A Message from Vitamark President David Bertrand

Crave Energy Drink Weblog:

"On behalf of Tom Schreiter, our Chairman, Jana Mitcham, our Executive Vice President, John Doughty, President of Vitamark Europe, and the entire staff at Vitamark corporate both in the US and Europe, I want to say: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You have performed magnificently this year. Our company has grown in sales volume and new and total Affiliates — and we’re just getting started! The future is bright for Vitamark. We have leaders in Vitamark right now who are creating incredible wealth and building their organizations to greatness. We are tremendously excited to see the leadership growing and developing into an efficient building “machine” that is duplicating and expanding their strength and size.

It is always exciting to see “organic leadership” development and that is happening right now in Vitamark. Our key leaders are building and developing leadership in their groups and duplicating themselves through proven systems that virtually assure success."

Here's Huckabee, but first a word

Illinoisans For Mitt Romney:

"Quixtar's blend of Christianity, conservatism and consumerism could be helpful to Huckabee, a Baptist minister, as he seeks the backing of evangelicals in his bid to win the Iowa Republican caucuses Thursday night.

Quixtar was created in 1999 by the DeVos and Van Andel families, the founders of Amway, who have donated more than $3 million almost exclusively to federal candidates and causes dating back years. The DeVos family also funded a push for school choice in Beasley's home state of South Carolina.

DeVos family members also have been involved in funding and serving in the Council for National Policy, a private organization made up largely of wealthy conservatives. In February, Huckabee won the backing of a majority of the group over rival Mitt Romney, according to a report in U.S. News & World Report.

Doug DeVos, president of Quixtar and Amway's holding company, also is co-chairman of Gospel Communications Network, which describes itself as using the Internet to spread the Gospel. A columnist for its Gospelcom.net last week raised questions about aspects of Romney's Mormon faith."

To Fanista Or Not Fanista?

THE IBO REBELLION:

"Alticor has hastily announced the sale of its interest in Fanista.com. Alticor claims it has sold its investment in Fanista to Power of Entertainment. Alticor claims that Power of Entertainment is the company that built and continues to run Fanista. A Google search of Power of Entertainment does not turn up any results as it is apparently too early for even Alticor's media department to have released their onslaught of press releases. Some obvious questions come to mind. Who owns Power of Entertainment? Why was Power of Entertainment never mentioned in any of the earlier press releases? What prompted this sale? If this was Alticor's intentions all along, why all the heavy press releases boasting the Amway name? I could go on and on."

Real Salt Lake courts companies for naming rights to soccer stadium

Deseret Morning News:

"In its 2006 financial statements that it provided to Salt Lake County, Real included a line item for the $1.5 million annually in its projected budget. Howes said that while he is optimistic an agreement will be reached prior to the opening of the stadium next summer, the team is prepared to move forward with or without a sponsorship deal.

"You have founding partners, you have other sponsorship deals, you have tickets and all the other revenue streams," Howes said.

Last November, Real became one of the first American sports franchises to display a sponsor's name on the front of their jerseys when the team struck a deal with sports supplement drink company XanGo. The agreement was for $4 million to $5 million over four years."

AMS files for bankruptcy protection

Trading Markets.com:

"AMS Health Sciences, an Oklahoma City-based marketer of diet and health aids, is seeking bankruptcy protection while it challenges a nearly $1 million jury award that the company concedes it cannot pay.

A jury last month ordered AMS to pay $985,000 to the former owner of Heartland Cup, a Pontotoc County Styrofoam cup plant that AMS bought in 2005.

The jury found AMS violated various agreements with Truett McCarty, the controlling shareholder of the cup company. AMS paid McCarty $200,000 and gave him $200,000 shares of its common stock in exchange for 83 percent of the Heartland Cup."

Nature's Sunshine shows quarter loss

Salt Lake Tribune:

"Beleaguered Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc., of Provo on Friday released financial results showing an operating loss for the quarter that ended Sept. 30.

But the company cautioned that its financial results still had not been audited by an independent accounting firm and that it did not know when its auditor, Deloitte & Touche, would be ready with a restatement of its financial statements for 2004 through 2006.

In November, an administrative law judge issued an initial decision revoking the registration of the company's common stock. The Securities and Exchange Commission is now reviewing that decision at the company's request.

In a lawsuit, investors are charging that company officials made false statements about the company's business and financial results that caused its stock to trade at artificially high prices when it reached $23.24 a share on Sept. 30, 2005. The company's stock was trading at $9.50 on Friday."

Network Marketing Today - New Design

As you may have noticed, I have made some design changes. Aside from the aesthetic, I have built several separate pages, linked by the tabs in the header section. (I will be adding more navigation in the footer section soon.) Done.

I intend to add another page or two as I continue to develop some new features. I'll keep you posted on that.

Any comments about the new design would be appreciated and if you find any links that are not functioning properly, please drop a comment or email.

It is my hope that this change in layout will provide benefit for you as well as allow me to offer more information.

Thanks for stopping by.

Is Network Marketing Right for You?

Mona Vie Drink Life...Drink Mona Vie:

"I have now been a distributor for Mona Vie for 7 months. The first two or three months I just drank the juice, I wanted to see what effects it would have. Just so you know Mona Vie is not a cure for what ails you. It is a means to get the best quality of health benefits into your body. With the healthy properties of the mix of 19 fruits the body heals itself from the inside out.

But this is not about the juice, it is about you deciding is there something missing in your life and can becoming a distributor with Mona Vie & me help to improve your life financially. Since the age of 15, I have always worked for someone else. Had the J.O.B. (just over broke). It was not until the year 2000 that my wife and I decided to get into real estate. We had watched the late night infomercials, ordered the product and knew we were on are way. Several mistakes and months later we were making a living and buying, selling and renting real estate. And then the market turned. It was our first time in a really down market, so we knew we had to find something else to bring in the money."

Breaking News - Gano Excel North America

eVictoryNews:

"If you missed Tuesday’s North American Corporate Conference Call with Dr. Kenneth Kroll, Craig Jackman and Shane Morand you have to hear this ASAP then forward the link to your organization. Looks like 2008 will be a bigger year than we thought!"

This Is Not Your Father’s Home Based Business

Change Your Body, Change Your Life:

"When we began paying commissions on sales of Beachbody products to our customers, with an incentive for them to bring in additional reps to spread the word, the only customer complaints pertained to the seedy reputation of other multi-level marketers as a “pyramid scheme”.

That reputation is largely due to the millions of families who are still stuck with inventory of soap, pills, and water filters from business ventures of the past, and the pressure to effectively become the sales manager to your own friends and family members.

After just six months of operation, I can proudly say, we are none of any of that. We are promoters of health and fitness. And for the people who get in and get active with Million Dollar Body, the opportunity is anything but “traditional” network marketing, but with every bit of potential for financial reward."

Melaleuca Announces Major Accomplishment

NewsChannel6 :

"It has been five years since Melaleuca received a multimillion dollar loan to expand its facility, and since then the company has exceeded expectations.

Frank VanderSloot announced Wednesday that his company has repaid 2.5 million dollars to the Regional Development Alliance two weeks early.

As a result of the loan, a new distribution center was built freeing up about 150 thousand square feet at the manufacturing plant."

Announcing Ejuvinate™ New Therapeutic Skincare from BioNovix

My BioCare:

"BioNovix launches new therapeutic skincare line, Ejuvinate™

The first product available from this revolutionary product line is Ejuvinate™ Skin Renewal Cream.

Infused with a proprietary blend of the Master Molecule™ Xanthohumol and Vitamin E Succinate, the unique therapeutic EjuvinateTM Skin Renewal Cream utilizes the VESPORT™ delivery system to penetrate the skin’s outermost layer."

Advocare Spark Energy Drink

Advocare Business Blog:

"Advocare Spark Energy Drink has been chosen as drink of choice for some of today’s top athlete’s. Advocare Spark Energy Drink not only helps to replenish all the vitamins we lack everyday but it help to recharge your body to continue on every day even we feel week. Most energy drinks today give you a quick rush and that’s it but with Advocare Spark Energy Drink you get way more."

5Linx Partners with IMC to Promote VoIP Technology

TMCnet:

"5Linx Enterprises, Inc, a player in the VoIP telecommunications industry, and Internet Marketing Consortium (IMC), and international Multi-Media/Direct Response marketing and promotions firm, have partnered in a joint venture to promote 5Linx’s cutting-edge VoIP technology and dynamic distribution model.

This extensive multi-media campaign is set to feature millions of Internet banners, opted e-mails, radio, TV and Web advertising, infomercials, catalogs and more.

5Linx distributes its products and services through a network of dedicated independent marketing representatives. The company offers both residential and commercial digital phone service for low cost, unlimited local, long distance and international calling. 5Linx also offers cell, satellite service and security systems that complement its unique VideoPhone."

What's The Fastest Way To Get Results?

Best MLM Resources:

"What's The Fastest Way To Get Results In Your MLM Or Network Marketing Business???

It's not what you might think.......

Well, here it is - the absolute fastest way to get skyrocketing results instantly. Is it a pill? Is it a workshop? Is it a toolbox of secret strategies? Hardly. And you know what? It can change your income, the size of your game and your life in an instant.

Get mad!"

New Style Network Marketing - Why Professionals are Rushing to Join!

Ezine Articles:

"There is absolutely no doubt. Network marketing or multi level marketing (MLM) is now attracting a new type of person. The wave of new style network marketing is having an unprecedented appeal to professional business people.

In the past, MLM has been dismissed by business leaders as an inferior sales distribution channel. Today, Fortune 500 corporations flock to do business through network marketing channels with industry sales approaching $25 billion in the US and $100 billion worldwide.

The industry, once tainted by the image of the hard hitting, face to face salesperson, compelling you with exaggerated promises - is growing up."

MLM Success - Potential or Promise

Article World:

"If so many people have an MLM success system that automatically enrolls hundreds or makes money like mad or is so easy people will 'walk over broken glass and then pour iodine and salt in their wounds' to phone you and join your deal, then why are so many people failing at MLM?

Kind of a tough question to answer.

But let me give you a couple of insights that I had on all this MLM success stuff a while back.

Most of you know who Dexter Yeager is, right? He's the guy who started out in Amway in the 1950's when it first got started."

Is The Network Marketing Old School Dead?

MLM - Network Marketing Blog:

"There has been a lot of talk recently about the death of 'Old School' Network Marketing. I have been a vocal proponent of 'The New School' along with Kim Klaver for some time now but I sense that the topic is getting fuzzy.

When I talk about the 'New School of Network Marketing', I am talking about less hype and more substance. Some people have labeled the 'New School', online marketing or Network Marketing 2.0 and they are throwing around terms like obsolete when referring to some methods like building in your warm market and in person meetings."

The Zrii™ Business Upfront and Close in Utah

Amalaki Berry Nutritional Cocktail - The Zrii Business Opportunity:

"The 2008 Preview Tour got off to a sizzling and historic start Wednesday night. Salt Lake was positively Zrii-ified! On only 2 weeks’ notice, over 300 people packed the downtown Marriott to charge their Zrii batteries. Inspiring messages were heard from IE leaders, Zrii’s Co-Founders, and Founder Bill Farley. A vision of things to come in 2008 was enthusiastically shared and many Zrii prospects got a first-hand glimpse into a company and a culture that have become iconic. A special appearance from the Osmonds 2nd Generation provided holiday music, and the Zrii flowed freely."

Why is XanGo™ So Successful?

Back to XanGo:

"One of the complaints heard most in network marketing today is,

“My company doesn’t allow us to promote our company on the Internet” or, “We can’t use our company name or logo.” Some companies even go as far as to ban all advertising or cold marketing.

XanGo™ understands the heart and soul of the entrepreneur and allows all forms of promotion and advertising both on and offline."

USANA Health Sciences Applauds Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Players'

PR Inside:

"USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:USNA), the official health supplement supplier of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, would like to congratulate Cara Black (ZIM) & Liezel Huber (RSA) for their women's doubles victory Saturday, November 10, at the Sony Ericsson Championships. The popular Sony Ericsson WTA Tour events are viewed by more than four million spectators worldwide. Sunday was the final day of the season-ending Tour Championships that took place in Madrid, Spain."

What Does Your Downline Think Of You?

Net MLM Profits:

"Being successful in any MLM means two things… moving product and building an organization.

If you’ve got good products, the first part is pretty easy.

It’s the SECOND part that’s a freaking NIGHTMARE for most marketers.

Here’s a question I get all the time…

Q. “I worked really hard to bring someone into the business, and a week later they quit. What am I doing wrong?”"

Cognigen Networks Announces Election of New Directors

CNN Money:

"Cognigen Networks, Inc. , an online pay-per-action marketing network announced today the election of four new directors and the re-election of Robert K. Bench as a director of the company. The new directors are James U. Jensen, Roy D. Banks, John M. Knab, and John D. Thomas.

The directors were elected during Cognigen's annual shareholder meeting that was held on December 10, 2007. Following the shareholder meeting, the reconstituted board of directors elected James U. Jensen to serve as Chairman of the Board.

James U. Jensen is also the Independent Board Chairman for the Wasatch Funds and served as Secretary and General Counsel of NPS Pharmaceuticals until 2004 and as a Director until 2001. Roy D. Banks has over 15 years of experience in the high-tech, Internet marketing and payment processing industries. He currently serves as President of Authorize.Net, a leading provider of Internet payment processing products and services. John M. Knab is the current CEO, President, and Chairman of Phonex Broadband Corporation, which develops, manufactures and distributes wireless voice, audio, and data technologies."

A&G Pharmaceutical Receives $870,000 Grant from Avon Foundation

PR Newswire:

"A&G Pharmaceutical announced today that the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Prevention Research Initiative has awarded A&G an $870,000 grant to conduct multicenter clinical studies focused on measuring levels of A&G's proprietary breast cancer biomarker, GP88, in blood and tissue samples from breast cancer patients. Results of the studies could provide the basis for developing a blood test that would enable early detection of breast cancer.

The award was one of 12 grants totaling more than $7 million awarded this year by the Avon Foundation as part of its Breast Cancer Prevention Research Initiative, and it is the first ever awarded by the foundation to a private company."

Is it direct selling or direct buying?

Unicity Health Supplements & a Home based Networking Business:

"Many people have a misconception that MLM is direct selling, when in fact, it is direct buying. Let me explain...

Direct selling is like selling cars, insurance, unit trusts and houses. You only get paid 100% off your own efforts. And the day you stop selling or working in your job, the income stops. That's direct selling of products or of your time.

Direct buying is simply showing others why you have a better product or service that people can save money buying direct, and getting paid off the efforts of teaching others also how to promote and recommend the products you have."

Mona-vie Has Taken Hollywood By Storm

Canyon News:

"Recently, a friend named Rene' Thurston contacted me and told me of a wonderful new product that has made a difference in the lives of her family and friends. I hear a lot of things in Tinseltown, but few things that I actually believe and even fewer do I feel compelled to write about. Though tabloid reporting means you fill pages so that you can sell ADS, real journalism is something those of us involved take seriously. So I receive packages in the mail on a daily basis. Press kits for up and coming stars, gifts from studios, invitations from A-List Celebrities looking to promote their new projects or even a pet charity. But when the bottles of Monavie arrived from Rene', a wonderful friend whom I met through a mutual acquaintance, Christopher Atkins, I thought, better see what is inside this box."

Todd Falcone To Speak At Official Coastal Vacations Training Event

Web Wire:

"The first official training event of 2008 for travel professionals associated with the Coastal Vacations home based travel business will feature internationally known trainer Todd Falcone. Falcone brings over a decade of direct sales and network marketing experience to the table, and is a mentor to hundreds of top performing home based business owners. Todd will share his insights, thoughts, and strategies for those looking for peak performance in their Coastal Vacations careers."

First Healthier Coffee Ever Ganocafe

The Sleek Business Weblog:

"Everybody drinks coffee” and would you have it any other way! I truly believe that coffee does a body good” and of course you drink coffee that is healthier for you” meaning the first healthier coffee made from ganoderma mushroom and dark Brazilian coffee beans. Ganocafe product’s are awesome for a good reason! we have selected the type of coffee beans to make this wonderful blend of rich ganocafe coffee’s.

Take one hot cup of ganocafe everyday and watch how reishi mushroom goes to work as a natural stimulant leaving out the chance of getting the jitters like traditional coffee’s.

At Firsthealthiercoffee.com you will find and array of these coffee products that can put you on top of the leading age of healthy coffee beverages and further more make every day even brighter Healthy coffee could be known as Joyful coffee as well."

FreeLife International: CEO Message

Knoxville Goji Team:

"While all the meetings were excellent, the meeting in the Philippines was truly historic. With over 2500 people in attendance, it was the largest international event we have ever had in the history of FreeLife! I cannot begin to express the level of passion, hope, and excitement that was felt by all who were in attendance at that meeting. And they all came there for one reason: to celebrate the incredible impact FreeLife and Himalayan Goji Juice is having in that wonderful country. Many thanks and congratulations to all the great Leaders throughout Asia who made this tour a wonderful success!

Let me also congratulate everyone around the world for making 2007 our fourth straight record year. Very few companies ever get to experience the kind of run we are on, and we feel so blessed to have Leaders like you taking the good news of Himalayan Goji Juice around the world faster than we ever imagined."

Eniva Purchases Building In Anoka, Minnesota

Star Tribune:

"IMI Cornelius has sold its 432,286-square-foot building in Anoka to Eniva Corp. Terms were not disclosed. IMI Cornelius closed its operations at the facility in 2002. Eniva Corp. makes a line of nutritional vitamin supplement products."

Child Shield innovates to save children

Startup Nation:

"Innovation is a necessity for most home-based businesses to survive. But the reason Child Shield, U.S.A., winner of the inaugural StartupNation Home-Based 100’s Most Innovative category, needs to stay ahead of the game is different from other companies simply trying to beat the competition.

Tucson, Ariz.-based Child Shield is a service that aims to educate and protect families from child predators. The primary reason the company needs to stay innovative, say its owners, John and Robin Raskob, is because child molesters are extremely inventive themselves, using Internet chat rooms and Web sites to sharpen their techniques and gain the advantage."

Builders Bonus Check - Compensation Plan

AmeriPlan Programs:

"Today AmeriPlan Founders Dennis and Daniel Bloom announced that they would suspend the New Paid-As Enhancement rule for the month of December. All SRSDs and above are exempt from the rule for the month of December. All business brought in during the month of December will rollover to January.

Today’s changes do not effect IBOs or RSDs as they do not receive a monthly builders bonus. But it is a welcome relief for AmeriPlan Sales Directors and just the first step in some major changes to come.

Back in June of 2007, AmeriPlan Founders Dennis and Daniel Bloom announced a New Paid-As Enhancement to the compensation plan. The idea was to promote team building. Sales Directors who increased their Personal Sales Group Monthly Revenue (psgmr), through personal sales or team sales volume would be rewarded with a monthly builders bonus check."

AtHome America Recalls 4-Wick Candles

Consumer Affairs.com:

"AtHome America is recalling about 6,300 four-wick decorative candles. The candle's wicks are in close proximity, causing the candle to burn unevenly and faster than expected, posing a potential fire hazard.

The firm has received one report of melted wax on a table. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The recall involves four-inch, square-shaped candles with four wicks. The candles were sold in three styles: the Earth Hue Toasted Nutmeg and Spice candle, the Holiday Hue candle, and the Golden Metallic candle."

Mary Kay on the Today Show

Shades of Pink:

"Tune in your television or set your TiVo! Saturday, Dec. 15, Mary Kay Inc. will appear in a short segment live on NBC’s The Today Show to present a donation to the Today Show Toy Drive.

This is the third year Mary Kay Inc., in conjunction with the Direct Selling Association, has made a donation to the Today Show Toy Drive, which was established to provide gifts to countless women and children nationwide. We’re happy to report we have increased our contribution this year to $2.6 million in product from $2.4 million in product in 2006."

YTB International Partners with Shanghai Spring International Travel Service

CNN MOney:

"YTB International, Inc., a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, today announced an exclusive partnership with Shanghai Spring International Travel Service to market and sell tour packages to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. The packages will be available from YTB beginning on or before January 11, 2008.

In an effort to provide more tours to China for the 2008 Olympics than any other travel agency, YTB and Shanghai Spring International Travel Service, the largest privately owned travel agency in China, will offer exclusive 7 to 11 day tour packages and tickets for the Summer Olympics in August 2008. Through this strategic partnership, YTB's Referring Travel Agents (RTAs) are positioned to benefit from Shanghai Spring International Travel Service's dominant position within the Chinese market, and pass these savings on to their customers. YTB's customers will recognize value not only in terms of cost savings, but also in terms of the exclusive access to sold out events, attractions, and hotel accommodations."

The Network Marketing Strategy

ArticlesMaker.com:

"Many people and companies have abused the word network marketing in the past years that a lot of people will associate the word with something that is negative. Yet, if you take a look at the nature of network marketing, you will not find anything that is intrinsically bad about this system. Since the first network marketing company was introduced in the United States in the 1940s, the network marketing strategy of most companies have been consistent.

The strategy is to distribute the products through local channels thereby saving on distribution cost and at the same time providing some alternative income for those people who would like to be an independent distributor of the product. Although there are some variations in the implementation of the network marketing strategy, the basic principles underlying the implementation thereof is still the same. "

RBC Life Sciences Names John W. Price President

Business Wire:

"RBC Life Sciences today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed John W. Price to the position of President of the company and member of the Board of Directors.

“We feel very fortunate to obtain the leadership of an executive whose background is so perfectly suited to the entire business spectrum of RBC, both domestically and internationally,” stated Clinton Howard, Founder and CEO of RBC Life Sciences. “Currently, over 50 percent of our business is outside North America, and John’s experience in international business should help us to further expand overseas. Additionally, I feel that our subsidiary, MPM Medical, will benefit substantially from John’s in-depth experience in marketing of medical device products.”

Prior to joining RBC Life Sciences, Mr. Price served as a senior executive for two major companies that market nutritional supplements similar to the core business of RBC. Additionally, Mr. Price led a successful management consulting company and spent 17 years as a senior officer at Eli Lilly, five years of which he supervised the company’s branch office in Italy."

Child Shield U.S.A. Educates, Protects, Offers Parents Peace of Mind

PRWeb:

"Child Shield U.S.A. offers parents the protection of its unique Videotape Registration Service. Unlike a still photograph or a fingerprint, a properly prepared Identification Videotape provides so much more to go on when searching for a missing child. Characteristics of voice, manner and motion can greatly improve the likelihood that someone may have seen the child. Such a recollection could lead to a reunion of child and family.

Along with an array of high-quality educational materials for parent and their children, the Videotape Registration Service Kit includes details on how to prepare an effective Identification Videotape using their own camcorder (or, if need be, one borrowed from a friend). The completed videotape is then mailed to Child Shield U.S.A. in the provided pre-addressed mailer. The videotape is archived by Child Shield U.S.A. and registered by a secret code number known only to the parents.

If a registered child is reported missing, Child Shield U.S.A. will immediately begin producing duplicates of the videotape. Then through Child Shield's unique distribution network, the tape will be provided to Law Enforcement Agencies in all 50 states, State and National Missing Persons Organizations and the F.B.I. Child Shield U.S.A. will also distribute copies of the tapes to a variety of Nationally Syndicated and Network Television News Programs."

In the interest of full disclosure, I am involved with the Child Shield program.

Yo Adrienne - This is Seriesse

Seriesse Corporate:

Seriesse International is a brand new company that has a rich product history and an exciting new marketing opportunity for you. Our product line started as the top-selling brand on television more than ten years ago and has been the right skin care solution for millions of customers over the years. Our compensation plan brings together one of the most rewarding ways that you will find in the entire network marketing industry to earn money. By combining our product success and lucrative compensation plan with the latest video, online and skin care technology, we are proud to bring you Seriesse.

Company Profile: BeautiControl

BeautiControl Corporate:

We are celebrating 25 years of empowering millions of women to create lives they love. And as a company whose passion is helping women be their best, our commitment to them is to always provide them with the best.

To fulfill our commitment we must stand out from the rest. We must have innovative products with leading edge technology. We have to stay ahead of the trends and offer quality products that deliver proven results. Our opportunity has to be one where every woman can succeed and grow personally, and our compensation and rewards plan have to be unmatched.

To be the best you have to be different, you have to be ahead of all others. You have to be innovative... innovation has always been one of the cornerstones of our company and the reason BeautiControl is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Your Ultimate Objective

Article World:

"If you've been in this business for any length of time, I bet you have heard a lot of recruiting trainings, and there are some incredible teachers and trainers out there to help out.

But I think that in order to put all of the techniques and tactics out there being espoused into perspective (and yes, I am an espousee - is that a word??? - smile) it would really make a lot of sense to know what your Ultimate Objective is in Network Marketing. Agree?

I sent out over 700 emails asking a single question:

'What is the Ultimate Objective in MLM recruiting?' And they went out over a period of 4 months. We got a lot of responses, and some was amazingly off base in it's answers. Here is the breakdown as close as we could get it:"

Do You Really Want To Try Network Marketing?

Ezine Articles:

"Make no mistake it takes a unique skill set to become a successful network marketer. I have developed a list of questions that someone interested in network marketing can ask themselves to see if they are up to the challenge.

Are you interested in having to deal with the headaches associated with managing employees to include hiring and firing? If so then perhaps network marketing isn’t for you. What network marketing does give you is the freedom to be self reliant on your individual drive and determination and not the efforts of others in the early stages of your development into a successful network marketer."

Dig They Must - Diamond Dig Brings Cash for Easter Seals and Prizes for Quixtar Employees

Reuters:

"Dig They Must - Diamond Dig Brings Cash for Easter Seals and Prizes for Quixtar Employees on the Beach in Hollywood, FL

What: During the annual Quixtar convention, hundreds of Quixtar Independent Business Owners, each contributing $10 for Easter Seals, will furiously dig in the sand to find buried treasures or prize vouchers. Raising funds to support Easter Seals services for children and adults with autism and other disabilities, Quixtar employees will have two minutes to dig on the beach in Hollywood, Florida, near the Boardwalk."

Global Energy Drinks 2007 Provides Full Analysis of the World's Leading Energy Drinks Markets

Business Wire:

"Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Global Energy Drinks 2007” to their offering.

Zenith’s Global Energy Drinks 2007 report is meticulously researched and is divided into nine main sections. A global market overview provides a full region by region analysis. Thereafter eight regional sections address energy drinks trends and consumption patterns in: North America, West Europe, East Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Australasia, Africa, Middle East. The report tracks 65 countries plus others, across 11 years (6 years historic; 5 year forecast)."

Fanista.com releases new Cosmic Osmo game from Cyan Worlds

A E Interactive:

"Fanista.com, which marked its public debut on November 20th, today announced the release of an exclusive video game from

Cyan Worlds, the makers of Myst and Riven, two of the best-selling computer games in history. Fanista.com is a community-powered marketplace for entertainment enthusiasts that offers a whole new way to discover and shop for music, movies, games and books. Cyan Worlds’ latest game, Cosmic Osmo’s Hex Isle, will be sold exclusively on Fanista.com. The first Cosmic Osmo game was released in 1989 and was named best computer game of 1989 by Newsweek. Cyan went on to create and produce Myst, which not only became the best-selling CD-ROM game of the last millennium but also became the title which demonstrated what the interactive gaming platform was capable of delivering to its audience. After all these years, Cyan Worlds decided it was time to revisit their first character, Cosmic Osmo, and to leverage the technology now available to fully realize their vision from nearly two decades ago. Cosmic Osmo was a big hit when first created, and the character has remained a favorite among a loyal fan base."

Melaleuca Expanding In Knoxville?

knoxnews.com :

"The regulatory tea leaves indicate that Melaleuca, an Idaho-based manufacturer of 'wellness' products, is looking to beef up its Knoxville operations.

A stormwater pollution prevention plan on file with the state Department of Environment and Conservation's local field office highlighted plans for construction of a 250,000-square foot building with 292 parking spaces."

Amway denies operating as a closed system in the UK

BloggingStocks:

"On December 1, I wrote about Amway's defense of its conduct in the United Kingdom. John Hutton, Britain's Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise, and Regulatory Reform is attempting to shut down the company's operations there, charging that Amway is essentially an endless chain scheme.

The government has demonstrated that only 10% of Amway's multi-level marketing Independent Business Owners turn a profit, while only 6% ever actually sell a product to someone outside of the organization.

This is compelling evidence that Amway is a pyramid scheme. People buy products to qualify for commissions, and the business operates as a closed system: Money is made by recruiting new distributors, not selling products. This is not different from a chain letter in any meaningful way."

Sector Snap: Direct-Selling Companies

Houston Chronicle:

"Lane said since direct selling companies don't require as much infrastructure to enter a new market, they should be able to grow rapidly in under-developed emerging markets like China, Russia, Eastern Europe, India and Indonesia.

China, in particular, he said, represents an opportunity for such companies to grow, despite regulations against multi-level marketing. Some companies, including personal care product maker Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. and vitamin company Herbalife Ltd. have been granted licenses to do business there.

'We have heard estimates that direct selling companies doing business in China would make it an approximately $5 billion market, which would make China the sixth-largest direct selling market in the world,' he said."

ACN to close call center

The Mining Journal:

"American Communications Network plans to close its call center at K.I. Sawyer sometime next year, the company announced Thursday.

The decision was announced to employees Thursday, in a statement saying ACN’s United States operations would be consolidated in one location, in Concord, N.C.

Vicki Kulju of Telkite Enterprises, LLC, estimated the average number of ACN employees is around 160, although it fluctuates. Steve Powers, county administrator, also estimated the average number at between 150 and 160 jobs.

“This was a very difficult decision because of our company’s long history in Michigan and the impact we know it will have on our employees and their families,” said ACN’s global vice president of marketing, Allan Van Buhler, in an e-mail statement. "

Energy drinks to steal soda's thunder

NutraIngredients-USA:

"The report 'Energy drinks in the US' forecasts the total US retail value, including products sold through foodservice channels, will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12 percent and reach $9.3bn by 2011.

While growth in this category has indeed been noteworthy, the market for these beverages still represents a small proportion of the entire beverage market and as such spells further opportunity for marketers to diversify into more functional niches.

'Energy drinks accounted for just two percent of all non-alcoholic beverages sold in IRI-tracked [Information Resources] channels in 2006, up from less than one percent in 2004,' states the report. 'But the phenomenal growth seen in recent years could continue, propelling energy drinks to capture a larger piece of the pie.' "

Jimi Hendrix Liquid Experience Launches at Costco

Only slightly off topic with this post - with all the companies that offer some form of energy drink, will this be a viable contender for your customers?

BevNET.com :

"The Jimi Hendrix Liquid Experience Energy Drink launched it’s Northern California campaign at Costco all through November and wasted no time in becoming among the top three sellers during the same time period. In fact, Costco corporate buyers were elated that The Jimi Hendrix Liquid Experience and first flavor Voodoo Vibe set opening sales records as one of the best launches in energy drink history at Costco. Already touted as one of the best new tasting energy drinks, Liquid Experience continues to take the country by storm. With out of the gate amazing sell-through, distributors, retailers and member-based Costco are ecstatic by the beverage’s early and now sustained performance."

Herbalife, Ltd - company’s ROE of 52% stomps the industry’s 11%

VitalStocks New Blog:

"Herbalife, Ltd. offers a dividend yield of roughly 2%, which stands above the industry average. The company’s ROE of 52% stomps the industry’s 11%. In early November, the company posted third-quarter earnings per share of 67 cents, topping last year’s 51 cents and eclipsing the consensus estimate by nearly 5%. HLF raised its full year 2007 earnings per share guidance to a range of $2.62 to $2.64 and issued guidance for the fourth quarter in the range of 72 cents to 74 cents. Analysts responded with increased forecasts.

Full Analysis

Herbalife, Ltd. is a global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutrition and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. The company’s products are sold in 65 countries through a network of more than 1.6 million independent distributors."

Herbalife COO Probert Exercises Options

Houston Chronicle:

"The president and chief operating officer of Herbalife Ltd., which sells nutritional supplements, exercised options for 153,000 shares of common stock under a prearranged trading plan, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Wednesday.

In a Form 4 filed with the SEC, Gregory Probert reported he exercised options for the shares Monday and Tuesday for $9 to $17 apiece, and then sold all of them for $41.20 to $42.12 apiece."

Hawaiian Noni Juice Products Or Tahitian Noni

Hawaii Diving Guide:

"Many people claim that Tahitian Noni Juice is better than Hawaiian Noni Juice Products and vice versa. This, however, is simply not the case. Noni, no matter where it grows, whether it be Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa, India, Maylasia, or any number of small tropical islands is Noni. The juice made from this magical fruit has the same wonderful properties no matter where it comes from.

A History of Hawaiian Noni Juice Products

The Hawaiian Islands were formed as a populated nation when Hawai’i Loa led his people there with some pretty important ingredients for building a home in a new world. They took with them the Canoe Plants, twenty seven species that they thought would be essential in their new home. "

Young Company Focus: Aihu

Direct Selling News:

"Ann Walker knows more than a thing or two about stress; during her 31 years as an occupational therapist-and her years working with burn patients, the mentally ill, and the chronically fatigued-she saw a need for relief and she has worked tirelessly to fill it. Her patients seemed to echo the same sentiment time and time again: 'I'm burning the candle at both ends. I'm trying to carry on a household; I'm trying to be a wife, a mother. I'm trying to carry on a career, and I'm exhausted.' Ann answered their pleas for help when she began to develop Aihu's (pronounced 'eye-who') anti-stress line of products almost four years ago. From skin care to aromatherapy, the perpetually stressed now have realistic and workable solutions to deal with life's challenges."

Warning: Download "free" reports at your own risk...

And now..... here's the other side of the coin.

New School Network Marketing by Kim Klaver:

"Free report on the 'death' of Network Marketing. Unnamed 'industry experts' offer you a 'free report' about the 'death' of Network Marketing. That's to get your attention. (No link, for obvious reasons.)

Next comes the pitch on how much money you can make spreading this stuff to people you know. So you can help the perpetrators build their data base on the backs of your friends and contacts. Oh, and they'll give you .25 for each name you turn in.

At least Judas got 30 pieces of silver."

Oliver's Twist - November 22, 2007

Natural Selling:

"Here is something that I confess makes my hair stand on end! It’s part of an email I got and refers to something I hear frequently.

“When I call people it’s not for the purpose of selling but to get to know them, create a relationship and then call them back again the following week.”

Let’s be clear about this. It’s NOT about having a nice chat, creating a relationship and calling them back next week"

5 Holiday Marketing Tips To Beat A Slow Season

Best MLM Resources:

"As you already know, a great way to increase revenue is to capture subscribers and market to them through email, taking multiple shots at making sales (or sign-ups).

After all, with holiday shoppers looking harder than ever to find the best deals, the likelihood of a website to close sales on the first visit is less than ever....

...but by capturing and following up with visitors by email, businesses can keep offering their products (or MLMers their bizop) and and keep themselves at the front of consumers' minds well after that first website visit is over."

GNC Franchising Expected to Grow Through 2008

Not a pure Network Marketing post but I thought it worth noting. This helps to validate that the supplement industry continues to be a tremendous growth trend. GNC to add 100 stores in 2008 alone!

This is why so many companies market nutritional supplements and why we have still NOT yet hit our peak.

PR Newswire:

"For most people, the new year means a new resolution or two. For GNC, it means more new stores. Annual growth in the supplement industry is expected to rise steadily through 2012, according to the Nutrition Business Journal, making now the perfect time for GNC to once again expand its store base and overall business: The company estimates more than 100 new stores will open within the year, with special emphasis on franchising opportunities. An Ipsos-Public Affairs survey, funded by the Council for Responsible Nutrition and co-sponsored by GNC, showed that 65 percent of adult Americans consistently take dietary supplements. The growing industry is a result of the aging baby boomer population, which makes up approximately 50 percent of the total U.S. population, and growing health concerns. As more people become more conscious of health conditions in general, they become more proactive in preventive care. In short, more people are seeking out healthier lifestyles."

Quixtar Refuses To Pay Distributors?

MLM - Network Marketing Blog:

"Are you serious? Quixtar now pays it's IBO's at their discretion instead of actual qualifications. What the hell? How can any Quixtar IBO feel comfortable with that deal?

Quixtar and it's loyal IBOs are busy spouting off about the $60 million in new bonuses that the company has promised but from the looks of it, they can yank those bonuses out from underneath you at any time."

YTB International Holds Historic One-Day Cruise Sales Event

PR Newswire:

"YTB International, Inc., a provider of Internet- based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, announced today that it held a successful one-day cruise sales event in November.

During the event, YTB's network of Referring Travel Agents (RTAs) booked more than 12,000 cruise passengers through gift certificates, individual, and group cruises. YTB's efforts marked one of the best single sales days for cruises in the history of the industry.

'With the holidays coming up and the weather getting colder, it seemed like a perfect time to highlight cruises. Everyone starts to think about visiting a warm, sunny destination once temperatures start to drop and the snow starts falling,' stated J. Kim Sorensen, President and CEO of YTB Travel Network. 'We chose to focus on cruises because of the great level of customer satisfaction reported by passengers we have booked on ships over the years'"

Marketing company wants to put headquarters in old CTC building

Independent Tribune:

"LKN Communications has been identified through a Cabarrus County legal advertisement as ACN, an international network marketing, telecommunications company - which uses marketing methods similar to that of Amway Corp.

Those marketing methods use independent individuals from the community to market their products as for “one of the more remarkable income-generating opportunities available in the world today,” according to the ACN Web site.

“They don’t do advertisements,” said County Manager John Day, who has met with ACN officials. “They rely on what they said were ‘friends and family’ for marketing purposes.”"

The Death Of Network Marketing? Free eBook Download Here

MLM - Network Marketing Blog:

"There is quite a bit of hoopla about a new eBook by Ellie Drake and Michael Filsaime called 'The Death of Network Marketing'.

Here is the deal. Network Marketing is not dead or dieing, in fact it grew by more than 1 million people in the U.S. in 2006.

To be honest, I haven't read the book yet, but I now for a fact that people will be searching for 'The Death of Network Marketing' on Google and if people are going to be curious and download this book, I would like them to be curious and download the book from me.

The book is free and from what I understand, there is nothing else to buy."

Cognigen Networks Completes Acquisition of Commission River, Inc.

CNN Money:

"Cognigen Networks, Inc. , an Internet-enabled marketer of communications services and technology solutions, announced today the completion and signing of an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Commission River, Inc.

Cognigen acquired the Commission River assets in exchange for 16,000,000 shares of Cognigen's common stock. Commission River's current managers, Adam Edwards and Patrick Oborn, have joined Cognigen's executive team and will direct affiliate marketing-related activities for Cognigen and Commission River.

Cognigen's CEO, Bob Bench, stated, 'We believe this is a great event for Cognigen's agent network, shareholders, and product vendors. The combination of Cognigen's affiliate marketing agent base with Commission River's affiliate marketing technology and programs will arm our agents with the tools, training, and support they need to grow their businesses. We believe the thousands of agents who have signed up for our affiliate marketing program will now receive immediate attention and support from a team of experienced, professional Internet marketers. This also gives us a platform on which to add new products and deliver a stream of marketing tools.'"

Longaberger loses another president

Business First of Columbus::

"Longaberger Co. will close 2007 with its third president of the year.

The Newark-based basket and home products manufacturer and retailer on Tuesday announced the resignation of Jim Gimeson, effective immediately, with CEO Tami Longaberger taking the position's responsibilities.

Gimeson cited personal family issues and his inability to fulfill his responsibilities for his resignation."

Focus is local at Amway

Daily News & Analysis:

"Amway India, the wholly owned subsidiary of Amway Corp, is unveiling a line of secondary brands specific to India.

The direct-seller is open to launching several sub-brands in the country to build a strong second-tier cosmetics and personal care segment and also to leverage on the large customer base for premium products in the country.

“There will be a lot of activity over the next months, be it launches or new categories, which we cannot reveal at present. But the target is to reach Rs 1,500 crore turnover in a few years. With a robust growth of 13% CAGR in cosmetics, we are in the process of introducing various colour cosmetics in future,” William S Pinckney, managing director, Amway, told DNA Money."

Natural Health Trends Corp. Announces Management Changes

CNN Money:

"Natural Health Trends Corp., an international direct-selling company, today announced that Curtis E. Broome, President of NHT Global, will resign and leave the Company by the end of the year.

Mr. Broome said, 'It is simply a matter of different opinions regarding future directions and I am glad that we have been able to amicably and mutually agree to part ways. I will forever hold close in my heart the wonderful memories from these past years and the love I have for the staff and members all over the world. NHT Global has been such a tremendous part of my life for the past six years and I have made so many wonderful life-long friends that have had a significant impact on me and who I am today. It is my absolute hope and desire that NHT Global, and all the people involved, succeed and thrive in the future as I also move forward and pursue other interests.'

Mr. Sharng, the Company's President, said, 'We are grateful for Curtis' contribution over the past six years, during which he progressively expanded his responsibilities to include all of our markets. We wish, and are sure of, Curtis' success in his next endeavor. We are equally confident in the abilities of our market"

Gems to Jewels Donates one-of-a-kind jewelry gifts for TODAY Show Holiday Toy Drive

eMedia Wire:

"Gems to Jewels, a direct sales company that combines the best of home-party plans with the growing trend in hobby jewelry making, has created one-of-a-kind bracelets that they are donating to the 14th Annual TODAY Show Holiday Toy Drive. The Direct Selling Association, of which Gems to Jewels is a member company, has partnered with the TODAY show this year to donate more than $7 million in products and cash to the Toy Drive. In its four years of participation in the drive, DSA and its member companies have donated more than $28 million to the Toy Drive.

'Our participation in the Today Show Toy Drive is a perfect fit because Gems to Jewels is about creating jewelry, but also about celebrating individuality by allowing people to create one-of-a-kind pieces at our workshops,' said Elena Kennedy. 'Our talented consultants are joining the home office in donating pieces they designed themselves and we hope that these little girls will enjoy receiving gemstone and sterling silver bracelets that were designed with them in mind.'"

Traits Of The MLM Entrepreneur

ArticlesArchive.net:

"When starting your home business, keep in mind that no two people are alike. However there are some shared personality traits that are common to those who have started and operate a success business.

One of the commonalities among successful business owners is that they have an entrepreneurial spirit. What are the traits of an entrepreneur spirit?

Lets see what some of these traits in the MLM Entrepreneur are:"

Massive Action = Massive Results

NetMLMArticles.com:

"Isn't it funny how we think we are doing heaps and getting results and then we find out that other people are doing 10 times the work and getting 50 times the results. Here is a little insight on the practice of 'Massive Action'

Massive Action, this is massive action:

Calling no less than 100 pre-qualified leads every day. That's about 3000 calls per month. Massive action of this nature is conducted daily by many people. Let me tell you how it's done. "

Who owns Glycobiology?

Supplement Tracker:

"A recent article in Science (2 Nov 07(318):734-737) discussed the wealthy Mannatech company that produces aloe-based products such as Acemannan. It has long been used as one of the many alternative approaches to managing HIV infection. Sugars (carbohydrates) are often found in the body attached to fats (lipids) or proteins where they are known as glycolipids or glycoproteins. As a field of scientific discovery, this is a relatively new area of understanding biological systems and functioning.

Some scientists in the field have taken umbrage against Mannatech for commercializing products that are little understood and applying a patina of science to their own sales efforts. While the science is definitely critical, company-sponsored research is always questionable. With agents like dietary supplements, we suffer the double whammy of little financial interest in paying for these studies due to lower profits as well as lack of interest on the part of mainstream medicine."

EDC Diamond To Become the Wave of the Future

Web Wire:

"This is where EDC Diamond comes in. EDC Diamond provides a large volume of software products ready for entrepeneurs to market on the internet. For a very reasonable program fee, the home business starter will literally be able to begin selling immediately. Also, when he or she gets somebody involved in the business opportunity, the start-up fee goes to themselves. This is the power of direct marketing.

'When we launched EDC Gold, December 1st 2006, we never expected to generate over 12 Million in sales in such a short period of time. We have created MORE people earning six-figure incomes PER MONTH than all the direct competition combined' says Craig Garcia."

Jim Rohn - How To Have Your Best Year Ever

Amway admits that the FTC is soft on multi-level marketing ethics

BloggingStocks:

"Here's where it gets interesting. Many people, myself included, have charged that the FTC is not doing enough to crack down on multi-level marketing companies using false and misleading recruiting tactics. based on the text of the memo, Amway seems to agree:

'The fact is, in the wake of this sobering experience, every one of us -- employees, IBOs, and others -- should renew our commitment to hold ourselves to the highest standards of behavior. The marketplace -- and in the UK, the government -- has made it clear that they expect no less. And when falling short of those standards exposes our company to such grave risk, there can no longer be any such thing as 'business as usual.'' (emphasis added)"

Quixtar to Donate More Than $522,000 in Gifts to Today Show Toy Drive

PR Web:

"As part of its One by One Campaign for Children, Quixtar Inc. is donating more than $522,000 in product to NBC's Today Show Toy Drive via a direct selling industry effort to provide holiday gifts for thousands of children nationwide. Quixtar's gift of NAO never accept ordinary™ cosmetics and accessories is aimed at teen girls, one of the groups often forgotten during holiday giving drives. Quixtar's donation is being shipped to non-profit organizations across the country for delivery to disadvantaged children and families, providing in many cases the only gifts some children and teens may receive this holiday season.

This donation is a public expression of Quixtar's efforts to improve the well being of children around the world through its One by One campaign. It also demonstrates Quixtar's support of the United States Direct Selling Association, whose member companies combined donation totals nearly $7 million in products and cash to the Today Show toy drive this year."

Learn The Secrets Of Melaleuca Success

Entrepreneur:

"One of the most common myths spreading like wild fire throughout network marketing companies like Melaleuca is that “Anyone can do this business!” Other statements made by MLM companies promise a huge return in a relatively short time frame and this promotes the same thought, but it’s all a sham! The belief that anyone can achieve great success without any type of experience or skills is sadly mistaken and worse yet it’s the distributors that pay the price for this huge mistake!

Here’s the truth. Not all network marketers are created equal. Melaleuca, Inc. distributors need to understand that people are inherently different and each of us begins our home based business at different starting points. Some people come in with skills and financial resources where others lack and just because someone else in the business makes $20,000 per month doesn’t mean that everyone will do this."