Don't Trip Over Your Brain!

Top 10 Strategies for Becoming a Professional Network Marketer

2011-12-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

Network marketing is becoming more popular as people try to supplement their income, or replace income from lost jobs. It's one business where almost anyone can be successful. But many people I know are still only doing it either part time in addition to their regular job, or they regard it as only temporary, until they find a new job. What does it take to cross that line from part-time networker to professional network marketer?

1. Know your business. You should be completely familiar with your company and its products, its compensation plan, what support is offered to new reps, and how to get new reps started in the business. If you don't understand it, you won't be able to explain it to potential customers or prospects. If you are new and still learning, make sure you know who to contact that can answer these questions for you.

2. Stay the course. I can't tell you how many fellow network marketers I know who are always chasing the next big thing. They don't stick with anything long enough to be successful at it. Do your research and pick the company that is best for you. There are many good ones. Once you have found the company that meets your needs, stay with it. Focus on this one business until you reach your goals.

3. Learn to communicate effectively. Network marketing is a people business. If you can't communicate, you will never be successful. You can generate or purchase all the leads in the world, but if you can't convert them to customers or business partners, it won't make a bit of difference. And to do that, you will have to talk to them. I don't know too many network marketers who have joined a company based solely on a web page, DVD, or recorded call. And while I have gotten a few customers my website, most of them wanted to talk to someone before they made a purchase.

4. Know what you are marketing. When I started in the business, I was failing miserably. Then I discovered Mike Dillard and I learned one thing from him that has made all the difference. It's not about your company, or your comp plan, or your products. Sure, these things are all important. But the number one thing your prospects are buying is you! Become a person of value and learn to market that and you go join almost any company and your people will follow you.

5. Take action! No one is going to build your business for you. You will have to do something. I had a team member who continually complained because he wasn't making any money. He finally quit and then devoted quite a bit of time to convincing everyone that the business was a scam. And yet whenever we asked him how many people he had talked to, or how many presentations he had given, or how many ads had he placed, the answer was always the same - zero! If he had spent half the energy building his business that he spent trying to convince everyone it was a fraud, he'd be well on his way to financial independence by now.

6. Finish what you start. A few years ago I had the opportunity to meet Carrie Wilkerson (aka The Barefoot Executive). And she made a statement that has stuck with me ever since. Taking action is great but it's not enough. You have to take massive action to COMPLETION!

7. Target the right people. Please - do not hound your friends and family to join your business. They probably aren't interested. If they are, they will let you know. Who do you want to look for? People who are already in the business but aren't having much success with the company they are in. People who are already successful network marketers. People who are actively looking for information on network marketing opportunities. These people already understand the business well enough to know that it is a good fit for them.

8. Learn to harness the power of the internet. The easiest way to find your target market is by learning to use the internet effectively. There are some great people who can teach you what you need to know - Bob Jenkins (aka Bob the Teacher), Ken McArthur, and Mike Dillard are three of my personal favorites.

9. Teach what you have learned. It's not enough for you to use these strategies. You have to lead your team in the same direction. Teach your front line reps what to do and then train them to teach their reps the same thing. Soon you will have an entire organization that is continually being trained to use the same strategies that are working for you.

10. Make a plan. Every business needs a plan, even a network marketing business. Set your goals and then use these strategies to build a plan to reach them. Decide today to become a professional network marketer and then do it!

What is Network Marketing?

2011-11-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

Network marketing. The name tells you everything you need to know.

Network: Something resembling an openwork fabric or structure in form or concept, especially:

                 a. A system of lines or channels that cross or interconnect
                 b. A complex, interconnected group or system
                 c. An extended group of people with similar interests or concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance or support.

Marketing: 1.the act of buying or selling in a market.

                   2.the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer, including advertising, shipping, storing, and selling.

Both parts are necessary. In order to make money, your company must sell their product or services. They do this by counting on people like you to market these products/services for them. In turn, they pay you a commission for every sale you make. You can make some decent extra money this way. But in order to take full advantage and become financially independent, you need to add the network component. Now, in addition to paying you commission on every sale you make, the company also pays for every sale your network makes. Do you see how quickly this could add up to some serious income?

How can you make this work for you? First, you have to understand and be comfortable with the concept of "network marketing." If you don't get it, you will continue to just stumble along.

Second, you have to understand that you are in the marketing business. You are marketing your products to potential customers. You are also marketing your business to potential partners.

It's a simple process. Market your products to your customers.  Market your business opportunity to potential business partners to build your network. Teach your network the skills they need to do the same.

If you don't have the leadership or marketing skills necessary to do this, learn! There are plenty of places you can go and many people willing to help. The information in this blog and in my internet marketing blog, WealthTogether, shares the tips and information I have discovered in developing my own business. Find information about the different network marketing companies at Boomer Business Ideas. Read everything you can by Mike Dillard.

Understanding the power of network marketing can change your life. If you will put it to use.

Network Marketing Compensation Plans

2011-11-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

One of the most important things to look at when choosing a network marketing opportunity is the compensation plan. Unfortunately it is also one of the most confusing.

While the compensation plan may not be the deciding factor when choosing which company to work with, it can contribute significantly to your success if you understand how it works - and to your failure if you don't.

There are several different types of compensation plans used in MLM today. One of the oldest is the Unilevel plan. This is also one of the easiest to understand since you are only allowed to sponser one level on your team. In other words, everyone you sponsor is on your front line. This makes it easy to explain to prospects which may help in your recruiting efforts. However, if you are recruiting from your warm market (i.e. friends and family) it can make it difficult since you will be setting them up to compete against each other since they are all on the same level. If the opportunity you are considering uses this model for their compensation plan, be sure you are comfortable recruiting from your cold market in order to build a large frontline organization.

Another common compensation plan is the Stairstep Breakaway plan. In this plan, members of your team can advance up the ranks and when they reach a certain level, they are allowed to break away from your line and start an organization of their own. This allows them to earn larger commissions and so is a great incentive for them to work while they are still in your downline. However, while you normally would receive an smaller "override" commission from the breakaway organization, your overall commission can take a serious hit initially. But if you are comfortable in your ability to recruit and train new team members, this can be a great plan for building long-term residual income.

The Forced Matrix plan has a limited width and depth for which you will be compensated. For example, in a 3x3 matrix plan your frontline will consist of 3 team members and you will earn commissions only 3 levels deep. If you recruit a third person, they will automatically be placed into the downline of one of the first two. The Matrix plan can help you recruit since new team members can rely on this to help build their business while they gain experience. This plan also encourages leaders to assist their team in building their organizations once their own frontline is full. However, since it is very hard to explain and can give the appearance of the dreaded "pyramid scheme", it can make it make it equally difficult to recruit new team members.

The newest compensation plan to arrive on the scene is called the Binary plan. As the name suggests, this is based on the number two. Therefore, you would be allowed to have a maximum of two team members in your frontline. Any one you enrolled after that would automatically be placed under your existing frontline members. This encourages the team to work together since everyone benefits from building a strong downline. Another advantage is that most companies allow their members to start another downline (commonly called business centers in this plan) once they have reached a certain level with the first.

Many companies also offer additional incentives to their compensation plans, such as cars (think Mary Kay's Pink Cadillac or FHTM's Lexus).

This is just a brief description of the different network marketing compensation plans. For a more indepth analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each, I recommend checking out the Network Marketing Business School.

Understanding Personal Attraction

2011-10-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

Let me start by admitting that when I first started reading about personal attraction and The Secret and the Attractor Factor, I was extremely skeptical. I mean really, who believes you can simply attract what you want in your life solely by making your intentions known and then waiting for it to come to you? Now I realize that there is much more to it than that. And I am here to tell you that there is some truth to it.

When I started in network marketing, I did all the things my upline told me. I held business presentations in my home, handed out DVDs and CDs that talked about the business opportunity. I bought leads and faithfully followed up with each and every one of them. I paid for referrals and handed out information and business cards at every networking event I could get to. And I made a grand total of $35.46 a month. That's when I decided I either needed to find a better way or quit.

I started researching to find who actually was making real money - and I mean 6-figures or better - in this industry. And when I found them, I studied them. I read everything they wrote, went to hear them speak, attended any presentations they did. And I discovered two things - either they had a loyal following already that came into this business with them, or they had somehow managed to build a business without doing all the things my upline was telling me I had to do. I was determined to find out how these people were getting customers and business partners to join them without having to hunt down every warm body they crossed paths with.

As I watched these people in action, I noticed they all had a few things in common. All of them were extremely self-confident. They didn't feel the least bit self-conscious about promoting the latest "pyramid scheme".

They all had goals. They knew exactly what they wanted and they were all focused on getting it.

They had rules. And if you wanted to be part of their team, you followed the rules. I particularly remember one individual who made it clear that his time was valuable and if you wanted to work with him and his team then you needed to be available for training calls or workshops or whatever he felt was necessary - and if you weren't, he would simply ignore you from then on.

They shared their knowledge. If you were lucky enough to be around them, they would teach you what they had learned. This made them valuable. Even if you weren't a member of their team, many of them would still share what they knew.

They were always upbeat, positive, and optimistic. To the point that at first, I found it slightly annoying. Who can be that cheerful all the time? I found out later that sometimes each of them felt a bit down, but they quickly talked themselves into a more positive frame of mind. And they taught me how to do that also.

They took care of themselves. They respected themselves and those around them. If we went out together, they were not the last ones to leave, having had more than their fair share of drinks. They made sure they left at a reasonable hour so they were well rested. They didn't abuse alcohol, or drugs, or food. Many of them had a regular exercise routine. They took care of their appearance so even if they weren't sporting the latest designer fashions, they were still neat, stylish, and professional-looking. Their cars were well maintained, their houses were well maintained, their yards were neat and nicely landscaped. They cared, loved, and protected their families and their friends.

In contrast, I have to admit, I often felt embarrassed about promoting network marketing. I still pictured it as only quasi-legal and not a real business at all. I had goals - sort of. I knew I wanted to make more money. I didn't know exactly how much or how long I would take to get there. I accepted all the excuses my few team members kept giving me for why they weren't working on their businesses. Heck, I had used them myself to explain my own lack of success. I only passed on to my team the info I received from my upline - which wasn't much. And I surely didn't share it with others! Why help someone who was working for someone else?   I will be the first to admit that some days, my house looked like a bomb went off inside, and my car always looked like it could use a trip to the car wash. My yard always looked like it need a touch with the lawn mower and my few flowers were usually more dead than alive. I showed up for business presentations and meetings in jeans and t-shirts. And I had long ago alienated most of my friends and family by continually pushing them to join my business. No wonder I was having a hard time convincing others I had the secret to success!

Several years and much learning has passed. And now I know how these leaders attracted people and prosperity to them with ease. I do it. You can do it too. But first you are going to have to change the way you think about certain things. Ready?

Step 1. You must learn to have an abundance mentality. When you approach someone or something out of need, your desperation shows. That either gives the other person all the power, since they now know how needy you are. Or it convinces them you are a phony. If you were doing all that well, why would you need them so badly?

Step 2. You have to learn to take criticism in stride. I still get emails and phone calls telling me I am a scam artist, or network marketing is just a get rich quick scheme or blaming me because they are not making any money. I know now that I am not responsible for these people and that until they take responsibility for themselves they will never be successful. I can't help them until they do and so their comments no longer offend me.

Step 3. You must learn to say no. I no longer accept every warm body that approaches me about joining my team. You must learn that you can't work with everybody and it doesn't matter.

Step 4. You must take care of those around you. Your family, your friends, your team, your community. What you send out, you get back many times over.

Step 5. You must take care of yourself. No more jeans and t-shirts for me unless I am just hanging around the house.  My husband and I are remodeling our home so it's the house we always wanted. We both hate yard work, so we have hired someone to do it for us. I make sure I get enough rest, and I am working to reach a healthier weight. And the fast-food dinners have come to an end. I love to cook and my husband has discovered that healthy eating can taste good.

Step 6. You must learn to communicate with poise, authority, and confidence. If you don't know how, my good friend Felicia Slattery can help. She's amazing and will having speaking like a professional speaker in no time.

Step 7. Realize that you will spend the rest of your life learning. There is no magic bullet or superbook or e-course that will teach you all you need to know. One of the things that will make you attractive to others is your perceived value to them. And in order to have value you must acquire knowledge and skills that you can share, So if you think I am going to tell you to buy this book or take this course and be done - guess again. I do recommend books or courses or programs that have helped me. But you will also have to do some learning on your own. And if you find something that works, I hope you will share it with me.

So what is the secret of personal attraction? There is no secret. You already have everything you need. You just need to learn to perfect it and then to use it. You can do it!

The Great Network Marketing Scam

2011-10-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the internet this morning and once again found another website devoted to the "FHTM Scam". Since I have been associated with FHTM for several years, I know them to be an legitimate business opportunity and so I normally skip visiting these sites.  But today, for some reason, I decided to take a look. I found the usual tirade about how the website owner joined the company, didn't make any money, found others who had the same experience, and decided it was all a scam.

Curious to see if FHTM was alone in these accusations, I Googled some of the best known and well respected network marketing companies in the business and guess what! According to the information on the internet, they are all scams. Don't believe me? Try it and see just search for any MLM company and "scam" and you will find all kinds of accusations against any one of them.

What does this mean? Are all network marketing companies frauds and cheats?  Is there really reason to be concerned? These websites make what sound like legitimate complaints. "I joined the company, did what I was told, and didn't make a dime." How can that be the case for so many people if these are real business opportunities? But then, if they are scams, why would people like Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump endorse them? Surely they wouldn't want to be associated with something that is a cheat at least and possibly even illegal?

What is the truth? Let me explain.    Network marketing is a legitimate business. It's based on providing people with real, legitimate products they need and want at a fair price. While some people do make a lot of money through network marketing, their financial benefit is always the result of their own dedicated efforts in building a team that sells real products and services.

If that's the case, then why do so many people fail? It's not because these companies are dishonest. It's because very few of them provide the proper training on how to build a network marketing business. When you sign up in a network marketing company, the first thing you are normally told by your upline sponsor is to make a list of all your family and friends. This is your warm market and the idea is for you to contact each and every one of them and present the business opportunity to them. Hopefully, some of them will sign up. However, the truth is most of them won't. And so you are told to keep pitching the business to them and to everyone who gets within arm's reach of you. But eventually you will alienate yourself from all of your friends and your family. When people start crossing the street to avoid you so they don't have to listen to your pitch yet again, most beginner network marketers quit. And that's the problem.

Network marketing isn't about taking advantage of your friends and family. Yes, in the past, it was an effective way to build a team. But today there are more effective ways to build a team through use of the internet, conference calls and other marketing techniques. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of people out there teaching these techniques.

The fact that you are reading this blog indicates that you are at least curious enough to look for a better way.  And there is a better way. There are great tools available to help you build a successful team without becoming a card-carrying member of the "No Friends Left" club. I have used many of them and have found several to be very helpful.

My recommendations?  Black Belt Recruiting and Magnetic Sponsoring are two of my personal favorites. I discovered these training videos by Mike Dillard shortly after joining FHTM (right when I was about to quit because I couldn't sponsor anyone). They made a huge difference in my business and helped me get from a downline of 6 to one of over 300 in less than a year. I was so pleased with the results I became an affiliate for these products. (So yes, if you take the free video training and decide you want more, I will get a commission. Thanks!).

Since then Mike has added several other tools to help network marketers build a business. MLM Traffic Formula 2 and Alpha Networker 2.0 are fabulous and will definitely help you move your network marketing business away from chasing your "warm market" and into the world of having prospects chase you. (And yes, I am an affiliate for these products as well!)

If you don't want to purchase tools to help you bring your network marketing into the 21st century, that's fine. I'm not sure why you wouldn't but that is a decision only you can make. But do take advantage of all the information available to help you learn. Follow Mike Dillard, Mark Weiser, and John Di Lemme.  Subscribe to this blog. Or go Boomer Business Ideas and subscribe to my free Boomer Biz Tips newsletter.  But get out of the "friends and family trap" before you too throw in the towel and start proclaiming that network marketing is a scam.

Meet Linda Gracy

2011-09-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

I first introduced you to Linda a few years ago. It was through her pushing and prodding that I finally got re-involved with network marketing. Since then, she has gone on to grow a very successful network marketing business. So I thought it was time to catch up with her and see what she has been doing. Meet my friend and colleague, Linda Gracy!

1. Linda, tell us about yourself.

I feel so very blessed to be living such a rich, fulfilling, joyful life! God is so good!
I am a real homebody who loves working from home with my two cats, one dog, and the love of my life, my husband of 38 years. I have four wonderful grown kids: a daughter and a son, a daughter-in-law, and a "for-all-practical-purposes-son-in-law." (Just what IS the socially-correct term for the significant other of your unmarried daughter, anyway??) I also have 4 granddogs and 4 grandcats, whom I get to babysit quite often. We all love to travel and take cruises together (the people, not the fur-people,) and to go boating, camping, and four-wheeling. I love to play cards, entertain friends at home, and do really daring, adventurous things like read and work crossword puzzles. All but one of the animals in my life are either animal-shelter adoptees or rescue animals. Not only do we do all we can to help the homeless-animals cause, but we feel they always make the very best pets. (Any typos, by the way, will be blamed on my cat, Walter, who is curled up in my lap purring, making it difficult to type. Walter has the biggest, fluffiest tail I have ever seen on a cat. It looks like a racoon's tail.)

I am a big fan of the movie The Secret, and anything written or produced about the Law of Attraction and other laws of the universe. I love how the latest research in quantum physics is providing evidence, soon to be proof, of these laws, and the very existence of God! I have been a student of Bob Proctor and Mary Manin Morrissey for years. I love passing on their valuable, life-changing information to anyone and everyone who will listen.

2. Tell us about your business.

Forgive me if my passion about it shows, but I am truly convinced that I have the very best home based business on the planet, and that nothing else even comes close! It is the answer to most people's prayers. It has transformed my life and the lives of my entire family. What I do is: I help individuals or families create an additional stream of income, which doesn't interfere with their jobs. In a very short period of time that additional income can actually surpass the income from their jobs. When that happens, that person has options. In fact, my husband just exercised HIS option a few months ago to quit his job, and now he stays home and works our business with me. We are loving our freedom to stay home with NO alarm clock, or to travel at will, since we can work our business wherever we are. One thing I love about my business is that we don't sell anything. Instead, we provide a way for people to get paid commissions on bills they are paying every month anyway! It's ingenious. Who wouldn't want that? It's such a no-brainer!

3. Why did you start your own business?

Twenty-five years ago, I was teaching high school math. I loved it, at least until my daughter was born. But once I became a mom, those maternal hormones kicked in, and it just killed me to have to go off and leave her every day. Then when my son came along, it was even worse. In the morning, when it was time to head off to school, my kids would lock their arms around my leg and hang on. It would tear my heart out of my body to have to pry their little fingers off, and to walk to the car with both of them crying and my daughter saying "Mommy, don't go!" There were days I actually cried half the way to school! The day the nanny excitedly told me that she had witnessed my son's first steps, it absolutely broke my heart! I decided right then that there HAD to be a way, in this great land of America, that a mother could stay home and raise her own kids! That's when I started searching for a way to make money working from home.

4. Why did you choose to get involved in network marketing instead of a different type of business?

Initially, it was because I HAD to find something that would replace my teaching salary if I was going to be able to quit my job and stay home with my preschoolers. At the time, I searched and searched, and checked out every work-from-home scheme I could find. Network marketing was the only thing I could find that would do that. Then I stayed in network marketing because I knew that I could never make enough money with just my own efforts to support the lifestyle I wanted for myself and my family. There's just one of me, and there are just 24 hours in a day, so there is obviously a limit to how much money I could make in a traditional career. But with network marketing, there is no limit because you leverage your time. If I have a team of 100 people, for example, and we each put in 5 hours, I get paid on 505 hours of work instead of just the 5 that I put in myself. The bigger your team grows, the more hours you get paid for. (If Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki are promoting it, you know it's lucrative!) I also love helping other people. That's why I went into teaching. But with network marketing, I can help way more people, and I get paid much better for my efforts.

5. What do you like best and least about network marketing?

I love the relationships and close friendships that you develop with people. I love helping other people. It is so rewarding to see their lives change for the better, and to know that I had some small part in making that happen. A good example is one of my team members, Matt Morse. In less than a year he went from barely scraping by with a lawn service that he owned, supporting his wife and two babies, living in a one-bedroom apartment, to National Sales Manager, driving a company Lexus, and building their dream home with NO mortgage! Just think how all four of their lives have changed! I just get teary-eyed when I think about it.

What I like the least about network marketing is when people give up too soon, in spite of my efforts to encourage them to hang in there until they are successful. I know that if they will just hang in there, success is right around the corner. I don't understand why people will give up on network marketing just because it hasn't yet made them rich after only a year or so. After all, the traditional job they've been at for 15 years hasn't made them rich yet either! What they don't realize is that the traditional job will NEVER make them rich, but the network marketing career WILL, if they will just stay the course! A traditional job won't continue to pay a passive residual income for years and years after you've stopped working. But so many times I want success for them more than they want it for themselves.

6. What personality traits and skills to be a successful network marketer?

You have to like people, and like helping them. It helps to have a sense of humor, and the ability to not take "rejection" personally. After all, if I offered coffee to a room full of people, some would want some and some wouldn't. I don't feel "rejected" by those who don't! Then you usually need a good dose of perseverance. Some people get lucky and have "overnight" success, but for most of us it does take sticking to it for awhile. Most people who are used to working for salaries don't realize that in network marketing, you do the first 80% of the work for only 20% of the return. But by hanging in there, you will then receive 80% of the return for only 20% of the effort. You have to be able to see the end from the beginning, and when you don't get rich overnight, realize that it will happen if you just hang in there.

7. What has been the most difficult part of being involved in network marketing?

Turning loose of the people who have given up on their dreams for a better life and have gone back to settling for their dead-end jobs, and living from paycheck to paycheck. You want to save everyone, but you just can't. As much as you want to, you can't do it for them.

8. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?

All kinds of self-development books and tools, such as You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor, The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles, How to Sell Network Marketing Without Fear, Anxiety or Losing Your Friends by Michael Oliver, and any of Bob Proctor's and Mary Morrissey's books, audios and courses.

Vista Print (http://www.vistaprint.com/) has a great deal on business cards! They have lots of great graphics to choose from, and it's so quick and easy to order them online.

9. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?

I prefer "Attraction Marketing" techniques. Join the Chamber of Commerce, civic organizations, networking clubs, etc., and volunteer your time to worthy causes. Get yourself out there where you are around a lot of people. Accept leadership roles. You are really selling YOURSELF, because people who join your business do so to work with YOU more than to work with the company that you're with. People want to be in business with successful business people. If you are friendly, self-confident, and have the air of someone who is super-successful, people will want what you have, and THEY will ask YOU to show them what you do. It is far more effective when they approach you instead of the other way around. I use the "elevator speech" when conversing with people. Then IF they ask for more information about what I do, I set the appointment to show it to them. If they don't, I usually don't mention it. I love never having to deal with "rejection!"

10. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?

Someone starting a business needs to be aware that it will take time, and it will take work. But remember that once you get it up and running, it will actually free up your time, so it will be very much worth every bit of the time and work that you put into it. Of course, ideally, it will be something you love doing, so you won't mind. If you resent the extra time and effort required in the beginning, then it may not be the right business for you!

Don't worry about what other people think! Realize that they hardly spend any time at all thinking about what you're doing anyway! They are too busy with their own concerns.

Know your "why." Focus on WHY you are starting your business. To become debt-free and financially independent, to pay for your kids' college educations, to provide a more-than-just-comfortable retirement income, or whatever. Focusing on the reason WHY you are doing it is what will keep you going through the tough times, and keep you from throwing in the towel.

Like Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki, I recommend network marketing as the best way for the average person to be able to build a successful business. Franchises cost too much money, and you're really just buying yourself a round-the-clock job. A traditional business takes a few years to get off the ground --- and that's if you're lucky! The vast majority fail within a few months. With network marketing, all the expensive, time-consuming groundwork has been done for you. All you have to do is plug in to the system already in place. And best of all, you won't have to mortgage your home and your first-born to get it started!

In selecting a network marketing company, there are several critical points to consider. I have covered the main ones in a free report, "Ten Things You Should Know Before Joining Any Network Marketing Company." I would be happy to email that report to anyone who requests it. (send your request to: bestparadisefound@gmail.com)

11. How can we contact you for more information?

Email me at bestparadisefound@gmail.com or call me at 479-636-2221
Or visit my blog at http://www.changethoughtschangelife.blogspot.com/

12. Is there anything else you would like to share?
You really don't want to get me started! lol I could talk all day about how important I believe it is for everyone to study materials that teach the laws of the universe, such as The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor. The topics are just fascinating to me. There is so much about the universe that we are just beginning to comprehend. I think it's a crime and a shame that those things aren't being taught in school. The human body is the finest, most powerful electrical machine ever created, but unfortunately, we aren't born with owner's manuals!

Another thing I also wish they would teach in school is how to make money! After all, it IS a lifeskill that would come in handy. People graduate from college financially illiterate. I know I did! I recommend any of Robert Kiyosaki's books, such as Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and the new one he co-authored with Donald Trump, Why We Want You To Be Rich. (I also have a short article about that book I'd be happy to email to anyone who requests it.) Everyone needs to read that book! Kiyosaki and Trump are warning the American public that the middle class in America is vanishing. Before long everyone will fit into one of two categories: rich or poor. We are witnessing the transition today. When I was a kid, most moms didn't have to work! Now it takes both partners working, and sometimes more than one job, to provide the same standard of living we used to have with just one bread-winner in the family. Thankfully, they also recommend what to do to make sure you end up in the "rich" category! But we need to spread the word. I'm trying my best to do my part.

Network Marketing is NOT a Pyramid Scheme

2011-08-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

Once again, I'm hearing the question all beginning network marketers dread: "Is this one of those pyramid schemes?" Fortunately, those of us who have been around awhile know the answer to this one. NO!

What makes network marketing different from a pyramid scheme? Well, first and foremost, pyramids are illegal. Network marketing is a legitimate business model.

Pyramid schemes do not have a legitimate product to sell. Network marketing businesses do. The product will vary depending on the company you choose to join. But there is a product or products in every legal network marketing company.

Since pyramid schemes do not have a product, all of the "commissions" earned by members comes from signing up new members. In a valid network marketing business, members earn commissions from the sale of products and can also earn bonuses for recruiting new team members.

Many business builders focus solely on selling their company's products to earn their commissions. For those of us who understand the concept of leverage, recruiting fellow team members into our downlines allows us to create residual income. In a pyramid scheme, this is not possible. The focus is on recruiting as many people as possible to join your "business opportunity" in order to qualify for a paycheck.

In network marketing, there is no limit to how fast or how large you can build your business. I have team members that I recruited that now earn far more than I do and have promoted beyond me to higher levels in the company. Their advancement and earnings are based on the amount of sales their organization makes. They have worked hard to find loyal customers and have taught their team to do the same. They are able to earn large amounts of money because the products they sell pay for their commissions. Not all customers become business members so there is always income from customers to cover the cost of commissions.

In a pyramid, there are no customers so commissions depend on bringing in a new team of recruits whose membership fees will pay everyone above them. No one can advance or earn more money until there are enough people below them to keep the money coming in. Eventually, when there are more people getting paid than there are joining, the pyramid collapses and anyone who has recently joined has lost all opportunity - and their money.

So when considering a network marketing business opportunity, before joining, look at this checklist.

1. Is there a real product?
2. Are your commissions based on product sales?
3. Has the company been in business for a while?
4. Does it have a proven track record?
5. Do they provide solid training?
6. Can you contact your upline (your sponsor and those above him)?
7. Can you contact the home office of the company and speak to a real person?
8. Is the compensation plan thoroughly explained so that you understand how and where you make money?
9. Do they provide realistic time tables for advancement (not a get rich quick scheme)?
10.Did the person recruiting you take time to answer all of your questions or put you in touch with someone who could?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then congratulations! You have found a potentially profitable business opportunity. If you answered no to any of these questions, you may want to take a second look. If you answered no to a majority of these questions, run, don't walk, away! You are likely in the process of being scammed by the dreaded pyramid scheme!

To Sample or Not to Sample

2011-08-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

A big part of network marketing is building a team of fellow business builders under you. That's where the leverage comes in. But an equally important part is getting customers. After all, not everyone is meant to be in this business and if you don't have a product line you can promote, you shouldn't be either. So how do you get customers? Well, when I first started out, I thought I had a fool-proof method. I would go to the networking events I already regularly attended. And I would hand out samples of my products. I just knew that once people tried these wonderful products, they would be ringing my phone and filling my inbox with orders for more.

I am sorry to say, that was not the case. Oh, I did get a few orders. But mostly I just spent a lot of money letting others use my products for free.

How do you promote your products if samples don't work? The same way you promote your business opportunity. Sell your prospects on the value of what you have to offer and they will happily line up to order. If the company you are associated with does not have marketing material designed to help you sell the products, then I suggest it is time to look for another company. (Remember the warning signs of a pyramid scheme? More attention to recruiting than products is a dangerous thing).

Does this mean you should never give a sample? Not necessarily. You just need to do it wisely. For example, I often provide a sample pack of products as a door prize a business conferences. In exchange, I receive some free publicity from the conference sponsor. I do the same when local non-profits are having a fundraiser. In the pack, I include all of my contact info and information about the business opportunity as well. I have not only gotten repeat orders from the recipients, but the free publicity has also generated new customers and partners.

I will also give a sample if I know my product will make an instant difference to someone. An example of this is giving True Essentials Joint Solutions to people I know that suffer from joint pain. The results are almost always so dramatic that I usually get a repeat order before they are even finished with the sample bottle.

Another way to offer a sample is to offer a 30 or 60 or even 90-day (depending on your product) free trial. Only when you sign them up for the free sample offer, make sure they sign up for auto-ship of the product once the trial is over. You are almost guaranteed to gain customers. Isn't this dishonest, I have been asked? No. You must inform your prospect that they will receive regular shipments of the product once the trial period is over. The reason it works is that most people will not go through the trouble of contacting you to place an order unless they have seen an instant, dramatic result from your product (e.g.. Joint Essentials). Likewise, most people will not go through the trouble of calling you to cancel their order (unless they truly dislike the product). If they are satisfied with it, they will continue to use it as long as they keep receiving it.

If you really do feel that samples will help your business, then use them as a reward for a specific action. Buy a product, get a sample of another. Join our mailing list, get a sample. Refer a friend, get a sample. But I highly discourage just handing out samples to any and all who ask for one.

Fortune Rewards Mall

2011-07-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can sign up today for the Fortune Rewards program? And best of all - it's free! Now shopping on the internet can earn you points which you can redeem for products at any of hundreds of participating merchants. There are literally endless ways you can earn and redeem points by shopping online at the Fortune Rewards Mall. You can watch your savings grow bit by bit every time you shop. Buy books, movies, music, toys, office supplies, health and beauty products, and so much more. Buy your favorite brand name products or even visit your neighborhood restaurant and get the added benefit of earning rewards points. Click here to sign up or learn more!

Still not sure FHTM is for you? The rewards mall is just one of the many great products and services we offer. Learn more here!

What is MLM?

2011-02-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

I've been absent for awhile. From the date of my last post, it looks like it's been quite a while. The past few months were not good ones. An accident, the death of a close family member, illness - you name it and I've probably experienced it. I'm not going to bore you with all of the details. Let's just say that it was enough to cause me to cocoon for a while. Thankfully, I had discovered MLM so at least I was able to keep earning a living while I curled up in my home and licked my wounds.

What is MLM? It is is a marketing technique in which you are compensated not only for sales you personally generate, but also for the sales of others you recruit, creating a downline of distributors under you. You not only get paid for the sales you make, but you alos receive a percentage of sales of all those distributors below you - your downline. You may have also heard MLM referred to as network marketing.

Because I have been involved in MLM for a number of years, I have built a large enough business that I could afford to take some time away and still make an income. Thankfully, my downline was still working, selling, building their businesses. And when I explained to them what was going on in my life and why I was taking some time off, they were able to step up and keep the team going. So I was able to simply keep in touch with my team, ensuring they were getting the training and encouragement they needed but I did not actually have to generate any new sales or recruit new business partners. I was able to take the time I needed to do just what was necessary and focus on my family and myself instead of worrying about building my business.

Now you can't sign up in MLM, recruit a few people and then sit back and let them do all the work while you collect the rewards. First, that's just not right. Second, your team will soon become discouraged if you aren't setting an example for them to follow. And third, if you don't put some effort into your business, it will never reach it's full potential. But MLM is a business model that will allow you to take some time off for emergencies and still earn some income. When is the last time you got to take a 6 month vacation from your job and still get a paycheck?

There are many MLM opportunities out there. Most are legitimate. Some are not. Many provide wonderful opportunities to earn a good living. Some are better than others. If you are a regular reader of this blog then you know that I am an independent representative for Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. I have been involved with several different MLM companies through the years and so far, FHTM is the best of the bunch, in my opinion.

I'm back at work now and ready to once again be fully active in building my business. That means I'll be actively seeking new partners and new customers. Could you be one of them? Is MLM for you? Find out at www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether.

There Are So Many Opportunites Just Like This One...

2010-06-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

I hear that objection every day. "I'm looking at another company that is just like yours." "There are so many opportunities just like this one." "Frankly, your business is a little expensive to get started in. There are lots of others that cost a lot less to join."

How do you compete with other companies all vying for the same reps? One thing you don't want to do is "negative advertising." You can find this sort of marketing all over the Internet right now. Yes, it may work in the short term. But all you are likely to recruit using that method are the reps looking for the easiest way to make a fast dollar, and when they run into their first roadblock, they will quit. I hope you will never hear me badmouth another opportunity - and if you do, I hope you will remind me that it's never the right way to find prospective partners.

What do you do instead? Showcase the strengths of your own business. You joined for a reason. What was it? Do you have the best products on the market? Then discuss that. Show your prospects how easy it is to get sales and retain customers because of the quality of the products you offer.

Is your comp plan fabulous? Showcase that. I never go to a presentation without a printout that shows what the average rep at each level makes - and how long it takes on average to get there. It's a great prospecting tool.

Most of all, you want to highlight your team. The one thing that has made FHTM stand out for me is the team of people I work with. I've been involved with several other network marketing companies. They all had great products and good comp plans. But the team leadership was lacking. That's not a reflection on the quality of the company. Many networkers just don't know how to build and then lead a team. That's why I always point out how our team works with you once you're on board with us. Once you compare, most prospects find that our training and our commitment to your success makes our team the best choice.

There are so many opportunities out there - but they are not just like yours. Highlight the things that make yours stand out from the crowd and don't resort to dragging down the others. You'll attract the kind of partners you want - positive people looking for the best opportunity for themselves and their families who are willing to do the work it takes to be a success. And that's the secret to building a strong downline!

Will I Really Get to Work With Mike Misenheimer?

2010-05-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

When I first started in network marketing, it was with a different company than the one I am currently involved with. I read all of the information available, spoke with my sponsor who assured me I was joining a great company with a supportive team, paid my money to buy into the business, and then waited for someone to teach me how to make this work. Days passed, then weeks - and not one word from my sponsor. I emailed him and called him. Nothing. I did some research online, found a few articles that offered advice on building a downline. I even managed to make a little money. One year I made a whole $568! Do you wonder why I'm no longer associated with that particular opportunity?

Now I don't necessarily blame the company. There may have been supportive teams that trained and assisted their new reps. But I must admit, I did not find much training material available on the company website. What I did find had been created by other reps. And many of them were charging for the information. So while I struggled to find my way and make some money, I did often wonder when the team support would start. Did I have to prove myself first? Show that I was sincerely committed to this business and able to make to it work?

One of the biggest problems with any network marketing team is attrition. And one of the major causes of attrition is failure to be successful in the business. What is one of the main causes of failure? Lack of training and support.

In order for your business to grow and prosper, your team needs to grow and prosper. If you are not showing them how to do this, you need to rethink your business strategy.

If you are just considering joining a network marketing company, do some research to determine if they really do provide support and training. Ask other members of the team you'll be part of, check out the company website, see how accessible your upline is. If the training doesn't meet your needs, look for another company or a different sponsor.

On my team, training is vital. I will provide you with all of the information and advice you want - and maybe even some you don't want. If you have a question, I'll find the answer. And if I don't have it, my upline team members are always available to help. They were there to help me achieve the success I have. They'll be there for you too. This is one of the best recruiting tools I have. People come to my team knowing that we will all work together to help them succeed.

Training and support are critical. Train and support your team so they can reach their goals. Teach them to do the same to their downlines. Promote the fact that you provide this fabulous support as a recruitment tool. And watch your business grow.

And by the way - yes, on my team you really will get to work with Mike Misenheimer! He trains and supports us all. Who do you think taught me?

FHTM Blog

2010-04-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

When I first started this blog, it was never intended to focus on my network marketing business. That is still the intent over a year later. This blog is designed to help anyone involved in ANY network marketing company achieve a higher level of success.

So why do I spend so much time talking about Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing here? Two reasons. First, it's a great company and I believe in sharing information about great opportunities in any way possible. Second, it's the one I know the best since it's the one I'm involved in. So when I'm trying to use an example to make a point, it will probably be an example using FHTM.

This will never be a blog devoted exclusively to Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. There are plenty of those available already. Just search the internet and you'll find them. Some are wonderful and I read them myself. Others leave a bit to be desired.

But if you want information you can use with any program, anywhere, then this blog is for you. And while FHTM is my network marketing company, and I will talk about it often here, I will focus many of my posts on generic network marketing tips and tools.

What do you think? Is there too much focus on FHTM here? Not enough? Is the information useful to those of you who are involved in other companies besides FHTM? I am always open to suggestions to make this blog the most useful tool it can be. Leave comments and let me know your thoughts.

How Do I Market My Network Marketing Business?

2010-03-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

I get this question all the time from people just starting out. Their concern is real. Once they've approached everyone they know, how do they keep moving forward? (Or better yet, how do they find leads without having to hound every member of their family and their entire social circle?).

The answer is simple. You market your network marketing business just like any other business. You simply need to market both aspects.

First you want to market the opportunity itself. So many people are looking for help right now. If your business can provide them a way to build a financial safety net for themselves, promote that. Share the advantages of owning your own business. Tell others what your business has done for you and how it has made a difference in your life.

Of course, not everyone is meant to run their own network marketing company. But they may be potential customers for your product. So you also want to market those. I advertise our True Essentials line of nutritional products in separate marketing campaigns from my business and pick up new customers regularly. During the holidays, I do a big push for the Fortune Rewards Mall. I also market our other products on a regular basis.

As a member of the WealthTogether FHTM team, we teach you to market your business using a variety of online and offline techniques. We'll sit down with you and help you design a marketing plan fits your needs and skill level. Then we'll help you improve your marketing skills so you can take full advantage.

If your not a member of our team, then learn all you can about online and offline marketing strategies and then use them to market your business just as you would any other business. Need help? Check out my WealthTogether blog for posts on a wide variety of business topics. For more indepth assistance, check out one of my BoomerBizCoach programs. Or take the time to do the research and read the books. But do something to learn basic marketing skills and then use them to promote your business.

FHTM

2010-02-07T20:35:00.000-08:00

FHTM is a team of highly motivated and dedicated individuals working together toward a common goal: achieving success with integrity. FHTM has allowed thousands of individuals, regardless of education, experience, or current financial situation, to reach their financial goals by becoming FHTM business owners. Through support, encouragement, and guidance, our Independent Representatives work together to become the best possible advocates of our quality name brand products and services.

With our diversified list of offerings and invaluable Independent Representatives, FHTM has become a leader in the industry and achieved unmatched success. FHTM will continue breaking barriers and making headlines for years to come.

I consider FHTM to be a company of the highest caliber in all of the Network Marketing industry and have chosen FHTM as my business. The opportunity to increase your wealth and give your family financial freedom can be limitless if you are successful in building your FHTM business. Paul Orberson leads by example and encourages us with weekly calls and corporate provides us with the highest quality of training and presentation tools. But success is accomplished at the Team level, with Reps becoming Leaders and Mentors to others.

We can show you how to start a full or part-time business that will help you to generate the money you need and deserve while working from the privacy of your own home. We look forward to helping you achieve financial freedom and helping you achieve all your dreams!

Our product offerings are things you are already buying every day...now you can get paid to do the same things you're already doing...with products you use every day!

My Business Opportunity is Accredited by the BBB!

2010-01-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

That was the response I received from someone who had considered joining FHTM but chose a different program instead.

Is FHTM BBB-accredited? No. Does that mean they are not trustworthy? Absolutely not.

If a business has been accredited by the BBB, it means BBB has determined that the business meets accreditation standards which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB accredited businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public. Not all businesses apply and pay for this accreditation. It doesn't mean they aren't reputable businesses. It just means they didn't want to spend their money in this way.

BBB accreditation does not mean that the business’ products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB, or that BBB has made a determination as to the business’ product quality or competency in performing services.

Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

What Kind of Training Will I Get?

2009-12-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

It's been a difficult year for me. Illness, personal issues, crises of faith - many things have happened this year that have made me stop and rethink my goals and choices.

I am happy to say that I have made it through to the other side. Not everything has been resolved. Some things will still be a challenge. My husband's health continues to be a concern. A custody struggle for one of my grandchildren is still unresolved. These are just two of the things that drew my attention this year and will continue to do so in the future.

Fortunately, I was able to devote my full attention to these things. I'm luckier than many others who have to deal with the same sorts of issues in their lives. I'm lucky because I have learned to make money through my own businesses. So I was able to be with my husband, my daughter, my grandson, my dogs (yes - even Traveling Bob and Austin had health concerns this year!) instead of having to go to an office and try to focus on a job. I have been fortunate enough to have met some truly fabulous people who have taught me how to build a successful business - whether it be online, offline, or network marketing. The skills I have learned from them are effective across the board and have helped me to build an income source that allows me the freedom to tend to the things that are truly important.

What does this have to do with FHTM? Simple. The same skills I have learned from experts like Ken McArthur, Mike Dillard, Bob Jenkins, Felicia Slattery, and Denise Michaels are the same skills I teach to members of my team. When you join the WealthTogether FHTM downline, you learn all that I can share with you. And when I can't teach you anymore, I make sure you know how to continue learning from these great teachers. I may invite you to one of Ken McArthur's great seminars so you can meet him yourself. Or I may ask you to come over and listen to one of Bob Jenkins' teleseminars with me. Or I may email you the link to Mike Dillard's website so you can access his fabulous selection of training courses and find out how to get them for yourself.

What kind of training will you get if you join my team? The best in the business! Everything I have learned from many years of experience - plus access to some of the greatest minds in business. Take what you learn from us and use it to build your own businesses and your own team so the next time your "Bob" needs you to stay home with him, you don't have to say, "I'd love to baby, but I have to go to work."

The Products Make the Difference

2009-11-19T22:26:00.000-08:00

I frequently am asked what is the one thing about Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing that sets it apart from the many other MLM opportunities. For me, it's the products.

FHTM products are things that most people use every day. So you're not asking your customers to change their shopping habits. You're simply asking them to purchase the same things they always have but from a different source - you!

What types of products do we offer? Here's the list of our current line.

1. The Wireless Shop: Enjoy competitively priced plans from AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and Nextel! Find the perfect plan for you with new phones from manufacturers like Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, LG, Palm, Blackberry and many more. With all the best features and convenient monthly billing, you have nothing to lose by choosing The Wireless Shop. Contract extensions are also available through all carriers.

Signing up for The Wireless Shop online from FHTM offers secure online shopping, instant order activation and order status tracking capabilities. Your phone will be shipped right to your front door. Customers will receive a monthly bill directly from the carrier. Monthly bills vary in price according to a customer’s account details.

2. True Essentials: True Essentials products are high-quality nutritional supplements designed to help you maintain a healthful lifestyle by providing essential nutrients your diet may lack. It is increasingly difficult to obtain the levels of recommended nutrients from the foods we eat. True Essentials is the perfect way to make sure you receive all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.

Whether you suffer from joint pain, have low energy levels or are searching for a comprehensive multi-vitamin, True Essentials has the right supplement to fit your needs. The research and development of new products and formulas is an ongoing process. True Essentials provides unique and highly effective nutritional supplements that will make a difference in your life.

3. Dish Network: Dish Network is the fastest growing satellite company in America with more than 13 million subscribers. With the lowest all-digital prices nationwide, Dish Network is the leader in HD and ranked #1 in customer satisfaction. Enjoy more International Programming, programming options and HD channels than any other provider. Dish Network offers more than 500 channels, free HD/DVR, on-screen interactive program guides, all-digital programming and 100% US coverage. Also, receive free equipment and installation and software upgrades available via satellite.

4. Health Care Card: This medical savings program is designed to help you save on a wide array of health-related products and services. Each service gives you access to a network of participating providers that have agreed to offer services at a discounted fee. With the Health Care Card, you can receive savings on

dental, local pharmacy, mail order prescriptions, chiropractic care, vision, alternative care. 24/7 nurse hotline,
emergency helicopter rescue, medical storage, and hearing. All of these savings opportunities area available for just $24.99 per month, which includes the entire family.

5. Peter Lamas Cosmetics: Peter Lamas takes a natural, organic approach to hair, skin and beauty and offers the very best in healthful beauty products that deliver results.

Peter Lamas offers eco-friendly, natural, healthful and organic beauty products, in the areas of hair care, skin care, body care and anti-aging. Peter Lamas products are vegan (no animal testing, no animal ingredients), paraben-free, sulphate-free, and incorporate plant-based, certified organic ingredients. Lamas products are regarded among the best in the world in performance and health by consumers and leading beauty and fashion editors, frequently featured in national beauty, health and fitness magazines. The Company is committed to using innovative and eco-friendly technologies in the research and development of its products.

6. InGrid Home Security: No matter the size of your home, apartment, or office, InGrid is the perfect fit. For smaller homes and apartments, the Basic Kit will have you covered in minutes—with a console, base, handset and three sensors, you get protective redundancy and multiple communication paths to InGrid’s professional monitoring center.

7. GE Security: Whether you want protection for your home, apartment or even a small business, the GE Home Security System from Protect America will fulfill your home security needs and most importantly, fit your budget.

8. Protection for Living: DuPont™ Air & Water Filters contain performance boosting technology that help the filters do more for you. These filters lead the way in built-in filter technology. DuPont™ Air Filters contain Oguard™ an ingredient built into the filter media that helps trap a broad spectrum of household odors. Many DuPont™ Air & Water Filters are protected by Microban® antimicrobial product protection that helps to prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria and mold on the surface of the filter, helping the filter last longer. All of these technologies built into DuPont™ Air & Water Filters are examples of state-of-the-art, proprietary additives and processes which maximize the benefits of the filter.

Help improve the quality of your water and air with Protection for Living Air and Water Filtration Products.

9. EZ-NetTools: EZ-NetTools® is a smooth running online software and hosting system that gives you complete control of your website. You start with a pre-designed website and then customize it for your business. Make unlimited changes to your website anytime you want from any computer with an Internet connection.

A friendly staff of technical support representatives is readily available to help you along the way. From basic websites to e-commerce storefronts, EZ-NetTools has everything you need to succeed with the Web.

10. Travel FHTM: Travel FHTM makes booking your next vacation or get away easier than ever. Now you can book airline tickets, hotel and resort rooms and rental cars with the click of your mouse. Browse the travel portal for package and destination ideas, discounts and price comparisons. Everything you need to plan the perfect vacation is all in one place. With more than 60 airlines, 55,000 hotels and resorts and 28 rental car companies you can find the perfect match for your travel needs.

Even if you don’t know what your perfect vacation is, Travel FHTM will help you find it. With the travel portal, powered by the Travelocity Partner Network, you can find vacation destination ideas, package deals, activity suggestions, popular vacation cities and discounted last minute trips. It is easier than ever to plan the perfect vacation.

11. Identashield: Protect yourself with the best insurance and legal plans possible, to aid in the redemption of your identity if you become a victim of identity fraud. If your identity is stolen, you may be responsible for the thousands of dollars it takes to restore your credit. Let Identashield and FHTM help arm you with the right tools to restore your identity.

FHTM and Identashield will be there to help you after an identity theft. Make sure you have the means and resources to protect yourself. Approximately 10 million Americans have already fallen victim to Identity theft and fraud crimes- don't become the next victim.

12. FHTM Rewards Mall: Shop at over 1000 of your favorite stores online, earn points and save money. Up to 30% in rebates and 60% in discounts. It's free, it's fast, it's fun!

13. Magazines.com: Fortune has partnered with Magazines.com to offer our customers another nationwide product. Magazines.com is directly authorized by over 1300 magazine publishers to offer the lowest subscription prices available online.

14. Roadside Auto Club: The Roadside Auto Club offers fast, reliable, emergency Roadside Assistance for many of your travel needs. Roadside Auto Club offers progressive levels of emergency roadside service and other discount benefits, designed to fit your budget and help you when you really need it. Roadside Auto Club dispatchers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the United States and Canada.

15. Amusement Pack: The Amusement Pack Entertainment Club is a leisure and amusement benefits & discount program providing members with unlimited use savings of up to 50% off at over 87,000 locations throughout the US, including golf resorts, attractions, theme parks, event tickets, personal fitness clubs, movie theaters, sporting events, live theater admissions, winter lift tickets, and more. In addition, members can eat for free at over 11,000 restaurant locations throughout the US by using the free restaurant gift certificates included in the program every month, and fly for free using our attractive companion airline tickets.

16. FABS Cyberfitness: FABS™ (Fitness and Aerobics Broadband Services) provides group fitness and personal training programs directly to you at your convenience, in the privacy of your own home via Internet streaming videos. Never purchase another gym membership you will never use. No more home-gym equipment to collect laundry. You will never even have to watch the same video twice!

In addition to your online exercise programs, as part of your start up fee, you’ll receive a complete fitness and nutritional analysis. Once you complete your online analysis, FABS™ will help you start your journey to fitness with a personally designed program for your specific needs and goals.

17. Choice Plans Rx: The Choice Plans Rx 4 Tier Drug program is an information and service program that provides enhanced pharmacy services, offers better control and lower prescription costs to members. The 4 different tiers allow you to choose the exact plan which will offer you the largest savings on your prescription drug expenses. With over 50,000 participating pharmacies, you can save money on your prescriptions no matter where you are. Plans start at $25.99 per month for individuals, and $34.99 per month for families.

18. VoiceConnect: If you need residential VoIP telephone lines, we’ve got your answers. We pride ourselves in keeping you at the forefront of technology including providing VoIP service, Video VoIP telephones, and VoIP adaptors to meet any of your needs. High monthly bills and long distance charges are a thing of the past! We provide our own hosted and maintained state of the art service. Come straight to the source and let us find best solutions for you!

19. Digital Landing: You deserve to get the most out of your high speed Internet service. Download music, share pictures, and surf online faster, without waiting for slow dial-up service to load. Talk to friends and family while online.

But with so many popular services and choices available from so many companies, it's best to compare all your options before you buy. Fortunately, Digital Landing is here to help, making it fast and easy to find the right high-speed Internet service for your home. All you need to comparison shop is an email address and a phone number or home address. In just seconds, you'll have a number of competitive offers to choose from.

There you have it. The number one reason I am so in love with this company. Stop by and see for yourself. Whether you are just interested in becoming a customer of one of these fabulous products, or whether you would like to be in business for yourself, I'll be happy to help you get started.

How do I know this is the company for me?

2009-11-12T22:21:00.000-08:00

Another great question today from another prospect. There are so many network marketing companies available to work with, how do you know which one to choose?

Like any other business, which MLM company to work with is strictly a matter of personal preference. I would suggest you start by researching the companies you are most interested in. Compare the compensation plans, initial investment required, product base, and try to get the overall "feel" of the company. Then pick the one that fits best with your interests, values, and goals. I chose FHTM because I can support the products and market them proudly, the comp plan is one of the best in the industry, and the company - or at least my team - is made up of good, Christian, trustworthy and helpful people.

I have written many posts in this blog about the products and the start up costs. The comp plan is readily available to anyone who wants to see it and so I'm not going to post it here. But I will talk a bit about the overall character of Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing.

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing began business in 2001. Eight years later the company is still debt free, stock holder free, shareholder free and excceds 500 million in annual revenue. Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing does business in all 50 states, Canada, England and Puerto Rico.

In the first year of business, FHTM did $16 million in business and was said to be the fastest growing company in America by Forbes Business Magazine. By 2005, Fortune had revenues exceeding $125 million and already created more 100k per month earners faster than any company in the history of relationship marketing. Fortune Hi-Tech pays 98% of their revenues to all of their reps in the business.

Fortune Hi Tech Marketing has merged the network marketing industry and corporate America into one. This merger is allowing average people to capitalize on the billion dollar infrastructures of cell phones, high-speed internet, home phones, TV, auto club, nutrition, beauty care, travel and more with name brand companies like Verizon, DishTV, Travelocity, GTE, AT&T, and many others.

Paul Orberson and his staff are dedicated to the success of the representatives. Their desire is to help people achieve their financial goals and dreams.

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing is a great vehicle by which one can accomplish great things for their family and others. They're a solid company with a sound compensation plan and have established themselves for long-term success.

Many people hear MLM and think "pyramid", "that's illegal", or "I'm not doing one of those". However the MLM industry has changed and is quickly becoming a great way for the average individual to be in business for themselves and create a lasting financial asset.

No matter which MLM vehicle you choose, you will be most successful if you have a positive attitude, take advantage of the collective knowledge of your upline leaders, take all the training you can find, learn to use the internet to promote yourself and your business, and devote true time and effort to your business.

Travel FHTM

2009-10-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

One of the things that sets Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing apart from so many other network marketing opportunities is the wide range of products and services we offer. As a FHTM business partner, you can be part of the lucrative travel industry through our partnership with Travelocity.

Travel FHTM makes booking your next vacation or get away easier than ever. Now you can book airline tickets, hotel and resort rooms and rental cars with the click of your mouse. Browse the travel portal for package and destination ideas, discounts and price comparisons. Everything you need to plan the perfect vacation is all in one place. With more than 60 airlines, 55,000 hotels and resorts and 28 rental car companies you can find the perfect match for your travel needs.

Even if you don’t know what your perfect vacation is, Travel FHTM will help you find it. With the travel portal, powered by the Travelocity Partner Network, you can find vacation destination ideas, package deals, activity suggestions, popular vacation cities and discounted last minute trips. It is easier than ever to plan the perfect vacation.

The travel market is one of the fastest growing world markets.

$7 Trillion Dollar Industry!
12.9% of ALL Customer Spending Worldwide
842 Million Trips booked Worldwide
79 Million Trips booked Online!
2.6 Million US Hotels are Sold EVERYDAY
43 Million Airline Reservations booked
21 Million Rental Cars booked
29 Million Theme / Travel Packages booked
5.7 Million Cruises booked

Get Your Own TRAVELFHTM.COM Web site and get access to:

Worldwide Travel
60 + Airlines
55,000 + Hotels and Resorts
28+ Rental Car Companies
Customer Trips and Packages
Last Minute Travel Deals
1,400 Theme Parks at 150 + Destinations

Click here to become an FHTM rep and become part of the money-making travel industry!

Money Back Guarantee?

2009-09-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

When I became serious about network marketing, one of the first things I did was take some training - specifically Mike Dillard's Magnetic Sponsoring Course. Part of the course deals with answering objections. One of the objections I thought I'd never have to worry about - until today. Someone asked me today if I would guarantee that they would make money! Mike mentioned that as a possibility but I didn't really believe it. How can I guarantee that you will make money? That's like opening a restaurant and asking the chef for a guarantee that people will like the food. Or opening a retail shop and asking your vendors to guarantee that you'll have customers to buy their merchandise. How silly would that be?

I do want to say thanks to Mike, though. Because as soon as I recovered from my initial disbelief that someone would ask such a thing, I remembered exactly what to say - NOPE!

I can't guarantee you will make a dime. I don't know your work habits. I have no idea how persistent you are. Are you serious about building a business or are you looking for a get-rich-quick scam? Are you trainable? Will you take suggestions from me and the rest of the team? Will you quit the first time you get a rejection? Do you understand that network marketing is a great way to start a business or are afraid of being laughed at? Will you promise not to hound your friends and family and then quit when they tell you no? Will you let us teach you how to generate real leads for your business and not settle for the first warm body through the door?

I can't answer any of those questions. Only you can. So only you can guarantee that you will make any money. But I can guarantee you something. If you keep doing what you have been doing - what you know isn't working - then next year, 5 years from now, 10 years from now, you'll be exactly where you are today. How's THAT for a guarantee?!

If you think you are ready to make a change in your life, check it out! Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing is a great network marketing opportunity. Not sure? Go to WealthTogether! and learn more.

Building a Team

2009-09-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

One of the key ingredients to a successful network marketing business is a good team. While it is possible to make money just by selling the products produced by your company, the fastest way to success is to build a team of like-minded business partners. Since you receive a percentage of everything they sell as well as the profit from your own sales, you can see how this quickly adds up. My team consists of almost 500 business partners which makes a huge difference in my income each month!

If you've been in network marketing before or are currently involved with a company, then you know that most organizations encourage you to recruit what they call your "warm market" first. That's your family and friends. While I'm not saying that friends and family can't make good recruits, I encourage my team members to look at other methods. Friends and family can be a tough sell. They know you and they may want to wait and see how successful you are before they climb on board. Or, if you have been like me, and tried several different opportunities in the past before finding the right one, they may think this is just another of your latest "schemes" and that, as usual, you will drop out as soon as it gets tough.

If you don't pursue friends and family, how do you find prospects. That's easy. Start treating your business like a business. What do other businesses do to attract customers? Advertise and market. Start advertising and marketing your network marketing business and you will attract qualified and interested prospects - without hounding everyone you know personally.

The first thing you need to do to start marketing is to have a website. Yes, most companies have websites they provide. Some of them are actually pretty good. The problem is it's the same website all 100,000 reps in your company are using. You need something different that will set you apart from the rest of the crowd. It can be as simple as a blog like this one. Or it can be a simple website like the one I have at http://wealthtogether.web.officelive.com/. It doesn't have to be fancy. You just need a place to put your presentation online, provide a way for prospects to contact you, capture the contact information of those who may want additional information, and follow up with them. Having your presentation online makes it available for viewing anytime someone wants, 24/7. It means you can have unlimited viewing instead of being constrained by now many people can fit into your living room for a DVD presentation. It allows people to contact you anytime, night or day, whether you are immediately available or not. And if you have an autoresponder, it follows up with your prospects automatically.

Next, you need to know all there is to know about your business. People want to do business with leaders. Experts attract others wanting information. If you can't answer their questions, they may not come back a second time. If you have to go to your sponsor everytime I ask a question, why don't I just save time and go to your sponsor myself? Know how the comp plan works, what the products are, how promotions to the next level are earned, and everything else that may be of interest to prospective team members.

Learn how to market your business effectively and teach this to your team members. Skip the weekly "Rah-Rah" meetings unless you really enjoy them and learn how to master online marketing and prospecting. Use conference calls and teleseminars to teach these skills to others on your team. Word will quickly spread tha your team is the one to join because you know how to attract and train great people. Once you master these skills and then teach your team to duplicate them, you'll be amazed at how quickly your downline grows.

Once you master these skills, your business will be easeir, more fun, and will duplicate faster and better than any team that's dependent on the old methods! If your interested in joining a team that teaches these skills, go to http://wealthtogether.web.officelive.com/ or www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether.

How Much Will I Make?

2009-08-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest...I don't have a clue! How hard are you willing to work? How much time are you willing to devote to building your business? Are you going to follow the advice of your trainers and upline? Are you going to stick with it when it seems like no one is interested in your products, services or business opportunity?

I love it when prospective business partners ask me this question. I want to pull out my magic crystal ball and give them an answer. But honesty is really best in this situation - for two reasons. First, they don't expect it and so it gives me an opportunity to show them that I really am legit and I am not going to make promises that neither of us may be able to keep. Second, it shows them that the income they earn is largely dependent on what they do...or don't do!

I have team members who are millionaires. I have team members who are making $60K or more a year. I have team members who are only making an extra $1000 or so a month. And I have team members who haven't made a dime.

I now have over 400 people on my team. Most of them are at least moderately successful. Some of them are not. And I'll admit - some of the successful ones took me by surprise. And a couple that I really expected would do well are getting ready to quit. What made the difference? Effort. Listening to me and other upline leaders. Persistence. Faith.

How much will you make? I don't know. You could change your life. Or you could continue as you have all these years. All I do know is if you don't do it now, when will you?

Ready to find out how much you could make?

http://www.wealthtogether.web.officelive.com/
http://fhtmus.com/wealthtogether

Read this...PLEASE...and live!

2009-08-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

I received this from a friend and wanted to pass it on to you, as it is exactly what Paul Orberson, founder of Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, has been trying to pound into our heads. (A sample of the information that saved his life and helped him beat cancer.) This is by the author of the book "The pH Miracle," which Paul recommends, along with "Alkalize or Die" by Dr. Theodore A Baroody. I have both, but like the second book best because it includes food charts that assign numerical values to the different foods according to what they do to your pH balance.

Please, please "alkalize!" It takes some effort, but isn't your family worth it? You know they want to have you around for years to come! If you don't alkalize, you are a walking time bomb for cancer, as well as other "diseases!" I can tell you where to order pH test strips if you need them. (Be sure you test urine, and not saliva, which is unreliable!). I'm sure you are probably aware that "Mineral pH", one of our True Essentials products, was formulated at Paul's request specifically to help us alkalize ourselves. But it can't do it all by itself if you don't also watch what you eat! That is why it is so important for you to test your pH! There's nothing like seeing the reading "Dangerous Range. Seek the assistance of a licensed professional" to wake you up!

One word of warning: You can actually get a false "alkaline" reading if you are HIGHLY acidic! That is because your body is pumping all the minerals out of your bones, and your liver and other organs are working overtime pumping out whatever it is that they pump out to battle the acidity. All those substances that your body is pumping out are what cause the false alkaline reading. SO . . . if you indulge in meat, dairy products, sugar, bread, pasta, and/or carbonated beverages, and still get a very good, "alkaline" reading, I wouldn't trust it! You need to eat 80% fresh vegetables and fruits, and only 20% of all those other things combined! (And what American does that??)

Read this, and help Paul spread the word!
Melodieann

----- Original Message -----
Subject: a different "slant" on what disease really is! Please read

The following is something I have come to believe after many years of "study and experience". IT MAKES SENSE if you really think about it! I do hope you will read it for your self and analyze what Dr. Young is saying. This area of physical life is intriguing to say the least! I also agree with what Sandy writes below! Sincerely, Carolyn Hook

I hope you will take time to read this article even though it is lengthy. It is by Robert O. Young, Ph.D. He is a nationally renowned microbiologist and nutritionist who speaks to audiences around the world on health and wellness. The content is actually what we have been teaching for years and very much believe in what he is saying. Becoming better informed allows all of us to have a better quality of life. I am so thankful that someone informed me about the Sunrider foods and all of the other high quality products. When Dr. Young speaks about eating good food or drinking good water (alkaline in nature), we already have that in Sunrider. Our other food choices are very important, also. At least that is what I have learned, experienced, and shared over the past 17 years in Sunrider. Sandy Besemann

There is no Disease by Robert O. Young
Disease names like diabetes and osteoporosis are misleading and misinform patients about disease prevention. There is a curious tendency in conventional medicine to name a set of symptoms a disease. I was recently at a compounding pharmacy having my bone mineral density measured to update my health stats. I spotted a poster touting a new drug for osteoporosis. It was written by a drug company, and it said exactly this: 'Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak and fragile bones.' Then, the poster went on to say that you need a particular drug to counteract this 'disease.' Yet the language is all backwards. Osteoporosis isn't a disease that causes weak bones, osteoporosis is the name given to a diagnosis of weak bones. In other words, the weak bones are the result of excess acidity, and then the diagnosis of osteoporosis followed. The drug poster makes it sound like osteoporosis strikes first, and then you get weak bones. The cause and effect is all backwards. And that's how drug companies want people to think about diseases and symptoms: first you 'get' the disease, and then you are 'diagnosed' just in time to take a new drug for the rest of your life. But it's all hogwash. There is no such disease as osteoporosis. It's just a made-up name given to a pattern of symptoms.
As another example, when a person follows an unhealthy lifestyle that results in a symptom such as high blood pressure, that symptom is actually being assumed to be a disease all by itself and it will be given a disease name. What disease? The disease is, of course, 'high blood pressure.' Doctors throw this phrase around as if it were an actual disease and not merely descriptive of patient physiology. This may all seem silly, right? But, there's actually a very important point to all this. When we look at symptoms and give them disease names, we automatically distort the selection of available treatments for such a disease. If the disease is, by itself, high cholesterol, then the cure for the disease must be nothing other than lowering the high cholesterol. And that's how we end up with all these pharmaceuticals treating high cholesterol in order to 'prevent' this disease and lower the levels of LDL cholesterol in the human patient. By lowering only the cholesterol, the doctor can rest assured that he is, in fact, treating this 'disease,' since the definition of this 'disease' is high cholesterol and nothing else. But there is a fatal flaw in this approach to disease treatment: the symptom is not the cause of the disease. There is another cause, and , this deeper cause is routinely ignored by conventional medicine, doctors, drug companies, and even patients. Let's take a closer look at high blood pressure. What actually causes high blood pressure? Many doctors would say high blood pressure is caused by a specific, measurable interaction between circulating chemicals in the human body. Thus, the ill-behaved chemical compounds are the cause of the high blood pressure, and therefore the solution is to regulate these chemicals. That's exactly what pharmaceuticals do -- they attempt to manipulate the chemicals in the body to adjust the symptoms of high blood pressure. Thus, they only treat the symptoms, not the root cause.

Or take a look at high cholesterol. The conventional medicine approach says that high cholesterol is caused by a chemical imbalance in the liver, which is the organ that produces cholesterol. Thus the treatment for high cholesterol is a prescription drug that inhibits the liver's production of cholesterol (statin drugs). Upon taking these drugs, the high cholesterol (the 'disease') is regulated, but what was causing the liver to overproduce cholesterol in the first place? That causative factor remains ignored. The root cause of high cholesterol, as it turns out, is primarily an over acidic diet. A person who eats foods that are acidic will inevitably cause the body to go into preservation mode and produce more cholesterol to neutralize the excess acid, thus showing the symptoms of this so-called disease of high cholesterol. It’s simple cause and effect. Eat the wrong foods, and you'll produce too much acid, which will cause the body to release cholesterol from the liver to bind up that acid which can be detected and diagnosed by conventional medical procedures. You see it is not the cholesterol that is bad. It is the acid producing food we eat that is bad. Reduce the acid producing foods like beef, chicken, pork, dairy, coffee, tea, soda pops, etc and you will reduce the protective cholesterol that is saving your life from excess acid foods. Yet the root cause of all this is actually poor food choice, not some bizarre behavior by the liver. If the disease were to be accurately named, then it would be called Acidic Food Choice Disease, or simply AFCD. AFCD would be a far more accurate name that would make sense to people. If it's an acidic food choice disease, then it seems that the obvious solution to the disease would be to choose foods that aren't so acidic. Of course, that may be a bit of simplification since you have to distinguish between healthy alkaline foods and unhealthy acidic foods. But at least the name AFCD gives patients a better idea of what's actually going on rather than naming the disease after a symptom, such as high cholesterol. You see, the symptom is not the disease, but conventional medicine insists on calling the symptom the disease because that way it can treat the symptom and claim success without actually addressing the underlying cause, which remains a mystery to modern medicine.

But, let's move on to some other diseases so you get a clearer picture of how this actually works. Another disease that's caused by poor acidic food choice is diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the natural physiological and metabolic result of a person consuming refined carbohydrates and added sugars in large quantities, undigested proteins from beef, chicken, and pork without engaging in regular physical exercise that would compensate for such dietary practices. The name 'diabetes' is meaningless to the average person. The disease should be called Excessive Acid Disease, or EAD. If it were called Excessive Acid Disease, the solution to it would be rather apparent; simply eat less sugar, eliminate all animal proteins, eggs, dairy, drink fewer soft drinks and so on. But of course that would be far too simple for the medical community, so the disease must be given a complex name such as diabetes that puts its solution out of reach of the average patient.

Another disease that is named after its symptom is cancer. In fact, to this day, most doctors and many patients still believe that cancer is a physical thing: a tumor. In reality, a tumor is the solution of cancer, not its cause. A tumor is simply a physical manifestation of bound up acidic cells so they do not spoil other healthy cells. The tumor is the solution to cells damaged by acids not the problem. The truth is cancer is not a cell but an acidic liquid. When a person 'has cancer,' what they really have is a latent tissue acidosis. They are absorbing their own acidic urine. It that would be a far better name for the disease: Latent Tissue Acidosis or LTA. If cancer were actually called Latent Tissue Acidosis, it would seem ridiculous to try to cure cancer by cutting out tumors through surgery and by destroying the immune system with chemotherapy. And yet these are precisely the most popular treatments for cancer offered by conventional medicine. These treatments do absolutely nothing to support the patient's immune system and prevent the build up of acids in the tissues. That's exactly why most people who undergo chemotherapy or the removal of tumors through surgical procedures end up with yet more cancer a few months or a few years later. It's also another reason why survival rates of cancer have barely budged over the last twenty years. (In other words, conventional medicine's treatments for cancer simply don't work.) The main reason is current medical science wrongly perceives cancer as a cell when in reality cancer is an acidic liquid, like lactic acid. This whole situation stems from the fact that the disease is misnamed. It isn't cancer, it isn't a tumor and it certainly isn't a disease caused by having too strong of an immune system that needs to be destroyed through chemotherapy. It is simply latent tissue acidosis. And if it were called latent tissue acidosis disease or urine in the tissues, the effective treatment for cancer would be apparent.
There are many other diseases that are given misleading names by western medicine. But if you look around the world and take a look at how diseases are named elsewhere, you will find many countries have disease names that actually make sense. For example, in Chinese medicine, Alzheimer's disease is given a name that means, when translated, 'feeble mind disease.' In Chinese medicine, the name of the disease more accurately describes the actual cause of the disease which is caused by acids or urine on the brain, whereas in western medicine, the name of the disease seems to be intended to obscure the root cause of the disease, thereby making all diseases sound far more complex and mysterious than they really are. This is one way in which doctors and practitioners of western medicine keep medical treatments out of the reach of the average citizen. Because they sure don't want people thinking for themselves about the causes of disease! By creating a whole new vocabulary for medical conditions, they can speak their own secret language and make sure that people who aren't schooled in medicine don't understand what they're saying. That's a shame, because the treatments and cures for virtually all chronic diseases are actually quite simple and can be described in plain language, such as making different alkaline food choices, getting more natural sunlight, drinking more alkaline water, engaging in regular physical exercise, avoiding specific acidic foods, supplementing your diet with green foods and green drinks and alkalizing nutritional supplements and so on.
Western medicine prefers to describe diseases in terms of chemistry. When you're depressed, you aren't suffering from a lack of natural sunlight; you are suffering from a 'brain chemistry imbalance' that can only be regulated, they claim, by ingesting toxic chemicals to alter your brain chemistry. When your bones are brittle, it's not acidic brittle bones disease; it's called osteoporosis, something that sounds very technical and complicated. And to treat it, western doctors and physicians will give you prescriptions for expensive drugs that somehow claim to make your bones less brittle. But in fact, the real treatment for this can be described in plain language once again: regular physical exercise, vitamin D supplementation, mineral supplements that include calcium and strontium, natural sunlight, and avoidance of acidic foods such as soft drinks, white flour and added sugars. In fact, virtually every disease that's prominent in modern society -- diabetes, cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, clinical depression, irritable bowel syndrome and so on -- can be easily described in plain language without using complex terms at all. These diseases are simply misnamed... As a result, ...it furthers the language of separation. Separation never results in healing. In order to effect healing, we must bring together the language of healers and patients using plain language that real people understand and that real people can act upon. We need to start describing diseases in terms of their root causes, not in terms of their arcane, biochemical actions. When someone suffers from seasonal affective disorder or clinical depression, for example, let's call it what it is: Sunlight Deficiency Disorder. To treat it, the person simply needs to get more sunlight. This isn't rocket science, it's not complex, and it doesn't require a prescription. If someone is suffering from osteoporosis, let's get realistic about the words we use to describe the condition: it's really Acidic Bones Disease. And it should be treated with things that will enhance bone density, such as nutrition, physical exercise and avoidance of acidic foods and drinks that strip away bone mass from the human body to neutralize the excess acids in the blood and tissues.
All of this information, of course, may be rather shocking to old-school doctors and practitioners of western medicine, and many don't like the idea of naming diseases in plain language that patients can actually comprehend. It may be that if the simple truths about diseases and their causes were known, health would be more readily available to everyday people, and that would lessen the importance of physicians and medical researchers. Although not all physicians are ego driven, there's a great deal of ego invested in the medical community, and they probably don't want to make sound health attainable to the average person without their expert advice. Doctors who want to serve as the translators of 'truth', will balk at any attempts to educate the public to either practice medicine on their own.

In reality, health is attainable by every single person. Health is easy, it is straightforward, it is direct and, for the most part, it is readily available. Don't believe the names of diseases given to you. Those names are designed to be obscure, not to inform. They are designed to separate you from self-healing, not to put you in touch with your own inner healer

The $299 Business Opportunity

2009-08-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

I asked some friends of mine who are all business owners what it cost them to start their ventures. Are you ready?

The Business Broker: $16,000
The Event Planner: $7,000
The Day Care Center Owner: $33,000
The Computer Expert: $550
The Caterer: $1,100
The Pizzeria Owner: $65,000
The Personal Trainer: $2,700
The Organizer: $25,000
The Personal Shopper: $2,500
The Landscaper: $5,000
The Housekeeper: $500

Most of these women started their businesses a few years ago, so with the economy the way it is right now, I'm sure the costs would be higher.

What if I told you there was a business opportunity that only required a $299 investment? And for that $299 you received everything you needed to be successful - the products, training, a great support network. Sounds a little bit too good to be true, doesn't it? Now, what if I told you that you didn't have to worry about invoicing your customers or collecting payment. You don't have to worry about stocking and delivering products. You don't have to purchase a pricey sales kit or buy "X" number of products yourself. And what if I told you that the products were all nationally known, name brand products and services that most people are already using anyway? From companies like AT&T, Verizon, DishTV, GTE, Travelocity, True Essentials, and Peter Lamas Cosmetics? Is it possible that such a company exists?

Well it does. It's called Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. And yes, it's network marketing. Why network marketing? What other business can you invest only $299 in and have everything you need to be up and running right from the start?

It's tough out there right now. Although the news media keep saying that the recession is ending and the economy is getting better, frankly, we're not seeing it here. I know people who are still out of work and can't find a job. I see people who are still struggling just to pay bills and feed their family. I talk to people everyday who want something better and wish they had my luck. It's not luck. It's work, it's a business, it's a $299 investment that changed my life.

Would you like to start your own $299 business? Join my team! http://www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether (and yes, it's the company website? Why reinvent the wheel?)

School's in! Time to look back

2009-08-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

I took this entire summer off and we still earned more than we used to make going to work every day. Would you like to duplicate our results? I assure you that it is easier than you think to accomplish this goal!

More on this in a minute. I first want to share with you why I am choosing to blog about this today. There are several reasons.

I am sure you are aware that is now the beginning of August. Summer is just about over and we will soon be looking towards the end of 2009. I will be going out shortly to take Carter and Morgan shopping for new school clothes. Morgan is VERY excited to be starting preschool this year at the same school her big brother attends.

Several years ago I learned the power of reflection from the incredible Mr. Jim Rohn. Jim teaches you should set aside some time to reflect - at the end of each day, each week, each month, and finally at the end of the year. After all, if you don't monitor your results how can you ever know if you are on track to claim your dreams? The truth is you can't. And so, I set aside some time each evening, just before bed, to look back on my day or my week or my month and take stock of where I am and where I want to be. Since I have adopted this philosophy the results in every area of my life have been amazing.

As I write this, it is almost 3:00pm CST here in Arkansas. And while it's not the end of the day or even the week or the month, the grandkids and our upcoming shopping trip for school made me realize that summer is almost over and fall will soon be upon us. Before you know it, we will be planning Halloween costumes, whose house to spend Thanksgiving at, and what to get the grandkids for Christmas. It made me start looking back on my year so far and getting extremely excited for what's ahead.

How has 2009 been for you so far? Are you on track to achieve your goals? Are you one step closer to achieving your BIG dreams? I truly hope you are. However, the sad but true fact is that most people are not making progress in their life. They are either exactly were they were last year or even worse they are quickly moving backwards.

If what I described sounds familiar to you... intimately familiar (if you know what I mean) I have GREAT news for you. You can decide today to make 2009 the best year you have ever lived. It's not too late!

Every year I strive to improve on last years results. As 2009 rapidly winds down I am extremely proud to say that we are finishing up our best year EVER financially. Here is the key. Every year in late December I make the decision to make the following year even better. I may not always know exactly how I am going to do this at that point. But I set the goal and that's the first step. The how-to's always come to me along the way.

Now, I don't tell you this to brag or impress you. I simply tell you this to demonstrate that you too can create amazing results, in every area of your life, if you are just willing to take consistent, persistent and massive action! I learned that from the fabulous Barefoot Exec - the key to success is massive action to completion!

I also want to let you know that my success did not come over night. At one point right after I left the military, I was earning a whopping $500 a month! Try living on that! Now, we can thankfully look back and laugh at it.

Even back then when we were extremely broke financially our spirits were NEVER broken. This may be hard to believe but we were still very happy. I grew up poor (and I do mean poor!) so I knew all about making every nickel work. We may not have had the big cars and the fancy clothes or the house we live in now, but I learned from my childhood that none of that really mattered. We had our family and working together to meet life's challenges each day just brought us closer together. We knew our financial predicament was just a temporary inconvenience and we would be in better shape soon enough.

It was never a matter of if we were going to be successful it was just a matter of when! I used to tell my children "we could only go up from here." That was really the only direction we could go at that point.

Since then, we have experienced success beyond anything we ever dreamed. We still don't have the big cars or the fancy clothes - because they aren't important. But we have a house with room for all the kids and grandkids, and land for them to run and play, and have dogs or whatever sort of pet they want. The youngest wants a goat. I don't know anything about raising goats but I expect I'll be learning soon enough! We have the luxury of sending them to a good Christian school where we know they are not only getting a firm academic foundation but a MORAL one as well. We travel when we choose and spend time with each of our 7 grandchildren as often as they want - which is not as often as we want!

Although we have been fortunate enough to experience incredible results, especially these last few years, we didn't do it alone. I had many mentors who guided me along the way. One of the BIGGEST keys to our success is the fact that we have always been and continue to remain willing to listen to the advice of those who have gone before. Why reinvent the wheel?

As you read this you are probably asking yourself what in the heck does this have to do with me. Here is what it has to do with you...

Dearl and I, as well as the incredible business partners and leaders we personally work with want to mentor you to MASSIVE SUCCESS in 2009 only if you fit the following criteria:

#1 You are the type of person who is willing to listen to the advice of those who are already where you want to be.

Most people fail in life because of two reasons - they are continually trying the "next big thing" and they don't listen to the advice of others. There is no need for that. We already have proven methods to teach you that are working tremendously well right now!

#2 You have a burning desire to make 2009 the absolute BEST year of your entire life. And in every single area of your life, not just financially. Balance is KEY to massive success and TRUE wealth. I repeat - it's not too late! You can still have a year that is filled with success!

There is much more to life than just being successful in business. If you are ever going to be TRULY wealthy you must have abundance and wealth in every area of your life. I know plenty of people who are well off financially but they absolutely hate their lives.

I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the two above ingredients are all that you require to make tremendous transformations in your life.

Now, once you have these ingredients, the last piece of the puzzle is a vehicle to get you to your goals and dreams quickly. I have been working from home for almost 5 full years. I am involved with an opportunity that I feel gives average people, like you and me, the GREATEST shot at massive success from home. In a moment I am going to provide you with a link to review this opportunity 24/7. But you don't even have to be part of my team achieve success.

Let me first tell you what this opportunity has done for us.

In this past month I have earned more than most people make. (We do this every single month. Believe it or not this is not the amazing part.)

Here is the best part... I took nearly the entire summer off and still achieved these incredible results. In early April my newest grandson was born. I took time off to help my daughter with her two other children while she accustomed herself to having one more little one in the house. We also spent nearly three weeks Corpus Christi visiting our other daughter and our new granddaughter. We were only back home in Arkansas for a few weeks and then left for Jacksonville for the birth of yet one more grandchild. Those were all happy occasions and I know some of you are thinking that those trips weren't necessary. You don't travel that much and you don't pay for private school. You make enough to pay your bills and still be comfortable. But shortly after we returned home, Dearl had a heart attack. I took time off to be with him while he recovered. How many of you have had a major illness with a spouse or child and wished that you could be there but instead you had to go to work every day? Our business still rolled on bringing in the cash for us.

Much more important than our own results are the results of the people we work with. There our countless people on our team generating amazing results for themselves and their family as well. This is where my true passion is. I get the most excitement from assisting others to create tremendous results in their own lives!

If you know you have what it takes to be MASSIVELY successful in 2009 you owe it to yourself to take a VERY serious look at what I am doing.

If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired visit www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether
RIGHT NOW and review all of the information. (Yes, this is the canned company site! I want you to see you don't even have to know how to build a website! I didn't when I started!)

If this opportunity isn't for you, then please - find something. There are so many good business opportunities out there. Once you find your vehicle to the top, stop by this blog and take advantage of the coaching we provide here. Tune in to my teleseminars and listen to my amazing guests as they share their knowledge and experience. Some require a fee but many are absolutely free! Visit the sites of the many mentors I list and learn from them as I have.

Dearl and I look forward to working with you very soon! One of our main goals for 2009 was to assist as many people as possible to turn their annual income into their monthly income. I am VERY proud to say we assisted many, many people to achieve this goal. In 2010 we are looking to dramatically increase the # of people we assist to do this.

The only question right now is will you be one of the people who achieves this goal in 2009 or one of the people who lets opportunity pass them by?

Here's the website again: www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether.

And now I'm off to do some school shopping with two of my biggest reasons for doing what I do!

Is This One of Those Pyramid Things?

2009-07-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

One of the first questions I inevitably get when presenting Fortune is "Is this a pyramid scheme? Aren't those illegal?" So let me state once and for all - NETWORK MARKETING IS NOT A PYRAMID SCHEME. Pyramids do exist and sometimes it's hard to tell a legitimate business from a scam. What makes them different?

1. A legitimate network marketing business will have a genuine product or service. This product or service will have value of its own and be priced accordingly. In a pyramid, there is usually no real product or service. If it does, they are often priced well above fair market value. Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing products and services include: cell phones and cell phone service from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Nextel and others; DishTV, Peter Lamas Cosmetics, Travelocity, GTE Home Security systems, True Essentials nutritional products, Life Essentials weight loss products, Fabs Cyberfitness, and many more.

2. A legitimate network marketing business will disclose any information about the company to anyone interested in knowing more. Pyramids offer little to no information offered about the company unless an investor purchases the products and becomes a participant. Fortune H-Tech Marketing has been featured on several news programs and magazines. Anyone is free to visit the website and learn all they want about the company before joining.

3. Network marketing businesses encourage the sale of the products or services offered by the company. Commission is paid on these sales to reps involved in the business. Pyramids promote an income stream that chiefly depends on the commissions earned by enrolling new members or the purchase by members of products for their own use rather than sales to customers who are not participants in the scheme. In FHTM, there are several ways to earn money. We do receive bonuses for enrolling new members and we do receive commissions for the products and services we use ourselves (I get commission from my Verizon cell phone!). We also are encouraged to encourage others to become customers by purchasing our products and services. We receive commission from those as well. I currently have over 300 customers.

4. In a network marketing company, the money to pay commissions comes from the sale of products or services. In a pyramid, the money to pay commissions comes primarily from the participants. There is a $299 fee to join FHTM. There is a cost to become involved in any legitimate business. This cost does not even begin to cover the commissions and bonuses I receive from my downline and customers. Our profit comes from the sales of our products and services. FHTM is AT&T's best customer. Last year, we sold more cell phones than the AT&T stores. We aren't #1 with DishTV. We had to settle for being #2. And because of this, each of these companies, along with all the others we represent, happily pay us commission instead of paying for advertising elsewhere. That's where our money comes from.

5. In a network marketing company, you can earn a decent living. In a pyramid, 90% of the participants never recoup their initial investment. Dearl and I paid $299 for our entry into the business. I pay for my cell phone (which I would pay anyway), a website, some vitamins and other nutritional products (which I would only buy somewhere else if I didn't buy them here), some cosmetics (ditto for the cosmetics), a virtual office which provides me with an 800 number (which I was going to get anyway) and a Travelocity website. Now I probably wouldn't have purchased a Travelocity site except for this business. But I travel a lot and so do my friends and family. So booking this travel through my own Travelocity site and then receiving a commission for it sure made sense to me. We made our $299 back within our first 2 weeks. We have made much more than that since then. I can't guarantee you won't lose your money in Fortune. If you sign up and then don't enroll anyone in your downline or don't get some customers, you surely will. But if you invest in a McDonalds franchise and then don't promote your business, you'll lose money there too.In a pyramid scheme, those at the bottom can never advance higher or make more than those at the top. In network marketing, this is not the case. I am a Regional Sales Manager with FHTM. Since joining the company I recruited several team members who have now promoted to the level above me - Executive Sales Manager - and make far more than I do.

Pyramid schemes do exist. They get more sophisticated and harder to spot all the time. And everyone wants to be sure they're not getting caught up in some sort of scam. But there are many good, solid, legitimate network marketing companies also. If you are looking for a way to make some extra income, or even one day replace your job with a business of your own, I highly recommend you consider one. Of course, I think Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing is the best one to work with. But there are many others. If you aren't sure if it's a legitimate business, review the checklist above. If anything about the "opportunity" makes you uncomfortable, look elsewhere. And if the person you are speaking with about the business pressures you to get involved, RUN! That is a definite warning that they are more interested in recruiting other people into the business than in selling products. I will ask you to look at my business. I may even get a little pushy because I care about you and want you to have the same opportunity I did. But if you look at the compensation plan, the business overview and the products, and still tell me you are not interested - I will NEVER, EVER push you to be on my team!

#1 FHTM Rep Ruel Morton

2009-04-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of actually meeting and learning from Ruel Morton. He's amazing! Watch this video and see for yourself!

Top 5 Network Marketing Business Building Tools

2009-04-08T01:13:00.000-07:00

If you are new to network marketing, you have one question on your mind. How do I build my team? If you have been in network marketing for years, you have one question on your mind. How do I continue to build my team now that I've exhausted all my friends and family contacts? Here are 5 great resources that I have personally used to build my own downline - WITHOUT have to recruit friends or family!

1. Black Belt Recruiting - How to sponsor 20 reps a month with ANY company!

2. Building on a Budget - Generate leads and build ANY business, even if you are on a tight budget!

3. Magnetic Sponsoring Course - Free videos show you how you can literally have an endless new stream of distributors knocking on your door, ready to join!

4. MLM Traffic Formula - Learn how to use the power of the internet to generate free leads.

5. PPC Domination - Learn how to generate free leads using Google AdWords.

These are the tools I have used to build my network marketing business. Do you have a resource to recommend? Post it a comment and let other network marketers share in your success!

All My Friends Told Me This Will Never Work!

2009-03-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

When I first started network marketing, my friends all told me the same thing. It will never work. I was with a different company then and they were right - it didn't work that well. Not because network marketing doesn't work or because that company wasn't a good one. It just wasn't the right one for me. I realize that now. But back then - when I failed - I thought they were right. This stuff doesn't work.

A few years later, desperate for extra money, I let myself get talked into trying network marketing again. A different company this time, with great products. And all my friends laughed and asked hadn't I learned my lesson the first time? But as a newly single mom, I really needed some extra income and so I tried again. This time I had more success. While I wasn't making millions, I was making enough to help make ends meet without having to get a part time job. My friends saw my success and yet still insisted it wouldn't last. And besides, if it worked so well, how come I was only making a few hundred dollars a month? Despite their disbelief and lack of support, I remained with that particular company for many years, eventually building it so I was making a few thousand extra dollars each month. Not enough to support me, but it did pay for things like private school for my children, band and choir camps, and cars for them when they turned 16.

Fast forward to 3 years ago. That's when I was introduced to FHTM. It sounded like a great company with a good comp plan. Even my husband was impressed. We joined the first time we saw the business plan. And of course, all of our friends lined up to tell us the same thing we had heard before - these things never work. It didn't matter that they had watched me over the past years continue to make more and more money with network marketing. They still took great delight in telling us about all the people they knew who had tried "one of these" before and it didn't work. Well, once again, I am delighted to tell them they're wrong! It does work - quite well.

I look back at all of this and I have to wonder - why? I see how they live. I know many of them aren't happy in their jobs, or are struggling to keep up with bills. I know they want the extras for their family that my family has. I can't begin to imagine what's holding them back. And those who ARE making decent money are often sacrificing time - time with family, time to worship, time to relax and recharge. Life is passing them by while they 50-60 hours a week in the office or factory. They slave away day after day making their employer wealthy while they receive a few dollars an hour in compensation.

But I guess the real question I need to ask is this: Why am I taking financial advice from my broke friends?

Paul Orberson and Excel

2009-03-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Paul Orberson is known as the most successful earner in the network marketing industry. He had made the most amount of money in the least amount of time of anyone in the history of this industry. Before retiring before the age of 40, Paul was making well over a million dollars per month with Excel long distance. He started with Excel in 1989 trying to supplement his income as a history teacher. It took him 3 years to average $2500. per month. The next year what he built started to pay. By 1996 he was making over a million dollars per month. He did this for 44 months.

Paul Orberson was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. Early in his career, Paul was a high school teacher, as well as a coach for various sports. Although he had a passion for teaching young students and helping his teams to victory, raising his family on a teacher's salary had always been a challenge.

Paul finally decided that for him to provide his family with a better life financially, he needed to make some changes in his life.

In 1990, Paul Orberson jumped into a company called Excel Communications. At the time, the company was just a small start-up company that didn't know what was about to hit them.
With an unwavering determination to succeed in this new venture, Paul set goals and monetary expectations for himself and the company. The result: he helped to make Excel a multi-billion dollar company in just a few years.

Eventually, Excel became publicly traded on the NYSE. Paul soon realized that by doing this, though, the company was doomed.

He had always believed that the best was for this type of industry to grow, the majority of money made needed to flow to the representatives. This was not likely to happen once the company went public. Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing pays 98% of it's revenue back to the reps.
Soon after, Paul left the company. Ultimately, Excel went bankrupt, just as Paul predicted.

By the time Paul Orberson left Excel, he had earned more money in a shorter period of time than anyone had ever done in the history of network marketing. By doing so, it allowed him to retire before the age of 40.

After a short retirement, Paul realized that his new goal at this point in his life was to help others achieve the kind of success that he had. He wanted to start a company that would enable regular folks like himself, to be able to reach their financial goals as well.

Paul began doing research to create a business to do just that. Through his research, he looked at a variety of marketing programs and compensation plans. He analyzed the good and bad in each plan so that he could extract the key elements that he would enable him to create a company that would be very successful for the reps that joined.

Soon after, FHTM was born. He began to build a business that millions of average people could become a part of in order to change their financial futures. Paul immediately partnered with name brand companies such as Dish Network, Alltel, Verizon, and AT&T, and Travelocity to name a few. There are now numerous products and services available in areas such as communications, entertainment, technology, and nutrition.

Paul Orberson has taken everything that he had learned while being the top earner at Excel, and created this company. He has taken away the large risks that crippled Excel, as well. FHTM can never be sold, traded on the stock exchange, or suffer from debt. These are some of the reasons that Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing has become a company that has been breaking industry records every since it started in 2001.

Paul takes enormous pride in helping other people like himself to achieve their own financial goals and improve their lives in ways they had never imagined. Thanks to Paul Orberson's great mind and vision, as well as the help of his incredibly dedicated team, there has never been a greater opportunity for earning potential offered.

I've tried "these" before...

2009-03-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a very long time, I actually walked away from a prospective team member - willingly - happily even. Why? Let me tell you the story!

I met up a friend I hadn't seen in a quite a while. Several years, in fact. She was still working for the same store I met her in. I used to work there part time to make ends meet. She asked what I was doing and I told her. She expressed some interest so I gave her the DVD of the business presentation, not really expecting she would watch it or get back to me. Surprise! She did and called me the next day. She wanted more information. Usually all it takes for someone to make up their mind is to see the DVD, but I'm willing to give someone all the information they need. So next I got on a conference call with her and the number 2 guy in the entire company. She was very excited after that. When can we get together? She wanted to know. I told her I would stop by today, even though it is Sunday and I normally don't work much on Sunday.

I arrive at her house, paperwork in hand, thinking this is it. She is so gung-ho and excited, she is going to take this and run with it and truly change her life. I knock on the door and she invites me in. We sit down, I take out the paperwork, ask her what name she would like her checks in, and hear, "I'm not sure about this. I've tried these before and none of them worked." Well, I stopped dead. Which of "these" has she tried? The list is long - Mary Kay, Avon, Quixtar, Melaleuca, Excell...she's tried just about every business opportunity in existence and NONE of them have worked for her.

Now I know that every opportunity is different. And I truly think Fortune is the best. But still - to have tried that many and not had any success at any of them? That's almost impossible. So I asked her why she didn't have any luck with her previous endeavors. The list of excuses was almost as long as the list of things she had tried and failed. No time, no money, didn't know anyone to show the products or business plan to, no support from her sponsor, no training...on and on she went. She blamed everyone and everything and took absolutely no responsibility for her failure.

I know most of these companies. They are all fine companies with good products and great people working them. I could understand if she had tried one or two with no luck. But according to her, she's been involved in 7 different businesses, none of them more than a year, and all of them a dismal failure.

I listened to her a little while longer telling me how most of "these" companies were just successful for only a select few. And then I said something I almost never say. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe you aren't ready for this yet. Why don't you think about it some more and call me when you are ready?"

I expect she never will be. Meanwhile, I'm just moving on. Next!

Paul Orberson's Cancer

2009-02-25T02:41:00.000-08:00

Your health is close to the heart of Paul Orberson. His successful battle with cancer made helping others realize the healing power of antioxidants and natural herbs a primary goal. This is what led to the creation of the True Essentials line of products. True Essentials offers an array of products for men, women, and children, including:
- CoQ10 Cellular Health
- Joint Essentials
- Hair, Skin, and Nails
- Power Antiox
- Men's ProCare
- Appetite Control
- Energizer Tea
- LE Combo Packs
- Fat & Carb Control
- Fiber Powder
- Hoodia
- Protein Shakes
- Women's Essential Pack
- Essentials for Women Multi-Vitamin
- Essentials for Kids Multi-Vitamin
- Men's Essential Pack
- Essentials for Men Multi-Vitamin
- Essentials for Teens Multi-Vitamin
- Fruit & Vegetable Essentials

However, the key ingredient in Paul's quest to eradicate cancer is Mineral pH. Based on the latest research which shows that an alkaline body is resistant to cancer, Mineral pH is a nutrient dense whole body enhancer, rich in minerals and amino acids to detoxify the body and help balance overall pH. Newly advanced and even more powerful, Mineral pH now includes barley grass juice powder and acai berry—both among the most powerful antioxidants ever tested.

Proprietary Humate Mineral Blend, consisting of 71+ plant-derived minerals, is naturally ionic and more easily absorbed across the intestinal walls. Rich in fulvic acid, Humate deposits have been linked to antioxidant activity, electrochemical balance, increased nutrient absorption, increase cellular transportation of nutrients, favorable enzyme reaction, enhanced cell division, increased metabolism, and increased vitamin bioavailability. Together, these powerful minerals and antioxidants work together to balance the body and help cells stay strong.

Potential users are adults who are:
• interested in balancing intestinal pH
• interested in decreasing negative stress levels, thus potentially impacting cortisol levels
• interested in adding ionic (plant derived) minerals to their diet
• interested in enhanced antioxidant activity

Common Questions
Q: What is the benefit of ionic materials?
A: Ionic minerals come from plant material. Plants absorb minerals through their tiny root hairs. Through a complex biochemical process known as photosynthesis, elemental (inorganic) metals are transformed into organic matter to be used by the plant. Ionic minerals are easier to absorb than inorganic minerals.

Q: From the mineral list on the label, it states that there are several heavy metals. I have been told that most heavy metals are toxic to the body.
A: The problem with this advice is that it often confuses those who don’t know the difference between plant-derived, organic minerals and minerals from rocks. The implication is made that these minerals are dangerous in any form—organic or inorganic. This simply is not true. There is a world of difference. Unfortunately, many nutritional ‘experts’ group plant-derived minerals with metallic minerals regardless of the fact that elemental minerals can come from sources such as soil, clay, oyster shell, limestone, and sea salts—among others. Due to this illogical grouping, they assert that the heavy metals that are contained in elemental minerals are the same as those found in plant-derived minerals. This just isn’t the case. Once fulvic acid acts upon a metallic (elemental) mineral and transforms it, the mineral can then be stored in plant-tissues as an organic substance. So, even though the mineral, which is now organic, retains its former title (e.g., lead, arsenic, etc.) it is chemically altered so that it is no longer toxic to our body.
This unclear classification has led many people to believe that the so-called toxic minerals are bad regardless of their source. The aluminum which is found in foods is a good example. This type of aluminum is not only tied to oxygen or silica (hydroxide or aluminum silica), but it has been preassimilated by a plant and is naturally ionic. Both of these types of aluminum are organic and beneficial and are used as food additives throughout the world. They are not toxic. The point is: If you eat vegetables or fruits, you are going to eat aluminum, arsenic, lead, and a host of other supposedly heavy metals and toxic minerals. The following is a list of plants or foods that contain aluminum in quantities of at least 45 - 160 PPM according to ATL Agronomy Handbook, Plant Analysis Guide Nutrient Sufficiency Ranges: bananas, peas, coffee, peppers, pineapple, potatoes, oil palm, root crops, asparagus, tomatoes, beans, corn (at tasseling), brussels sprouts, mint, celery, peanuts, cucumbers, small grains, head crops, soybeans, leaf crops, wheat (high yield), and melons. A chemical evaluation that further supports this data was performed on a random sampling of produce. This evaluation conclusively showed that the following fruits and vegetables contained many ‘objectionable’ elements in an organic form:
Almonds: Aluminum, barium, nickel, rubidium, silicon, strontium, sulfur, and titanium.
Apples: Aluminum, arsenic, barium, lead, nickel, silicon, and titanium.
Broccoli: Aluminum, nickel, silicon, strontium, sulfur, and titanium.
Carrots: Aluminum, barium, lithium, nickel, rubidium, silicon, strontium, sulfur, and titanium.
Grapes: Aluminum, barium, lithium, nickel, rubidium, silicon, strontium, sulfur, and titanium.
Tomatoes: Aluminum, barium, bromine, lithium, nickel, silicon, strontium, sulfur, and titanium.
It is clear that the minerals found in plants are not the same as those found in the ground. They are non-toxic and non-metallic.

Feature & Benefit
Proprietary Humate Mineral Blend - 71+ ionic (plant-derived) minerals which assist in balancing pH in the intestinal track. Rich in fulvic acid which carry naturally occurring minerals and trace elements found in decomposed plant materials.

Chlorella - Referred to as one of the “green foods”—from unicellular green algae. Known for its detoxification activities and immune function benefits.

Magnolia Bark - A mood balancer, anti-stress and anti-anxiety agent linked to controlling the body’s primary stress hormone, cortisol.

Amino Acids - Bind to minerals in the process of chelation to assist with absorption.

Barley grass juice powder - Premier green food and potent cellular antioxidant. Detoxifies by binding to heavy metals and helping elimination. Contains abundant chlorophyll, antioxidants, enzymes, and other phytochemicals that neutralize free radicals and other unfriendly chemicals, including pesticides and food preservatives.

Acai berry - This antioxidant rich pulp contains high levels of oleic acid and is rich in palmitic and omega-6 fatty acids as well as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins and resveratrol. Acai fruit is associated with a reduced risk of chronic and oxidative stress related disorders. In the form of a freeze-dried fruit pulp, Acai has been shown to inhibit the action of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, important in both acute and chronic inflammation, and targeted by many anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Order Mineral pH or any of the True Essentials line of products.

Want a copy of my upcoming teleseminar?

2009-02-22T14:42:00.001-08:00

Just rewrote the home page to my FHTM site. I'd appreciate it if my readers would take a look and give me your opinion. If you do, I'll send you a copy of the CD of my upcoming teleseminar "Passion + Skill = Profit" as my thank you gift to you. Thanks! http://wealthtogether.web.officelive.com/default.aspx

How do I build a network marketing business?

2009-02-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

I just returned from jvAlert Live, a wonderful internet marketing conference hosted by my friend Ken McArthur. And believe it or not, I met a fellow network marketer there. Actually there were several. We spent quite a bit of time talking together about how we built our businesses and what techniques worked best. Want to know what we discovered? There is no one absolutely correct way to build a network marketing business.

I can hear you already - What?! There aren't any tips or tricks you can share that will help me do this? I didn't say that. I said there's no ONE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT way. Network marketing is like anything else. What works for me may not work for you.

What's the best advice I can give you? Sit down with your upline sponsor or another leader in the business and create a game plan that meets your goals and your skills. If you aren't good at public speaking, don't include a bunch of live presentations in your business plan. Use video or teleconferencing. If you like that personal touch and can do a great presentation, try some one-on-one presentations or even a home meeting. But whatever you do, make sure it utilizes your strong points and meets your needs.

What else can you do? Stay plugged in! By that I mean stay connected to your upline. If there is team training provided (and there should be. Why would you join a team that won't train you?) make sure you're there. Conference calls? Be on them! Training videos? You should have them all. And remember, being connected works both ways, so be sure you are staying in touch with your downline. Train them, coach them, support them, and help them grow their business. Their success is your success.

Read and learn! There are so many great books and websites about network marketing. If you need some ideas on where to start, I suggest anything by Mike Dillard. Here's a couple of his videos to get you started.

http://mwhiteley.buildingonabudget.com/

http://mwhiteley.magneticsponsoringonline.com/

http://mwhiteley.mlmtrafficformula.com/

http://mwhiteley.blackbeltrecruiting.com/

http://mwhiteley.freeppcleads.com/

I have been a fan of Mike's for many years and have used many of his techniques while building my own business.

The point is if it works for you - it works! So pick up the phone right now and call your upline sponsor. Set up an appointment to meet and create your marketing plan. Lay it out step by step. And then IMPLEMENT! The best plan is useless without action to back it up!

If you don't have a sponsor that will work with you (there are some out there unfortunately), contact me. I'll help you get your business plan together.

FABS Cyberfitness

2009-01-30T23:25:00.000-08:00

Do you want to get in shape and don't have the time or the money for a gym membership? Let me introduce you to one of the many unique products offered through FHTM - FABS Cyberfitness.

Just what is FABS Cyberfitness? FABS is Fitness and Aerobics Broadband Services. What it does is provide group fitness and personal training programs directly to you at your convenience, in the privacy of your own home via internet streaming videos. Never purchase another gym membership you will never use. No more home-gym equipment to collect laundry. You will never even have to watch the same video twice!

FABS online exercise programs address all levels of difficulty to meet your specific fitness abilities and new videos are added regularly. These exercise programs encompass varying degrees of difficulty so that no matter which program you choose, there are beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of the program to meet every individual's fitness abilities. Whether you are at home, on a business trip or at the office late, the FABS service meets the fitness needs of your ever-changing and busy lifestyle.

In addition to your online exercise programs, as part of your start up fee, you’ll receive a complete fitness and nutritional analysis. Once you complete your online analysis, FABS will start your journey to fitness with a personally designed program for your specific needs and goals.

How does it work? It is quite simple. Once you become a Subscriber, you then are provided access to all of our full length club quality fitness videos. You can then sign-in from any computer, anywhere in the world and follow a video workout at your convenience. It is no different than exercising to a fitness DVD, with the exception that for a single monthly subscription fee, you have access to much more than just that one video every time.

How do you sign up? Go to www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether. Click on FABS Cyberfitness at the bottom of the page. From the home page, select Sign Up at the top right and follow the instructions. You will be required to give some personal information as well as a valid credit card for billing purposes.

Resolve to get in shape now and start working out with FABS today!

How Can I Find the Time?

2009-01-23T16:43:00.000-08:00

Q. I have a full time job and an extremely busy life with 3 kids and my husband going back to school part time while still working his full time job. I want to get started in a network marketing business - although I'm not sure which one yet - but I don't think I have the time. How can I make it work?

A. You DO have the time. You just may need to make some adjustments.

First, let's take a look at your expectations. If you think you are going to put in a couple of hours a week and yet be able to quit your job in 6 months, you need to adjust your expectations. That is just unrealistic. But if you and your husband are willing to continue to work your jobs and start your business part time, you can soon be bringing in a nice supplemental income while you continue to grow your business.

If you have decided that a part-time business is fine while you grow, then the next thing you may need to adjust is how you spend your time. Get a calendar for the month. Let's start with February since it's right around the corner. First, pencil in your and your husband's work schedules. This is time that is already blocked and can't be used to grow your business. Next mark any other dates and times that are absolutley locked in - anything that can't be rescheduled or cancelled. Next, pick one day that is for you and your family. No work allowed. My day is Sunday. That's the day I very rarely do any type of work, but instead devote myself to church and family. Now look at your calendar. Allowing for sleep of course, the remaining hours are the times you have available to work your business. Start scheduling yourself some "appointments." These don't have to be real appointments to meet with someone, but I have learned that if you write down a committment to do something and schedule a time to do it, you are much more likely to actually follow through. So let's say we skip our favorite Monday night TV show and use that hour to call three prospects. Tuesday night perhaps your husband doesn't have class but he's on the computer doing homework anyway so let's schedule him to send an email to friends and family telling them about your new business. Wednesday, if you're a member of my team, is our training call, so let's schedule an hour for training. Thursday send a follow up email or make a follow up phone call to prospects who have already seen your initial presentation and haven't said yes or no yet. Friday perhaps you could invite some friends over for a business presentation. Saturday schedule lunch with a prospect and do a one-on-one presentation.

My point is that in the beginning it's not so much the quantity of time spent as the consistency. Do a little something - ANYTHING - but do something every day to help your business grow. Read your company's materials, listen to training calls, watch DVDs, make a contact list of prospects, make a few phone calls, send some emails, mail a brochure, hold a business presentation. Every day do at least one thing to grow your business and you'll see that slowly but steadily, your team will grow, your income will grow and you WILL one day be able to take your part-time business to a full-time lifestyle. Good luck!

The FHTM Introduction

2009-01-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

You Can Get This Stuff Anywhere!

2009-01-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought I had heard every objection in the book. I had a prospect turn me down today. Why? "Because this ain't nothing new. You can buy this stuff anywhere. Why would I want to sell something you can get anywhere?"

My friend - that's exactly the point! It's a tough economy right now. People are not spending like they used to. So who has a better chance at picking up a customer?

Two products - one I have never used, am not sure I really need it and haven't budgeted for it in my finances. It looks great, seems like it might be useful, but hey -I've lived without it this long so why should I commit to spending $40 a month on something I'm not even sure I need?

My products - are you currently paying for cell phone service? Great! Would you consider renewing your next contract (no matter what provider you use) with me? After all, you're already paying this bill. The only difference is instead of helping Alltel, Verizon, AT&T, Nextel, or Sprint make more money, you're helping me make a living.

Do you have satellite TV service? Great! Would you consider renewing your DishTV service through me? Are you considering changing from cable to Dish? Great! Would you mind getting it from me? After all, I'm not asking you to purchase anything new. Just use what you're already using and purchase it from me.

Do you shop online? Great! Would you consider signing up for our rewards mall? It's free to join, contains most of the online merchants you already use, and you get a rebate every time you shop - and I make a commission. It's not going to cost you anymore than you are going to spend anyway - in fact you get that rebate. The only difference is that instead of making money for the merchant only, you are helping me make a living too.

Do you book travel online? Great! Would you use my Travelocity site? It's Travelocity so you know it's good. And I get a commission from any travel you book. You were going to pay for it anyway and you won't pay any more than you were going to. The only difference is you'll be helping me out.

So tell me - who has a better shot at making the sale? Of course you can buy my products anywhere. You probably already do. That's the beauty of it!

Meet Mike Misenheimer!

2008-12-28T18:33:00.000-08:00

Meet the #2 money-earner in Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. He lives just up the road from me in Gravette, Arkansas. Mike has taught me a great deal about this business and as a member of my team, you benefit from his experience too! Meet Mike Misenheimer!

Christmas Gifts for the Network Marketer!

2008-12-18T13:01:00.000-08:00

What do you get for the network marketer on your list? Well, I just happen to have some ideas. As my holiday gift to you, I want to share some great free resources that will help you build your network marketing business. You don't have to be on my team to take advantage of these. You just have to want to succeed in network marketing.

My first gift is a great free video series showing you how to build your business on a budget. If you are tired of running yourself in circles trying to building your home business and spending more money than you are making, this is one series of videos you need to see. You no longer have to spend yourself stupid building your business. These videos are by Mike Dillard, a network marketing expert who personally sponsored 254 reps in one year. They are great!

http://mwhiteley.buildingonabudget.com/

Along with these, I must recommend the other set of videos by Mike called Magnetic Sponsoring Bootcamp. Discover how you can become the hunted instead of the hunter. Attract an endless stream of new distributors and customers to you, with credit card in hand ready to join. Say goodbye to chasing people down to join your business and actually make money from all the people who say "no" to your opportunity. Find out all the details in this Free Bootcamp series.

http://mwhiteley.magneticsponsoringonline.com/

Next, I have to tell you about the 10 Insider Sponsoring E-course offered by sponsoring superstar Mark Weiser. If you're serious about turning your network marketing business into a career, then you need to learn all you can from this guy. Go to Surefire Sponsoring at http://www.surefiresponsoring.com/ and sign up for the free 10 day e-course.

Next in my Christmas gift box to you is a great blog. Yes, there is someone else out there who writes a blog on network marketing. And if you are going to read any one's (in addition to mine of course), then this is the guy you should be following. His name is Todd Falcone and he is considered to be one of the rising stars in the world of recruiting and training in network marketing. Check him out at http://www.toddfalconeblog.com/.

One more goodie in the box - The Network Marketing Business Journal. Yes, network marketing has a real trade journal! Each issue is full of news all network marketers can use, no matter what business you are in. http://www.nmbj.com/

Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy my gifts to you this year. More importantly, I hope you use them to achieve the success you want for yourself and your family in the coming year. Have a joyous holiday!

Meet My Sponsor!

2008-11-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago, a good friend of mine invited me to come to a meeting to learn about something she thought was wonderful. She had gotten involved in it and she couldn't wait to show it to me and my husband. Now, I must admit, I was not overly eager to go. I've been to hundreds of these things and none of them ever really excited me. But eventually she convinced me and I went. All I can say now is Thank You Linda! You changed my life. Now I want her to have the opportunity to change yours as well. Read her story. Take all that she shares and really think about it. Then join my team - and her team too, since she is my sponsor - and be part of what we have discovered! Meet my friend and sponsor, Linda Gracy...

1. Linda, tell us about yourself.

I feel so very blessed to be living such a rich, fulfilling, joyful life! God is so good!

I am a real homebody who loves working from home with my two cats, one dog, and the love of my life, my husband of 35 years. (Yes, that's right; I admit it, I got married when I was 4!) I have four wonderful grown kids: a daughter and a son, a daughter-in-law, and a "for-all-practical-purposes-son-in-law." (Just what IS the socially-correct term for the significant other of your unmarried daughter, anyway??) I also have 4 granddogs and 4 grandcats, whom I get to babysit quite often. We all love to travel and take cruises together (the people, not the fur-people,) and to go boating, camping, and four-wheeling. I love to play cards, entertain friends at home, and do really daring, adventurous things like read and work crossword puzzles. All but one of the animals in my life are either animal-shelter adoptees or rescue animals. Not only do we do all we can to help the homeless-animals cause, but we feel they always make the very best pets. (Any typos, by the way, will be blamed on my cat, Walter, who is curled up in my lap purring, making it difficult to type. Walter has the biggest, fluffiest tail I have ever seen on a cat. It looks like a racoon's tail.)

I am a big fan of the movie The Secret, and anything written or produced about the Law of Attraction and other laws of the universe. I love how the latest research in quantum physics is providing evidence, soon to be proof, of these laws, and the very existence of God! I have been a student of Bob Proctor and Mary Manin Morrissey for years. I love passing on their valuable, life-changing information to anyone and everyone who will listen.

2. Tell us about your business.

Forgive me if my passion about it shows, but I am truly convinced that I have the very best home based business on the planet, and that nothing else even comes close! It is the answer to most people's prayers. It has transformed my life and the lives of my entire family. What I do is: I help individuals or families create an additional stream of income, which doesn't interfere with their jobs. In a very short period of time that additional income can actually surpass the income from their jobs. When that happens, that person has options. In fact, my husband just exercised HIS option a few months ago to quit his job, and now he stays home and works our business with me. We are loving our freedom to stay home with NO alarm clock, or to travel at will, since we can work our business wherever we are. One thing I love about my business is that we don't sell anything. Instead, we provide a way for people to get paid commissions on bills they are paying every month anyway! It's ingenious. Who wouldn't want that? It's such a no-brainer!

3. Why did you start your own business?

Twenty-two years ago, I was teaching high school math. I loved it, at least until my daughter was born. But once I became a mom, those maternal hormones kicked in, and it just killed me to have to go off and leave her every day. Then when my son came along, it was even worse. In the morning, when it was time to head off to school, my kids would lock their arms around my leg and hang on. It would tear my heart out of my body to have to pry their little fingers off, and to walk to the car with both of them crying and my daughter saying "Mommy, don't go!" There were days I actually cried half the way to school! The day the nanny excitedly told me that she had witnessed my son's first steps, it absolutely broke my heart! I decided right then that there HAD to be a way, in this great land of America, that a mother could stay home and raise her own kids! That's when I started searching for a way to make money working from home.

4. Why did you choose to get involved in network marketing instead of a different type of business?

Initially, it was because I HAD to find something that would replace my teaching salary if I was going to be able to quit my job and stay home with my preschoolers. At the time, I searched and searched, and checked out every work-from-home scheme I could find. Network marketing was the only thing I could find that would do that. Then I stayed in network marketing because I knew that I could never make enough money with just my own efforts to support the lifestyle I wanted for myself and my family. There's just one of me, and there are just 24 hours in a day, so there is obviously a limit to how much money I could make in a traditional career. But with network marketing, there is no limit because you leverage your time. If I have a team of 100 people, for example, and we each put in 5 hours, I get paid on 505 hours of work instead of just the 5 that I put in myself. The bigger your team grows, the more hours you get paid for. (If Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki are promoting it, you know it's lucrative!) I also love helping other people. That's why I went into teaching. But with network marketing, I can help way more people, and I get paid much better for my efforts.

5. Why did you choose Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing?

Because it's exactly what I had searched for for 20 years! It's like it was custom made just for me. When I started working from home 22 years ago, I joined an excellent company, Mary Kay Cosmetics. But I knew when I joined that it wasn't really "me." I wasn't "into" makeup and skin care, and certainly not sales! But Mary Kay had the very best compensation plan I could find. So I figured I could put up with selling skin care and makeup until my youngest (my one-year-old son) started kindergarten, at which time I planned to go back to teaching. But I quickly discovered how much I LOVED my freedom! So I decided, instead of going back to teaching, to stick with Mary Kay until I could find something else that I could do from home that I liked better and that paid just as well. Meanwhile, my Mary Kay career grew and flourished, and as I drove the pink Cadillacs and conducted meetings and training classes, no one suspected that I was actively searching for a replacement career! Even though a Mary Kay career was never "me," I loved Mary Kay Ash, the others at the home office, and the sisterhood of MK Consultants. I will be forever grateful to Mary Kay for providing the means for me to stay home with my preschoolers, and for giving me the confidence to step out and become an entrepreneur.

What I was searching for was the best network marketing company, with the best corporate leadership, products and compensation plan. I also wanted something that didn't require me to sell anything. That's a tall order! It took me 20 years to find FHTM, but once I did, I realized that it was exactly what I had searched for all those years. I love the fact that I don't sell anything; I just help other people achieve their dreams and goals. When I met Paul Orberson in person, that's when I knew that I knew that my search was over. He is the real deal! He's the most generous person I've every met. He started the company just to help other people, and he sincerely cares about them. When the cover story about FHTM came out in Millionaire Blueprint Magazine in January 07, it was really good to hear the experts confirm what I had concluded: That FHTM is the best company, and Paul Orberson is the best person, to be in business with. I only wish it hadn't taken me all those years to find it! But once I did, it only took a few months to replace my "pink Cadillac" career income.

6. What do you like best and least about network marketing?

I love the relationships and close friendships that you develop with people. I love helping other people. It is so rewarding to see their lives change for the better, and to know that I had some small part in making that happen. A good example is one of my team members, Matt Morse. In less than a year he went from barely scraping by with a lawn service that he owned, supporting his wife and two babies, living in a one-bedroom apartment, to National Sales Manager in FHTM, driving a company Lexus, and building their dream home with NO mortgage! Just think how all four of their lives have changed! I just get teary-eyed when I think about it.

What I like the least about network marketing is when people give up too soon, in spite of my efforts to encourage them to hang in there until they are successful. I know that if they will just hang in there, success is right around the corner. I don't understand why people will give up on network marketing just because it hasn't yet made them rich after only a year or so. After all, the traditional job they've been at for 15 years hasn't made them rich yet either! What they don't realize is that the traditional job will NEVER make them rich, but the network marketing career WILL, if they will just stay the course! A traditional job won't continue to pay a passive residual income for years and years after you've stopped working. But so many times I want success for them more than they want it for themselves.

7. What personality traits and skills to be a successful network marketer?

You have to like people, and like helping them. It helps to have a sense of humor, and the ability to not take "rejection" personally. After all, if I offered coffee to a room full of people, some would want some and some wouldn't. I don't feel "rejected" by those who don't! Then you usually need a good dose of perseverance. Some people get lucky and have "overnight" success, but for most of us it does take sticking to it for awhile. Most people who are used to working for salaries don't realize that in network marketing, you do the first 80% of the work for only 20% of the return. But by hanging in there, you will then receive 80% of the return for only 20% of the effort. You have to be able to see the end from the beginning, and when you don't get rich overnight, realize that it will happen if you just hang in there.

8. What has been the most difficult part of being involved in network marketing?

Turning loose of the people who have given up on their dreams for a better life and have gone back to settling for their dead-end jobs, and living from paycheck to paycheck. You want to save everyone, but you just can't. As much as you want to, you can't do it for them.

9. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?

All kinds of self-development books and tools, such as You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor, The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles, How to Sell Network Marketing Without Fear, Anxiety or Losing Your Friends by Michael Oliver, and any of Bob Proctor's and Mary Morrissey's books, audios and courses.

I have a GoSolo line that is a toll-free number with a recorded message about my business. I have the number on the back windshield of my company Lexus, and I occasionally place an ad in a newspaper or online, directing people to that number. They can call and listen to a 2-minute message, then if they're interested, leave their name and number for more information. This system completely removes any "rejection" from the equation, because I'm only returning calls to people who requested more information.

Vista Print (http://www.vistaprint.com/) has a great deal on business cards! They have lots of great graphics to choose from, and it's so quick and easy to order them online.

10. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?

I prefer "Attraction Marketing" techniques. Join the Chamber of Commerce, civic organizations, networking clubs, etc., and volunteer your time to worthy causes. Get yourself out there where you are around a lot of people. Accept leadership roles. You are really selling YOURSELF, because people who join your business do so to work with YOU more than to work with the company that you're with. People want to be in business with successful business people. If you are friendly, self-confident, and have the air of someone who is super-successful, people will want what you have, and THEY will ask YOU to show them what you do. It is far more effective when they approach you instead of the other way around. I use the "elevator speech" when conversing with people. Then IF they ask for more information about what I do, I set the appointment to show it to them. If they don't, I usually don't mention it. I use my recorded message and GoSolo line to attract prospective business associates. If they aren't interested after listening to my recorded message, they simply don't leave their name and number. I love never having to deal with "rejection!"

11. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?

Someone starting a business needs to be aware that it will take time, and it will take work. But remember that once you get it up and running, it will actually free up your time, so it will be very much worth every bit of the time and work that you put into it. Of course, ideally, it will be something you love doing, so you won't mind. If you resent the extra time and effort required in the beginning, then it may not be the right business for you!

Don't worry about what other people think! Realize that they hardly spend any time at all thinking about what you're doing anyway! They are too busy with their own concerns.

Know your "why." Focus on WHY you are starting your business. To become debt-free and financially independent, to pay for your kids' college educations, to provide a more-than-just-comfortable retirement income, or whatever. Focusing on the reason WHY you are doing it is what will keep you going through the tough times, and keep you from throwing in the towel.

Like Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki, I recommend network marketing as the best way for the average person to be able to build a successful business. Franchises cost too much money, and you're really just buying yourself a round-the-clock job. A traditional business takes a few years to get off the ground --- and that's if you're lucky! The vast majority fail within a few months. With network marketing, all the expensive, time-consuming groundwork has been done for you. All you have to do is plug in to the system already in place. And best of all, you won't have to mortgage your home and your first-born to get it started!

In selecting a network marketing company, there are several critical points to consider. I have covered the main ones in a free report, "Ten Things You Should Know Before Joining Any Network Marketing Company." I would be happy to email that report to anyone who requests it. (send your request to: bestparadisefound@gmail.com)

12. How can we contact you for more information about FHTM?

Email me at bestparadisefound@gmail.com or call me at 479-636-2221

Or visit my website at http://www.getafreelexus.com/.

13. Is there anything else you would like to share?

You really don't want to get me started! lol I could talk all day about how important I believe it is for everyone to study materials that teach the laws of the universe, such as The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor. The topics are just fascinating to me. There is so much about the universe that we are just beginning to comprehend. I think it's a crime and a shame that those things aren't being taught in school. The human body is the finest, most powerful electrical machine ever created, but unfortunately, we aren't born with owner's manuals!

Another thing I also wish they would teach in school is how to make money! After all, it IS a lifeskill that would come in handy. People graduate from college financially illiterate. I know I did! I recommend any of Robert Kiyosaki's books, such as Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and the new one he co-authored with Donald Trump, Why We Want You To Be Rich. (I also have a short article about that book I'd be happy to email to anyone who requests it.) Everyone needs to read that book! Kiyosaki and Trump are warning the American public that the middle class in America is vanishing. Before long everyone will fit into one of two categories: rich or poor. We are witnessing the transition today. When I was a kid, most moms didn't have to work! Now it takes both partners working, and sometimes more than one job, to provide the same standard of living we used to have with just one bread-winner in the family. Thankfully, they also recommend what to do to make sure you end up in the "rich" category! But we need to spread the word. I'm trying my best to do my part.

Too new or too many!

2008-11-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

I heard two new objections this week and I really wanted to address them here. The first was from an young couple that said they had heard that the Arkansas FHTM team was the biggest in the company. Since that was so, there couldn't possibly be any more potential in Arkansas for them to build a business and so they were not interested.

Let me tell you about my team. I have team members in 16 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. That's one of the benefits of network marketing. Your customers and your business partners can be ANYBODY - ANYWHERE. With all of the technology available today and all of the resources Fortune and some other network marketing companies have to help you grow, you can build an international business and never leave home. I remember when Dearl and I discovered we had Canadian team members and had become "international." It was fun and exciting - and truly made us realize what we had gotten involved in, since we had never been to Canada and had never pursued business there.

Being part of a large team can be beneficial. It could mean that these are successful people who have learned how to build a network marketing business and are willing to teach you what they have learned. It could mean that because of the support given to the team from those in leadership positions, there isn't much attrition and the team just keeps growing. It could be the opportunity for you to "hitch a ride" on the successful coattails of those who have been where you are and are doing what you want to do.

My other lost prospect had just the opposite complaint. He had heard of Quixtar and Melaleuca and Herablife and several others - but he had never heard of Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. So we must not be that great since he had never heard of us.

My answer to that. Great! If no one knows about FHTM yet, think of the potential market. That could mean you are the first in your area to be part of this. What an incredible stroke of luck! Perfect timing! Can you imagine opening the first McDonalds in your town, or the first Wal-Mart? Imagine being the first to share your network marketing business! If you don't want to take advantage of this potentially huge market, let me know. I will HAPPILY come and share the business and products in your neighborhood. I LOVE tapping into new markets.

These objections are just that - objections. The truth is that both of these prospects were afraid to take a step into the unknown. And rather than admit to me that they were scared, the settled on the only objections they could come up with at the moment. FHTM is either too big - or too small! The truth is we are whatever you decide we are. If we are too big and you believe that the market is saturated, then you will bring that with you into your marketing and prospecting efforts and those you show the plan to will hear the same thing - there's no room for more business. If you think we are too small, then you will sell that to your prospects - and they'll leave thinking that network marketing might work but perhaps they should join a "more established" company. But if you are excited about the growth of your team or by the fact that your reaching into untapped territory, that excitement will come across in your presentation - and excitement is contagious!

I Don't Want to Sell Vitamins!

2008-10-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Great! Because if you think you are going to make a ton of money in network marketing by just selling the products, you're in the wrong business! Network marketing is not about sales. It's about building a team and coaching them to success.

Now don't get me wrong. You do need to sell the products. Where do you think the money comes from to pay your commissions? And how long do you think great companies like AT&T and Travelocity will work with you and pay you if they aren't seeing some sales? And your downline members will also have to sell some product. (If someone tells you that you don't have to sell anything, watch out. They either expect you to buy a lot of it yourself, or it's a scam or a pyramid).

The beauty of network marketing is that you can combine some sales work with lots of coaching and team-building work and generate a very nice income. For example, when I joined Fortune, I immediately became my own customer. My cell phone, my nutritional supplements, my skin care products, my online travel bookings - all these are now purchased through my Fortune business. Then I went to people I knew already used the products and services that FHTM offers and asked them if they would purchase them from me. Since I wasn't asking them to buy anything they weren't already paying for, most of them said yes. So I started out with six customers. Then I started building my team and coaching them to do the same. At last count my downline is over 300 people. So with a some beginning sales work I started earning a small commission. Then with some coaching and team-building, I built a strong team and taught them to do the same thing I did. So, assuming that each of my 300 team members has 6 customers, I now receive commission on 1800 customers, not including my own. And in the course of building my team, I picked up some additional customers. I know have 25 customers of my own.

I built this team in a little over 2 years. How long do you think it would have taken me to find 1825 customers on my own? Quite a while? That's the beauty of network marketing. I have 9 direct sponsors. They each went out and sponsored some people of their own, who sponsored some of their own, who sponsored some more...and on and on until I have over 300 team members and 1800 customers.

Selling isn't the most important skill in building a successful network marketing business. Coaching and team building are far more critical skills. If you aren't strong in those two areas, I'd suggest you start learning. Because that's what will make your business grow.

By the way - if you're in the market for cell phone service, DishTV, a home security system, skin care, nutritional and weight loss products, on-line travel services, identity theft insurance, or health and dental savings - call me. I am always looking for a new customer!

Robert Kiyosaki Explains the Perfect Business

2008-10-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've heard of Robert Kiyosaki. If not, them I'm sure you have at least heard of his bestselling book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad." I've read his books and his recommendation is one of the reasons I joined a network marketing business. Watch the video and see for yourself!

I Can't Afford It

2008-10-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

The economic situation has hit everyone hard. And it's really taking an toll on some of our team members. They keep telling me all they hear is one thing from everyone they talk to: "I can't afford it right now."

I don't know what network marketing business everyone is involved in. But I'll admit - $299 to join Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing might be a fair amount of money for some people - especially right now. But my team members tell me they aren't even getting to share the opportunity before they are being told it costs too much. So I have two questions - one for my downline and one for their prospects.

Downline - Why are you discussing cost before you even share the opportunity? Of course, they think they can't afford it! They haven't seen what they get for their investment. You can't place a value on something you haven't seen. It's like trying to negotiate the price of the car before you take it for a test drive.

My husband and I went car shopping yesterday. He has decided I need something with 4-wheel drive and he wants a new truck. I drove a few things but nothing had that WOW factor. My SUV suits me quite well and there just wasn't anything out there at any price that I was willing to pay for. Same thing with my husband and his truck. We both ended up deciding to keep what we had. We weren't going to spend the kind of money the dealerships wanted ($26,000 for me and $23,000 for his).

On the way home, we stopped at the local Dodge dealership and in the showroom they had the new Challenger. Now we are both classic car crazies and the new Challenger looks enough like the original Challenger that we had to look it over. We ended up taking it for a test drive and you know what? We're buying one. I can tell you that the price was more than the prices we had both decided were too high. Why can we suddenly afford this? The WOW factor!

Many times it's not what we can afford, it's what we are willing to pay for the perceived value of what we are getting. The Challenger has a lot of value to my husband and me. FHTM might have $299 worth of value - or more! - to your prospects. But you have to let them "test drive" it before they can decide. Save the price discussion for after the demo!

Prospective team members - All we want to do is show you the opportunity. That doesn't cost you a thing. If you look at it and decide it's not for you - fine. End of discussion. But how will you know if you don't at least see what we are offering.

Frankly, with today's economy I don't know how you can afford NOT to get involved in network marketing. I can name at least 9 people who have lost their jobs in the last month. And I know several of them who have spouses that are now working two jobs or extra hours just to make ends meet. And I know 2 that don't really care because they joined FHTM a few weeks ago. They weren't quite ready to quit their jobs, but they are making enough that they're doing alright. And they know that they will keep growing if they just keep working. The other 7 - they don't know what they are going to do.

Yes, the start up cost for a networking marketing business can be an bit of an investment. But it's just that - an investment. And if you are really interested, we can work together to help you come up with the money.

You really CAN afford it!

It's official - I'm a writer!

2008-09-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

There are two magic days in every blogger's life. One is when you actually start developing a following of faithful subscribers/readers. The other is when you are asked to guest post on someone else's site. I have been honored to have just that happen to me not once, but twice this week! I am awed that these two highly successful business women and writers think my work has value for their readers.

First, I received an email from Beverly Mahone, author, speaker, and founder of Boomer Diva Nation. She was publishing an article I had written on the four stages of your business life on her site and wanted to let me know. I can't tell you how exciting that was. Of course, I immediately emailed all of my friends to share the news! And I stopped by the site today and saw that several of them had visited Bev's site and left comments on my article. I appreciate that. I hope while they were there, they saw what a great site Bev has and will become regular visitors. I think there's probably a wanna-be Diva or two in the crowd as well, so maybe they will be encouraged to join BDN. You can check out my post as well at www.boomerdivanation.org.

If that wasn't enough for one week, today I heard that Susan Gunelius has posted another of my articles on HER site. I wrote an article on starting a home business with affiliate programs and Susan liked it enough to post it on her site Women on Business. I was introduced to Susan by Bev Mahone and fellow Diva Dr. Sally Witt (See? All that networking does pay off!). They have been guest authors on Susan's site. Stop by Susan's site and check out this article at http://womenonbusiness.com/online-business/start-your-own-home-business-with-affiliate-programs.

Thanks to Bev and Susan for this opportunity. And thanks to everyone who reads my blogs and encourages me to keep posting.

FHTM and Success

2008-09-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

I am a successful businesswoman - or so I've been told. I have all of the outward trappings of success: a big house, two cars, two boats, kids (or in my case, grand kids) in private schools, lots of toys (motorcycles, ATV's, home theater systems, etc, etc). My husband and I travel frequently. We tithe to our church, have money in savings and retirement accounts. We live a good life.

I'm not bragging. I'm trying to make a point. Because one of the tickets to this success has been Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing.

FHTM is a team of highly motivated and dedicated individuals working together toward a common goal; achieving success with integrity. FHTM has allowed thousands of individuals, regardless of education, experience or current financial situation, to reach their financial goals by becoming FHTM business owners. Through support, encouragement and guidance, our Independent Representatives work together to become the best possible advocates of our quality, name brand products and services.

With our diversified list of offerings, and invaluable Independent Representatives, FHTM has become a leader in the industry and achieved unmatched success. FHTM will continue breaking barriers and making headlines for years to come.

FHTM works because people who utilize our services and products stay loyal to the companies they purchase from. The industry calls this "customer retention." And they love it. And they compensate us accordingly. FHTM has one of the best comp plans in the industry.

You do want to be sure you join an already successful team. In network marketing, your success is determined not only by your own efforts and the efforts of your downline, but also by the efforts of your UPLINE. Your upline is especially critical when you are new to the business because these are the people who will be training you and your recruits. These are the people who will be helping build your own team and gather customers. Be sure your upline sponsor is someone who takes your success as seriously as they take their own and can provide you the time, training and tools you need. Since my success is determined partly by the success of my team, you can be sure I will do everything in my power to help you.

Just like any other business, you should be ready to take massive action when you join if you want to be successful. That means promoting your products and your opportunity in every way possible. And yes, you should be prepared to be your own first customer. If you have a cell phone or satellite TV, take vitamins or other nutritional products, use cosmetics, book travel online, shop online, want to get more exercise, need a home security system, identity theft protection, dental or health savings - there is an FHTM product that will benefit you.

I am a successful business person. You can be one also. If you have tried network marketing in the past and are disillusioned, perhaps you were with the wrong company or on the wrong team. Not all companies are created equal and there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all opportunity. Melaleuca is a great company and I personally use many of their products. But their business opportunity doesn't get me excited. My aunt on the other hand, is very successful in Melaleuca. She loves helping people convert their home to all natural cleaning products. Different passions for different people.

If you are new to network marketing, I encourage you to take a close look at FHTM. It could be YOUR ticket to success.

Lies My Sponsor Told Me

2008-09-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

Network marketing has a bad reputation in some circles. It's been called a pyramid, illegal, a scam, a ripoff - and these are some of the nicer things said about it. And because if this reputation, it can be difficult to present your opportunity to others. You might be embarrassed or afraid because you think you know what your prospect is going to say. And indeed, they might reject you, laugh at you, and ask you questions you'd rather not deal with. How do you overcome this. I have only one suggestion - Always Tell The Truth!

There are pyramids and scams aplenty out there masquerading as legitimate business opportunities. And there are dishonest people who are so focused on making a fast dollar that they lie about the business they are in just to sponsor one more person. These are the things that have given network marketing it's bad name. The only way we will overcome it is if all true network marketers promote their businesses with integrity.

What can we do? First, always answer questions honestly. "How much are you making?" Don't lie and say you're making a fortune if you aren't. Tell the truth. If you aren't making any money yet and don't want to admit it, then turn the question back with a simple response that I was taught to use. "It doesn't matter what I'm making. What matters is how much you want to make."

"How much does it cost?" Again, tell the truth. I joined a company a few years ago when my sponsor told me it was completely free to join. What he neglected to tell me was that in order to get paid by the company I had to have a certain number of points which I would receive by ordering the product. The cost of the product was $145 and I was supposed to order every month. So in reality, it isn't free to join this business. It's $145 per month. Does that mean it's a bad company? Not at all. But I sure felt cheated for a while. I always tell my prospects that it costs $299 to join FHTM and that you get paid on the number of customer points you have. I let them know that these customer points don't have to be their own, but that if they don't have a certain number (3 until you reach Regional Sales Manager like me) then they won't get much of a check.

"How long have you been doing this?" Don't lie! If you've been doing it for years say so, even if you aren't making money. You can always explain that. When my husband and I first joined Fortune, we signed up, paid our fee - and then did absolutely nothing for almost two months. Therefore we made absolutely no money. Then I lost my job and we decided we had better get serious about this. So I told my prospects, when they asked, the truth. I've been doing it for almost three months. If they didn't say anything, then I didn't say anything more. If they did ask what I was making, I used the response given in the example above. And if they knew I wasn't making much yet and wanted to know why I told them the truth. I hadn't been working my business. Sometimes they believed me and sometimes they didn't.

"Isn't everyone doing this already?" Be honest. When I signed up to sell Amway (yes I admit it!), it seemed like there was an Amway rep on every corner. It was sort of discouraging. Same with Melaleuca and Mary Kay. And it wouldn't have been a problem except that I had been assured by my sponsor that the area was still wide open. So if someone asks me this question about FHTM, I tell them the company has been around for awhile. The Arkansas team is huge. You don't have to market and recruit locally. I have teams in Dallas, Florida, Las Vegas, Canada, and Missouri. I have customers all over the country. So now my prospects know that they can do the same.

"How long will it take to make any money?" and "How much time will it take?" These two go hand in hand. If I hear one more person tell me I can be making thousands in a few months with no effort, I think I'll scream. Can you make thousands in a few months? Yes. Will most people do so? No. Will they do it without any effort? Absolutely not. It's a business. Not all businesses are created equal. However all businesses take effort. In my town there is a small bookstore and coffee shop run by a friend of mine. On the other side of town there is a Barnes and Noble with a Starbucks. Two "identical" businesses. Does my friend make as much money as B&N? Of course not! Does that mean all bookstores are scams? Do both stores have to work to make their money? Let's see - someone has to order the books, put them on the shelves, interact with the customers, advertise the business, do the bookkeeping, keep the store clean - and probably many more things I'm not even aware of. Sounds like work to me! The same is true with network marketing. I don't know how long it will take you to make any money. I'm not you. But I can promise you, you will have to work. Because if you don't I can make you one more promise - you won't make a dime no matter how long you wait.

These are just some of the questions that can easily lead to misrepresentations and lies. If you have to lie to bring a prospect onto your team, you probably don't want them anyway because they aren't going to help you grow. They don't get it now or you wouldn't have to lie and they certainly won't get it later on because they bought into something that didn't exist. What they will do is go out and tell everyone they come into contact with that your business is a pyramid, illegal, a scam, and a ripoff.

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing Facts

2008-08-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, Inc. (FHTM), is based in Lexington, Kentucky. It began its operations in January 2001. Founder, President and CEO, Paul Orberson, is one of the most successful individuals ever to have participated in the network marketing industry. Paul's efforts were instrumental in turning a small start up company into one of the fastest growing telecommunications companies during the 1990s and a multi-billion dollar, publicly traded company (Excel Telecommunications). When he left Excel, he had earned more money as a representative, in a shorter period of time, than anyone before in the industry. His matter-of-fact, down to earth approach to networking has enabled him to encourage well over a million individuals to work toward improving their financial futures through what he considers to be the best method, network marketing.

Products and Services: True Essentials Nutritional Products
Lifestyle Essential Weight Loss Products
Lamas Beauty
The Wireless Shop (AT&T, Alltel, Nextel, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint)
GE Home Security
fonVantage (VOIP)
homVantage (Long distance service)
identaShield (Identity Theft protection)
Dish Network
The Fortune Health Care Card
Choice Plans Rx 4 tier drug program
FHTM Rewards Mall (rebates from over 600 online and in-store
merchants
Travel FHTM (Travelocity)
InGrid Home Security
FABS CyberFitness

Enrollment fee: $299

Compensation plan: Best in the business! Contact me to see for yourself!

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing is a team of highly motivated and dedicated individuals working together toward a common goal; achieving success with integrity. FHTM has allowed thousands of individuals, regardless of education, experience or current financial situation, to reach their financial goals by becoming FHTM business owners. Through support, encouragement and guidance, our Independent Representatives work together to become the best possible advocates of our quality, name brand products and services.

With our diversified list of offerings, and invaluable Independent Representatives, FHTM has become a leader in the industry and achieved unmatched success. FHTM will continue breaking barriers and making headlines for years to come.

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing Business Presentation

2008-08-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

You asked for it - here it is! The FHTM Business Presentation! If you like what you see, go to http://www.wealthtogether.web.officelive.com/ and join my team. Or visit www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether to get a closer look at all we offer. If you have questions, just post them in the comments section and I'll answer them.

Click on the button below the YouTube video to watch it full screen.

Boldly Go!

Do You Need Repotting?

2008-08-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

As a gardener, one of my annual rituals is the repotting of all my plants that have outgrown their pots during the past year. This can be a time-consuming and messy chore, but it's absolutely necessary or the plants would eventually die. And I am always rewarded with renewed growth and beauty in my container garden.

Just as plants can outgrow their pots, people can outgrow their current situations. The job, hobbies, relationships, and even the area you live in that were so comfortable previously may actually be killing you now - literally! Stress is a leading contributor to many health problems. And while repotting ourselves can be as time-consuming, challenging, and messy as repotting my plants, it is just as vital - and just as rewarding!

One of the main reasons many people get involved in MLM is because their current careers just aren't fulfilling their needs. I recently read a great article on Beliefnet called "10 Ways to Bring More Growth Into Your Life". It gave some great tips on finding your passion in life. And it gave some wonderful examples of how the wrong profession can drain you - physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

How do you know if you need repotting? Take the quiz below. If your score indicates you are ready to repot, then perhaps a career change is in order - and Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing or some other MLM just might be the change you need.

I've included the web address of the quiz below. Let me know how you score.
http://www.BeliefNet.com/section/quiz/index.asp?sectionID=&surveyID=395

If you want to read the Beliefnet article "10 Ways to Bring More Growth Into Your Life", here's the link: http://www.beliefnet.com/features/repotting.html

How do I know which MLM is best?

2008-07-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

I get this question - a dozens of variations of it - almost every day. "How do I know FHTM is the best?" "How do I know it's not a scam?" "How can I convince people to join when I'm so new, I don't know anything about it myself?"

There are dozens of opportunities out there - some legit and some not. Many of them promise to make you rich beyond your wildest dreams - overnight, while you sleep, with no effort on your part. That's usually a dead giveaway that it's not a good choice. Those companies will lead you to the first stumbling block in MLM disaster - failure to build a downline. People that get involved with these types of "opportunities" have the "get-rich-quick" mentality that makes them highly unlikely to commit to your team long-term. They will bail after the first few months of minimal income (my first check from one of these was a whopping 84 cents and I never made more than $20 dollars a month the entire time I was involved - which was before I learned the facts about MLM). Or once they discover that in order to actually make "real" money you have to either invest some money of your own or actually put in some "real" work, they will be gone to the next flashy promise.

So the first sign of a good MLM business is one that let's you know up front that money can be made - if you are willing to do the work. By the way, don't confuse a bad associate with a bad company. Unfortunately, there are perfectly great companies misrepresented by associates who will promise you anything to get you on their team. Don't take the word of the person recruiting you unless you know and trust them. Check out the company for yourself and see what they actually promise.

Second, look at the comp plan. Can you actually build a team and customer base big enough to make some money? How many levels down will you be paid commission on? Are there breakaways (a team member promotes to the same level as you or higher and leaves to start his own downline, taking everyone he has recruited so far with him). Do you have to buy products yourself or hit a certain quota to get paid? The first company I joined had great products and a stellar reputation. But you had to have a huge downline or tons of customers to make any money. Still not a problem except for one thing. You were not allowed to mention the company name in any promotional material until the prospect asked for more information. And you were not allowed to use any type of capture or squeeze pages to build a contact list. So how were you supposed to build your business? Door-to-door, in-home parties, and hounding everyone you knew. Plus you had to purchase a certain amount of product yourself each month to get a check. No thanks. I'd rather have a job. Lots less hassle!

Third, check out the support and training. Is there actual training? Do you have the phone numbers of your upline sponsor and perhaps his sponsor and maybe even two or three more people above him? Is there promotional material available - either free or at an affordable cost? Is your upline willing to assist you while you begin to build your customer base and downline?

Last, but most important, look at the product. All of the above is meaningless if you're selling a product that you don't believe in. That's what you want to focus on. Selling the product. If you focus on just building a downline, once you run out of friends and family to recruit, how are you going to continue to grow? Selling the product provides you with a ready made list of prospects for your business. That's how I got involved many years ago with a company called Melaleuca. I loved the products and used them regularly. I STILL use them. So when my salesperson asked if I'd like to know more about the business opportunity, it was an easy decision. The product sales are where the money comes from. So unless you're planning to buy a whole bunch of whatever it is yourself, you'd better have some customers. The biggest downline in the world is useless if you the company isn't making enough sales to pay you.

So...how do I know FHTM is the best? 1. No one ever promised I'd be rich overnight without any effort on my part. They all told me I could build a great income if I was willing to put in the effort. And they even told me what type of effort would be required if I wanted significant income. I make a good living with this. Could I make more? Probably. But I probably won't and I'm not mad at the company because of this. I was told what I would have to do and I choose not to do it. I have other priorities in my life right now. But FHTM provides me with the freedom to pursue those priorities.

2. Comp plan is fabulous. All you need to for your first promotion is 12 people in your downline. I recruited 3 on my own. They each recruited 3 more. Bingo! In 1 month I got my first promotion and my first raise. There are bonuses for recruiting team members. Commission on sales is paid to unlimited levels. And there aren't any breakaways. And you don't need to buy anything yourself. Now of course, the more customer points you have, the more you will make. The customers are what pay the bills after all. But you don't have to be a customer if you don't want to. Although there is something fun about getting a commission on my own cell phone bill, my own travel, my own television service, and my own workout videos. And it is conceivable to get the free Lexus. I personally know several people who are already driving theirs and I'm very close to getting mine.

3. Support and training. Conference calls, training videos, meetings - we have them all. And that's just from corporate. My team also sponsors training calls and meetings. I know how to contact everyone on my team - upline and downline - and any of them will help me whenever I ask. I can even call the number two guy in the whole company (who just happens to be in my upline) and he will call me back. Team members have actually traveled to the corporate HQ in Lexington, KY and asked to look at the books. Not a problem. And as an added bonus - you get me and my team and all that we have learned about MLM over the years. Everyone of us has been doing this successfully for a while. We may have started out in Melaleuca, Mary Kay, Excel or Amway (I mean Quixtar), but we all knew a good thing when we saw it and now we're with FHTM using what we have learned to help others become successful.

4. Finally the products. Alltel, Cingular, Verizon, Nextel, TMobile and Sprint. DishTV. Peter Lamas Cosmetics. Weight loss and nutritional products. Travelocity. GTE Home Security or InGrid Home Security. FABS Cyberfitness. Identashield. Long distance and VOIP services. And the Fortune Rewards Mall with over 400 stores (Barnes & Noble, Target, Applebees, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy, and Budget - just to name a few). And more coming all the time. Stuff everyone uses all the time.

Now you know what to look for. The choice is yours. Find out more about FHTM at www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether. If it's not for you, then use these guidelines to find a company that is.

$299!! Are You Crazy?!!

2008-07-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Yay! I just added another person to my FHTM team! For a minute or two, I wasn't sure it was going to happen. He got a little excited when I told him it was going to cost him $299 to get started. He thought that was a lot to pay for a business of his own. It made me stop and really questions whether he even really needed to be on my team. After all, it the cost is your first consideration, perhaps you aren't ready to own a business. Yes, cost is important, but my first question was "How much am I going to make?" not "How much is it going to cost?"

But let's look at this realistically. You are investing $299 in your future. For that you receive the right to do business as a representative of Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. You receive all of your marketing materials, order forms and enrollment forms. You receive the weekly rep support email from corporate, access to tons of conference and training calls, the ability to represent companies such as AT&T, Alltel, Dish Network, GTE, Peter Lamas Cosmetics, True Essentials, FABS Cyberfitness, and Travelocity. You receive the benefit of Paul Orberson's years of success, first in Excel and then with FHTM. You get the combined experience of some of the top moneymakers in network marketing - Ruel Morton, Mike Misenheimer, Terry and Sandy Walker. You don't have to stock any inventory. You don't have to worry about billing and collections. You don't have to repeatedly make sales calls and take orders and then make deliveries. You don't have to purchase a set number of products each month just to get paid. And most importantly, you get me and my team. Let's be blunt. If you make money, we all make money, so you can be assured we will do all we can to teach you how to be successful in this business. Still think $299 is too much?

I asked some friends of mine who are all business owners what it cost them to start their ventures. Are you ready?

The Business Broker: $16,000
The Event Planner: $7,000
The Day Care Center Owner: $33,000
The Computer Expert: $550
The Caterer: $1,100
The Pizzeria Owner: $65,000
The Personal Trainer: $2,700
The Organizer: $25,000
The Personal Shopper: $2,500
The Landscaper: $5,000
The Housekeeper: $500

Most of these women started their businesses a few years ago, so with the economy the way it is right now, I'm sure the costs would be higher. And they don't receive the added benefit of having everything provided for them. Nor do they have a team dedicated to helping them succeed. Still think $299 is too much?

What it costs to start a business is one of the things you need to think about when considering stepping out on your own. And $299 is not a small amount of money. But it's not just about the cost of the business. It's about the value of the investment. I guarantee if anyone reading this who thinks $299 is too much will just take a look at what they spend each month, they will discover they spend that and more and things that do nothing to improve their future. How do I know? One $4 latte everyday, rain or shine, at Starbucks, adds up to $120 a month. Add the $2.50 muffin to that and it's $195 a month. And 360 cable channels, over half of which we never watched, added up to $70 a month. That's $265 a month! Pitch in another $34 and your there. That's how I paid for my enrollment!

So how is my latest team member going to pay for his? Well, first there's that newspaper subscription he never reads. And there's the book club membership he has - which he also never reads. And then there's....

So - How Much Money AM I Making?

2008-07-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

I love it when prospects ask me that question! I just had one potential team member refuse to join today because I wouldn't tell him. In his opinion, that meant I wasn't making anything and didn't want him to know the truth. And this situation happens often enough that I felt compelled to address it here.

Let's be real! It doesn't matter how much I make. If I make $10,000 a month does that mean you will? Of course not. And if I'm only making $10 a month, does that mean you will? No.

I personally have sponsored several people who have gone far beyond what I'm making. And I have also sponsored several people who never made a dime.

What I'm making doesn't matter. What matters is how much you want to make.

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, and network marketing in general, is a great opportunity. But like all opportunities, some people will take full advantage of it and some won't. If we all based our potential on the success of those around us, how many of us would ever accomplish anything?

The other supposed reason I won't tell prospects what I'm making is because we all know FHTM is a pyramid scheme and no one ever makes money in a pyramid scheme. All I can say to that one is read my earlier posts explaining the difference between a pyramid scheme and a legitimate networking marketing opportunity. Then judge for yourself. If you still believe it's a pyramid, nothing I say will change your mind. In which case, it really doesn't matter how much I'm making because you're not joining MY team!

Dr. Sally Witt and Me!

2008-06-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

I was so honored to be a guest on Dr. Sally Witt's show today. She is totally awesome!! When she first called and asked if she could interview me on her show I was surprised. In fact, my first response to her was "Whatever will we talk about?" But she convinced me to do it and I am so glad I did. I had a great time talking with her and I feel like I know her so much better now than previously. She is a fabulous interviewer who knows exactly how to put her guests at ease.

It was even more fun to discover that people I knew were hanging out in the chat room and asking questions as well. That's a great indication of what a wonderful show Sally has. Even here in my little corner of Arkansas, people are tuning in to listen. If you haven't discovered her program yet, I suggest you check it out. I understand you can even subscribe and receive announcements of upcoming programs so you will always know when she is having a particularly fascinating guest. The link to my interview is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/drsallywitt/2008/06/27/Melodieann-Whiteley.

Please listen and then tell Sally how you enjoyed her program by making it a favorite! And be sure to check out her site as well at http://www.drsallywitt.com/.

Ladies - Do You Have a Book or Product to Sell?

2008-06-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

If you're a professional woman with a book or product, give us an opportunity to purchase from you on Friday, June 20.

This is the day we are celebrating who we are as women---as women who are on the move and making a difference!

June 20 is the 2nd annual celebration of Baby Boomer Diva Day. Showcase your product for 15 minutes for the very low price of $10. A few vendor slots still left. Also, there will be plenty of prize giveaways with special guest speaker, Heidi Richards, who will discuss how blogging can turn into $$$ for your business or product. It's going to be the most fun you've had online in a LONG time. 10am-3pm

To get more information or to sign up now: keybusinesspartners@verizon.net

Buying Leads - What a Waste of Time!

2008-06-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

I've been involved in network marketing for years. Melaleuca, Amway, and countless others. Nothing worked until I discovered FHTM. Now that's not saying that these others don't work for others. They just didn't work for me. In fact Fortune didn't work for me either - until I learned the proper way to build a network marketing business.

One of my team members called me last night to ask if I was interested in partnering with her on purchasing some leads. They were a little expensive, but they were "qualified" leads so they had to be good. And she was going to buy several hundred so she could get the best deal. But she couldn't afford to and besides she'd never call all of them. That's why she wanted to share.

I can promise you - buying leads doesn't work. I have bought lots of leads over the years. I have made hundreds of calls every week. Want to know how many people I actually enrolled in anything that way? Two...

No fun. This is what frightens people away from network marketing. Either you shove the business down the throat of everyone you know. Or you spend lots of money and countless hours buying and calling leads to people that really have no interest in your business. They are looking for that "get rich overnight without any effort" business that doesn't exist and they fill out every form on every website for information.

So how do you find team members and/or customers? Simple. Make them come to you. Once you can do that, you've got it made. How do you make them do that? First you have to understand some basic principles.

First, you are not selling your business or products. You are selling yourself. How do I know this is true? Easy. Many of the people on Mike Misenheimer's team followed him from Excel. Why? Because he was successful in Excel. So when he moved to Fortune and said it was a good opportunity, people who didn't know a thing about the business joined - because MIKE SAID SO! The same thing happened with Linda Gracy and her Team National and Mary Kay downlines. They are all in FHTM now. Why? Because Linda said it's a good thing.

Second, people follow leaders. If you are not a leader, you need to learn how to become one - soon. I'm not saying there isn't a place for followers. We all need to learn to follow and without followers we wouldn't need leaders. But if you want to build a successful team, you have to take the lead.

Third, leaders are valuable people and the more valuable you are to others, the more they will seek you out.

If you aren't bringing any value to your team, why should they join you? "But I haven't been in the business that long", you say. "What value can I bring?" Fortunately, you can learn the skills to become a person of value no matter what business opportunity you are in. I'll tell you how in a minute.

Two steps are necessary to becoming a successful network marketer. Education and marketing. You must become the leader and increase your value. That's the education part. Then you must learn to show your prospects just how valuable you are. That's called marketing.

Now I promised you I would share with you how to learn much of what you need to know to become a leader in network marketing. You can learn it the same way I did. Mike Dillard, one of the (if not THE) most successful network marketer of all time, has a fabulous course. I took it and it changed my life. It's called "Magnetic Sponsoring." It will teach you how to attract endless new business partners and customers to you. It's how I teach everyone on my team to build their businesses. Those that follow these principles excel. It's how I bring value to my team - by sharing what I've learned. You can learn these secrets one of two ways. Join my team and I'll teach you myself. Or you can purchase Mike's course directly at http://mwhiteley.magneticsponsoringonline.com/.

See you at the top - or see you from the top!

FABS Cyberfitness now part of FHTM!‏

2008-06-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

FHTM is happy to announce FABS CYBERFITNESS as the newest addition to our list of product/service offerings!

FABS™ (Fitness and Aerobics Broadband Services) provides group fitness and personal training programs directly to you at your convenience, in the privacy of your own home via internet streaming videos. Never purchase another gym membership you will never use. No more home-gym equipment to collect laundry. You will never even have to watch the same video twice!
FABS™ online exercise programs address all levels of difficulty to meet your specific fitness abilities and new videos are added regularly. Whether you are at home, on a business trip or at the office late, the FABS™ service meets the fitness needs of your ever-changing and busy lifestyle. Cut down on the price and time you spend on exercising at the gym with a convenient and affordable FABS™ membership.

In addition to your online exercise programs, as part of your start up fee, you’ll receive a complete fitness and nutritional analysis. Once you complete your online analysis, FABS™ will start your journey to fitness with a personally designed program for your specific needs and goals.

So, let's see. With the addition of FABS, FHTM is now in the telecommunications (FHTM Wireless Shop, Dish TV), health and nutrition (True Essentials Nutritional Supplements and FABS), weight loss (Lifestyle Essentials Weight Loss products and FABS), travel (Travel FHTM with Travelocity), cosmetics (Peter Lamas cosmetics), home security systems (GTE Home Security, InGrid Home Security), online shopping mall (Fortune Rewards Mall) and many other businesses (identishield, FonVantage, HomVantage, medical and prescription discount cards). Each of these is a multi-million dollar industry all by itself. And Paul is continuously adding additional products and services. When you join Fortune, you are part of all of them. Don't Trip Over Your Brain! Join my team and let me help you change your life. Visit www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether and sign up today.

Still not interested? That's fine. At least check out the newest wave in personal fitness - FABS CyberFitness. Visit www.fhtmus.com/wealthtogether and click on the FABS CyberFitness icon.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning Your Own Network Marketing Business

2008-05-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I happened to catch an interview on one of the late night talk shows - David Letterman I think. The guest was Donald Trump. Always interested in what billionaires have to say - even The Donald - I stopped channel surfing to listen. I don't remember much of the interview except for one part. When asked how he would start over if he lost everything and had to start again, Mr. Trump answered "Network Marketing."

Network marketing! Well now - if it's good enough for Donald Trump, it's good enough for me.

So what are the advantages of starting your own network marketing business? After watching the interview, I decided to head to the local bookstore and see what I could find out. Guess what! The Donald co-wrote a book with fellow billionaire Robert Kiyosaki. It's called "Why We Want You To Be Rich" and I highly recommend you read it. It it the authors list several advantages of owning a network marketing business.

1. Tax breaks! Owning a network marketing business allows you to claim tax deductions available to any business owner. For example, this year I was able to claim some of my gasoline (for driving to business meetings and presentations), some meals (customer and prospect dinners), part of my internet costs (I use the internet for my business), part of my cell phone costs (ditto), some of my travel costs (by combining our vacation in Orlando with a business seminar, part of my trip was deductible). Of course you really must consult with a CPA or other tax professional to ensure you follow all the IRS guidelines. And by the way, the CPA is deductible!

2. Time! Time for your family, time for yourself. In a network marketing business, you can work as much or as little as you please. It all depends on how quickly you want to build your business. And you can take the time you want off. Today, I was able to attend my grandson's kindergarten graduation. In my old 9-5 job, I would have had to miss it. I would not have been able to get the time from work to attend and I normally wouldn't have left the office until 8:00pm. But now that I have my own business, I simply planned my day so I was free in time to see him in his first little cap and gown. (How cute!) I have a friend who was not hired for a job simply because his Sabbath is Saturday and the company insists that everyone work on Saturday. He recently joined my team and now his Saturdays are his own. He gladly works Sunday on his business and has Saturday to spend with his family and God.

Time also means you can take all the time you need to build your business. In the corporate world, I watched many co-workers come and then go when they weren't able to meet a quota. In network marketing, the only quotas are the one you set for yourself. On our team and on most teams in general, if you are willing to work, we will work with you no matter how long it takes.

3. Leverage. This is a big advantage. What is leverage? Let me explain. I have a friend who works for a car dealership. He does fairly well - as long as he works "bell to bell" (open to close) 5-6 days a week. He sells on average 15-20 cars per month. But if he goes on vacation or is ill, he sells nothing and makes nothing. Now, suppose that he had a team of other salespeople that worked for the same company. He recruited them, trained them, and supported them, and in return he received a percentage of their sales. If he had 10 salespeople on his team and they each sold 5 cars apiece each month, that's an additional 50 cars a month that he receives some money for. Plus he still sells his 15-20 per month. If he gets sick or takes a day off, he might not sell his 20. But he will still get paid his share of the additional 50.

Now let's take it one step further and say each of these 5 salespeople were allowed to do the same thing. The each recruited 5 members for the team and everyone got a percentage of the sales. So now my friend has another 25 (5x5 = 25) sales he gets a percentage of. Plus the 50 from the team he recruited. Plus his 15-20 each month. That's potential sales 95 cars - all with no more time or effort than it took to sell his 15-20. THAT'S called LEVERAGE!

Another form of leverage is the system that is in place. If you join a network marketing program, everything is already in place for you. All you have to do is learn from those that have gone before you and been successful and copy what they did. Now need to start from scratch!

4. You get to meet some really great people. Once you are in a network marketing business, you will be surprised at how your social circle changes. When I joined FHTM, I immediately showed it to all of my friends. Some of them instantly saw the advantages and signed up on my team. But many just didn't get it. They thought I was crazy for getting involved in one of those "pyramid scams that would never work." But if they actually had to be honest, it wasn't the fact that it was network marketing. It's the fact that most of us have been taught from birth that the way to get ahead is to go to school, get a good education, and then get a good job and work until we retire. And we only have to look around us during the current economic situation to see how well that's working. I live in Arkansas. I don't know if anyone outside of the area heard about the Cargill plant that burned down. Guess what - it's not being rebuilt. 800 people out of work. My cousin just lost his job because the company he worked for sold their franchise and the new owners feel they don't need to keep as many salespeople. Several more people out of work. Still think a job is the way to go? Fortunately, when you own a network marketing business, you quickly meet many other people who understand the concepts explained here. And it sure is great to surround yourself with positive, upbeat people who are successful and want you to be successful as well.

Of course, it isn't all sunshine and roses. There are some disadvantages to starting a network marketing business. First, you have to work hard. Sometimes you will work longer hours than if you had a regular job. It's 11:30 pm here and I'm still working. If I was still in my job, I'd be sound asleep by now. And it can take some time to get the business built to the point where it can support your family. You may need to work your job until you reach that point unless you have some savings you can use while you build your business. I've seen it done both ways and either way will work as long as your committed. And some network marketing companies have VERY strict guidelines on how you can market your business and recruit your downline. I actually lost an upline member in a previous venture because he stepped outside the guidelines for online recruitment and the company terminated him with no questions asked.

If you have been thinking of starting a business in the network marketing industry now is the perfect time to get started. The economic situation is causing a flood of people looking to supplement or replace their current income. And of course, if you are looking for the best network marketing company in the business, I'd love to have you join my team.

How can I convince my friends and family I'm not crazy?

2008-05-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

I get asked this question all of the time and so I'm going to address it again. Network marketing is perfectly legal. It is not a pyramid scheme. It is not a scam. It can make you lots of money.

Yes, there are illegal pyramid schemes out there. Yes, there are scams in abundance. And no, I can't guarantee you will become wealthy in my business opportunity - or any other network marketing opportunity.

If you listen to all of they naysayers, they would have you believe that every network marketing business in the world is just another opportunity for you to lose your money. And yet there are hundreds of people making a decent living everyday with FHTM, Avon, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, EcoQuest, Melaleuca, and Herbalife - just to name a few. What? These aren't all network marketing business opportunities? Of course they are. Any business that rewards you for building a team underneath you is network marketing.

Why do people have such a negative view of our industry? It's very likely they have tried it and failed. And once that happens they are convinced it's because they are all scams. They fail to realize that it's like any other business. You will get out of it what you put into it. How many people did they show the business plan to? One? Two? Then someone laughed at them or they got tired of hearing no and they became embarassed to admit they were in network marketing and they quit. How many people did they show the products to? I'll bet they were even less enthusiastic about that. They came into the business thinking they were just going to build this tremendous downline and not have to actually sell any of the products.

Will all network marketers become wealthy? No. But then you aren't going to become wealthy doing what you are already doing either. If you were, you would be rich by now! Network marketing has created more millionaires than any other industry. Can you say that about your job? And what if you don't get rich? Is that so important? I got started in my business so I could have some spare income. Gas is almost $4.00/gallon. Food is climbing higher everyday. Jobs are beginning to become harder to find. If you could make an extra $800 - $1000 every month, would that help? Of course it would!

I have posted warning signs that indicate an opportunity may be a pyramid or other scam. Check them out before you join any business. Then once you sign up, get to work! Don't worry about the naysayers. If they can't see the benefits of your opportunity, thank them for their time, SHOW THEM YOUR PRODUCTS and ask if they will become a customer, ask them for a referral to someone who might be interested in either your business or your products, then say "NEXT" and move on! Don't try to bully them into joining, don't keep bothering them once they've said no - just thank them for their time and move on to your next prospect.

The best way to show people that network marketing is real is to become successful yourself. How do I recruit people now? When they ask me what I'm doing for a living, I tell them. When they comment on the fact that it's only May and my husband and I have had two vacations already this year, I tell them how we pay for that. When a friend laughingly said she wished she could have money like I have so she could eat out as often as my husband and I do, I tell her how we are able to afford to. And then they either get it or they don't. If they do - great! Sign 'em up! If not, they never will. NEXT!

By the way, if you are interested in one of the best network marketing opportunities available, check out mine - Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. http://wealthtogether.web.officelive.com/

Cruise vacations now available on your Travel site!

2008-05-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

As an FHTM Representative, you now have the ability to provide an additional level of service to your clients by allowing them to search and reserve Cruise Ship Vacations directly from your Travel FHTM site!

In order to further enhance the capabilities of your travel site, Travel FHTM, offered through the Travelocity Partner Network, has recently partnered with one of the largest and most respected cruise vacation reservation systems in the U.S.

Our cruise partner has been featured in many national publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Forbes, and is a member of the Cruise Line International Association and fully accredited by the Airlines Reporting Corporation.

Your customers can now book dream vacations on 130 premier cruise ships from 15 major cruise lines including:
· Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
· Carnival Cruise Lines
· Disney Cruise Lines
· Norwegian Cruise Lines
· Celebrity Cruise Lines
· Windstar Cruise Lines
· …and more!

Visit exotic destinations including:
· Hawaii
· The Mediterranean
· The Caribbean
· Alaska
· Africa
· Tahiti
· New Zealand
· …and more!

The bottom line –Travel FHTM provides your customers with access to a rich collection of on-line Cruise Vacation resources, including comprehensive cruise lines, destinations and travel dates, online forums, personalized content and travel reviews. Don't Trip Over Your Brain! Join FHTM and start promoting your newly enhanced travel site today!

Objections!

2008-04-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

I've found that there are three big objections that frequently come up when I show prospects the Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing business overview.

1. I don't have the money.
2. I don't have the time.
3. I want to do it but I can't right now.

This is assuming everything else fits. They have the need and I have the opportunity that can help them. They like me and trust me and we are both excited about the possibilities. But then an objection bomb falls. So what do I do? First of all, it's important for me, the professional, to understand the nature of the objection. And the first fact about all three objections is that they almost always aren't true. Almost every time. They are just excuses to cover fear and uncertainty. For instance: I don't have the money now really means I'm afraid to spend the money without knowing I'll really get it back. What if I fail?

I don't have the time now really means I'm not sure I want to give up time I spend on other things unless I'm sure this will really work.

I'm not ready or able now means I'll never really be ready or able because I'm afraid to take a risk without proof that I can do this.

During my Navy career, part of my physical training was an obstacle course. And one of the obstacles was a ten foot wall. The reality was that the wall was ten feet high. I remember thinking I'd never get over it. It was too high. I'd fall off and hurt myself or embarrass myself in front of my shipmates. And then our company commander told us that it was time to go over the wall. And he really had no interest in our reasons why it was impossible. "It's a ten foot wall. Now go over the wall." So we put our heads together and in just a few minutes (no kidding!), amazingly to me, we found a way to get over the wall. And this is exactly how a potential business partner looks at working with you. They see a fee, a commitment of time and a challenge that they have never faced before - a ten foot wall. So the immediate knee-jerk reaction is to panic and start making excuses. And the worst mistake you can make is to let them.

"Yes,that wall is too high. You're right, it's impossible to get over. I understand how hard it is, so let me call you back in a few months and see if you're ready to get over the wall then." I promise you, they won't be ready. Again, assuming the work or project is right for them and they will gain a real benefit from working with you, then it is simply irresponsible to buy into their excuses. You are definitely not serving their best interests if you "just let it slide."

So what do you say instead? You tell them the truth:

"This is something you really want to do, right?"
"Yes it is"
"And if we do this, you agree that it will make a huge difference in your life, correct?"
"Yes, it will."
"Then I'd like you to make a commitment to move forward. And when you do that, we'll work together to find a way to pay for it (or fit it into your schedule or get past your uncertainty). Are you willing to do that?"
"Well, I'm not sure. What if I can't pay for it (or find the time or get past my uncertainties)?" "Let's do this: You make the commitment and I promise we'll find a way to make it work. The worst that could happen is that things will get delayed a little while. But I know when you make the commitment, we can make it happen."
"OK, let's do it!"

Will it always go like this? Can you use this script verbatim? What if they accuse you of pressuring them? What if they tell you never to darken their doorway again? All I can tell you is that if you make the commitment to take a stand for the truth about the difference this opportunity will make for your prospects (and don't back down when they make excuses), you will have a partner who puts themselves completely in your hands and produces a magnificent outcome. Give it a shot. What's the worst that could happen? !

Network Marketing

2008-04-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

Looking for an inexpensive way to start a part-time business? Network marketing, also known as multilevel marketing (MLM) or direct sales, is one business opportunity that just may fit the bill. Many recognizable brand names--Tupperware, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, for example--fall under the network marketing umbrella.

These type of programs feature a low upfront investment--usually only a few hundred dollars for the purchase of a product sample kit--and the opportunity to sell a product line directly to the people you know. Most network marketing programs will also ask you to recruit sales reps who will become your downline. As their recruiter, you're entitled to earn commissions on their sales as well.

I am involved in a great company. It's called Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. You can learn more about it by visiting the sites in the suggested links section.

There are many benefits to having a network marketing business.

1. You can own your own business relatively inexpensively. It only costs $299 to start a Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing business. Try buying a McDonald's franchise for that!

2. You can work at your own pace. Many network marketers start part-time and stay at their regular jobs while they build their business. Once they have built their businesses to the desired level, many quit to pursue their business full time. Others choose to only work it part time to bring in some additional income. Either way, you get to make the choice.

3. The power of leverage. You will hear us talk about leverage in our business presentations and training. In a traditional business, you are paid only on the number of sales you make or customers you see. In network marketing, you can build a team of people who also own their businesses. Then you get paid on your own sales AND you receive a percentage of sales from all of your team members. I get paid for the work of team members 8 levels deep!

4. A growing market. Do you know anyone with a cell phone? Satellite TV? Do you know anyone who takes vitamins or uses weight loss products? How about cosmetics? Do you know anyone who travels? Shops at Target, Barnes and Noble, KMart, or one of over 400 other stores online? Needs a home security system? Is interested in Identity Theft Protection? Has long distance on their home phone? Has considered Vonage or another VOIP company? These are all potential customers. Do you know anyone that would be interested in making a little extra money in their spare time or would like to learn how to build financial security? These are all potential business partners.

5. Unlimited income potential. In network marketing you can earn as much or as little as you want. It all depends on how much time and effort you are willing to put into the business. My husband and I decided to work like crazy for 3-5 years. We did so because we fully intend to be at a position financially at that point that we can retire. Some of our team members are already making more than we do because they worked the business full time from the first day.

6. Home business tax deductions. There are many things you can deduct once you own your own home business. And who couldn't use a few more tax deductions?

7. Residual income. Even when my husband and I retire, we will still earn income from the team members we have recruited that are still working - and still recruiting additional team members.

Network marketing is a real, legitimate business opportunity. And FHTM is the best in the biz!

Location! Location! Location!

2008-04-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know I now Squidoo! I have a lens for my site selection business. Stop by and check it out!

http://www.squidoo.com/ultimateevents

I'm Going to Meet Paul!

2008-04-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! Saturday is going to be fabulous. I'm traveling to Columbia, MO to meet an extraordinary man - Paul Orberson!

Paul Orberson, founder of Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, is one of the most successful individuals ever to have participated in the network marketing industry. When he left his last network marketing company he had earned more money as a Representative, in a shorter period of time, than anyone before in the industry.

He was a schoolteacher and coach from a small town in Kentucky before he began working with a small start up telecommunications company. Paul’s efforts helped that company become one of the fastest growing telecommunications companies during the 1990’s and a multi-billion dollar, publicly traded NYSE company. Paul became a multi-millionaire in four short years and was able to retire before he was forty years old.

After relaxing and enjoying the fruits of his labor for four years, Paul decided that work was more fun and challenging than retirement. He also missed the personal relationships that he had enjoyed as a full time network marketing representative. However, Paul’s retirement was not all rest and relaxation and he became increasingly concerned that although he had been successful in the industry, he knew others who needed and wanted to achieve financial freedom. It was at this point that he began to formulate the vision that was to become Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing®.

Paul began a detailed review of several companies and a multitude of marketing programs. He consistently found deficiencies and inherent weaknesses in these programs and compensation plans. As a result of his research, specific features were identified as key elements of a successful network marketing program. He identified a successful program as being Representative rewarding and Representative friendly. He next began exploring ways to add value to the businesses that were built by the Representatives. His goal was to develop a compensation plan with the Representative in mind. One that would reward the Representative's hard work in the field with the best compensation plan in the history of the industry. With these ideas in mind, Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing® began to take shape.

Although Paul has learned the intricacies of the network marketing industry during his career, he felt that it was important to bring together a strong, experienced management team to oversee the day to day operations of the Company. Paul's financial backing and a quality team of focused professionals provide the strength and philosophy upon which our Representatives can depend. Additionally, contracts have been negotiated with major companies to supply long distance, internet, paging, unified messaging systems, digital satellite television, nutritional and weight loss products, cosmetics, home security systems, travel services, and cellular/ wireless. Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing® will be on the cutting edge of the technology revolution with very competitive products and pricing for its customers.

Paul’s vision for the future is now reality in the form of a world-class network marketing opportunity for all people who are looking for a way to become financially independent and improve their lives. If you are looking for a way to change your life, you have truly found yourself in the right place at the right time with the right team! Call me (479-790-9953) or email me (wealthtogether@hotmail.com) and let's get started!

How would you like to earn an extra income?

2008-03-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

You can generate a long-term residual income starting today!!

Network marketing is real. Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad has even stated, "If I had to do it all over again, rather than build an old style type of business, I would have started building a network marketing business."

The purpose of this blog is to introduce a business opportunity in network marketing. This is a business I am personally involved in. The blog will also supply tons of information on network marketing in general for anyone to use. So if you are already in network marketing or MLM, you will find helpful tips here.

I am involved in a great company. It's called Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. You can learn more about it by visiting the sites in the suggested links section.

My goal is to create a team of people striving towards financial freedom, with the potential to earn a substantial residual income.

What is network marketing? Network marketing has been around for a while and has created about 20% of the self made millionaires out there.

Traditionally companies use newspaper advertisements, television, etc in order to achieve this. Network marketing companies do not use these “traditional” forms of advertising. They use people instead to do the advertising for them. These people who then market the network marketing company’s product/service are known as distributors or Independent Consultants/Associates.

Now, while traditional companies spend millions of dollars on advertising per year, network marketing companies choose to do their advertising through people as stated above. Instead of paying the newspaper or television station for the advertising, network marketing companies like Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing pay their reps to assist with recruiting others and finding customers for the company's products and services. Because of this feature network marketing has become the fastest growing industry in the world today. And Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing has become one of the fastest growing businesses in the industry. (Did I mention that my team is the #1 team in the company? Let's see - the number one team in the number one company in the number one industry in the world. Are you ready to join me yet?)

This is one of the most rewarding home business opportunities today. The majority of companies offer products and services that the average person uses on a daily and consistent basis.
Today we have products like communication services, internet access, nutritional products, water filtration systems, financial programs and this makes choosing a company all the more difficult. Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing offers all of these and more! We market for almost all of the cell phone companies, DishTV, Peter Lamas Cosmetics, Travelocity, GTE Home Security, True Essentials Nutritional Products, Life Essentials Weight Loss Products, FONVantage (VOIP), and many, many others. That way, even if one market sector falls out of popularity, there are many others to keep the business growing.

The network marketing industry has a very shady reputation. Many of the people you will talk to feel it is a scam. Unfortunately, there have been scams and pyramid schemes that were presented as legitimate network marketing opportunities and people did get taken advantage of and lose money. This is also true of many other businesses. When the idea of franchises was first marketed, people thought they were a scam and illegal. Fortunately for McDonalds and the thousands of other franchises worldwide, that is no longer the case. There are ways to tell if it's a legitimate business opportunity or a pyramid. These are outlined in my post "It's NOT A Pyramid Scheme." Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing is a legitimate business and has an excellent reputation. You can help maintain this reputation by the way you conduct your business.

There are many benefits to having a network marketing business.

1. You can own your own business relatively inexpensively. It only costs $299 to start a Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing business. Try buying a McDonald's franchise for that!

2. You can work at your own pace. Many network marketers start part-time and stay at their regular jobs while they build their business. Once they have built their businesses to the desired level, many quit to pursue their business full time. Others choose to only work it part time to bring in some additional income. Either way, you get to make the choice.

3. The power of leverage. You will hear us talk about leverage in our business presentations and training. In a traditional business, you are paid only on the number of sales you make or customers you see. In network marketing, you can build a team of people who also own their businesses. Then you get paid on your own sales AND you receive a percentage of sales from all of your team members. I get paid for the work of team members 8 levels deep!

4. A growing market. Do you know anyone with a cell phone? Satellite TV? Do you know anyone who takes vitamins or uses weight loss products? How about cosmetics? Do you know anyone who travels? Shops at Target, Barnes and Noble, KMart, or one of over 400 other stores online? Needs a home security system? Is interested in Identity Theft Protection? Has long distance on their home phone? Has considered Vonage or another VOIP company? These are all potential customers.

Do you know anyone that would be interested in making a little extra money in their spare time or would like to learn how to build financial security? These are all potential business partners.

5. Unlimited income potential. In network marketing you can earn as much or as little as you want. It all depends on how much time and effort you are willing to put into the business. My husband and I decided to work like crazy for 3-5 years. We did so because we fully intend to be at a position financially at that point that we can retire. Some of our team members are already making more than we do because they worked the business full time from the first day.

6. Home business tax deductions. There are many things you can deduct once you own your own home business. And who couldn't use a few more tax deductions?

7. Residual income. Even when my husband and I retire, we will still earn income from the team members we have recruited that are still working - and still recruiting additional team members.

Now do you see what I'm so excited about? Join me and the thousands of other network marketers. Naturally, I think FHTM is the best and if you are serious about earning a living through network marketing, I would love to have you on my team. But there are many other good companies and I encourage you to take a look at them - after you look at mine!

Overcoming Network Marketing Fears

2008-03-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

If someone gave me a magic wand that I could use to solve any network marketing issue my team faced, what would that issue be? Only one comes to mind. I suspect it was the same issue fifty years ago and would be the same issue fifty years from now. That issue is "Fear of People." Nothing holds people back from growing their business more than that.

Part of Network Marketing is Networking. The other part is Marketing. Both of those involve getting your message in front of people. Both of these can actually be fun. But for many would-be network marketers it's the worst thing in the world. Meeting strangers? Trying to convince people we've never met - or even worse, people we know well! - that network marketing is legit and this opportunity is for real? Picking up the phone to follow-up with a prospective customer or business partner? What if they laugh at me? What if they say no? What if they tell me I'm going to ruin my credibility by being associated with this business (that actually happened to a team member of mine)?

We are afraid of people. Until we face this truth and deal with it, network marketing is never going to be a lot of fun, or very productive, for that matter. Network marketing is going to be an ordeal when we imagine judgment, rejection and ridicule at every turn. Notice that I said "imagine." For the most part, these horrors of being judged, rejected and ridiculed are just that - imagination. I'm not saying some of your prospects won't laugh at you. They will - because they see you moving away from them and they are jealous. Rather than shake off their own limiting behaviour and following you, they will try to hold you back on their level. And yes, some of your prospects will say "no". That's okay. This business is not for everyone. Wouldn't you rather have an honest "no it's not for me" than get a team member who had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, to join? And then once they did join, never did anything to build their business until it failed completely and then vehemently told everyone they knew not to get involved with you because it didn't work and was just a scam? And yes, there are people who believe that Network Marketing is hard, bad, unethical, sleazy, slimy, manipulative, dishonest and doesn't really work. So what? There are people who say the same thing about insurance sales people, lawyers, car sales people, and politicians. And yet I'll bet you have insurance and a car and have used or considered using a lawyer. (Politicians may be a different story. Some of the really ARE hard, bad, unethical, sleazy, slimy, manipulative, dishonest and don't really work!).

"OK, Melodieann, I get it! But what can I do about it? How can I stop being run by my fears of people?"

Think about this. If you are afraid of talking to people, how do you think they feel about talking to you? They are just as afraid of you as you are of them. Afraid that you might ask them to step outside their comfort zone. Afraid that you might force them to commit to making a life-changing decision when they're not ready or able to do it. Afraid they might have to admit that you know something they don't. Afraid that you will laugh at them, reject them, or ridicule them because they can't see the opportunity being presented to them.

If you were no longer afraid of sharing your opportunity and your business, where would you be? What would you be? Remember the Power of One? What could you do with that? Knowing that you have a choice - to market or not, to be successful or not - which do you choose?

Fear of people is real. I know because I used to suffer from it. It holds us back and prevents us from realizing our dreams and ambitions. But it can be overcome. My public speaking coach use to tell me to use the "imagine them in their underwear" scenario. That WAS scary. But if it works for you, do it. Then when they laugh at you, you can laugh right back at the image of them in their polka dot boxers! If a prospect tells you no, don't take it as personal rejection. Realize that they are simply not ready for what you are offering and that's okay. Not everyone has your courage and determination to create a new life for themselves and their family. Learn all you can about your business and get to know those who are being successful with it. Use this when someone tries to ridicule you. When I get the "pyramid scheme" speech, I act shocked and dismayed and say I'd better call AT&T, Alltel, Verizon, DishTV, Travelocity, and all of the other big companies associated with Fortune and tell them they are involved in an illegal racket. And then I laugh. When a prospect tells me I'm going to lose my credibility by promoting this, I list the names of the doctors, lawyers, senators, athletes, Wal-mart execs, and other successful business people who are also building FHTM businesses - and then I ask if they have "credibility issues." And when they tell me it doesn't work, I simply remind them of how my life has changed - and then I ask them what they think caused the change if it wasn't my "silly little business." Fear no longer has a grip on me. Are you going to let it stop you?

The Power of One

2008-03-10T13:23:00.001-07:00

"But Melodieann ... I don't really know anybody so how can I do network marketing? Don't I have to sponsor a billion people to get anywhere?"

What would happen if YOU sponsored ONE PERSON this month . . .

And then the TWO of you EACH sponsored ONE PERSON next month . .

And then the FOUR of you EACH sponsored ONE PERSON the next month . . .

And then the EIGHT of you EACH sponsored ONE PERSON the next month . . .

And then the SIXTEEN of you EACH sponsored ONE PERSON the next month . . .

Do you know how many of you there would be after one year? 4096! Is that enough of a downline for you to start with your first year?

Do you see the POWER of LEVERAGE? Does it make you want to GO SPONSOR SOMEONE TODAY?? Do you see how some people are jumping out and making $25,000 their first month?

Derek Wiersma, who happens to be in my downline, made $12,000 his first two weeks, then $25,000 the next month. (His first full month.) The key was that he found a few MOTIVATED people, who all went right to work SHOWING THE PLAN and THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES! (They were working in the mortgage business, and struggling financially. Who do you know in the mortgage business?? Real Estate?? Construction??) He said a big key to his success was that he and his team put their BEST prospects at the TOP of their lists and go for them FIRST, as opposed to most people, who put their best prospects on the bottom of their list because they feel more comfortable approaching friends and family.

(You've probably heard the term "chicken list" -- that's the term we use to describe the people we don't have enough nerve to show it to! They are probably your best prospects!) Does it make you want to dust off your chicken list and go show it to someone who might actually HELP YOU BUILD YOUR BUSINESS?

Have you listened to Bob Proctor (or someone like him) today? Have you said your positive affirmations? Remember, your MIND is your most important tool . . . it will work powerfully FOR you our AGAINST you --- it''s your choice!

It's NOT a Pyramid!

2008-03-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

One of the first questions I inevitably get when presenting Fortune is "Is this a pyramid scheme? Aren't those illegal?" So let me state once and for all - NETWORK MARKETING IS NOT A PYRAMID SCHEME. Pyramids do exist and sometimes it's hard to tell a legitimate business from a scam. What makes them different?

1. A legitimate network marketing business will have a genuine product or service. This product or service will have value of its own and be priced accordingly. In a pyramid, there is usually no real product or service. If it does, they are often priced well above fair market value. Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing products and services include: cell phones and cell phone service from AT&T, Alltel, Verizon, T-Mobile, Nextel and others; DishTV, Peter Lamas Cosmetics, Travelocity, GTE Home Security systems, True Essentials nutritional products, Life Essentials weightloss products, and many more.

2. A legitimate network marketing business will disclose any information about the company to anyone interested in knowing more. Pyramids offer little to no information offered about the company unless an investor purchases the products and becomes a participant. Fortune H-Tech Marketing has been featured on several news programs and magazines. Anyone is free to visit the website and learn all they want about the company before joining.

3. Network marketing businesses encourage the sale of the products or services offered by the company. Commission is paid on these sales to reps involved in the business. Pyramids promote an income stream that chiefly depends on the commissions earned by enrolling new members or the purchase by members of products for their own use rather than sales to customers who are not participants in the scheme. In FHTM, there are several ways to earn money. We do receive bonuses for enrolling new members and we do receive commissions for the products and services we use ourselves (I get commission from my Alltel cell phone!). We also are encouraged to encourage others to become customers by purchasing our products and services. We receive commission from those as well. I currently have over 300 customers.

4. In a network marketing company, the money to pay commissions comes from the sale of products or services. In a pyramid, the money to pay commissions comes primarily from the participants. There is a $299 fee to join FHTM. There is a cost to become involved in any legitimate business. This cost does not even begin to cover the commissions and bonuses I receive from my downline and customers. Our profit comes from the sales of our products and services. FHTM is AT&T's best customer. Last year, we sold more cell phones than the AT&T stores. We aren't #1 with DishTV. We had to settle for being #2. And because of this, each of these companies, along with all the others we represent, happily pay us commission instead of paying for advertising elsewhere. That's where our money comes from.

5. In a network marketing company, you can earn a decent living. In a pyramid, 90% of the participants never recoup their initial investment. Dearl and I paid $299 for our entry into the business. I pay for my cell phone (which I would pay anyway), a website, some vitamins and other nutritional products (which I would only buy somewhere else if I didn't buy them here), some cosmetics (ditto for the cosmetics), a virtual office which provides me with an 800 number (which I was going to get anyway) and a Travelocity website. Now I probably wouldn't have purchased a Travelocity site except for this business. But I travel a lot and so do my friends and family. So booking this travel through my own Travelocity site and then receiving a commission for it sure made sense to me.

We made our $299 back within our first 2 weeks. We have made much more than that since then. I can't guarantee you won't lose your money in Fortune. If you sign up and then don't enroll anyone in your downline or don't get some customers, you surely will. But if you invest in a McDonalds franchise and then don't promote your business, you'll lose money there too.

In a pyramid scheme, those at the bottom can never advance higher or make more than those at the top. In network marketing, this is not the case. I am a Regional Sales Manager with FHTM. Shortly after joining the company I recruited a couple (Pam and Earl I LOVE you!). They quit their jobs and devoted themselves to this full time, unlike myself and Dearl who only do it part time. They have now promoted to the level above me - Executive Sales Manager - and make far more than I do.

Pyramid schemes do exist. They get more sophisticated and harder to spot all the time. But there are many good, solid, legitimate network marketing companies also. If you are looking for a way to make some extra income, or even one day replace your job with a business of your own, I highly recommend you consider one. Of course, I think Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing is the best one to work with. But there are many others. If you aren't sure if it's a legitimate business, review the checklist above. If anything about the "opportunity" makes you uncomfortable, look elsewhere. And if the person you are speaking with about the business pressures you to get involved, RUN! That is a definite warning that they are more interested in recruiting other people into the business than in selling products. I will ask you to look at my business. I may even get a little pushy because I care about you and want you to have the same opportunity I did. But if you look at the compensation plan, the business overview and the products, and still tell me you are not interested - I will NEVER, EVER push you to be on my team!

A Network Marketing Blog???

2008-02-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

I never thought about starting a blog about my OTHER business. After all, it's (dare I say it?) NETWORK MARKETING!!! But during a recent interview with my friend and fellow Diva, Rosie Horner for Rosie's Boomer Review, (http://www.rosiesboomerreview.com/), she convinced me that I should. After all, it brings in as much income (sometimes more) than my "real" business. And it actually takes less effort. So here goes! Maybe I can dispel some of the negativity about Network Marketing. And maybe - just maybe - some of you can see what I get so excited about and join me. My particular company may not be for you (although it's the best one out there as far as I'm concerned). But there are tons of them available and perhaps you will learn enough here to choose the one that is best suited for you. We're off to discover the world of Network Marketing and Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, the company I chose to work with. Thanks, Rosie, for a great idea!