Middle-class dream fades as pay shrinks

Monday, March 23, 2009
Middle-class dream fades as pay shrinks

White House touts policies to address downward spiral of mid-income families.
Deb Price / Detroit News Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- The dream of a comfortable middle-class lifestyle is slipping further out of reach for many Michiganians as they've watched household incomes barely grow over the past
three decades.

The phenomenon is being experienced across the country, but is more pronounced in Michigan, according to a Michigan State University study, which found that those in the bottom half of the middle class have been hit particularly hard.

Little improvement in recent decades for middle-income households falling between $30,000 and $90,000 has raised alarms for the Obama administration, which has pledged to restore the middle class.

That help can't come quick enough for Dave and Deborah McCreless, who, like about half of Michigan households, fall in the middle-income range.

Dave, a 38-year-old stay-at-home dad in Dearborn, says his family is struggling to keep up with bills -- old student loans, credit card debt, gasoline and electricity, and prescriptions. Deborah, 44, the primary breadwinner who is a personnel officer at Wayne State University, last received a big pay jump seven years ago, he said.

"My father-in-law helps us with the mortgage. Otherwise, we could have lost the house last year," Dave McCreless said.

"It's one thing on top of another, and you can't catch up. There isn't a middle-class dream anymore."
Adding to the unease is the uproar over $165 million in bonuses for executives of troubled financial giant AIG, which hints at the kinds of "class warfare" fights that likely lie ahead over what the federal government can or should do to address income growth disparity.
Nearly 2 million households in Michigan fall into the middle-income range of $30,000 to $90,000 a year, said Charles Ballard, an economist at Michigan State University. Ballard and MSU economist Paul Menchik are studying the embattled middle class.

Those on the lower end of that middle-income spectrum have fared especially poorly.
The lower end of the range in Michigan saw inflation-adjusted incomes only go up 1 percent between 1976 and 2006, Ballard and Menchik found.

In the United States overall, the bottom end of middle-income households saw an inflation-adjusted income growth of 20 percent over the three decades, Ballard said.

The higher end of the middle-income spectrum has increased 22 percent in Michigan, versus 40 percent nationally over three decades, he said.

"Basically, if you are at the bottom (of the middle-income spectrum), incomes haven't changed at all, adjusting for inflation," Ballard said of national and Michigan household incomes between 1976 and 2006.

"It used to be lower-middle-class folks saw increases in their real income in the '40s, '50s and '60s, if you had a high school degree," he added. "But that stopped about 30 years ago."
The wealthy -- those in the top 5 percent of all households -- have seen their income jump almost 60 percent nationally, and in Michigan, more than 40 percent, Ballard said.
The White House's Middle Class Task Force is looking for policy solutions that might include, for example, ways to boost college graduation rates, reduce health care and education costs, bolster labor unions and create "green" jobs that are less likely to be sent overseas.

"This is not something the government can fix all by itself," said economist Jared Bernstein, the executive director of the task force.

"But the government can help to create certain conditions that balance out some of the excesses that helped to get us where we are."

Vice President Joe Biden, who is leading the effort, says the task force's goal is "to get the middle class -- the backbone of this country -- up and running again."

On the other end of the political spectrum, U.S. Rep. Thad McCotter, R-Livonia, agrees middle-class families are struggling, but offers different solutions "The demise of the manufacturing base is the No. 1 reason for the continuing erosion of middle-class prosperity," said McCotter, who wants the Obama administration to focus more on ways to strengthen and save manufacturing jobs.

"We have to get back to the basics of decentralized entrepreneurial opportunities for people, and the necessity of having a manufacturing base in this country. Those are the two big things that we really need to do," McCotter said.

While not all experts agree on the causes, Ballard and other economists say a number of factors have contributed to stagnating middle-class incomes:

• An economy that rewards education, particularly college graduates, at the same time that college graduation rates in the United States have risen slowly.
• Huge salaries and bonuses of top company officials.
• Competition from lower-wage countries, such as China and India, that has pushed U.S. wages down.
• Declining labor union clout.
• Drop in manufacturing jobs.

In the eyes of economist Timothy Bartik of the Kalamazoo-based W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, getting a higher education is critical to climbing the ladder and earning a bigger paycheck.

Bartik is alarmed by the relatively slow growth of U.S. college graduation rates over the past three decades.

In 1975, nearly 22 percent of those age 25 to 29 had a bachelor's degree or higher. In 2007, 29.6 of that age group had college degrees.

"Technology has changed in such a way that for workers with a high school diploma or less, their skills are less valuable in the work force," Bartik said.

Terrell Dubose, a 48-year-old shuttle bus driver in Detroit, said he's never had the resources to do more than take a few college courses, so he feels stuck financially with having only a high school diploma.

"The price of everything has shot up, so it feels like you have less," Dubose said. "The rich are taking more of the pie."

Tom Clementson, 57, a laid-off road construction worker in Indian River, said he's staying afloat until he gets back to work because of having unemployment checks, dipping into savings and having paid off his house.

But, as he looks back over the past 30 years, he feels he ran hard to end up pretty much in the same place.

"My income gradually went up, but it got to a point where it just stopped," Clementson said. "You think you are working all those years, and you get three or four years from 60 and you don't know if you will be able to retire."

You can reach Deb Price at dprice@detnews.com or (202) 662-8736.



Find this article at: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090323/METRO/903230388

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

March 15, 2009

Direct Sales as a Recession Fallback

By EILENE ZIMMERMAN

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/jobs/15sales.html?_r=2&ref=business

THREE weeks before her third child was due, Susan Drucker Hunsaker had more than 20 women over to her home in Burlingame, Calif., for conversation and refreshments. She also invited them to look at Stella & Dot costume and semi-precious jewelry, which she had begun selling the week before.

Ms. Hunsaker, a former high school art teacher with a master’s degree in education, sells jewelry because she needs cash, and she needs it quickly. Her husband works on a commission basis in commercial printing sales; his income dropped by half in 2008, and he expects more of the same this year.

“We had already pared down as much as we could,” Ms. Hunsaker said. “I knew as soon as the baby came, I would probably have to go back to work. But with three children under 5, if I went back to teaching I wouldn’t make enough to pay for child care.” In the first two months of this year, she sold $12,000 worth of jewelry at six parties, taking home 30 percent of that as commission.

Ms. Hunsaker is not alone in turning to direct sales to make ends meet. Many direct sales companies report rising numbers of sellers signing up. In February of last year, 24 new sales consultants joined Stella & Dot; this February that number is 160.

The number of new sellers at Lia Sophia, another jewelry company, is up 26 percent from January-February 2008 to 2009; the number of sales consultants at the Cutco Corporation, a manufacturer and direct seller of high-end kitchen cutlery, was up 20 percent this January over last.

The average annual growth in direct sales in nonrecessionary years is 3.3 percent; during the last three recessionary years — 1990, 1991 and 2001 — it was 4.5 percent, said Amy Robinson, spokeswoman for the Direct Selling Association, the industry’s trade group.

People may use their earnings to pay off specific debts like credit cards or as a way to bring in cash while they — or their spouses — look for jobs, Ms. Robinson said. The barriers to entry are fairly minimal. Start-up kits — required by most companies — cost about $99 on average.

Products are generally sold at small parties and earn the seller a commission of about 20 to 50 percent on their sales, usually several hundred dollars a party. The median income from direct selling is $2,400 annually, according to the association, but those who recruit and manage others can earn significantly more.

People interested in direct sales often sell products they use themselves. Mindy Kershnar, who owns four Siberian Huskies, turned to selling pet products for Shure Pets of Chicago when she was laid off from her job in administration at Oracle in January.

Ms. Kershnar telecommuted from Greeley, Colo., where she and her husband recently bought a house. They need two incomes to pay the mortgage and credit cards, so Ms. Kershnar is selling Shure Pets products while looking for another job.

Products moved through direct sales, like jewelry, cosmetics or home décor items, are sometimes considered recession-resistant because most are priced under $50. And economists have made note of the lipstick factor, a term coined when lipstick sales rose during the last recession in the United States, in 2001. The belief is that in tough economic times, women cut back on pricey purchases but splurge instead on inexpensive luxuries.

The need for quick cash, however, can lead some salespeople to sign on with companies that are really pyramid or recruitment schemes, rather than true direct-sales companies. Consumer watchdog groups and the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/invest/inv12.shtm) advise would-be sales representatives to scrutinize a company first. If a seller’s earnings grow mainly by recruiting other sellers rather than selling the product, that is a red flag.

“Most of the commission should go to the salesperson, not the recruiters above her,” said Robert L. FitzPatrick, founder of PyramidSchemeAlert.org, a nonprofit consumer education Web site. He advised asking a company how sellers are compensated

Another red flag: companies that require upfront purchases of their products, which could wind up unsold and sitting in the seller’s basement for years.

The Direct Selling Association, which requires member companies to go through a review and waiting period before admitting them, has at least one member — www.YourTravelBiz.com — now under investigation by the attorney general of California under suspicion of being a pyramid scheme. The company says the allegations are without merit.

There are many legitimate direct sales organizations, and in addition to the earnings, the experience itself — selling and possibly managing a sales team — can be valuable professionally, said Joel Whalen, academic director of the Center for Sales Leadership at the Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University in Chicago. He expects that about 30 percent of recent recruits will stick with direct sales even after the economy recovers.

THAT is Amanda McCrary’s plan. She began selling Mary Kay cosmetics in December, when her husband was told he might be laid off. “We decided we needed to be proactive and put together our own bailout plan,” said Ms. McCrary, who also works full time as a human resources manager.

The couple live in suburban Detroit with their young son and are paying off college loans and other debts. Ms. McCrary sold $1,500 worth of products her first month, pocketing 40 percent as commission.

“We are putting it all into savings until we find out if my husband is getting laid off,” she said. “If he keeps his job, we will use it to pay down our debt.”

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

March 14, 2009

Weary of Looking for Work, Some Create Their Own

By MATT RICHTEL and JENNA WORTHAM

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/14/technology/start-ups/14startup.html?_r=1

SAN FRANCISCO — Alex Andon, 24, a graduate of Duke University in biology, was laid off from a biotech company last May. For months he sought new work. Then, frustrated with the hunt, he turned to jellyfish.

In an apartment he shares here with six roommates, Mr. Andon started a business in September building jellyfish aquariums, capitalizing on new technology that helps the fragile creatures survive in captivity. He has sold three tanks, one for $25,000 to a restaurant, and is starting a Web site to sell desktop versions for $350.

“I keep getting stung,” he said. And his crowded home office is filled with beakers and test tubes of jellyfish food. “But it beats looking for work. I hate looking for work.”

Plenty of other laid-off workers across the country, burned out by a merciless job market, are building business plans instead of sending out résumés. For these people, recession has become the mother of invention.

Economists say that when the economy takes a dive, it is common for people to turn to their inner entrepreneur to try to make their own work. But they say that it takes months for that mentality to sink in, and that this is about the time in the economic cycle when it really starts to happen — when the formerly employed realize that traditional job searches are not working, and that they are running out of time and money.

Mark V. Cannice, executive director of the entrepreneurship program at the University of San Francisco, calls the phenomenon “forced entrepreneurship.”

“If there is a silver lining, the large-scale downsizing from major companies will release a lot of new entrepreneurial talent and ideas — scientists, engineers, business folks now looking to do other things,” Mr. Cannice said. “It’s a Darwinian unleashing of talent into the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Even in prosperous times, entrepreneurs have a daunting failure rate. But those who succeed could play a big role in turning the economy around because tiny companies are actually big employers. In 2008, 3.8 million companies had fewer than 10 workers, and they employed 12.4 million people, or roughly 11 percent of the private sector work force, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Economists say there are some peculiarities to this wave of downturn start-ups. Chiefly, the Internet has given people an extraordinary tool not just to market their ideas but also to find business partners and suppliers, and to do all kinds of functions on the cheap: keeping the books, interacting with customers, even turning a small idea into a big idea.

The goal for many entrepreneurs nowadays is not to create a company that will someday make billions but to come up with an idea that will produce revenue quickly, said Jerome S. Engel, director for the center for entrepreneurship at the Berkeley Haas School of Business. Mr. Engel said many people will focus on serving immediate needs for individuals and businesses.

“It’s a very painful thing,” he said of the pressure people feel to find new ways to make money. “But it’s a healthy thing.”

Mr. Engel noted that the dot-com bust helped propel a pack of hardy companies. One of those, in fact, was Google. While it was started in the late 1990s, the company succeeded during the bust in part because it was highly focused and did not need much capital, Mr. Engel said.

Ryan Kuder, 35, understands the notion of scaled-down start-up fervor — and the worry and exhilaration that goes along with it. He was laid off in February 2008 from Yahoo, where he was a senior marketing manager. He job-hunted for a bit, then decided to start an Internet company that would let people do social networking at the neighborhood level.

Mr. Kuder and his business partner toiled until November, when he realized his big dreams had run headlong into reality. He needed money to pay the mortgage and buy health insurance for his family.

They transformed the company into a new one called Koombea that designs and builds Web sites for businesses. Koombea has grown to nine people, most of them in Colombia, where the cost of living allows them to do Web design relatively inexpensively.

Mr. Kuder and his wife agreed that he would give up working for Koombea at the end of January if he did not hit certain revenue goals. They narrowly missed the target. For a few days, Mr. Kuder sent out résumés. He found no work, so he is back investing himself full time in Koombea — and says he is feeling transformed.

“My sleeves are rolled up, and I’m dirtier than I’ve ever been before,” he said. “It’s incredibly nerve-wracking. I wake up nauseous everyday. But it’s probably easier right now to find a problem, solve it and charge people than it is to find a job.”

Monica Zamiska, 25, said it was “traumatizing” when she was laid off in January from her first postcollege job as a junior account executive with the public relations firm Ogilvy & Mather. After meeting with five recruiters, she began to realize how barren the job market was. “You can only send out so many résumés,” Ms. Zamiska said.

So she turned her full attention to a pet project called the Confoodant, a Web site with restaurant reviews written by a by-invitation-only network of food enthusiasts. Her main financial obligation is her rent, but with her savings and four weeks of severance pay, she is confident that she can devote at least six months to getting the project off the ground.

“I love working,” Ms. Zamiska said. “So I made work for myself.”

The surge of interest in entrepreneurship can be seen in the demand for related workshops and networking events. Monica Doss, director of FastTrac, an organization that offers training to aspiring entrepreneurs, said she expected participation to double this year from the 10,000 people it had last year.

“People are thinking, ‘These jobs aren’t going to come back in three years. I’ve got to find something else to do,’ ” Ms. Doss said.

Mr. Andon, for one, seems to have found his niche. He said he recently received an order for a large jellyfish tank that should sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

His entrepreneurial fever seems to be catching: at least four of his roommates are starting companies. Two of those — Erin Kitchell, 28, and her brother Andrew, 25 — are making laminated, fold-out language guides for travelers. In the next few days they plan to print their first 8,000 copies and start trying to sell them.

Ms. Kitchell took a voluntary buyout in June from Wachovia, sensing a layoff would come anyway, and is not sanguine about finding good work.

“This is as good a time as any to try something entrepreneurial,” she said. “There is not a lot of opportunity right now in finance.”

Matt Richtel reported from San Francisco, and Jenna Wortham from New York.

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

Now is a Great Time to Start a Home Based Business

Now is a Great Time to Start a Home Based Business
by David Bohl

http://wistechnology.com/articles/5691/

I know we are all concerned about economic conditions these days, with massive job layoffs, declining housing markets, and plunging stock prices. Yet, the rise in unemployment has created a great opportunity for those who have entrepreneurial dreams.

With very little capital outlay, now is a great time to start a home based business.
I did some research and found that there are over 16 million home based businesses in the U.S.

Some of these are service based and some sell products.

A recent Forbes.com article indicated a few of the best service businesses to start include event planning, home landscaping, computer repair, graphic design, consulting, and public relations. Home based businesses can also market products through network marketing, eBay, Amazon, or an affiliate program.

No matter what your dream is, I believe there’s an opportunity for everyone who wants to start a home based business. Whether you’re fed up with the restrictions of a stifling job or have been laid off, if you’re ready to be your own boss, you can start a business that uses your best talents and skills.

For example, secretarial skills can easily transform into a virtual assistant business. Or you may be a young retiree looking for a part time venture or a mother wanting to stay at home with the children. Whatever your reason, the home based business is a good bet for a slow economy.
However, you do need to get some basic business education before you hang out your shingle. You may be talented at the service you provide or have the greatest product on the market, but you have to have some business savvy to succeed. You could read business books, take seminars, get a coach or mentor, and network with other business professionals in your industry. Use search engines to research the business you want to start. See who the competition is, find out what you need to start a business, and get some marketing ideas.

According to the SBA (Small Business Administration), over half of all U.S. businesses are home based, and they provide more than $530 billion of income each year. If you plan to be among those businesses that not only survive but thrive in this economy, here are some helpful tips:
Start a business that fills a need or solves a problem. Do you have a product or service that is the solution to a specific problem? Do you know who your target market is? When you answer these questions, you will have a business that is focused on a need and targeted to a market. Then decide how you can deliver this product or service in a unique way that will stand out from your competition.

The virtual assistant, for example, solves the problem of how a home based business owner can get office support without having to hire an employee. The virtual assistant business may stand out by targeting a niche market, such as professional coaches.

Stay up to date with current trends.

As a business start-up, see if you can match the service or product you want to sell with a current trend such as the environmental and economic issues. Where is there a need that you can fill? What target market is underserved? Look for trends that have longevity rather than ones that may just be the next best thing.

Build your team.

You might not want to hire employees, but you could use contractors to build a team of people who have skills that you lack. Outsource your weakest skills such as administrative tasks, bookkeeping, writing, and web design. Conversely, your home based business may be a resource for other home businesses if you provide a valuable service like graphic design or computer repair.

Develop excellent customer and referral relationships.

To keep marketing costs at a minimum, focus on getting repeat business and referrals. To stand out from the competition, focus on extreme customer service. Make sure you follow up and stay in touch with prospects, past and present customers, business associates, and referral sources. Develop alliances with complementary businesses that can send you qualified leads.

Build an online presence.

Even if your service is locally delivered, you can still benefit from a website. Use it as an online brochure and lead generator. It will build your credibility and introduce prospects to your services. If you sell products, most can be sold online, so set up a payment service like PayPal and start getting people to your site. You can do this with blogs, articles, social networking, and joint ventures.

As a local business you can get listed in the local directory at Google and Yahoo.

Several successful businesses such as Microsoft and Disney began during recessions so I really believe now is a great time to start a home based business.

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

New Home Based Business Information Website LaunchedBusiness

http://www.michiganpr.net/index.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=032009&newsid=172

Chicago, IL - March 9, 2009 ( www.MichiganPR.net )A new site for information on home business has been launched. A spokesperson of the company while releasing this information to the media said that business.bizoppjunction.com will be an information sharing platform where users can get information about home based business. The site has been launched by professionals who have spent many years developing their own home based business. Therefore, they are in the best position to suggest buyers before they decide to start a home based business. A first look at the site will reveal that it has been very well structured. Within each category there are articles which will help a person interested in going solo of the best home business option available. The easy usability of the site has helped users to easily find information.The site publishes topics such as “High income business opportunities for stay at home moms”, “Benefits of starting a home business” and related topics.

Business.bizoppjunction.com has already been popular with statistics showing an upward trend. The usability of the site and quality information has been a primary focus for the company. The site has been categorized into a single category called “Home Business” at present. All the articles are published within this category. The latest posts are displayed separately and the older articles are hosted as archives. The advanced keyword based search feature enables users to quickly search information. Going forward business.bizoppjunction.com will include more features which will make the site more user-friendly.The spokesperson added that users who want more information can post their comments and feedback on home based business. The editors of business.bizoppjunction.com make all efforts to respond to these comments and feedbacks. Solutions to some of the more relevant comments and feedbacks are published as articles. This initiative will help to make the site more informative and a popular destination of information sharing. She said that home based online businesses are perfect for ‘stay at home moms’ , executives who want an escape from their 9-5 routine and people who have lost their jobs in the current economic meltdown and do not want to go job hunting again. The spokesperson said that this site will definitely give authentic information, relevant in the current scenario. She added that users have given positive feedbacks about business.bizoppjunction.com, which will go a long way in offering better services. On the revenue of the site, she added that business.bizoppjunction.com draws its revenues from advertisements. Since business.bizoppjunction.com is an information sharing site, it will always remain a free site for users. The site is investing in a continuous mode to improve features and content. She said that people can expect much more from business.bizoppjunction.com in the days to come. The support from users has contributed a lot to the success of business.bizoppjunction.com. Unlike many other sites which offer options for money making, business.bizoppjunction.com is an information site only. It is updated on a regular frequency to add new happenings in home business. This will help business.bizoppjunction.com to take a leadership position among other similar online business information sharing websites.

For more information visit http://business.bizoppjunction.com/br>Name: Dianne LoganAddress: 75 S. Wacker DriveChicago, IL 60606United StatesTel: +1 312 782 0611Fax: +1 312 701 7712

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

The Real Truth About MLM And Network Marketing

The Real Truth About MLM And Network Marketing

http://www.msokorea.com/networking/0,6600,454202,00.html

There are many reasons people fail in MLM. They may have gotten involved in a bad company with a poor compensation plan. The products may not be top quality or anything special, so there is no demand for them. They may have received little training, poor training, or even no training at all. They might have been abandoned by their sponsor. They may have had the wrong expectations-- thinking that the money will come pouring in without any effort on their part. But the biggest reason for MLM and network marketing failure is giving up!

On the other hand, compare this to traditional entrepreneurship, which has its problems, too. I am a college business professor, and I’ve had traditional businesses of my own, so I know the of success in starting up a traditional business are that 9 out of 10 new business will fail the first year. And then there is another 4 in 5 chance that those businesses who survived the first year will fail to make it to the fifth year.

Wow, when you consider the amount of money spent and/or borrowed to get those businesses running, that’s pretty scary! Add to that the time involved in running business. Often people put in 60+ hours a week, for less income than a job would give them. I’ve often seen dreamers who started their own traditional business find themselves crashing and burning with reality as they lost their credit, their homes, and in some cases marriages and families. Ouch!

I believe in entrepreneurship! I believe in the dream of having your own business-- no boss, no time card. Freedom to set your own hours, work where you want, live where you want, spend time with your family, travel and take time off whenever you want. That’s what its all about! And it’s not traditional business that brings this freedom, it’s network marketing.

I’ll take the odds in MLM and network marketing any day! I’ll tell you why. If the 95% failure figure is correct, then it’s including all the people who just sign up to try the product, or decide for whatever reason they don’t want to work the business.

The truth is, for those who really want to work at this business, 95% of all people who stay with their network marketing company 10 years will reach the highest level of their company’s compensation plan, which is usually at least $500,000 annually. And the income needed to start and run a network marketing business is nominal compared to a traditional business!

I’ll take those odds any day! You see, all you need to do is:

1) Find the best network marketing company you can.

2) Commit to learning and working your business.

3) And don’t quit.

Success in MLM and network marketing is a choice. Choose to do it!

I can do that. How about you?

This article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and the resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.



http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

Look at a recession-proof industry

8:39 PM CST on Tuesday, February 24, 2009

By Christine Haas / 11 News

http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou090224_jj_women-business.4a501144.html#

As some industries struggle in this sluggish economy, direct or home-based marketing seems to be flourishing. It’s called network marketing and those who are doing it say it is recession-proof.

Video

11 News video

Feb. 24, 2009

View larger

E-mail Clip

More Video

Jeanne Lorin knows about the pressure to earn a paycheck.

“With the economy the way it is, it’s really a great time for women to truly look into all their options and this is an incredible option for them,” she said.

Lorin is talking about “ Beauty Society.”She launched the company three years ago and now 1,200 women are selling her skin care line.

“Women are making thousands and thousands of dollars a month. They own their own business,” said Lorin.

She said that generating an immediate income is possible with a home-based business.

Natalie Gauci is helping Elizabeth Berry grow her business with Arbonne International. It’s another skin care company that allows women to launch a business with a few hundred dollars.

“There is no glass ceiling. The more someone puts in, the more they’re going to get out of it. Our top income earners get an average of a quarter of a million a year,” said Gauci.

With dedication and goal-setting, Gauci has created a life around her family and she doesn’t have to worry about a pink slip.

“It has offered me the ability to be home with my kids. It’s allowed my husband to retire from his hi-tech corporate sales job in his late 30s,” she said.

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

MediaNet Group's BSP Rewards Expands Footprint in Network Marketing Channel

MediaNet Group's BSP Rewards Expands Footprint in Network Marketing Channel

To Build Private Branded Reward Malls for FHTM Canada and JMG Net Worth/Your Ultimate Plan

February 24, 2009: 08:00 AM ET

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0476630.htm

MediaNet Group Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MEDG), operating the largest online mall and affinity program platform through its BSP Rewards subsidiary, today announced that it has expanded its footprint within the network marketing channel with the implementation of a new programs for FHTM Canada, the Canadian branch of the successful Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing program in the U.S. and Your Ultimate Plan, a new product launched and marketed by JMG Net-Worth.

FHTM Canada is the Canadian operation of one of the most successful network marketing companies in the U.S., Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, for which BSP already powers a private-branded mall. The FHTM Rewards Mall is used as a value-added benefit to representatives of Fortune's distributor network. The program is used as a recruiting tool, for loyalty and customer relationship management and allows Fortune representatives to shop at national merchants while promoting the company's internal products and services.

Your Ultimate Plan, is a new product that is marketed by JMG Net-Worth that focuses its efforts on Body Worth, Financial Worth, Mental Worth and Value Worth, with each category promoting a variety of tools for Living Healthy, Wealthy with a Wise Lifestyle. The program was founded by Paul Jones, a long-term leader in the network marketing industry. The 750 merchant rewards mall is designed to enhance the company's Value Worth proposition by offering rebates and discounts beyond what the typical consumer would receive from less robust loyalty programs.

Martin Berns, Chief Executive Officer of BSP Rewards, stated, "Network Marketing has been a successful and productive channel for BSP thus far and we are pleased with our ability to continue to capitalize in this area with leaders in the industry. We are excited about working with our new partners at FHTM Canada and JMG Net-Worth/Your Ultimate Plan. Given the success of the existing relationship between FHTM U.S. and BSP, this new Canada program is a natural extension and allows FHTM representatives to earn rewards from the 180 merchants in Canada already participating in the BSP program. Additionally, we are excited about partnering with Jones Marketing Group in their efforts to create a new area of focus within the network marketing business. We look forward to mutual success with these new clients and the expansion to other clients in this industry."

About MediaNet Group Technologies, Inc.:

MediaNet Group Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MEDG), through its BSP Rewards division, has developed the largest online mall and affinity program platform. BSP builds, brands, customizes proprietary loyalty/rewards/mall programs for clients and organizations and for a value added element layered onto debit and stored value cards. Companies and organizations enroll their members into the program and BSP cross-markets them to its entire database.

The Company generates product purchases from over 750 participating mall merchants including the nation's largest retailers as well as gift cards and a large discount catalog. With over 60 web malls already developed and in use, BSP Rewards currently serves more than 650,000 registered users. The Company offers affordable, immediate implementation, delivered as rich turnkey enterprise solutions for corporations interested in expanding their web presence and enhancing customer relations -- turning operational costs into profit centers. Current mall merchants include Sears, Target, Macy's, BP Oil, Office Depot, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy, Budget and Chili's.

"Forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 may be included in this news release. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. These statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future results or events. MediaNet Group Technologies, Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. There are important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to risks associated with changes in general economic and business conditions (including in the information technology and financial information industry), actions of our competitors, the extent to which we are able to develop new services and markets for our services, the time and expense involved in such development activities, the level of demand and market acceptance of our services, changes in our business strategies, and the purchasing activity or lack thereof by registered web mall members. The number of BSP web mall members is routinely revised to reflect adjustments for inactive membership. Inactive members are defined as registered members who have not shopped in a BSP web mall for an extended period of time.

Contacts:
MediaNet Group Contact
Martin Berns
Chief Executive Officer
954-974-5818 ext. 202
martin@medianetgroup.com

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

http://bsprewards.com/fortune/index.cfm?memid=8046852

What Is Network Marketing And How Does It Work?

February 23, 2009 – 1:30 pm

http://ratemortgageworld.com/uncategorized/what-is-network-marketing-and-how-does-it-work/

Making money online often gets the bad reputation of being a scam. People think that no matter what the offer says or how successful the creator of the program has been it is always a scam! While it is true that there are a lot of Internet scams out there, there are some good programs and opportunities as well. One of the best ways to earn a steady income online is through network marketing. If you are interested in an online business opportunity then you may want to consider this type of online marketing. It will allow you to focus on the consumer by providing the best products and working hard.

So you are probably wondering what network marketing is exactly? The concept can be viewed in a few different ways. It is truly all about sales. In order to be successful you will have to understand online products and know which ones are popular and in high demand. You will invest a small amount of money towards your products and then you will advertise like crazy! Through determination you can earn a steady and substantial income. You will be at a great advantage in network marketing if you have some marketing experience, whether it is online or out in the work force. Having previous knowledge will help you make better decisions on products and advertising methods. When you begin, chances are you will be approached by either of these two methods. The first is just simply multi level marketing, which can be referred to as a recommendation or a soft sale. You will offer sensibly priced products, which will have a quick turn over time. This is the gentler method to network marketing.

The other style is through direct sales companies. While the multi level marketing will work for you and provide a residual income, this method will have less residual income and require a lot of work. These companies offer higher priced items that are usually only for a limited time. Because of this youwill earn a higher payment from the sales. However, if you stop working, you income will stop flowing. This is where affiliate programs come into play, so make sure you are up for the “salesperson” role before you decide on this path. In this business all you really have to remember is the word “network.” Many affiliate programs will try and push you in the wrong direction because they forget that marketing is about people. Your main goal will be to collect customers for your products or services you have chosen. In return you will then help them with their marketing businesses and the chain will continue.

Network marketing can eventually provide you with a steady income, but the keyword there is eventually. You have to remember that none of this can be accomplished overnight! You will need to give yourself at least four to five years to really get the hang of the system and to find your best markets. You have to remember as well that you will need to dedicate a good amount of yourweek to the program anywhere from ten to twenty hours. Since success may take a while to come around, you’ll have to fit these hours into the time you are not working at your day job! Your success and failure in the network marketing business will rise and fall with you! If you are determined and think you have the time and commitment to make this business work for you, then go for it!


http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

Refuse To Join The Recession Website Launched

Reported by: Lynn Giroud Photographed By: Jason Garrison Last Update: 2/17 12:43 am

Related Links

• Refuse To Join Recession.com

All of the economic news seems to be bad news these days, but Trace Trajano, a Procter and Gamble engineer, says it doesn't have to be.

"A lot of it is a mindset, so if you think there's a recession, then there is, you know, if you believe there is then there is a recession," says Trajano.

Trajano, who dabbles in real estate investing as well, says you can refuse to join the downward economic slide. In fact, he's started a website: refusetojoinrecession.com.

"And it's good to share those stories, techniques, tips and strategies that, those people who are succeeding in these different markets, investment types, different asset types or businesses, it's good to get them to share their stories so people will learn what's out there and how can they profit," says Trajano.

Mark Gomer, who used to own a dog training academy, has shared his success story on Trajano's website. "Everybody's in the same boat right now and that boat's sinking, so we got to get out of that boat," says Gomer.

Gomer says his business dwindled as the economy worsened.

"People use their extra money to train their dogs, that's what they look at dog training is, as extra, so when people started to look at putting gas in gas tanks and worried about how they're gonna pay their bills and put food on the table, the first thing that would go is something extra," says Gomer.

Now, Gomer says, his Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing firm is creating wealth for a lot of people.

"We've created teams of business owners that use the same products, services, the same companies they use already anyway. Because all those companies out there are partnering with this company, dumping their advertising dollars and residuals they were paying out anyway into this company for us," explains Gomer.

Gomer's business partner is Tom Hammons, a retired school teacher who's watched his commercial real estate ventures deteriorate over the past few years.

"I'd say more than anything what we're selling is hope that you can make something good happen" says Hammons.

Hope is what we need a lot of right now as the jobless rate rises, and so many are losing their homes.

But even in this depressed housing market, mortgage broker Greg Updegrove says he's doing better than ever. He chalks that up to good old-fashioned customer service.

"By being an advisor and not a salesperson, by cultivating and developing trust and confidence, my clients come back to me again and again," says Updegrove, who's a broker with Mortgage House of America.

He has shared his success story on the refuse to join the recession website, along with 160 others so far.

"You have a choice" says Trajano. "You have a choice right now to do something with your life and to think not just positive thoughts, but empowering thoughts, because there are ways to make money even during hard times."

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

People turn to “network marketing” in soft economy

By Chris Pollone

Reporter
Published: February 17, 2009

http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/news/local/article/people_turn_to_network_marketing_in_soft_economy/59952/

BIRMINGHAM, Ala—While her husband was searching for full time work, Jennifer Grissom of Birmingham decided to make a little money on the side on top of her full-time job.

“I had to find some way to get an extra line of income that worked in the hours I had available to me,” she said.

Since November, Jennifer’s been selling skin care products for Arbonne International.

The company relies on a network of sales consultants who recruit other people to sell the product as well.

The more people a sales consultant recruits, the bigger her potential earnings are.

It might sound like a pyramid scheme to some, but marketing experts say it’s not.

“These are legitimate businesses, though you want to make sure you’re working for a good business, always,” Dr. Betsy Holloway of Samford University’s Brock School of Business said.

It’s called “network marketing” or “multi-level marketing” (MLM) and it’s been around for decades.

Companies like Amway, The Pampered Chef, and Tupperware work under similar arrangements.

Doctor Holloway said direct retail like this has been growing for a decade, and there’s potential for it to get even bigger.

“I think in today’s economy with the layoffs that we have and people desperate to find work, there’s going to be increased demand in these sorts of opportunities.”

Jennifer Grissom said she had to overcome a preconceived stigma of network marketing and the fear of rejection we all have.

“It’s not easy, but it is simple,” Grissom said. “You just have to be able to understand it, and be enthusiastic, without being annoying.”

She’s exceeding her expectations just three months after starting.

Experts advise if someone wants you to join a network marketing opportunity, take time to research the company.

Check to see if it belongs to the Direct Selling Association, a group that holds companies to strict standards of operation.

They say that can help ensure you’re joining a legitimate business, and not signing up for a risky scheme.

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

Realtor’s and Lender’s Joining Fortune Hi Tech Marketing

Realtor’s and Lender’s Joining Fortune Hi Tech Marketing

Posted on 14. Feb, 2009 by admin in Technology

http://www.techabolic.com/realtors-and-lenders-joing-fortune-hi-tech-marketing/

tech
Sherri Russell asked:

Who is the largest base of new representatives to join Fortune Hi Tech Marketing? Realtor’s and current or former lenders as the sagging home and mortgage industry continues to plaque the US economy.

On a recent new Fortune HI Tech Marketing representative meeting, the room was packed with realtor’s and lenders. In fact, the meeting was help in office space leased by a realtor and the group continues to meet there weekly.

A realtor friend, sense joining just 2 weeks ago has signed up 9 new realtor’s and lenders. “I am experiencing a 80% closure rate” says Jane McGegor of Coldwell Banker.

Why realtor’s and lenders?

“The sagging home and mortgage crisis has griped the US and especially the Michigan housing and mortgage markets”, said Sherri Russell of Fortune Hi Tech Marketing.

Many of these new Fortune reps feel that Fortune Hi Tech Marketing is the difference between putting food on their tables and staying out of foreclosure themselves.

The Fortune Hi Tech Marketing opportunity, and the fact that reps can sell more than 1 or 2 products makes a big difference when choosing a home based business, couple that with the fact that you are selling name brand products such as Dish Network, Sprint/Nextel, Verizon Wireless, Travelocity, GE Home Security to name a few.

“Another benefit is that we are not selling the next lotion, potion or pill. We are selling services that everyone uses in his or her own home or business such as cable TV connections, VOIP (voice over Internet portals) for home and business lines, Internet connections, cell phones, security systems, health and beauty products,” added Sherri Russell.

When potential Fortune reps actually sit down and spend 20 minutes and review the Fortune Hi Tech Marketing business presentation video and see what products are offered and realize just how many households and businesses utilize simple everyday services such as the Internet, phones and cable TV, it turns into a no brainer.

With Fortune Hi Tech Marketing, you can get paid to sign up new Fortune Reps and make a residual income for each new service that you sell as long as the customer continues to pay his or her monthly bill.

“Jane is on track to supplement, at least for now, her real estate commissions and can replace her real estate commissions in the next month or two at her current pace”, says Sherri Russell.

If you are a realtor and lender seeking to add an additional income to supplement your sagging real estate or lender commissions, we encourage you to spend the same 20 minutes that these successful realtor’s and lenders did and review our online business presentation or call Sherri Russell for a personal one on one presentation.

Sherri can be reached by submitting our contact form at Fortune Hi Tech Marketing Business Opportunity.

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

The Residual Income Stories

Friday, February 13, 2009

http://urownbusiness.blogspot.com/2009/02/residual-income-stories.html

Residual income, or income that comes in repeatedly based on work previously done, has changed many lives in network marketing, affiliate marketing, and other ventures that can create residual income. The individuals that build a significant income through residual methods.

In my opinion, the most powerful way anyone can build a residual income is through network marketing. There have been success story after success story of people who have created great lives from less than desirable circumstances.

The first one that comes to mind is the story of my mentor. He was broke, out of work, and struggling just to make ends meet. His house was about to be foreclosed on and he was having to go apply for food stamps just to keep his family fed.

Knowing this was not the life he wanted to live, he made a decision and started working a network marketing company. Within two years he had build a six figure residual income. Excited about his success, he took his family on vacation after vacation, not working the business as hard as he did in the first two years. After he finally came off of vacation, his income had grown by over 50%.

He is an example of a residual income that can grow due to work done at the beginning.

I am also reminded of friend of mine from Oklahoma. He was in college, broke, had no electricity at his place, and his car was repossessed. He latched on to a network marketing company and before he was 25 built a residual income just under the six figure mark.

One of my biggest indirect mentors in the network marketing industry is an example of a person who works hard and builds the type of residual income many others only dream of.

He was in various forms of sales throughout the years and never had amazing success. He started with a network marketing company and decided to work hard. He made himself a success in just under two years. However, he wanted more. He continued to work the business and eventually created a residual income that made him over a million dollars in a year.

There are many other stories of people I have come to know that are living the life of their dreams due to their residual income through network marketing. If you can work hard and believe in your success, you can build a residual income just like they did!

About the Author

Brent Worley is an Internet Marketer geared towards teaching others how to create a Residual Income on the Internet. You can learn more about Brent and his Internet Marketing work by visiting his blog at http://www.brentworley.com.B

Posted by LIFEGUARD at 4:40 AM

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

How Network Marketing and MLM Have Changed in the Last 20 Years

http://rubyfans.net/

The way we do many things has changed in the last 20 years, and the way we build and grow our network marketing and MLM business is no exception. Expanding technology has given us the ability to reach many more home business seekers than ever before.

Home based business startups are on the rise. Working and making money from home is no longer a privilege reserved for a select few. Opportunity abounds today for anyone willing to take a chance and make a commitment.

One thing that has changed dramatically in network marketing and MLM is the ability of anyone to be introduced to multiple opportunities in a very short period of time. This has presented challenges for all of us who work hard to build strong and successful businesses.

For example, 20 years ago the MLM and network marketing world consisted mostly of local groups which were typically built around in-home meetings and presentations. Larger MLM upline organizations often rented hotel meeting rooms to conduct presentations and training for local distributors and prospects.

In that day, a person signing up had a reasonable chance of staying focused, and feeling a part of something. The local meetings and get-togethers, while sometime inconvenient, did serve a purpose. They helped to build a cohesiveness and loyalty in that group. The odds of being quickly tempted into some other deal in those days was less.

Fast forward to 2009. With modern technology that delivers recruiting pitches online 24 hours a day, it’s more difficult for new network marketing distributors to stay focused during the early stages of their business.

Unless there is a strong relationship between the new distributor and their sponsor, it can be very easy to get distracted and move to something else. If there is not enough profit made early on to provide encouragement and momentum, it can serve as justification for moving to something else before anything much has a chance to happen.

When else in time has it been possible for a prospect to sign up with us, then be bombarded with pitches for other deals constantly from that day forward, just by being online?

As network marketing sponsors, what does this mean to us? It means we have to make the effort to develop a good relationship with our new downline team members early on. We need to help them start making money as quickly as possible.

This can be a bit more challenging when the new associate lives hundreds of miles away. Challenging, but still doable.

In 2009, let’s all remember one of the major keys to success in network marketing and MLM - developing relationships and friendships. This has always been important, but these days it is really crucial. Our new associates have lots of choices and it’s very easy for them to get information on demand.

Let’s take care of our new people and help them get started right.

This Post Comes From :INTERNET FREE ARTICLES[http://rubyfans.net]

Post Link Is :http://rubyfans.net/how-network-marketing-and-mlm-have-changed-in-the-last-20-years-2.html

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

Legitimate Work At Home Opportunities - The 3 Big Goldmines!

Posted by Kylon Trower | February 12, 2009 .

by Kylon Trower

There is no shortage of scams and schemes on the internet that will do nothing but waste your time and and empty your wallet. Finding legitimate work at home opportunities can be harder to find than many may think . Because of the difficulty to separate the wheat form the chaff (so to speak), I have outlined a few legitimate work at home businesses that you can get up and running very quickly and easily.

I have listed a few of the most popular that you should take a look at below:

1. MLM or Network Marketing. These opportunities allow you to promote a product or service while building a team of others to do the same. You will receive overrides and commissions on your teams sales and productivity resulting in a residual income for you and your family.

2. The Affiliate Marketing Opportunity. This unique opportunity requires that you sell the products/ services of others normally for a flat fee commission (usually between 25-75%). This is a very easy and simple way to get started in a legitimate work at home business without the need to recruit. The other side of the coin is that this solution isn’t as highly leveraged as residual income is typically not a characteristic of this business model.

3. Top Tier Direct Sales. This opportunity is somewhat new in the world of legitimate work at home opportunities. It is sometimes considered a hybrid of both Network and Affiliate Marketing. It shares the direct internet sales aspect of affiliate marketing as well as the leveraged team building advantages of Network Marketing.

Although the initial investment may be higher than other opportunities, many direct sales associates have been able to earn significant incomes in very short periods of time based on the pay structure.

Each income vehicle will cater to different segments of the market depending on social skills, time commitment and other key factors. That said, all of the above solutions can be extremely profitable and are legitimate work at home opportunities that can be started immediately.

You must be made aware that in each case above, strong sales and marketing skills are an absolute MUST to experience any level of success. A good handle on internet marketing techniques and strategies would serve you well in each of these profitable endeavors.

About the Author:

Want and learn how I do it for free? Download my new idiot proof “Passive Income Video Report!” that shows you exactly how and unlock the cash vault and generate easy online profits. Click for details: http://MyNetBizSecrets.com

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

Robert Allen Multiple Streams of Income - An Honest Review

Robert G Allen in his best selling book “Multiple Streams of Income” emphasizing that a person must not rely only on their day job income alone to be able to bring wealth into their life, but one should create an additional streams of income that act as residual income.

Robert G Allen is a man of his words, with more than 20 years of experience at producing a residual multiple streams of income, he’s the kind of man that you should listen to and take notes of whatever he was saying and teaching.

In his book “Multiple Streams of Income“, Allen begin his teaching of wealth building with money management and also the power of regular investing and saving. He gives a fascinating illustration about how to save a dollar a day and using the leverage of compound interest can make the sum add up to a whooping million dollars in a lifetime. He also discusses several proven money skills, many of which we never think about, these skills surely will help a person to achieve financial independence.

In his book, you will find four different streams of income related with marketing such as network marketing, information marketing, internet marketing, and licensing. Each topic is well covered from the basic level to advanced principles, so it covered all level of readers.

Click below to learn more about Robert Allen Multiple Streams of Income

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

College Grad Jobs Finding Opportunities in MLM and Direct Sales

Posted In: Careers

Recent gollege grad students looking for a job this year don’t need a dismal report from the National Bureau of Economic Research to tell them the United States is officially suffering through a recession. They’re living it.

A recent report by the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State paints an especially troubling picture for those who will graduate this school year.

As the job market gets worse, it affects a wider range of people as skilled workers push less-skilled workers out of the running for lower-level jobs.

The unemployment rate for college graduates is typically about half the rate of the overall population. But in October, it was up by more than half a percentage point — to 3.1 percent nationally for grads over age 25.

Where are recent college grads finding an abundance of opportunities?
“Starting a business in MLM and Direct Sales”, says Brent Vanderstelt of Fortune Hi Tech Marketing, a direct sales opportunity which offers products and services from Fortune 500 companies, such as Dish Network, Sprint, Verizon, Travelocity, GE Home Security and 20 other products.

There are many great reasons and real life experiences gained from starting any business, but MLM and direct sales offers the least expensive option.

Choosing to start a business is a step that exudes confidence, planning and optimism and requires a certain amount of skill, including networking, management, sales, time-management, planning and money management.

Even if you start a business as a part time enterprise, the simple fact that you’ve taken that step speaks volumes about you as a person. Take a look at these benefits:

Small amount of risk: There is a certain amount of inherited risk involved when you become an entrepreneur, but with a MLM or direct sales business your loses can be limited to just a few hundred dollars.

The income potential: There is no cap on how much money you can generate. In my corporate jobs, my big limitation was that regardless how hard I worked for these companies; my income was tied to a “market standard” for someone with my skills.

Residual income: I am sure that you pay your gas, your electricity, and your phone bill every single month. These are the types of services that for the most part provide an ongoing stream of residual income for these companies.

Taxes: As a small business owner you can take advantage more than 12 tax reduction strategies to lower your tax liability. Don’t think of taxes as a burden, but an opportunity to partner with the government to help your business grow.

Enjoyment: You have immiadiately have a career in MLm and direct sales. You will not have to sit through dozens of interviews with countless number of job seekers. Your can climb the corporate ladder” with your own business and make more money working for yourself than working for “the man”.

Growth: Personal growth is an area that many small business owners don’t realize they have entered. Hardly anyone is an expert in their field from the get go, so starting a business allows you to grow your skills.

Skills that you grow don’t have to be limited to your business area. You’re going to pick up other skills like public speaking, decision-making and other soft skills.

Community/Networking: You found your way to this site, which is an extended community. You can also find your way to other communities whether they are online or offline. As a small business owner you have something in common with a larger group of people.

Direct selling is a growing industry.
Sales in the U.S. have more than doubled in the last decade to more than $30 billion and are now more than $100 billion worldwide.

People from literally all walks of life, of all ages, are successful in direct sales. About 75 percent of those working in direct sales are women, 10 percent are African American, six percent are Latino and three percent are Asian, Native American or other. Many people start part-time, and later leave their other careers when direct selling becomes more lucrative.

Anyone can do it.
There are no required levels of education, experience, financial resources or physical condition.

People of all ages and from all backgrounds have succeeded in direct selling.
Direct sellers are independent contractors. You’re your own boss, which means you can:

· Work part-time or full-time - you choose when and how much you want to work.

· Set your own goals and determine yourself how to reach them.

· Earn in proportion to your own efforts. The level of success you can achieve is limited only by your willingness to work hard.

· Own a business of your own with very little or no capital investment.

· Receive training and support from an established company.

Fortune Hi Tech Marketing is seeking recent college grads interested in becoming business builders and starting their own successful home based business. Visit the Fortune Hi Tech Marketing website or the Fortune recruiting website Time4Fortune.Com, or contact the Fortune Representative nearest you.

To learn more about the Fortune Hi Tech Marketing opportunity, visit Employment for College Grads
or our recruiting website at Gollegiate Recruiters

Article Source: College Grad Jobs Finding Opportunities in MLM and Direct Sales

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

Network Marketing and the Bad Economy

January 21, 2009 by Eldon Beard

Talking about the “bad economy” is all the rage right now. Certainly, there is bad news out there. When you start seeing big companies like Circuit City shutting down and many others cutting back on locations and employees, you know everything isn’t what we’d like it to be.

You often hear that a bad economy is great for network marketing, MLM, and home business opportunities in general. Others feel just the opposite, because they reason that people cut back on expenses and are less likely to invest money to start a home business.

I believe that the current economy gives us as network marketers an outstanding opportunity. Lots of people are in fear for their jobs. Unlike the days when our grandparents worked at the same company most of their life, people now know they don’t have that level of security with their jobs. They know they could be in the next round of layoffs, or worse yet, their employer could cease to exist.

This is a great time to prospect, because people are looking for something. While they might cut back on expenses for some things, they will invest in a home business if they feel they can make money and have a future.

Find these folks and get your opportunity in front of them. Again, I emphasize, the current economic climate encourages people to find other ways to make money and secure their future. If you present the right message, many of them will listen.

Hi, my name is Eldon Beard. After years of seeing all the hype and misinformation used to promote network marketing and MLM, I created "Network Marketing Now" to present a balanced and professional approach to success in our industry. I hope you will find information and tips here that are helpful to you.I have my own successful network marketing business, and would enjoy working with you. Whether you're happy in your current business, or looking for a new business, I'm here to help. Your feedback and suggestions are always appreciated! You can learn more about me here.

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

7 Ways You Can Be a Better Networker

By Annalaura Brown Annalaura Brown Level: Platinum AnnaLaura Brown is a librarian by profession who also runs a successful home business on the internet. She loves helping others start their own businesses ... ...

If you are in network marketing, then you are well aware that in order to succeed in our industry it is crucial to be always working on yourself and to find ways that you can improve and grow your business bigger and faster. Here are seven ways in which you can be a better networker and grow a larger business.

1. Avoid hype and over simplification. How often do you read ads or see web pages that promise instant wealth or that you can recruit 50 or more people a week, or that the system builds the business for you? I see these ads everyday and they drive me crazy. To begin with the vast majority of them are hyped up and simply are not true. Yes, maybe one person got lucky, but the odds of you doing the same thing are slim to none. Furthermore, a solid networking business is build slowly and through consistent and hard work. Also, who will you attract with ads like that? People who are lazy and do not want to work. I don't know about you but an important part of being a better networker is to attract and work with serious minded and committed people and these kinds of people do not respond to hype.

2. Have integrity. This is crucial in today's world. Far too many people both in network marketing and outside of it lack integrity. Have integrity and you will stand out from the crowd and be noticed. Furthermore, what goes around comes around and having integrity will make the world a better place for you and for others.

3. Think relationships first and money second. Do not ever directly spam or solicit anyone. This is just plain bad business. Be a better networker by setting the example of how business should be done. Seek to make and form connections and relationships with other networkers. Contribute to their blog, interview them, help them, pass referrals and in short, do anything you can to help them be successful.

4. Use the law of attraction techniques and get people to come to you. Although this is best accomplished online, you can find ways to do this off line as well. Focus on offering content and value in your target market and niches and on being the person of value and worth to those with whom you share common interests and the right people will show up in your business.

5. Commit to truly help people and make a difference in the world. Network marketing is not only about making money but also about helping people and making a difference. Commit to using a portion of your time and money to help others who are struggling as well as to assist non-profit organizations and other important charitable causes.

6. Keep your obligations and commitments. In today's world too many people do not do what they say they will. They back out of their obligations and are not reliable. Be one of the few networkers who always does what they say they will.

7. Stay committed for the long term. Too many people quit after a short amount of time or when the going gets tough. Be one of those who stays in for the long haul and is determined not to quit no matter what.

Do these things and you will stand out from the crowd and attract people to you because of who you are and what you stand for. You will be a better networker and you will earn the income and the respect that goes along with it.

AnnaLaura Brown is a successful online network marketer who enjoys helping others change their financial future. Learn more about how to build a successful online network marketing organization and subscribe to her free newsletter at http://www.internetworkmarketingwealth.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annalaura_Brown

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net

What is the Key to Your Success in a Home Based Business?

If there is one thing that I have learned that has put thousands a month into my pocket - it is to stay laser focused on the desired goal until it is achieved. For me, that means tuning out outside influences that would distract me from my work, or appeal to my emotions and perhaps even make me think that my goal was not worthy!

What do I mean?

Well, if you work online you no doubt have experienced information overload. You get hundreds of spam mail messages per day that you must wade through to find the gold you seek, and if you are researching how to succeed in your business – you can very quickly find yourself on a long winding ride to nowhere.

If you intend to succeed – if you KNOW you will succeed if you could just get down to what works – then please follow these instructions carefully so that you too can Succeed Online!

First and foremost, find one company and stick with it for the long haul. Unless you find yourself in a business that you truly do not like, or if you find that it’s corrupt in some way – or they go and change the comp plan – stick with your company. Do not let anyone or anything tell you that they have the better deal. The grass will always seem greener, the money will always bigger with another company. Now, you are in business for yourself and you are not ‘married’ to a company – but I’m telling you that you will get NOWHERE fast if you are a company jumper, or an mlm junkie. Do your research and find an excellent company (yes, they are out there!), and stick with it until you succeed.

You will be far more likely to succeed if you know the company and comp plan inside and out than if you leave it behind assuming it ‘didn’t work’, when in fact, you didn’t work it. Most residual millionaires have built those fortunes by building one business HUGE. They create a story for themselves, build momentum, support a team and ride off into the sunset living their life by design. That is what you want isn’t it? You are ultimately working for freedom – for the residual Income. So stick where you are. If you aren’t happy where you are- then learn more about your company – meet some of your key leaders and see why they are there. You may just find that doing so, really learning your business, is all you need in order to love where you are! You have to see the vision to work it long term. If you really hate your company- find your new home quickly, and then get down to WORK.

Now, put your blinders on. Ignore the mail that wants to tell you about the next big thing- the voicemail blasts that want to sell you the voiceblaster, the people who purchased your name and want to tell you about their deal. Ignore it COMPLETELY. It is of no use to you, it will not make you successful in your business. Do not surf the net looking for the next big thing, the magic traffic system, the automated downline builder… Don’t even go there! The internet is an energy sucker – a vampire sucking away the precious productive hours that you have to build your empire. Just STOP surfing.

Your upline leaders will share with you the tools they use. Use the system that is in place to build. If your direct sponsor is not terribly successful, go upline until you find the leader who will help you. A true leader should be able to direct you to the tools to help you to build in whatever way YOU choose. There are many ways to build and you need to find the ways that resonate with you. Whether you want to build online or offline, or both- your upline leader should be able to give you the system that works to put in new reps. Be teachable and use the system in place!

I know you are still waiting for what will put thousands in your pocket – right? The answer is – WORK. Work your business like mad to build your financial fortress. The speed of your success depends only on your level of belief and your massive action. You need to KNOW that if others are earning the big checks- you can and will as soon as you expect success. Stay laser focused and work the system. Ignore the distractions that you encounter online – don’t join another company – don’t go looking for the magic bullet. Plug into your system and WIN.

About Me

Roxana is Internet Affiliate Attraction Marketing Coach. Roxana is teaching Network Marketers from many different companies how to attract prospects to them and create a cash flow while building their MLM business. Roxana works with network marketers who seek a crash course in this new attraction-based marketing model. You'll obtain the tools and know-how that get your team up and running fast while positioning you as the expert. If you're not attracting more prospects than you can follow up with—who want to partner with you—contact Roxana through: www.roxana-castillo.com

http://www.charlesprimas.com/
http://www.detroitbusinesstoday.net