Are you willing to pay the price?

Let’s start off with another quote that tells it the way it is.  This is simple but also very accurate.  

                               

“There’s a price to pay if you want to make things better, a price to pay for just leaving things as they

 are. The highway to success is a toll road.  Everything has a price.”

                                                               

I’m sure everyone has been on the highway and come to the point where everything slows down and you arrive at a toll booth to pay to use that highway. Paying the price before arriving at your destination. That’s how life is. 

 

What paying the price means while building your future with Shaklee is we will have to put up with a number of obstacles along the way. Rejection is certainly something that we all either have faced or will face. We have to pay the price to experience that by not giving up or not quitting just because various obstacles got in the way.

 

We all have heard I don’t have time, the products are expensive, I don’t know anyone who wants to do this, I don’t like to sell to my family and friends, I don’t like to go to meetings, I could go on and on and on of all the things people might say to you as you prospect. Obstacles. Excuses. I’ve heard them all.  

 

Here’s the point, probably the most important thing we will ever do is make a quality decision that regardless of what anyone might say or do I will never give up.  Making that decision that you are going to be successful no matter what. Decide to be a mentally tough person. Mentally tough just means that nothing will stop you from building your dream business. You have to pay the price along the road to success.

 

The above quote says it all when it says “Everything has a price.” Think about it.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Let's make 2018 special

Last Sunday I heard the following in a sermon.  “Too many of us are not living our dream, because we are living our fears.”   That really got my attention because for the past few weeks I’ve been reading various articles and books that are addressing fears.

 

I must say that when I first got involved in building a Shaklee business there were a number of things I avoided because I had never done anything like this before.  I had a couple long conversations with myself and I came to the conclusion that if I wasn’t willing to do what’s necessary to build a successful business, I would never experience success.  

 

The following are some of the areas I had to deal with.  

                        Afraid to take risks

                        Afraid to ask questions

                        Afraid to speak up

                        Afraid to set goals

FEAR – False Evidence Appearing Real

 

We never grew as fast as many people but when I reflect back it was obvious that the more I addressed the above fears, the more we saw our business grow.   You will experience the same thing.  The more you start paying attention to overcoming whatever is hold you back, the more you will grow as a person and the more you will experience business growth.

 

Consider making a decision that your 2018 is going to be a special time because you’re going to do what you know you should be doing.  I can assure you that once you face whatever obstacles might be holding you back, the more you will grow yourself and your future.

 

Think about it.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Hope for your future

A couple weeks ago I mentioned a new book I was reading about hope.  The book is The Hope Quotient by Ray Johnston.   I want to start off this week with some points made about the importance of hope.   It's just a word but it is filled with potential for our tomorrows.  I think everyone wants their tomorrows to be positive and loaded with potential to change things.  It seems that almost anything is possible when a person has hope.

 

The following points come from the book I mentioned above.  Some things to think about from this one important word, hope.  

                Four Things Hope Does That Nothing Else Can Do

                   1. Hope liberates.    Hope releases you from your past.

                   2. Hope motivates.  Hope helps you bounce back.

                   3. Hope initiates.     Hope sets you free to dream.

                   4. Hope activates.   Hope is the fuel that makes the world a better place.

                               When you have hope, anything is possible.

 

When I reflect back to when I first saw the Shaklee opportunity I remember thinking,  I wonder if it's true?  I hope I can do it.  I hope I can make it happen.  When I attended meetings it was like fuel in my mind because it helped keep the dream alive.   I learned early that the meetings were a key part of the future growth I would have because when I left meetings I always, yes always, felt inspired.  I would hear stories about the products, about people growing their income on a very part-time basis.   I loved that sense of thinking about the future and the possibilities that would come from this business.   

 

Do you have hope for your future?  If you don't I strongly suggest you attend every meeting, every event, that is possible for you to attend.  Read good books.  Listen to people you want to emulate.  I've been discouraged in the past and when I think about it,  what helps to overcome being discouraged was the inspiration and hope I got from meetings.  How about you, do you want to change your world?  Get involved and stay active as I believe that is the path to keeping the dream alive with hope.

 

Enthusiastically,

 

Gary Burke

Mistakes...regret

I think the reason most of us don’t do what we want to do is, what if I do it wrong? Or what if I make a mistake?  

 

“Making mistakes is how we learn contrast, how we discern what we want and don’t want in our life.  As they say, pick yourself up,  dust yourself off and move on.  Everyone makes mistakes, has challenges, bumps in the road.  Looking back with regret blocks our movement forward to bigger and better things.   Your future is up to you.  Walk forward in your choices."

-  Debra Oakland, of livingincourageonline.com

 

I remember hearing many years ago that it’s not the things you do that you regret, it’s usually what you don’t do.  I guess the point in today’s message is simply be a “can do – will do” person regardless of what obstacles might be in your path.  

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

What changes must take place?

The secret for improvement is to accept the idea that changes have to take place if growth is to happen.  Change can be kind of scary because we might have to start doing things we’ve never done before or maybe we just haven’t done those things for a few weeks or months.   Being willing to make needed changes is the starting point for making things happen.

 

Most of us have good intentions and we know something has to change if PV is to be increased, or if we want some new leaders.   Good intentions are just a first step.  Taking action is step two.   Maybe it’s as simple as just making that first call.  Or maybe it’s calling one of your upline and having a conversation about getting a fresh start again.   Another way of saying this is it’s just a matter of desire for results and if it’s going to happen, I have to make the move and get myself moving in the right direction.

 

Here are three questions that if you take the time to answer on paper it might help you   to know what has to be done.     WHY?     HOW?      WHEN?    Why do I want to double my business?    How am I going to make it happen?   When will I start?

 

Think about it!  Then create your simple plan.  Action is next and I believe that once you get yourself moving it’s easier to stay in action.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

What will it take?

I have learned that for me the best investment I can make is in myself. Think about that for a couple minutes. People who invest in themselves have become a “do it now” person. Pick one thing to do today, then just start. Getting started is a decision about making a commitment to do something every day.  Getting started doing what?

 

There are seven skills that you will want to work at in order to get better and better as the weeks roll by.   

1.  Finding Prospects

2.  Inviting Prospects

3.  Presenting

4.  Following up

5.  Closing

6.  Helping New Distributors

7.  Promoting Events

 

This will take some time but it’s about making that investment in yourself and your future growth in this business. So, bottom line is it will take repetition to develop the seven skills. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort and develop these skills the day will come when people will call you lucky because you have such a terrific business.

 

For me the most challenging skill is prospecting. To be very honest I’ve never really liked the step about prospecting. I have been an introvert my whole life and that is a major reason we grew slower than some people. But I finally got to the point where I was really hungry for Shaklee to be my future. It was to good to pass up. I made a commitment to myself that I was going to do whatever it might take to build a highly successful business.  

 

Are you willing to do whatever it takes to build yourself an incredible future? Once your hunger for success is stronger than any fears you might have you will do whatever it takes. It’s a matter of becoming that “Do it now” person.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

 

What is your motive for being in this business?

Today is one of those days where I just can’t seem to get myself going. So, I figure

If I get started maybe I can find something that might be helpful to some of you. I usually just look through some of the books I’ve read to see if something jumps out at me - and I just found something that might be helpful.

 

The following is from the book The Answer by John Assaraf about starting a business.

 

Why Are You In Business?

Let’s start by asking a fundamental question:  Why?  Why are you in business?  Why are you doing what you’re doing?   People talk about motivation, but motivation – at least the way we usually interpret the word – is fairly ineffective.  Getting pumped up because someone else has cheered you on or whipped up your enthusiasm is all very well, but typically it doesn’t last more than a few hours or days.  Here’s what does last, for months, years, a lifetime:  Your motive.

 

Big goals, in and of themselves, do not create great accomplishment.  What creates great accomplishment is what lies behind the big goals;  your own personal motive, the force that drives you.  Whatever it is , that motive is what we call your WHY.  Clearly knowing why you want to achieve your goals will play a major in your achieving them.

                                                      -------------------------------------------

My personal why was to get to the Master Coordinator level because that was the top rank and I figured that once we got there we would have a better lifestyle. I thought about it constantly. Daily. There were only three Masters in the country at the time and it just seemed like a challenge. I wanted to go for it and we did. 

 

It took us 8 years to get to that high level. Some were doing it in 3 to 5 years. The best thing I did was to not compare myself to those who grew much faster then we did. My why was to have a better lifestyle and we got there.

 

What’s your why? Whatever it is make sure you don’t allow any negative comments to take you away from your why. Hang in there. Don’t give up. Keep doing the right things and you’ll make it.

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

It's not always easy but it is simple

When I got started the meetings I had the opportunity to attend here in the Minneapolis area were incredibly valuable. That was where I met some people who were making it work.   That’s also where I learned what they did to make it work. What I needed more than anything was to listen to those who were teaching and coaching what to do to get started and how to grow. 

 

If we aren’t teaching/coaching the basics, how will people know where to put their efforts?  If no teaching or coaching is taking place that means each person ends up doing what’s comfortable to them. That also means that new person will probably leave some steps out because of the unknown.  

 

What helps people is having someone to learn from and to run ideas past a teacher or a mentor.  I have said the following many times and that is this isn’t always an easy business but it is simple. It saves time when learning from those who know what to do and how to get it done. Think about it.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

It's an important step to succeeding

Hi, I’m back!  It’s time to resume the daily messages so let’s start with a very strong quote.

 

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.”      Benjamin Disraeli

 

 Your life today is a result of your thinking yesterday. Your life tomorrow will be determined by what you think today. When you are willing to change your thinking, you can change your feelings. When you change your feelings, you change your actions. One of the reasons people don’t achieve their dreams is that they desire to change their results without changing their thinking.

                                      From the book:  Layered Leadership by Bob Goshen

 

Let’s start thinking what improvements we want to make in ourselves and our business. Think about it for a minute. Would it be recruiting? Doubling GPV  Reaching a higher rank? Changing your attitude about success? Making 2018 your best growth year ever? Get a piece of paper and make a list of the top 3 - 5 things you want to improve.

 

I know you’ve heard about the simple idea of how our thinking affects our self and our future. I think I’ve shared this in previous messages but here goes again. When I got to about my fourth or fifth month I decided that Master Coordinator was my goal. I thought about that every day for eight years. That’s right, eight years. I’m not telling you it’s easy but it’s the truth.

 

What is it you really want from this business? Keep thinking about it. Don’t allow anyone or anything stop you from thinking about your future.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Be consistent

Another idea from my favorite business philosopher who of course is Jim Rohn.

 

“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals.”

One thing I learned very early in this business was to learn the basics of building this business and then stay on track by being consistent with my efforts. Over the years I’ve gotten off track several times. What I learned from that is it’s tougher to get back on track and time does march on with or without us.     

 

Some people go for the idea of the week or the idea of the month and they seem to continue to be starting over. Over and over and over. Once someone does that what happens is the person is bound to lose confidence. When confidence goes down that also means activity follows. No activity means no growth.

 

I believe this business is really very simple in terms of what creates growth. Forgive me for talking about myself here, but one thing I committed to was to keep things as simple as possible. I have done exactly that. I don’t jump on the ideas of the month because of my strong belief that keeping it simple will help me to reach my goals.

 

My hope for you is that you be consistent with good thinking and good efforts.

You’ll never regret it.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Disappointments are a clue that success is coming

“Men’s best successes come after their disappointments.”

 Henry Ward Beecher

 

What a wonderful insight that is from Mr. Beecher. Most people seem to always be avoiding disappointments by not doing what they know has to be done.  This principle is saying that as long as we keep up the effort, no matter how many disappointments we may experience, success is on the way.

 

There isn’t anyone reading this that hasn’t experienced being disappointed.  I remember my first year and how many disappointments we experienced. I wasn’t looking for every person at every appointment to say “Yes” to the idea of starting their own business. I knew better than that. But some success did take place.

 

So the heart of this message is saying that how you view disappointment is important because you just have to keep moving forward believing that success is right around the corner. Disappointment is a clue that you’re getting closer to succeeding. Keep your eye on the future, talk to people, become skilled at the fundamentals of this business because success will come. Just keep working and believing.

Enthusiastically, 

Gary Burke

 

Make this a great week.

I have read the following very simple quote many times over the years and I came across it again yesterday so I thought it might just be a good reminder to start off this week. 

“I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.”

- Mae West    

                                                                        

That certainly applies to our business because it isn’t easy but once a person understands what to do and how to do it, it seems to get easier. My opinion is it’s really who is willing to put the time in and learn the basic fundamentals?  

 

I have to agree with Mae West when she says it would be worth it. I have seen many people’s lives change mainly because they fell in love with some products and were willing to talk to others about how they could help them feel better. It didn’t take long to learn the products were terrific, but for me I fell in love with the opportunity because it seemed too good to be true but many people were making it work and I decided that I just had to listen to the people who were making it work and then copy success as much as I could.

 

Are you ready to make this week a great week for yourself?  Why not? Why not you?

Why not this week?

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

A great idea.

As you have probably figured out I am a big fan of Jim Rohn.  I attended a seminar that he did here in Minneapolis about 30 years ago and I still refer to the notes I wrote from that seminar.  The following is another of his  gems.

“We all have two choices: we can make a living or we can design a life.”

 

I was looking for a job and I found an opportunity and that was Shaklee. When I read those words from Mr. Rohn that says "we can design a life," that was a new world for me. I'd never heard that before. As I think back what we did, we did design how we wanted our life to be and we did whatever we had to do to make that a reality. 

Once I had the belief about the company, products and the opportunity, I decided we were going to have whatever Shaklee offered.

 

How about you? Have you considered designing your future life? I had a number of jobs in my life but not one ever offered me the idea to design my life. We chose Master Coordinator. It certainly wasn’t easy but it was worth all the ups and downs. This opportunity is for everyone and anyone. Is this what you want? It all yours if you want it. The decision comes first, then the plan comes second, and finally it’s about making the effort and deciding to never look back.

 

Just follow your dream. You’ll never regret it.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Getting started is the key

There are some days when I don’t feel like doing anything. It feels like I have hit a mental wall and it’s hard to get myself moving. I think I mentioned this last week - what I’ve learned is the way to get started is to do something. The following quote by Jerry West addresses this issue.

“You won’t get much done in life if you only work hard the days you feel good.”

 

That is so true. If I got myself going only on days I felt inspired I’m positive I wouldn’t have a business. Or at least it wouldn’t be a growing business. I decided years ago that If we were going to have a business I had to have a routine. That was the answer for me. I can assure you that there are many days I really don’t feel like sitting at this computer and wondering what I can write today. But this is how I get my day started.

 

Almost every day is the same for me. Get up and get ready for the day. Get to my office and read for a while. This morning I spent time reading Proverbs 3. Then I start to think about a word or an idea and I just start. Getting started in anything seems to be the challenge and is the answer for me to have a good start of the day.

 

How about you. Do you have a routine for running your business? Do you ever feel like not doing anything? My bet is of course you do. I think the answer is to just start. 

 

Whew! This morning I just got started and now I can go work out. Make this a great day for yourself and how to do that is to get yourself started.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

It's what I call the magic principle

One of the things we must be consistent with is to have a prospecting mindset. No matter how long someone has been in the business, if growth is the goal it will always depend on bringing new people into your organization. Once you accept the idea that prospecting for new people is the answer to your growth, I would suggest that you adopt the following principle:

 

You can’t say the right thing to the wrong person and you can’t say the wrong thing to the right person.

 

If this is accurate it means my job isn’t about talking people into the idea that Shaklee is for them. My job is to talk to people and find people who want what this business offers. Once you’ve found the right person this business gets easier.

 

Let me give you an example: On May 1^st, 1970 I believe I was the right person and it was the right time. Anyone could have sponsored me on that day because I had a job but I didn’t have a future. I called a stranger because I heard he was looking for people because he had an opportunity. It happened to be Shaklee. I went to his home and he showed me the Shaklee idea. I decided to check it out and here I am 47 years later telling you my little story. 

 

Quit thinking you have to have the perfect words to attract people into your organization. Just be yourself. Ask questions. Listen. Practice your presentation. If you take the principle above it suggests that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing. You can’t say the right thing to the wrong person and you can’t say the wrong thing to the right person.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Do you have a list?

The following Jim Rohn quote is one of my favorites.

 

“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day.”

 

Here is the question for today. What do you have planned for today? Success in this terrific Shaklee business really is about keeping it simple and doing something every day that has potential to make a difference. A phone call.  An opportunity presentation. Encourage someone. Read a chapter in your favorite book. Read through your goals for the month of November. Whatever!

 

Don’t be willing to accept less than you want. Write a list of what you really want and keep it handy so you can remind yourself every day of what you’re working for.

 

Hope you had lots of kids last night for “trick or treat.” Weren’t the costumes terrific?

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

BOO!

The following is an old German saying.

 

You have to take life as it happens, but you should try to make it happen the way you want to take it.

 

So, the question for today is simple: are you working at making your life what you want it to be? Or are you just watching the years roll by without focusing on what you want your future to be like?

 

Building a Shaklee business is a choice and we decided years ago that we wanted what this business offered. We have never regretted our choice.

 

Think about it!

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Don't sell yourself short

I found another quote that kind of jumped off the page to me last week when I first read it.  Here it is.

“The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short.”

-  Abraham Maslow

 

What this means to me is that most of us are capable of achieving so much more than we have, but for some reason we have sold ourselves on the idea that we probably can’t do more than we have. I think I could build a pretty good case against myself as an example because I know for a fact that over the years I did sell myself short in certain areas.

 

Maybe some of you have as well.   I attended every meeting I could for four months and I heard many people talk about this business. My first bonus check was for $7.33. The second and third bonus was zero. The fourth bonus was $19.19 so the total I earned in the first four months was $26.52. I never missed a meeting. I sponsored quite a few people but I just couldn’t seem to get it going.

 

I had some doubtful thoughts. I really questioned myself. I can recall thinking to myself that I wasn’t sure that this was for me. I was selling myself short. Then my belief on the products seemed to just take off. I knew these products worked. My belief started to shift and I decided I wanted everything Shaklee was offering. I just had to change my thinking about myself and my abilities. I won’t go into everything but I will say that I decided I was going to do whatever it takes to learn how to build.

 

Listen to yourself. Everyone has self-talk. Don’t sell yourself short. Fight doubt and any other negative thoughts. Sell yourself on the idea that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to build yourself a terrific Shaklee business.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

What do you really want?

The following is from a book called Living With Passion by Peter Hirsch.  I love simple ideas because they seem to be more doable and this is simple.

 

“The only way you get anything is if you really want it. Don’t want, half-way want,

sort of want, and all those other less-then, quasi-wants just won’t cut it.  If you’re going to succeed at last, you’ve really got to want to.”

 

So, the question is: what is it that you really want?  Are you willing to do whatever it takes to get it or achieve it? Are you willing to be uncomfortable?   November is right around the corner so I have a suggestion - you’ve got a few days to give some thought to what you would really want November to be. Think about it. Make a decision. 

 

Have a great weekend!

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Some questions to ask yourself

I’m sure that most of you have heard that old principle that says, whatever you put into your goals is what will determine what you get out of them. It’s really quite simple but powerful at the same time. The first thing that strikes me about this principle is that what counts is my attitude, my plan, my efforts, so everything is up to me if I am to experience success.

 

We should be asking ourselves some questions. Do I have a plan to follow? Am I serious about being consistent with my efforts? When was the last time I asked for help to direct my efforts that would help guide me to doing the right things?  Am I coachable? Am I working with people who are also serious about growing their business?

 

Take a few minutes and write out your answers to those questions. Also write out

questions that you may have. Today is Monday so make a decision that this week is going to be better than last week.

 

Put in the effort to do your best for this week. You’ll be glad you did.

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

What do you want?

I recall very vividly those first few months when I first heard about the Shaklee opportunity.   It was exciting thinking about having the kind of business where a person could literally choose what they wanted and then do the work to make it happen.  It’s still true folks.  What is it you want? 

 

“We do what we have to do, so we can do what we want to do.”

                                                            

I heard those simple words at a meeting during my first few months and it stuck with me because it makes sense. I used to read those simple words over and over because I am a dreamer and I decided we would be Shaklee Master Coordinators.  Just that dream was very exciting and here we are in 2017 and everyone who is a dreamer can make the decision to make their dream become real.  

 

My suggestion is simple.  Write out some ideas of what you want to be doing once you have your business to the level where you are earning more than you need.   Travel?  Live debt free?  Help people in some way?  Dream a little.  It’s free.  Whatever you think you would want, get it on paper. 

 

The next step is to asking questions and invest some time in learning what it is you will have to do in order to make your dream come true. I can assure you of this, you’ll never regret working hard for whatever it is you want.  I can also assure you that this is very possible for you to make it happen so think about it and then be willing to do whatever it is that you’ll have to do.

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

How to Succeed in Shaklee

There is a key for making changes and I hope this might challenge some of you to

take these words and challenge yourself so you can make progress in whatever it is you want to succeed at.  A strategy for personal and business growth is you have to decide to be willing to be uncomfortable for a short period of time.

 

Any time a person is planning on doing something they haven’t done before there will be that feeling of being uncomfortable. Most people talk themselves out of a better future just because they aren’t willing to step across that line in the sand and overcome doubt and fear.  

 

When I got started in this business it was so exciting to hear the ideas of what a person could have if they would be willing to build their own Shaklee business.  I wasn’t looking for a business on May 1, 1970. I was looking for a job.  I’m forever thankful that I found Shaklee before I found a job. But there were obstacles. I had never done anything like what these Shaklee people were talking about.

 

I was very uncomfortable with the idea to approach people with this new idea.  I was also very uncomfortable thinking of doing meetings.  YIKES!  I grew very slow because of the doubts I had about what it would take to be successful.  There were some people becoming Key and Master Coordinator in 3 to 5 years.  It took us 8 years.  I had to overcome those doubtful thoughts just like many of you. 

 

My desire to be successful in Shaklee was stronger than the doubts and fears. So I just kept overcoming being uncomfortable. It took some time but it was worth it.You can overcome whatever is stopping you from making this business work but you might also have to fight those doubts and feelings of being uncomfortable.  Go for it!

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Simple but powerful ideas

Let’s start off this week with a few short ideas. The following are all from when I first started to search for ideas that kind of inspired me. I read books and listened to people and whenever I heard or found a simple idea I would write it down. Somehow I knew that if we were to become successful in this business I would need to keep myself inspired. The following are a few of those simple ideas.

• We must “Be” and “Do” Before we can “Have!”
• There is only one person who can use your ability – “YOU!”
• You can use your attitude to build a WALL or a BRIDGE.  We choose to build bridges.
• For things to change for you – you have got to change.
• 4 If’s That Make Life Worthwhile

1.      If you’re willing to learn.
2.      If you’re willing to try.
3.      If you stay.
4.      If you care. 
If you care at all you’ll get some results.
If you really care you’ll get incredible results.

Let’s make October a month to get inspired and make calls, ask questions, and inspire others with ideas of what Shaklee can mean for them.

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Who is the enemy?

A friend gave me the following quote about the idea that you and I have the potential to achieve whatever it is we want to make happen.  

 

“The potential in each of us, is – to a large extent – constrained

 only by the limitations we place on ourselves.”  (Read it again)

 

What this is saying is that we are the enemy. We are capable of doing what it is we dream about doing.  We just have to get out of our own way and start going after that dream that most of us have in the back of our mind.Yes, you can sponsor more people.

Yes, you can double or triple your PV. Yes, you can earn more than you need.  Yes, you can reach that higher rank Shaklee has.

 

We just have to get out of our own way and do what we are capable of doing.

 

Go for it!

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

5 Keys for Being in the Right Place

I came across a sheet that I found many years ago that is interesting.  I probably found these five key points in a book or a magazine.  I feel very strongly that I was in the right place on May 1^st 1970 because Shaklee filled the bill as Shaklee had all five points.

 

There are five keys to being in the right place and becoming successful.

 

1.      You must work for a company that is people oriented.  Must work for a company

That cares.

 

2.      You must work for a company where there is an excellent product or service that people will pay money for.

 

3.      You must have a training program that will help you become a master at what you do.

 

4.      You must work where you get a percentage, or bonus, or get paid according to the amount of work you do.

 

5.      If you have the first 4 keys, the next one is super important.  The major key to your better future is YOU.

 

I think I could write pages about those five keys and how fortunate in 1970 I was that I heard about a guy who was looking for people so  I called him and asked for an appointment.  That phone call literally, eventually, changed my life. I am so thankful I found Shaklee.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Do you have real goals?

The following are comments made by Jim Rohn concerning goal setting.

  

What goals really do is define and articulate meaning in your life.

 

People who don’t have real goals have never defined what is important to them.  

 

Reaching the goals is not the hard part.  Deciding what to do is the hardest part.

Once your goals are established you do not change the goal when things don’t go well.  Alter the plan not the goal. 

 

The most important thing is not what you get, but what you become in the pursuit of your goal.  

 

Think about those principles.  Make October a month you’ll remember.

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Where does success start?

There is one concept or principle that I find in most books and have read in many articles: mindset. My understanding is that once a person sets their mind on a certain subject or desire and they continually feed that thought over days, weeks and months, they start to figure out what it’s going to take to reach that goal or desire.

 

In other words, set your mind on the things you want because that is where change eventually takes place. Think about that for a couple minutes.  Sit back right now and just think about that idea. Change starts on the inside and works its way out. You’ll start to figure things out about making that idea work. You’ll find someone to talk with and that can be called a mentor. 

 

Your mentor might be a friend or maybe even a book you’ve read about taking steps to help you succeed. I would have to say that books have been my mentor all these years. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve learned a lot about building this business from meetings I’ve attended. I’ve also learned from conversations I’ve had with many Shaklee friends and leaders.  

 

So, how high do you want to have for your October PV? How many people do you plan on sponsoring in October? Are you working towards the next higher Shaklee rank? How many people are you currently helping to reach their goals? Is your mindset clear to what it is you want? Write it down! Figure it out. Ask for help. Talk with people who inspire you. If you’ll do these things on a regular basis you will grow yourself and your business.

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

A plan for moving forward

The following quote is from SUCCESS magazine for October.

 

“Goals work because they allow you to get clear on where you are today and where you want to go, and in turn focus on the right things to help you achieve your targets.”

 

So the first question is, where are you today as far as your business is concerned? Have you gotten started yet? If not, decide where you want your business to be 90 days from now, or one year or five years from now. Or make a decision on what Shaklee rank you want to work towards.

 

If you have been in this business and have gotten started do you have goals on exactly where you are headed and what you want to achieve? I was 31 years old when I started my Shaklee career and I never had a goal written on paper. I started to read books that talked about how to be successful in life. I read lots of books and every one of them talked about goals.

 

I believe if I had not set goals and put them on paper and read them over and over and over I wouldn’t have achieved what I wanted. What I chose was Master Coordinator. Little did I know what it would take, but that was my goal. I wrote my goals out like the books suggested, then I wrote out the things I would have to be doing in order to reach my new goals.  

 

It’s never too late to start. And it’s never too late to start again and again and again. Do you have your goals on paper?  Do yourself a favor and write out your goals and start doing what the above quote says. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

Are you ready to grow?

Would you like to re-energize yourself and your business?  There are times I need to be inspired or motivated in some way and I would assume you could say the same for yourself.  I found it is easier to stay on track for moving forward when I have re-started myself by setting a new short-term goal.

 

If you use what might be called the "magic of 30 days" you can get yourself re-started any time you choose. Almost anyone can do almost anything for 30 days. What you want to do is create a 30 day goal. This must be a challenging goal that inspires you in some way. When you have a 30 day goal this is the time for an enthusiastic effort.

 

One month goes by rather fast and the idea is to revitalize yourself so you have to be ready to give it a really good effort for 30 days. Don’t allow anything to hold you back. I believe this is one of the best things to do to build some momentum for having highly a successful month as it will be a terrific example for you and your team.

 

Think about it. Challenge yourself. Get yourself mentally ready to give this your best effort.   Go for it!

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke

A key for exciting growth

I have had some questions about what makes this business grow. The following is a message I sent out a few months ago.  

 

I think I'll start this message with a simple question.  Would you like to have more people being sponsored into your business?  Keep in mind that more sponsoring is the key for you to enjoy a business that is growing. The answer to most issues for a growing business is having new people coming into your organization.

 

Here is a major principle regarding growth.

 

It's not the sponsoring that drives the business.  It's the focus and desire on building a business that drives the sponsoring.

 

Read that simple statement several times.  Read it over and over until you really believe it.  Now ask yourself a question.  Do I want my monthly PV to be double or triple from what it was last month?  Do I want my earnings to do the same?  Of course you do!   Then what do I have to do to experience exciting growth?

 

To drive your sponsoring is what will create growth, the question is do you have the focus and desire to make that happen?  I'll give you a simple example.  Our business changed when I got serious about building.  I wasn't very skilled in approaching people and I wasn't very good in sponsoring.  But what I had going for me was I really wanted to have a successful Shaklee business. I mean I really wanted our business to grow.  I had a terrific desire to do whatever it would take.

 

Enthusiastically,

Gary Burke