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.

*****************
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

Market America Business Plan Overview

After watching, if you are interested in learning more then what was presented in this Market America Business Plan Overview, then please contact me www.shop.com/bestbonus

Thanks

Here's the video overview

Help me... Help you... Get Paid to Shop

That's right... an out and out plea... Like Jerry McGuire... Help Me... Help You... AND.... and get paid to shop.

Here's where I am now.  I'm an apprentice and I am soooo excited.  I'm not excited because I'm broke and I can't get full bore started on my new business... I'm excited... because regardless of my lack of money I have been able to get started!  As Robert Kiyosaki said, "the difference between broke and poverty is ... broke is temporary..."

Today I'm broke, and tomorrow... next week... next month... in 2-3 years... we will be reading these blog posts together and laughing saying, do you remember when..... I had to start the business as an apprentice... begging people to believe in me... in the business plan... in the process... and in the future?  (pause a moment to day dream... in my day dream we are still at my house... but I don't cut my own grass anymore and someone else is folding my laundry... sigh.......)

There's a plan... a tried and true plan.  A plan that works and has worked for thousands of people who are now earning a living on their own terms... I know, I know... the people we really hear about are the people that are making 80K A MONTH.  That's great... but to get there you have to start... right?

I'm in.

Right now, I'm what is called an apprentice.  On the up side, I didn't have to spend any money and I can remain an apprentice for 1 year.   On the down side, I won't receive the money that I make until I can activate my account...

Now, to activate my account I can buy my way in.... or I can earn the money and points and then apply it.

In order to get started and get started today, I'm going to move forward with earning it.

Here's how you can help me:  for the next 30 days, when you need something online ANYTHING online, go to www.shop.com/bestbonus  and learn more about it


Here's how I can help you:
First:  You will start earning money every time you purchase something, you will notice that EVERYTHING on the site has a "cash back" value ... that is real physical money that you will receive back in a check.  That's right, you are literally getting paid to shop.

Second: When you're ready.  When you have received a few cash back checks and you think to yourself, this company rocks... I wonder what else they have to offer... then email me... I'll let you in on the most fantastic business opportunity on the planet.

For now and for the next 30 days... please just check out the site... see if you can earn some cash back... and help me build my business at the same time.

So, click on www.shop.com/bestbonus 

In the meantime.... read Robert Kiyosaki's "The Business of the 21st Century" ....  believe it or not, he is not affiliated with Market America... and you will be amazed by what he says.....................

A New Week - Market America Getting Ready to Start

Friday I have an appointment to sign up for this great opportunity.  Right now as I type I'm listening to the following explanation of the program.  This is a complete presentation and it's long but it's good.  Sit back and relax.

The best part of this video is... the amount of money this couple has earned and continues to earn in only being involved in this company for 15 years.  AND, the fact that the narrator started his distributorship BECAUSE IT JUST MADE SENSE.   Right? 

Why are you here?

Are you one of the 40% of the population that is living pay check to pay check?  

That's me. 

I get paid on Friday, I pay my bills... do the grocery shopping... then wait for next Friday. 

That's about to change. 

Follow my blog and watch the transformation of my household from that 40% to the level or comfort and stability that even in this economy I can expect! 

Market America - Day 3 - I got the Presentation

For many people it really boils down to the money. How much money am I going to make, versus how much money do I have to spend. I'm no different.

As a single parent of three younger children, every single penny counts... and I don't mind saying that the pennies are few and far between.

Here's the bottom line.

I loved my presenter, she was positive and lively and really nice... plus it helped that I knew her sister. She was what I would consider a friend once removed... so there is a certain level of trust and I believed her answers.

Market America has a ton of opportunities and they have several plans to reach your goals. There is a lot of support. There are a lot of people on your team and they are all making money when you make money so they are very interested in helping you succeed.

and

it's all very expensive.

NOW, I say very expensive because I don't have 2 nickles to rub together.

BUT... when I look at how much money I am already spending trying to do this on my own... I have to say that it may not be as bad as it sounds... and .. If I work on the 2-3 year plan, I might actually make a living at it.. right?

OK. Here are the fees and expenses as they were explained (mind you, there are a crazy number of very successful people doing this business... so you really should see a presentation to see how this is all going to work for you...)

$195.00 for your first year subscription

$20.00 for your website

No bad right?

BUT that just gets you in... you're not activated until you meet the following requirements.

#1) You have to make a big sale/purchase which will total about another $300.00. Either you are buying products to use as a demo or to use for yourself... I believe it's all about the points, you need to accumulate a certain number of points to activate

#2) You have to get 2 people as distributors under you.

Once activated you have a minimum volume you have to maintain in sales/purchases.

I think once activated you have to sell 110.00 a month in products and then once a certain level of success is met, that amount is increased to $150.00. If you don't reach those levels, then you lose the points you accumulated to that point.

THAT... originally sounded very scary to me.

**I didn't think to ask, but I am assuming the points values are higher for selling any of the Market America product lines as opposed to just getting general sales from the website, but I'm not sure. The impression I get is there are a number of different avenues for niche markets... but the Market America Products are the most lucrative earnings wise**

OK, now that we know how expensive it is... let's talk about how you make money.

#1) You earn cash back dollars when you make purchases through your website. This my friends is a standard affiliate problem.. except they have all the best stores including sears, home depot, Macy's and more. This website is what really impressed me... because as you may or may not know I have been trying to build a website like this for years... and it's absolutely beautiful and I would pay the $195.00 + 20.00 a month just to have this site!

#2) As a activated distributor you earn points. You earn points for every purchase made through you and your website. Once you have accumulated 1200 BV and IBV points (I'm a little hazy on the difference between BV and IBV... but I believe when you are a distributor you have a whole bunch of tools and your website shows you the BV and IBV points value of each item) So, once you get 1200 BV and IBV points you get a bonus check for $300.00. There are more incentives and more checks for $300.00... depending on how well you sell.

#3) It's not a pyramid its a column. So, at the point of entry I am low man on the totem pole. When I make a purchase or sell a product I get the points and everyone above me gets the points in a direct line... and we all get the same points. So, for instance, the lawnmower I was interested in was only $119.00 at Home Depot. I get paid $2.53 to buy it in cash back and I earn 11.57 points. The person that recruited me earns the 11.57 points, the person who recruited them earns 11.57 points.. and so on and so one.

#4) As a distributor actively recruiting more distributors I can create more columns under me... they will all flow through me and up to the people above in a straight line... without any attrition in points. The points are how the bonus checks are calculated. Now... it seems that your position in the column is called your "Center" ... not center as in the middle... but rather, center as in a daycare center... it's a place. It's your place in the column... It's your position in how the bonus points flow. Once your center has reached it's maximum earning potential ($3600.00 a week) You are awarded another center. You can place this center in any position in your column and you will now start earning your bonus points in 2 positions in the "flow" of points............. Keep in mind... if I'm earning $3600.00 a week... I'm a happy camper.

OK... I think I have all of that correct, in fact I'm going to send the link to this blog entry to my friend who did the presentation. Her name is Camille Re and she's great. If you're interested in more information you can visit her website at www.crcashback.com OR.... You can wait and continue to follow my blog... after all, this is just Day 3.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Now... after getting all of the facts (as I remember them) down ... it's time to decide and let you know what I've decided to do.

Well, if you've been looking into the Market America website you probably already know they have a lot of partners and some "flagship" products that they sell... the product line I am particularly interested in is the weight loss product line. They have products, a program and Camille lost 30 pounds in 12 weeks... that's a Crazy weightloss... They also have a Kids Program for 10 years old and up... and that's the one I am particularly interested in marketing. That's the one I want to use and try ... and when I'm successful and people see the difference... it will be easier to sell.

So, my plan is.... (drum roll please) to start as an apprentice. I won't earn the points for the purchases towards any bonuses, but I'll get the cash back. If I remember correctly I wouldn't earn the points until I'm activated which means I would have to have (2) distributors under me anyway... So... I think I'm going to start as an apprentice and hopefully "bank" the cash back earnings in my account to go towards the subscription fee and monthly website fee (which are waived as an apprentice for 1 year)... AGAIN... without any distributors under me... and without the subscription and what not... I don't earn the points and therefore will not earn the bonus checks.

So... thinking this through.

12 week weight loss - starting today would end October 3rd... that's too late. 8 week weight loss - starting today would end September 5th. That's more like it.

My goal... is to a) lose weight and b) have enough interest and customers to maintain the selling level required to keep points earned.

THEN, September (kids will be back at school) I'm going to pay my subscription, and actively pursue recruiting distributors.

Whatta ya think?

Market American Journal - Day 2

Today is the day that my friends sister will be coming over and telling me more about the Market America opportunity. So, last night and this morning I tried and tried to find something disheartening about this opportunity.

Truly, so far, I haven't found a single legitimate scam report or report that this program is a fraud. I've checked EVERY WHERE... don't get me wrong, I ran across several blogs and Scam alerts from people that had not tried the opportunity, they didn't like the fee or the membership requirement or something else.. but really... what am I looking for?

I'm looking for someone that joined the program and left because it didn't work. I can't find anyone... the only comments I see are people that joined and stopped because they weren't making money and admitted that they weren't following the "plan" or even trying.

My biggest fear is that I'm going to be chasing down friends and family for leads... however... everything I've read so far tells me... pick a niche.

I know, I know I haven't even heard the sell yet... but I already know... this is a big world, and this is a big product... For anything this big to work... there needs to be focus.. something you feel strongly about... something you can talk about without selling.

So... today's the day. You know, tomorrow is going to be THE POST.

Market America - Day 1 - The Research

Today is the first full day since I learned about Market America.

 Tomorrow I have an appointment with the sister of a friend of mine who I read about on Facebook. (right? I know, so advertising on Facebook does work)

Anyway, I have just spent the last hour trying to find some kind of scam warning or some listings from disgruntled distributors... I can't find anything. NOTHING.

I found A LOT of websites that were apparent advertisements for this opportunity, but nothing bad. (that actually makes me more skeptical...'cause there are always people who complain) I even went as far as to check the top 5 search engines, and go to their last page and work my way backwards... nothing.

 I stayed away from the websites that were specifically designed by professionally MLM people and have the word PROFIT in the URL (those always may be suspicious anyway) but the few I read were more like advertisements! HA HA HA HA

So, Day 1... I couldn't find a single thing wrong with this program.

 Here's my thing. Currently, I am spending about $400.00 a year on website hosting reseller and domains and guess what... I break even, but I'm not getting rich... and I want to earn more then a little spending cash.

Normally, I have a NO FEE rule... it's my measure of legitimate businesses, but I also know that it costs money to have a website and provided it's a reasonable amount...

From what I see.... There is a subscription fee ($99.00 ish) then a monthly fee of $20.00... and you renew each year for $99.00. So, that's a total of $339.00 for 1 year.

Like I said, I spend about that much as a domain and hosting reseller, not to mention the my own domain registrations and things. I have already decided that I am going to give this business a 2 year trial. So, I am inviting you to join me on my journey... I'll keep you posted each day and tell you about how much time I'm spending, how much money I'm spending and how much money I'm earning. I can't think of a better way to let you know if this program is legitimate.

www.shop.com/bestbonus  for more information