I do not know about the rest of you  out there, but sometimes work gets a little monotonous, and even boring.  I personally love working for myself and I love what I do.  I have passion for it, and a dream for success, but despite that I still sometimes get bored with the day to day routine.  Part of my 90 day challenge has been to mix that up a bit and find ways to have more fun and adventure in my work. 

Today I am happy to say I am working from Sunny Las Vegas NV, where I have been working the past few days.  I have created for myself a solid routine, and put together a system so that I in theory can work and be productive from any place I can imagine as long as the place has a few key elements.

The keys to my being able to work from different locations are the following.

1)My vacation spot needs to have a gym.  There are lots of ways I can work around this, but especially now during my 90 day challenge a full gym so I can do my work outs is very important.

2)My vacation spot needs to have the internet!..  Obviously most of my business is done online so I absolutely need to find places with free wifi in order to work.  I have found though most places especially in the US have coffee shops or book stores with free wifi.  Sometimes hotel rooms offer this service as well which can be nice, but its fun to be in the hussle and bussle and still be hard at work so I prefer the coffee shops.

3)Ice.. that sounds like a strange requirement LOL but since Isagenix is such a large part of my routine, I drink 2-3 shakes each day and now that I am working towards having 6 meals a day I will be having 3-4 half shakes a day, so a steady source of Ice is a must.. but thankfully I have yet to find a hotel that doesn't provide Ice.. well I suppose I stayed at some B&B's in Europe that didn't, but here in the US ice is pretty easy to come by.

So the last thing I have found that I need is to set aside time each morning to really map out my day.  With this being a vacation spot its hard not to get sucked into the fun of the place and not get any work done.  SO the key is mapping out your day and planning when you will be done with work so that you can get in some of that well earned play time *GRIN*

I am here in Vegas and having a blast.. Day 41 baby!!

-Shawn

7 Pillars Of Internet Marketing Success!

1. Get Connected With Your Why.
2. Work Harder On Yourself Then Your Business.
3. Decide To Become A Master Marketer.
4. Be A Great Student.
5. Surround Yourself With Leaders.
6. Form A Massive Action Habit.
7. Test Track Tweak

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A growing number of current home based business owners are throwing in the towel on all their dreams to achieve financial freedom. The main reason of course is negative cash flow. A business in which you spend more than you profit is not worth pursuing. It’s always better to quit than lose all you have on a losing proposition.

That’s how MLM / Network Marketing / home based business is perceived by many nowadays – a losing proposition, and with good reason. With a 95% or higher attrition rate, finding future successful network marketers has become something of a rarity. What this means for those whome are still willing to stay the course, having an idea of what marketing strategies actually work today will give you a huge advantage.

First, people have to realize that most people who browse the Internet are not there to buy anything(with some exceptions like amazon or ebay).  Making a purchase is the furthest thing on the minds of troubled people. What they are searching for are answers. Since these are the vast majority of people on the internet, these are the types of individuals to include when looking for your target market. If we provide them with the information they need to resolve their problems on the front end, we can then promote your business opportunity as back end sales.

This marketing strategy, of solving people problems first and promoting yourself not your product in the initial meeting is called attraction marketing. You concentrate on whatever disappointments your prospects have in your industry and then make the solutions available to them in the form of intelligent content and information. This establishes your credibility as an authority in the industry and in turn qualifies you to promote your business to them.

People like to deal with people they believe in. Buyers these days are much wiser then they have been in the past, and this is what makes the attraction marketing strategy so effective. They approach and make their purchases from the business owners they trust and who have proven themselves to have the best information and who know what they are talking about.

So it’s absolutely critical that prospects see your willingness to take that extra step to help them. The essence of attraction marketing is attracting potential clients to the entrepreneur that can solve their problems most efficiently. Being perceived as an industry expert is the perfect way to earn their trust. This trust will generate sales for your businesses products and services.

Sustaining the confidence of your prospects means maintaining the knowledge and information that they constantly require. For that reason, your education and self development must be a continuing process. Every piece of knowledge you gain enhances your value as an authoritative voice in the industry.

-Shawn Rhoades

I have had a few requests to see the dreamboard I made for my 90 day challenge.  I wanted to share with you it with you guys here.  I have many dreamboard for larger long terms goals, but I wanted to build a dreamboard for this specific 90 day challenge to stay motivated and focused.   So here it is.  If anyone has any questions about how you put together a dreamboard let me know and I will be happy to help you.

At a recent open networking event, I met a sharp young woman who presented herself as the President of a company there in Anaheim, CA. She was well dressed, articulate, and seemed to be knowledgeable about her business. We decided to exchange business cards, and I was sorely disappointed to see that she was using Gmail as her “professional” email, and her “corporate website” was a huge URL link that was clearly a replicated website or an affiliate link of some sort. One word came to my mind when I saw this on his card: Amateur. After that, I mentally dismissed her opportunity and what she had presented to me and probably will never call.

That sounds quite harsh, but you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so if you’re still using your “free” email or your replicated website on your professional literature, you need to upgrade your professional image immediately.

You’re either going to build Gmail’s brand, or your brand. I can guarantee you that Google (or whoever you use) isn’t sending you a check for all the free advertising and brand recognition that you’re producing for them, so I would strongly suggest a change in your thinking.

Pull out your credit card, head on over to Godaddy’s domain registration page (here’s a quick link to get there: http://www.kqzfj.com/click-3381566-10378406), and purchase a domain name. It will cost you $10, and you’ll receive a free email address with that purchase. Here are the basics of choosing the appropriate domain name:

1. It must be easy to say, spell, and remember.
2. It should be generic in nature; don’t get fancy or put your company’s name in the domain (i.e. AmwayKing.com is BAD)
3. If you’re having trouble choosing an appropriate name, use your own name (i.e. AnnSmithInc.com, WhoIsAnnSmith.com, AnnSmithMarketing.com, etc.)

Once you purchase your domain name, you can set up your free email. You don’t have to give up your “free” email account because you can forward your emails from your new one to the old one. So, on your card, your email will read Ann@AnnSmithMarketing.com, but you can log in to your old “free” email to retrieve your messages.

Now, with your domain name itself, simply log into your Godaddy account and redirect your current site URL(hopefully not your replicated one though if its all you have its better then nothign) to your new domain name. On your business card, it will read AnnSmithMarketing.com which is much more professional than say www.YourMLMCompany.com/YourAffiliateNumber.

As a side note, make sure that your cell phone message is professional and lends to promoting your overall image as well.  Don’t take for granted that you are a professional running a multi-million dollar enterprise, even if you haven’t made one dime yet in your business.

Positioning is key in our field.

I hope this helps, but be sure to let me know if you have any questions.

-Shawn Rhoades
Shawn@AlphaMentoring.com
http://www.Shawn-Rhoades.com

Its Day 3 of my 90 day challenge, and its been quite a struggle today.

I had some pretty specific plans on my schedule today for the gym, for my meals, etc and its only day 3 so I figured it would be completely easy.  Well I want all of the rest of you out there to know that it wasnt.  It was saturday, and my workout buddies all bailed so that was my first struggle of the day.  I also then have some roomates and they were cooking these very fattening meals, and kinda teasing tempting me with it.  Well I had a little of their icecream AND I ate one of their sandwitches.

I was actually beating myself up when I remembered that what is important is not that I failed but that I pick myself back up again after and get back on track.  SO I have altered my schedule and I am going to be cleansing now on Monday as a change of plans instead of Wed.  I am getting my butt to the gym and I am going to talk to my roomates about how NOT cool it is that instead of supporting me they are trying to help me fail.

I want to stress the importance of what I am talking about.  We are all human and we certainly will not always live each day perfectly in all of our endeavors, and the key is to never give up, and get back up again.  We have likely heard this all our lives in various forms from our teachers, parents, coaches..  but it has never been more true then it is as an adult.  The only way to truly fail is to quit, and if you dont get back up and stay focussed on your goals, you will likely never succeed.

So For those of you monitoring, I want to truly apologize for letting you down, and I am going to work twice as hard this week to make sure I do NOT let it happen again.

On a POSITIVE note!

I have been working hard today with some new marketing strategies I am going to be implimenting,  they have already helped me add over 100 new followers today on Twitter which was amazing, and cut my time down dramatically.    Part of my goal for earning my 10,000 by the end of the 90 days is to grow my Twitter account to 15,000 followers by that time.  Based on my results today I am going to blow that goal out of the water.  I also have sat down and started putting together a travel plan for the next 90 days.  I am looking for ways I can stay productive and travel and have fun while do so, I will keep you posted on what I put together.

-Shawn Rhoades

Hey everyone,

SO Day 2 is here!! I have some big plans today, I am going to be putting together my 90 day outline and 30 day outline.
It is very important to have a solid destination in mind so that you can focus and arrive.  So today I am going to be putting together my health outline, more precise goals and my wealth outline.

If you dont have an outline, if you dont have specific targeting goals then how will you know when you arrive, let alone how to really get there.  Imagine trying to drive cross country without a map.  Could be a fun road trip I must admit but its much better to plot a course with a destination in mind.

I think its important to know my day 30, 60 and 90 on this journey, because each is going to be a solid landmark for me where I can check in and really see my progress. 

My day 1 was yesterday August 20th, and my day 30 will be September 18th., My day 60 will be October 18th, and my big day, day 90 will be November 17th!!..

So today I also am going to start working on my affirmations and gathering some stuff for some dreamboards I am going to put together for my journey.  I also am ordering some books for my hour of power each day that will help me continue to grow as a leader and mentor myself.  I also am putting together a food schedule, Cleanse schedule, and routine for the gym.

I also am more then willing to help mentor anyone interested in any of the methods I am using.  Feel free to contact me and I can help you with anything you have questions with.

Its day 2 and I am stoked!!

-Shawn Rhoades

So the day has finally arrived that I have been waiting for.  It seemed like such an normal day, August 20th 2009.. sounds normal enough...

Well not for me

Today Is Day 1 of a 90 day challenge that I am starting to improve and change my life!.  I was inspired to do this by some of my mentors, DK, Rachel, Mike Dillard.. and there is no time like the present so I am putting together the structure, challenging my team and anyone I know or even those I dont to join me and change the world around us as we challenge and change ourselves. 

A good friend and mentor of mine David Woods once told me "how you do anything is how you do everything".. which to me means that I am going to face this challenge with 100% conviction and determination to succeed.

Here is the part I am asking all of you(aka the rest of the world) whether you are doing this challenge or not.. Hold me accountable!!.. If you are watching me and keeping track and I am not playing 100% kick me in the ass and get me running again. 

That really is the beauty of this whole challenge.. while at times each of us let ourselves off the hook and not meet our potential with only ourselves watching, with this 90 day challenge the whole world could literally be watching and frankly I think that is motivation in and of itself.

SO what are the rules and point of this challenge?  Well we each need to choose 3 things in our lives, things that we can focus on throughout the challenge.  They can range anywhere from physical fitness, to relationships with out loved ones, financial or work goals, or even spiritual ones.  Just make sure the 3 things you choose really are things you care a lot about and that you can see how by making changes in those 3 areas of your life your whole life will change.

SOO 

My 3 areas.

Area #1..  My health.. About a year ago I spent a few months living in the Phillipines and Asia.. During this time I had decided on a mentality that I was on vacation(even though i was working).. and it was certainly more fun as a result.  The one problem was I got absurd in my eating habits.  I started each day by eating a 5 star breakfast buffet.. (every day) and it was so amazingly yummy I got stuffed nearly every day I was there  then didnt stop there.. well needless to say coming home I was NOT the same shape/person who had left.  I hadnt followed any of he good eating habits I know about, and I had left my Isagenix behind which was very foolish to do.  I have certainly eaten healthier since returning but only to a point.  I have lost 15 of the pounds I gained while there but after visiting my doctor a short while back i am at the verge of having high chloresterol and needing medication to get a smart start on the problem.  SO This is my first area.  My primary goal is to get back to my ideal weight and get my chloresterol in check.  But I vainly want to look fantastic as well so my 90 day goal is also to get into good enough shape by the end of 90 days that I can do a swimming suit photo shoot.

Area #2.. My Finances..  I own a few businesses and a few rental properties and certainly I am doing pretty well despite the economical times we live in.  But I believe in abundance and as I am putting more and more time into my efforts online, I want to truly see my online marketing business's take off.  So my goal is raise $10,000 in my online businesses in the next 90 days.  I want to do that over and above my regular income.  I am going to be implimenting a lot of strategies and plans to make it happen, so you will definitely want to pay close attention this.

Area #3.. Adventure ..  When i first started working for myself, I really thought one of the best things about working for myself is that I could work from anywhere, but i have really found that when I leave my house I lose a lot of my momentum and routine, which is what makes the wheels go round in a self employed business.  So my goal is to find a way to bring the adventure and fun back into work, whether it be through systems I impliment so that I can keep my routines while travelling or just things I put into play that are fun in themselves.  I know this is the most vague of my goals, but it should be pretty apparent if its being met or not!!

So thats my 90 day challenge.. and I am so ready to begin.  I am going to record myself every day with training and updates on what i am up too, and I challenge you all who are reading this to join me.  You dont have to be on the same day 1 as me, but we can help eachother reach our goals. 

Let me know what you think and if you want to join me I hope you will contact me!

Until tomorrow then!!

-Shawn Rhoades

Hey everyone,

So I just wanted to take a moment today and express my concern for todays online marketers.  The vast majority of marketers working today are going about day to day blind.  They are trying to get new leads, or even new prospects and are basically using an approach to marketing I call the "blind hammer" approach.

How many of us get contacted each day by people on Myspace or Facebook telling us about the latest and greatest business opportunity, or how much money they can make us if we sign up for company X. 
 
These people are not only going about their marketing all wrong, but also have no real marketing plan to show them that their efforts are FAILING.

Regardless of what kind of business you are in, whether it is a Brick & Mortar business or an MLM, you MUST HAVE a marketing outline.

A marketing outline can be simple or complex, but the more detailed it is the more chance you will have at success.

I suggest starting with your goals; break it down into the next few days. weeks, and months and what you want to accomplish during that time(remember also how important it is to know costs and profit numbers as well so you know when you are making money or losing it).

Next write down your primary marketing strategies, be sure to include with each strategy what you expect to accomplish during your quarter.  
Next write down your long term strategies that will bring you long term results through regular consistent effort.

Finally write down your weekly tasks and goals.  This should include a time frame for each activity and what day of the week you will be doing each activity.

By having a Marketing Guide Outline, you will  have a clear course for your path, its like having a gps for a trip.  Now you know what it will take to get you to your desitnation.

Make every day count,

Shawn Rhoades
If you would like to see some great examples of Marketing Guide Outlines check out the ones I use with my team.
http://www.MLMLeadExpert.com/Training

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