Becoming A Millionaire Mama

Well, I had been putting my business on the backburner because I’d been focusing on other things.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t matter.

I need to find that balance between everything I want to do.  I have a problem of focusing on one thing (which is good) while neglecting the other things (which is not good).

I’ve been organizing a Home-Based Business Expo here in Florida which you can read about on my personal blog.   I’ve been helping my friend with her event, The Birthing Experience, that she has coming up in September.  I’ve also been working on an event that I have coming up next year which I’ll share more about later.

I finally refocused a little last month on my business.  This month I’ll be using the Expo and the leads I receive to help make up for the neglect from the past couple of months.

Even during the down times, I’ve always gone to the meetings and trainings.  But guess what, that doesn’t make me any money.  I wasn’t doing any income producing activity.  I knew, however, that if I stopped going to the meetings the business would keep falling farther and farther back on my list.

So I’m back and ready.  The expo is next Saturday and I’m not making any money from organizing the event.  The leads I will receive will be worth my time and effort.

How do you manage to balance everything?  Leave a comment and let us know.

BTW, I did still manage to recruit and make some sales even though I wasn’t focused on my biz.

‘Till next time.

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Tags: direct sales, home-based business expo, mlm, network marketing

Well, I’m headed out to Oklahoma City for our company’s International Convention.  I’ll be leaving Florida in about 10 hours from now (after I get some sleep).  I’ll be driving over.  You may think I’m crazy but I love to drive long distances.  When I attended Michigan State University, I used to drive back and forth from Michigan to Florida by myself.  It never even bothered me.

On the way over we’ll be stopping in Tennessee to go to Rock City on Lookout Mountain.  I’ve been a couple of times but now I get to take my son to see it and it’s my mom’s first time going too.  It’s neat because now my son is old enough to enjoy vacations even though he doesn’t really understand what’s going on. 

I have some updates to post here to get back into the swing of things and I’m sure I’ll have a lot to talk about regarding business when I return. 

I hope all is well with everyone.  Take care and let us know how things are going in your business life.

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I took the advice of Penny Haynes and 101 Things To Do With Audio and Video that I reviewed a few days ago.  I started my radio show!  It is currently titled Millionaire Mamas Radio Show to reflect my blog and another major project I am working on.

What Is It About

The show will be focused on business women (and some men) that are raising children or have raised children while growing and working their businesses.  We will be discussing challenges and tips on how to do that successfully.   We will also have guests that will share information on personal development, running your business, financial advice, and more.  It is a fun format so I hope you will enjoy the show.

When Is It

I have not figured out the perfect time to host the show (since my 2 year old changes my schedule).  As of now, I will announce the air dates until I am able to figure out a “best” time.

Who’s On Deck

My first, test, show is only about 10 minutes long and my featured guest was my son Moses.  He was more interested in speaking when he didn’t have the mic in his face.  It’s still cute though.  At least I think so, anyway.

My first official guest will be Evangelist Temika Lyons that I spoke of when writing about her “Push” message previously.  She is scheduled to be on the show Monday, February 23, 2009 at 1pm ET (hear the show here).  Evangelist Lyons will be speaking on her life as a Christian Mompreneur and the rewards and challenges that she faces.

You Should Do It

As I and others have mentioned repeatedly you need to get out there on the web.  Using the various online radio formats are a lot simpler than you may think.  I thank Penny for her recommendations.  It really is as easy as she says.

You can access the show by the widget in the sidebar or at the Millionaire Mamas Radio Show page.

If you have any suggestions on topics or guests please leave a comment or send it through the contact form.

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Tags: audio, blog talk radio, millionaire mamas radio show, Moses Morris, temika ward

I had spoken before about taking my business mom prospecting bag with me when I go out to do business with my son.  Some people may think I’m crazy for trying to combine the two (kids and business) but there are some advantages to this.  Besides, I’m a single mom so a lot of the time, I don’t have a choice.

Taking my son out with me can be a challenge (especially trying to stay clean) but there is a good side to it.  Let me preface this by saying that there is an age in which this all turns around and doesn’t work out for you anymore.  Usually about the time the kids hit the tweens none of what I’m about to say is relevant.  At that point they’ve crossed over.  But we’ll talk about how tweens can help you later.

The Cute Factor

My son is cute! Yes, I said it.  I’m sure your kids are too.  I was in business for myself before I ever got pregnant.  I’ve been milking his arrival since then.  When you are pregnant or are toting around an infant, people will oo and ah. This is a great opener and conversation starter.  As people talk about your belly or your little one you can mention how you’re so blessed to be able to work at home so you can spend more time with them.  Of course, the next natural question is…What do you do?  So tell them, give them your card, your website, or whatever it is you do when you meet new prospects.

Now that my son is 2 years old.  He attracts them himself.  He is constantly saying “hi” and “bye” to EVERYONE.  And just in case they don’t hear him he repeats it about 5 times until he gets a response.  After all this time, I still get a little nervous when meeting strangers.  My son is doing his best to help me by being cute and starting conversations with people.

The Mom Pack

My son also helps in my recruiting efforts by forcing me to do things and go places I wouldn’t if I wasn’t a mom.  I take him out to the playground, Chuck E Cheese, children’s book readings, and other places that moms and their kids convene.  The nice thing about it is that we usually go at times when others are at work.  So the moms you will run into at this time are probably staying home with their kids and may be looking for something to do from home.

New Friends

It’s not just all about business though.  My son has been able to help me find new connections and new friends as well.  Just by having him, I’m in a new class of people-the moms.  That in and of itself opens new doors.  By forcing me to do new things with him and socializing with everyone he meets, my son has helped me find new people that I can relate to.

So take your kids out with you sometimes and watch the connections they will help you make.  Your little ones are probably the best recruiters out there.  So go on and put that cuteness to work.  Just make sure you pay them with lots of hugs and kisses.

What experiences have you had with your kids and running your business?  Leave a comment and let us know.

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Tags: business mom, Moses Morris

I had an opportunity to read 101 Things To Do With Audio and Video (To Promote Your Business) from Penny Haynes of the Marketing with Audio and Video Show and Commercial Creation Center.  If you understand the importance of standing out from the crowd, then you’ll want to get this ebook.

What Is It

101 Things is a thorough explanation of using audio and video (A/V)online and offline to promote your business.  Penny Haynes uses simple language, descriptions, examples, and humor to walk you through the process.  In 101 things you’ll find:

• 39 objections you may have to using A/V and her response to them
• 16 ways to create audio and video-she even goes into the details of what you should have (or not have) in the background
• 57 things to create with audio and video- the types of recordings
• 5 ways to use A/V inside your business
• 25 things to do with it once it’s created

Then to top it off she goes into case studies with step by step instructions and ends with worksheets for you to use throughout the process.  Penny even goes into options for audio and video equipment that you could use and gives price ranges for them.  Guess what, it’s a lot cheaper than you would expect.

Who It’s For

101 Things To Do With Audio and Video is designed for a beginner to read.  However, I would also say the ebook is useful for someone that has experience with using audio and video as well.  An expert may be able to skip over the information about how and why to use A/V.  But should read through the various ideas on types of videos to create.  You’ll be able to pick up a couple of things you hadn’t thought of.

My Take On It

I believe 101 Things is a must read.  I’ve read a lot lately on the benefits of using A/V online.  It is definitely the way to go to stay ahead of the pack for 2009.  If you don’t start implementing it now you’ll be left behind.  She gave me some new resources to use that I hadn’t yet heard of and some new ideas on videos to create. 

(You will begin to see more videos here and I am working on another project that will have a heavy use of A/V.)

The Cost

Penny is offering a free excerpt so that you have an opportunity to review the type of content that is in the full ebook.  What’s great about the excerpt is that it’s almost a full book in itself.  It hits all areas of the topic from objection to execution and gives you a couple of ideas to start with.  What’s really cool about it is that it talks to you too.  Go get it so you see what I mean.

The ebook is that and much more.  She is offering the ebook for less than $20.  If you don’t see the value in using audio and video after reading this ebook and don’t have a handful of ideas to start with something is wrong, so go re-read it.

If you are serious about starting and growing your business in this day and age, audio and video is the way to go.  If you want to learn how to do it from someone with experience (and at a very reasonable price), then you must read 101 Things To Do With Audio And Video (To Promote Your Business).

BTW: I am NOT being paid for this review.  This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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Tags: audio, penny haynes, video

Times have changed! And no, this has nothing to do with the new President.

Before

Calling or meeting a prospect a year ago usually meant running in to someone who was frustrated with their job or wanting to change their situation.  They either wanted more time because they were overworked or they needed an opportunity to make more money because they were underpaid.  Usually they were open to the idea of starting a home-based business because they wanted something else.  Now prospects are open to the idea working from home because they need something else.

Now

With the layoffs, downsizing, firings, and people making less money than they used to, a lot more prospects are looking for alternatives.  This may sound great for us network marketers.  However, we have to remember that they may not be as happy as the prospects we are used to meeting.  They may not be as eager to get our calls or come to our meetings.  They may listen to our presentations out of necessity but not out of a hope for a better life or bigger dreams.

Change Your Tone

Remember this when calling these prospects.  We can’t use the same scripted speech and same jokes about “firing your boss” or “retiring early” that we used to use.  Because frankly, they may wish they still had that j.o.b. or boss.  They may not have wanted to retire.  So have a little compassion when you speak with your prospects.  Really find out what’s going on with them and why they are looking for a home-based business.  Then you can tailor your approach to fit what’s appropriate for them.

We all know that we are blessed with the opportunity to work from home.  Just remember that not everyone is glad to take it!

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Tags: cold calling, network marketing, prospects

We all like getting cards and appreciate the thought.  We also understand the importance of showing clients we care by sending a card at Christmas.  The problem with this is that everyone else is sending them a card at the same time.  And most of those get thrown out at the New Year.

Be Different

Stand out from the crowd.  Why don’t you send your clients a card during a non-traditional holiday? Like Valentine’s day.  It could be a simple ecard to remind them that you are still around after the holidays.  It shouldn’t be lovey dovey but I’m sure you can come up with something clever about how you “love” having them as a client.

Don’t stop there though.  You can also send ecards to your team members about how you “love” helping them succeed.  Or to prospects about how you would “love” to work with them and help them meet their goals.

I’m sure you can think of some great ways to spread the love.  Valentine’s day doesn’t have to only be about your significant other (don’t tell them I said that).  So take some time to show some love to everyone who is important in your life.  It may be the only Valentine’s day card they get.

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Tags: cards, ecards, sending cards to clients, valentines day

It’s no secret that I use cold market leads.  I’ve worked my warm market and my lukewarm market for that matter.  I’d gotten to the place where I needed leads on a regular basis and I don’t have one of those online systems set up myself (maybe one day I’ll try it).

So, I wanted to take the time to describe the different business opportunity leads that are out there. I’m not talking about the leads that you generate personally with your opt-in lists or the people you meet in public. These are the leads that are offered by companies who have business opportunity/work from home ads out there, the prospect fills in the form, and then you purchase the lead from the company.

If you just haphazardly buy leads, you will end up wasting a lot of money. You need to take the time to read the information and FAQs that describe the types of leads offered and how they get them. Some leads for sale are junk and there are others that are worth the money. You just have to know what to look for!

How was the lead generated

It’s important to know if the lead filled out an advertisement directly or if their information was obtained by a third party. There are times when people don’t read the small print where it says that their information may be shared or sold. They may have filled in an ad for a grant and then their information was sold as a lead for making money from home. This type of lead in most cases will be a waste because the individual is looking for free money not money they have to work for.

Ad they responded to

You want to know what the exact ad is that the prospect filled out showing their interest in working from home. You want to make sure that it is an ad that you yourself would approve and would use. The company you are buying leads from is like a partner and you need to make sure they are representing you well.

Non-Incentivized

It is very important to make sure the lead is non-incentivized. This means that they weren’t promised something for filling out the ad. For instance, get a $100 gift card for completing these work from home surveys. Don’t get me wrong, you may be able to convert some of these people to associates but it’s going to take a lot of phone calls. These people are really interested in the freebie not the work from home opportunity. After all, that is why they filled out the ad.

How much info you will receive

Some leads you buy will only contain the name, email, phone, and IP address. Others will include that information plus their mailing address, how much money they are looking to make, when they want to start, etc. The leads with more information are usually called long form or surveyed leads (as opposed to short form leads). Obviously, the more information you have the better. With the extra information, you have something to use to connect with them and you can tell if their expectations are realistic. Saying they want to make $100,000 in one month is not really realistic for a first time network marketer (and yes I’ve had someone say that to me and they were serious).

Verified

It helps if the lead’s information has been verified. If the phone numbers or email addresses have been verified before you purchase, it will cut down on the time you waste and money you spend on bad numbers and emails. Just so you know, you will still get some bad information that slips through the cracks but the company will usually replace those with a new lead for you.

Double Opt-in

Double opt-in leads are nice because they are asked twice to confirm if they are interested in working from home. Once when they fill out the ad and then again by email or a phone call. This just helps to ensure the person you are calling is actually interested in making money from home. Of course, it is no guarantee because people do change their minds.

Real-Time/Freshness

Real time leads are sent to you as soon as they fill out the ad. This helps so that you are calling them while their interest level is high. These are nice if you are able to sit by the computer or phone to call the lead immediately. If you can’t call them within 2 minutes of receiving it, don’t spend your money on real time leads. If you can’t buy real time leads you may want to get leads that are slightly aged. If they are not real time leads, I personally think the next best to get are ones that are 30 days old. If you buy fresh leads that are 1-7 days old, you are calling the prospect at the same time everyone else is. The person is being bombarded by calls and emails and may not be interested in talking to anyone else. If you wait 30 days from the time they filled out the info, everyone else will have stopped calling and they may be more willing to listen.

Exclusivity

You need to know how many people are calling the lead from your ad. (Unfortunately, if they filled out more than one ad they are going to get a lot of calls.) Are you buying a lead that is only sold to you? How many other people is the lead sold to? Chances are the lead will only be sold to one person from your company. But the lead may also be sold to one person from about 4 other companies. Exclusive leads are best. It cuts down on the number of times the prospect is contacted. However, there’s nothing wrong with a “shared” lead. It’s good that the prospect has options. Just make sure you take this into account when you’re calling them.

Other things to consider

If your company has a high start-up investment, you may want to consider looking for high investment leads. Time vs. Money. Take into account the amount of money you have to spend and the amount of time you have to call leads when considering which ones to purchase. I personally don’t think I’ve ever spent more than $2.00/lead. There are some leads that I’ve considered purchasing for more because they were brought further into the prospecting process (already saw the presentation) and basically my job was just to close them. However, I decided I’d rather not spend the money since I have the time. There’s a trade-off. Lastly, check out the company’s customer service. Make sure that there are real people that you can get a hold of if you have a question or need help. Some companies have a guarantee or bad lead replacement policy. So check that out too.

What do you look for when purchasing leads? How much do you usually spend? Leave a comment and let us know.

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Tags: cold caling, leads, network marketing

I was speaking yesterday about how a prospect told me she didn’t think my business was the right business for her.  I respect her honesty.  It made me want to go back and post some foundational content.  So in this post, I’m going to focus on things to look for when choosing a network marketing business.  These are the things I considered and I hope you have some points to add as well.

Choosing A Network Marketing Business

This list is not all inclusive but it’s a good place to start.

• Company

• Product/Service

• Need

• Compensation-residual, leveraged, passive

• Work involved

• Cost-upfront and on-going

• Training

• Customer and associate support

• Most importantly

No company is perfect.  So, you can’t just look at one of your answers to these questions to decide if you should get involved with a company (except the last one). You need to look at them all collectively. Then make the best decision for you.

I hope this helps you get started on your search for a new network marketing company. If you’re looking at more than one company, then answer the questions for them and compare side by side. Or if you have the time and the money, try them both and decide which is a better fit for you.  Happy searching!

What else is missing from the list? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Tags: choosing a business, network marketing, work from home

Stats: 21 calls, 1 presentation (telephone)

So I figured out that the key to working while my son is home is to work while he naps.  Any other time won’t work.  It may for others but not for him.  He craves attention and immediately gets in my face if I’m on the phone.  So no calling while he’s awake.

My calls broke down like this:

• Left messages: 11
• No answers: 3
• Spoke with: 3
• Follow-up: 1
• Disconnects/wrong #:3

Everyone I spoke with today was pleasant.  Of the ones I spoke with, 1 had already found another biz and another wanted a strictly online biz.  The third prospect listened to a recorded overview before our follow-up call.  After listening, she told me she had heard of the business before because a friend of her son’s is in the biz.  She also let me know that she was not a people person and didn’t really want to get involved in a business where she had to constantly contact or “talk” to people.  I understood where she was coming from.  I told her that’s exactly why there are so many different businesses out there so that everyone can find the one that is the best fit for them.  I told her I would keep her contact info and if I come across something along the lines of what she was looking for then I would let her know.  And I will.

So that was my day.  I need to figure out other times to get calls in because I feel like I’m going in slow motion.  However, what’s important is not how fast or slow I go but that I just don’t quit.  And you don’t either.

What did you do to grow your business today?

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Tags: cold calling, network marketing, prospects