I remember as a child seeing Superman II for the first time. In times of trouble, mild mannered Clark Kent, became the blue tight-ed red caped Superman, flying in and saving the day.

If I would walk down the street today in a full body suite and cape, super hero would not be the first thing that would go through peoples minds. Nuts, flake, crazy are much more likely.

But when Superman Returns came to the theaters, I know that 10 of thousands of people flocked to the theaters waiting breathless for the first appearance of that spandex-ed super hero, who represents Read the rest of this entry »

Like many of you, I am constantly looking for ways to improve the traffic and profitability of my various sites. In my search for information I come across many different products, people and approaches. Recently I got on a list where I receive information from an “Internet Marketing Master” (<-These are their words not mine), Mike Filsaime. His main marketing approach/product is something he calls ‘Butterfly Marketing’. The idea is that you create a powerful marketing campaign that has a massive urgency to it, like “All this, for this great price, limited quantity, for the next 24 hours”. You get caught up in the hype and urgency of the pitch, that you find yourself almost reflexively buying the product, regardless of your need for it. Read the rest of this entry »

Though over the years there has been much stigma attached to Network Marketing / Direct Marketing / MLM, for someone with little business skill, capital, and time it can be a great starting place. A strong Network Marketing system will offer a good product, a great support system and a fully functioning back end . All you have to do is market the product and the business and they do the rest; Automated order taking, billing, shipping, customer service, accounting, etc.

I think what has caused the negativity around MLM are twofold.

First is the Pyramid Schemes, where lots of money was exchanged with no real product or value.

Secondly is the often unprofessional and deceptive ways in which some network marketers present themselves. For example, you are introduced to an “Opportunity”. You are told how easy it will be, only a few hours a week, no cold calling necessary, no product to sell. And amazingly, by working only a few hours a week, not calling anyone and not selling anything, you will make a lot of money and retire in a few short years.
It business terms I call this “A Load of Doo Doo (I don’t use fowl language)”

Now it is possible to experience great success in Direct Marketing, you just have to know what the steps are.

Here are 8 tips to keep in mind if you want to succeed in Network Marketing. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether it’s moving up the corporate ladder or taking the lead against your competition in your own business, we all strive to get ahead. Deep down we really want to be the best, we want the world to know how capable we truly are. So what are the strategies to Get Ahead?  Here are 3 Tips that I have found to work well.

Be Enthusiastic:

Without the fire of enthusiasm it is almost impossible to experience any forward movement. Creating positive enthusiastic energy in whatever you take on not only makes the work easier- as the saying goes ‘time fly’s when you are having fun- when you are enthusiastic your energy increases, you become more productive and require less sleep, and most importantly enthusiasm gets you recognized.  When you have enthusiasm for a project, others can’t help but notice you, your peers will want to participate your bosses will want to promote you and your customers will want to be around you. Even if you find your job monotonous, know that by creating an enthusiastic attitude, you will either get noticed and promoted or you will develop a discipline that will help you succeed when you strike out on your own.

Support Others:

If you try to ascend to greatness by stepping on others, you will find that when something better appears for them you will quickly tumble.  Nobody likes a dictator, their lasts  as long as they can maintain an iron rule and the people fear them, once the fear and control is gone their power is lost. The true leader, the loved leader is the one that respects, supports and recognizes others. If you are leading a project and you take all the credit, how do you think your team will act next time? Will they support you, will they be motivated. I think not.
Respect the talents and capabilities of those you work with, support their efforts and personally recognize them, and when your superiors recognize your performance, the most important statement after “Thank You” is “I couldn’t have done it without the support of such a talented team”. This will stand you out as a true leader and you will have many supporters who carry you to success.

Make Less Than You Are Worth, Do More Than You Are Paid For: 

This is probably the hardest concept to grasp, but it is the most powerful.
Never Get Paid More Than You Are Worth!  If you do, two things will happen, you will either become slack in your efforts, and those that start to pay you might wonder why they are overpaying you and either cut you down or cut you out.

The world wants value, no one wants to overpay for anything, just ask someone who found out his friend got the same thing last week for 50% off. But when you have something that is undervalued a path is beaten to your door.

When you always go above and beyond the  call of duty, you will get recognized and you will get rewarded.  When your superiors see that you are dedicated to their success even though you are not getting paid for the tasks you do, when the time comes for promotion you will be at the front of their minds.  When you do that little extra for your customers, they will bring you more business personally and through referrals. Whenever you feel you are getting paid above your value it means its time to raise the bar.

One caution is that you should not take this to mean that you should become a workaholic, there are many ways to show increased value without working more.
An example might help.
When I go to the Second Cup by my house, the staff are always pleasant and courteous  This is already above the norm, where you often find such employees justifiably unmotivated and unhappy.  What makes them exemplary is that when I come in they always give me an extra level of attention, a warmer smile, remembering my order, in fact on one occasion while I was talking to a friend, one of the staff (Lisa) came out to the seating area and took my mug to get me my drink so I would not have to bother getting in line.  Not to forget Ryan who always makes sure everything is perfect. Yeah these kids are just baristas right now. Do you think they will move on to greater things with their super attitudes?  You Bet.

The Equation:

Do More Than You Are Paid For + Be Enthusiastic + Support Others = Get Ahead