Market America - 2 months later

So, let me tell you how it's going.

First:  I entered Market America as an apprentice.  That means, that without spending any money I can reserve my place in the bonus earning hierarchy.   As an apprentice, the profit from retail sales goes into an account that accumulates AND when I am able to activate myself, I will get that money. 

My plan was simple.  Earn money to go towards a fast track startup. roughly $399.00

If you've spoken to or have been doing research on Market American, the initial expense may seem daunting.  Honestly, I'm living pay check to pay check, and during the summer some paychecks are leaner then others because the kids aren't in school and the child care expenses increase.  SO, having an opportunity to start my own business and work towards a "quick buy in" were key.

Here's the thing.  I could have started the business, but without have two people below me  (which means recruiting two people) I wouldn't have been activated.  With the fast start, I can buy (3) of my own businesses, which automatically activates me. :)  So, once activated I start accumulating points.  It's quick, it's easy, it's just a little pricey...  That's why I chose the Apprentice option. 

Turns out it was the best choice... because my sponsor has told me that there are already 2 people registered under me. :)  YEAH!

Second:  My next challenge is to find THE product in Market America that I can really rap my arms around, something that I can believe in wholeheartedly.  Personally, I'm a solutions person.  I'm not a sales person. I like to see problems and find solutions so when I started looking at the Market America products, I had to think about things in my own life that I wanted to solve. 

The first thing I tried were the Isotonix multi-vitamins, they ROCK.  I have never felt so good in my life.  Then I tried the OPC-3, now, while I can't really notice anything different, I'm told that I will fare much better this flu season then previous years... so while the jury is still out on my personal OPC-3 benefits, I can tell you without a doubt that the Isotonix Multi-vitamin has made a big difference in my life. I feel great, I have more energy.

The second thing I tried (and am still doing) is the TLS Slim Fit program.  It's a 12 week weight loss program. I happen to join during the weight loss challenge, which actually has a monetary prize.  The first prize team will will 25K and the first prize individual will win 5K... that's awesome.  As if I needed any other motivation to lose the "baby weight" which I've been dragging around with me for 8 years ('cause that's how old my youngest baby is) ...  So far, I'm into week 2 of the program and I've lost a solid 10 pounds.  I'm onto the second phase of the program and remarkably still losing weight!  LOVE THIS PRODUCT.

Back to the Plan.
Network Marketing is about the story... but not the "story" like a political campaign story... it's about ... a real story told by someone whose character and values are trustworthy and not because they sound good... but because they are good.

No one, no matter how much they want to lose weight, is going to buy something from me because I tell them that it works.  However, I can show them that it works.  I can lose 30 pounds and demonstrate in the simplest way, that if I can do it... you can do it...   I can support them.   I can help them.  I can provide them with a solution... and that's what I love. Solving problems.

My weight loss challenge is over in 10 weeks.

My goal is to get 1 new preferred customer a week, in those 10 weeks.  I'm not saying I'm going to sign up 10 distributors, no, I'm saying I want 10 new people to register on my Market America Website as preferred customers.

I'll let you know how I do.

Market America 1 Month Update - Network Marketing with Shop.com

Hey.... it's been exactly 1 month. Here's the update

#1) Still an apprentice. (which means that I haven't activated my distributor account by either buying and getting my systems or earning enough retail on the Market America products to buy in)

#2) I have been using the isotonix multivitamin and OPC-3 for about 2 weeks now and feel great! The multi-vitamins have really given me a lot of energy.

#3) I watched the DVD for the Kids Shape-up with my daughter to see if she's interested in working with that program for 12 weeks to get healthy

#4) I've now read the following books by Robert Kiyosaki:  Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Business of the 21st Century and I'm currently reading The Cash Flow Quandrant

#5) 1 customer.  She started by borrowing my multi-vitamin and now is using the OPC3... I know she will be interested in signing up for automatic delivery, once she decides what she wants.

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Actually, when I see this list, I'm very encouraged.  I was a little hesitant to write this post because I didn't really think my first month was a success... but now that I look at my 4 achievements, I'm very encouraged.

First of all, I'm a single parent with 3 younger children. It's summer, so I have the added expense of all day child care while the I work.  I think I've accomplished a lot with my available time and resources.

I am the quintessential person living paycheck to paycheck... in fact, sometimes... after grocery shopping on payday and paying the bills... I have nothing.. literally 0 until the next payday.

The problem is ... if I don't work, I don't get paid.

I realized through reading Robert Kiyosaki's books is that the reason all of my attempts at entrepreneurship have  "failed" is because I think like an employee...  I am letting the money rule my life and as a result.. when I know that I am going to be earning extra... I make plans for it.  I make plans to CONSUME it.

Instead of consuming the extra money, I should be making plans to invest it in a way that will make me money.

For instance, I recall thinking about some Google Adsense earnings I was expecting this year and thought ... I can't wait to get that check and put that towards summer camp.  BUT, infact, I would have been thinking more along the lines of ... I can't wait until I have $???? so that I can invest it.

Now... I'm TOTALLY new to investing and I haven't figured any of it out... I just know that... there's a way in today's economy to make money.  Whether it's real estate investment or gold or silver... I'm working on figuring that out while I am working on earning the money to move forward.

OK, Back to Market America

So, here's what I do every day.

Every day, I find several videos about Market America and Shop.com and their products on Youtube.  I get them queued in my android cell phone, then I listen to them in my car when I'm on my way to work.

I like to listen to the conventions, and like to listen to different people present the business plan, and if there were a place where I could just listen to webinars on my way to work it would be great.

PLUS, my sponsor Camille is fan-freaking-tastic.  She is bubbly, informative and filled with energy.

I'm very fortunate to be in this group and to have this team around me.  I can't wait to start going to trainings and meetings!

Woooo Hoooo...
That's my one month mark.

According to the fast track, I need to talk to 10 people each week.   I realized I'm a little reluctant because I don't have my own portal yet, but I know that camille will make sure anyone that registers through me goes to me!

If you're reading this because you're thinking about Market America... you can subscribe to my blog and you'll get my updates in your email. 

If you want to join this huge crazy successful team... go to www.shop.com/bestbonus

Thanks... enjoy