There are two kinds of people

I was looking for an idea for a message for today and I just kind of felt stuck.  Nothing seemed to click in my mind.  Then I picked up a book I haven't even looked at for years - it's a book by John Mason titled THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE. This following quote kind of jumped off the page as I read so I figure this message is for someone.  

 

"The world is divided into people who do things and people who talk about doing things. Belong to the first group as they will be achieving at high levels."

 

Read that over several times. Enough said.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Baby steps

Thanks to Marge Theis for sending the "Baby Steps to succeeding in life and business.

 

Have a great day!

 

Diligent, patient, and regret

I heard a word in church yesterday and it got my mind thinking about how this word is so important to us in this business.  The word is diligent which simply means constant in effort to accomplish something. As the day moved on I made some notes with three words that I feel are very important in building a future.

 

The three words are diligent, patient and regret. The difficult thing about our business is us. We are entrepreneurs which means we are responsible for what we do or don't do in this business. Our uplines are not responsible for our success and Shaklee Corporation is not responsible for our success, nor are the products or the compensation plan.  It's about you and me. Just sit back for a minute or two and think this through.  We can give ourselves a $1000 a month raise in income (or $3000 / $5000) anytime we choose. I believe that because it's being done by many people all over the country.

 

Bottom line is it takes those three words.  We have to be diligent with our efforts, day after day and week after week. We must also be patient because in this business the results are not like having a job. Get a job and get paid every two weeks. That's not how it works building this business. The results usually follow the effort by 30 to 90 days. One of the first things my sponsor told me was in the beginning I wouldn't earn much to start, but as time went by I would be earning a lot from the work I did in the past. He was right. 

 

The final word is regret. I wish I would have ______________.  I regret not doing the things I know how to do. I regret not investing some time in developing better skills. Enough is enough. I'm sure you get it. The past is the past and the future is now. It's never to late to start over.   Many of us have done it several times.   Think of those three words. Being diligent, having patience, and never again having regret for not doing what you want to do.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

 

Will it be action or doubt?

Yesterday I was reminded of a message I sent out months ago and after thinking about it I believe that these simple words can help some of you to maybe have a better understanding of what it might take to move yourself and your business forward.

Action will take you out of doubt and doubt will take you out of action.

 

Do you doubt yourself when it comes to start a new sponsoring effort? Do you have doubt about the idea that people are looking for opportunities? Do you doubt yourself when you think about giving more presentations?

 

I think you get what I'm driving at.   Taking action means doing more of the basic fundamentals for growing this great business. Appointments, presentations, follow-up, follow-up, meetings.  

 

Definition of action:

The process or state of being active.

Something done or performed.

                                                            Energetic activity: A person of action.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

 

The time is now!

There has probably been a book written about every subject you can think of.   The following is a great comment about reading.

 

"When reading, scribble notes in the margins.  Underline.  Highlight.  Think about your own life as you read.  The point, after all, is not just to read.  The point is to read in a way that leads to better thinking, and to think in a way that leads to better living."

 

I would have to say that our last 45 plus years being in this business has been a major shift for Faye and I and how we think as well as how we live. When I first saw the opportunity presentation it was a "what if" situation to me. What if what that guy was saying is really true?  I certainly wasn't looking for this kind of business and/or future, but the more I explored the more I wanted what Shaklee was offering.  

 

I had a lot to learn but in my mind and in my heart I just knew I had found a great opportunity. After evaluating the products and the company and of course some people who had already made their decision and  were doing really well.  I decided to get involved and learn as much as possible about building this business.

 

Are you looking for opportunity?  It's still right here folks. It's alive and well and new people are joining every week all over the country. Evaluate. Decide. Then don't listen to negative people no matter who they are. Decide to change your future. You'll never regret working hard at this business with this company and the awesome products we have.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

 

 

Are you asking enough of yourself?

I know we all want to succeed at helping people and to grow a business that can help us to have more income than we really need and have enough to do whatever it is we choose to do. It's really about the choices each of us make.  Being that we are entrepreneurs, that means we work for ourselves and are responsible to keep ourselves inspired.    It isn't Shaklee's responsibility. It is yours. It is mine. 

 

The following is an excerpt from the book SHIFT by Steve Sax. I have used this small book as a reference the past few weeks because the author seems to have been through everything you can imagine.

 

"What prevents some people from achieving success is that too often they just accept mediocrity. Their mindset is the problem. These people don't focus on the goal of long-term success.... The biggest trait unsuccessful people share is they accept mediocrity.... Are you asking enough of yourself? Most people have the potential to achieve more than they think they can."

 

Would you like to double or triple your monthly GPV? You can do that! Would you like to reach the next rank we have in Shaklee? You can do that?

Would you like to earn $X a month? You can do that.

 

Think about it, then go after whatever it is you want to change. You can make it happen.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke  

The "how to" won't matter, you'll do it

In his book SHIFT, Steve Sax writes, "To achieve something significant and lasting you need to have a burning desire to achieve your goal. That's your "why."  Then if it is big enough, the "how to" doesn't matter. You will know when your "why" is big enough, when you're not afraid to fail."

That type of statement always inspires me because when we got started in Shaklee we knew nothing about the products, didn't totally understand the compensation plan, approaching people seemed very uncomfortable, and the idea to conduct meetings of some kind was off the charts for me. But the more I went to meetings, took notes, listened, met many people who were making it work, my belief seemed to grow.  I can relate to Steve's quote.

 

I got to the point where I was one hundred percent sold on the idea of building this business could change our lives. I heard lots of nos and negative talk but it really didn't bother me because inside I made the commitment to build this business. It was just as the above quote says, "You will know when your 'why' is big enough, when you're not afraid to fail." I didn't care what anyone said. I also can honestly say that I didn't think I was failing, I was just talking to many people who didn't want what we were offering.   

 

If you are totally sold on the idea you will succeed at this business you will be in Orlando in August. You will also find people who don't want what you might be offering. That isn't failure. That's life as far as I'm concerned. Work the fundamentals, do whatever it takes to maintain a great attitude and you will eventually get to where you want to be.    DON'T LISTEN TO ANY OF THE NAYSAYERS.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

 

Shaklee and an Olympic champion interview

Thanks to Carolyn Wightman for sending me this link of a great interview with Caroline Lind who won a Olympic Gold medal and is one of the Shaklee Pure Performance Athletes, who will be at Shaklee Live in Orlando. This interview is 17 minutes and worth your time to watch. Caroline talks about the Shaklee products she uses as well as her Olympic experience.

 

I will be watching it again later today.  Very inspiring.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

 

This is a terrific interview from this past weekend’s Super Saturday in Orlando: 

 

https://www.facebook.com/drmariocoach/videos/vb.541920171/10153705276835172/?type=2&theater.

What if...

I found the following in my notebook where I keep thoughts, ideas and anything that kind of strikes me as being interesting that might turn into a daily message. I don't know who said this but it's a reminder for all of us to stay positive and keep doing what has to be done.  

 

"Trade your "If only" regrets for "What if?" possibilities. 

 

I think everyone has regret in their past for something. I know I do and would love to have the ability to do certain things over, but life tells us just to learn,  forgive and move forward. This is where the "What if?" comes into play. We all have a past and we also all have a future.  The future seems to be where the focus should be because this is where we can dream and think about "What if?"

 

Some possible what ifs: what if I sponsored 2 people a week, every week, until I found 2 to 3 excited business builders? What if I doubled my monthly PV? What if I tripled my annual earnings?  What if I decided to get out of my comfort zone and start meeting people outside of Shaklee? What if I became an expert at prospecting and getting appointments? I think you get the idea.

 

What are your two top "what ifs?" Go for it.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Are you really willing to?

Muhammad Ali passed away last week and the articles, TV programs, and comments by people from all over the world has been amazing. I have loved watching the video clips of this awesome person as I recall watching him box and especially listening to him years ago. A unique person to say the least.

"Your will is more important than your skill."

                                                                             That Muhammad Ali quote speaks volumes about what it takes to achieve at whatever it is a person may want. Muhammad was an incredible example as he had the work ethic to become the world champion as well as a highly respected and loved personality.

 

I'll just ask this: do you have the will to do what it is you want your business to be like? The will to do something is simple, it's about being willing to do whatever it takes to achieve. To work through obstacles, to overcome problems, to fight doubt and keep working hard, to ignore negativity, to become the very best person you can through hard work and run through walls if necessary without complaining about how difficult it is to build this business.   

 

The following is a slide I use when teaching about goals.  

Nothing is hard if you are willing to learn and be prepared to put the time and effort into it. 

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

 

Do you have a plan for your business growth?

The following quote is from the book Thoughts are Things by Bob Proctor.   It's very simple but very accurate when having the desire to build a business like we have.

 

"The true mark of success isn't in the opportunity, it lies in what you do with that opportunity.  Opportunity is always knocking.  Start doing the right things in the right order, and you'll start hearing that knock."

 

One thing that quote is saying to me is no matter what we might want to do, there will be a process to follow. Many people think about what they want and don't seem to buy into the idea that writing out goals is what they have to do.   Once goals are on paper the question is what are the steps (process) we have to follow?

 

Example, let's say your goal is to become debt free.  What are the steps that are needed to achieve that? Maybe it's about becoming an Ex. Coordinator. The steps might look like this:

I will approach 2 people a day, have 3 appointments a week, sponsor 1st levels weekly, present the opportunity at every appointment, increase my GPV 100 per week or 400 PV per month for 6 months, conduct in-home events for products and earning opportunity.

 

Now we have a plan to follow and this is when the learning starts and of course how a person get's really good at doing the basic fundamentals is by repetition.   When you improve yourself and your skills, growth happens. Think about it.  Then create your plan for achieving what it is you want.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

A plan of what to do

 

I received the following message from Karen Aguilar regarding the book GO PRO! by Eric Worre. I happen to believe this is the best book I've ever read about our industry.  

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

 

Hi Gary, 

Just checking in.  I had an epiphany of sorts this week.  I began Eric Worre's book again and it was as if every line spoke to me!  I couldn't put it down!  Don't ask me why I couldn't get past the first chapter when I bought the book.

After reading his book, I realized I began as a poser like most, but my career has been pure amateur.  I work on goals and throw up stuff that really is nothing more than a wish list. After setting my goals, I don't know how or what to do.  This book changes everything.

I decided to set a 90 day goal of following the simple steps Eric lays out in his book.  

90 days of talking to two new people a day for no reason

90 days of adding two new people to my list

90 days of asking questions and keeping the conversation on them

90 days of inviting 5 people a week to Shaklee  

90 days of a simple and duplicate process that I will do over and over again

90 days of following up when I said I would

90 days of not attaching to the outcome but tracking it

90 days of fun!

I also found out that his website www.networkmarketingpro.com offers a free copy of his book.

Have a fantastic week!

Ciao,

Karen

Words can change your life

I received the following message from Patti Ellsworth and asked for permission to send out as a daily message. There is a principle that says the following: What you talk about you bring about. Once you read Patti's message you will see why I wanted to have everyone read this.

 

I would suggest you read this slowly to get a feel for what she is saying to herself many times, over and over every day.  Remember, what you talk about you bring about. Read the words she has chosen to describe herself.  

 

Gary Burke

 

Hi Gary,  

I decided three months ago to incorporate positive words into my daily thoughts. These twelve words "sang" to me. I say these three sentences first thing when I wake up, last thing as I go to sleep, and at least another 10 times during every day. 

I am amazing, bold, brave and courageous!

I am fit, happy, healthy and kind!

I am powerful, responsible, smart and successful!

I feel mentally and physically healthier than I have in many years. I wanted to share this with you, because you have contributed greatly to my healthier life.

I hope to see you in Orlando. I'm visualizing running into you in a hallway where we can briefly shake hands and say hello.

Sincerely,

Patti Ellsworth

Type 2 diabetes is gone

A message today from Rod Larkin:

On Feb 11, 2016, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.  Knowing that type 2 diabetes is nearly totally diet and weight related, I knew what steps I needed to take.  #1. Lose weight.  #2. Change my diet and eating habits.  #3. Exercise.  I made up my mind that day that I was NOT going to be a victim of poor choices and decisions of my own.  I get fed up seeing all the type 2 diabetes drug commercials on TV.  There is no reason anyone with type 2 diabetes needs to go down that slippery slope because over time, year after year, the condition gets worse which leads to more and stronger meds  that eventually lead to insulin injection.  Type 2 diabetes is preventable and I am here to tell you--- it is reversible. 

 

I swung into immediate action that very same day.  My results as my doctor put it today--- are stunning.  I just had my 3rd set of blood work done in the last 90 days last week and saw my doctor today.  In February my A1C was 8.9.  It is now 5.5. I have only been taking 1 500mg dose of metformin daily (the lowest possible dose).  Today, my doctor said I can quit taking the metformin and said---"as far as I am concerned, you are now non-diabetic, and you did this in just 3 months!."

 

Since January 4, 2016, I have lost 48 lbs and my BMI has gone from 31.90 to 25.00.  My diet and eating habits have changed for good.  It is now effortless for me to eat the way I do and I enjoy my new diet "lifestyle."  I eat great foods I like and enjoy and I eat LOTS of food--- a rarely am ever hungry.   I was much more hungry before-- the way I used to eat, so I snacked all the time between meals and in the evening and now I don't which is a major reason why the weight has come off and my blood sugar has dropped dramatically.

 

If you know anyone who is type 2 diabetic (blood sugar of 126 +), or is in pre-diabetic stage (blood sugar of 100 to 125), you can offer them great news and hope by sharing my story with them.  In 3 to 6 months most people can become non-diabetic and be off the meds IF they are willing to make the necessary changes in their diet and lifestyle and stick with it daily just like I have done.  LOTS of people have done this. This is not a part- time, on again off again program.  It is a "life style".  It's how you live on a daily basis.

 

Many people want to know, and ask questions, about what I did, what changes did I make to my diet, what supplements do I take if any, etc.   In order to be able to help as many people possible with this information, I have shared my story and everything that I have done in a video presentation that can be viewed at www.onechangecounts.com/#healthcrisis   It may take up to a minute for the page to load. If for some reason the Health Crisis video doesn't open, you can access it by scrolling down the menu on the left and click on Health Crisis.  

 

Here is the image of the video you are looking for:

 

 

Rod Larkin

     

Why not?

Do you know how you can accurately predict your future?  I think most people would love to know how to do this as it's quite simple. All you will have to do is listen to your thoughts. Whatever you think about is what you're going to bring about.

"I can't find any builders."  

- Why not, "I will find builders."

       

"I don't know anyone who wants to do this business."  

- Why not, "Everyone needs what Shaklee offers."

       

"I can't sell."  

- Why not, "I love helping people."

       

"I don't have any time."  

-  Why not, "I make time for what's important."

       

"No one comes to meetings."   

- Why not, "I always get inspired at meetings."

        

"I don't understand the sales plan."   

- Why not, "I can learn,  I'll just ask for help."

 

I could go on and on but I'm sure you get the point. The following is an excerpt from the book titled

SHIFT  by Steve Sax:

Your mindset determines success - what you concentrate on and think about the most is going to grow the most. It doesn't matter what it is. Whatever you're concentrating on and thinking the most will grow the most.

 

Be careful how you talk to yourself is the message. Be nice to yourself. Don't beat yourself up with a lot of negative thoughts. Read good books. Get around positive people. We all have had doubt at one time or another and what I've learned is it's my job to fight doubt by being optimistic. There is a great future just waiting for people to go after it.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

How to get important things done

Goals are obviously important and all the "experts" usually say the same thing when it comes to achieving them.  Write your goals on paper and look at them on a regular basis. The following is a quote from a former major league baseball player, Steve Sax.  

 

"Making lists of your goals both daily and long-term is one of the most important steps you can take toward achieving success.  Those positive things you keep in your head are only good intentions, but once you write them down, they become tasks you can complete."

I see this happen almost every day in our home because that is exactly what Faye does. She always has a list of the tasks she wants to take care of for that specific day. Once the task has been taken care of she then crosses it off the list. Simple and very effective.

 

What tasks would you like to get done today or this week for your business? Making calls, following up,

preparing a presentation, reading a chapter in a good book that inspires you, making a new prospect list? Prioritize 

what is important for you to accomplish.    A suggestion: if you don't have a list of the tasks you want to get done, why not decide to develop a new habit by writing out what you want to accomplish? It's never too late to develop good habits.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke