Play til the Whistle Blows

It’s time for the NBA Playoffs and we are excited to see the Dallas Mavericks back in the finals.  Watching Game 2 last night was not pretty and we saw (read on FB) lots of friends sign off and ‘give up’ on the game to go to bed.  These friends just assumed that it was over and the Mavs were going to lose… what happened?  The Mavs launched a comeback and won Game 2 on a last second shot; now the series is tied 1-1 and the Mavs have a chance to win the next three at home and claim the championship. 

What a great lesson for all of us – you, me, our kids in this game of life. We should play every day like its game day and play TIL THE WHISTLE BLOWS!  How different the outcome would have been if any of the players decided in their minds that the game was over when they were down.  You (and your personal voice) are sometimes your biggest obstacle.  Get rid of that self-defeating voice and believe in yourself just like we believe in you.  No matter your business, make your goals and keep pursuing them. For anyone on our team, please share them with Tim or I – or another accountability partner, your spouse, your family. When others know your goal, they will help you stay in the game and achieve that success.

Sure, we all have good days and not so-good days, but remember tomorrow is another day.  You’ll see ups and downs in business too, but you’re in it for the long run. You do not start a business with a ‘get rich quick’ mentality. All the practice and time you’ve put into your relationships will be rewarded – I constantly share this with our Send Out Cards team. I spent eight years in another direct sales company and never have seen the success we’ve had with Send Out Cards in one year. It’s all about the Law of Averages and you need to stay in the game, focused on your goal and play hard til the final whistle blows.  Our best to you as you shoot for the moon!  --Danielle

Don't Allow Fear Stop Your Success

FEAR – It’s a little word, but somehow has big power.  I noticed that today with my 6-year old and the trip to the dentist to have a cavity filled.  It was more his anxiety and fear going into the office than the procedure itself. Of course, rationalizing with adults and their business fears is easier than calming a 6-year old… most of the time anyway.

I once read some tips from Romanus Wolter, who is author of Kick Start Your Success and Kick Start Your Dream Business.  And what helped the business owners Wolter talked to did to overcome their business fears included the following:

1.      Taking baby steps with everything you do.  By taking baby steps with any new action you make it is easier to make changes or edit your plan.  This goes for goal setting too – have your end goal and break it into smaller tasks (goals) to achieve along the way.

2.      If you are in a direct sales business, ask yourself if the business can be duplicated to those you sponsor?  It should.  You should never feel like you have to recreate the wheel to be successful. What tools & education/training does your company provide?

3.      Surround yourself with people willing to help.  This is your team… your upline(s), your sidelines, your support network.  Join various business network groups or simply hang out with great business people – especially in other areas. You may find synergy partners or someone to give you insight on your business from another perspective.

4.      Live in the NOW.  You hear me share this in regards to your family and the events you want to do; that tomorrow isn’t promised.  This is my also a great method to overcome my business fears. I do focus on the future and make goals, but I put a lot of focus on the NOW and all the great things that happen to my business and my family every day.

How about you?

How do you battle your business fears? What do you do to overcome them and focus on going forward? Let me know in the comments or answer this as a rhetorical question. To vanquish these fears and devise an appropriate course of action, we must trust our instincts.

1. Be honest about the cause of your fear. Personal beliefs are extremely powerful. They form the basis for how we react in fearful situations.

2. Maintain a positive attitude. Don't let fear cloud your outlook. Get creative and turn the fear into an opportunity for growth.

3. Don't let what people say or do bring on self-doubt before you take action. Accept that rejection happens to all of us, but it will only impair your progress if you allow it to. You can use this to overcome obstacles in starting your business or overcoming your first ‘no.’

4. Anticipate bumps in the road. Acknowledge that you'll sometimes feel disheartened.   One of the best books I’ve read in my nine years of direct sales is “Stay the Course” by Adam Packard.  “Stay the Course” is a quick read by a great friend, mentor and leader in my business with Send Out Cards and contains many nuggets to improve your business. 

      If Tim & I can help you duplicate this business for you and your family, please let us know. We stumbled upon SOC as a business and definitely count our SOC family, income and adventures as a blessing.  We are here for you – we are cheering you on as you shoot for the moon. --Danielle