The Enlightened Networker » Attitude

Can There Be Success Without Gratitude?

Ilka Flood — Wed, 19 May 2010 22:02:18 +0000

Developing an Attitude of Gratitude!

Hmm, I wonder.

I’ve been reading quite a bit about “developing an attitude of gratitude” lately.

Taking things for granted is never a good thing.

Have you ever noticed that when you loose something you suddenly (and sometimes painfully) notice its value to you?

I try hard not to take anything for granted, but this morning when I sat down on my computer I noticed that I had taken for granted the very things that are KEY to my business success.

Here are just a few things I had totally taken for granted …

My computer
The very first thing I do every morning after getting out of bed is turn on my computer. Without even thinking about it, I expect it to turn on and to hear that familiar humming sound.

I never gave thought to the many people who were involved in creating the parts and putting it together. Nor have I ever thought of the genius who was able to figure out that a bunch of zeros and ones somehow could make a computer in the first place.
The Internet
Again, I totally expect it to appear as soon as I log in. Should it go out (usually right in the middle of me working on something – like would you believe it – right now as I am writing this) I kick and scream (sometimes) and get very upset.

The internet is the life line to my customers, my team members and prospects, my online friends … well to basically everything. It’s the heart beat of my business. Without it I am dead in the water.
Email
I took it for granted (until right now) that I can send an email to someone half-way around the world in seconds and that I can get a response back just as quickly.
Skype
I can call friends, family and prospects all over the world and don’t have to pay a penny to do so (if I call from computer to computer) or very little if I call from computer to a land line or cell phone.
The Telephone
The ultimate credit goes to Alexander Graham Bell for inventing it in the first place. But look how far we have come since then. I’m not tied to a wall phone but can call people from anywhere and can be reached anywhere with a cell phone or mobile phone.

Someone had to invent all these tools I’m using on a daily basis to build my network marketing business.

Someone had to make all this possible. But have I ever thought about those people or thought about giving thanks to them? If I’m really honest … no, not really. I’ve totally taken all that for granted.

So here today is my official expression of gratitude to everyone who has anything to do with me building my online business. Thank you for making this possible for me!

The only ‘thing’ I haven’t taken for granted are you, my readers. I truly appreciate you stopping by and reading my posts and leaving me your thoughts. Thank you so much!

So again my question … Can there be success without gratitude?

In my opinion, no, there can’t be success without gratitute. Because expressing gratitude for the things you have opens yourself up to receiving more. And the power of gratitude goes a very long way.

What are your thoughts?

To your success,

Ilka Flood

P.S. As always, if you got something out of this post please don’t forget to share it with your friends on Twitter or Facebook…or Digg it.

Attitude Might Not Be Everything But It Is 100 Percent

Ilka Flood — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:20:08 +0000

The other day I read, on one of the many blogs I read on a daily basis, that attitude is not everything.

I was shocked, because to me, it absolutely IS everything. Having the right attitude is a key ingredient not only for building a successful network marketing business, but for anything else in life as well.

But may it be as it may be, even if it isn’t everything it is still 100%.

And I will prove it to you.

What makes up 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%. We always hear people say that they give more than a 100%. Heck, I’ve even said that myself on occasion. But, I will be a lot more careful about that in the future.

And here is why…

Let’s say if:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as numbers:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But ,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And,
B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T
2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

AND, look how far a** kissing will take you.

A-*-*-K-I-S-S-I-N-G
1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%

So, it is pretty safe to say with mathematical certainty, that while Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, Attitude is right on. But it’s the Bullshit and A** Kissing that twill put you over the top.

I have often wondered what it means when people say, “I give it a 110%. Or 120%”. Or whatever. How can you give more than the whole?? You can’t give more than there really is. Or can you?

Have you ever said anything like that? Have you ever wondered? Let us know in the comments below.

To Your Success,

Ilka Flood

P.S. As always, if you liked this post share it. Thanks!

By Changing Your Thinking

What Does A Little Boy, A Shovel and Horse Manure Have To Do With Network Marketing?

Ilka Flood — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:59:03 +0000

Good question! The answer is, actually, quite a bit.

Read on to find out….

A man came across a young boy who happy as could be was shoveling horse manure. There was a big pile of it and the boy would dig up shovel full after shovel full and toss it aside.

“What a stinky job”, the man thought to himself, “who would want to do that?” But the boy seemed to get happier with every load he tossed aside.

Finally the man couldn’t stand it any longer and he asked the boy, “what are you doing?”

The boy, with a smile from ear to ear answered, … “well, with all of this horse manure, there has got to be a pony underneath.”

So again, what does all this have to do with network marketing?

Well, as network marketers we have to put up with, well, a lot of crap.

Rejection from prospects; Ridicule from friends and family; Getting paid very little money for a whole lot of work in the beginning; A steep learning curve and what seems to be never-ending challenges.

However….

If we keep our eyes on the price, keep a positive attitude, face our challenges with a smile on our face and never give up … we will be handsomely rewarded at the end.

Remember… “Your attitude determines your altitude!”

To Your Success,

Ilka Flood

P.S. If you liked this story, spread the love by sharing it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

7 Common But Deadly Mistakes of New Network Marketers

Ilka Flood — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:30:10 +0000

Or …What not to do when you first start out in network marketing.

Let’s be totally honest here. As new network marketers just starting out in the industry we all have made some mistakes. I know I certainly have made my share. That’s just part of the learning curve. As long as we learn from our mistakes and fail forward, we’ll be alright.

So, here are probably the 7 most common mistakes we make as brand new network marketers…

1) Don’t have a Part-time Attitude

It’s certainly okay to build your network marketing business part-time and alongside your regular job in the beginning. What’s not okay, is having a part-time attitude about it. Many new networkers fail because they treat their business like a hobby. This will reflect in your commission check. So, don’t dabble in your business… Commit to it! It is YOUR future that you are building.

2) Don’t Make Yourself the Issue

When you first start out in network marketing you know absolutely nothing. Nothing about the company and nothing about the products you are selling. You are brand spanking new. So how are you supposed to grow your business? You haven’t even earned a penny in commission yet. Many new networkers feel very uneasy because they don’t know what to say to their prospects.

Don’t worry. Just take yourself out of the equation. Find either your sponsor or somebody in the levels above you who is willing to help you. Use that person as an expert to do 3-way calls with your prospects.

Don’t interrupt them while they are talking, listen carefully and take good notes on what they say and how they say it. Learn from them so eventually you can do this yourself.

3) Don’t Take Rejection Personally

New network marketers are often afraid to talk to people about their new business opportunity because they are afraid of getting rejected. What they must realize is that, it is not them getting rejected, but the opportunity might not be right for the person they are talking to. Or the timing may just not be right.

When I started out in this industry, rejection was a biggie for me. I was afraid of picking up the phone and calling my leads, because I was afraid of them telling me “NO.”

Until someone put it to me this way… “Look, when you order a Bic Mac at McDonalds and the clerk asks you if you would like fries with that, he’s not going to break out in tears if you tell him, ‘NO’, or is he?”

Well, of course not. That would be silly. Fries are not for everyone …and neither is your business opportunity. You just have to find the right people. ..Hint: Those who like fries.

4) Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

Someone has always walked the path before you. So don’t make things harder for yourself by trying to reinvent the wheel. If your sponsor or team has a system that has worked for them, by all means use it. Keep it simple! Don’t make this business more difficult than it really is.

5) Don’t Forget the Power of Customers

Often new networkers are so focused on recruiting new team members that they totally forget about customers. Retail sales count for part of your income in network marketing. Customers are the back bone of your business. They join because they fell in love with your products, and they stay because of it.

6) Don’t Alienate Your Sponsor

Your sponsor is your most valuable resource. Your ‘go to person’ who is there to train and guide you, to support and encourage you. Don’t alienate him or her by constantly whining or being negative or hanging on their shirt tails.

Don’t expect him or her to hold your hand the whole way through. I have had sponsors who were there for me for my first week …and then cut me lose. From then on I was on my own, but I knew if I needed something they were just a phone call away. I was expected to call THEM …not the other way around.

7) Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dream

There is a reason why you started your network marketing business. It may be to stay home with your kids. Or to bring your husband home. It may be to buy a bigger house. A new car. It may be that you are getting close to retirement and want to make sure you can live comfortably after you no longer work. Or you might want to go on that long overdue family vacation. Whatever your “WHY” don’t let anyone come along and steal it. Hang on to it!

And number 8…

If you like this article don’t let it go to waste by not sharing it with your friends on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you!

To Your Success,

Ilka Flood

Holy Cow!! – I Really Feel Like A Big Shot Now

Ilka Flood — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 01:15:37 +0000

Yep, I feel like a million bucks today.

What a difference a day makes, because yesterday I certainly didn’t feel anywhere close to that. More like a nickel maybe.

Sometimes life, circumstances or people drop a boulder in your way and then sheepishly watch in the woods to see how you handle it.

Well, you have two options …

You either climb over it, or find a way around it. But… under no circumstances do you let that boulder stop you from moving forward.

Besides, …tomorrow is another day. And who knows what it will bring.

I could have gone to bed last night, sucking my thumb and feeling sorry for myself, …

Instead I decided to shake it off and move on.

The last thing I did last night before going to bed was submitting my first article to BetterNetworker.com. It’s been on my “to do” list and last night it felt like it was the perfect thing to do to end the day on a positive note.

This afternoon, when I checked my emails I found quite a surprise.

As I opened an email from BetterNetworker, to see what’s new over there … to my amazement, my own article headline caught my attention.

If it wouldn’t have been past noon, I would have thought I was still dreaming.

Great things happen when you step out of your comfort zone!

If you are not yet a member of the BetterNetworker, then you definitely should go check it out immediately. When you do, you will find that it is a community of highly respected network marketers and industry leaders. You will also find some of the biggest names in network marketing training there.

It is quite an honor for me to find my article in this week’s issue of– The Best of Better Networker.

I couldn’t have done it without my friends.

So, a BIG thank you goes to, Jason Better and the “Better Bunch.” Thanks guys for helping me believe in myself and pushing a little harder to bring out in me what I didn’t even know was there. And thanks for making me feel like a big shot today! You guys ROCK!!

A quote from the “Great One” (Wayne Gretzky) comes to mind… “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

So, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Take that shot. And watch what will happen! I dare ya!

To Your Success,

Ilka Flood

P.S. If you’ve ever felt like a big shot (or hot shot) please share it with us in the comments below.

Success: Even Eagles Need A Push

Ilka Flood — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:23:03 +0000

One of my “Better Bunch” friends challenged me to write a blog post every day this week, Monday through Friday.

I’m always up for a challenge, but let me tell you, that was not easy. I had to put some things on the back burner, make some sacrifices and really stretch my limits, but in the end I did get it done.

“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day.” _ Jim Rohn

When I told my husband about this challenge on Monday, the first words out of his mouth were …“Are we getting dinner this week?” (That kind of reminded me of when he received a surprise phone call on a Sunday and went off to Saudi Arabia Monday morning during Desert Storm. The first thing I could think of was, … “who’s going to do our taxes?”)

But anyway … Yes, I still fed my family this week.

What did this challenge accomplish?

For one, it made me grow as a person. I gained more confidence when I stepped out of my comfort zone. Oh, wait a minute. Did I step out or was I pushed? =) In any case, the results remain the same. (Thanks so much for the push!! It’s very much appreciated.)

As an added benefit, my Alexa ranking dropped quite a bit this week and I gained quite a few new visitors as well.

By the way … I wrote a post a little while ago …“Why You Should Surround Yourself With Successful People.”

Well, that’s EXACTLY why. When you hang out with successful people, they lift you up to their level. They help you stretch your limits and they will also give you that much needed push.

I couldn’t have accomplished this challenge this week without the loving support of my husband. So here’s a big hug and thank you for always believing in me even if I don’t.

Here’s one of my favorite motivational movies. I invite you to watch Even Eagles Need A Push. It is only 3 minutes long.

Yes, indeed, even eagles need a push. They need to learn to spread their wings and fly.

Challenges are nothing more than stepping stones to help you grow. Are you stepping up to the plate?

Can you relate? Has anyone ever helped you stretch your limits or even pushed you out of the nest? If so, we’d love to hear your story below.

And, as always, if you liked this post, please share it with your friends of Twitter and Facebook.

What Makes You Think You Are Not A Good Enough Network Marketer?

Ilka Flood — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:29:13 +0000

Success doesn’t come from always succeeding.

It’s not a straight shot to the top. Just like in life itself, there are peaks and valleys, ups and downs. It takes hard work, dedication, perceverance, and yes, failure too. But as long as you fail forward, believe in yourself and never let doubt creep in, you’ll be alright.

Someone shared this quote from Michael Jordan with me…

Michael Jordan
June 21, 1991
Wins First NBA Championship

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot … and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Michael Jordan failed more times than he succeeded.

He averaged 30+ shots a game and only made 47% of them.

But Michael always threw the ball up.

He never doubted his abilities. Some games his averages were better than others, but he would never not play the game.

There is no difference between playing ball and network marketing.

In order to succeed you need to throw that ball. The more you throw it, the better you will get. You have to believe you can make that basket. But the only way you will, is by throwing that ball up at it. And keep throwing it … and throwing it … and throwing it.

Practice doesn’t make perfect … it makes better.

So keep practicing. And hang out with people who inspire you. People who lift you up and who believe in you and your ability to succeed.

If you like this post please share it on Twitter and Facebook. Thanks!

Maya Angelou’s Witty Wisdom

Ilka Flood — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:34:00 +0000

Gosh, don’t you just love her? She is such a kind-hearted, wise woman with such a witty sense of humor. I don’t remember who sent the article below to me, but I just felt I had to share it with you.

Don’t break the elastic!

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was ‘exciting…’

Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day…..like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

‘I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.’

‘I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.’

‘I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.’

‘I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’

‘I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.’

‘I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back…..’

‘I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.’

‘I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one…’

‘I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.’

‘I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn..’

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’

We all have certain people we admire and look up to. I invite you to share some of yours in the comment box below.

No related posts.

By Changing Your Thinking

Ilka Flood — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:02:44 +0000

By Changing Your Thinking,
You change your beliefs;

When you change your beliefs,
You change your expectations;

When you change your expectations,
You change your attitude;

When you change your attitude,
You change your behavior;

When you change your behavior,
You change your performance;

When you change your performance;
You Change Your Life!

Author unknown

Attitude Might Not Be Everything But It Is 100 Percent