06/09/2009

Don't Lose Your Popcorn in the Lobby While Prospecting

Don't Lose Your Popcorn in the Lobby
Quick reminder: when speaking to prospects don't give them all the info when your talking to them. Get to know them, and their goals, etc and them invite then to view your company presentation. The Magic is in the Movie!! 



05/13/2009

Just Released- Dani Johnson's Instant Customer Goldmine

 Multi Million Dollar Business Trainer, Dani Johnson Crosses All Boundries With New Economy Busting Training Program that Reveals Exactly How to Generate Instant Cash Revenue in ANY Business or Industry...

Dani Johnson, the business trainer that shook the internet world with The Script Book, selling over 13,000 copies in just 12 months, unveiled yet another training juggernaut on May 11, 2009.
 
Dani Johnson released Instant Customer Goldmine™ to the market in the form of audio training that contains simple strategies to produce immediate income in home business, internet marketing, traditional brick and mortar business and even at the corporate workplace. Dani's story of going from homeless to millionaire in 2 years has been heard around the world. For the first time, the exact methods she used to earn over $18,000 in 45 days, $250,000 in the next 12 months and over $1,000,000 in just 2 years are available in a 4 part audio program.
 
Instant Customer Goldmine™ is the definitive system for generating instant cash in ANY endeavor. Product information and a Free Report can be found at:

http://www.instantcustomergoldmine.com

  
This most recent offering once again showcases the marketing genius of DaniJohnson.com, a training and development company that grew from just 3,000 members to over 100,000 members in under 3 years, without any advertising at all. Simply by the success and track record of the training company, word of mouth has taken this $80,000 company into multi-million dollar status.

For 19 years Dani Johnson has trained and equipped tens of thousands of clients in the Home Based Business market. Consulting and coaching with business professionals such as accountants, attorneys, million dollar cosmetologists, counselors, doctors, dentists, teachers, police officers, actors and actresses, media professionals, film producers, musicians and more, Dani Johnson is no stranger to every form of business.

Carmen Uyttenhove who first attended a Dani Johnson training seminar because her boyfriend was ranting and raving about it, discovered that it was something she would have never dreamed of. Carmen’s profits increased by  $98,000 in 30 days after just one event.  “This training is unlike any other and has taken my local business now to nationwide capacity,” Uyttenhove said on a recent conference call. “Before discovering Dani Johnson,” she continued, “I was working 80 to 90 hours a week running two retail locations. I was stressed out and on my way to having nervous break down. Dani Johnson has forever changed me, the way in which I do business, and how I run my life. I am no longer an amateur salesperson. I have been equipped to become a professional business developer. Bottom line, I have more than tripled my income while cutting my hours in half. I now enjoy my life, and more importantly, all the people in it!! I recommend that you plug into Dani Johnson right away."

Some of the countries represented with the Dani Johnson trainings are Holland, Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany, UK, Finland, Estonia, Phillipines, Guam, Bali, United States and Canada. Recently, in Los Angeles there were people from Africa who took an 18 hour flight to attend this internationally recognized training that would forever change their lives.
 
Dani Johnson is Founder and President of "Call To Freedom Int'l", and is an internationally sought after trainer, speaker and author who got started in business at the age of 19. After 6 months of failing, going into debt and not making any money, something dramatically changed. After getting the right coaching and training, her business income went to $20,000 per month in just 5 short months. Dani went from living out of her car with $2.03 to her name, to becoming a #1 international producer within 12 months and went on to earn her first million within 2 short years.
 
Through her coaching and training seminars, Dani Johnson has developed several top producing sales forces and has impacted the lives of 10's of thousands of people. She has helped many achieve 6 figure incomes with several going on to 7 figures. Her passion is seeing people break through financial bondage and excuses that stop them from reaching true freedom emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually and financially. Dani Johnson’s ability to give very specific answers in a direct, straight from the gut manner combined with her raw true to life style is what sets her apart from other speakers and trainers. The foundation of her teachings and principles are biblically based and you won't hear anything from Dani Johnson that she hasn't personally used or done herself.
 
Dani Johnson regularly coaches successful executives, 6 & 7 figure business owners as well as newbie entrepreneurs on leadership, overcoming fear, business growth, time management, relationship marketing, prospecting, closing, teamwork, motivating others, wealth development, spiritual issues and more. She has been featured on numerous radio and TV programs as well as in books and publications. Dani Johnson is passionately dedicated to the Lord, her husband Hans and their 5 children.
 

Instant Customer Gold Mine Product information can be found at:

 http://www.instantcustomergoldmine.com

04/27/2009

A Quick Note on the Economy- If The Shoe Fits

Has there ever been a better time to build a home based business?
I personally know several Network Marketing, and Direct Sales companies making HUGE LEAPS in this new economy.
Why is this happening, when everything else seems to be going down the tubes???

It's all about Perception.
You've probably heard the story of two major shoe manufacturers
that each sent a representative to a newly discovered island. They
wanted to see the possibility of opening up an outlet in this
island to sell their shoes, so the representatives went to get a
feel for the terrain.

One of the representatives called his headquarters back and said
"trip is over, we gotta look somewhere else, nobody here even wears
shoes". The other representative also called his headquarters and
said "send all the shoes you got, market down here is wide open,
nobody owns a pair of shoes yet!"

The truth is, that with as much Doom and Gloom you might be seeing, the market is
truly wide open. More people in our country are looking for a better way to provide their
family with a better quality of life, without being tied to an unsecure 9-5.

I urge you to look at your current situation, and the opportunity that we all have to 
make a huge impact on this new economy, and take action. 

Just a quick note.
To Your Success
Shane Clevenger


04/25/2009

D.I.S.C.O. Your Way to Wealth

Now, I know what you may be thinking, is "Dancing with the Stars" looking for mlmer's??

No, what I'm going to share with you is a daily process that will transform your business into maximum over drive.

The Acronym is D.I.S.C.O, and if you do them everyday you will see success.

Let me explain....

D.-stands for Daily Visualization/Meditation

Everyday, are you taking time out of your day to get in a quiet place, and get clear on your goals, and visualize yourself as already achieving that goal. See yourself walking through your dream home. What color is the carpet, the drapes, how many rooms, the view, where are your kids playing, etc.

Also take time through out the day to read your goals. One a daily basis Several times a day I read my "I have I ams". This is a list of the things that I'm manifesting into my life. They are in present tense, so my subconscious mind will go to work on creating this into my reality.

My list goes something like this:

I attract positive people to me.

Everyday and in every way I'm getting better and better.

I have an unlimited amount of Big Thinkers who want to join me and my business,

I touch peoples hearts on a daily basis by the words I send out

I deserve everything I send out.

I attract great things into my life.

I make others feel good about themselves by being interested in their lives and happiness.

I great everyday with love in my heart,

I work at home and earn $120,000 a year.


I- Income Producing Activities

This is time you spend on building your business. This is not time shuffling papers, cleaning your desk, etc.

This is time for all out action. I don't say this to say that everyday you have to work, but it is important that you are consistently moving forward. I also feel like it is important to schedule a day or two a week away from business to stay fresh, and stay in gratitude for your free time (thats what this business is all about).
Here are a few things to track

Golden Time Today: ______(I usually work between 2-6 pm)

Set a time everyday that your going to work, and schedule it. It may change week to week, but schedule it in.

Leads Called _____ how many new people did you talk to today? If you don't have fresh, new people being introduced to your business on a weekly basis, your business will dwindle- Be the leader!

Second Call- If you were unable to reach people the day before, try them again. The things that I look for on the initial call (usually when I hear voicemail) is if they sounded professional on their voicemail- did they use a crummy robot voice or leave a nice voicemail in their voice. Listen to their words- do they sound like someone you would want in your business? If so, call them back. If not, leave them a message once and let your autoresponders drip on them.

Prospects on Live Call/presentations _____ how many contacts did you invite to one of your presentation calls, or online videos. Again, always move forward with new life blood, and perspectives.

Follow - up- it's been said several times the fortune is in the follow up. Get back to the people who you tried to reach, or put on presentations yesterday.

3 - Ways for me____ How many contacts did you 3- way to an upline leader after the presentation?

3 - Ways for others____ How many people on your team did you assist with 3- ways for their prospects?

Getting Started __ Do you consistently have new folks getting started?

Lead Generation: ____ What have you done today to promote your business? Whether is pay per click, ezines, ads, forums, etc. Make sure you are actively promoting your business.


S.- Self-Development

How many Pages in Book did I read?, etc: _____ This is the biggest key to your success. Everyday work on the most important aspect of your business...YOU.

As Jim Rohn says "Work harder on yourself then you do on your job"

Other: __________ Could be positive audios in the Ipod, the secret dvd, etc

Journal (including gratitude & evidence of abundance) Their is evidence all around you that you are receiving blessings from the universe, journal it. Also journal everyday all the things that you are grateful for in your life.


C.- Cultivating an Expectation of Leadership

Do you have an attitude of leadership, and success in your business?

Know that at the end of the day, your business, and your success is 100% dependent on YOU.

It's not your products, your upline, your downline, but you. You are were you are today, because of the sum total of all your past decisions. The good news is today you can start by making positive, expectant, full on leadership decisions.

Testimonials: ______ Stay plugged into your companies success stories. Stay positive, and read about who is knocking the cover off the ball in our industry and your business. Then share those stories.


0- Orchestrate Masterminding:

 It is up to ME to get myself to an event, to call my Upline, to coordinate and contribute to training calls, to reach out to another leader in the company etc. I must BE the one who takes initiative to DO the masterminding so I will HAVE the benefit of associating with the people who are experiencing greater results than me, currently.

Training Calls: ___ Jump on your company training calls, so you can learn what the leaders are doing, and stay plugged into the excitement.

Other: ___ Mastermind with other networkers that you respect, and who are getting results.

These are just a few ideas on keeping it simple, and making sure that you are making daily progress to your goals.

To Your Success,

Shane Clevenger

http://www.ShaneClevenger.com


03/22/2009

Seth Godin Goes Tribal

Here is a Great video from Seth Godin on the concept of tribes. Seth has a great book out right now about this concept.





Shane Clevenger

03/20/2009

Latest video "There is NO excuse for not educating yourself" My thrift store university

 To Your Success, 

Shane 

 http://www.ShaneClevenger.com

03/12/2009

Don't get attached to prospective business partners!

   There are going to be times when you talk to prospects that have a lot of "talent" and you think to yourself "wow, this person would be AWESOME in my business."  You start thinking about how many people they know, how professional they are, and how much money they're going to make you.  Then what happens?  The person joins and doesn't do anything.  Or, they don't join at all and they blow you off.

The result? 

 You get all depressed and start doubting yourself, Your Company,  Network Marketing, etc.  You think to yourself, "Why can't I just get lucky like my upline.

" How do you prevent this from happening? 

You don't get emotionally attached to leads.  Ever.  You don't want to put yourself in a situation where you are let down when things don't go your way.  To keep yourself from getting in that position simply don't expect people to do anything.  This is hard because they will say they'll do this or that.  They will sound very convincing.  You'll be thinking to yourself, "Yes, I have a superstar" and then they don't do anything.

  If you can teach yourself to say to yourself, "Awesome, I've got a great new team member, I hope I can help them reach their goals" then you're going to be much better off! Remember, it's okay that not everyone sees what we see or does what we do.  It's about timing in people's lives.  It doesn't matter what you or I say, if the timing is not right for someone they are not going to capitalize on this opportunity.

To your success,

Shane Clevenger

 http://www.NationalQuitYourJobDay.com  

03/10/2009

Miami Herald Article Direct sales jobs lure the unemployed

Another great article on the Power of Direct Sales and Network Marketing in this New Economy.

 "With conventional jobs scarce, workers are looking for other ways to make money. Some choose to sell products from their homes.

BY SCOTT ANDRON

 SANDRON@MIAMIHERALD.COM

Article Link

 At Janine Rodriguez's office, overtime has been slashed, bonuses have vanished, employees are getting laid off, and she's getting nervous about her own job.

 Her solution:

 Spend two nights a week cooking at the homes of strangers, in front of an audience of the host's family and friends, pointing out the virtues of cheese graters, garlic presses and other culinary tools.

All are made by a company called The Pampered Chef, and she'd be happy to sell them to you. As the job market continues to deteriorate, more people are choosing the same route as Rodriguez, looking for alternative ways to make a buck. Laid-off construction workers become handymen for hire. Ex-bankers start doing people's taxes. College grads join yearlong volunteer programs. And some, like Rodriguez, try direct sales.

  Whether it's selling cosmetics, kitchenware or life insurance, people who may never have considered a career in sales are embracing the occupation to supplement dwindling income or to tide them over until they find a job in their chosen field. The Direct Selling Association says the number of people involved in that line of work increased by an average of 8.4 percent a year during the last two recessions. ''As the job market contracts, people look for other ways to supplement their income and their family's income,'' said Marla Gottschalk, chief executive of The Pampered Chef, which is owned by investment guru Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. ''Anyone can be successful in this business,'' Gottschalk said. ``You just have to have the desire to do it.'' Bruce Nissen, a labor sociologist at Florida International University, said many people participate in direct sales during a recession only because they can't find a traditional job.

 ''In a robust economy with plenty of jobs available, this is a small niche,'' Nissen said. ``But just now, during the recession, more and more people are becoming desperate.'' Florida's unemployment rate hit 8.6 percent in January, the highest since 1992. Lost overtime, which has cost Rodriguez more than $400 a month, has been a motivating factor for her.

 RESPONSE TO WORRIES

Although she would like to keep her job of 22 years with a financial-services company, she also wants to make up what she used to earn in overtime and worries about being laid off. ''I'm hoping to hang on till I'm 55, but I'm not sure I can make it,'' said Rodriguez, who turns 51 on Monday.

So, in the meantime, she cooks for The Pampered Chef -- well, really for herself, since she's an independent businesswoman rather than a Chef employee. ''I'm doing something I love to do,'' said Rodriguez, a single mother from Plantation. ``My family will tell you I'm a great cook.'' Incomes from direct sales vary widely, depending on the product, the salesperson's experience and how much time they spend on their business.

 The Pampered Chef said a person who makes two presentations a week can expect to earn $750 a month, working about 10 hours a week. Participants are also rewarded for recruiting other salespeople and typically get a small percentage of the newcomer's sales. Kelly Salsamendi, who has been working with The Pampered Chef for 11 years and recruited Rodriguez, said she works about 20 hours a week and makes about $30,000 a year. She is also home-schooling her three children and helping her husband with his pest-control company.

 BIG MONEY

 Both Avon and The Pampered Chef said their most established, full-time salespeople make six figures, although they acknowledge that it's rare. ''I love my business,'' said Salsamendi, of Fort Lauderdale. ``I love the products. People are cutting down on luxury items, and I'm selling something people can buy and justify and feel good about. I'm not seeing that recession in my business. I'm seeing growth.'' While Avon, Pampered Chef and Tupperware are true direct sales, other businesses use variations on the direct-sales model.

 Take the website Delivery.com, which allows users to type their address and order food, groceries or other merchandise from participating neighborhood restaurants and shops. To attract more restaurants and customers, Delivery.com asks users to serve as salespeople. If they sign up a restaurant or store, they get 25 percent of the website's commission on each order from that business. The commission rate is 5 percent to 7 percent, so the take for a user/salesman would come to about 30 cents for a $20 order. That could stack up if the restaurant gets a lot of orders through the site. Signing up consumers to use the site also results in a commission on each order they place.

 Then there's New York Life Insurance Co. Unlike true direct-sales companies, New York Life actually takes on its salespeople as employees -- with health insurance and a retirement plan, but no salary. The company helps newcomers get licensed to sell its products and provides training and office space, but salespeople set their own hours. It's not for everyone, and turnover is high, but the company always needs people, said David G. Walter, a partner with the firm's Doral office. Recruiting is Walter's job, and he says interest now is high: ``A lot of people are out of work. We are constantly interviewing. Last week, I had 13 interviews. Normally I would have like six.'' The direct-sales industry says its model is appealing during a recession, because of these characteristics:

 • Easy and inexpensive to start.

 The Pampered Chef sells a start-up kit with samples, catalogs (in English or Spanish) and other materials for $155. Avon is willing to front merchandise to its representatives, who pay for it when the end-customer pays.

 • Budget-friendly products.

While not necessarily cheap, the industry's products may appeal to the budget-minded shopper. For example, people who hesitate to buy a new outfit might buy a new piece of jewelry or lipstick. ''People don't stop buying during a recession,'' said Amy Robinson, president of the Direct Selling Association. ``They just buy less or buy different.''

• A sense of control.

 During a recession, job-seekers may send out dozens or even hundreds of résumés and still not find work, an experience that can make people feel unable to control their own fortunes. But direct-sales companies suggest to people that if they follow the instructions and work hard at it, they'll make money. Not everyone is a fan of direct sales, however.

 Direct-sales companies generally don't offer health insurance, although some firms do offer group discounts. And there is no base salary and no paid vacation. ''The only way to make money on a lot of these things is to impose on your friends,'' said FIU's Nissen. The industry seems to have taken some criticisms to heart. For instance, the Direct Selling Association expects members to follow a long code of ethics. One of the code's provisions requires companies to take back inventory that a salesperson can't sell -- a rule intended to prevent firms from sticking participants with unwanted merchandise. And Salsamendi said she urges new salespeople to quickly move beyond friends and family. ''You can't build a business and sustain a business on your friends and family,'' she said. Miami Avon representative Sonia Saenz said her friends and acquaintances are glad to buy from her. ''They just buy it from me instead of a store,'' Saenz said."

02/26/2009

AARP Endorsing Direct Sales in Current Job Market

"According to AARP Magazine, March/April 2009 issue, direct sales through home parties and home business is a growing area.
Direct Sales Businesses Boom As Economy Tightens
 
 AARP also sees Internet Marketing as a place to make money right now, for women specifically, but men as well.
 
Sweet Times For a Web Based Business
 
AARP, the American Association of Retired People is at the forefront of what going on in the job market because of how much retirees and those nearing retirement age have been effected by our economic down turn.
There are people in the manufacturing industry who have been at the same job for over 30 years, nearing retirement, used to a very good salary and now they are jobless without the skills for something new. 
Direct Selling through the network marketing model (done correctly) could put money back into the pockets of people like this. The idea of getting involved with a reasonable product that can be shared with friends through home parties or social gatherings, is a concept that can appear user-friendly to those needing to earn money in a new manner.
Many people in the over 45 generation are now more open to learning to use a computer as well..opening other doors in the marketing arena. People already involved with network marketing / MLM, particularly those with easy products, everyday items or those that do not need a lot of explaination would be wise to open their hearts and minds to potential prospect in the older generation.
Even those already retired are presently feeling the pinch of reduced pensions or 401K's that have taken a big hit. These people might welcome an offering of a fun way to bring extra cash and also social engagement into their lives."
 

How To Make Money From Home with Niche Ebooks

If you have the flair for writing and if you have specialized knowledge that can potentially interest online users, you will stand great chances of making huge money online by writing and publishing your own niche ebooks.

 Here's how:

 1. Sell ad spaces. You can augment your earnings from this endeavor if you can sell ad spaces to marketers who are selling products that compliment your book topic. Depending on the size of the ad and the projected sales of your ebook, you can charge up to $500 per ad. You can also use some of your book space to promote your own products and services. By doing so, you can increase your sales and revenue without hurting your pockets for your advertising cost. You just have to make sure that your creations will not look like yellow pages so you can avoid annoying your readers.

 2. Sell your niche ebooks. This is the fastest way to generate income from your creations. You may write about topics that are extremely interesting to your potential clients and promote your niche ebooks online using the most effective advertising tools that are available in the internet today. You need to make sure properly build-up your offerings by highlighting their features and benefits so you can make them more valuable to the eyes of your potential clients.

 3. Use them as your traffic-generating tool. If you are a marketer, you must understand the importance of driving quality traffic to your website. You can attract interested people to give you a visit by using your niche ebooks.

How?

You can send your niche ebooks for free to your potential clients. Load them up with valuable information that these people will find interesting. When you are able to impress your readers and make them see that you are really good on what you do, you can be assured that they will flock your website in no time. Make sure that you post your site's URL on every page of your creations to make it much easier for these people to give you a visit.

 4. Use them on your list building campaigns. You'll stand great chances of growing your ebusiness if you can effectively capture the email addresses of your potential clients. You can boost your sign-up rate if you can reward these people with free niche ebooks that contain information that are relevant to their needs and demands.

 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Shane Clevenger

Maverick Money Makers is a private society that will teach you how to build a six-figure a month business on the internet. If you want to make money online, join the society before it's too late. Maverick Money Makers

02/24/2009

This kid has it figured out

Help people get what they want, and in turn you will get what you want.....   

  To Your Success,

 Shane

  http://www.ShaneClevenger.com

Embracing Adversity for Achievement

"Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I'll show you someone who has overcome adversity." Lou Holtz

Success in life depends upon being strong people with clear goals and indomitable spirits. Unfortunately most of us aren't born that way. We grow that way. And that growth can either come from us entering willfully into situations that will cause us to grow, like subscribing to Made for Success, or from the way we react when circumstances come upon us without our consent. The latter is what we call adversity.

Most of us spend our lives trying to avoid adversity and I guess that is just as well. We shouldn't pursue adversity, but when she arrives, we should welcome her as a foe who, though our interaction with her, will make us into better people. Every contact we have with adversity gives us again the opportunity to grow personally and professionally and to forge our character into one that will achieve much later on. With that in mind, here are some thoughts on adversity, and how it can help you to succeed in every area of your life and achieve your dreams.

 Adversity brings out our resources. Horace said "Adversity reveals genius, prosperity conceals it." When everything is going well, we coast. There isn't a lot of stress, and we don't have to draw too much on the resources that reside within us. But when adversity comes we begin to draw upon each and every resource that we have in order to conquer the circumstances at hand. Adversity then, keeps us sharp. It keeps us using our personal muscle, if you will. That is a good thing because we grow through the use of our resources. Adversity brings us together with others.

Sure a team can have their problems with each other, but when they step on the court, when they experience the adversity of facing another obstacle, they pull together. One for all and all for one, as they say. The next time you experience adversity of some kind, keep your eyes open for how it can bring you together with your family, your co-workers or your team. Then when you are through it, you will find a bond that was created that wasn't there before. Adversity makes us better people with stronger characters. Never underestimate the power of adversity to shape us inwardly. How will courage, discipline and perseverance ever flourish if we are never tested?

After adversity, we come out stronger people and able then to use our character and influence in an even greater way to lead those around us and to improve their lives as well as our own. Adversity makes life interesting. John Amatt said, "Without adversity, without change, life is boring." How true. Have you noticed that while we are in the middle of adversity we only long to get out of it, but we then spend a lifetime recounting it to anyone who will listen? This is because it spices life up a little. Imagine how boring life would be if everything always went well, when there was never a mountain to be climbed. Here are some questions for you to reflect upon before I close:

 Q. If you are in the middle of some adversity right now, what resources are you drawing on? Who are you drawing closer to and working with? What part of your character is being tested, and built up? What can you do to view this adversity as one who will be better for it on the other side?

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit - Napoleon Hill

To your success!

 Shane Clevenger

 http://www.ShaneClevenger.com

02/19/2009

Are you turning your back on the crowd?

I thought you would enjoy this...

Turn Your Back on the Crowd

 "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."

 By James Crook

 I love quotes that are counter-intuitive because most of the time "counter-intuitive" is what works best in this world.

This is especially true in leadership. If you think about it, there are only two options in life: Go with the crowd or against it. Those who will lead in this life must start against the crowd and lead forcefully until the crowd sees the results and changes their direction.

 If you just go with the crowd, you are just part of the crowd. Even if you are going with the crowd but out in front of the crowd, that doesn't mean you are leading. It just means you are faster than the rest of the crowd! That means you're just better at being average - and that isn't what you want your life to be!

Action Point: Think about your life. Are you going with the crowd or against it? Are you willing to lead by turning your back on the crowd? Take a step today to differentiate yourself from the crowd - and begin your journey toward success and leadership!

 To your success!

 Shane Clevenger

http://www.NationalQuitYourJobDay.com

02/17/2009

Primerica cancels convention (55,000 attended in 2007). Was it dictated by U.S. Government? How does canceling event help company & economy?

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Citigroup Inc has canceled a convention planned by its Primerica Financial Services unit in Atlanta, along with a trip to a Bahamas resort for the insurer's top agents, as the bank cuts costs after receiving $45 billion of taxpayer money.

The biannual convention, which was scheduled for June 17 to 20, had attracted 55,000 people in 2007, a Primerica spokesman said. The Bahamas trip was scheduled for later this month at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, the spokesman said. "Everyone is aware that this is a time of unprecedented economic challenges," Primerica said in a statement. It said Citigroup canceled the convention "due to the current prolonged recession."

Primerica is based in Duluth, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb. Citigroup and other financial institutions that got funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program face pressure from politicians and investors to cut unnecessary costs. Earlier this year, Citigroup decided not to take delivery of a $50 million corporate jet, and former chief Sanford "Sandy" Weill agreed to give up his use of company aircraft.

The government bailed out Citigroup in November, injecting $20 billion of capital and agreeing to share losses on $301 billion of troubled assets. Citigroup had received $25 billion of additional capital from the government in October. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Ted Kerr)

02/14/2009

Remember the True Meaning of St. Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day,

 I 'am so filled with joy, love, and peace today. There is just something about Valentines day that gets me feeling the warm and fuzzies.

The kids got a bunch of presents from their grandparents a few days ago, and of course these gifts are wonderful things for the kids to enjoy, and to feel loved and missed, but I wanted to educated the kids on why we have Valentines day. I didn't know myself, so I did the old standard Google search.

 In my search I came upon a great blog post from The Suburban Christian Blog

In it is written:

 "St. Valentine (or Valentinus) was a priest and physician in third-century Rome. According to church tradition, Valentine was known for doing good deeds, caring for the poor, healing the sick. He was arrested during a persecution of Christians, and the Roman emperor Claudius Gothicus handed him over to a magistrate.

 While in custody, Valentine healed the magistrate's blind, adopted daughter, and the entire family was converted to Christianity. Upon hearing this, the emperor had Valentine beheaded--on February 14th. From then on, Christians have commemorated this day in memory of Valentine's life of selfless service and ministry. And note what is missing from this narrative - it's not all about romantic couple love. Rather, the emphasis is on love of neighbor, agape service love, not romantic love.

 The romantic emphasis didn't come until the Middle Ages, and then of course it was heightened by 18th-century Romanticism and now exacerbated by modern Hollywood mythology and Western consumer culture.

I think Valentine's Day should be reclaimed by Christians with a more holistic, trinitarian, agape understanding of love, not this narrow emphasis on romantic couple love. After all, in Christian tradition, romantic love is not the highest love. Greater love has no one than this, that we lay down our lives for our friends. For much of church history, friendship love was acknowledged as the highest form of Christian love and service. And actually, romantic love was viewed suspiciously because it tended to be overly emotive, irrational and could create an idolatry of the love interest.

So while we certainly should love and honor our spouses and significant others on Valentine's Day, we should only see this as one particular expression of the greater love that is agape love of neighbor."

Jenn and I have been studying the word "Agape" in our Weds. Night Couples Bible study class, and it really hit home to me that that term was also the meaning of Valentines.

 Just a side note the Term "Agape" is the Greek translation of the word love. It is quite different then the Americanized modern version of the word.

 The meaning is broken into 3 parts:

 1. Unconditional- When you were married you took an oath. I will love this person until death separates you (till death do you part). It doesn't say, until they mess up, or until they get fat, etc.

 2. Intentional- Love is about making a day to day, second to second intentional effort to showing your spouse love.

3. Sacrificial- In other words "Putting the object of it's love before itself". Anyway, just thought I would share.

Happy Valentines Day, and God Bless

 Shane

The Secret to Happiness- Turn up the Music- The Video

Great Song...

 Key points.

 "Have what you want, but want what you have"

"Don't spend your time looking back"

Shane

http://www.ShaneClevenger.com 

02/13/2009

Breaking News: Randy Haugen splits from The Orrin Woodward Monavie Team

I reported last year that the Organization of Randy Haugen, and Orrin Woodward had left Quixtar-Amway-Amway North America to Join Monavie, a company that promotes the Acai Berry Juice formulation.

I got a text message from a friend of mine last week asking me to check out a site that Randy Haugen was creating to provide free training to his team. I clicked on the site, and sure enough it had free downloads, etc to promote Monavie.

 I asked my friend to please send me the email that was sent to him, which he did. I emailed back asking about the new system, and asking if Randy was in fact leaving Orrin Woodward and the Teams system. Here is the reply that I received directly from Randy.

"I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I was waiting a couple days so you could go to our temoporary site and download it. The address is (site removed for Randy's protection). Its in the section Let's Get Started. Remember that the foundation will be showing the plan (Doing a tasting) 15 times a month. Lets rock it!

Randy

PS: Yes Orrin and I have decided that we will run two different sister systems with different ideaology. We will remain friends and partners but we are going to go in a different direction." 
 
What an interesting turn of events. I think that Randy is doing a very good thing here, and has a tremendous opportunity to really create something powerful within Monavie.   There are two big teams in Monavie right now- The Brig Team, and the Orrin Woodward Team. They both offer tremendous support, and tools to build a successful business with Monavie, but there is a lack of online promotion tools available.
 
In my opinion the current teams are not utilizing current tools like Webinars, and web systems that would really allow someone to totally work from home, and not do home, or hotel meetings several times a week.
 
There is also (in my opinion a big cost) to the team members involved to use these tools. Spending 100-200$ a month just on tools, on top of the 140-280$ for the Monavie product per month that is needed to maximize the pay plan is way to high of a cost to ask of someone getting started in a network Marketing opportunity.
 
If Randy is going to offer FREE tools to his team, and (hopefully) if he is open to implementing some more modern tools into his system, he will really have something special to offer.
Looking at it at a different angle , I also see that moving directions once again for his team may created a lot of confusion. It was less then a year ago that they changed companies, and totally changed directions.
 I hope that Randy is able to really create something that will help his people, and that he is able to stick with it and allow his team to run with it for a few years, and create success for themselves for the long haul.
My best to EVERYONE involved
 
I will update the blog as I'm given more information
 
Shane

02/12/2009

A New Year- Time to Set Proper Goals, heres how

Goal Setting

Step One:  Have a pad or your journal out.
 
 Step Two: At the TOP of your paper, write this and SIGN it.
 I _________ will commit to my goals that are written here from TODAY until January 1st, 20__ no matter what effort it takes me.
 Signed on _________ by _________
 
Step Three: List the following categories and WRITE a few 'improvements' you would like to see in each. Here are some SUGGESTED Categories. There is a question after each to help you in setting goals but write as much as needed.

***Take your time and see it through 100%!***

  Attitude Goals -     What part of your attitude do you want to change?   
 Career Goals -     What LEVEL do you want to reach with your business?   
 Become a better LEADER?     Social Goals -     Any?   
 Pleasure/Hobby Goals -     What do you have fun doing?    Financial Goals -     When do you want to be financially free? Retire?    Physical Goals -     Athletic Goals? Become more fit in 2009?
 How? 
   Family Goals -     Better parent? Kids? How do you want your children to see you in life and in business?    Education Goals -     More knowledge? More Personal Growth? 
 Spiritual Goals -     Commit to more spiritual activities?
 
Step Four:
PRIORITIZE your goals. Simply rate the IMPORTANCE of each category 1-10 (1 being the highest and 10 the lowest) so you see what is to be worked on FIRST.
 Step Five: Evaluate your RETURNS from last YEAR. How much of a RETURN did you have from EACH category we discussed? Be honest and understand that goal setting is an INVESTMENT. Let's prepare your returns for 2009 by taking this seriously.  
 STEP Six: Establish your LONG-TERM 'outlook'. When will you be retiring? 10, 20 or 30 years from today?
Now that you have an EXACT number of years, lets DRAFT your outlook for good.
 Grab your journal, your pad or notebook.
 
WRITE a ONE page VISION statement of that year. What will you be doing? How much money will you have? ETC... Take your time. This is your LIFE! Your FUTURE!
 
STEP Seven: Do the EXACT same as step SIX but your VISION statement is NOW a '5' year outlook. VERY IMPORTANT that you do this as it will be DIFFERENT than your LONG-TERM outlook.
 
STEP Eight: Do the EXACT same as step SEVEN but your VISION statement is NOW a '1' year outlook. VERY IMPORTANT that you do this as it will be DIFFERENT than your '5' year outlook.
 
STEP Nine: Do the EXACT same as step EIGHT but your VISION statement is NOW a '6' month outlook. VERY IMPORTANT that you do this as it will be DIFFERENT than your '1' year outlook.
 
STEP Ten: Do the EXACT same as step NINE but your VISION statement is NOW a '1' MONTH outlook and this is where it's CRITICAL. VERY IMPORTANT that you do this as it will be DIFFERENT than your '6' month outlook.  
 
Step Eleven GO BACK to the original list of categories.  Remember how you PRIORITIZED them? Do it again and you will SEE how your priorities have changed. This is a critical step in goal setting because it reminds you that you must constantly prioritize your goals...every month.
 
Step Twelve Tips on setting goals effectively. -Always use positive statements -"Today" goals are stepping-stones -"Tomorrow" goals are fruits of labor -Set priorities monthly -Be EXACT in your statements -Be realistic -Set YOUR own goals, not others -Expect more by working more
 
Step Thirteen Review your entire GOAL Plan. THINK each goal through. Ask yourself these questions: Do I need help with my goals? What may stop the process of my goals? Do I need more education to achieve more? This is another major step in goal setting because you may SEE and FEEL some necessary changes in your plan.
 
Step Fourteen Understand why people FAIL in Goal Setting. Most people FEAR their own FAILURE and everyone else takes goal setting too lightly. NOT taking this seriously is your biggest ENEMY. Some people set their goals TOO HIGH so they set themselves up for failure and quit. Some people fail to get ORGANIZED with their goals so I have always suggested BUYING a NICE binder to KEEP their goals in, like a journal. Spending as much money as you can with your GOAL notebook or journal. Maybe less than $50.
 
Step Fifteen Share you goals with your family, friends and business associates in less than 24 hours of completing your goals.  This is VERY powerful way to ENFORCE your goals. Here is a METHOD to ENFORCE your goals if you feel you lack the discipline to maintain daily activities. When sharing your goals, you should create a RE-CAP of your entire goal plan for the next year.
 
Write a one page statement of what your goals are and ASK FOR HELP IN ACHIEVING THEM!  
 

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE:   Dear __________, I recently took a goal setting course and part of the program requires me to send my goal "highlights" to someone who can help me in achieving my goals. I selected you for [whatever reason you feel] All I ask is that you review them and let me know if you have any suggestions or methods you and I can do together to achieve these goals. By the way, if you are interested in the course, we could become work out partners this coming year to help one another in achieving our goals.

-YOUR GOAL STATEMENT is NEXT-

 

 To your success,
 
Shane Clevenger
 

02/11/2009

A Little Short On Cash Building Your Business? Learn to Build on a Budget

Building your home business can truly be a costly one.

Each time you turn around you seem to spend every dollar you have on advertising and not getting ahead in your business. It basically will nickel and dime you to death. You really can't get ahead in your business if you have to spend a ton on advertising, especially when you are first starting out.

 Wouldn't it be nice if someone could show you basically step by step how you can build your home business without spending a ton of money while doing it?

 Well, there is some good news. I recently came across something that I think will really help your business as it has mine. It is a videos series by a guy named Mike Dillard called "Building On A Budget".

 In these videos Mike shows you how to build any home business for $500 or less. I took these free videos and purchased his ridiculously low priced book, and within two weeks of applying the techniques he teaches and am now getting as many as 10 new qualified prospects per day.

The best part is that I did not spend much money while doing it. Now I have the tools to grow my business without getting nickel and dimed to death.

 You can get free access to these videos by going here...

http://sjclevenger.buildingonabudget.com/

 Enjoy your new found wealth,

Shane Clevenger

Are You Going to Finish Strong? - Video

This is one of the most inspirational videos I have ever seen. If you are going to achieve success in any endeavor you have to have a "Never going to quit" attitude.

So the question is .. Are You Going to Finish Strong??

 Shane

 http://www.ShaneClevenger.com

Shane Clevenger
928-347-5802