That’s a really good question! Over the years our family has lost numerous computors, printers, scanners and monitors to a power surge. Yes, we had them plugged into surge protectors and thought they were safe. However, as we found out surge protectors protect a computer only one time. Once a power surge went through, they’re done*. You might as well plug your computer (or any other electronics like tv, scanner, printer, etc.) straight into the wall outlet.

A few years back, after our 3rd of 4th computer had been fried by a power surge, we called Juvio to find out if any of the data could be saved. That’s when the technician there gave us the great advice to invest into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Battery Backup Surge Protector. Ever since all our electronics have been plugged into APC Surge Protectors.

Well, until two weeks ago, when I found my computer plugged into a regular surge protector strip by our son, after coming back from vacation. By the time I noticed it, it was too late. That afternoon we had numerous power surges and I just knew I had lost yet another computer. I unplugged it immediately and when I tried to turn it back on a few hours later there was no sign of life. Hoping for a miracle, I tried a couple of more times during the week. Nothing. The results were always the same.

So, my husband and I went out and bought – yet another – computer. When we took it to Best Buy to have the old data transfered over to the new computer we were in for a big surprise. As soon as the technician hooked it up and turned on the power…it came back to life and started right up. How could that be? I had tried the same thing several times at home to no avail. Even changed power cords. It was dead. (Funny thing, the same thing had happened to the young lady infront of us in the customer service line.) But whatever had happened, I was very happy that it worked and I still had all my data.

The tech told us that sometimes that happens after power surges hit a computer. Guess we were lucky. He also reaffirmed the importance of having your electronics plugged into uninterruptible power supply so they receive an even amount of power. No spikes, no lowes. Spikes from power surges can destroy electronics…as we found out numerous times.

You can find APC Surge Protectors at Best Buy and Walmart.

P.S. * As we found out from our friendly tech at Best Buy, there are also new (regular) surge protectors now that do work more than once and have a “reset” button. However, they do not protect your computer more than a couple of times. So, since there’s not that much difference in price you might as well invest in an uninterruptible power supply surge protector.

I would love to hear your comments. Especially if something similar has happened to you.

I know I am the only person on the planet this happens to, but I still want to share it with you. Just in case it will ever happen to you too….Procrastination.

Lately I have gotten into the habit of using “post-it” notes to write my “To Do” lists and then stick them on my computer in hopes to get things done. Well, other than clutter up my computer or monitor not much else happens as most of the items on those lists are things I don’t like to do in the first place. Then a week or so later, I take those post-it notes down and… replace them with new ones.

In the past I used to do those things I didn’t like to do first so I could get them out of the way. But in recent years (I hate to admit it) procrastination got the better of me.

Well, if you have a problem, try eating it. Brian Tracy wrote a fantastic little book called “Eat That Frog. 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less time.”

Watch “Eat That Frog”, a short little movie that I know you will enjoy.

“You cannot eat every tadpole and frog in the pond, but you can eat the biggest and ugliest one.”

So, what do you say? Let’s eat that frog together, shall we?

1. Focus on what the prospect wants not what you want.
2. Recruit through their eyes not yours.
3. Use the word “you” at least 4 times. Use it more than you use me or I.
4. Paint word pictures. Use phrases like…”What would it be like if…
5. Don’t use Network Marketing Lingo.
6. Double the size of your Warm Market.
7. Listen closely to what your prospect is saying.
8. Always tell the prospect why you are calling. You need to be real.
9. Bring value to your opportunity. Let them know the reasons why you joined.
10. Don’t recruit. Connect their hearts to the hope and possibilities. Hype comes from the head. Hope comes from the heart.
11. It’s not about hype it’s about hope. Hope for a better future. Enlighten their lives. WIFM (What’s in it for me) the radio station everyone is tuned in to.
12. Be in the presentation not just at the presentation. Be sincere.
13. Let the prospect ask questions.
14. Be focused.
15. Use their name at least 3 times in the first 3 minutes. People love to hear their name. People need to know you have taken an interest in them.
16. Follow up. Don’t chase your prospect. You’re not a dog. Show your leadership by following up with them, but don’t chase them. Get them talking again. Make a friend. Ask them what they like so far. Ask if they have any questions about your opportunity.
17. Don’t lose your old contacts. Keep in touch with them. Timing may not be right for them right now.A great system to keep in touch with your prospects and customers. It is also a powerful system to get referrals.
18. Use the phrase…”If this is righ for you…”
19. Be forward focused. Use phrases like…”This is a new year. Have you ever thought of having your own home business?”
20. Always setting the next steps. What do you do next? Show them their next move. Be the Pied Piper.
21. People don’t follow what you say or do but who you are. Be genuine. Stay in your confidence level.
22. Always thank your prospect for their time. No matter what. Always ask for a referral.

Having a tough time getting your prospects to make a commitment and join? Here are some “Out-of-the-Box” ideas that might help…

• Send them a shoe or a sandal and say…
  “I’ve been in your shoes. I know you have reservations but I’m here to teach you and walk beside you to build your business.”
• Send them a swim ring and say…
  “Feeling deflated about your finances? I have a life-saving idea that will inflate your monthly income.”
• S’mores…..
  “Do you need s’more of …..(fill in the blank)?
• Diaper Idea….
  Take a diaper put some Milk Duds in it and attach this saying….
  “Is your financial outlook crappy? Then take a load off and learn how XYZ business can wipe away your financial worries.”
• Pick up different seeds.….(at your local nursery)
  “Seeds are the beginning of a bountiful business. Plant the seeds and watch your XYZ business grow. Do you feel SQUAHSED in your current job? Does your boss SNAP like a dragon? Then let us talk for a minute because I BEAN where you are and I know you MUSTARD things around. I know it’s a bit KORNY but PEAS listen up and don’t TURNIP your nose to what I can share with you. After all you might find yourself lucky and GREEN.”My husband (or wife) is a real gem but I didn’t MARYGOLD. With my own business I’m able to CARAT  about those who matter most. I flower my family with time and attention. Not only am I growing a happy family but a profitable business.
• Valentine’s Day…
  Buy some conversation hearts. (Plastic package stable to a saying and just give out.)
  “I’d like to have a heart to heart conversation with you about what XYZ business can do.” (Attach your business card too).
• Around Halloween…
  You could carry a “Trick or Treat” bag with you and give a treat to everbody you meet and on this TRICK or TREAT would be:

  TRICK: The reason I can keep (or am reaching) my goals, is because of time, relationships, economics, advancement and teaching. And basically I choose the time I work and I have more quality time with my family and friends. The relationships I build extend my circle of friends and customers. I’m in control of my own economic situation. I  choose how fast I advance my business and I teach others to build businesses and I’m taught new information through the books that I read and the knowledge I gain.

  ————————————————-

  If you’re really into candy … make a Halloween Mix

  2 cups of candy corn
  1 cup of nuts
  some M&Ms
  some salted peanuts
  & some Apple Jacks cereal

  and each of these stand for something. Mix them all up and put them in a fun celophane bag (or something fun). Tie your business card on it.

  “Are you mixed up thinking about how you pay for Christmas gifts this year? Consider a mix that’s the answer. If you like to have fun and you are a little nutty consider joining XYZ. You decide how many zeros you want on your paycheck. If you’re curious about mixing it up and making a little more money, let’s get together so I can tell you about our treats.

• Christmas Ideas…..
  Purchase some candy canes and put this saying on them…
  “Are you a bit wobbely about your financial future? Lean on me to support you in your new business.” (And attach your business card)

I have decided to move my blog “The Enlightened Networker” over from Blogger. Inicially I was hoping I could just import my old posts, but for some reason that didn’t work. So I will slowly move things over bit by bit. If you would like to read my old posts in the meantime please visit HERE, or click on the widget to the right.