helps to brand your name. It’s better not to use anything hokey.

· Set up a separate office area in your home. This can actually be required for tax purposes. Check with your accountant.

· Get some business cards. All professionals use them. Business cards are one of the most inexpensive tools available to a business entrepreneur. Preferably, order them from your MLM company or a printing service. Do not print them on your computer. Check the affordable online service below (Recommended Business Resources). You can even order free cards there when you’re waiting on your company cards.

· Order appropriate sales aids from your company. Ask your upline leaders what materials they use. Also, you can use an online marketing system that will duplicate more training on sales aids at my MLM Online Marketing eCourse (Recommended Business Resources).

· Attend company events–especially your company conventions. Remember, related expenses are most likely tax deductible. Again, check with your accountant.

· Plug into conference calls and training calls, especially when first starting out. If you’re an experienced network marketer and have joined a new company, attend all calls to become familiar with the new company.  Members of your organization will also see you attending calls and will most likely follow in your footsteps, if they are serious about becoming successful in their own enterprises. They have to decide to believe and take those steps for themselves based on their own personal reasons–their “Why”! Remember, you’re the advisor and the messenger!

· When first starting out, spend 80% of your time prospecting. Sponsor two, three, or five people depending on your company’s compensation plan and plug them into a system that they can duplicate. Help them sponsor some people, then sponsor some more, yourself; keep on doing the same thing and teach others to do the same. This way, you are plugging people in as you sponsor, and people will duplicate your efforts. This is where you’ll start to see leverage develop.

· Get your sponsor and/or upline to work with you in the beginning, if necessary. Ask for coaching when you need it!  Your coach wants to help you to succeed because when you succeed they succeed too!

· Make sure to check out the great tax advantages available to home business owners. (See Recommended Business Resources.)

Writing down your goals and plan for success keeps your burning “Why” out in front of you at all times, and that’s what helps you stay on target. So, set your sites on success and don’t settle for anything less.

In developing a network marketing career, you will learn more about yourself and develop skills and talents you never thought you would.  This can be priceless to you because you will be able to take the experience, talent, and skill sets you learn anywhere you go for the rest of your life.

 

Recommended Business Resources

Home-Business Tax Information – http://www.taxloopholes.com

Business Entities – http://www.legalzoom.com

Rod Nichols and Tim Johnson – God’s Prosperity Plan

Loral Langemeier – The Millionaire Maker

Robert Kiyosaki – The Business School for People Who Like Helping People, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Why We Want You to Be Rich, Rich Dad’s Prophecy.

Napoleon Hill – Think & Grow Rich

Charles Swindole – Hand Me Another Brick – Timeless Lessons On Leadership – How Effective Leaders Motivate Themselves & Others

Vista Print – Business cards, postcards, labels – http://www.vistaprint.com

A conversation with Sue on ACES Radio Live – June 5, 2009 – http://tinyurl.com/rasxk7

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