Don't take fashion tips from naked people

I'm writing this because I don't want people to get duped into buying into systems that don't work or listening to people who have no track-record of success.

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A couple of year's ago, I came across a CD featuring a successful financial products sales agent named John Addison called Don't Take Advice From Anyone More Screwed Up Than You. That CD changed my life. That CD has really had a heavy influence on my life and has shaped the way that I look at the world and business.

For the life of me, I just don't get the popular show American Idol. I get the part about people working hard to live their dreams, but why do people listen to Simon? I saw an interview on 60 Minutes about a year or so ago and by his own admission, he has less than no talent. However, he is an authority in identifying talent. Perhaps that works in the entertainment industry, but not in grassroots business. If you are a sole proprietor, a home-based entrepreneur, a sales agent looking to achieve and exceed quote, or a small business owner, you need to learn from those who have walked a mile in your shoes. You need proven strategies and how to information that really works. Not theory.

Please, do not take fashion tips from naked people!

I am so sick and tired of coming across people who are self-appointed (and self-anointed) "gurus" or "experts" getting away with blowing smoke up - well you know where.

When you go for a job interview or you're looking to retain the services of a professional (e.g. doctor, photographer, etc.), you want to see their resume´, right? Well, make sure that same standard is applied to the "gurus" you come across on the Internet.

I can NEVER give a woman any tips about how to deal with menstrual cramps or the pains associated with childbirth. I am a man and have never and will never experience those challenges. I wouldn't dare try to give any advice other than referring them to another woman who could speak to her with empathy.

When someone presents him/herself as being an expert, ask them two simple questions:

1. What in your experience qualifies you to be an expert?


AND


2. May I have three references, please?

They better be able to give you a work history with references. Don't think of them as show-offs if they can provide this information to you, because Will Rogers said, "If you really did it, it ain't bragging."

Don't take fashion tips from naked people.

In network marketing, affiliate marketing, and direct sales, oftentimes it is the blind leading the blind when looking for short-cuts to success. Yes there are faster ways to become successful, but their are now proverbial "magic bullets" that will solve everything for you. It is all about putting in work. As Vidal Sassoon said, "The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary".

There are a lot of pretenders pushing systems that are supposed to help you "explode your business", however, all that really happens is that you end up imploding your business instead. The marketing systems can become expensive and may promote things other than your primary product or service. You end up conveying a confusing, not very unique message to your prospects.

Also, just because someone was successful in one thing, doesn't mean that they would be successful in something else. For instance, Michael Jordan was an awesome basketball player, but a below average baseball player.

Please don't accept anyone's success theories as gospel. If they haven't done it themselves, they are experimenting and guess who the guinea pig is? YOU!

If you're a network marketer that is looking to grow her/his business, here is what I recommend:

• Make sure that you're working with a company that meets the 7 criteria of a good home-based business. For insight, go to my blog post entitled "The 7 Wonders of Home-based Entrepreneurship"



• Make sure that your sponsor will make herself/himself available to mentor and coach you. If they won't commit to helping you have success, don't sign up with them.



• Subscribe to Networking Times

The reason that I mention Networking Times is because it is THE journal/trade publication for network marketing. There are FREE weekly webinars and articles posted on their website. You even get more with a subscription that is only $47.77 per year. There are successful network marketing legends and rising stars who contribute to the content. There are people like Tom "Big Al" Schreiter, Mark Yarnell, Doug Firebaugh, Randy Gage, Karen Phelps, and tons of others. Also, referral-getting gurus like Bob Burg and Ivan Misner also contribute. Folks, you can't get any better that having these experts as resources. It takes a village to raise a child, and business is a team sport. Refer to village elders and pick your team wisely.

Don't take fashion tips from naked people.

Thank you for your attention.

To your success,