Online Business Mentor: Mike Klingler of Renegade University
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For me, and I know for many of you, one of the standout online business mentors has been Mike Klingler, founder of Renegade University and Marketing Merge Professional.
I got to meet Mike during a recent visit to Oregon and have gotten lots of emails from folks wondering what he is like in person. I have to admit, it was kind of fun posting this article with the tag "MLM News > Gossip." While Mike Klingler certainly represents the kind of leadership we all look for when it comes to online business mentors, and has put The Law of Attraction to literal use - I didn't want to write a dry article about yet another industry leader.
So, I'm channeling my "inner Oprah" and reporting the lighter side of meeting someone who has had such a huge influence on my life and my home business in person for the first time.
All week, Portland had been dealing with a huge accumulation of snow and ice. A state of emergency was declared for the part of the city where Mike makes his home. So, instead of meeting for dinner as originally planned, we wound up meeting at the airport.
Some time ago, I had gotten a new outfit which I had planned to wear when I met Mike for the first time. But when the day actually arrived, I was in my travel clothes and weary from trekking three hours over 40 miles of icy roads. Mike was bearded and as he put it "scruffy looking" from having been snowbound for so long.
We used our cell phones to find each other in the airport and when we got within sight of each other there was an instant recognition. I have to say "scruffy" never looked so good as it did when I laid eyes on Mike Klingler!
I have been fortunate to meet several of my online business mentors and I have learned so much from each one; but with Mike it was different. Mike's teachings and guidance through Marketing Merge Professional have made him a part of my daily life. I know his voice, his philosophies, his leadership skills, and even a little about his family. So this was much more like meeting with an old friend.
We sat down at a little coffee stop in the airport and my husband and son happily went off to do some ever exciting airport shopping while Mike and I talked.
I know my daughter, Kendall, was especially thrilled with the set of fake mustaches she received for Christmas thanks to that particular shopping spree! My family has a bit of a warped sense of humor, and I'm sure she will find all kinds of uses for the mustaches...don't ask...I'll save it for another article!
Sitting across the table from Mike, I was impressed by the warmth of his personality. He is so genuine and unassuming - very much the way he comes across when giving a live webinar. We talked about business, of course, and he gave me some suggestions on a couple of projects I am working on.
But what I found most rewarding was listening to him talk about the dreams he has which go beyond his business life. One of the great things about becoming successful in your business is that it gives you the means to pursue other passions. For Mike Klingler, those passions include making a difference in our country's leadership and environmental issues.
Some of his plans are as yet unformed, just the beginning glimmers of what he would like to do. But I remember Diyana Alcheva saying to me once, "When Mike Klingler starts to think about something he would like to do, get ready because it's going to happen." The Law of Attraction at work.
I think Mike has been as successsful as he is because he embodies what he teaches. It's easy to say that you should always keep your prospect's needs at the forefront, and not your own agenda. But when you listen to Mike Klingler speak, you realize that helping others is his agenda.
He started out wanting to help his own network marketing team achieve the kind of success he was experiencing. Then he realized he could reach out and help network marketers in general. From there he found people in other small businesses in need of guidance. Now his audience is global and his goals have become global as well.
As I sat across the table from this young man with a tiny smattering of freckles just under his eyes, I saw all the things I hope for my own son. Colin, at twenty-two, is just now sorting out what he wants to do with his life. He is full of questions and looking for answers - especially looking for ways he can make his time on earth count for something. Mike shared that Colin is asking the same kinds of questions he asked at that age.
Mike is going to be able to start acting on those early dreams and effectively find solutions to some of the problems he sees as most pressing. Those of us who have benefited from his leadership will not only be able to say how much he has helped us individually, but there will come a time when we will see that his impact was far greater than we imagined.
And because we were fortunate enough to have been inspired by him, I have a feeling a number of tomorrow's leaders will be discovered amongst us as well!
So there you have it. I finally got to meet Mike Klingler...and it was all I hoped it would be!
To your success and happiness!
About the Author: Barbara Silva
Company: Barbara Silva Consulting
I'm a Distributor For:: Send Out Cards
Industry: Coach
Primary Web Site: http://www.how-to-market-guide.com
Mike Klingler
Barbara,
Great article. I enjoyed my reading. Your arcticle wasn't a dry at all. I anticipated each sentence as I read it. Also, how you descibe Mike Klingler, thats how I imagine him. He comes across as a genuine person. Its good you had an amazing meeting with Mike Klingler.
Thanks For Sharing...
Donna Wells
What a Year !
Barb
What a year you have had ! You have met some great people and had so many experiences to write about. I just smiled when I saw you had the chance to meet up with Mike. I think it would be fun for all the Renegades to be able to meet one day. Wouldn't that be a huge gathering !
Cheers to you !
Angela Brooks
www.angelabrook.com
Renegade Reunion
Angela and Donna,
You are two of the people I would love to meet up with in 2009! I think it would be great to have a live Renegade seminar - we could have some of our top people present and of course, everyone would benefit from getting to see Mike and Didi in person. I missed Didi by an hour - I was so upset because I just love her and want to give her a great big hug in person!
2008 was definately a great year for me and I look for more excitement coming up. Thank you both for your support and online friendship. Here's to the party of the century!
Barbara
How Fun and Exciting
Barbara,
Thank you for sharing that. I just knew that Mike would be as he is in his tutorials and webinars. There is something to be said about being true to yourself and it is also something that one cannot fake. As Angela said "you have had a big year" in meeting with some of the best.
Thank again.....Here is to 2009.
Angela James
very enjoyable!
Barbara,
Thanks for this update! Your writing is so refreshing and definitely unstuffy!
Dayna
Sweeet!
Barbara,
Right on! You tell the story so well. Great recount of your time with the one and only Mike Klingler. You mentioned a Renegade seminar...I'd love to see that happen. Let me know if I can help.
I'm genuinely happy for your safe travels and opportunities you've had in 2008, and can't wait to see what you do in 2009. I can speak for many, but personally, connecting with you has been a blessing in more ways than one.
Happy New Year Barbara.
Thanks for Sharing Barbara
Barbara,
What a wonderful article? I enjoyed reading this very much & sometimes felt like I was sitting across Mike Klingler.
I knew that Mike would be exactly how you have described him!
I recently completed Eben Pagan's "Wakeup Productive" course and on week 12 (last week of the course) was on the 23rd of this month. One of the exercises he gave was to write down the names of three people who we admire & respect the most.
The second person who came to mind & I wrote down was Mike Klingler. The reason I have written down was "Mike is patient, genuine and I can feel & hear in his voice his love to see his students succeed".
Wow.. so got to see the man himself!
I know its a long way for me to come from New Zealand, but if we have a gathering that would be wonderful!
The best part is I am confident that I can make it (I mean I'll have the $$ to pay for!) with all the things that I am learning at Renegade University!
Damayanthi
Wow Barbara! What a Year!
Well girlfriend you have had one incredible year! You've met Robert Kiyosaki, Eben, Pagan, Mike Dillard and Mike Klingler! You've interviewed Ann Sieg for your e-book and that's just what immediately came to mind!
I smiled as I read about your meeting with Mike; you can just tell that what you hear is what you get. I got that from talking to him on the phone; he was exactly the same as he is on a webinar. Mike is so genuine and has such tremendous vision that people can't help but be attracted to him. My upline warned me that you can't hug a computer, meaning that you can't build relationships online. They obviously hadn't met Mike Klingler!
Thanks Barbara - 2 thumbs up for Mike.
I loved reading your story, it's great. I have found Mike to be about as down to earth as they come. What I've found to be true about Mike, is he's accessible. I remember earlier this year, when I didn't realize the product of RU as being what it was, I sent him an email through youtube. He answered back, I responded, he responded.
When I realized who he was, I just thought, "wow", he took the time to answer me. Since then, he's helped me tweak an article and a few things but I'm just blown away as his servanthood and being touchable. I can relate to him, he's comfortable, he's just a great mentor and leader.
I wish for Mike that all his dreams come to pass and Barbara, I appreciate you too. I enjoyed our first call together, I hope we can get connect again.
Great Picture!
What I really love about that picture of Mike is that he looks so....normal. He just looks like one of the guys I'd have over to the house for a barbecue, or for poker night or something.
At the risk of stereotyping, I have to say this is a welcome change from what I've seen of many of the most successful of the traditional network marketers. Now, obviously this doesn't apply to all of them, but some of them just look...well, not quite right.
You know how in Men in Black the alien wore Egger's skin as a suit? Well, some network marketers look to me like they are doing just that, except they are wearing the skin of a televangelist, if that makes sense.
Wow, sorry for the late night digression. The point is, Mike has always struck me as a pretty normal guy, but just incredibly observant and focused in what he does. It's nice to hear he represented the same way for your meeting.
Oh, regarding a Renegade University get-together, I vote for San Diego!
Lane Reiss
Lane, I know exactly what
Lane, I know exactly what you mean about the Men in Black reference. I'm still giggling it's so apt! As I said in the article, I had big plans for being all "gussied up" when I met Mike - new outfit, hair all perfect, great makeup - instead I was...well...you see in the photo. Then again, "Bug" was my favorite character in the movie.
Still, I like this pic because it is what it is. And that's what we're trying to do - to represent ourselves honestly - not perfect, not manufactured, just real people out there making a living and trying to help others do the same.
Btw, does your suggestion for San Diego mean you're offering to host?
Barbara
What a great picture
Barbara it makes me think of all the snow storms that I went through in northern Indiana (no I don't miss them). Sometimes just to get over to see a friend after a storm was a huge task and the picture shows it.
You are a great example of how one person can affect another person's life in such a positive way. I have to say Mike is in my opinion the very best in teaching internet marketing. All the best to you and the University Gang this upcoming year
Robert, I really appreciate
Robert,
I really appreciate your comments - I am the eternal optimist and I see so many good things in the future despite the dismal economic news. As Irene Kirkman commented above, you really CAN hug a computer - we can enrich one another's lives in such stupendous ways - not just in business, but in friendship and that's what a lot of this business has been about for me. People like Mike Klingler inspire and enable us to find ways to improve our own situations and then to better the world at large. Powerful stuff.
Barbara
My Experience Meeting Barbara
Before we met at the airport I was disappointed Barbara and I couldn't spend more time catching up as we had planned--Barbara has helped Marketing Merge on a lot of projects and is a big part of the success we've had. We've become good friends by phone and email... and all of that carried over right away as we chatted at that small coffee table. So we actually ended up meeting at the airport just before her flight back home... and still it seemed like it worked out perfectly.
A few days before her planned arrival in Portland we were all set to meet for lunch, and wouldn't you know it, I became sick as a dog and on top of it we had the worst snow storm here since 1968 around the same moment she arrived.
So between me being sick and the storm, we had to cancel plans and 'played it by ear' to see if we could meet somewhere somehow. When it came time that she was leaving, I wasn't about to miss my last chance to see her off at the airport, and since I had promised to take Didi there to catch her flight earlier that day I just stuck around until Barbara showed up, so it worked out like a perfect plan.
As the picture shows all too well, I wasn't in the best of condition and all I can say is that this is one of those rare times where I'm grateful for over-the-counter medications (which I typically would not endorse... in fact, before this last cold I would have sworn against it).
Taking Didi to the airport that morning felt like climbing Mt. Everest. I crawled out of bed with one of those rare throbbing headaches, which led to a dash to the medicine cabinet where I took 3 aspirin with eyes half shut, downed some cough syrup (never take that stuff but didn't want to cough all over everyone)... popped some Sudafed (without even checking if those 3 drugs mix), and then drank a cup of green tea with raw honey to give my body a fighting chance for 'real' healing. From the moment I woke up I'd guess about 15 minutes passed before I was scraping ice off the car windshield (using some utensil I found in the kitchen because all the ice scrapers were sold out) with a mouthful of Ricola's (cough drops), where just the night before I had spent 3 hours with a camping shovel moving snow under my wheels because my 4 wheel drive invincible snow mobile was stuck!
But getting Didi to the airport was a must because she really didn't have any other reliable way there with so much snow on the ground. In fact I'd bought chains that night before (the reason I was shoveling snow) so I could get chains to take her to the airport and see Barbara. I should mention that the main stores around here were all sold out of chains and by the time I found a store that had them I had to pay 3x the price because they knew that I knew that they could take my wallet in exchange for those chains! I got stuck about 4 times while running between stores to find those chains so I would have paid just about any price. I won't even go into what it was like putting those chains on... of course they're "real easy" to put on (so they say when you buy them) but not when it's so dark you can't see behind the wheel where you attach the chains. Putting the chains on was a story in and of itself. What a night!
So as you can see, I was determined to get to that airport. Both Barbara and Didi have contributed significantly to Marketing Merge and I wasn't about to let Didi miss her flight to visit family in Bulgaria... this was like a mission -- had to be done! I'm glad we pulled it off. I owe it to a camping shovel, the price gouging store with snow chains, 3 synergistically leveraged over-the-counter medications, and the completely coincidental fact that Didi and Barbara's flights were around the same time at the airport.
I'm grateful it worked out like it did so I was able to meet Barbara, finally in person.
I've learned as much if not more from Barbara as she says she has from me. Barbara has gone from being a 'newbie' in Internet marketing, originally wanting to learn how she can build her network marketing business, to now having her own book and affiliate program, as well as making a huge impact for others she coaches, both in and outside the networking industry.
What has been most exciting to watch is how she's moved beyond the MLM industry with the opportunity now to teach this stuff to chiropractors and other 'groups' -- with Robert Kiyosaki's chiropractor himself eager to introduce her to his colleagues. Her passion is teaching and she's learned how to apply that passion to what she has learned in business and marketing, while making the money doing what she loves--that's a great combination and watching Barbara accomplish this has inspired me to create an entirely new product -- I'll be focusing even more on teaching others how to do what Barbara has done, but in their own way, taking advantage of their preferences, strengths, etc. I'm looking forward to working with Barbara more and will hopefully be JV'ing with her on a number of projects in the future.
Anyway, thanks for the great story Barbara about our little moment of chance at the airport, and thank you to everyone who has shared their appreciation of me--it really does feel good to hear it!
Enjoy the process-- you never know how things will turn out exactly. But if you have intention and go after it, you'll get to the destination you seek!
Partners in success (the real kind where money meets fulfillment in what you do),
Mike Klingler
See what I mean?
This is the perfect example of what I was trying to describe about Mike Klingler, the man. As you can see from his comment above, there was every reason for him to beg off and stay in bed to feel better. Since this was a relapse from a previous cold, it probably would have been a better choice, healthwise.
But Mike had Didi depending on him. Public transport was pretty much shut down and I know Mike didn't want her attempting to drive herself to the airport after all the problems he had. I don't think any of us would like to think of Didi stuck in the snow, missing the long awaited reunion with her family in Bulgaria.
And then, sick as he was, he stayed at the airport for quite a long time waiting for me to arrive since it took us forever to make our way there from Salem.
There are real relationships to be made on the internet with wonderful people. Most are more than willing to share what they've learned - there's enough business to go around, helping others is not only smart but rewarding in many many unexpected ways.
Look to the people who are leveraging their time and resources by collaborating with others in the community. You don't have to go it alone. If money is short, go back to the old "bartering" system. If you are a great writer and understand SEO, but are clueless when it comes to html; find someone with the opposite problem. Together, you become a powerful team.
We, as a community, have an incredible window of opportunity - when we work together, we will all benefit. More importantly, we will be able to help literally thousands of newbies just starting out.
Be generous and you will wake with a smile on your face every single morning!
Barbara
Wow talk about persistence
Wow talk about persistence and determination I've always believed that this is what exemplifies the true essence of a human being no excuses just make it happen.
Barbara congratulations on meeting Mike Klingler,man what a year you've had looking forward to more of your experiences in 09.Looking at that picture of Mike reminds me of myself after a long weekend of working on content and various other network marketing activities beard and all.
And Mike thanks for taking care of these two wonderful young ladies,they've contributed so much to the success of Marketing Merge and Renegade University and I can honestly say and I think you'd agree we would all be lost without them.
Thanks, Kevin
Kevin, thank you so much for your sweet thoughts - Mike did, indeed take care of both Didi and I - he even carried my extremely heavy briefcase for me through the airport. I was a bit embarrassed later when I realized I inadvertantly huffed and puffed as I was trying to tug it off the table - but Mike was there to the rescue! Usually I have it sitting on my rolling suitcase, so it's not so bad, but this time I had checked my larger bag. My son carried it for me most of the trip, but Mike stepped in when needed!
I look forward to all the things I know you will be bringing to our business in 2009 - after all, I've had a "sneak peak" on a couple of your articles, hee hee, so I know there are goodies in store for your readers!
Barbara
Thanks for Sharing Barbara
That was one great story, Barbara; and this thread is as inspiring as I'm sure your meeting Mike was. [BTW Mike, I can relate to the scruffy look. I think I've had the same cold for about a month now.]
Referring to Marketing Merge, this year has been a real eye-opener for me, a whole new way of looking at the world; and credit goes to Mike Klingler for that. I teach college microbiology, and Mike's example as a teacher and mentor have meant more to me than all the IM nuts and bolts combined. Don't get me wrong...MM Pro has been the only true example of over-delivering that I've seen this past year in the IM training niche. This has been a year of trial and error for me, but Marketing Merge is the ONLY training program I plan to continue with (at my own snail's pace :-)).
Last note: every one of you on this thread have become real people to me over the past year. It's been a real pleasure getting to know you...I'm looking forward to the coming year with Mike and all of you.
Craig
Online Friends
Well said, Craig. You were among the first friends I made at Marketing Merge and I value that relationship very highly. Helping us to form these networks is part of the great value MM has given us, including bringing us to BetterNetworker to expand those connections to include a wider community.
Your students are very lucky to have you - those who seek out great mentors become great mentors!
Barbara
Friends Without Ever Meeting
Hi Barbara,
I enjoyed your article, as I have others you have shared. You offer much to the network marketing industry.
It was fun reading about your visit with Mike Klingler. Network marketing does connect people in such a way that we can actually know someone and feel like long-time friends without ever meeting them in person. I had this experience when I got to spend time with Ann Sieg in 2005 and again in 2007.
Both Mike and Ann have provided tremendous opportunities to so many by setting out to fulfill their dreams, not without a lot of hard work, and then sharing what they have learned with the rest of us.
Barbara, I look forward to reading more of your articles in the future.
Nancy Christenson
Great Story
Barbara,
We haven't met yet but I feel I know you just as I feel I know so many people I interact with at RU. Marketing Merge has been a life saver for me and Mike Klingler has never ceased to amaze me at the amount of incredible information he has offered and how genuinely he wants others to succeed. I am excited about the prospects for 2009 and plans for Marketing Merge. By the way, if there is a seminar, count me in - I would love meeting everyone I have interacted with over the last few months in person. My vote - anywhere warm (Florida comes to mind!)
Meeting Ann Sieg
Ann is on my list, for sure! The Renegade Network Marketer was the first real help that I got in this industry. I've had the priviledge of speaking with Ann by phone, and she granted me an interview for Romancing the Sale, but I have yet to meet her in person. Maybe 2009 is the year!
I'm happy you've had the opportunity, Nancy. I'd love to hear all about it!
Barbara
Fantastic Meeting!
It is so wonderful for you to share your meeting with Mike. We all wish we were in your shoes!
The mystery called Mike no longer exists...he's a real person who gets a snotty nose, sore throat and road blocks like snow stroms and illness, just like the rest of us.
Someday we will all have to get together knowing how much we all play a part in the success of others, all through 'attraction' and 'sharing'.
I thank you and Mike and everyone else in the Marketing Merge community for sharing and making such a difference in the success for all.
Deb
Get healthy Mike
Sorry to hear you have been sick Mike. I have lots of healthy tips for you if you are interested. I did not miss you because we , ourselves have been away for 6 weeks.
Thanks Barbara, for your lively article about Mike. He sounds just like I would think he is from all the interesting things I have heard. Just wish my old brain was sharp enough to be able to follow all of the tips. I know they are most helpful to all of you good folks who are learning so well from his pen. Keep up the good work and much success to both of you in this New Year of 2009. Jonibee
Humor - Community - Growth - Fun
Barbara,
I am so glad you and Mike were able together and meet him in person -it was a miracle! Having just moved from Seattle and lived in Vancouver, WA (kind of a Portland suburb) I know it is definitely unusual to have had the snow and ice challenges to get around this year -it has been wild in the Northwest. You both have a great sense of humor and determination. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
You really know how to write well and capture the importance of our community. I, too, have met Mike and have followed him for several years now as he has continued to tweak and clarify internet concepts. I agree that what is unique about Mike in the business world is that he is genuine and warm. Another quality about Mike is that he does not quit and is a risk taker - such an example.
A Toast to 2009 For Success!
Kathy
Word of a Charming Woman
Barbara,
Your description of your meet with Mike, made me feel I was there with you. Mike couldn't had a better person to write about there first face to face meeting with him. To bad the weather wasn't better for you.
I hope you didn't catch what Mike had. He looks tired.
Thanks for sharing that day with us.
Rallie
I'm Tickled Pink for You!
Barbara,
I am so thrilled that you finally got to meet Mr. Mike face to face! You have been waiting for this day for such a long time and I loved reading about your time together. I have to say, the picture says it all about how poorly Mike was feeling but he was a real trooper for getting to the airport with Didi and then hanging around to meet up with you.
I know that when we spoke on the phone, you had just recently posted the picture and when I pulled it up to take a peek I had to laugh! To say he felt lousy comes across loud and clear! I said it looked like he had been at a bachelor party all weekend! (he probably would have had more fun too!)
You are a constant source of inspiration for me and so many others. It's nice to hear that Mike is just a regular kind of guy because this is what comes across during all the trainings I've taken of his at the Renegade University. My goal is to one day be sitting down with you, Mike AND Didi!!
Happy New Year!
LeeAnn
Hi Barbara! I've been
Hi Barbara!
I've been missing Mike, knowing that he was sick but still missing his "online presence," which is in his case, the real Mike. Can't say that about too many people but we can all say that about him.
But now it's great because, thanks to you, here you both are! Right here in my little PC. I have so many friends in this thing.
I love the picture of you two and love hearing all about that day from you both! It's always sooo great to read anything you write because for one thing, we all know that your "online presence" is the real Barbara, too.
You are a blessing to know. Happy New Year!
Terri
Aren't We Lucky?
I sincerely hope each of you is experiencing the warmth of friendship extended as you read the comments. What I like most about attraction marketing (besides escaping the feeling that I'm bugging someone with my sales pitch!) is that like attracts like. Look at the incredible people who have responded to this article about Mike Klingler! Leaders, one and all.
I especially want to encourage anyone new to the industry or not yet getting the results they'd like - maybe you have read the posts, but not commented. I would highly recommend connecting with the people above - they are all willing to give of themselves to help others. What grand company!
Thanks
Thank you for sharing your meeting with Mike. I have just recently stumbled upon him and Marketing Merge. He seems like a genuine guy and by your account, he is. Nice article.
Utroy Webster