Archive for the ‘- General Business’ Category

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Editorial | The Truth is in the Middle

Monday, January 17th, 2011

The Truth is in the Middle

I have always believed that we are Black or White/Wrong vs Right

Make good choices – good things happen to you

Make bad choices – bad things happen to you

While it may be our desire to be more neutral – society and laws are not always that way

We either follow the laws or not

But I have learned that often the Truth is left up to one’s interpretation and value system

What concerns me is that people often believe what they hear to be TRUTH – when in fact; they were not involved in the situation.

We may think we KNOW the facts, when In fact we don’t

Unless you were THERE

Unless you SAW

Unless you HEARD

You do not KNOW

End of Subject

Doesn’t matter who told you (and they were THERE) – doesn’t matter what they say they SAW or HEARD – YOU were not there and believing the Report of another person leaves it open to self-interpretation

Interpretations are not facts

Interpretations are are just that – interpreting their point of view from their point of value system

So – before you hurdle out more gossip because you received an email “that you know must be true – just look at who sent it, they would never lie!”

Or receive a phone call from what you believe is a truth worthy source –

Think again

What’s the purpose of those so-called trustworthy sources telling you such things?

What do they hope to gain?

What do they hope to accomplish?

I say those who establish themselves as “authorities” in situations they know nothing about are nothing short of gossips, blabbers and immature tongue flappers.

I receive countless emails and phone calls claiming to tell me some juice tidbit about a company, a person a product or whatever.  I don’t open the emails to read them and I don’t return those calls.

I will not wallow in someone else’s situation so I can be the Office Gossip and appear to be an authority

There are always three sides to every story:

Yours

Theirs

And then somewhere in the middle, is the Truth

“He who is without sin – should cast the first stone”

Surely, as I sit here – those who choose to hurdle to others – you will be the next one on the chopping block – and then you can watch how others (who you thought were your trusted friends) will gossip about you

For me, I support my friends and know they have made mistakes, as I have made many mistakes myself

I prefer to keep my opinions to myself

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker & Host of IMPACT Radio Channel
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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By the Hour or Expertise? | How do you pay?

Friday, January 14th, 2011

I received a thought provoking email message today

“How much do you charge an hour for Social Media Consulting?”

For some reason, a vision of a McDonald’s or my first clerical job popped into my head, where I did get paid by the hour

Now, don’t take me wrong – I realize it IS common practice to pay an employee by the hour.  I have done it several times – but…

Would you pay by the hour or for someone’s knowledge and expertise?  For me, I would rather pay on expertise and their contribution to the project or team

Is this how we have placed value on other people’s work?  What about the countless people who are volunteering their skills to help out an organization?  Don’t they provide value?

Does paying (or charging by the hour) provide you with assurance you will receive the best advise during those few hours?  It doesn’t.

For me, and I challenge you to think differently for a moment (I know I am) – what is more important to you if you are going to hire a freelance worker?

Their time or their expertise?


For me – I want their expertise and skills.

I have been in Marketing for over 30 years – been working with the Internet and Social Media since it’s inception.  You can’t put an hourly rate on decades of experiences.

If you hired a web designer for $25/hour and it took them 4 hours to fix your website, but then you had to go back and have them fix it as they didn’t not fulfill their work within the job’s perimeters.  Then, you are charged more money PER HOUR.  You see where I am getting?

I believe a business person’s value is not based on the amount of hours – but their knowledge.  You pay for a college education – they why not hire someone based on their expertise, when in fact – you are also learning.

Hire someone based on their expertise, not their $ by the hour

My reply to the original email message?

“I do not charge by the hour, as it takes many hours to fulfill projects.  What you pay for is my expertise to be able to assist you in achieving your goals.  By charging you by the hour, will only escalate my fee”

Sound fair enough?

What do you look for in a freelancer?
____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker & Host of IMPACT Radio Channel
-My Facebook Fan Page   -Follow Me on Twitter

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Editorial: Is Your Business on Life Support? | (Time to Change)

Monday, December 13th, 2010

As a 30 year veteran of Direct Sales/Network Marketing/MLM – I have observed and also involved in the up and down of the business.

Well, let’s face it – what business has not had it’s up’s and down’s.  MLM industry is no exception.

There are many who believe that MLM’s are “mumbo jumbo” – “scams” – “ponzi schemes”

Before I continue to share with why I wrote this article – please allow me to address the accusations that are often hurdled at this industry

1.        It is not a scheme.  Keep in mind – Bernie Madoff, WorldComm, Enron and Banks scammed and schemed people.  While any industry will have it’s share of crooks and liars – my industry did not cause the Recession.

2.       Whether you believe it or not – each and every company has “multi-levels”.  All Corporate jobs have one President and a WHOLE bunch of employees underneath.

3.       Not all individuals in this business are scammers, liars or “sales people”.  Some of my long standing and honest friends I have met through this business.  The mistakes of some are not a reflection of the masses who are working hard to build a business to take care of their families

So, why do I say that MLM’s are on Life Support?

The intent of MLM’s is to promote/sell products to be sold face-to-face and if you wish, build a team to do the same.  The intent was NEVER “just build a team and don’t worry about the products”

Unfortunately, there are many who have worked diligently to build business teams and forget that a product or service must be sold in order to make a profit.

Many have forgotten the value of face-2-face or phone connections

Many have forgotten that “Internet Marketing” is only a tool to help you meet other people.  It is not a business unto itself.

The joy of meeting other people has faded away to many

The joy of receiving the phone calls to hear from a happy customer who enjoy what you offer – has faded away

The joy of knowing you provide a quality product, has faded away

Instead, by sure greed of many (but not ALL) – they focus on the temporary rewards of whatever the company is offering and not about what they can offer their future clients.

I still remember the first (but not the last) phone call I received praising the benefits of my company’s product.  I can’t remember my first commission check.

I still remember the first phone call I received where a woman was crying to tell me how my company products changed her life.

What do YOU remember from your MLM business?  If you only remember the fancy prizes (many, I have received – btw) and not the lives that you have helped in a physical way (not financial) – you missed the mark of what you should be doing.

For that – I believe the true purpose of MLM is dying.  And I am so sad.

And who is killing MLM’s?  The Internet

Yes, Charlene Ragsdale – who is a Internet maniac and Twitter-aholic is saying that the internet is killing the industry.

Instead of using it as a tool to meet people (you typically would not meet face-2-face) it is now a tool (aka EXCUSE) to send out worthless links and overload people with information to “join me, you can be rich!” attitude.

Oh come on now…we all have seen it and done it.

We all have been wrong in our thinking and it must stop.

Your job as a Network Marketing is to share your products.  Share your products and you will build your team, organically and authentically.  Share your Biz Opp and you get just that – a bunch of Biz Opp people who are hopping from one company to the next.   So much for building a business, huh?

Share your product and you have a team and also customers who are committed to what you can offer.

Brand loyalty is not about a Biz Opp, but a product.

Are you making the decision to take your business off of life support?

Keep at it and you will have to made the decision to kill your own business.

I built my businesses by sharing my product.  I am not the least bit concerned about anyone joining my team, I didn’t want to have “Professional Marketers” on my Team.  What is my focus? To enrich people’s lives with health and a better quality of life.  It’s been my focus since 2008 and it stays that way.

I am not ready for a funeral, are you?

What about you? Will I read about your business in the Obituaries or will you be in the Living Section?

It’s not to late to bring MLM’s back to life…

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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“There is GOLD in the Hills” | The Downfall of Many Network Marketers

Sunday, November 21st, 2010

As a 30+ year veteran of Network Marketing/Direct Sales/MLM’s – I have seen A LOT of trends, fads and a lot of missteps.   I have experienced some misguidance, chosen the wrong company about a decade ago (oh well – moved on).

However, in recent years – I have seen an dark trend that leaves me speechless.

To say the actions of a few have ruined it for most is incorrect.

The actions of A LOT of individuals have ruined it for those who work in this industry.

The unprofessional, unethical and down right game-playing of many makes my job harder to build a great team.  Those individuals have brainwashed so many to believe that “we” are all the same:  Ruthless, cut-throat and only out for the almighty dollar.  I hear it everyday, and it is embarrassing.

“oh, Charlene – you work in THAT industry”

I see the eyebrows go UP and the rolling of the eyes

Unfortunately, due to the actions of MANY – this industry has not moved forward we have moved back.  Despite valiant attempts by most, if not all the Industry leading Corporate Executives to halt these actions – the Independent Distributor actions have not changed.

What a sad time we have in this industry, to know that the good intended founders and executives of many companies are often left powerless due to the action of their company independent sales force ruining it for others.

Who are these people?  If you work in Network Marketing – you either know them or you are one of them.

Let me introduce you to The Gold-Diggers of Network Marketing

Just like the 1800’s when Gold Rush took place – thousands upon thousands of people followed the pack to find their fame and fortune in Gold.

They followed the promise of “get rich NOW”

They followed “all you have to do is pan for Gold to make it RICH”

How many people in our history actually made it RICH in the Gold Rush?

I am a big history buff and I am left without an answer to that question.

Are you chasing after a new company every 6 weeks or 6 months for the elusive “Get Rich NOW” concept?

Can you make a great living in Network Marketing?  ABSOLUTELY anyone can.  I know many, many who have made great incomes.  With hard work and determination.

How can YOU expect to be a Leader in this industry if you are claiming you found the “greatest” every 6 months or even every year?

How can YOU expect anyone to trust you to want to partner with you if you are jumping from company to company?

If YOU don’t stick it out with your company/product – then how can YOU lead your team to stick it out during the up’s and down’s of business?

Then  – of course, you find another  “New and Wonderful Company”

  • And you go on a vocal-binge to insult your previous company that gave you a car – oh excuse me, it was ONLY a Lease…that’s pretty lame of a company to give you the use of a car for FREE for a couple years…how dare a company do that to you, right?  Giving you a car for ONLY 2 years? You are entitled to more, right?
  • You insult the company that gave you an incredible all expense paid trip to some exotic locations.
  • You insult the company that gave you a product you believed in and you CLAIMED worked for you and your loved ones.
  • And let’s not forget you attend your company convention because you were “curious” to see the new product and in fact, you came out of selfish reasons for your own agenda to try to cast doubt because things aren’t going your way.

Yes, you know who I am talking to – and you will not be the first, nor the last who tries to hurt the company that treated you so well.   It will not happen.  There are reasons we have Giants in this industry – they will not buckle.  I tip my hat to many of those giant companies.

I believe in Karma.

All you Gold-Digging Network Marketers – you have shown your true colors and inability to lead when the going gets tough.

For me and MANY others – we selected our company for our own reasons.  We are loyal to the choices we made.  The selection of the company we have chosen to align ourselves with is very personal and certainly should not be taken lightly by anyone.   THAT my friends – is true leadership.  Loyalty.

I am always drawn to the company leaders who have been with their respective company for more than 1 year.  It’s sad to think that is not the norm.

For me, I am proud I chosen my company almost 3 years ago and I am not leaving nor even considering quitting.  I don’t need to pan for Gold – I found the stability and time-freedom I need.

Which type of Network Marketing leader do you want to be?  One that is trusted or leaves others wondering where you are going to jump to next?

I am sure in due time I will see your FB updates and Twitter updates claiming you “found the perfect company” (A-GAIN)

Be forewarned – there isn’t Gold in the Hills, only Fools Gold

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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The Power of Google Alerts | How It Can Keep You Informed About You

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Everyday – I connect with someone who has not used, nor how to monitor one’s online presence.  Clients have offered me huge amounts of money to monitor, and I refuse to do it.    Why? – you can do it for free.

Why pay me or someone else, if you can do it for free

Yes, folks – Free

Do a simple search of your name or business name and you can see the page rankings of your name/brand.

That is not enough to monitor and research your brand and what is happening on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.  Unless someone is tagging  you or FB or using your @ (for Twitter) you may be oblivious to what is happening with your name or brand.

A simple little step – will help you monitor what is being posted about you (or whatever name or topic you wish).

Google Alerts

It has become a valuable tool for my business and my social media clients

You can monitor any all web presence as often as you want – in the form of an email to your email inbox

http://www.google.com/alerts

  • SEARCH:  what do you want to search?  Name?  topic?

Preview (opt):  click on this to see what a possible search might look like (see Right-Hand Pane)

  • TYPE:  Choose what you want to view, Everything (as in everything that is on the web), News, Blogs, Updates, Video and Discussion.  My recommendation:  Unless you are very high-profile, newsworthy individual, I would choose “Everything”.  This ensures you see Everything, not just the Blogs or News.
  • HOW OFTEN:  How often do you want to receive emails from Google Alerts with the Search results?  As-it-happens or Once-a-day?

  • VOLUME:  Again, unless you are some newsworthy celebrity, choose “All Results”
  • YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS:  Enter your email address that you wish to receive your Search results

FINAL NOTE:  You may change or opt out of your Google Alert at anytime


Take a few moments and educate yourself on what is happening on the web, daily.


I would love to hear how you have used Google Alerts to help you personally and/or professionally.

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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Finding your Inner Child in Business | Are You Spoiled?

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Since creating this Blog Website and my BTR Radio Show – I have received countless requests for one bit of business building information.

The questions are varied, but the concept is the same.

“How can I get more people to buy from my website/capture page?”
“How do I get them to subscribe to my newsletter?”
“How do I get more sales?”
Etc

Do you see a common theme in these comments?

It’s all about the business person GETTING.

Let’s be blunt here – who is always about “me, me, ME!”

The Spoiled Child.

Are you a spoiled and selfish child in business?

A professional marketer is never about getting – it is about giving back or supplying a need of your client.

If you think you must get – then you will fail.    Or sure, you will find some you can “snag” for a sale or two, but it won’t last very long.

One thing is for sure – you will get exactly what you give.

-Why should a client buy from you?
-What can you offer them that no one else can?
-Why is your product or services unique?

Look for what you can give to someone – not what you will get in return.

Potential Clients already know what they want. It is your responsibility to give that to them.

It is not their responsibility nor obligation to fall into your trap of capture pages and flashy websites.

If you think your website is merely a trap to entice people to buy from you. Think again. The website has nothing to do with your needs. It is always about the clients needs and what they are seeking.

If they don’t find the answer from you – they will find it someplace else.

Get away from the “Gets” and look at your business as an opportunity to Give to another. Fulfill a need they are looking to fulfill.

What do you Get by Giving?

Do I really need to answer that?

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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My Google Voice Review | Better than I thought

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

In August 2010 – my online phone number stopped working.  I tried loading and reloading the download, with no success.

If you follow me on Twitter @CRagsdale – you read my tweets of frustration.

I heard about Google Voice – so I decided to try out  Google Voice for a few days – testing out all the features and re-testing.

Here is my conclusion:

  1. I love Google Voice!  I can have my own local phone number
  2. I can call from my cell using my Google Voice number (and the receiver of my call will never know my cell phone number)
  3. There is a Do-Not-Disturb feature
  4. I can control my messages and settings from my phone OR online

BEST PART:

  1. I receive a text message with any voice mail message left for me.  A transcribed message – so I can read the message, without ever having to check my voice mails
  2. In addition, I have my account set up – so I receive an email with the transcribed voice mail, also

How much is Google Voice?

Free.

This is a great way to have a separate number for your business, non-profit or other type of endeavor.  I am a big proponent of having my home number separate from my business – this serves that purpose.

Go ahead – try it out – see if it works for you.  I am glad I did.

www.google.com/voice

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter



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Want To Be Recognized as an Industry Expert? Answer Questions

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

A few years ago I used Yahoo! Answers for research into a particular topic I was interested in. I found a network of individuals who are often helpful and most importantly, knowledgeable in the field.

The topics are vast and wide – financial, business, personal, families, sports…everything.

A few weeks ago – I logged onto my Yahoo! Answers account to find an answer to a question I had and discovered there were an array of questions I could answer, myself.

Thinking it would be fun – I answered them.    And guess what happened? People read my reply. People emailed me with questions and then followed me onto Twitter & Facebook and most importantly – went to my business website.

What better way to establish yourself as an EXPERT in your chosen field/topic then answer the questions. Not only is this helpful, it’s fun!

How to set up and network in Yahoo! Answers

GO TO:

http://answers.yahoo.com/

Create a yahoo account or Log In using your yahoo log-in details.

Complete your profile! – website, picture, etc BEFORE you go any further! Your profile page will be the ONLY way anyone can find out more about you.

Once you are logged in – you will see across the top banner

Ask > Answer > Discover

Under “Answer” – Click on “Browse Open Questions”

**TOP BOX: Search Y! Questions** > pick your topic of interest: internet marketing, social media, etc

> Search

**LEFT HAND COLUMN**

>Question Status (Drop – Down Menu) – click to OPEN DISCUSSIONS

>Number of Answers (Drop – Down Menu) – click to NO ANSWERS

**REASON FOR “NO ANSWERS”:**

You want to be the first answer – as it will be the most noticeable by the Asker and those who Answer after you.

>>APPLY

After the Search – you will see the results of your search/apply in the middle of the page

Start Clicking on Questions to see what you can answer IN DETAIL

The more detailed your answer – the better your chances for being chosen as “Best Answer” for that particular question. You then will set yourself apart as an Expert in your Field or find a common interest with another person.

This is FREE – all it takes is some time.

Become a recognized Expert today…….use your knowledge to help out others with their research.

Have you used Yahoo! Answers to build your client base?  I would love to hear your input.

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV

Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker
and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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How To Have a Social Media Blooper

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

If you have read any of my Twitter tweets or Facebook updates – you know I have a big pet peeve about people who do not pay attention regarding marketing their business to others.

This is going to be a very blunt Blog Article.   I believe I speak for the many who are dedicated to their company products and company and are quite fed up with Marketers who won’t pay attention.

If you pay attention to what I post you will know I am 100% committed to my Network Marketing Company and products. There is no question about it – I post it very clearly.

However, it never fails – at least once a day – I receive this phone call or email: “I have seen your posts and you look like someone who I would like to have on my team. Charlene, are you keeping your business options open?”

That is the biggest faux pas anyone could use in marketing:

If you read my posts – you would know, without a shadow of doubt I am not interested in seeking another opportunity. You would know I am confident, sold-out and dedicated to my company products and our Mission. In other words, I have no desire nor need to look elsewhere. Period.

So, what is a Social Media Blooper? Not paying attention. We hear over and over to LISTEN to what the others are saying to you.

LISTENING is also reading what they post, tweet or update. In other words, Listen With your Eyes!

These individuals who continually solicit me – will never get my business, ever. Even if they have a miracle cure for whatever disease is out there. If you will not take the time to LISTEN (aka READ) what I have posted – your credibility is gone with me.

When someone emails me or calls me to pitch a Business Opportunity. My reply is this, “I am sorry you have not seen my numerous posts about my company and products. I am 100% dedicated to my company mission and products and see no reason to seek elsewhere. Thank you, anyways!”

Is that reply blunt? Yes it is and it is meant to be.  I offer no apologies on how I feel about my product and company. I am fiercely loyal to what my products and company have done for me and my loved ones.

There is a reason I have been with my company for 2+ years. There are countless of people who are dedicated to their chosen profession. Please respect it.

Everyone is not a prospect to you.

Pay attention – Listen with your eyes and READ what others are posting or you will have a Social Media Blooper.

You will gain more clients and team members by pay attention.  Trust me – paying attention works.

Thus ends my Soapbox moment for the day…
____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger and Public Speaker She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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Do you use a Road Map or GPS? | Goal Setting

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Being a  child of the 60’s and 70’s – I remember learning very early on how to read a road map.   Taking out ruler – deciding how many miles and what points would we see along the way.

Road Trips.  They did not happen without the Map.

Today we have GPS.

There is a difference

  • With a Map – you see the journey along the way. The Points of Interests, the rivers, the bridges, the tiny little towns that are mere dots on the map. With a map – you create a journey and enjoy the trip.
  • With a GPS – you put in your destination and drive – giving no thought to what lies ahead – you just follow where GPS is telling you to go. Without even knowing you could miss a road-stop that is a mere 1 mile out of your way – a beautiful pristine river you have never seen. There is no journey – just a destination.

In your life – what do you use? A Map or a GPS?

Are you so consumed with the destination you forget to enjoy the journey?

At times, I need a GPS in my life.  However,  I have to admit, that I enjoy my life, my family and my work, if I bring out the Map and enjoy the journey. The destination is the same. I get there in the same amount of time as if I used a GPS. The most important difference is I enjoy my journey and the ride to my destination.

What about you? I look forward to your comments.

For additional inspiration to enjoy your life’s journey – I recommend these sites:

Max Living

The Daily Motivator

My Utmost for His Highest

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger and Public Speaker She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page    -Follow Me on Twitter

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