A Killer Virus That's Becoming More & More Prominent...

Virus!

Wow, I think I am experiencing just the opposite. My upline is so good that I can't keep up and am sometimes so overwhelmed that I feel like the Madhatter at his teaparty and just hope I am not running around doing so much that I am not doing anything at all! Probably also a "Virus"?

Thanks Raymond, I appreciate my "uplines" even more after reading what you wrote and hope someday they will gather the fruit of their labours.

Until then, I'll keep plodding on.....

Nanette

The Opposite :)

Nanette,

Sounds like you have quite the opposite of the "entitlement virus" :)  I reckon that's also part of why your uplines are so eager to help you.  Like I said, and round and round you go!

Keep up the good work.

Raymond

So!!! Where's Mine!!

Hey Ray!!  So Where's MINE??  I read your article, Now where is MY check!!  MY fortune, My Playmate of the year, My Ferrari, My Lear Jet, and Where the Heck,  is MY private Island!!  Please just Fed ex it to me, I have to go watch TV now, for the rest of the day!!, Week, month.,year...Life!!

Pardon my humor Raymond, but your superb article got my blood boiling!!  You know it is bad enough Americans, has a whole, simply expect everyhting to be done for them. Its bad enough the special interest groups have burden us with too much government, and to many freeloaders, but when that attitude invades our industry, Ouch!! that hurts.  Like a "virus"!! was perfect! 

This industry is about being an entrepenuer, not a free lunch!!  So where the "Entitlement" you spoke of is right on the mark.  I also call attention to the bottom fisheres out there, who post ads about  $20-30-50K a week for doing nothing!!  Not one person with a slight degree of work ethics believes that, however those ads do appeal to free loaders and do plant a free ride seed in the minds of many.

The only promise this country ever made to anyone is, In America you have a shot at making it, but never was a guarantee issued!  Nor does any reputable MLM company make such promises.  You were right on target with your article,  I just wish we could target all the get rich quick people, right out of the industry.  Whether they are downline, upline, sideline or just giving a line"  LOL!

Tom Savas, Dir. Gain Consulting Group,LLC.

How can you be Right?

You are the Expert.  I thought I could trust your advice.  I joined over 20 companies.  Left out to dry.  It was not because I was whinning I wanted to succeed,  So you plug in and all you get is more Sales calls,  buy more leads.  buy more Cd's, Sell to more people.  I want to succeed!!!!how much money do I need. 

I am so glad for Mentoring for Free I would have to give up on my dreams.

Why?  Because my Credit Card Company Cut me OFF.  Was I whinning no I was just asking for help.  But they thought like you Ray I was not importain enough to them.  they got their 1000 dollars.  I was just a Complainer.  Who had no more money.  Well Ray you are in for a laugh with Mentoring for Free I will build the Largest most Profitable Highest Retention Network Marketing Company in the History of Network Marketing Why Because I am Having FUN working with people I love and Love me.  Really Ray that is all it TAkes. and People who will Educate you for FREE

  Your Friend for Life Juanita Waterman

The converse can be true too...

Hi Juanita,

Of course, your uplines can have the horrible virus as well.  In that case, time to find a new upline.

Also, not quite sure what you meant by "they thought like you Ray"...  If you are implying that I neglect folks who truly desire to succeed and who actually put forth the effort to do so then I'd beg to differ :)

Perhaps I should have set the premise before writing this touching article; that premise being the opportunity you are in is a valid one and your uplines aren't a**holes.

Sounds like you are donig well in Mentoring for Free - keep up the good work!

Raymond

Thanks Ray for Your Input

When I said they thought like you I was thinking that you and they thought I was a Waste of their Time.  Because I needed help. But Maybe that is not what you were saying at all,  Maybe you were saying something completely different.  But in this industry That is what all my up lines felt until I found Mentoring for Free.  Ok I said it.  LOL  Now I know you would not have been like that  at ALL right?  I was needy believe me I knew NOTHING not even how to right click

 Your Friend for Life

Juanita Waterman

No. Its not better.

Don't you think there is a certain satisfaction in sitting at home in a state of pissed blaming the world for you failures? 

While the upline you are pissed at is out enjoying everything life has to offer ..  which is of course is the irony of it all. 

I have been stitched up by people making promises they don't deliver on, and uplines who are everything magnetic sponsoring is not.  I have followed the advice of wealth "gurus" and lost money I couldn't really afford to loose. 

But I have always entered each business venture knowing that by nature businesses are risky.  And as some one once said - never invest money in a venture if you aren't prepared to loose it.

Did I get pissed at these people for stomping on me - of course! But it made me more determined to achieve inspite of them (and hopefully a little wiser in selecting business partners!).

It starts sooner

Hi Ray,

I want to say that the Entitlement Virus seems to have started WAY sooner than College, try more like high school.  Maybe it's the parents and all the BS they hear on tv.  Everybody gets the WANTS in varing degrees.  The crux is what do they do about it.  Nowadays most whine.  I have been waiting with baited breath it seems, for someone to bring it up.  The ONLY Right We the People have is the right to PURSUE happiness,  You do NOT have a RIGHT to own a home, you DO NOT have a RIGHT to a drivers license, that is still a privelege as far as I know. The operative word is Pursue.  It works, IF you work it. Period!

As far as sites that my friend Tom speaks of called bottom feeders, they should be outlawed,  The only ones who get $$$ are the ones blowing sunshine up your butt, they prey on your hope. Some of us have looked at them in the begining. I know I did, breifly and it isn't because I was lazy, but desparate. Then I found this place I feel as though I have grown alittle wiser to some of the BS.

So..  I have been truely blessed by great people in here.  Jaunita  you and my husband had a bad upline, or at least immeadiate upline & no matter how hard you work it, it just isn't going to happen and maybe it's time to move on to greener pastures. One door closes and another one opens :) I am glad you found mentoring for free.

medhat141

Kim W

Here,Here, Raymond!

This entitlement attitude is what's got us in this economic mess we're in right now everyone wants something for nothing.If you run a crappy shop why should you expect your upline to bail you out.Its not their fault its your fault,I mean yes they're there to help when needed but the initial up front work is on you.

I think the majority of people come into the network marketing industry thinking this is not a real business.First of all they don't have an entrepreneurial attitude meaning the mindset is not there and then they don't want to take the the time to develop one.

Nobody wants to help someone hows not willing to help themselves,oh ya everybody wants to give you advice but bottom line like you say "ITS YOUR BUSINESS" if you let this deadly virus infect you you're doomed for failure!

Thanks for the great summation

Thanks for the great summation of the basis for ingratitude and entitlement.  It is so easy to see in others and so difficult to see in ourselves.  

This is something that can start from such an early age in our kids and grows to larger proportions as we grow up.  Look at any 2 or 3 year old throwing a tantrum over a piece of candy they are told they can't have.  When they never learn to accept those NOs and continue to throw tantrums to get what they want this entitlement shows up.  Maybe their parents or others just kept giving in because they thought it was easier than listening to the ranting.

Now they are in our network marketing businesses or online businesses and they think they can get that special attention by whining or demanding.  Asking the question "Am I the kind of downline I would like to have?" has been a real eye opener for me.  It forces me to acknowledge when those feelings of entitlement try to sneak in.

Looking at this in terms of viral marketing or computer viruses and the way they spread is great.

Again,   thank you.

Entitlement, I was there

 Juanita Waterman- I think you missed the point of this article

I hear ya loud and clear Ray. I understand because about 6 months ago I WAS INFESTED BY THIS EXACT VIRUS.

A college kid, arrogant and ignorant to the ways of making money online I looked at my upline as vultures. Eventually I was tired of getting my bones picked clean (or so I thought those vulture were picking em clean) and really had that sense of Entitlement and let me tell everyone who may also have this virus; all this will do is slow you down.

We create our own obstacles along the path to success, but we can also remove them without having to deal with them. I got rid of this virus without even needing an anti-virus. The virus starts in your head, and it ends in your head; not with a new system and not with a new upline

Our Success Has Nothing To Do With Our Upline

In following this dicussion about entitlements and good and bad uplines it reminded me of something Mike Dillard talked about in his Magnetic Sponsoring Book.  "Your business has nothing to do with your company," and I would say it really has nothing to do with your upline.  If you have not become the Alpha leader Mike talks about it really won't matter if you have the best upline in the world or the worst.  Here's one more quote from Mike.  "Choosing the right company, with the right product, and with the right marketing system (you could also add, right upline) can help you reach your goal faster just as a sharp axe will out preform a dull one, but it will not determine your end result!" 

Need to run.  I'm off to reread Magnetic Sponsoring again.  Working on becoming that Alpha leader.

Ruth

It is EVEN bigger than the network marketing industry

The problem starts at home and has seeped into the network marketing industry.  It seems as if this generation of kids has the problem across the board, but if you look closely, there are all kinds in this generation out there who are doing things like never before.  Indigo children, I think they call them.  They are changing the way we look at things, Could it be just our perception that this generation is just expecting more and we don't have enough abundance mentality to understand that they can have what they want?  I know, as a Mom of seven (yes, 7) children, what entitlement looks like because I have been battling it for YEARS.  It seems as if the more I fight it, the worse it gets.  I have perceived that about my oldest for years…  (It does have an ugly head), but maybe we need to look at this all differently.  Maybe we need to expect more from our up line, more from our businesses…(without the blame game and ugly faces, of course!)… Crying and whining is based on fear that the person is not and will not get what they want.  Think about a kid who does not get a lollipop that he wants.  It is his perception that he will not get that lollipop that gives him pain.  Does it mean that he will not get that lollipop ever?

Of course not!  There are PLENTY of lollipops in the world….an almost endless supply.  Do you think the Mom is more likely to give that lollipop if the kids is whining and crying, or if the kid stopped and asked politely and expectantly?  I know this Mom will not budge if my kids throw a fit for a lollipop!  Such is life.  Ask and ye shall receive.  We do need to ask and expect, but nicely and with a smile.  One of my favorite things is to be able to provide lollipops without charge. :)

Alicia Bozza

Great Comments Everyone!

Ray,

 Heres my 2 cents....Mixed bag of comments here bro. Personally, I believe we are in a new era of not only marketing but of society in general... for marketing....  Special thanks to Mike Dillard, BN and all of the leaders like you, Ferny and too many awesome people to name:).... 

But as for the general sence of things..... we, those who "get it" like Perry Belcher says....are in a position to make a huge shift by truly caring for and loving(agape) people, our new friends into the new reality and inviting others to the biggest pary ever.... BTW his 2 videos are awesome....

Its all about understanding.... with a laser focus on concepts like....other's first, servitude, acceptance, love, giving first with out want...... responsibly and purposly choosing to live within the guidlines of power emotions. ( Power vs Force by David R Hawkins- must read) and foget all this other "Force" crap... don't even give the energy of thought or commentary to it...

The Key is to Stay focused on breeding and promoting the good news though networks such as this, learn how to be a leader and watch it attract. Those that get left in the dust will choke on their ways. Ignore them and eventually they will seek those in "POWER" out because they are thirsty and missing all the fun and excitement. When they decide to check it out they will not only be given enough to quench their thirst.... but will be bountifuly fed as well and as a result the shift will happen. Each of us are free to choose the path we walk and some people just love Bit**ing... let them...simply walk away and don't get infected.

Lead by example with compassion and love and you get it back 10 fold, a simple law of nature....which was what I was taught as a child and taught my children the same and you must have been taught the same as well.

That's why I feel so comfortable here... as it seems to be the general theme and nature of the network... YAY

DR Deb ND

Ray, This Article is Enlightening!

A lesson, as some have mentioned, that needs to be taught well before the age of adulthood. Its a virus that can be easily 'caught' and if left unchecked makes bratty children into the whinner and moaner we become as adults...

Some even have BIG chips on our shoulders about it too. Which is why we justify it by saying we had a$$hile uplines... but we would have known this before we join if our eyes are open.

Even if they weren't  great we could always resort to the company training, duh right?

I'm surprised you dignified Juanita's comment (I think it was just a soapbox plug for her program) with a reply thats very big of you.

Malika

Magnetic Sponsoring and Building-On-A-Budget for dummies? Learn Attraction Marketing click-by-click www.recessionproofincome.com InterNetwork Marketing = www.GetPaidToProspectOnline.com

Ray, You're a Kindred Spirit to my Late (great) Grandfather

Hey Ray,

I love the wisdom of this article. It reminds me a lot of my grandpa who passed a few years ago. He and I were really close. He was a German-American who owned several businesses throughout the course of his life. He lived through the depression, wars, trouble with the government, etc. He was a hardcore, old-school, tough SOB. And he loved to say, "Eric, no one owes you a damn thing; no one owes you s#*t." He'd tell me stories about how his parents coming over to America on the big boat, barely able to speak a lick of English just working their tails off to be able to provide an "American Education" for their son. Bottom line, we can't go on acting like pampered silly Americans. We have to take responsibility for our own success. There is no timeline on hardwork.

Thanks for digging up this wisdom. Well done and well said.

Sad to see

Wow, what a damning indictment of our society! Do so many folks really think this new generation is made up wholly of spoilt brats who believe they are 'entitled' to a free ride?

I don't see it as belonging to this generation alone. Having worked for the government I've seen many members of every generation who believe the State is responsible for keeping them, paying their bills, finding them work, (or trying to, though they have  no intention of ever working to earn money), etc.

What gets me is that folks don't understand that with 'rights' come 'responsibilities'.

Yes, you have a right to help and support from your upline. But with that right comes the responsibility of making sure you are putting in the time and effort and investment yourself. If you don't want to accept that responsibility, then kindly leave your 'rights' at the door on your way out!

And if you do everything you should and you are putting in everything you've got, and still not getting any help and support, then accept it. Unfortunately, not all folks will do things as they should. Moaning about it won't change anything. And the time you spend hounding them is time that could be better spent elsewhere.

Great article Ray.

Of course Entitlement

You're going to see more of it and it's going to get worse before it gets better. We have more and more individuals who have been laid off, downsized, etc. coming into the network marketing industry and they're going to bring their entitlement attitudes with them. As Raymond said it is their own business and until they go deep inside of themselves and confront those entitlement demons and take 110% responsibility for their situation and commit to changing it, of course Entitlement. Great article.

Entrepreneur Mindset

 Ray,

WAY TO GO, Ray! Now I see why I’m involved with you inside the SEO Mastermind Network. AND Kudos go to all the comments, especially Kevin Thomas. He pretty much hit the topic on the head.

The Blame Game

You stated, "We blame the world and we blame everybody else.  And we hardly ever look at within ourselves and perhaps wonder if it’s something we did that caused this misfortune to befalls us, that caused things not go our way." (emphasis mine)

In my ministry with people, I've heard it many times:

• The government owes it to me.
• I'm good, God owes me, so why am I in this mess?
• I've got to blame someone...I hurt too much.
• It's all his fault that our marriage is failing.
• It's not my fault, it's my neighborhood's fault.
• Wait, you don't understand my situation.
• Hey, you're not in my shoes, man!
• I live in America, I'm entitled to something good here.

This list can go on & on. You've all probably heard these types of comments as well and could add some.

Where I've experienced this "attitude of entitlement" the most is with the handicapped and disabled. As a (dis)-ABLED pastor & entrepreneur, I've seen, first-hand, the disgruntled & heard the above comments. So unfortunate!

Why so much blame? Why are so many wanting to blame someone  else for his or her situation? A few guesses:

• Fear
• Denial
• Hatred
• Confusion
• Grief
• Plain evil
• Envy
• Frustration
• Ignorance
• Selfishness 

One of the reasons for starting the “(dis)-ABLED for Success” discussion group was to help others experience victory over handicap & disabled issues. They don’t have to play the “blame game” any more nor feel like they’re “entitled.” People can make positive choices & possess positive attitudes.  It’s their CHOICE. 

Entitled To An Opportunity

Referring to the Brats, Divas, etc. Ray stated, “And what happens when we don’t get our way, we don’t get what we ‘think’ we are entitled to, that we’ve taken for granted?  We whine.  We b*tch.”

Wait-a-minute! No Entitlements? Are you a Republican? :) HA! HA! 'little humor...no offence   anyone! I'm actually Republican strongly leaning towards Independent.  

Begs to question, why do people “think” they are entitled to anything? Yes, we live in a free country that allows us opportunity to make $$, be our own boss, etc. But, this opportunity takes a CHOICE…not entitlements.

With that said, I believe that if we’re entitled to anything, it’s an opportunity. We have freedom and the CHANCE to have a choice to decide what we’re going to do with our lives.

However, I don’t know how much longer we’ll have that chance. Time is tickin’ & it extremely  concerns me (socialism anyone?).

There may come a day when we CAN’T use this community site because it will be AGAINST THE LAW! Let’s fight for our rights  NOW to fight the “virus.” 

Hold On (Help is on the Way)...

(reminiscing ofWhitney Houston's song from "Preacher's Wife." )   

Ray, I couldn't agree with you more when you stated, 

"Look, don’t get me wrong.  Uplines are suppose to help you, yes, that’s why they are your upline.  But for the same reason that got you so excited to join your MLM, which is to own your own business, is the same reason why you need to rely on yourself to help yourself.  It’s YOUR OWN BUSINESS!"

To  reiterate others' comments, my personal point of view is that uplines are important and can be very useful to someone’s success.

• Are they ultimately necessary? No.
• Are you totally responsible to them? NO!

Ultimately, you are responsible to yourself for your business.

No one else makes the decisions for you. Therefore, have an Entrepreneur Mindset & attitude as Kevin mentioned.

 Conclusion

 As Americans, what are we really entitled to?

• An Opportunity to be Free to make choices!

What about all those that gripe and want entitlements?

• As Dr. Deb stated, truly care and love (agape) people anyway.

(By the way, don’t be fooled or mocked, agape love comes ONLY from the heart of God. We don’t have it within ourselves. If we did, the world would already be an utopia…look around, it’s not!)

If you are fortunate to have an excellent and honest upline, learn from them. Learn what really works and acquire what can be duplicated.

Remember that YOU are ultimately responsible for your success in life.

You CAN succeed without an upline or support team. However, it won’t be as easy without one.

 One last thought… 

                                          Give people, give!!!!

People, don’t be moochers. According to Apostle Paul in Acts 20:35, he stated that, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

Thanks for the comment

Thanks for the comment all!  :)

@Tom the sad thing about those bottom fishers are that they are giving the legit business a bad name... MLM is automatically a ponzi scheme in many people's eyes now :(  But then again, think of it as a way to filter out the non-believers and those who would be easily swayed

@Dean Yes, uplines can be jerks too :)  They are humans too.  I appreciate your attitude.  When life throws challenges at you, you can either shrivel up and wet yourself in the corner, or you can stand up for yourself and overcome the challenges.  Great job choosing the latter of the two.

@Kim WANTING is fine... I agree with you that it comes down to how you go about achieving that want.  It's been my dream to get a Ferrari (and gosh darn it I am gonna get one) but I am not exactly sitting on my butt praying one'd fall out of the sky in front of me.  Although that'd be stupid since then it'd probably be broken and kill me...

@Kevin totally agree - it is indeed YOUR business; too many folks want handouts

@Debby seriously... when will they start making adults go to "parenting school" BEFORE being allowed to give births?  I've had the preveilege to talk to some parents who are wealthy (so their kids are born into wealth) and learning the techniques these parents use to prevent their kids from adopting the entitlement attitude; so yeah, parents have a lot to do with this nasty mentality

@Nathaniel love it: "we create our own obstacles along the path to success" - totally agree.  There are millions of reasons to not do something...  It takes only one excuse to quit, to fail.  

@Ruth I see your point Ruth - ultimately it's about you and up to you.  However, I'd like to expand this whole "upline" concept a bit to "mentors".  Your upline, a good one anyway, is suppose to be your mentor.  He/she is suppose to bring you up to speed a LOT faster than if you did so yourself (like you quoted).  Heck, I learned a LOT from my uplines (and the system)... who knows where I'd be if I didn't plug in and listen closely to my uplines as they taught me personal, communication, and business skills.  They pointed the way and it was up to me walk that way.

Like John Maxwell says.. "“There is no such thing as a self-made man."

@Alicia well said :)  7 kids, wow...  just wow.  I have hard enough time taking care of myself!  ;P  The bottom line is, learn to change thyself before trying to change others.  Look within yourself first.

@Deb totally agree, don't let others' negativity slow you down.  Which ties back to "who do you think your upline is going to spend time with, someone who has a great attitude and listens or someone with a crappy attitude..?"  And yes, that's the point of BN.com, to promote great attitude :)

@Malika yes, a lot of responsibilities fall on the parents, which make me fear for the NEXT generation since that generation parents will be composed of this generation, of which so many are infected by this dreadful virus.  OUCH.  

In life, there are bound to be misundestandings, and that's what that was, nothing more :)

@Eric dude, that's the same attitude I was raised to respect, no one owes you s**t.  Reading your comment gave me goosebumps, sounds like your late great grandfather was an amazing man.  I came here to the States when I was 9 from Taiwan, and learned early on that I had to EARN everything.  They didn't call this the Land of Opportunity (NOT Handouts) for nothing.  And they STILL call it the Land of Opportunity - too many of us forget I think.

@Susan love the part about the right to help and support from your upline but that comes with the responsibility of doing the work.  

@Simone scary thought...

@Robert "I believe that if we’re entitled to anything, it’s an opportunity."  Totally agree - the Land of Opportunity, not Handouts.  I love how you broke the "blame game" down.  Looking forward to some kickbutt time in SEO Networker :)

Raymond

An excellent article and in my humble opinion the "bottom feeders" are simply people who have no concept that network marketing is a business.  There is a different mind set from a paid employee entitled to a cheque to the mindset of an owner.  Network marketers need to learn first that they are business owners.  In business to change their financial future.  Too many have no idea where their efforts and their focus should be. 

Basic business courses should be manditory when anyone signs up for a network marketing opportunity and that would weed out the ones who are not serious about building a business. 

To your success,

Joyce Penner

Love The Analogy

What a great article Raymond, perhaps you should get *pissed* more often?

And I have to agree with an earlier comment... it's escaped the bounds of Network Marketing. I see it in the *kids* coming up through the ranks in all sorts of businesses. Even my daughter and grandkids appear to be suffering from it's effects.

Not sure where THAT came from since they SEE me working for it.

Raymond, I appreicate you taking the time to warn us about this deadly virus. I for one, am gonna go innoculate myself with a big dose of Mindset Adjustment to ensure I remain immune.

Cenay'

BE THE CHANGE!!

What a great article and what tremendous responses...

It made me want to contribute in a way that will BE THE CHANGE!  BEING THE EXAMPLES of how fulfilling smart, hard, service focused and productive consistent work can be! 

Be proactive...by being creative, by sharing as we grow...newbies and vets..by putting your self in the company of those who have done what you want to do...and then DO IT.  Then SHARE IT and pass the GIFT on... 

LEAD BY POSITIVE EXAMPLE and BE THE CHANGE in our forum, in our businesses and in our WORLD!!

Have a great day!

Wow... you gotta read this

Just got this from Eben Pagan's Twitter:

http://ebenpagan.wordpress.com/2008/12/18/a-conversation-ill-never-forget/

It illustrates the attitude of someone who's not struck by this virus, definitely give it a good read.

Raymond Fong

I Think Uplines Need to Pay More Attention to their Downline

Hi Raymond,

Thank you for your post.  This is true in some instances some people are just flat out lazy. What uplines are supposed to be doing is mentoring their downline members.  Many persons benefit from upline leadership and mentorship and others are just left out in the cold.  I was one left out in the cold because my upline did not take the time learn about the business and I was completely new to network marketing.  Things only started to improve after I began searching for information on network marketing myself. 

I will continue to teach myself along the way, but it takes that much longer when you are trying to train yourself.  When you have an experienced upline training and mentoring you, you are able to succeed much easier.

Rosanne Reid

God Bless You!

Wanetta you did the right thing

I don't know how long it took you to give up on your upline, or how much money you spent, but it was worth every penny. That is if i didn't misread your present attitude. It has ben a while sense i have heard such passion and determination. I would also venture to say that the shody treatment you recieved at the hands of your former upline is responsable for fine tuning your attitude. Anyone in marketing will probably tell you that attitude more than any other thing will make or break you. No one will succed in any business until they learn how to learn more from their mistakes than from their sucesses. So don,t waste another minute stewing about the past. Do exactly what you said you would do. Work smart and leave your former upline in the dust. Oh yeah by the way Ray is also rite in most cases i have seen.

Not Alone

I went the other extreme when I started MLM. Not feeling worthy of my upline's time because I was so NEW .... I made slow progress. Finally my mentor called and said, Connie ... You CANNOT do this alone. I listened. I moved close to the fire. When I joined I was at the lowest low of my life. Working two jobs and then my network marketing business every spare moment I had left. I was overwhelmed. I have learned to pace myself, I have learned to be coachable and listen. Since August my business has taken off and it is because I have risen and learned and apply action to my plan. I read The Slight Edge everyday. In the end, I am a much better person than I was a year ago and people want to join me. I am a leader and a mentor that others now seek. I will be forever grateful to my patient and wonderful upline. They are my forever friends, they are my family. They never gave up on me, they believed in me more than I ever believed in myself. Page 41 of Success in 10 Steps is ripped out and carried everywhere with me as a reminder.

Connie Loeschen

Enjoy Life and Live Your Dreams 

I am.

Baby Boomers to Generation X

Entitlement came along with the advent of electronic media and the influence of TV, my parents built everything they owned with blood, sweat, and tears.  I read my mothers journal after she passed, and didn't have a clue of the struggles they faced before I was even a wink in my father's eye. They raised eight kids on next to nothing, had no debt, paid cash for everything. That was their greatest example to us kids, one that I chose to ignore...

We've been conditioned to believe our exsistance is owed to us, because we live in the U.S.A, the land of entitlement... I've lived and worked in the 3rd world countries, and seen poverty most Americans can't even imagine.  Or if they do, its coming from the TV, they don't see it, hear it, smell it, or feel it in the heart when a homeless child holds a hand out for a scrap to eat.  No programs, no welfare, other than the city landfill that offers free for the picking.

Yes, it bleeds into every aspect of our lives, including our Network Marketing Business.  It's a hard habit to break, as shown by the chosen "Phrase of the Year" BAILOUT! I'm guilty of this scourge, and have restructured my life to eliminate the deadly virus that threatens the prosperity of each and every one of us.

My team is there for me, and helping me to grow into prosperity, to get my mind straight, and open the belief valve of divine abundance. Entitlement has no place in the group, its like trying to burn water!  Feed you head and heart and get busy, who has time to wait, whine and complain?

Thanks again Raymond, Happy Holidays and a most Abundant and Prosperous New Year!

Great reply, Doctor Deb!

I like your statement, "those who "get it" like Perry Belcher says....are in a position to make a huge shift by truly caring for and loving(agape) people". That's where the rubber meets the road. We cannot make it happen in Network Marketing without HELPING people!

Great point

Great article Ray! I totally agree that whether you make it or not is ENTIRELY upto you. In saying that i have a great upline and support system and training, and that is vital as well.

But so many people expect to be baby sat and spoon feed success. Well it just doesn't work like that. I'm sure with your attitude you are having great success, so congratulations!