In 2010, I started a Blog Talk Radio Program.  It has been an incredible year.  I have interviewed many indivduals who are making lasting Impact on people’s lives.

This past Spring, I put the show on hiatus for a month or so to deal with a family tragedy.  During that time, I received several emails from my fans asking for transcripts of my previous shows.  While I did not offer transcripts of the shows, the thought occurred to me, my fans wanted transcripts not audio recordings.

After discussing ideas and insights with many others, I have made the decision to cease the radio show and will now conduct my interviews in print form.

What this means is that you will be able to read the interviews as a blog article on my website.  This provides you, my fans the opportunity to scan and re-read the information in the written interview and not have to listen to an entire segment.

Taking this information to a focus group was very well received.

Stay tuned – as I will be posting my first interview under the new article format and many more to come!

Thank you to all my wonderful Radio guests during my first year.  It was a pleasure and honor to get to know you and highlight your respective businesses.

If you know of a person or a business you believe is making a lasting Impact on the lives of others – please feel free to contact me for consideration.

____________________
To Your Success,

Half-Marathoner, Business Blogger, Public Speaker
~My Facebook Fan Page ~Follow Me on Twitter

I almost 2 months I will be celebrating my One Year Running Anniversary – (details forthcoming)…in the past 10 months – a whole new world has been open to me.

I have learned that life is full of “Marathon Moments”, if you let it be

This past weekend, my sons and I had the chance to watch my husband achieve a goal he had- to participate in a cooking competition.

He has been in the Culinary field from a Truck Stop, Fast Food, “Meat & 3” Diner to the busiest restaurant on the Vegas Strip. A year ago, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a Chef. I have never seen him happier with his job.

Awhile back – the opportunity came up for him and his staff to create a menu and cooked for hundreds of people at a local Cooking Competition, Gourmet Grazer.

As the days drew closer in preparation, I sensed he was thinking “why are we doing this? This is going to be a pain in the butt!”

I reminded him several times, “you are preparing for a race – as I have prepared for mine. Leading up to it – tapering, deciding what to wear, race plan, diet, carb load and also LIFE, you begin to wonder why you put in all the effort, is it REALLY worth it? As you cross the finish line – you realize it was worth it and you will do it, again! This is YOUR Marathon Moment and the Finish Line is close. Enjoy the journey”

As the day of the competition begin – he prepped food for close to 10 hours before the competition. (talk about pre-race prep, huh?). Talk about dedication!

The doors open to the event and when I walked in – I was in AWE of their food set up and what they had to offer. Here are some pictures:

In the end – they competed against some of the best chef’s on the Vegas Strip. The journey to this day did not begin (for my husband) a few months ago) – it begin when he was 16 yrs old working at a Truck Stop and serving Krystal Hamburgers during a graveyard shift.

Who won? I guess by now, you know – that my husband and his crew won the competition!

As I stood up to take their victory picture –

my husband struck this pose, which is now called “The Ragsdale Victory pose” (look familiar to my race day pictures? )

To my husband, you set a goal – so long ago and here you are…

Champion and a Finisher of YOUR “Marathon” Moment. I love you and I am so proud of you!

Congrats to you ALL! (now, feed me – I am hungry!)

____________________
Live Strong,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Half-Marathoner, Business Blogger, Public Speaker & Hosts IMPACT Radio Channel
~My Facebook Fan Page ~Follow Me on Twitter

Last August, I wrote a blog about meeting one of my favorite TV personalities, Christopher Lowell (Interior Designer) if you have not read it – CLICK HERE

Since that time, it has been an incredible journey getting to my new friend (Christopher) and having the opportunity to work along side of his production team to see the launch of his high anticipated webseries, Ask Christopher

Is the webseries wonderful? If you have not watched it, please do and share with your friends!

As many of you know, I am part of the Social Media Management for Christopher Lowell.  I tweeted about him and on his behalf from his personal account @Clowell from Vegas World Market this past week.

I felt I would take this opportunity to address some of the questions I have received since Christopher had made the announcement that I am part of his team.

Those who follow Christopher on Twitter, it is not a secret that Christopher and I are friends.

What many have asked me in recent days is how did Christopher meet and how did it come about I would be a member of his team.

One word:  Twitter

Yes, the 140 character social media medium brought Christopher and I together.  But, not in the way you might think.  I found him on Twitter through his official website www.christopherlowell.com and followed his twitter account through there.  I was brought to his attention because we both have an autism connection.

When we first “met” – early Spring of 2010 – he had no idea my business backround and niche was Social Media and I never connected with him with the intent to find work with him.  Let me repeat, I never connected with him on the intent to gain business from him.

My expectations were zero

We struck up a simple 140 character connection – and as luck would have it, he came to the Vegas World Market in August and I had the chance to meet him and his staff.

We continued to be friends and along the way, he found out what my work was and it was a match for what he needed.

Do you see where I am going with this?

Twitter was a medium to meet a man and him to meet me.  We would of never met face to face.  It opened a door for conversation and chit chat.

Had I started to Pitch/Try to monetize my connection with him from the beginning.  As true as I am sitting here writing this blog, I can tell you – I know we would of never became friends.

Taking it from our cue – Social Media has one purpose and one purpose only.  To meet people you would not typically meet face-to-face.

I have other Social Media clients.  Some “get it” and some “don’t” – those who don’t get it, their businesses will be short lived and one is on the verge of folding.  Why?  Lack of acceptance and fully utilizing the Social Media medium to meet people.

It’s the relationship that matters, regardless if it adds to your bank account or your online credibility.  The measure of your credibility in life is the people who are a part of it.

I am blessed to have Christopher Lowell in my life, as many of his T-pals are grateful to be able to connect with him, too.  He is a friend to many off and online.

I am glad many of you enjoyed my tweets from @Clowell about his time at Vegas World Market.  Here are the pictures from that event CLICK HERE

Next time you connect with someone on Twitter.  Remember, there is a real person, with a real life behind that profile page.

If you don’t like to be “sold” – then don’t “sell” to someone else

You just never know you will meet on Twitter…

____________________
To Your Success,

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

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

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

New Day

New Week

New Month

And yes…New Year

Seems everyone is taking this opportunity to reflect, redirect and reshift their focus on great things they will accomplish in 2011.

Now, don’t take me wrong – I am ALL about Goal Setting. I believe in visualizations of a dream, aspirations and goals.

However – why is it that we ponder on New Year’s of what we want to change – and within a few days time – we forget about our goals?

Why do we not make goals throughout the year to achieve?

For me – so many life opportunities would have been missed had I not set goals throughout my year. These are goals/aspirations that came to me well into 2010.

What would I have missed?

1) The opportunity to take my oldest (autistic) son to the next level in his academics (Goal I made in February 2010)

2) Fitness goals: lost 15 lbs (goal I made in April 2010)

3) Ran a Half Marathon (goal I made in May 2010)

4) Took several trips (goal I made in May 2010)

5) Changed our eating habits (goal I made in April 2010)

6) Found a new home church (goal I made in August 2010)

Had I only set my goals on New Year’s Eve and did not leave myself open for other possibilities – then I would have missed out on incredible blessings to me and my family.

What were my goals last New Year’s Eve?

I truly didn’t have any. I was open. I was open to new people I would meet, new experiences I would experience and seeing life in a different way. Last year – I was just ready to change and open to whatever journey God was taking me

This year’s New Year’s Eve?

I will be the same. No goals – no Resolutions. Just a time to reflect on 2010 and be open to the great changes in 2011.

Happy New Year’s everyone – I am so glad we had this journey together in 2010. I look forward to a greater journey in 2011.

____________________

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

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

Simply put . . .

Happy Thanksgiving to all my US Friends…

____________________
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

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

Holidays.  It’s that time of year.

Where loved ones find excuses to get together for their yearly quarrel, sometimes drunkenness and bitter enragements.

Why do we set aside a few days a year to get together with people we wouldn’t spend a moment in the Laundromat with?

Why is it that we find the compulsion to be “grateful” on one day a year – when in fact, our focus is which Stuffing to use or will the Detroit Lions win this year?

People claim the lure of holidays is lost because of commercialism.

I disagree.

I believe it is lost because of humanism.

Our inability to create and maintain relationships throughout the year – so that the holiday will be the celebration of the year-long relationship, not just “once a year and we get together because we have to” attitude.

This year, I challenge you to have holiday time everyday in your life!

Here is a list of different ways, but certainly not limited to celebrating holidays, year round.

Everyday…

Celebrate Thanksgiving – by being grateful and telling someone else how grateful you are they are in your life.  Send a card, email, phone call – flower.  Just tell someone how grateful you are they are in your life.

Celebrate Christmas – by spreading Joy.  Start with your household.  Smile at them.

Celebrate the New Year – by creating new goals and journeys for you, each day.  Take a different route to school or work.  Shop at a different grocery store – you never know who you will run into!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day – by telling someone close to you “I love you”, and mean it!  Most importantly tell yourself.  When was the last time you bought yourself some flowers or a special treat?

Celebrate Spring/Easter – by enjoying the rebirth of Nature.  Enjoy the flowers.  Enjoy the sky.  Take 10 minutes each day to just be in Awe of Creation.

Celebrate July 4^th- by thanking a Veteran or honoring someone you know who has passed.  Help out a Military family with a day of babysitting, carpooling. Do something to show your appreciation for your Freedom

Celebrate Labor Day – by thanking those workers who make YOUR life easier.  The Grocery Clerk, the store Bagger, your Bank Teller, the Gas Station Attendant.  Who helps you in your everyday – which you need to thank for just showing up at their job so you can buy/shop?

Celebrate Halloween – not by giving out candy – but allowing yourself to have some fun and laughter.  Remember the fun you had as a kid with the simple things?  Enjoy doing something out of character – change into a “costume” in your life and have some fun with yourself.   Treat, not Trick yourself.

Enjoy your year-round Holiday Time!

____________________
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