Start Up Company Review: Pre-Launch Australia

Start Up Company Review: Pre-Launch Australia

Don’t Buy into the Hype of Pre-Launch Australia

Pre-Launch Australia....promises a lot, but won't pay out in the END.

If you’ve been in marketing long enough, you’ve witnessed the waves of hysteria that come and go with the arrival of each new start up company: “Wanna make a 10-figure income in a matter of weeks with just a push of a button?!  Then join NOW to get in for as little as $1!  Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!”  They use words & phrases, such as ‘pre-launch, automated, auto drive, and immediate income’ (btw, some of these came right off the videos for Pre-Launch Australia!  They are THAT ridiculous!)….they tap into the human psyche…the one that is lazy, impatient, and uncommitted.  They take advantage of the ‘microwave generation’….my generation.

Pre-Launch Australia is as SHADY as Start Up Companies Come!

So I pose a question to my fellow marketers that love joining every new start up company that presents itself (Pre-Launch Australia is my case in point): Do you honestly believe it’s THAT easy?  The fact is: it’s NOT.  I’m amazed by how many people buy into the hype of these newbie companies.  Just the name itself: “Pre-Launch Australia” should be a HUGE red flag!  Come on: PRE-LAUNCH = START UP! They tell you to get in without any real specifics on who they are, or what they do!  They just create an urgency using “Pre-Launch“, so that some sorry people can rush into it thinking they will end up at the top of the food chain!

TRUTH: To earn REAL money on-line, it will take blood, sweat & tears.  You will hear criticism (sometimes from family & friends closest to you), you will feel frustrated, you will wonder if all your effort is worthwhile…and still, you will need to suck it up, and keep plugging away.  The key is to find a TRIED & TRUE business with a great compensation plan, and dedicate your time & energy to it LONG TERM to see any real results.  Did you think the men on the cover of these small business magazines made money overnight?  There may have been a few, but for the most part, these are guys have been at their craft for years…sometimes, decades.

The fact is, only 3% of marketers are making any real cash online.  The rest of them jump from start up company to start up company, and lie their faces off when people ask about their income.  I liken it to the men who go out fishing and catch a small 1 lb. fish & tell everyone else it was a 20 pounder.   With start up companies, they may see a small return on investment in the beginning, which gets their excitement level to an all time high.  Then, they run out & tell anyone & everyone about how lucrative the company is, and then the company tanks!  The founder of these companies pull a Steve Miller….they take the money & run!  So, in actuality, some of the people making the true money online, are some of marketing’s biggest crooks- the creators of start up companies!  They promise the world, make their product/company flashy & attractive to new-comers (actually, they are able to sell to the 97% who aren’t making any money), give enough payout to cause a tidal wave of new prospects, and finally they pull the rug out from under everyone.  Problem is, it is dirty money…and it will never truly prosper them.

So, Why Make the Creators of Start up Companies like Pre-Launch Australia Any Richer?!

So, what about those of us that want to make honest money?   Some of us are sick of buying into the hype, and want something that will be around for us (and our family) for the long-haul.  Here’s what I would recommend:  If you are SERIOUS about making real money online, you need to GET A MENTOR!  Find someone that is working a business online FULL-TIME & can help you find your niche.  Don’t jump into just any company.  Weigh your options, research the company/it’s owner thoroughly before joining anything!

Check out my free mentorship company: www.5ktrainer.com.

OR click on my video: Start Up Hype

Pre-Launch Australia is a joke…don’t buy into the hype!  Pre-Launch Australia will have you spinning your wheels!

Share
Jul 30, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Some Business Advice to Live By

Some Business Advice to Live By

‘If your thinking is sloppy, your business will be sloppy. If you are disorganized, your business will be disorganized. If you are greedy, your empoyees will be greedy, giving you less and less of themselves and always asking for more.’
Michael Gerber

This quote is incredibly powerful…so much wisdom wrapped in such a small package! If we payed attention to these 3 key elements highlighted in this short text, our business lives would change for the better! So what are three areas Mr. Gerber so eloquently touched on?

1. Mind Set- “If your thinking is sloppy, your business will be sloppy…”- Do you start your day without a plan of action or goal in mind? I know from listening to Zig Zigglar & some major hitters in the marketing world, that WRITING OUT your list of goals is a must! In fact, I encourage others I work with to not only write out their goals, but also to post them on a mirror, verbalize them, visualize them in your mind. Our mind is our worst enemy! We need to train it & make sure we start each day on a positive foot. I like to come into my day in prayer & meditation on God’s Word as well…bringing my mind into submission. It gives me a completely different outlook when I transform my mind.

Are you surrounding yourself with positive people? That’s another downfall people run into. I talk to a number of people on the phone that have a passion & a zeal to learn how to market online with my team, who later fall off the face of the earth. They stop returning my calls & I later find out that their passion fizzled, and they decided to drop out. What happened along the way? I can pretty much guess they shared their excitement with someone close to them who brought their zeal to a halt with a little bit of negativity. Guard who you share business ideas with & make sure you keep positive company!

2. Get Organized- “If you are disorganized, your business will be disorganized…”- Organization is not my strongest suit, I must admit. I am great at writing out my goals & reaching new levels as a visionary/entrepreneur. However, organization has been a learning curve. I am seeing the fruits of coming into my day with a well-developed plan though. I think one of the most practical & focusing activities of my day is sitting down & making a To-Do List & following it through. I’m still learning, but I know organization is something I will always strive for…to make my business more and more successful & efficient.

3. Don’t Let $$$ Rule You- “If you are greedy, your employees will be greedy, giving you less and less of themselves, and always asking for more.” I can really relate to this part of Mr. Gerber’s quote. I’ve seen greed steal so much joy & success from potentially great businesses. It’s very important to live each day with an attitude of gratitude & to remember that your #1 goal is to HELP OTHERS. If you make it about yourself, or your pocketbook, you will never be satisfied. The old saying, ‘He who loves money will never have enough’ is so true! If all you care about in business is the dollar, that show through in your actions towards others. In turn, those under you will have the same attitude & it will end up being an endless cycle of using others. Remember that you only keep that which you give away.

Share
Nov 14, 2010 | 7 comments | View Post
When All Else Fails: Persevere!

When All Else Fails: Persevere!

‘Many historians feel that one of Winston Churchill’s greatest speeches was given at the graduation ceremony at Oxford University. He had worked on the speech for hours. When the moment finally came, Churchill stood up to the cheering crowd, and in a strong, clear voice shouted just three words, “NEVER GIVE UP!” He paused a few seconds and then shouted the words again, “NEVER GIVE UP!” He then reached for his hat and slowly walked off the podium, satisfied that he had told the graduates the messages they needed to succeed.’
-Michele Borba, Ed.D.

Perseverance. That’s the character trait my son is currently learning in his Karate class…the character trait of a Black Belt. Of course, he just started out at the bottom with a white belt, so perseverance is something he’s going to need to develop as he longs to become a ‘Master.’ I love his enthusiasm, and hope that the journey along the way will leave him with a satisfaction that he reached his goal. It’s going to take a lot of work…perhaps some good ol’ blood, sweat, and tears. It’s going to take some diligence. But anything worth while is worth working towards.

The same holds true for business. I see so much excitement from newcomers joining into the latest ‘MLM’ or home based business opportunity, but down the road wonder what happened to them along the way. Their passion fizzled out…or worse, they burned out (or on some occasions, they joined a corrupt start up company that took their money & ran). They try to jump from business to business hoping to find the ‘best fit.’

Funny thing is, sometimes the best opportunity for us is the one staring us in the face. It’s the one that we get into, but don’t stay in long enough to build. Business Success (or any for that matter) takes time…and a lot of effort. There will be bumps along the road…people who promised to work alongside us will burn out & drop out. Will we jump ship at the slightest sight of opposition or feeling of doubt? Or will we keep on working it, giving it our personal best, even when we’ve reached exhaustion?

Christopher Morley said it best: ‎’The big shots are only the little shots who keep shooting.’

Read that again. Let it sink in.

The great leaders of our industry did not know everything. They did not have superhero powers. They did not have all the goods…they simply did the best with what they had and they PERSEVERED! NEVER GIVE UP!

Get up daily with an attitude of gratitude (I start my day in prayer & meditation on God’s Word). Say aloud to yourself, “I CAN do this!” Find a mentor who will inspire you to go the distance! And when you feel like you can’t give anymore, GET UP and do it again!

If you’d like to get off the fence, and start working towards your financial/career dream, join Team Mark and Jerry…we are a group of COMMITTED marketers who will help you succeed. www.teammarkandjerry.com OR give me a call: Mark Stephens 909.528.4079.

Share
Oct 15, 2010 | 3 comments | View Post
Mentorship in Marketing

Mentorship in Marketing

Mentorship in Marketing: Do You Have a Mentor?

‘A wise man will hear & increase in learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.’ ~Proverbs 1:5

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life & my career, it’s that having a mentor is crucial to one’s success. How are you going to learn & grow if you don’t have someone to gain wisdom from? Along my journey, I’ve found several people that have acted as a mentor in one way or another (sometimes even when they were unaware of it). In marketing, I’ve gained a wealth of wisdom from individuals such as Stephen Pierce, my good friend, Ivan Harris, and my business partner, Jerry Maurer. We all have different strengths, talents, and experiences that we share & draw from each other.

Mentoring in Marketing: So how do you find a good mentor?

Marketing

The Right Mentor Will Inspire You!

I have narrowed down 4 key components that make up a great trainer:

1. Find someone who won’t put you in the ‘Witness Protection Program.‘ What I mean by this is, be cautious of self-proclaimed ‘gurus’ on the internet who want nothing more than to take your $ and run! I’ve been there, done that. When you have someone pursuing you to close the sale, and then you don’t hear from them (or have trouble contacting them), you know that is NOT a quality mentor. They are more concerned with selfish gain, than with aiding you in your own success. Stay away! Research, research, research each mentor you’re considering & go with the one that has the most ‘added value’- according to who they’ve helped.

2. Find someone with a COMPATIBLE PERSONALITY. Not everyone jives, or has the same outlook on life. Even if a trainer has a wealth of information, if you’re not on the same page as them (personality wise), it’s not going to work. With Team Mark & Jerry, there are some team members who feel more comfortable working closely with Jerry than myself…and visa versa. Do I take offense that they prefer Jerry in some cases? No! I encourage people to find a trainer/mentor who fits their own personality. There’s nothing worse than trying to work with a person that you bump heads with!

3. Find a Mentor who will invest at least 2 hours a week into helping you succeed! Is this mentor you’re considering too busy to meet with you weekly (via phone, internet, or whatever means necessary)? If the answer is yes, save your money! It’s crucial that you have a mentor who can evaluate where you are in your learning, encourage and train you in your weakest areas, and keep you accountable on your progress & goals. That is what good teachers do! They don’t simply take your $, throw out information, & move on without checking back to see if you’re succeeding!

4. Find a Marketing Mentor who knows how & can teach you how to DOMINATE the Search Engines & BRAND YOURSELF! With business today, internet marketing is the way to make $$$. It is crucial to learn how to get on top of the Search Engines (Yahoo, Google, YouTube, etc…). You want to know how to brand yourself in your industry if you want to take your business to the next level!

Mentorship in Marketing: Are You Ready?

Now that we’ve touched on finding a mentor, let’s focus on YOU. After all, it takes 2 to Tango! You can’t expect a mentor to do all the work! Success is also going to be based on what you DO with the information you’ve learned! Here are 3 questions you need to ask yourself:

1. Are you TEACHABLE? So many people will defensively answer ‘yes.’ Take the time to really think this through. Are you humble enough to admit that you need help? Are you willing to absorb new information from someone who has already traveled the road you’re on? This may seem like a no-brainer to you, but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve listened to those I’m training, and told them what adjustments they need to make, only to hear, ‘I don’t know…I like doing it this way instead.’ Really? If you already have attained success in your business, why did you call me? I’ve learned that I can only help those who genuinely WANT to helped. They have to be willing to step out of their comfort zones, and follow the instructions I give.

2. Are you ready to TAKE ACTION? Sam Ewig said it best when he stated, ‘Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.’ You cannot take information and then refuse to put it into action. Building a successful business does NOT happen overnight & it will take a lot of energy and hard work. You have to decide whether you are just going to talk the talk, or if your willing to WALK THE WALK!

3. Are you DISCIPLINED? In MLM businesses, I run into countless individuals who jump from business to business. In fact, I get exhausted listening to so many new pitches daily…people wanting to recruit me into their ‘new, cutting edge opportunity.’ How will you ever know if something works, if you only put it into action for a short time? Again, you can’t have the ‘get rich quick’ mentality & expect everything to come easily to you. There are times you are going to feel exhausted, intimidated, doubtful, emotional…the list goes on and on! You have to be determined to stay the course & reap the long term benefits. Remember what Aristotle declared: ‘We are what we REPEATEDLY DO. Excellence then, is not an act but a HABIT.’

In a nutshell, marketing in this economy is not a small task. If you want to bring your business to the peak of success, you must find mentors to help you along the way…people who are willing to walk alongside you & train you in your business. In turn, you must be teachable, put your learning to action, and be disciplined to follow through repeatedly.

If you are interested in a team of Internet Marketing Mentors, check out my websites: www.teammarkandjerry.com
www.5ktrainer.com God bless you!

Mark Stephens, Marketing Mentor

Marketing Your Business

Share
Oct 06, 2010 | 7 comments | View Post
Job Opportunities in a Recession

Job Opportunities in a Recession

“Go to college to get a better job!” That was the mentality 10-15 years ago. A college degree was worth its weight in gold. Unfortunately, this recession has made it difficult for even college grads to find opportunities (as evidenced in the video above). So what’s the Plan B?

I’ve found my Plan B. It came rather unexpected, but I’ve found that internet based businesses are booming! In fact, I’m starting to accumulate a steady residual income from my on-line business. My wife (who worked full time in education) is able to stay home with my children & we are able to afford a decent life!

So did I get a college degree for this? The answer is NO. Although I do support education & knowledge (I married a school teacher & fully encourage my boys to learn as much as possible), I do not believe a college education is the only way to succeed (especially in this economy!). I did graduate from high school & took a few community college classes, but my knowledge of the internet business world came solely through experience & training through mentors like Stephen Pierce.

If you asked me 5 years ago whether I could make a living off the internet, I would have laughed! I didn’t even know how to send an email or surf the internet back then! I researched, spent many hours learning technology, and kept plugging away. I thank God that He opened the doors for me because it has literally changed my life! I love working for myself & I enjoy helping others find their niche on-line as well.

If you’re tired of limited opportunities in the job world, I encourage you to look into earning from home via the internet. If you’d like to join a team of dedicated marketers who will aid you in your success, check out: www.ibuzzman.com , www.teammarkandjerry.com, OR www.5kinnercircle.com.

Share
Sep 28, 2010 | 8 comments | View Post
Customer Service

Customer Service

Is it just me, or does it seem like today’s ‘Customer Service’ lacks the focus on…well, customers? This is evident to me every time I have to contact my phone campany’s Customer Service line. I am told “We are sorry, but because of the large volume of phone calls received, your wait time to speak to a representative is 1 billion minutes.” Then, I get the pleasure of listening to whatever random elevator music they have, while trying to stay positive about losing out on precious business time. Once I reach an actual human on the other line, I am then transferred because it’s not the ‘right department.’ On some occasions, I’m even cut off from a mishap during the transferring, and the cycle starts all over again.

Thankfully, nothing goes to waste if you just look at every situation as a lesson to be learned. The lesson I’ve learned is that Customer Service is key to building a solid business! My desire is that my customers will look back and remember a positive feeling after having worked with me. I hope they feel more like an individual than a number in line.

So, how do you provide great customer service? For starters, don’t pass the buck when someone needs help! It’s ok sometimes to say, “I’m not sure about that, but I will give you a call (give them a time & day) after I do some research on that.” Don’t just leave it at that. Go, do your homework, find the best way to help your customer, and FOLLOW UP on it! Call them when you said you would…don’t be a flake! Your word & action will build your reputation…and a good reputation is to be valued above wealth!

Another simple way to better your customer service is to shift your frame of mind! Each day, remind yourself that your purpose for business is to HELP OTHERS. Don’t look at people like a dollar sign or an irritating obstacle. Remember that your business would not exist without the people you’re serving! Simply go by The Golden Rule…it’s simple, but very wise. Treat others the way YOU want to be treated…you can’t go wrong.

In addition, I believe customers appreciate simple guestures, such as a phone call to check in & see how they are doing. Use that opportunity to show that you didn’t just put them in a ‘sign up club,’ but that you remember them, are willing to train them, and are thankful for them. Since I have been very busy training, I have a wonderful marketing friend that is doing follow-up for Team Mark & Jerry…his name is Ivan Harris. Ivan is a jewel & his personal phone calls to my customers have built so much value to my business. I cannot express how important follow-up is!

Thank you cards also leave a lasting impression. Remember, people may not remember what you say, but they will remember the way you made them feel. My business partner, Jerry Maurer, sent me a personalized thank you card with a picture of his beautiful family months ago, but I still remember thinking, “Wow! How awesome that he took the time to brighten my day!” Remember to slow down & take a few minutes to uplift those who you serve.

To sum it up, GOOD Customer Service is what this world needs! Are you serving others and treating them as valued clients, or do you simply look at them as cash in your pocketbook? Make it a priority to answer their questions, follow up on their progress, and show them that they are valuable. It will bring your business to a whole new level!

Share
Sep 20, 2010 | 30 comments | View Post
Team Mark & Jerry: Two Guys Helping One Marketer at a Time!

Team Mark & Jerry: Two Guys Helping One Marketer at a Time!

In my previous posts, I’ve referred to my primary goal in marketing: teaming with others to help them succeed in their own businesses. I know that this sounds very general, but I believe we only keep what we give away. With that in mind, I’ve worked on my game plan for training others for quite a while now. Some questions I struggled with were: How do I help others in my circle of influence? What do I have to pass on that can better someone else?

I knew training was what I wanted to do…it’s what I enjoy. I’m the interpersonal guy. It’s been said that I could sell water to fish, ice to Eskimos, etc, etc. Yes, sales comes easy to me & I enjoy selling, but I generally just enjoy meeting & connecting with new people…especially those who are on the same wavelength as me (with business or life).

The awesome thing is, in my marketing journey, I came across a guy who is very much on the same page as me…regarding vision, work ethic, and interests. The awesome thing is that he’s more gifted in the technical area than I am. So we offer a great balance. His name is Jerry Maurer & he we have teamed up to offer quality training to marketers on-line. Check out our website: www.teammarkandjerry.com.

We have a Team Mark & Jerry training call every Tuesday night & teach REAL marketing strategies that will put $$$ into your bank account! We focus on hands-on training, role playing with customers, how to master your marketing, closing sales, overcoming objections, marketing tools that we recommend, etc. That’s every Tuesday (6pm Pac Time/9pm Eastern). If you’d like to join us, dial 605.477.2100 & enter access code: 602265# (You must dial the 605 number even after logging into the webroom).

We also offer a Webinar portion: http://meetwith.me/coachjerry/web/ and enter the room w/your name as an attendee.

Our trainings are fun, educational, and EYE OPENING! Get ready to take your business to the next level! The Team Mark & Jerry Show will also air on BLOG TALK RADIO every Tues. 9pm EST. Call in details: Dial 347.637.2360 @ 9pm ESTEnter the LIVE chat here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/attentionnetworkers

Share
Sep 11, 2010 | 11 comments | View Post
Marketing On-line: The Importance of Follow-Up

Marketing On-line: The Importance of Follow-Up

Whether it’s forgetfulness, impatience, fear, complacency or just pure laziness, a common mistake marketers make is failing to follow up. This is one area I’ve really focused on improving early on in my sales/marketing experience, and now it’s become one of my strong points. I’ve actually been called a ‘pit bull’ by some customers because I continue to call & check back with them…sometimes for several months to a year! I call this ‘persistence over resistance.’

The way I see it, if you don’t follow up on your leads & just walk away, you’re leaving money on the table. You might as well just hand over your wallet because you’re throwing away hundreds of dollars when you waste a good lead. That’s money that you’re taking away from your family!

Some ask, “So, when do you stop following up on a lead?” The answer is simple: either when the person hangs up on you, straight out tells you ‘NO,’ or dies. Otherwise, that lead could be a potential customer.

Is it necessary to do a full sales pitch on each follow up? No. The first few calls are usually focused on asking the customer questions (in order to identify what tool/opportunity will best fit their needs), and giving them information on what you’re promoting. The follow-up calls can be a conversation as simple as, “Hey Bob, this is Mark Stephens. I was just calling to see how you were doing & if you’re ready to get on board….”

Believe it or not, the most important part of that phone call will be the part where you shutup and LISTEN. So many marketers jump the gun & try to sell, sell, sell. Keep in mind, the point of follow-up is to build a repor with the person…not to scare them away.

Listen attentively & take notes, so that in the next phone call, you can let them know you care by asking, “Hey, how’s your son by the way? Last time we talked, things were kind of hectic & stressful for you when he was in the hospital.” People appreciate being recognized as a human and not just a sale. I’m a firm believer in ‘using things to help people…not using people to get things.’ I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done a follow-up call to check in, and ended the call by praying with someone about something they’re going through. This is more valuable than a couple bucks, and it can lead to a long term, quality business relationship.

Follow-up is crucial because only 90% of marketers will call a person 3 times, and then they quit in their impatience. If you’re disciplined enough to continue following up beyond that point, you’re going to reap the benefits that they’ve left behind. Months down the road, a person who wasn’t in the right mind frame to get on board with you, may have had a shift in their life that frees them up to join in your venture. It’s all about timing!

For more information, give me a call at 909.748.5705.

Share
May 17, 2010 | 28 comments | View Post

RELATED SITES