MLMs On The Bathroom Wall

"hERE I sit,
broKen hearted,
Tried MLM,
But never goT sTarted."


"For good MLM call 555-1212"

"No MLM
No Money
Know MLM
Know Money"

"Yo! My MLM was here!"

"Press MLM start, Rub hands Under -Arm"

"Young Male MLm, be here at 7pm"

"don't date the MLM here on Fridays, she has no money!"


I keep hearing the phrase, "The Internet is the Bathroom Wall of Society".

This phrase is used by MLMers that oppose the use of the Internet as a means of gathering information about an MLM company. Usually it means the MLMer has experienced a negative criticism of his company on the Internet.

Quixtar is no stranger to Internet criticism.

What perplexes me is that Quixtar distributors (IBOs) say this phrase in putting down the negative sites, and then turn around and use the very same medium to advance their business through their own sites.

Where does the "Bathroom Wall" fit in?

Does the negative sites constitute the Bathroom Wall, and the positive sites are some other wall?

You can't have it both ways.

As an MLMer myself, I use the Internet everyday. I send emails. I conduct research. I Instant Message people. I visit Internet Forums.

I find negative and positive about everything from Politics and Religion to MLMs and the proper way to tell a joke.

Now, what I do with all this information is this. I use the information to adapt, modify, improve, confirm, or delete certain practices I was doing.

It doesn't make me want to call those that disagree with me, "losers". It doesn't make me want to belittle someone. Yes, I get angry at some things that I read. I get angry at bad debates. And there are just as many bad debaters in MLM circles, as any other circle.

The "negative-on-MLM" often can't see past their own bad experiences, and the "positive-on-MLM" usually can't see past their blind enthusiasm. Neither in some instances are willing to give an inch to the other side.

But, I still have to say I disagree with the "bathroom" analogy. The Internet is not the "bathroom wall of society", it is society, itself, in a condensed medium.

And the most effective way to change society, it to start in your corner of it, from within.

So if you think someone is printing lies about you on the bathroom wall, take some effort to go clean the walls. (Don't just write something in place of the negative, clean it up; leave it clean)

And don't give them reason to write something again.

"Sunday Thoughts"

"The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor.

But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around. It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt."

--Leo Buscaglia

Meet Skyler

In case anyone needs to ask who's the dummy; that would be this guy. His name is Skyler

Skyler has been my comedy partner for 21 years. He was carved by the late Finis Robinson(no relation to me). Finis was well into his 70s when he created Skyler.

Skyler is a one-of-a-kind creation from a crude sketch of mine. His original inspiration was Alfred E. Neuman of Mad Magazine fame. But a quick letter from then editor William Gaines told me I had to make significant changes.

Skyler was the result of those changes.

He ain't your ordinary ventriloquist dummy, he's equipped with winkers, raising eyebrows and moving eyes, and an upper lip movement that reveals a nice smile.

Skyler has a caustic personality and is most comfortable in an adult audience.

He's definitely not for "kids shows"

Hopefully by this summer, you'll be hearing more from him (and me) on a stage near you.

Have a good weekend.

Help Wanted: Caricaturists

That's right.

Put the word out, I'm looking to hire a caricaturist. In case you don't know what that is; it's like a cartoonist.

These are the guys that take a person's face and makes a cartoon out of it.

BUT, I don't want one of those guys that you see on the street or at a carnival that just does those "big head" caricatures.

If you know someone that does this type of cartooning, tell them to email me. Or if you know someone that knows someone; send them my way.

Thanks

Wanna Get Some Email?

As some of you might know, I'm building a database of email and standard mail adresses.

A lot of the database is categorized into "clients" "potential clients" and "friends".

Some of the uses for the database will be marketing in my various interests, and I'm also considering a newsletter for when I'm performing.

Anyway, if you want to be included in the email list then drop me an email yourself and let me know.

If you receive something from me that you aren't interested in, just let me know and I'll make sure you never get another email on that topic again. And you can ask to be dropped from the list at any time.

I know I have readers out there that don't leave comments, but here's your chance to speak up.

This database will be my own personal source and will not be sold or rented for any other marketing purposes.

So, if you are interested; send me your address.

Thanks.

Un-Armed

I've been sitting home for the last two days missing work.

It all goes back to last Wednesday. I woke up with a huge lump underneath my arm. I didn't think much about it, I thought I might have "pulled a muscle" on Monday or Tuesday, or at the very least slept on my arm in a weird position.

It hurt. And sort of felt like I was carrying a baseball in my armpit when my arm hung naturally.

I worked the rest of that week and casually mentioned to my partner's wife that it was bothering me. She joked about it being "cancer" and we laughed. But over the weekend, I get on the Internet.

Big Mistake.

I start browsing my symptoms and I get "hits" for all types of cancer, Hodgkins Disease and a few other nasty "killers". Needless to say, my paranoia was kicking in, and I was getting pretty worried. I was scared that maybe, just maybe I DID have something serious. And I wanted to go see a doctor, but I didn't want to go, either.

My Mom would I have said, "I was scared to death and afraid to run"

But, I have been treating it as a muscle injury...lots of heat, and Ibuprofen and I didn't work Monday or Tuesday and have generally been "babying" it.

I'm happy to report that the "lump" is smaller, less painful, and the numbness that radiated down my arm has subsided. I plan to go back to work tomorrow.

If I do a lot of heavy lifting and the pain increases again, I guess that'll confirm my diagnosis.

I, now seriously doubt that I'm dying, but I can't honestly say I didn't ponder the thought at some length.

I had been making fun of my wife recently because she is hooked on this new medical drama on NBC called "House". It's a show where they can't diagnose an illness each week and use what I call "C.S.I. type graphics" to figure out the rare illness.

Usually, my wife jokingly complains about having "Rabbit Fever" or "Brain Worms" following an episode of "House". I guess I subcumbed to a bit of that hypochondria via a web search on "lump" "armpit" and "pain".

Thankfully, the focus of On The Road With Dave won't be medical recovery road anytime in the future.

:::fingers crossed::::

:::Knocking wood::::

"Heeeerrrrrrrre's To You, Johnny!"

Where do I begin?

I was 12 years old. It was New Year's Eve and I was getting to stay up late. We only had three channels to watch on TV, (cable had not come to Caledonia, MS yet) and I was not interested in whatever New Year's Eve show my parents were watching.

And then I found it, there was a guy on stage in a "loud" jacket, telling jokes on Channel 9. I had "discovered" Johnny Carson.

90 minutes of adults sitting on a couch, laughing, telling stories, and I'm sure saying things I never knew existed. I was hooked. From that moment on, my bed time changed.

I stayed up late. I bought a small tape recorder and some cassettes. I wrapped the microphone cord around the television dial and let the mike hang at the TV speaker level; and I recorded hours of Johnny's monologues.

"Did you hear about this? I read this today in the newspaper. A man went in to the hospital...he went into the hospital for hemorrhoid surgery...(nervous laughter from the audience)..well yes..he went in for hemorrhoid surgery and the doctors...the doctors accidentally fixed his nose....(the audience starts to roar)..now wait...wait..everything is okay, the guy is fine, but...you should see him now, when this guy smells a flower" (more roaring laughter)

Johnny Carson was the single greatest reason that I wanted to be a stand up
comedian. And what's more, I was to find out he started as a magician and a ventriloquist. That was even better.

I have a list of people that I always wanted to meet. I had wanted to meet Johnny. I had hoped early in my life, that I might have had the chance to sit on "the couch" next him. That never came to be. And now with his death; if I ever do become famous, I will never get the chance. But that takes nothing away from what I learned from years of watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

And now straight from a mayonnaise jar underneath the porch of Funk and Wagnall's, I hold in my hand the last envelope.

:::holds envelope to forehead::::

"Aunt Blabby, Carnac, Art Fern, Johnny Carson"

:::opens envelope::::

"Whose humor will always be enduring and endearing?"

Good Night, Johnny

"Sunday Thoughts"

"Work and play are words to describe the same thing under different conditions."
-- Mark Twain

Political Affiliations Revisited

On Thursday, January 20th I reprinted a "letter" to the American people attributed to comedian John Cleese of Monty Python fame. I thought the letter was pretty funny.

The post was entitled, "Hell to the Chief".

Friday morning I received an email from someone that was displeased with the article.


Hi Dave,

I'm one of your 6 bloglines subscribers. My name is xxxxxxxxxx
(xxxxxxcom). I had to write you and let you know that you'll be going
down to 5 blogline subscribers as of today. I usually don't let political
opinions get to me if they differ from mine because I respect the right of
all our citizens to have one even if it is counter to my own. (A notion
quite foreign to the majority of the left in this country, unfortunately.)

But today's post just got to me. On a day where I would hope America would
come together, despite our differences of opinion, and celebrate the fact
that we have once again had a peaceful and orderly and democratic transfer
of administrations (same one but the process was still followed) I visit
your blog and I see more backbiting and displays of hatred towards a man
only trying to do right by mankind by doing what he feels is necessary for
others to enjoy the freedoms we take for granted.

The rest of the letter was not at all "hateful", but nice and to the point that the reader supported the President and felt that dissent among Americans during these time of Mideast conflicts were hampering the war effort and showed an unsupportive stance to the troops despite liberal rhetoric to the opposite.

I responded.

Here is part of my response.


"Good Morning XXXXXX

First, let me thank you for being a past subscriber to my blog. Heck, I would thank you if you were only an occasional reader, or just found yesterday's entry by accident.

Back during the election, I did several entries the week prior to Election Day, that were nonpartisan and I had hoped would increase the voter turnout.

But I don't make apologies for my political leanings, even though I joke about being a "pinko commie liberal" elsewhere on my blog.

I appreciate your support and stance regarding the President.....(snipped for brevity)

....Contrary to popular belief, I feel no Democrat or liberal is against our country or the freedoms it stands for. The very fact that we present a dissenting view is part of those freedoms. "Agreeing to Disagree" is a compromise I have practiced in the past, regarding matters of politics and religion and even business.

But I practice it in regard to my attitude and respect for the person disagreeing with me, not regarding the issue. "Agreeing to Disagree" does not mean that I need to be silent regarding the opinion, just that I am respectful of the dissenter.

Yesterday's entry, as I stated in the blog, was attributed to comedian John Cleese, and can be found on many web sites. So I am not the only one that found the "letter" humorous.

And in fact, that was my primary objective in reprinting it. I found it humorous and felt it brought up certain aspects of our life in America in biting humor. Political humor often does this. But yes, some will be offended as you were.

I wish I could apologize to you for the entry, but I cannot. I can say that I respect the fact that you wrote me with your opinions and appreciate your readership.

That is the great thing about the blogging community, it provides that exchange.

Here is, also, wishing you the very best in your activities.....

(more reader personal info deleted)

Sincerely,
David Robison"


The reader responded again nicely but still adamant about his position and cited examples he felt relevant to anti "anti-protests". (Does that make sense?) His examples were against why he felt protesting was not good for the Iraqi cause. (There, that's better)

Again, I'm sorry I lost a reader, but man, I feel really good about this "blogging thing". It's nice to know you have readers out there who agree AND disagree with you; and the fact that you take the time to sit down and write something whether serious or humor-intended is being read and thought about is simply uplifting.

Thanks to all my readers for stopping by. And special thanks to those that feel like speaking their mind on what I write.

Hell to the Chief

In honor of the (choke) Inauguration Day festivities, I'm reprinting the following letter attributed to comedian John Cleese. The "letter" can be found at various sites, so in lieu of a specific link to the actual letter, check out TheJohnCleese site instead.



Subject: NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF INDEPENDENCE by John Cleese

To the citizens of the United States of America, in the light of
your failure to elect a competent President of the USA and thus to
govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your
independence, effective today.

Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical
duties over all states, commonwealths and other territories. Except
Utah, which she does not fancy.

Your new prime minister (The Right Honourable Tony Blair, MP for the
97.85% of you who have until now been unaware that there is a world
outside your borders) will appoint a minister for America without the
need for further elections. Congress and the Senate will be
disbanded. A questionnaire will be circulated next year to determine
whether any of you noticed.

To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, the
following rules are introduced with immediate effect:

1. You should look up "revocation" in the Oxford English
Dictionary. Then look up "aluminium." Check the pronunciation guide.
You will be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it.
The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'favour'
and 'neighbour', skipping the letter U' is nothing more than laziness
on your part. Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without
skipping half the letters. You will end your love affair with the
letter 'Z' (pronounced 'zed' not 'zee') and the suffix "ize" will be
replaced by the suffix "ise." You will learn that the suffix 'burgh'
is pronounced 'burra' e.g. Edinburgh. You are welcome to respell
Pittsburgh as 'Pittsberg' if you can't cope with correct
pronunciation.

Generally, you should raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels.
Look up "vocabulary."

Using the same twenty seven words interspersed with filler noises
such as "like" and "you know" is an unacceptable and inefficient form
of communication. Look up "interspersed." There will be no
more 'bleeps' in the Jerry Springer show. If you're not old enough
to cope with bad language then you shouldn't have chat shows. When
you learn to develop your vocabulary then you won't have to use bad
language as often.

2. There is no such thing as "US English." We will let Microsoft
know on your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to
take account of the reinstated letter 'u' and the elimination of "-
ize."

3. You should learn to distinguish the English and Australian
accents. It really isn't that hard. English accents are not limited
to cockney, upper-class twit or Mancunian (Daphne in Frasier). You
will also have to learn how to understand regional accents -
Scottish dramas such as "Taggart" will no longer be broadcast with
subtitles. While we're talking about regions, you must learn that
there is no such place as Devonshire in England. The name of the
county is "Devon." If you persist in calling it Devonshire, all
American States will become "shires" e.g. Texasshire, Floridashire,
Louisianashire.

4. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as
the good guys. Hollywood will be required to cast English actors to
play English characters. British sit-coms such as "Men Behaving
Badly" or "Red Dwarf" will not be re-cast and watered down for a
wishy-washy American audience who can't cope with the humour of
occasional political incorrectness.

5. You should relearn your original national anthem, "God Save The
Queen", but only after fully carrying out task 1. We would not want
you to get confused and give up half way through.

6. You should stop playing American "football." There is only one
kind of football. What you refer to as American "football" is not a
very good game. The 2.15% of you who are aware that there is a world
outside your borders may have noticed that no one else
plays "American" football. You will no longer be allowed to play it,
and should instead play proper football. Initially, it would be best
if you played with the girls. It is a difficult game. Those of you
brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which is
similar to American "football", but does not involve stopping for a
rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like
nancies). We are hoping to get together at least a US Rugby sevens
side by 2005.

You should stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an
event called the 'World Series' for a game which is not played
outside of America. Since only 2.15% of you are aware that there is a
world beyond your borders, your error is understandable. Instead of
baseball, you will be allowed to play a girls' game
called "rounders," which is baseball without fancy team strip,
oversized gloves, collector cards or hotdogs.

7. You will no longer be allowed to own or carry guns. You will no
longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous in public
than a vegetable peeler. Because we don't believe you are sensible
enough to handle potentially dangerous items, you will require a
permit if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.

8. July 4th is no longer a public holiday. November 2nd will be a new
national holiday, but only in England. It will be called "Indecisive
Day."

9. All American cars are hereby banned. They are crap and it is for
your own good. When we show you German cars, you will understand what
we mean. All road intersections will be replaced with roundabouts.
You will start driving on the left with immediate effect. At the same
time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the
benefit of conversion tables. Roundabouts and metrication will help
you understand the British sense of humour.

10. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French
fries are not real chips. Fries aren't even French, they are Belgian
though 97.85% of you (including the guy who discovered fries while in
Europe) are not aware of a country called Belgium. Those things you
insist on calling potato chips are properly called "crisps." Real
chips are thick cut and fried in animal fat. The traditional
accompaniment to chips is beer which should be served warm and
flat. Waitresses will be trained to be more aggressive with
customers.

11. As a sign of penance 5 grams of sea salt per cup will be added
to all tea made within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this
quantity to be doubled for tea made within the city of Boston itself.

12. The cold tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not
actually beer at all, it is lager. From November 1st only proper
British Bitter will be referred to as "beer," and European brews of
known and accepted provenance will be referred to as "Lager." The
substances formerly known as "American Beer" will henceforth be
referred to as "Near-Frozen Knat's Urine," with the exception of the
product of the American Budweiser company whose product will be
referred to as "Weak Near-Frozen Knat's Urine." This will allow
true Budweiser (as manufactured for the last 1000 years in Pilsen,
Czech Republic) to be sold without risk of confusion.

13. From November 10th the UK will harmonise petrol (or "Gasoline,"
as you will be permitted to keep calling it until April 1st 2005)
prices with the former USA. The UK will harmonise its prices to those
of the former USA and the Former USA will, in return, adopt UK petrol
prices (roughly $6/US gallon get used to it).

14. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns,
lawyers or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and
therapists shows that you're not adult enough to be independent. Guns
should only be handled by adults. If you're not adult enough to sort
things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist then
you're not grown up enough to handle a gun.

15. Please tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us crazy.

16. Tax collectors from Her Majesty's Government will be with you
shortly to ensure the acquisition of all revenues due (backdated to
1776).

Thank you for your co-operation

A Quixtar Fact

For everyone that is not familiar with Quixtar, I'd like to clear something up.

I read this link today:

http://www.whatintarnation.net/blog/archives/2005/01/16/quixtar/

I tried to respond to the entry, but the responses are closed.

In the entry, the author says matter of factly that he discovered that Quixtar bought Amway Corporation.

This could not be further from the truth. Now, I know that there is all sorts of negative information out on the web about Quixtar; some of it's true, some of it is distorted, and some of it is just plain false.

For those interested in the Amway/Quixtar connection; here's the story.

Amway was formed in 1959. It exists today.

Quixtar was launched in 1999.

Here's the connection.

Amway Corporation's owners founded a new company. They named this company Alticor.

The holdings and divisions of Amway were divided up into separate companies and Alticor became the parent company of these divisions.(That's the simple explanation)

Alticor owner's then formed Quixtar as the North American MLM company that serves the former Independent Business Owners(distributors) that were once part of Amway.

These IBOs then continue to build organizations under the Quixtar name, selling products manufactured by the former Amway manufacturing arm now named Access Business Group, and these IBOs register new IBOs under the Quixtar branch.

Amway continued operations after Quixtar was formed, but now operates in Europe and Asia. Amway continues to supply products to distributors in those countries.

Both Amway and Quixtar IBOs utilize the same compensation plan and are allowed to register IBOs in other countries, through certain conditions, utilizing the company that operates in that country.

Both, Amway and Quixtar provides revenue for Alticor.

Yes, both Amway and Quixtar are owned by the same people. But, Quixtar DID NOT buy Amway.

I hope that clears that up.

"Sunday Thoughts"

"Everything that can be said, can be said clearly."

-- Ludwig Wittgenstein

"All I Wanted Was a Pizza"

I just received an email from an AOL Buddy of mine with an hilarious link in it.

Here's what I can tell you about it first.

It's from a site by George Toft. I don't know anything about George, except it looks like he's a Linux advocate, and may teach.

The link takes a few minutes to load and requires your speakers to be on.

For those die-hard republicans that read my site, after you watch the little presentation a "Take Action" link will take you to the American Civil Liberties Union website. The ACLU site explains a bit about the purpose of the presentation.

If you don't particularly care for the ACLU, the presentation is funny nonetheless.

But, it may make you think a bit more about what kind of information someone may have about you.

Here's the link:




http://georgetoft.com/presentations/information_privacy/pizza_order.swf

A Passing Grade!

The City Building Inspector came out to the job site today. We had finished the framing of the two-story monster garage that my partner and I have worked on for a couple of weeks. We had a one week delay due to his throat surgery.

But, today was "test" day for the frame, walls and roof.

I am happy to report we passed and the inspector told us to continue on with the work. Next, we have to shingle the roof, install the doors and windows, do the electrical work and install the siding.

Interestingly enough, the inspector kept asking us, "Is somebody going to live up stairs?" It seems we built this monstrosity "over code", the upstairs storage area looked like maybe it could be a garage apartment or something. This sucker is solid.

So both my partner and I were extremely happy at the inspector's comments.

I had some construction experience before I started working with my present company, but it was commercial construction, very specialized in the cold storage industry.

But this "from the ground up" garage has really taught me a lot. I could easily frame a house now. And someday this experience is going to help me with my dream of building a self-sustained photovoltaic(solar) house.

Now, I have two days off, to continue work on my home business. It all works together for me.

No inspector will show up and tell me I did my new direct mail campaign right. But I think I'll complete it with no problems. Wanna be on my email list? Drop me an email and tell me.

Checking In

Yesterday, was busy for me; by the time I got home I pretty much was ready for bed, hence, no blog entry yesterday. Sorry about that.

Today I had a day off(rain).

So I took the time to work on an upcoming marketing plan for my Quixtar business.

I've been compiling some sales notes and results I have accumulated over the years and forming an email and direct mail campaign for my B2B market.

It's coming together. Last month when I focused on getting organized, I was amazed at the business cards, company brochures, club membership lists, and old client lists that I have accumulated over the years. I am something of a pack rat.

So, I organized all those lists, culled the ones I no longer needed and began entering them into a database. This will be categorized by contact, familiarity, market and some other factors.

I'm staying true to my 2005 goals by utilizing my time away from my day job to concentrate on my businesses at home. I'm kinda proud at what I'm getting accomplished.

But, it's back to the day job tomorrow. I heard on the weather report that rain was leaving, but bringing in some cooler weather. It's been a hot January down here on the coast, and I can't say that I have missed the cold weather, but it's bound to have reached us eventually. So think about me while I'm up on a two-story roof tomorrow, with the cold wind blowing.

Hey, it's what I do; I'm a handyman.

Action

Action is not simply giving preference. Man also shows preference in situations in which things and events are unavoidable or are believed to be so. Thus a man may prefer sunshine to rain and may wish that the sun would dispel the clouds. He who only wishes and hopes does not interfere actively with the course of events and with the shaping of his own destiny. But acting man chooses, determines, and tries to reach an end. Of two things both of which he cannot have together he selects one and gives up the other. Action therefore always involves both taking and renunciation.

Human Action by Ludwig von Mises

One of those days

You ever have one of those days?

Seems like the last few days, has been one of "those" for me.

And it's not really a subject I can express here at this blog. Now don't go getting all speculative, it's not medical, financial, or family related. But it is personal.

And I'm sure I'll work it out eventually, but for now it's rather consuming of my thoughts and that makes thinking about writing about anything else that would remotely resemble a OTWD blog topic virtually impossible.

But, thanks for stopping by.

"Sunday Thoughts"

"We are meant to express how we feel about life. It's like breathing: Inhale the experiences of life, exhale how you feel about them. We are at our best when we can turn our impressions into expressions. The equation goes like this: Impression without expression equals depression."

--Don Hahn

Lazy Day

It's been overcast today, much cooler than it has been all week, and everything is wet from last night's rain. All in all, a gloomy day on the Gulf Coast. Not at all conducive to getting things done.

But, I'm plodding along.

Yesterday was not a good day at work, although we accomplished what we started, my mood was not the best. I got upset over something that happened midway through the day and that left me feeling down. Maybe, I'm too sensitive, but it left me with an uneasy feeling that lasted the rest of the day and most of today. I'm sure it will pass; but it hasn't yet.

So today, My wife and I took our boys on a drive. Sometimes we just like to grab a bag of chips, some cokes, and drive around and look at stuff. We've only been in Mobile, AL for about two years and there's things we haven't seen yet. It probably sounds like a boring day, but we enjoy it. It's kinda relaxing. No distractions, everybody gets to talk, we listen to the radio. We stopped at Mickey D's for some burgers. And we all return home in a good mood.

(...ok for me, we're talking a "better mood"...not good, yet)

Anyway, it's been a lazy Saturday. But, I can't be SO lazy, that I forget to "blog" my thoughts. I wouldn't want to disappoint those "mass" of readers that visit here each day.

And lest you think, that one lazy day is a "failure" on my Action Plan for 2005, get that out of your head. I managed to accomplish quite a bit in the past week, and I already have next week's schedule made out.

So, it's my day off...I can be lazy just a little.

"I Got One!"

In MLM terms, a "prospect" is a person the MLM-er might feel is "worthy" of being shown the specific MLM company opportunity.

The "prospect" is "contacted"; his interest gauged; and then a presentation is given outlining the "opportunity".

Going out and meeting people and showing them the "plan" is often referred to as "Prospecting and sponsoring"

The sponsor, if he is successful in his efforts, gains a new "recruit", a business associate in the MLM company.

Now, if you're at all familiar with any of these terms, then you're probably wondering why I gave this short primer.

These days, I rarely use the terms described, because I don't go "prospecting" anymore. Usually, I let people find me, and assess MY "worthiness" as a business associate. I mean, sure, after we develop a business dialogue; I do indeed present my "business opportunity" to the person, giving him or her the details of why I feel like Quixtar is my MLM vehicle of choice. And if they like the business details and me then I do "sponsor" or register them with Quixtar.

"So Dave, where ya going with all this?"

Well, I'm glad you asked.

In keeping with my action steps for 2005, yesterday I sponsored someone.

Who?

Myself.

That's right. Yesterday I sat down, logged on to my company website and went through all the details, the rules, the products, the compensation plan, the various links and divisions of the company. (Including several of the International sites available) and I came away convinced that I shall be my first and best distributor.

Yes, I have others sponsored already, but I had a reason for this exercise.

Too often, in the MLM world, sponsors repeat to their prospects what they were told by their sponsors. They imitate and duplicate what worked on them. They may sell the exact same product niche that their sponsors sell. Sponsor the same type recruits that their sponsor recruits; and only navigate the parts of the website they are told about. Beyond that, they realize very little about the potential or inner workings of their company.

So, I started all over. I asked myself the questions, I looked up the answers, I weighed the pros and the cons and I sponsored my self.

I think this would be a good exercise for all "experienced" MLMers. Go back to the beginning, and look at your opportunity through the "prospect's" eyes. I can almost guarantee that it will give you pause to question your opportunity or to solidly convince you that what you are doing is your proper fit.

This completes another check mark by an item on my Things To Do List.

Tuesday In Focus / ACTION

Welcome to the last Tuesday In Focus installment.

As I alluded in my post yesterday, it's all about Action now.

We have focused on Goals, Health, Time Management, Education and
Financial Planning, over the last few weeks. We prepared and planned and now it's Action that puts it all in gear.

Those plans are nothing but words on a screen, if we aren't now willing to take the action everyday to bring them to fruition.

In the Greatest Salesman in the World and the Greatest Secret in The World by Og Mandino; the author states,


From the Scroll Marked IX

...Only action determines my value in the marketplace and to multiply my value I will multiply my actions. I will walk where the failure fears to walk. I will work when the failure seeks rest. I will talk when the failure remains silent. I will call on ten who can buy my good while the failure makes grand plans to call on one. I will say it is done before the failure says it is too late.
I will act now

....This is the time. This is the place. I am the man.

I will act now

It's time to overcome whatever inertia holds you in place. Take out that list of things to do and start doing them. Check them off.

I will be focusing on action each and every day. My efforts in Direct sales will more directed through a new sales campaign, increased activity building a direct sales organization(downline), and a more active teaching role.

In comedy, not only writing and practicing, but achieving "mike" time on a regular basis.

In my day job, an increase in "selling jobs" is being brought to the forefront.

I will not quit each day, unless there has been "checking off" on my list.

As for my dear blog readers, this activity isn't going away, so don't think you can't stop everyday and pay me a visit.

Since this is the last TIF installment, I'm kicking around the idea of providing you with a End of the Month Progress Report; A Month In Focus, if you will.

I realize Talk is Cheap, Action is Better, and Results are the Proof.

Maybe, I can provide you with results from my actions. Not to brag, or pat myself on the back, but hopefully to inspire you, to let you know that if a little ole boy from Mississippi can achieve results, so too, can you.

So, quit thinking about what you want to do and Act Now! That's what I'll be doing.

Time to "Rock and Roll"

Nope, I'm not talking about music.

It's the first Monday of the new year. Plans have been made. Goals set. Resolutions resolved, and bad habits being broken.

All my ducks are in a row. The die has been cast.

It's now or never

It's time to put up or shut up.

Is this entry got enough cliches' or what?

Anyway, you get the picture.

362 days left in 2005 and I don't plan to waste a single one of them. I won't consider a vacation or a day off a waste, even rest has a purpose.

And you got a ringside seat to watch it all unfold. Heck, by the end of the year, I may have to sell T-shirts, so you can remember participating in this wonderful year.

So get ready to rock and roll with me, the curtain is going up, "It's Showtime!"

"Sunday Thoughts"

"You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result"

--Mahatma Gandhi

Happy 2005!

Here's wishing all a Happy New Year filled with peace and prosperity.
So raise a "guid-willie waught" to "auld lang syne" and then get on with the new year at hand.

Let's get started.