Healthy Vegetables

Vegetarian 101

This is day 7 of my grand experiment of being a vegetarian for the month of March. Why would I want to test the waters of vegetarianism? Working on a Cardiac IMC unit in the hospital I noticed some “Common Denominators” of the patients that come to the floor.

The The “Top 3″ were:

1. Overweight (moderate to severe obesity)
2. Diet (high saturated fat)
3. Exercise (lack of)

Seeing these common connections between people with heart problems (coupled with heart disease in my family) & a few other reasons; in April 2009 my wife and I changed our eating habits. I avoid using the word “Diet” intentionally. I’ve been on “Diets” before. They are typically short term & ineffective. I did some research and chose a “Program” to follow. In our case the “Swank Diet” is the eating regimen we chose to follow. What did we give up? The main changes to our diet were the elimination of fried foods and the reduction of saturated fat. *Side note: Be careful what you make fun of. I used to laugh at people in the grocery store that read product labels; now I’m that person! So how much saturated fat is o.k.? We went with avoiding anything with more than 2.5 grams of saturated fat. The results: after three months we had both lost 30+ pounds (and have kept it off for 11 months & counting). While our reasons for changing our eating habits was not to lose weight, but instead to eat healthier; it’s still kinda nice wearing clothes that 10 years ago wouldn’t fit. I have a low-fat simple recipe site here: Recipe Resource. Most of them are “Swank Friendly”, but they are all tasty, simple to prepare and low-fat.

Healthy food is yucky! This is what I used to believe. You know, to eat healthy it’s all celery sticks & tasteless rice cakes. Boy was I ever wrong. We found a community of people committed to following the “Swank Diet” who generously and selfishly shared their favorite tasty recipes. Now the Swank Diet was designed for a specific medical condition that I wont go into here. And while the medical evidence for it’s benefits aren’t overwhelming, we knew that the healthier lifestyle change was something we wanted to adopt. The health benefits from eating delicious healthy food was our primary goal, and in this we succeeded.

Watkins Natural Products

October 2009 I was introduced to Watkins. I received some samples in the mail and was flabbergasted. I was one of those people that had never really heard about Watkins Vanilla, Watkins Black Pepper & Watkins Cinnamon. OMG!, this stuff was awesome. Seriously, just doing a simple cinnamon taste test between the cinnamon I had in the cupboard vs. Watkins Cinnamon opened my eyes to a world of flavor I had been missing. I had no idea that there could be such a difference in the flavor and quality in spices. Now, 5 months down the road with my involvement in Watkins, I’ve found that all of their products are top notch. They feature natural and green products that are good, and good for you and your family. It was great when I realized that a simple change from chemical laden shampoo, soaps & deodorants to natural Watkins products would be better for me and the environment. With over 350 products, Watkins has something for everyone.

7 Days as a Vegetarian

So how did I end up experimenting with vegetarianism? A little soul searching and a lot of fact finding. Just as before when I went with the Swank Diet, I did some research. I remember years ago hearing about a Dr. Dean Ornish who had a revolutionary way of reversing blockages to the heart WITHOUT surgery. The parallels I saw between his Clinically Proven way to reverse heart disease (eat low-fat vegetarian diet & exercise) and the patients I see coming to the Cardiac unit (unhealthy diet, overweight & no exercise) were an epiphany. “Yeah but”, why does it have to be vegetarian? Why not? #1 it’s proven medically to reverse blockages to the heart. Secondly, have you ever considered why it is you have the eating habits you do? Just because that’s the way you were raised should not be the one thing that stands between you and living a healthier life. “Beef: It’s What’s for Dinner” Ever heard that one, or have you ever got a McDonald’s jingle stuck in your head. Could we as a society be so malleable as to be susceptible to the marketing marvels who promote an unhealthy diet? I was. What vegetarian recipe could compete with McDonalds? Check this out if you love the McRib.

Vegetarian Recipes

After researching more about Dr. Dean Ornish and his “Eat more & lose weight” healthy heart eating regime, I decided to see if I could find any good recipes. Yep, sure enough I did! Here are a few great resources to try. AllRecipes.com then search for vegetarian recipes. Another awesome site for info on vegetarianism and recipes is goveg.com. Start here with Vegetarianism 101. Being a guy, I’m a visual creature. That’s just one of the reasons I love VegTV.com. They have videos showing you how to prepare some wonderful vegetarian and vegan recipes.

In conclusion. I’m not trying to scare or guilt anybody into being a vegetarian. My goal is to supply share our story and offer resources. I’m looking for helping the person who has an open mind & is looking for better health. Thanks for stopping by.

To order Watkins online click here.

David Blalock
Bronze Trailblazer Consultant #386886
E-mail me

"True" Natural Products

Watkins Natural Products

Did you hear about the Watkins product recall? No? Really! I mean, come on, they’ve been in business over 140 years. Truth is though, they have not had a SINGLE product recall. Some BIG name companies Toyota, Tylenol, Nissan, GM, Martha Stewart & Hyundai plus many others have had to recall products. An interesting site to keep track of recalls is here. So…. what does all of this have to do with Natural Products? In a word TRUST. When it comes to you and your families health, who do you trust? Let’s look further.

Watkins Natural Apothecary

Over 140 years of non-recall history sets up Watkins as the Premier provider of natural products. As a matter of fact Watkins still adheres to the same quality standards of it’s founder, J.R. Watkins. Watkins continues to provide, through it’s natural care line products that are good for you, good for others and the environment. In 2008 Watkins launched J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary ~ a complete line of personal care products (head to toe) that includes lotions, body creams, lip cream and body oils. Watkins is dedicated to providing personal care that is truly natural. Watkins formulas are 95% natural, many are 99% natural and higher. Watkins uses renewable ingredients from mother earth that are plentiful. They’re luxurious line of personal car (for every day use) is free of synthetic or irritating chemicals & as always NEVER tested on animals. (just a side note~my wife LOVES the shea butters and lotions)

J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary

Brand Commitments:

• Soduem Laruyl Sulfate Free
• 95% Natural (and above)
• Free of Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Dye Free
• Free of Petrolatum & Mineral Oil
• Pthalate Free
• Paraben Free

When it’s all said and done, doesn’t your family deserve the best?

David Blalock
Watkins Bronze Trailblazer Consultant #386886
Order Watkins Products
E-mail me

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

Home Based Business

DIY: Home Based Business

What is meant by a “DIY: Home Based Business”? The DIY stands for Do It Yourself, a Home Based Business is typically one that can be comfortably run from home (duh!) without having employees or a typical “brick & mortar” shop.The options for having a home business are virtually unlimited. The real key is to find something you enjoy, can work part-time from home & not have to invest a lot of capital. Because of these variables the “Answer” to which home business is right for you is going to vary by individual.

Choosing a Home Business Opportunity

Of course this will also vary by individual, but here is a list of some of the things I was looking for in my own home based business:

• Inexpensive to start
• Flexible
• Rewards in proportion to effort
• Easy
• Fun
• Free business building tools
• Ability to build business online
• Honest
• Legal
• Environmentally conscious natural products
• Potential to replace full-time income working part-time
• NOT fly-by-night

The Home Based Business Opportunity I Chose

While I had looked for years & tried a few things, the home business opportunity I finally decided on was a Summit Group/Watkins business. The fact that Watkins has been in business 141 years put my mind at ease about dealing with a fly-by-night scam. If I was going to invest my time in a home business, I wanted to ensure the company would still be around for the long haul. There are so many facets on how you can build your own home based business, I can’t go into all the details of the opportunity here. The complete full disclosure is available for free here: DIY: Home Based Business. But, I will tell you this, it has been by far the best use of $39.95 I have EVER spent in my life. The website above (the one with the free details) is provided to me by the Summit Group free of charge. Why, simply because this business is about helping others achieve their goals; I don’t make a dime in this business until you make a dollar. Is your future worth $39.95? Mine was.

David Blalock
Watkins Bronze Trailblazer Consultant #386886
Order Watkins Products
E-mail me

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

Apple, Raisin Stuffed Chicken Breast

Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

This is one of those cool recipes that is actually two in one. While it is simple (only takes about an hour) the results are marvelous. While the chicken bakes, the sauce and rice are prepared, resulting in a flavor explosion!

Ingredients:

Stuffed Chicken Breast:
6  chicken breast halves (boneless, skinless)
1 cup diced apple
1/2 cup golden raisins (Don’t skimp, get Sun Maid)
1/2 cup/ sliced toasted almonds
1 tbsp Watkins Parsley
Freshly-ground Watkins Sea Salt and Watkins Black Pepper, to taste Watkins Paprika
1 cup plain yogurt (low fat or no fat)
1/2 tbsp Watkins Curry Powder

Curried Rice:
1 tbsp Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 tsp Watkins Curry Powder
1/4 tsp Watkins Purest Ground Cinnamon
2 tsp Watkins Chicken Soup & Gravy
2 cups water (filtered)
1 cup Basmati rice
1 to 1-1/2 cups reserved stuffing (from above)

Cooking Directions:

Stuffed Chicken Breast

Preheat oven to 350°F. Pound chicken breasts with meat mallet to increase size by 1/2. Mix apple, golden raisins, toasted almonds, parsley, salt and pepper. Place a spoonful of stuffing in center of each breast & roll up. (There will be stuffing left over; save 1 to 1-1/2 cups of this for rice.) Place breasts seam side down on baking sheet coated with Watkins Cooking Spray. Sprinkle with Watkins Paprika and bake 40 to 50 minutes, or until chicken tests done. Meanwhile, prepare sauce: Stir curry into yogurt; set aside to let flavors develop. Prepare rice.

Curried Rice
Heat oil in heavy, lidded saucepan. Add onion, Watkins Curry powder and Watkins Cinnamon; sauté until tender. Add Watkins soup base & water; bring to a boil. Stir in rice; cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until liquid is absorbed; about 20 minutes. About 5 minutes before rice is done, stir in reserved stuffing.

Place rice on serving platter; top with sstuffed chicken breasts. Spoon or pour yogurt sauce over chicken; sprinkle with Watkins Paprika to add color.

Serves 6.

To order Watkins online click here.

David Blalock
Bronze Trailblazer Consultant #386886
E-mail me

Jazz up Twitter & Facebook

Cool HTML Symbols from @Stevestuff on Twitter

?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.?.~~.

The symbols shown are just a sample of what Steve has available here: Steve Shearer Web Design. Whether you use Twitter, Facebook, Myspace or your blog for fun or marketing, these symbols will get you noticed. BTW, be sure to check out his blog, tons of useful tips, tricks and tools. He also does web design at extremely reasonable rates, so if your in the market be sure to check him out.

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Animated Gif

Animated Gif & Morph for Facebook, Myspace & Blogs

Really want a profile picture on Facebook that will turn heads? Check this program out. Squirlz Morph will allow you to create an animated gif or you can morph pictures. I created this animated gif of our Yellow Lab Dusty running. Cool huh?! Ever wanted to morph from yourself into your dog? Squirlz Morph will allow you to do that and more. Check ‘em out here: Squirlz Morph. Oh yeah did I mention that it’s FREE! Be sure to check out the links to the Youtube videos. Pretty Awesome stuff.

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

Dusty Star

Free Photo Collage Software

If your looking for an easy quick way to make a photo collage, Shape Collage is for you. This the perfect tool to liven up your Facebook, Myspace, Twitter or Blog. With a simple interface, you can be making really cool photo collages literally in just minutes. The best part? It’s Free! Yep, you heard me, when used for personal use their is no charge. Want to use it in your business? The Pro version for business is only $45.

To order Watkins online click here.

David Blalock
Bronze Trailblazer Consultant #386886
E-mail me

FREE Information

I <3 Muffins!

Easy Muffin Recipe

These are the muffins I made for my wife on our anniversary February 13th. A super simple recipe that is as tasty as it is quick to prepare.

Instructions:

In a medium bowl add 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup applesauce and blend well. Next add Watkins Cinnamon Apple Spiced Bread Mix to the bowl and stir to mix; do not over mix.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray muffin tin with Watkins Cooking Spray. Bake for 25 minutes. Now how easy was that? 

To order Watkins online click here.

David Blalock
Bronze Trailblazer Consultant #386886
E-mail me

Home Based Business

No Selling Required Home Based Business

How to make money without selling in a Summit Group/Watkins business.

One of the first questions most people ask when first hearing about a Watkins home based business is “Do I have to sell?” Translation: “The only way to make money in a home business is selling, right?” The answer is actually no. The preferred method taught by the Summit Group to build your Watkins home business is not based upon the traditional sales model.

This is a hard concept for a lot of people to swallow. Especially anyone that knows anything about Watkins. Over 140 years ago Watkins pioneered the Direct Selling & Network Marketing industry. But, most people assume because of the World Famous Watkins products and catalogs that the only way to have a significant income is to sell. The side of Watkins that is often overlooked is the power of the Network Marketing. If you enjoy selling, you certainly can, bear in mind however that the EVERY SINGLE ONE of the top earners in Watkins have focused their time and energy on Network Marketing, NOT Direct Selling. As a matter of fact, the leader of the Summit Group makes over $20,000 a month, and has since 1997. It is his method that shows the true power of Network Marketing in Watkins.

My goal is in just the little space I have available here is to show you how Network Marketing can allow you to build a team that generates a monthly bonus income without anyone having to sell retail. I can tell you from personal experience that even when you concentrate only on Network Marketing, some retail sales will still occur. This is because of the quality products that have been offered by Watkins for over a century. When people that have used Watkins products before find out your a “Watkins Man or Woman” they will insist on making purchases! As a consequence your business will end up being a mix of retail and Network Marketing.

Why Isn’t Everyone Doing It?

Simply put, most people don’t understand how network marketing works. People that are introduced to Watkins automatically assume it’s like Avon. Most all of us has known someone who sells Avon products. We see them with their catalogs talking to friends and co-workers, or possibly seen Tupperware, Pampered Chef or some other similar company and figured it’s just the same. You may have actually met someone at a county fair or craft show with a Watkins booth selling products, it is just the most common way most of us have been exposed to the business. Another reason it’s not as noticeable in the mainstream is because of the inherent nature of how Network Marketing works. You typically won’t see a BIG network marketing recruiting booth set up at the county fair. Marketing is usually done below most peoples radar.

The Nuts & Bolts of Network Marketing

If your unfamiliar with Network Marketing, read on for the details in a nutshell. The concept is actually quite simple: A lot of people doing a little can be more productive than just one person doing a lot. Let me explain.

O.K. Remember the Avon and Tupperware Direct Selling example from earlier? Here’s how to relate it to Network Marketing in a way more of us are familiar with.

Imagine there was a company that opened large warehouse stores all around the U.S. And let’s further imagine that for a $45 annual “club fee” these stores would allow you to buy products from their store at a significant discount. The savings from just a few visits would quickly make up the annual “club fee”.

There is actually a company that has done just that. They have opened over 470 warehouses and sold 46 million people a “club fee” membership. These members spend 52 billion dollars in their stores. You know them as Costco, and millions have paid them $45 to join and buy at a discount.

Watkins vs. Costco

Let’s compare. For $39.95 you can start buying Watkins products at a discount of 25% or more. Pretty much same concept so far, pay a “club fee” to join and buy products at a discount.

Have you ever found a really good deal on something and then told your friends about it? Let’s say you tell your friends about Costco, and your friends buy a membership and start buying products at a discount. Will Costco send you a bonus check for 5%-10% of whatever your friends buy? Of course not. But get this; Watkins does! And if your friend tell others about Watkins, they can earn a bonus, and you can too.

Now you see how the concept of Network Marketing works. It works like this: you establish a group of people who join Watkins by paying their $39.95 “club fee”. These people are just like you, they’re not interested in selling products; just like the Costco analogy they join to buy products for their family with the associates discount. Seems simple doesn’t it? And it doesn’t take many  people doing that before your group can be using more Watkins products than the largest retail person in Watkins.

As I mentioned before, there’s a selling & a buying side to the Summit Group/Watkins business opportunity. Should you choose, you can retail products to friends, family, co-workers or customers. The buying side is the Network Marketing. Associates (like yourself) buy products for their own use. In the long run though, there is a LOT more power from the Network Marketing side than the retail side.

The core principal concept of Network Marketing is people helping people learn how to buy award winning natural products at a discount. Repeat after me: “It’s NOT about selling!”

Making Money in Network Marketing

Let’s get all hypothetical shall we. It all starts with you, let’s say you decide to join Watkins so you can save money buying stuff at a discount from Watkins instead of your local grocery or dollar store. And for the sake of this scenario you commit to transferring purchases to your own Watkins store at the tune of $100 a month.

Once you start saving money buying quality natural and organic products for Watkins, what do you do next? Just like in our Costco analogy; you tell others. Now suppose that you find 10 others who decide they want to have their own “buy & word of mouth” business to save & make money. And, like you they commit to “transfer buying” $100 (remember, these are products we’re already buying like: shampoo, deodorant, spices, lotion, vitamins etc.) per month. *FYI, there are no “monthly minimums” in Watkins. We’re using the hypothetical $100 per month as an examply of what a typical average monthly average may be. As always in life, some will do more, and some will do less.

In the scenario at this point, at the end of the month Watkins would calculate how much in products had been purchased from your team of 10, and then send you a bonus check of about $70. All you did to “earn” this was to tell others (word of mouth) and in the process you earned $70 + the discount of your own purchases.

But wait, there’s more. The next logical thing to do now is to help your team of 10 find their “10 team”. Reminder, nobody is looking for salespeople-what they’re actually looking for is “clones”. Clones of themselves, to do what they have done: buy/save, share/earn.

Looking forward; your 10 now have their 10. The group is now 110 strong, earning you not $70 monthly but $700! Wow, we don’t need no stinkin’ sales! Simply a process of people transfer buying products they’re already buying & telling others. Remember when we talked about how we would let folks no what a cool deal Costco was? How much is Costco going to send you monthly for your “word of mouth” efforts? Zilch, zero, nada, nein, NOTHING! Stop working for nothing, you deserve more for your efforts.

So taking it one step further: These 100 people find their “10 team” who want to buy/save, share/earn. Now we’re looking at 1,110 people in your organization. How does $5,000 per month sound? Pretty cool huh? But don’t miss the big picture; this is not a “work for” door-to-door like Avon income. Where each month you have to go out to your “customers” and get more orders. This is different, and the difference is the key. These people are just transferring the dollars they were already spending at their grocery and dollar stores to Watkins. They’re saving money in that process. As a consequence the $5,000 is a monthly income without going out and doing the work all over again.

Obviously your team wont grow exactly as our scenario above; and it doesn’t need to because you can still have a large thriving team. As your team grows, some groups will grow slower than expected and conversely, some faster. But seriously, what could be easier? Buying stuff at a discount (stuff your already buying elsewhere) & telling others how they can do the same.

What’s Your Plan B?

This is the real question you need to consider. What else out there can you do part-time from home, without selling or buying inventory that in a 3-5 year period with consistent and daily focused effort will allow you to be earning a significant RESIDUAL monthly income. Oh yeah, and for the measly sum of $39.95? And should you think this is just some fly-by-night get rich quick scam: consider this. Number 1, 3-5 years is not necessarily quick, and number 2-Watkins has been in business for over 140 years. What about where your working now? What if you get outsourced, or downsized, laid off, fired or the company relocates? What’s your Plan B?

Thanks for your indulgence, I know I was long winded with this one. My sincere wish is for your success in whatever endeavor you decide to choose. If for whatever reason this one does not appeal to you, I encourage you to seriously have a Plan B. I know all too well from personal experience that it’s significantly better to have your plan in place before you need it.

David Blalock
Bronze Trailblazer Consultant #386886
E-mail me

Serenity Beach

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

Distributors Wanted

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

Don't Let the Sun Set on Me

Shine On!

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.

Personality Tests

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

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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

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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
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