I am back!

Hello to my cyber Friends,

I am still planning a move to Wordpress, but it is not the most pressing thing.

My dreams are alive, but modified.

I am building a manageable team for fun, profit, and freedom. A simpler, non-dramatic, slower pace is more to my liking now that I am Medicare eligible. Power under control...like all those white haired guys you see in their 600 horsepower red chariots. It's all there under the pedal when you want it!

I am proud to be associated with Nerium International as it grows to become a global household word. It is truly my "Last Run Club" and the one for which I have searched for so long.

We are making history in the direct selling profession a second time as we launch into the mammoth space of health and wellness. As we disrupted and dominated the complex and crowded anti-aging dermal market with real results, real science, and simplicity; so shall we do in health and wellness space.

I invite you to learn more. If you like what you see; try our products. If you like our products; come make some extra dollars with us, meet great people, and have some fun. Simple. We have a good system that works around the clock, tirelessly, so we don't have to. Over $1.7 billion in cumulative sales in 5 short years and accelerating; that's nothing commonplace.

I love facts and deplore hype.

Check out www.PLENTYtoLIVE.com  or www.UN4getful.com

High Regards,

Tom

I Found My Password

To my dear cyberspace friends,

I have been meaning to say hi for so long, but I was locked out for lack of recall.

In other words, I couldn't remember my password.

What is this world coming to? Some avenues of communication depend on a trivially small amount of critical digits, symbols or letters.

Wait a minute.....could not the same have been said about a phone number or a mail address?

I believe so.

Anyway, I am back and I hope you have been well.

My life is changing rapidly. I am happy to report than it is by plan.

Be back soon so please be well and enjoy today. It is all we have right now and the choice is ours!

Wishing You Plenty To Live,
Tom Doiron
404-403-4547
www.PLENTYtoLIVE.com

When the shoe fits!

Dear Readers,

Sometimes when your feet hurt, it is just because your shoes don't fit. You may like them, they might even be your favorites; so you live your life in them because you want them to fit.

I am embarrassed to admit that I have done this very thing for a very long, long time. But now I have some new shoes that I have been living in for six months. They feel great, they make me happy, they even make me smile. You'll be hearing a lot more about them. I am keeping them in a new closet. It is in Wordpress, so this blog will be moving there soon.

Wishing You Plenty To Live,

Tom Doiron
Atlanta

99ers

Dear Readers,

Please watch this 60 Minutes news clip after you read a couple comments from me.

I am so sad. What has blinded the minds of the American worker? College educated professionals, even with post graduate degrees are collecting recyclables from trash cans and dumpsters for $25 to $30 income when they previously bumped 6 figures with their salaries.

This raw and rugged country was settled by individuals that made their own opportunities. Blacksmiths, farmers, cobblers, carpenters, weavers, store keepers, etc. Then came the Industrial Revolution with minimum wages, paid holidays, paid vacations, sick time, matching retirement contributions, Birthdays off with pay, big Holiday bonuses, etc.

I have a wonderful solution to all this aweful, negative poop. Become a Professional Network Marketer! As Eric Worre says, "It's a stone cold fact that we have a better way!" Put aside all the negative propaganda you have heard and put on your looking glasses. All of my company mentors have earned millions with their businesses over the past 16 years or less. Ask me how.

Here is the link:

http://bit.ly/9dQvjX

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/21/60minutes/main6978943.shtml


Wishing You Plenty To Live,
Tom Doiron
Atlanta

Rick Newman is my American Hero!

On Friday October 1, 2010, Rick Newman of U.S. News & World Report became my American Hero with the article, 12 Ways To Stop America’s Decline.

We talk about a "Plan B". Rick encourages readers to be more entrepreneurial. "To me, entrepreneurship is really about pursuing your passion, as opposed to pursuing what someone tells you to pursue," says Tim Westergren, founder of Pandora. This guy, Tim maxed out 11 credit cards and endured many sleepless night to keep his dream alive. Rick reminds us that when PANDORA Internet Radio goes public, broke and tired Tim will be a multi-millionaire.

You got to see this. Rick used pictures and captions to drive home the points. Worth a little of your time. Here is the link

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/SIG=12tbesaak/**http%3A/www.usnews.com/money/business-economy/slideshows/12-ways-to-stop-americas-decline

Enjoy!

Wishing You Plenty To Live,
Tom Doiron
Atlanta

Is the JOB an endangered species?

Many with a keen eye on the business world and global economy have seen it afar off. In the mid 90's I heard prominent Fortune 500 consultants discussing it. It seemed to surface first with payroll outsourcing.

I am hinting at the end of most JOBs as we have known them. In other words a major shift from the W-2 worker to the 1099 contractor. With the advent of new health care policies here in The U.S. and the burden this will place on the employers, I predict an acceleration in this trend.

Many financial coaches are promoting multiple streams of income for their clients and encouraging a Plan"B". I have heard new and different terms used to describe the economy as of late. One thing I feel for certain is that "the good ole days" of the past will be very different in the way they look and feel; if and when they return.

In future posts I will be expanding on this theme so be sure to return. It will be eye-opening and want-to-know stuff, all documented from known and trusted sources.

1984 Bruce Springsteen, My Hometown,

"They're closing down the textile mill across the railroad tracks
Foreman says these jobs are going boys and they ain't coming back to your hometown."

Wishing You Plenty To Live,

Tom Doiron

Motivation

Dear Professional Network Marketers,

Are you not a motivated entrepreneur?

How did you get to be one?

Did you swallow a little pill, read a big book, cross paths with an inspiring individual, have great parents, or just hit your head really hard?

Seriously, when I hear talk about motivating people I try not to scoff. Here is why. I believe that motivation is an inside job. It is akin to enthusiasm. Life around you can squeeze it all out of you much faster then it puts it back in if your heart doesn't act as the control valve.

Think of how easy it is to guide and coach a motivated person. Compare that to trying to drag a person across the finish line who has no winner's instinct.

So if we desire to build a team of motivated entrepreneurs, where should we look for them? Are they thicker in some spots than others? In other words, do they flock together?

I would love to hear your suggestions of their hangouts.

Wishing You Plenty To Live,
Tom Doiron

My Favorite Mentors

Dear Network Marketers,

You have probably already noticed that those leading the charge in recruiting are leaning heavily on Internet Marketing in various forms to grow their businesses with extended reach.

If ever a two edge sword existed, it must be the Internet. It can slash your learning curve, but it can also take your head off with fraudulent scams.

I am not a newcomer to our industry and have studied under many "gurus". You have heard that the cream always rises to the top. My two creamy mentors have done just that. I would feel that I was doing any readers here a disservice if I did not introduce them. I have promoted them for years one to one with no compensation, simply because of the value they have added to my business and that of countless others. You may already be acquainted, nonetheless they are Kim Klaver and Tim Sales.

They both are friends to all in our industry and you will limit your success if you ignore their wisdom.

As part of my 2009 goals I am learning how to do afiliate marketing and have approached them both to learn if they offered such a program. Not surprising, they both do so please use the links below to get to know them:

Tim Sales

http://www.mlmbrilliance.com/awiz/aw.aspx?A=3176&Task=Click

Kim Klaver

http://www.vmediacart.com/secure/affiliates/tracking/trackclick.aspx?aid=133


To Our Best Year Yet,

Tom Doiron

Is Network Marketing an Answer to Unemployment?

Dear Entrepreneurs,

Could an unemployed person collecting unemployment compensation join a Network Marketing company and rapidly rise to a sufficient income level? Possible of course, but highly improbable. They would be one in a thousand at the least.

So should a veteran NWMer offer this kind of expectation during the recruitment courtship? I say with extreme caution and only after the recruit has demonstrated some of the raw materials we look for to shape success.

A fact well known to seasoned vets of our industry is that you start out spending more than you make, usually. With the proper desire and training, a new distributor can short track this stage if they are coachable and will work.

With unemployment at 10% and rising, the job scene is very bleak. I say it is a great time to show people the potential our industry can afford those that will work smart. I have to remind myself that securing customers and/or team members may become increasingly more difficult if this economy continues to spiral downward. What the hey, we still have something to offer that has profit potential. I heard that in the Great Depression, folks were peddling pamphlets and booklets on the street corners for a nickle a piece. Any money is better than no money.

I exhort those in our industry to offer reasonable expectations to the hungry. We truly have something they want and need, so let's not over sell it. Not the kind of junk I delete from my inbox that has me making $40k per month in 90 days or less.

Highest Regards,
Tom

Is This The Best Time?

Dear MLMers or NWMers (Pick your hat),

The buzz for our industry seems to be rising proportionally to the decline of the Dow. Why do you suppose that is? I don't pretend to know, but a have a theory.

What happens when someting you are emotionally attached to breaks? First to my mind is fix it. What if it turns out to be irrepairable? Replace it with something equal or better when possible. Well for many, the economic system they used to carry their dreams in has a very bad leak in it. What to do? Their minds are exploring new avenues. Perhaps they are not new at all, but when viewed from a different paradigm, they seem brand new.

For those of us that have been around the track a time or two with our industry, and even the rookies; these current events provide us with an excellent opportunity to help others and thereby prosper as well.

Are we going to blow it with the usual hype? I am not and that is going to be my earnest example to others.

I am going to coach and train my new recruits to earn more than they spend. My intention is to identify their weaknesses and continuously work to strengthen them. I am not going to do it for them, it is their own business, but I certainly can put to play the wisdom of my years and shortcut their learning curve.

Fifty years from now, 2008 maybe looked upon as the blast off for a new way to earn a living that isn't dependent on Wall Street.

Highest Regards,
Tom Doiron
Atlanta

What is screwed up about Network Marketing ?

Having been in this industry since 1972, but more seriously since 1996; I have an opinion or two about what is screwed up. For the record, most of my efforts have been in health and wellness.

It is difficult for me to clearly describe what I see. Network marketing turns people into camouflaged predators, like the Big Bad Wolf in Little Red Riding Hood.

A very successful and beloved associate of mine that was earning about $30K yearly after just two years quit and walked away from the business and industry. Maureen said, "she just wanted to be able to meet new people without thinking of them as a prospect."

The second thing about network marketing that I think is really, really screwed up is it pretending to be the answer to every ones' economic challenges. The idea that is so commonly promoted is that, "if you just follow me, all your problems will pass away." It's like you are telling folks that if they will just step over here and push this big red reset button; everything will straighten itself out in their lives.

Presenting the potential as the probable might be a shorter way of expressing my viewpoint.

Enough for now.

Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Fake It Until You Make It

Dear Readers,

I am not always swift to embrace Mr. Seth Godin's viewpoints. However, this one resonates for me; "a reputation that precedes you".

Once again just yesterday I got slapped by the reality that many people are not anywhere near the 'giant' that they present themselves to be. If that be so, then the inverse obviously exists as well. And that would be some people that truly are 'giants' but don't see themselves as such in their own mine's eye.

This "fake it until you make it” stuff is not the reputation that you want out there ahead of you. I say this because when you hold it up to the light of scrutiny just right, it is totally transparent and you are caught naked as a fake.

I believe that genuineness and honesty are still two very admirable components of a good reputation. They also make for less stress when you are happy in your own skin and not pretending to be something or someone you are not.

It is also becoming very apparent to me that those that have to blow the biggest, brightest, and loudest horn about themselves are secretly trying to cover up some ugly character flaws. Has anyone else noticed this?

Fortunately I learned some time ago the one thing that I can do better than anyone else. That is to be myself. This realization truly helps me grasp a healthy attitude about myself without being obnoxious and arrogant.

Last one, I promise. I find it is a common belief in business that if you give 'over the top' service that your clients will drown you in referrals. So we attempt to treat these people as we like to be treated. We then pat ourselves on the back for practicing the golden rule in our customer service. I have been learning about the platinum rule that Dr. Tony Alessandra developed. "Do unto others as THEY would have you do unto them." So if you can dig down with you potential customers to find out how they like it and then deliver it on point; you will at least get splashed with a referral or two. For example, when I am consulting with my potential customer and they express a specific concern that they have; I write it into their proposal using their very own words. Additionally, I make sure it gets handled properly and finally I call their attention to the fact that it has been done.

You should see the praise this simple little procedure generates on my customer satisfaction form I ask them to complete at the wrap up.

Happy to be me,

Tom Doiron
http://www.TomDoiron.com

Magnetic-Hypnotic Marketer

When JC called out his twelve, he told impetuous Peter, the fisherman, that he would make him a fisher of men. From some of the Greek texts, it could have been translated, "I will teach you how to catch and convert men by your speech". So what is the difference between JC's technique and the "magnetic-hypnotic marketer"? One huge one that I know of is the motivation. One is born out of selfless giving and the other out of selfish gain.

For over three decades I have heard professional sales trainers tell me that I have to master these manipulative techniques to help the poor prospect that isn't smart enough to get out of his own way at decision time. Of course it had nothing to do with closing more sales and fattening my wallet. It is all just to help the prospect.

This coy coaxing is a large ingredient in the sales concoction the tastes so bad to 99 out on 100 people. It is just a lot more fun to be a match-maker. It builds slower for sure, but with the quality of endurance.

On my profile page, you will read one of my deep core values and that is to love people and use things.

Wait for me, Pete!

Come out, come out where ever you are!

Are all the best carpenters, woodworkers, and painters standing on the street corners holding "will work for beer" signs. What about GOOD Network Marketers?

Whoring after existing Networkers and acting like the big banana to attract veterans is so transparent.

Why do most people become involved in Network Marketing? I have read and heard it taught that the biggest attraction is "to be your own boss"; part of the American Dream. The leverage and residual nature of what we do is also very magnetic.

So how do you attract an 'undiscovered' motivated entrepreneur? How many are really running around out there? Where do you go to find them? I'll take 3-5 thank you.

If all we attract is the "low hanging fruit" with another deal, then they are likely to become "low hanging fruit" with our deal. Customers may or may not want to do a business, but they can buy and refer for cash flow.

When I re-read this post, the answers to my questions seem to be embodied in some form of mass marketing, be it print or internet. But we have to know their name so they will know we are talking to them and we have to get close enough so they will hear us. And then we need good ‘chemistry’ with them before we invest our resources. It’s easy, right? Anybody can do this?

You haven't made the money you expected, yet?

My involvement in network marketing spans over 35 years, but not non stop.

In my 20's it was probably the enthusiasm that attracted me because I sure didn't understand the compensation they were all running around so excited about. Back then it was products I wanted at wholesale.
Twelve years ago I really caught the concept of leveraged income. I joined a young nutrition company with a great mission and vision. If it were just the products that held me for all this time, I could resign my distributorship and become a wholesale customer only at the same purchase price I pay now.

I was taught years ago by many trainers that all one needs is 3 to 5 go-getters in your downline and you are set for life. So the promise of the big money has held my interest.

Also, with so much blood, sweat, and tears vested in a venture, it is hard to turn and walk away. Don't many of us believe that the exclusivity of our beloved product is going to catch on and become the rage of the age? We hope that our positioning will permit us to ride the wave of momentum to ridiculous income levels.

I believe the fundamental core values of network marketing are both noble and addictive. Once you ‘get’ the concept, it wiggles its way into your mind so deeply that it is hard to root it out. It only gets extracted by a lot of bitterness. That bitterness manifests itself on the internet in the writings of the disgruntled associates that try to poison the minds of the unwary public against network marketing. Were it not for the skepticism and cynicism abounding toward our industry, people would be much more open to the business model and more willing to become involved without old school hype and overselling. Think about those times when you presented to a “virgin” and they were very excited until their close associates shot down their dream.

Life is a learning adventure and it is no different for network marketing. Sometimes we do hitch our wagon to the wrong horse and need to make a change. One of my former business associates had a tag line I just loved. “People that say it can’t be done should stay out of the way of those that are doing it”.

Is Network Marketing mostly pretend?

What is really ”pretend” about NWM is that it is just "sharing", “inviting”, “attracting”, or anything but selling.

I have recruited and trained commissioned salespeople with various companies over the years.

Very few went on to be successful. Top salespeople have developed a mindset. Many do not persevere long enough for that learning to take hold.

In NWM we basically sell two entirely different products; our feature product and a distributorship. Old Schoolers like to lead with the business and revert to the product. Most often the product is the easier of the two to sell.

New Schoolers promotes getting customers and developing a stream of income from those sales while sifting for business partners. In my opinion, it is important to remember that just because a customer has a life altering experience with a product, does not mean they are ready or willing to promote that product to the world.

To me what is really "pretend" about our industry is to parade the superstar around as the role model that all should aspire to. Those superstars may have been a diamond in the rough when they entered NWM and worked hard to get to the top. But the point is they were already a diamond. People are put together differently. We seem to understand this concept better when it relates to physical attributes then we do when it is involved with intellectual abilities. The fastest human on Earth is well trained, but was born built for speed and developed the long suit.

Years ago I was taught that NWM was based upon a lot of people doing a little. We all have memorized J. Paul Getty’s quote. For most recruits, the best NWM will be for them is a part-time income source if they work and grow some thicker skin. At one point in my past, an expensive MLM Mentor I hired told me that she didn't believe NWM was designed to take the place of a full time job. Wow, I wanted a refund.

One last thing that is truly "pretend" to me is that these superstars got to the top by working less than 40 hours per week. It is more like 60 or better hours per week. I have been taught to make my business my first and last thought of each day(365).

Just "Sharing"
Tom

Anybody & Everybody

In my opinion, here are the top three business intelligences required to improve the odds of their success for the first time business owner entering a network marketing opportunity:

1. Self-displined, self-motivated, big why, self-starter or how ever you like to phrase it.

2. Excellent communicator which mandated great listening and writing skills.

3. Basic computer skills with an aptitude for acquiring more advanced I.T.know how.


A bright , young networker said, "Network Marketing IS a business 'anyone' can do, but by 'anyone' I think we should clarify it more clearly by saying anyone who is willing to come in and do whatever it takes to achieve their goals by learning and growing through the process."

This logic has been echoed by trainers and mentors for at least 30 years that I know of and the success rate hasn't risen. When the pitcher climbs that mound, his will is to strike out every batter he faces. How often does that happen?

Experience tells me that some folks are just not suited for this business. Just because someone can buy a lottery ticket, doesn't mean they can win in this industry. It's a tango between the over eager recruiter and the unknowing, but hungry prospect.

Anti-Perfection Paralysis

Wasn't it Nicholas Cage that delivered that great line, "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger."

Those in our industry that have to perfect every thing before they do anything turn to dust in the same spot. Far better to be in motion and be constantly perfecting production.

I am better today than I was 6 months ago in our Networking Business because I know a few more things that don't work for us.

To make a mistake is human. To not learn from that mistake is a shame.

Over Promised, But Under Delivered

When we had a license to act emotionally immature because we were kids, how did we react when a promise was unfulfilled? Fussing, whining, angry, and disappointed are the first that come to my mind.



But just because we are now adults does not mean promises aren't still made to us. However we have developed our own unique BS filters to minimize the disappointment. Now and then we buy into a big promise that flew in under our filter. How does a grown-up react to a broken promise? Much the same way only it is more internalized or they sue.



MLM has a 95% failure rate. More positively stated, 5 recruits out of 100 enjoy some level of success. What is most intriguing about this well known statistic is that it stays with us.



I have made my living via sales and marketing most of my adult life. Always, always I see over zealous rookies making promises to close a sale that they couldn't deliver on in a million years. The results are one very angry grown-up that will never refer a soul to the sales person.



Talking about the 5 and 6 figure monthly income earners in our programs and parroting, "if they can do it, you can to" is indirect promising. The recruits expectations are nearly assured of be dashed and disappointed. They quit and keep the sad stats steady.



In my later years I have seen the wonderful opposite of this cycle. I purposely under promise benefits and results to my prospects because I want their expectations to be barely above ground level. To their surprise the results are better than expected, and they are pumped.

Downline raiding ?

If you were a prominent Network Marketing Trainer/Mentor, who had previously had great success in the field; that fact would be largely responsible for your following. Or at least it should be, don't you think? Contrast this to the many "experts" who have never really done a genuine, live, three-way call, but can tell you all the do's and dont's. Which would you respect and trust more? Oh, I forgot to mention that you were convinced the "expert" was authentic because of his self-edification on line and off.
Our country is plagued with Affluenza and disingenuitis. I tapped into Kim's stuff back in the day of aka, Ms. Stud. Back then and now, I knew of no NWM coach that was more upfront than Kim. It was refreshing to me to hear someone finally speak the truth about the industry.
OK. I am going to pretend I am K2 (A Foggism). Intelligent enough to know integrity is a cornerstone of my success; what should I do about my start up company? Publish it or hide it under a basket? I would do as she has done partly because it is her upfront style and partly to flame proof my butt. Why? If Kim is catching all this heat for being honest, what do you think it would look like if the news leaked out slowly and unofficially through the 'blogsphere' ?
Enough for now,
Tom DoironAtlanta