Jackson Newsletter Edition 1
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Walk about prospecting

 

I spent Monday through Wed at the Home Office in Dallas.  To say I am optimistic about the future would be an understatement.  The next week or two should reveal opportunities that will change the life of masses of people.  But, that is not the topic of this blog.

 

People have asked me for three decades why I travel in a business suit vs. casual clothes that may be more comfortable.  I am in the business of attracting partners and customers to Vollara.  With prospects everywhere I try to put my best foot forward at all times.  As they say, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

 

When I got to the Dallas Fort Worth airport I had some time before my flight.  So I stopped at TGIF for a bite to eat.  A very well mannered waiter took my order.  I suspected he was more than a career waiter.  So I said, you seem to really enjoy your work here.  He said, I do, but it is only temporary as I am going to be an air traffic controller in a few months.  After some more conversation I said, “Do you keep your options open for additional business and income streams?  He says, I do.  I said, I am with a green technology company located here in Dallas.  I have no idea if it is a fit, but I keep my eyes open for exceptional people and you seem very exceptional.  If I leave you a company news letter, would you read it and then meet with me by phone to see if there is a fit?  He took the Vollara Flourish newsletter and business card and gave me his information.  I left a good tip and he followed me as I left making sure we would talk right away.  I got this “very good” prospect because I walked, talked and dressed the part of a successful business person and because I was prepared with tools and I had practiced the approach.  Two a day, ten in play can happen for a week or two on warm markets but sooner or later we have to break out of our own realm of influence and open up new ones. 

 

As I walked to my plane a gentleman spotted me.  I could tell he thought he knew me as he redirected his path towards me.  “Are you Mike Jackson?”  Yes, I said.  Do we know each other?  Well, I was a Distributor years ago but have not been for awhile.  How are things going?  Great I said.  In fact, the company was sold to a group in Dallas and that is why I am here.  Can I update you on the Company, I said?  I pulled out a Flourish newsletter and went through the entire process again.  Two great prospects within 50 steps in the airport.

 

Folks, I have done this for 15 years while serving as CEO.  I have given hundreds of leads to many of you all over the USA and the world.  Now, I am sponsoring folks from my warm market and prospecting daily for new leaders.  2 a day, 10 in play can set you free financially.  You will be busy everyday following up, getting people started with their business plan and following up.

 

Vollara is the best business opportunity in America because we have a plan for everyone.  Our training and orientation plan (this is the left side of the monopoly board in yellow) has significant income for beginners in the Fast Start Plan and team bonuses.  A brand new leader can replace their JOB income through recruiting with this amazing segment of the plan.  Combined with retailing, there is never a reason to not have lots of hundred dollar bills in a new leader’s pocket.  Our red executive levels have generous bonuses which include the team bonuses and the Executive Check Matching plan.   No Company offers such a generous plan and these ranks can be earned in weeks or months.  I love the fact that we can have both a powerhouse start up income for newcomers and the richest middle class in Home Business. 

 

Follow my daily Blog and I will continue to teach real time prospecting and recruiting training so you will always have a steady stream of new probable customers and probable partners to talk to daily.  This weekend we are holding a Friday night and Saturday Prospecting and Recruiting Survival Seminar.  There is still some room at the training center.  Go to registration for events at www.gomacstore.com for more information.

 

Mike Jackson

National Field Leader

Vollara

Delayed Gratification – A leadership trait

 

To build a great Vollara business and income, a leader must be able to handle delayed gratification. Zig Ziglar has said for years that we can be successful when we help others become successful. In Vollara our pay off in income and lifestyle comes after we have helped others become successful. Sometimes that takes a few hours, sometimes perhaps a few years and sometimes longer. This is less difficult for a true leader than for someone that only thinks they are a leader because the great leader tends to naturally think in the future, not in the moment. Perhaps being comfortable with delayed gratification is an indicator for determining whether or not someone is truly a leader. Recognizing that success may not be seen for a prolonged period of time reduces the pressure felt to produce immediate results. Great leaders always seem to have the long haul in mind. I have to drive to Knoxville often.  It seems like a long hour drive in traffic.  But, when I was driving to Dallas in the Motorcoach for the Vollara launch, I knew I had a whole days drive.  It seemed like Knoxville came and went in an instant.  I was focusing on the long haul and that made the short term drive easy.

Real leadership teaches that this is not just a matter of being patient ourselves. Leaders not only need to be comfortable with delayed gratification, but also need to teach those they are leading to be comfortable with it as well.  I remember my first year teaching my children that by helping with the house and making our meetings professional without lots of kid noise etc., we would be earning a trip to Hawaii as a family.  By teaching them that all good things don’t come right now, they “enjoyed sitting with Nata doing homework etc. while Dad conducted a meeting in the other room.  The vision of that trip to Hawaii made the short term sacrifice easy for them.   I can remember investing my profits back into my business buying inventory, a computer, office tools, business clothing knowing if I put my business on a pedistool and nurtured it, the business would take care of my needs and wants the rest of my life.  And that sure did come true!  It was not easy as we were very short on funds.  It would have been pretty easy to use those early profits for immediate needs.  But, that would have been like eating the seeds we would need for next years crop. 

You can be patient, a part of delayed gratification, when you have a long term vision AND the plan that will get you to the fulfillment of that vision. When you have the business plan which are the steps necessary to get you to your goal, it gives you great satisfaction in the completion of every step (even though you may not be getting rewards yet) because it leads you that much closer to the ultimate fulfillment.

There are also times when leaders take actions knowing they may never receive a reward. Selflessness is real love for others.  I have found recently that I needed to make decisions that would benefit the greater numbers vs. my personal present needs.   I take joy in seeing others achieve short and long term gratification knowing if I do the right things, ultimately my rewards will come. A true leader should work for a Kingdom focused goal as well as goals in this life, sometimes without the need for any self-gratification.  As Zig Ziglar says once again, “If you help enough other people get what they want you will get what you want.  We keep what we give away.

What a busy couple of weeks it has been.  Nata and I traveled to Dallas to meet with management and left blown away and encouraged by what we saw and heard.  Most I cannot discuss due to confidential nature of information.  But, you will know it all on January 29^th and 30^th when a large group of Eco-leaders will meet in Dallas to hear the exciting news.

 

Nata and I will be leading a caravan from Greeneville across the southeast to Dallas.  We will leave with the motor coach and meet travelers joining the caravan.  If you would like to meet us and travel with us to Dallas, let us know! 

 

I can tell you this much.  What the company is going to launch has never been accomplished in MLM before.  Our company is going to be sitting on the cats perch in 2010.  You will want to be a part of this.  Call everyone you know and let them know they too can be a part of something BIG!  Our products have never been better.  Our new compensation plan is the best ever created in our industry.  Chairman Urso has a brilliant mind and he has created something that is going to drive sales and recruiting to the biggest heights ever.  Our new back room report system is amazing.  Business at the speed of thought is what you will have at your fingertips starting in January.  And, the company has some amazing surprises coming down the road.  I can guarantee that people will be in a frenzy to “get in”!

 

So, I hope to see you in Dallas and perhaps we will see you in the caravan!

 

 

I have always been a tech nut. I love the latest Blackberry or iPhone, and tend to be one of the first to try out new technology. But, with all new high tech gadgets, there are always flaws. I can’t count the number of times a new gadget has “frozen up” and stopped working. When that happens, there is usually some kind of reset button that takes the programming back to the basic setup to make it work again.

Families are "frozen with fear"

When 2,000,000 people are losing or have lost their jobs, when hundred billion dollar companies are closing their doors, when banks are failing, when energy costs are exploding, people are looking to get back to the basics. Never in most of our lives has there been so many people willing to look at opportunities for second income streams. The harvest is white and ready, but we need more farmers willing to work with the crops. As America's "family company," EcoQuest is prepared to help America's families overcome their economic crisis.

It is time to hit the reset button and go back to the basic success programming.

In home-based business, there are some basic programs that never change.

1.       Sharing the product

2.       Sharing the opportunity

3.       Personal development

These three basics must always be a part of each Business Owner’s daily plan. The only thing that changes are the methods.

In the “old days,” we used cassette tapes for personal development. Today, we use CDs and other more advanced tools. In the “old days,” a conference call could cost thousands of dollars with a big group, while today they are virtually free by using online Webinar tools. In the “old days,” a white board with a group of 5 people in front of your living room was the main way of sharing the opportunity. Today, we can combine high tech with high touch to get your message to more people faster.

EcoQuest is America's Solution Company

As the National Field Leader for  EcoQuest International, I working to lead by example by conducting regular showcase events -  live from our home in Greeneville, TN and in cities around the USA.

We began our careers 30 years ago with a home showcase event. Now every two weeks at our home at 6:00 p.m. Eastern, Nata and I will conduct a live EcoQuest Home Managed Business Showcase events.  You can check my web site for the next event at www.michaeljacksonsr.com.  The events cover subjects like “Green Your Routine and Green Your Bank Account”, demonstrations on the new water systems, how to make income marketing Fresh Air and Safehearth, how to build a successful advertising plan and much more.   You are invited to attend our free events, live, at our home in Greeneville, TN.  You can check my web site for national meetings for 2010.

We will teach anyone attending how to add $500 a week or a month (their choice) to their income, beginning the first month. Don't miss these powerpacked events. 

Tom Lozano and I are also doing Monday night eight week business training at 9pm eastern time.  Once again, my web site has the last eight weeks trainings and assignments archeived.

Feel free to invite guests, and let Nata and I help you share the dream. To register to attend either meeting at our home in Greeneville, please call Barry Durbin at 225-571-4328 or you can register on my web site by going to the comments section. We  will be happy to assist with any reservations or directions you may need.

What is your “Why?”

They say if you know the “why,” the “how” will be provided. We are traveling through uncharted waters in the world today. Take charge of your life and fortune. Join Nata and myself on a journey of success by resetting your vision for a new and better future!

Last night I conducted an in depth training on Recruiting.  Master Manager Tom Lozano and I conduct these trainings each Monday night at 9pm eastern time.  I have been a student of this industry for 30 years.   I never stop searching and learning always looking for new and better ideas. This week I learned some valuable lessons.

 

One of the things all leaders in our industry have to fight is the tendency to be non duplicatible.  I have learned the hard way that I can be 100% effective but only 20% duplicatible.  After all these years in the business, I have learned that it is better to be 70% effective and 100% duplicatible.  Thanks to Jon Bender for pushing that into my head.

 

What this means is it is better to use scripts and presentations that everyone and anyone can learn and use vs. a super powerful personality driven presentation that few can do.  With this in mind I offer the AB approach and script.  I want to thank Paul Svetz and Jon Bender with CWFH for this good insight and training.  They assigned me this lesson plan to teach at Super Saturday and we all know that the teacher learns more than the student.

 

The AB Approach – Sorting not selling

 

The AB Approach takes the fear out of recruiting and selling because there is not recruiting or selling involved.  All we are doing is sorting A’s from B’s to determine who has an interest in extra income and who does not at this time.  We will call the A’s apples and the B’s bananas.  Our goal is to sort out who the A’s are, those that have an open mind about extra or second income streams from those who the timing is not right now.

 

The Script

 

For some that have the gift of gab, a script may not be needed.  But, remember the premise of being copyable.  I will use the script until it is a part of me so I can be 100% duplicatible.  Here are 4 easy to learn sentences that we use to sort A’s from B’s.

 

The AB (Apples/Bananas) “Can’t Miss” Approach

VERY Simple, Easy and Effective

 

The AB ”Can’t Miss” approach is probably the most simple and efficient way to identify those who might be interested in more information regarding your business. The key to this approach is to first understand that people fall into 2 categories – either they are apples or bananas. If you try to make apple juice out of bananas you get mush! An “apple” represents someone who is open-minded about making extra income. Their timing is right in their life to look for opportunities.

 

The clear purpose of the AB “Can’t Miss” approach is to first identify those who are looking for opportunities (the timing is right) from those who are not looking (the timing is not right). The key is to sort those who are looking for an opportunity from those who are not. We have no reason to talk to those who are not in a position right now to look at an opportunity.

 

 

Step 1: Make a list of names. Don’t “prejudge” those you might put on the list. Typically, those who have demonstrated a high degree of success in another field will have success in this business. In many cases, these are the very names that get left off the list. “They wouldn’t be interested! They already have a lot of money!” Are you sure about that? Even if they have an abundance of money, might they want more control over their time? Remember that the key to this approach is to determine if they are in a point in their lives where they are looking for an opportunity for more control of income or time.

 

The script is simple. It in includes the introduction, fielding questions, and scheduling the appointment if the timing is right for them to look at an opportunity.

 

At any point in this conversation if they say that the timing is not right for them or that they don’t think this is for them, be ok with that response. That represents a response that is part of our SUCCESS FORMULA for this script. We are ONLY checking interest.  Here are the 4 basic lines of the A B “Can’t Miss” Approach

 

1. I am working with a green technology company.

2. The products are cutting edge and profitable.

3. I can’t promise you anything at this point but the company is expanding.

4. (Name), do you keep your options open at this point for earning extra income?

 

Script For the A B “Can’t Miss” Approach

 

Call them and have some small talk and general conversation.

Then follow the outline below:

“(name), I wanted to throw something out to you. I am working with a company that is doing some great work with green technology. It looks like they have some really great products that are profitable and cutting-edge.

 

(SLOW DOWN AND EMPHASIZE THE NEXT SENTENCE)

 

I can't promise you anything at this point, but (name), right now we are expanding and, I’m curious, are you open right now for ways to make additional income?

 

STOP and LISTEN. You are looking for “Yes, what do you have?” “Yes, of course!” or “Yes, tell me more.”

 

IF NO or NOT RIGHT NOW: “Well let me know if anything changes or if you think of someone that could use some additional income.  Would it be ok if I keep you on my mailing list to update you as my company grows?”

 

If yes or they ask you questions:

 

Let’s do this. First, let’s get you some basic information to review. The company has put together a 20 minute overview. I would like to have you review this information. This will give you a basic understanding of what the company does and the opportunity it represents. It’s really not designed to give enough information to make a full out decision on whether this is right for you but it will give you some really good, basic information. (name), if I sent this to you now, could you take a look at it by tonight? (Get that commitment!)

 

Set the Appointment (next 24 hours) – ASSUME the Appointment

 

And then I would like to set up a 15 minute call with you tomorrow to get your questions answered. (Name), what is a good time for you tomorrow for about a 15 minute call?

 

(IF NEW: I may have one of my business partners on the call so

that they can help answer questions.)

 

(Set the appointment and include your senior partner on the call).

 

(name), I’ll send this out in the next 15 minutes. Let’s take this one step at a time figure out together if this might be a good fit.

Have a great day.

 

Information that is sent:

Options:  Use what your team likes to use.  Here are some options.

 

www.maximumsuccess.com/businessoverview

www.ecoquest.biz/yourname

www.yourbreaktofreedom.com/yourname

 

You can send it in your own email OR if your senior team has a different method or message, please use that one.

 

Fielding Questions:

If they ask, “Is it MLM? Or, is it a pyramid deal? Or anything along those lines:

 

Response: “We have 3 branches to our business. One is direct-to-consumer, one is commercial, and the other is a virtual franchise opportunity where we can help others to be successful. So there are about 3 separate business models the company uses in the marketplace.

 

But before we even get into the details, the timing has to be right for you. And I just want to know if you are in a position where you are open to ways to make income or is the timing bad for you right now? (Again, you are looking for some kind of a yes response. If a “yes” response, go to booking the appointment.)

 

Coaching Tips

1. Know that you cannot lose in this approach. ALL you are doing is checking the timing for that person.

2. Get a commitment to watch the video: If you make the offer to send the overview, make sure you ask them to review the information. “(Name), if I send this over to you now, could you take a look at it tonight?”

3. Assume the Appointment/Avoid “asking” for an appointment: A

tendency is to ask for the appointment the next day. As an example,

“Would you be ok if we get together tomorrow?” Instead, assume the

Appointment. “(Name), what we need to do is set a time to get your

questions answered. What is a good time for you tomorrow for a 15 min

call?”

 

This was a busy weekend. Traveled to the Super Saturday in San Antonio. It was a difficult flight as I missed two planes. But, I met some outstanding prospects in the airport. Will give you a blow by blow update later.
 
It was great seeing Col. Roper my dear friend from Texas. Joe Urso was at the Super Saturday and he did an outstanding job sharing his vision for the future. Jon Bender, Sharon Gold, Ken and Mary Dockery did an outstanding job teaching the days business training.
 
I hope to see you in the near future as I travel sharing the EcoQuest message.
 
Good talking to you!

Quality Sponsoring

 

Sponsoring is a process not an event.  When Nata and I sponsored a Japanese transfer student years ago, we made a commitment to more than just getting her into the country.  We committed to protect, educate and see she had a successful experience in the USA.  Sponsoring an EcoQuest Distributor is the same.  The responsibility goes beyond signing them up.

 

For 31 years Nata and I have used a check off list and training program to ensure all new Distributors are “quality sponsored” vs. just signed up.  Here are the steps we teach:

 

1. Make sure the new Distributor has tried a cross section of EcoQuest technology and consumable products.  Our company is a product driven company.  Before we can compel others to use our products, we must become our own best customer.  Selling is the transferring of our feelings about our products to someone else.  How can we transfer feelings we do not have? We must become a product of the product.  For the last 31 years, I have consistently marketed more products during the times I was most excited about a certain product.  Try the products – use the products – sell the products.

 

2. Make sure the new Distributor has attended a live EcoQuest event.  Nothing is more powerful than getting a new Distributor around other motivated EcoQuest leaders.  I have held live events on a consistent basis for 31 years. From March 28^th to October 1^st of this year, I have conducted over 60 live events.  That is over 10 per month.   The reason I do this is a want to “always” have a place to invite a brand new Distributor.  I can see Greg Montoya sitting in the meeting room in Los Angeles like it was today.  The look on his face told me he was blown away by what he was seeing.  Likewise, I can still recall the conversation I had with Bob Giddens in my office in Minnesota on the day he joined our company.  At the meeting that night, Bob’s future with the company was sealed.  These two Presidential Masters got turned on at these events.  Make sure your new recruit has that same opportunity.  I do business breakfast, pot luck events, business briefings, Success Institutes and much more and will for my entire career with EcoQuest. 

 

 

3. Get your new Distributor to your upline leader’s team call or the EcoQuest Showcase call.  Let experienced leaders tell your new Distributor the dream again on these convenient powerful calls.  Each week dozens of team calls and 4 company Showcase calls are available for your support.  Make it a part of your check off list to get your new recruit on a call quickly.  The company calls are currently at 10pm on Monday and Thursday, at noon on Saturday and on Tuesday at 9pm with Heartland and Infinity2 the feature.  The number is 641-594-7500 with the passcode of 546009#.  If you call ahead and let me know your prospect is on, I will make them feel very special.

 

4. Help your new recruit sponsor their first Distributor.  The emotion of sponsoring your first recruit will carry many new Distributors to higher levels of activity and commitment.  There is something powerful about being validated by having somebody say “yes”, I am in!  With the companies new plan, everyone needs to sponsor 2 Dealers that get activated.  If you help your new recruit get their first new Dealer, they may be motivated to get many more.

 

 

5. Get some “tools of the trade” into your new Distributors hands.  C/D’s and web tools are a great way to increase the learning curve.  Get your new recruit to commit to listening to a C/D or visit and go through a web site at a scheduled time vs. just handing them the tool.  My first year in the industry changed my life by changing my habits.  I became a daily learner listening to cassettes (that’s what we have back then).  I now listen to C/D’s pretty much daily as well as reading lots of great books.  My friend Charlie Tremendous Jones who died last year taught hundreds of thousands over the years – Your personality and income will be based on three things you do over the next five years.  The Books you read, the C/D’s you listen to and the people you associate with.

 

I still use simple index cards with these five categories to check off.  Each day pull out the cards and see how you are doing in getting your new recruit “Quality Sponsored”. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting organized 

 

In today’s world we are hit with information and opportunities from every direction. Having a system to simplify and organize our lives will improve our productivity by cutting clutter and keeping us focused. Years ago I started using a system on my desk called TRAF – Trash, Refer, Action and File.  I would put four folders on my desk that every thing I did flowed into. Each day I turn this file over to my assistant several times.  Here are some other ideas I learned from John Maxwell and others that can be helpful. 

 

Create Systems for Everyday Activities.

 

Put in place systems to keep your work in front of you. For instance, put different-colored folders in your briefcase so that you don't spend lots of time digging around to find what you want. If you file by color, you immediately know where to look.  Search for shortcuts to save time. One of the first things I did when I moved to Greeneville as well as years ago in Minnesota was drive different routes to gauge the distance and time needed to travel to my office. Now, I generally know the quickest routes and I avoided the worst of the traffic in Minnesota and stopped hitting the morning train in Greeneville as a result.

 

Plan Work Ahead

 

Plan a month ahead by looking at the calendar, considering major projects, and scheduling out the time needed to get them done. Mapping out the month helps to be strategic and intentional with each day. Another thing I learned the hard way is to put family time on the calendar first. Otherwise, work creeps into my evenings and weekends and crowds out moments with the ones we say we are working for – our loved ones.   The Daily Director I use from Bill David (available at www.ecoquestmac.com) keeps my prospecting, phone, selling, meeting, family, remaining corporate work,  exercise, spiritual etc. activity laid out. One of the best investments I have made.

 

Work in Blocks of Time

One of the best I have seen do this is Barry Durbin.  He works in blocks of time by scheduling his activities out for a whole week in his Daily Director ( My Daily Director) Finish one task before starting another. Every time I revisit an old project, I have waste time trying to wrap my mind around it. If I had just concentrated on seeing it through in the first place, then I wouldn't have the costly delays of restarting it. Barry schedules his fax blasting, calling, reading, cold calling etc. in blocks and also includes his family and personal time in this schedule. He made Master Manager doing this – seems to work for him!

 

Create a Place to Work Uninterrupted

Studies have shown that the average manager gets interrupted every eight minutes! Find a place to work free from distractions. Working from home is a great advantage but also you must work when you work.  I go to my “office in my big garage” often to work.  Sometimes I go to my office building late at night.  Sometimes I get up early.  But, you have to have a time to work when you work.

 

 

Delegate Your Load

The most productive leaders are the ones who have learned systems to distribute their workload to a trusted team. Instead of trying to do everything alone, they equip those around them to handle important assignments. Jim Rohn teaches that a kid on the block can cut your grass for $20.00 while you go place two Fresh Air units that could earn you $500.00.  Consider these ways to share responsibilities.

 

A. Keep Your Ball Carriers Nearby

Bring people around you so that you can very quickly hand off the ball. For example, my assistant, Lora, for years would go to meetings with me and before I had an assistant, my wife Nata would do this. By attending, she's informed, and I don't have to spend precious time bringing her up to speed. Following the meeting, I'm not pressured to remember all of the action items because I know Lora can be trusted to follow through diligently on every detail.  How does this apply to EcoQuest Home Business?  Husbands and wives take roles.  Nata writes down everything I said I would do at a meeting.  When we just got back from Jacksonville, she had a list of to do actions.  When I have a meeting, Barry keeps a list of what we need to do next in an area. 

 

B. Delegate Everything Possible

Delegate everything possible by following the 80% principle. List your responsibilities, and only focus personal time on the most important 20%.  For most of us recruiting, demonstrating, etc. should make up 80% of our EcoQuest working hours.   Delegate the remainder to the leaders around you.  Who brings chairs, brings food, sets up the room, discusses the comp plan, greets guest etc.  Everybody has a role.  People support what they help create.

 

C. Train People to Handle Problems Before They Get to You.

My goal is to teach everyone how I think to the extent that they don't even need me.
For example, when I make decisions, I sit down with my team and “always” explain why I made a decision. Not only am I instructing them what to do, I am teaching them how I think. By now, after  years of working together they can make decisions on my behalf  much of the time without consulting me.  They say there is no success without a successor. 

 

3) Systems keep you in touch with People – we are in the people business

Good systems promote meaningful interactions with others. They leverage our influence by increasing the quantity and quality of time we spend in relationships.  Here are a few relational systems that can benefit your leadership.

 

A. Set Aside Time to Connect with Others

Develop a system to work a room. For instance, I seldom eat at business meeting so that I can walk around and talk to people. How many times have you seen me walk to 50 tables at a meeting talking and shaking hands?  Why would I waste valuable time loading up on food, when I could connect with others? Besides, I am usually sick to my stomach knowing I am about to speak!  It is also key to systematically connect with key players outside of routine meetings. Maybe this means getting together for an evening meal or going to the theater or a ballgame. If you're short on time, handwrite a note of encouragement. In this age of e-communication, it's amazing how powerful a written card can be.  Email boxes are full as Jon Bender says and mail boxes are empty.  Nothing is more important than people connection.  As I write this, I just set a meeting with the CEO of a multi-million dollar automotive company.  I do not have an agenda except to make a new friend.  When you are in the people business, good things happen when you are meeting lots of new people.

 

B. Make It Your Responsibility to Know New People

At meetings internationally and when I travel the USA, I instructed the host to take pictures of the  people in attendance. Then, they wrote the person's name and what they were wearing etc.. During the week, I scrolled through the pictures and tired to commit the names to memory. Often, Bob Giddens has commented on how impressive it is how much I know about the EcoQuest family.  I know their names, what they do, how they got into the business, what issues they are dealing with etc.  This is not by accident.  Nata has sent thousands of photos and notes to people over the last 30 years.  You cannot believe the value this has built.

C. Learn to Say No

Repeat after me: "It seems exciting. I would love to do it, but unfortunately I have another project that's taking all of my time." In other words, "NO!"  When I was leading all of EcoQuest, I had to guard my time and my team helped me do this too. Now that I am working 100% in the field, I continue to guard my time.  I spend personal time with people that are working hard at building the business and I restrict the others to group time.  I am careful with committing to speaking opportunities so that only the best ones get my attention. My team and family are gatekeepers to protect me from overburdening myself and burning out.  When did I begin this way of conducting my business and life, about a month after I started my Home Based Business.  Things don’t just happen – they happen just. 

 

How to Start Systems in Your Life Today

1) Examine life to see where you're losing the most time, and develop systems to minimize wasteful activities.
2) Devise ways to delegate where you're weak; don't do what you can't do well. Get help!
3) Carve out time to work privately and connect publicly. Then, make sure those times are kept separate.
4) Rearrange your work environment to gain uninterrupted privacy.