Quote on Taking Chances

"Never be afraid to try something new.  Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic." - Author Unknown

This is a good quote especially for Average Juans like me. To attain success in life, you don't need to be academically gifted. All you need is a strong heart, passion to learn and eagerness to try out new things. As the saying goes, "Luck favors the bold."

So what new things have you tried out lately?

What Is A Good Business To Start?

"What is a good business to start?"

This is one question people often ask me. I remember asking advice way back then from my relatives. My dad and uncles said, "If you want a constant and steady type of business, go for what the people need, like food or clothing." Good piece of advice from them if you want to be sure that you will have a steady stream of customers. But is that a guarantee?

Yes, food is a good business to go into. However, I can't overlook the fact that a lot of restaurants which look promising close down due to inefficient business systems, high rental costs and fierce competition.

The garments industry is another good business. People need to wear clothes everyday, and the women in general are very particular in terms of keeping up with the fashion trends. The downside? If your brand isn't as popular to create a stir in the high end market or you can't compete with the low prices in 168, Baclaran or Divisoria, your chances of being wealthy in this industry is slim.

So what is a good business which can give you a significant amount of profit?

There are lots of specific businesses which can do so, but let me emphasize an amazing tip we often hear from our Marketing or Economics professors: In starting a business, capitalize on the market trends. And the ones dictating the biggest trends: the Baby Boomers.

The Baby Boomers are people born between 1946-64, and based on research, are 1/3 of the entire human population and control 65% of all the money. For more information and tips on good industries to target the needs of the Boomers, please watch the video below.

12 Running Lessons Applied in Business (Part 3 of 3)

As a quick recap of my previous post: 5. Getting out of your comfort zone; 6. Constant learning; 7. Accepting failures and 8. Commitment. We now move on to the last 4 lessons.

9. Eliminating the word "quit" from your vocabulary. - In the sport of running, I don't care about the top finishers. Who I admire most are the last finishers, people whose names can be found at the bottom of the list. They may have lots of adversity: lack of proper training, weight issues, or sudden injuries during the race, but the most important thing is that they did not quit. That's why race organizers give out finisher medals to 21K runners and above, to recognize their efforts of not giving up and finishing the race.

To succeed in network marketing, one must also never give up. There may be lots of adversities on your way to success, whether it be the people close to you (dreamstealers), the Filipino peoples' generally poor mindset and crab mentality, misconceptions about the industry or even yourself (procrastination, self-doubt), we must never allow them to overcome our big dreams for your family and society and keep moving forward.

"Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot from a winning touch down." - Ross Perot

10. Slow start, strong finish. - My mindset evolved as a runner. Back then when I was running short distances, my overall objective was to finish fast. I consider myself an above-average runner and seeing my name among the top 20% of the finishers would give me satisfaction. I had a paradigm shift when I started doing longer distances. I used my old strategy on my first half-marathon. Although I finished at a respectable time of under 2 and a half hours, my legs were worn out and had a tough time walking the following day. To finish strong, one must start at a slow pace first. I know a lot of people who start out fast and strong, only to empty their tanks near the end. The race is a long way to go. Better to take it slow at first, set the proper pace, bask in the running atmosphere, enjoy the scenery, and then gain the momentum for a strong and injury-free finish.

Same thing with business. I always equate my business with running a full marathon. The finish line is still far. Some are sprinters, while some are pacers. It's ok to start slow. What matters most is you develop your foundation, build pipelines and gain the proper momentum for a strong finish. Our mentors call it the "snowball effect." Imagine you are going uphill building a snowball. There comes a point when the snowball is getting bigger and heavier, and you are having a tough time hoisting it up the peak of the hill. If you give up pushing, the snowball drags you down back to start. That's why most people quit when they go back to the beginning. But if you keep pushing and pushing until you reach the summit, the rest of it will be downhill. And mind you, the snowball keeps getting bigger and bigger, and momentum will propel your business until you reach the finish line.

11. The Mission - Otherwise known as the Big Why. Why do I keep on running? I run to improve my cardiovascular health, to get rid of my belly, to be able to live longer, to destress, to meet more friends, to start my day right, to be able to help other people (through charity), and to appreciate the wonders of the world. If you don't know your mission in running, you will just be a person lost with no direction.

Why did I pursue this business? To have the following: financial freedom, time freedom, be able to empower other people in becoming future leaders, to provide jobs, and to retire rich and young. If you don't know your mission in business, you will just be a person lost with no direction. 

Some of my friends would ask why I didn't focus on my legal career? Sayang naman ang 5 years of studying law. Well, our country has too many brilliant lawyers who all want a piece of glory. I humbly would step down and give the limelight to them to satisfy their passions. My passion, my lifeblood, is in building big businesses and coaching other people to be successful leaders for our country. Also, I realized that the legal track will not give me financial and time freedom at the fastest possible time, unless I "turn over to the dark side," if you know what I mean. :)

Being here in the Nu Skin business is like riding the fastest vehicle towards achieving my dreams. If I looked for a job, it'll be like riding a bicycle. Work as an associate in a law firm? Motorcycle. Traditional business/managing a firm? Probably like riding an ordinary sedan. With Nu Skin, it's like I'm riding a Bullet Train. And no matter how hard you pedal on your bike or slam the gas pedal in your sedan, you will never catch me! :)

 
How about you? What is your mission in your current undertaking?
  

12. Helping others succeed. - It's in my nature to think of others first. Although running is an individual sport, it gives me greater satisfaction to be able to help others cross the finish line. After conquering my first two half-marathons, I volunteered to be a pacer to my running buddies Francis Chua and Peter Ng who attempted their first 21K. I said to myself that it's a better feeling to help others cross the finish line and get their finisher medals rather than aim to improve my personal record time. There are plenty of opportunities in the future to train harder and get a faster time. Now that I'm months away from attempting my first ultramarathon, I will be once again running alongside my running buddy (and business partner) for the whole trip, helping each other cross the finish line and be recognized as ultramarathoners.

In our network marketing business, the same principle applies. The best and fastest way to earn a huge amount of passive income (income without having to work) is dependent upon the number of people you helped become successful (Executive level). In other words, this business is not just about knocking in people's homes and conducting product demonstrations, buying at wholesale and selling at retail, or recruiting hundreds of people as frontlines. What matters most is that we have a system in the community, we get to learn from those who are already successful, we develop our leadership and entrepreneurial skills (not  just our ahente skills,) and the more people you help achieve their dreams, the more you will be able to achieve yours. The business model is what we call innovative franchising, the next step in the evolution of business.

"I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things." - Mother Teresa

There goes my 12 lessons learned from running that I applied in business. Hope you were able to learn a thing or two from it. Share the insights to your friends/loved ones.

Keep moving forward!

12 Running Lessons Applied in Business (Part 2 of 3)

To give you a quick recap, the first 4 lessons are: 1. Going against the norm; 2. You control your life; 3. Preparation; and 4. Taking action. Now we move on to the next batch.

5. Getting out of your comfort zone - I really admire Francis Chua and the rest of the RunChaos Running Group. Sometime last year as they were registering for a 10K running event, the attendant (allegedly in a haughty manner) told them that all the 10Ks are sold out. A bit pissed on the attendant's demeanor, they took it as a challenge and right then and there decided to give the 21K distance a go. In my humble opinion, that kind of impulsive jumping from 10K to 21K without the adequate preparation is a bit dangerous. But Francis and the guys had a good plan to just take it slow, incorporating light runs with walk breaks and enjoy the run. Well, they were all able to successfully level up from 10K runners to half-marathoners, all because they dared to get out of their comfort zones. Simply put, if you're just contented with your current running setup and don't have the guts to make the jump to a longer distance, you won't get anywhere.

Same principle applies in business. In our wealth courses we always teach this statement: "Your income zone is in direct proportion to your comfort zone." If you want to earn a lot more than what you currently have, then you have to get out of your shell! Take for example Mr. Henry Sy. If he was simply content in selling shoes all his life, never daring to venture into opening a department store, would SM be where it is right now?

There are a lot of people who would rather play small, saying things like, "I'm currently happy with what I have" or "I don't need to have lots of money." It's either they fear failure or they feel unworthy. But hear this: your life is not just about you. It's also about contributing to others. Wouldn't it be a greater feeling to be able to add value to the lives of a lot of people because you were able to expand your comfort zone which, in turn, also expanded your income zone?

"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."- Michaelangelo

6. Constant learning - In running, we constantly learn to improve our performance. We do assessments after a run, read running magazines, surf the internet, know the latest trends and gadgets, and train harder. We also listen to words of advice from runners who have already finished a certain distance, knowing their technique, work ethic, and learning from their mistakes. To be successful in running, who would you listen to? An experienced runner who has been there and done that or a couch potato who has been there...lying on the couch?

In the MLM business, we also constantly learn to improve our performance. We do assessments after a presentation/sale/demo, read lots of books, surf the internet, know the latest market trends, and improve ourselves. We also listen to words of advice from successful mentors who have already made certain achievements in the company, knowing their techniques, work ethic and learning from their mistakes. To be successful in this business, who would you listen to? A successful entrepreneur who has been there and done that or someone who quit the industry, was not able to produce results and keep on telling everyone that it is just a scam?

In everything we do, we should keep on learning. The world is very dynamic as a lot of changes can happen ASAP. Author/philosopher Eric Hoffer said, "The learners shall inherit the earth while the learned shall be beautifully equipped to live in a world that no longer exists." In other words, if you're not continuously learning, you will be left behind.

"If you want to fly with the eagles, don't swim with the ducks." - T. Harv Eker

7. Accepting failures - Setbacks in running include not being able to beat your Personal Record, cramping up during the last few kilometers, or (happened 2 times to me :) not being able to wake up to join the race. Last Sunday, I just made another boo-boo during the Two For Taft Run. Made a wrong turn in the first few kilometers and got lost in Loop #2. As a result, I finished earlier than the rest but got disqualified because I was not able to pass by the last loop cord. It's a bit disappointing because this is one race I look forward to getting a very good time since I get to run with most of my law school peers. But instead of complaining and ranting, I just laughed it off and waited for my friends to finish. I have accepted the fact that failures are part of life, and it's all up to you on how you would react to it. For me, it's a constant reminder to make the necessary preparations before the race, like getting familiar with the race route! :)

In the network marketing business, failures are abound. Friends rejecting meetings, not being able to make an appointment, last minute cancellation of an appointment, not being able to share/sell the products, not being able to hit the monthly sales volume. A lot of people not used to failing often end up quitting or fading away, but is that the proper attitude if one wants to be successful? What if, instead of complaining and ranting, you take the time to evaluate yourself, acknowledge the failures that happened, make the necessary adjustments and learn from them? 

Being successful in business is similar to a bird first learning how to fly: the bird will fall a bit before being able to properly flap its wings and take flight. If you raise the white flag on the first signs of failure, you will never succeed. But if you embrace failure as part of your incoming success, maintain a positive outlook and keep moving forward, you will succeed.

"Nothing fails like success because we don't learn from it. We learn only from failure." - Kenneth Boulding

8. Commitment - I can still remember the feeling I've felt after my first fun run. Aside from catching my breath in trying (and fortunately succeeding) to outrun a kid in front of me during the entire race, I felt pumped up and realized that hey, I can be good in this sport! Others might treat running as a fad but for me, after that fateful day of running (and my only time to get a podium finish since it is just a small event :), I made a commitment to keep on running. I fell in love with the sport, and was able to encourage some of my friends to try and appreciate running. As I am a few weeks away from achieving a significant milestone in my running career (first full marathon on March20), I remain true to my word that I will remain committed to running until I am able to finish a 102K ultramarathon, able to run around the world, and run with my children and grandchildren. :)

I can still remember the feeling I've felt after my first Galvanic Spa sale. Aside from catching my breath in trying to meet the deadline for the monthly sales volume, I felt pumped up and realized that hey, I can be good in this business! Others might treat the Nu Skin business as a "racket" but for me, after that fateful day of closing my first sale, I made a commitment to succeed in this business and help other people succeed as well. As I am a few points away from achieving a significant milestone in my business career, I remain true to my word that I will remain committed to this business until I get to attain the highest title (Team Elite), able to help a lot of people in their health and aging concerns. empower leaders to achieve their dreams, travel around the world, and stay forever young.

"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." - Mario Andretti

(to be continued)

12 Running Lessons Applied in Business (Part 1 of 3)

Running is one of my passions. One of my big dreams if I become financially free is to run anywhere in the world whenever I want to. New York, Great Wall of China, Barbados, Australia, Antarctica (gulp!), game on! I've been running for close to two years now, finished my marathon last March and about to complete 2 more before the year ends. The sport has taught me a lot of life lessons. As I frequently tell my runner friends, every run is an experience! Allow me to share to you the 12 important lessons I've learned from running that I've applied (and will constantly apply) in my business:

1. Going against the norm - Although running is now a booming sport, it's still something not usually done by most people, especially here in the Philippines. When I started running, people close to me would make remarks like "Wala ka bang magawa? Magtrabaho ka nalang!" or "I like the idea of running, but I am still not ready." The "normal" non-runners would usually laugh at or sometimes even throw insults or invectives at the "abnormal" runners.  

Although networking marketing is now a booming industry worldwide, it's still something not usually done by most people, especially here in the Philippines. When I started the Nu Skin business, people close to me would make remarks like "Wala ka bang magawa? Maghanap ka nalang ng tunay na trabaho!" or "I like the idea of having a business, but I am still not yet ready." The "normal" employees/professionals/traditional businessmen would usually laugh at or sometimes even throw insults or invectives (SCAMMERS/SPAMMERS) at the "abnormal" network marketers.

People would already jump into hasty conclusions, not looking at the bigger picture and not knowing the person's primary purpose for doing so. Why do I run? I run because I want to have a healthy lifestyle, appreciate nature and know my capabilities. Why did I join network marketing? Because this is the business fit for the Information Age and I am here to educate people that this business is legitimate and we can be professional network marketing entrepreneurs. Also, I want to attain financial freedom, be able to help and empower other people and have time for my family.

Being a semi-nonconformist has its advantages. As stated by Robert Frost in his famous poem "The Road Not Taken" - Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.

2. You control your life - It's all up to you whether you like to run or not. Run for one kilometer, walk the rest of the way? By all means! If your belief is that walking is just for wimps, go ahead! It is your initiative to run (or walk), and no one will force you to do so.

Likewise, in network marketing, you are the captain of the ship. You don't work from 8-5, you don't report to a boss, and you don't get fired for a lousy performance. Like running, it also depends on your initiative whether to start this kind of business or not.

A running coach is not a boss but a mentor. Likewise, an upline is not a boss but a mentor.

I AM MY OWN BOSS.

3. Preparation - You don't run the whole 21 or 42 kilometers without the adequate training and preparation. That is tantamount to suicide and could lead to serious injuries. Before an event, there must be the proper preparations. Where will the route be? Are there adequate water stations? Where are the emergency stations and toilet areas?

In the network marketing business, you don't just jump into the bandwagon without doing the necessary background check. Is the company stable? Is it a duly registered company? Does it offer a good compensation package? Are the products great? Is this the right company for me?

"Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success." - Henry Ford

4. Taking action - Running starts when you get out of bed, put on your running shoes and hit the pavement. Just like learning how to swim: You may have read the best books, watched the best videos on swimming, and even memorized the proper forms; but if you don't jump into the pool and start swimming, you'll never learn how to.

Same formula in the MLM business. If you just sit around and do nothing, your business will not grow. But if you start sharing the beauty of the products through product demos, explain the business opportunity to others and look to help more people become better entrepreneurs, results will necessarily follow.


 “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”- Andre Gide


When do we take action?

(to be continued)

Born To Shine

A very empowering speech by the great Nelson Mandela (originally written by Marianne Williamson):

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves: 

"Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?"

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. 

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking 

So that other people won’t feel insecure around you. 

We are all meant to shine, as children do. 

We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. 

And as we let our own light shine, 

We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, 

Our presence automatically liberates others.