Benefits of a Home Based Business

This is not a “definitive list” by any means. Just a few of the reasons I chose to start a home based business. Also keep in mind that this list of benefits applies to my Summit Group/Watkins home based business; while there are many benefits to working part-time from home, not all opportunities have the same benefits. That being said, understand this; there are many ways to success, be it personal, professional or spiritual.

Home Based Business Secret

The “secret” is finding the one that works for you. Consider for a moment “Weight Loss” diets or programs. You have Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, etc. Do they work? Yes & No. Just look at the testimonials, you see people that made it work. But, if you stop using the system (Kirstie Alley) then the answer is no. Watch the asterisk *Results not typical. Why are the results not typical? Because most people “typically” don’t work the system. IF you work the system, the system will work. The common denominator in ass success scenarios is YOU. You have to find the system that works for you, then throw cauti0n to the wind and “Work the System.” It really is that simple. With that disclaimer out of the way, here we go:

• Part-time: Most of us don’t have the luxury of being able to walk away from our full-time job. As a result for us to build a successful home based business requires the ability to work it part-time. While working a business opportunity part-time is a benefit, there is a danger. It is important to spend time EVERY day on your business. Even if only for ten minutes. If you say “tomorrow I’ll do it”, to often tomorrow never comes.

• Residual Income: Probably easiest the least understood concept about having a home based business, and conversely the most important. Simply put, in the traditional job market, you go to work and you get paid. Stop working and so does the pay. In a business that allows for a residual income you will continue to earn money in the future for work that you do now. If for example  you get sick or take time off for a vacation, you continue to receive income. Actors, writers & musicians all belong in the category of residual income. There are many home based businesses that allow you to tap into the residual income benefit.

• Work from home: I know, it’s redundant: working a home based business from home, but I want to emphasize what a HUGE benefit that is. The flexibility to earn an income from the convenience of your own home is fantastic. No commute, traffic or grid lock. And depending on the business, no inventory, billing, shipping, employees or co-workers. Need to take the kids to the Dr.? Done, It’s your business and your decision.

• Online business: What’s better than having a home base business? One that you can build online! While building your business online is not the most common way most home entrepreneurs work, it is one that is gaining popularity. Not too many years ago door-to-door and person-to-person were the only options. With the advent of the internet, the ability to reach more people quicker became available.

• Free online training: Obviously this is not a benefit for every business opportunity you look at, but it should be one you highly consider. The reason being it offers you total flexibility to build your business at your pace. You don’t have to wait for when your mentor is available to show you “the ropes.” By the same token as your working towards building a residual income, you are able to point others to the online training, freeing you to expose more people to the opportunity.

• Free Marketing Website: This is another category that not every home based business opportunity you look at will offer. I can tell you from personal experience that it is quite nice! For the curious you can check my marketing website I received for free here: DB46.com. The main purpose for this site is to sift the wheat from the chaff. Because I’m primarily building my business online, it’s important for me to know which people are actually serious about building a home based business and the ones that are just “tire kickers”. My free website offers all the details of the business for free online, to those that are serious about a business, and the ones that find it is the right fit for them at this time are the ones I work with.

• Support from successful mentors: This one is kinda a no brainer. To have a successful business it’s important to work with people that have a successful track record. You need an opportunity that is tried and true along with people that can offer you the support you need because they’ve “been there & done that.”

• Spending time with family: While money is a benefit from working from home in building your business, being able to spend time with your family is another. It is often the key ingredient to having success. The desire to be with your family more, and there support in that endeavor are paramount in your success.

• Flexible: The flexibility to work your home based business part-time while still taking care of the other priorities in your life are key. This key will allow you to unlock the full potential of the opportunity you have chosen.

• Cash Now option: Typically building a residual income is a long term proposition. That being said, it is nice if you have the option to also earn some “Now Money” as you build the residual side of the business.

• No selling required: Some people love to sell. It’s in there blood, they can’t help it. Most of us though don’t fall into that category. Having a home based business you can build without having to sell is a HUGE benefit to a lot of us.

• Multiple methods to market: Not being tied down to just one way to reach people is another benefit of building your business. Be it classified ads, online ads, blogs, banner ads, door-to-door, catalog, business cards, mailers or whatever, it’s nice to have options.

• Tax advantages: This is one area that I do NOT recommend DIY. When it comes to taking advantage of the tax benefits of having your own home based business, it is best to have a qualified professional on your side. As you research this particular benefit, you will see that is well worth your while to have a professional on your side.

• Personal Growth: I’m sure you’ve heard the saying: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results”. In a nutshell this is saying that when you look at the things that you’ve tried in the past that didn’t work, be open minded. Most of us will find that the common denominator in these sceanarios is us. Take the Nutrisystem analogy above. All of those systems will work, but if you’ve tried them all and they didn’t, you probably need to look in the mirror. If you continue to do what you’ve done, you’ll continue to get what you’ve gotten, are you happy with “what you got?” If not, consider working on yourself while your working on your business.

• Free Audio training: Another one of those benefits that is not offered by all opportunities you may look at. But,I can tell you from personal experience it’s an awesome one to have. I am able to learn techniques for building my home based business in time that usually would have gone to waste. While driving to and from my day job, I have the ability to learn from mentors who have built there successful businesses over the years. Valuable training that wouldn’t be available otherwise.

• Trusted time-tested business model: Most people look in the wrong places when trying to find a business opportunity. Most are looking for the newest most hyped visible thing out there. Be cautious though, here are some sobering statistics: 80% of all businesses fail within the first five years. To ensure the greatest success in any endeavor you look at, consider if they have the track record to back it up.

• Turnkey paint-by-numbers system: Having the “perfect” business opportunity is useless if you don’t have a simple step-by-step turnkey system you can follow. Want to know the real reason McDonald’s is #1 in their industry? How are they able to have minimum wage teens running their million dollar businesses. Simple, they have a step-by-step turnkey proven system for doing everything they do. From making the fries to mopping the floors, every McDonald’s does it the same way.

• Ultra-low start up: While having a proven system that can earn you money is important, it’s also important for it to be within your means. If you want a successful business you can always start a McDonald’s, the franchises are still available. Most of us probably don’t have a Million or so dollars that we can part with though. Along with the potential in your home based business, the ability to start it with minimum up-front investment is crucial.

So there you have it, a few of the benefits of having your own home based business. Now all you have to do is take the next step. I wish you the best in whatever opportunity you find to further your goals for yourself and your family.

David Blalock
Bronze Trailblazer Consultant #386886
E-mail me

Tags: cash, Entrepreneur, family, Home Based Business, home business, homebusiness, how to make money online, internet marketing, making money, money, online, online business, online home business, online marketing, opportunity, part-time, part-time business, part-time home business, work at home, Work From Home

7 Reasons People Become Product Distributors

According to the DSA (Direct Selling Association), people become direct selling distributors for one of seven reasons. Which one is you?:

1) Discount Buyers: These distributors are searching for product discounts and/or wholesale products.  Obviously price isn’t the “only” consideration. It doesn’t matter what the discount is if nobody wants to buy the product your distributing.

2) Goal Seekers: The person who is a “Goal Seeker”  distributor usually  gets involved with direct selling to make some quick cash for a specific purpose, such as Christmas, pay a bill or vacation. If their goal is short term, so is their life in product distribution.

3) Upwardly Mobile: Distributors who “truly” desire incremental income to improve their quality of life tend to be “Upwardly Mobile.”  As a result of their longer term goals and desires they tend to be long-term product distributors.

4) Social Butterflies: I think we all know the personality that likes to be the “Center of Attention” wherever they go.  These personalities desire social interaction & truly enjoy the “networking” of  “network marketing“. The guy or gal who likes “door-to-door” type sales & the well known method of “party plans”  meet the social interaction desires of these product distributors.

5) Overachievers: Product distributors who crave recognition are often the overachievers. Direct selling product distribution offers plenty of recognition. This recognition comes from conventions, distributor events, as well as through multiple titles. As a distributor grows their business, they will escalate up the organization in title & rank (not to mention income).

6) Product Advocates: The people that get into product distribution “backwards” are usually product advocates. How do you “back into” product distribution? Simply put, these people were introduced to a product that they fell in love with. Because of this deep connection with the product and it’s benefits, they desire to “share” the benefits of said product. These product advocates have such a drive & passion for helping other people that their enthusiasm & charisma carries them into joining the business.

7) Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Career people with a burning desire to succeed are the best classification for these distributors. They have the tendency to see the “whole picture” when it comes to building a residual income business. As a result, they set goals: “Plan their work & work their plan.” Most entrepreneurs weigh the pros and cons of any potential product distribution business, calculate the ROI, become true students of the business model & move forward; working each day to achieve their short & long term goals. Typically, entrepreneurs are very productive; and most were simply waiting for the right “vehicle” in which to drive to their success.

So, which category did you find yourself in? Many of us are probably a blend of two or more of these product distributor categories. Best of luck to each and every one of you who are seeking to enrich the lives of yourself and your family by helping others achieve their goals.

David Blalock
Bronze Consultant #386886
E-mail me

Tags: cash, distributor, door to door, Entrepreneur, family, home business, homebusiness, making money, mlm, money, opportunity, part-time, part-time business, part-time home business, product distributor, work at home, Work From Home

Personality Tests to Help You Shine

My day job is working for the largest employer in our city. We have close too 2,500 employees. Today I went to a training class where they did this personality test. Found it to be not only interesting, but also “spot on”. Apparently I’m not the only one that finds personality tests interesting, just look at the results for “Personality Tests” in Google. Amazing! Of course the thing about this and all personality tests for that matter, is they point out the many common traits we all share. One of my favorite quotes: “Remember your unique, just like everyone else.” Seriously though, I do believe understanding how I react to certain different personalities will make it easier to find a common ground, both in my day job & especially as I grow my home based business. So without any further ado, here we go:

Color Personality Tests

O.K. the thing you want to do is work across each row of four words horizontally. In the space next to the word place a 4, 3, 2, or a 1 with 4= most like you and 1= least like you. Each word across must have a different number. Take for instance the first line, my answers were 4 Cautious    3 Content   2Playful   1Risk Taker. Now it’s YOUR turn.

Now you have 4 columns with 4 totals. The column with the largest # is your dominant personality type, the second highest # is the next most influential personality trait. Now for the colors. The first column is green, the second blue, the third yellow, and the fourth red. Now, what does the personality test color tell me about myself?

Your Personality Test Color

1st Column: Green Personality: Helper & Supporter

If you scored big on Green you live in a world of intangibles. This is a world where hopes, dreams and emotions are of utmost importance. Looking at the big picture, you are not detail oriented, & like to explore possibilities & alternative ways of doing things. You march to your own drummer and frequently find that other people are “out of step”. You will find that this often puts pressure on your relationships. Possessing a rich vivid imagination you thrive in an atmosphere that encourages the use of your creative abilities & talent. Due to a highly developed intuition, you seem to be able to sense what others are feeling.

Tendencies
1. Supportive
2. Agreeable
3. Loyal
4. Self-control
5. Consistent
6. Good Listener
7. Personal relationship development

Ideal situation
1. Sincere appreciation by others
2. Minimal conflict between people
3. Security
4. Acknowledgment of work
5. Limited territory
6. Traditional procedures
7. Opportunity to develop personal relationships

Weaknesses
1. Resist change
2. Trouble making deadlines
3. Overly lenient with people
4. Procrastinates
5. Indecisive
6. Holds grudges
7. Overly possessive
8. Lack initiative

Needs others to provide
1. Push to try new challenges
2. Help in solving difficult problems
3. Initiative and accepting change

Personal growth area
1. Facing confrontation and dealing with it
2. Moving at a faster pace and initiating

*****************************************************************************************************

2nd Column: Blue Personality: Analytical/Organizer

A Blue personality is an emotionally driven personality, using the 5 senses. You need to be liked & accepted. Because of this “need” it  can cause apprehension in your personality. Blue’s are polite, cooperative and seek to create conflict-free enviroments. You have a highly developed power of observation. Blue’s often find themselves in the role of being a caretaker because family is important to them.

Tendencies
1. Orderliness
2. Conscientious
3. Disciplined
4. Precise
5. Thorough
6. Diplomatic
7. Analytical

Ideal situation
1. Being able to concentrate on detail
2. Opportunities to critique
3. Stable surroundings and procedures
4. Exact job description, expectations
5. Opportunities for “careful” planning
6. Sufficient time to do things right
7. Opportunities for reassurance from peers

Weaknesses
1. Indecisive (looking at all data)
2. Get bogged down in details
3. Rigid on the “how-to’s”
4. Avoids controversy
5. Low self esteem
6. Hesitant to try new things
7. Sensitive to criticism
8. Can be pessimistic

Needs others to provide
1. Quick decision making
2. Optimism
3. Help in persuading others

Personal growth area
1. Be more open with their feelings
2. Be more optimistic

*****************************************************************************************************

3rd Column: Yellow Personality: Creative/Performer

As a yellow you are self-confident & will challenge anything & everything. Be it authority, rules or established ways of thinking. This tendency to question everything can create a strained atmosphere in both business and personal situations. Yellows are interested in theories, abstractions, innovations & change. You are a conceptual deep thinker & enjoy getting “lost in your head” as a way of exploring new ideas & looking for innovative ways to make a difference. Possessing true “out-of-the-box” vision you are adept at multi-tasking; you find great pleasure in searching for the hidden meanings behind every day life.

Tendencies
1. Optimism
2. Enthusiasm
3. Makes good impressions
4. Verbally articulate
5. Likes to help others
6. Creates entertaining climate

Ideal situation
1. Friendly warm environment
2. Freedom from control
3. Public recognition of ability
4. Opportunity to talk
5. Positive reinforcement
6. Enthusiastic response to ideas

Weaknesses
1. Following through
2. Overestimating results
3. Misjudging capabilities
4. Talks too much
5. Acts impulsively
6. Jumps to conclusions
7. Over commits
8. Acts first, thinks second

Needs others to provide
1. Follow through on details
2. Focus on tasks
3. Logical approach

Personal growth area
1. Time awareness
2. Objectivity in decision making

*****************************************************************************************************

4th Column: Red Personality: Leader/Promoter

Being red indicates life’s experiences must make sense to you. Red’s are logical, practical & do not display emotions easily. Because of your desire for structure, as a red you seek control of both your surroundings & people. You are sometimes seen by others as domineering. You are punctual and may become irritated if you think your time is being wasted. As a natural leader, you are driven by the need for power and control. What stresses you is lack of organization and last minute changes.

Tendencies
1. Getting immediate results
2. Making quick decisions
3. Persistence
4. Solving problems
5. Taking charge
6. Looking self reliant
7. Accepting challenges

Ideal situation
1. New varied activities
2. Opportunity to really get things done
3. Continual challenges, multi-tasking
4. Difficult assignments
5. Freedom to act from their instinct
6. Control over the situations
7. Direct answers from others, no innuendos

Weaknesses
1. Insensitivity towards others
2. Impatient
3. Overlook risks
4. Inflexible & demanding of others
5. Talk too much
6. Inattentive to details at times
7. Resenting of restrictions

Needs others to provide
1. Attention to routine tasks
2. Caution
3. Focus on details and facts

Personal growth area
1. Greater patience
2. Sensitivity to others’ needs
3. Flexibility

Hope this little personality test will be of some use to you. Knowing the different types, you will find yourself putting people in categories with out even needing to use the worksheet. Being able to know what types of feedback different personalities require should make your day to day interactions more enjoyable. 

David Blalock
Watkins Independent Associate #386886
Order Watkins Products
E-mail me

Free samples & catalog upon request.

“Is a Watkins Home Based Business Right For You?” Click Below to find out

Tags: family, Personality Test

GPS Navigation for a Home Business

2009 was a tough year for a lot of people. Even those that came through unscathed, it still put a little seed in their head “next time that could be me.” For those of you that have decided to make way of your “Plan B” I have some excellent news for you. Now is a perfect time to start a home business with the Summit Group/Watkins organization. Why is that? you might ask. Simple, for over 140 years Watkins has been offering natural products to enhance the lives of families. These are products that we all use on a daily basis, products ike nutrition, things for cooking, health, personal care and cleaning. They’re great quality at reasonable prices that people use in their home anyway.

What Kind of Home Business is it?

So now your thinking, “I don’t want to sell products!” Neither do I, and that is not what the core principal behind the Summit Group/Watkins home business is. For a complete A-Z explanation of this home business opportunity click here. For the “Cliff’s Notes” version, read on. The concept is really quite simple, it is however one that most of us are not familiar with. Typically when a company decides to market products they choose venues like Super Bowl Ads, Radio, Newspaper etc. Watkins pioneered a different way of marketing starting in 1868. Instead of relying on traditional forms of advertising, they relied on word-of-mouth. Advertising dollars that typically would go to expensive TV commercials or newspapers is instead paid to individuals who spread the word of Watkins personally.

Home Business 101 vs. Sams

To put this concept in terms most of us can understand, consider this. To join a Sams club you pay an annual fee of about $40. For this $40 you are allowed to shop in Sams and buy products at a discount. This discount is typically 5%-10%. Now if you decide to join a Summit Group/Watkins “club” you pay $39.95, about the same as a Sams membership. The discount you receive however is 25%-39% (depending on the size of your business). Now in our Sams scenario, if you tell other people about how great a Sams club membership is and they join and buy products; you don’t event receive a thank you card. If however, you join a Summit Group/Watkins home business, buy products for yourself at 25%-39% discount, then tell others how they can do the same, Watkins will pay you 5%-10% for sales that result from you advertising their products. Contrast that with the Sams analogy. If you get a Sams Club membership, tell others how great you think it is, they get their own membership and start buying Sams products, how much do you think Sams will pay you? Exactly nada.

So where to go from here? The GPS of this program is provided by the Summit Group. Watkins business model has been in place for over 140 years. The past 20 years the Summit Group has successfully become the single largest organization in Watkins. This is because they have perfected a proven business model for building a home business. The tools they have put in place are like having a GPS to building a successful home business. How can I be sure it works? Simply put, your reading this. To learn about how to build your own home business online go here. Follow the steps outlined and you will have all you need to make a decision without any hype, BS or pressure. Either you can see the power of this home business or you can’t. If you can……..don’t delay.

David Blalock
Watkins Independent Associate #386886
Order Watkins Products
E-mail me

Free samples & catalog upon request.

“Is a Watkins Home Based Business Right For You?” Click Below to find out

Tags: family, GPS, home business, homebusiness, how to make money online, internet marketing, making money, mlm, money, natural, online, online business, online home business, online marketing, opportunity, part-time, part-time business, part-time home business, watkins, Watkins products, work at home, Work From Home