The past couple weeks have been interesting to say the least as I’ve realized just how many projects, tasks and goals sit on my to-do list. While my summer was filled with great personal experiences and progress in business, the next thing I knew September had already arrived. What happened to July and August?

One of my faults is trying to take on too much. When people say “Why not focus on 1 or 2 things?” my response is “…because I want to do it all!”. It’s tough to turn down opportunities as I tend to see the glass half-full.

My advice, while I may not be a great example, is to create a list of your priorities, and then prioritize them. Seriously, write down everything you need/want to do (and you can always add to the list) and then order them. This would be easier on the computer so you don’t have to constantly rearrange a long list, BUT make sure to print out the list every time you add or rearrange. As you accomplish items, cross them off.

While this may sound very simple or even obvious, there is tremendous value in having a written list staring you in the face. In fact, Justin Ledvina, in a web conference, talked about how he writes out his to-do list and prints it out to hang on the wall next to him. Though he may not (and rarely) get everything on the list completed that day, it pushes him to be productive.

Give it a shot for 4 weeks and let me know if it helps. This is something I’m getting much better at over the past couple weeks, and thus, why I’ve got back in to writing here on my blog.

I, like you, am a victim of my own bad habits. There’s nobody else to blame for the failures. In one hand I typically set the bar pretty high for myself, sometimes to unrealistic challenges, while other times I keep certain things at levels that aren’t even going to require effort to accomplish.

Now that 2011 is upon us, take an approach that may be a bit different than previous years. Grab a full-size piece of paper and a pen, then write out each goal you have in mind. The order doesn’t matter but just make sure you write them all down including as much detail as possible. Once you’ve done so the next step is very important and probably something you’ve never done before. Next to each goal I want you to write the date you wish to accomplish/reach the goal. Getting specific such as “By March 2011″, “June 1st” or another specific date. Do NOT write “Within 90 days” because that does not set a time frame – the start date has no value. Lastly, go into your calendar such as Outlook, Google Calendar, iCal, or whatever program you use the most, and add all your goals with the corresponding dates attached. Be sure to set up a reminder (even multiple) prior to that date to help make sure you’re on track.

You may be surprised but this approach may very well help you stick to those resolutions unlike years past. For me, this is exactly what I’ve done. In years past I’ve been terrible with using a calendar even in my work/business life, but have been trying to make that change. Now adding goals with dates…I KNOW I’ll be more determined. Measuring my success rate will not only be exciting but educational, and I certainly look forward to hearing how this works for you.

Will you stick to your 2011 resolutions? I’d love to hear how it goes for you.

In network marketing there is this notion you need to sign up a TON of people yourself but the reality is that in most MLM’s you don’t have to personally recruit 150 people to make good money – it’s called duplication, the single most important thing in any MLM, period.

That’s right, I said it. When you are building a team in your MLM there will be “duds and studs”.

A dud is someone who joins the business under you excited, motivated, pumped up. They spend some time learning more detailed information and getting knowledgeable…and eventually getting out there to build the business. However…they spend a month or two “trying” (just talking to people when it’s convenient) with little to no success. They begin to ask you for help, for advice. You provide them some tips and tricks spending a couple hours of your time assisting them, great! That dud goes out re-energized, ready to take on the world…and PLOP…nothing to show for their “work”. Then they come back to you asking “why can’t I make this work?” and similar questions. This is the type of person in your organization that makes you little to NO money. They can suck out a ton of time from you but it doesn’t grow your business. This is a situation where you need to prioritize with people who ARE growing.

There are also the “studs” who take need only a small (if any) amount of help from you. These are the people that are go-getters, passionate and driven to succeed. They’ll do whatever it takes to grow their business without nagging you every week or few days.

You’re team is going to be made of both of these types of individuals BUT YOU need to dedicate time to the people who are growing your team. It’s tempting to let anyone join directly through you but can you give each person the time they might need? It’s impossible and unproductive. This does NOT make the best use of your time, unfortunately.

At some point you need to look in the mirror and say “I am looking for quality entrepreneurs – studs, not duds.” It’s OKAY to say “Get lost” (although I wouldn’t use THOSE two words) after you’ve got some basic questions answered from the prospect.

Are they afraid to invest money? WILL they put at least an hour a day towards the business? WILL they dedicate 2 years to build a team? Are they coach-able, trainable and duplicatable? WILL they follow instructions?

Please notice I said “Will” not “Can”. We all CAN do it but that doesn’t mean diddly squat. Ability verse action – keep that in mind.

So…don’t be afraid to say No. You want a strong, passionate team who is absolutely on board for themselves and your team (and their team).

I’m always looking for these people, and only these people. It doesn’t matter if I personally bring in 50 duds. If I bring in 10 studs, my business will flourish in comparison…same goes for you.

Are you a stud? Ready to do something great? Will you be a leader? You don’t have to have the experience because it’s really not hard in the right network marketing business.

….and if you’re looking for a network marketing business, tired of being burned…send me an email or use my contact form. Let’s talk – no catch or strings attached.

Tip 1:  Offer Free VALUABLE content, constantly. There’s a difference between offering a free eBook download and continually giving free advice, tips and ideas.

Tip 2:  Create capture or squeeze pages. One of the easiest ways to get someone’s information (name and email) is by offering something free if they just submit their information. The capture page should be related to what you’re giving away. If you’re page targets people who are looking for a work-at-home business then your free offer should be content about work-at-home subject matter.

Tip 3:  Use MANY different advertising channels. There are a vast number of ways to advertise directly and indirectly that you could do it 24/7, no joke. Some ideas are PPC, Website banner ads, Traffic Exchanges, List Builders, Forums, Classifieds, Article Submission sites and social networks.

Tip 4:  Purchase qualified leads. Of course this is an easy way but if you have a budget to spend on QUALITY leads, this may be a way to go. And, don’t just buy any leads. You could get 100 leads a day for $10 but I will bet you those leads will be garbage.

Tip 5:  Share your story. People want to follow genuine, experienced individuals. If you’ve been in internet or network marketing for 6 months, you absolutely have a story. It could be as simple as “When I started ____ and now ____.” …of course with some depth. You have to give people a reason to listen to you, and a story is a necessity to being a marketer.
I’ve kept these tips pretty generic. Have no fear, I DO plan to go into detail on these tips in coming posts so stay tuned. Better yet, subscribe via RSS or join my newsletter so you’ll find out when I make an update.

Have a wonderful day!