Where are you headed?

There seem to be so many things a person can think about and/or be doing to build a successful Shaklee business. In my mind this business is very simple but keep in mind that simple is not the same as easy. I have learned that principles are what really count and once a person knows and understands a few major principles, then works at those principles, they will get results. If you work the principles, the principles will work.

Here is a definition of principle: a fundamental truth that serves as the foundation for effective behaviors.

I would strongly suggest that you read that definition several times because having "effective behaviors" is obviously a key factor for growth.  Here is an example of a important principle and something to think about - from Zig Ziglar:

People often complain about lack of time when direction is the real problem.

So maybe the question for the day is: what is my direction? Or: where am I headed? Or: am I doing the right things? Asking yourself questions helps to get the answers.

Think about it.

Enthusiastically,
Gary Burke

NOTE: This will be my last post until August 30th

This might help you grow

I read the following yesterday and it really jumped off the page at me. There are times when I have felt totally overwhelmed about what should I do next in building this business...especially in the early years. This statement made me think about those times.

"If you haven't clearly identified what is the most important, then everything seems important."

Another way to say this might be, I just don't seem to have time to do everything there is to do. Well think about this. Once you decide what IS the most important, the 1 or 2 things that absolutely must be done if you are to grow your business, it's easier to grow. Why? Because the focus is on the absolutely most important things you know you should be doing. Kind of simple.

The challenge is to decide to decide that you will be working on the 1 or 2 most important things to do.

To make the rest of 2018 and 2019 be the kind of years that you are capable of having, it seems to me that this might be something to make sure you develop the habit of doing...working/doing the most important things you know it will take to grow. THINK ABOUT IT!

Enthusiastically,
Gary Burke

What kind of effort does it take?

Over the years I have wondered why more people don't achieve what they are really capable of achieving.  I probably should say that my personal belief is that for the most part I deeply believe that most people are capable of doing great things.  What I mean by great things is simply achieving dreams and goals.  I'm not thinking about leaping tall buildings and sponsoring 100 1st levels a month.

I'm thinking about goals of building to a certain rank, getting to a certain PV level, earning another $1000 a month. Those kinds of goals. Those are goals for many of you and I strongly believe you can get it done.

I would have to suggest that most people just seem to underestimate what continual effort can yield.   I have seen so many people come into Shaklee and they have thoughts of doing GREAT things. Helping multitudes of people, earning $5000 to $30,000 a month, becoming a Shaklee Master Coordinator.

I could go on but I think you get the point.  Many seem to stop when things don't appear to be working.

To me it's about just keep on keeping on. Stick with it. The only way to lose is to stop. Continual effort is what it takes and that means working the business even when it doesn't feel like it's going to work, even when 10 people just quit yesterday, even when your best friend or God forbid someone in your family gets really negative on you.

Every week isn't going to be the best week you've ever had. The people who learn to stick with it, who keep doing the fundamentals and developing their skills that are needed to grow to the point where it actually gets easier. 

Continual effort is more of the answer to Shaklee success than anything I can think of.

Think about it.

Enthusiastically,
Gary Burke

Challenges are a part of growth

Something I recognized very early in my Shaklee career was the idea that I was going to have to make some changes if I wanted this to work to the level I wanted. Once I decided I wanted the benefits I saw in this opportunity, I found myself looking at things to do that I really didn't know how to do and to top that I really didn't want to do. 

Approaching someone about this opportunity was obviously a major step as was conducting meetings and neither was on my list of things I couldn't wait to do. I was not comfortable even thinking about speaking in front of people on my feet. But at the same time it was clear that If I wanted this to work I was going to have to step out of my comfort zone and do some things I wasn't very good at.

What is it that is possibly holding you back from achieving to higher levels of PV and finding some new builders every year? Do you have to step out of your comfort zone as I did? All I can say is I am very happy that I decided to accept the things that challenged me. If you feel challenged but still step out give it a try and continue to do that, I know this, you will change and your future will change as well.

Decide on the size business you want. Then accept the challenges you may have and I know you and your business will grow like never before.

Enthusiastically,
Gary Burke

Who's in control?

I was looking at the book Go for NO! and reading some of my highlighted pages.  I came across the statement that we have absolutely no control over what others think, say or do, but we do have control over what we think, say or do. As I think about the fact that if it's to be it's all up to me, it's very clear that I have choices to make.

Personally, I believe my job for managing myself is this: I have to put myself in situations where I have the best chance to win, and at the same time create a growth environment so people in our downline can also have a good chance to win. Of course I can't pressure people to do the things I'd like to see them do, but I can create a growth environment because then it is their choice of what actions to take.

Of course I have be as consistent as possible because staying active and leading the way is obviously very important. So maybe the question for today is this: if you sponsored me, what do I see you doing? Do you provide regular meetings for me to attend?  Do you have new people coming into your personal group? Is your monthly PV growing each month or at least every quarter? Do you have 2 or 3 people to work with who are serious about becoming a sales leader? Are you getting to the next higher rank?

If those things are taking place you are creating an incredible growth environment for the people in your downline. Lead the way. Be the example.

Enthusiastically,
Gary Burke

How to get better takes

This will be a very short, simple message but I hope it will make you think. This thought isn't mine as I found it in some of my old notes a couple weeks ago but for whatever reason I didn't have a name to give proper credit to.

Whatever you commit to is what you'll get really good at.

Just think for a couple minutes about what is it that you would like to be really good at. How about prospecting, follow up, giving a compelling presentation, selling? Maybe being positive. It could be always being a "good finder" and not a "problem finder." 

So the question is, what are you committed to? Whatever the answer is for you is exactly what you'll be getting better at doing and/or being. Getting better developing skills takes practice.  Repetition is the only way to get better and better. You can't get better just listening to a CD or watching a DVD or going to a webinar every week. You can learn many things by listening and watching but in order to develop the skills you may need, that only comes from doing it over and over and over again.

Think about it. What are you committed to?

Enthusiastically,
Gary Burke

Excellent Message

Jody Newell posted the following message on Facebook and is speaking from her heart.   Thank you Jody for sharing your message with us in the field.  I have read this several times since Faye pointed it out to me and I was moved every time I read it. 

Gary Burke


Jody Newell posted on Richard Bliss' Facebook page as an "Ah Ha" she has had during the 90 Day Run Training.

My Ah Ha is the realization that I have been doing this wrong for so many years.  I love and believe in Shaklee and the products, and I now understand that what I found so distasteful (In my heart of hearts)  about MLM, even as I was slowly building or the asset income, there were things like the 3 foot rule, the elevator speech.  Conni just reminded me of trainers saying things like learn to see dollars on peoples faces when they get within 3 feet.  I could go on but I won't.

Regrets, I have many, opportunities missed but turning the page now building genuinely with love and being of service and honor the "No."
Thank you Richard Bliss from the bottom of my heart.  (and those who arranged this with you and opened the invite to the field)   We can't change the book we've already written but you have given us what we need for new chapters and to change the ending by helping many more people than we ever would without this training.
                                                                                         Jody Newell