How to retire your Military spouse!

Being an Army spouse has allowed me the luxury of living in many places and making many friends! The downside is after every move, you have to give up a great job and search for another which greatly affects your income. 

If you are like me, your were approached from every "party invite" for jewelry, pots & pans, skincare, etc. That was NOT going to be me...lol! When you have more month at the end of the money, you eat your words or humble pie. 

Although it's not your mama's party plan, there's been much improvement in this profession. Hype doesn't move any one and a room of products are now in online stores. You can watch your baby play in the floor while on Skype with someone in another state or country. Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses, Soldiers, Teachers, etc. have broken free from their jobs and now have more time and financial freedom to continue their path to their dreams.

Honestly, making the decision to become an Independent Business owner in the Direct Selling/Network Marketing Industry was scary and also the greatest decision we could have ever made. Yes, I say we! My Soldier husband was able to work right along beside me so that we would have a Plan B after retirement. He retires July 30, 2014, 93 days to be exact...lol! How grateful we are that we will continue to build our legacy with our family and continue to change others lives to enjoy the same.   

Bowling in the private room with his son!

We realize many do not believe in the validity of this industry because of negative experiences from others as well meaning friends and family thinking you've done some crazy thing. That's okay. We must do better to educate and not become defensive. I was the biggest ignorant skeptic. The saying is true, "you don't know, what you don't know.  I now have become an "ambassador" of sorts for this life-changing profession and happy to see the Army Wife Network feature Amy Robinson of the DSA (Direct Selling Association) very helpful article: How to Succeed in Direct Selling: http://www.armywifenetwork.com/?p=7975

To read my story and learn more about the Direct Selling Industry visit: http://www.directselling411.com/seller_profiles/erikah/

Need help looking for your Plan B? Email us: erika@hilliardgroup.net or patrick@hilliardgroup.net

Happy Boss's Day!

So I woke up this morning to different post on Facebook about today being Boss's Day. I have to say I got a laugh at some of the post. But a few minutes later my mother-in-law called. I can say I am blessed to have a mother-in-law that I love and look forward to our conversations. For those of you who do not know my mother-in-law she is a spunky, energetic 81 year old who will tell you she has never had a boss. She became a hairdresser over 50 years ago! She has always believed no one will ever pay you what you are worth. She went on to tell me how she knew she didn't want a boss telling her she could only make a certain amount of money. When African American women that she knew were making only $15 a week, cleaning and cooking for someone else, she would make more in a day than her friends would in a week. She also believes in the Network Marketing Industry and chose to have her own business years ago and made a huge success of it.

She says that we in the U.S. have it so easy but take education and work for granted and realizes why many come from other countries and are able to take advantage of any and all opportunities to make a success of their lives. With today being Bosses day and I have no boss to thank. I thank my mother-in-law for confirming to me and my family that being your own boss is the best way to go only if you will do the work and then you will reap the rewards of being paid what you are worth. Oh and Happy Boss's day to me:) and any other of you who are THE BOSS!

So you want to work from home?

That's the question I ask individuals who call me with "I hate my boss" (sorry bosses) or "I want to quit my job". When most people learn I "work from home" I get comments like, "you're good, I couldn't sit at home all day" or "that would drive me crazy". I just chuckle because they are saying that but if they knew they could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted and with whomever they wanted and still make an income, we wouldn't be having that conversation. Work from home, home-based just means that it is your main place to use your computer, phone, etc. But know with smartphones and iPads your business is wherever you are.

My goal is to bring some understanding to this incredible Industry. Why? Because so many people are struggling and have no idea that your answer may be right under you nose. Yeah, I know your brother or friend is getting on your last nerve about trying his product...lol! I get it. I know you are looking at the Caller ID when they call. Many have tainted it and left a bad taste in so many people's mouth. As I look back I see where we said things that we didn't think before we said them. Not because we were trying to "scam" someone but because we were so excited and wanted EVERYONE to feel the hope we felt after living in hopeless situations. Now is this profession for everyone? No! It is only for those who want more than a paycheck, more than living a mediocre life and certainly more than what our parents had. It's for people who want to make other people's lives better and don't mind someone else succeeding ahead of them. Oh, and it is for people who don't have a problem with being compensated for it and make no apologizes for it;) If you are that person telling your friend or family member..."but you are making money from it". Well, go to your boss and tell them you want to donate your check and continue working...lol! Aint' gonna happen!

This profession is Network Marketing, Direct Sales, MLM whatever it is that you call it.  We have Doctors, Lawyers, Pastors, Nurses, Military men and women, Professional Athletes, etc. who have made the decision to join. You may be thinking, "why would they do such a thing?" Well, one of the reasons is their time is not their own. It is dictated by someone else. We may have had the income but no time to spend it with family or had the title but no recognition, no pat on the back and then given a pink slip. Another reason are the great tax advantages of running a home-based business. When we tell people all the fun things we get to write off, they're shocked.

So how do you find the right business for you. Ask yourself some questions. What are you passionate about? Health, Fitness, Cooking, or Candles? A few questions I ask are. 1. Are you teachable? 2. Can you get passionate about Health and share it with others? 3. Do you a desire to see others succeed. Do research and go ask someone who is doing it. Would I ever have thought I would be doing what I am doing NEVER. LOL! But through researching, trusting God, we found the products and a company that we could stand behind and who stand behind us for the past 8 1/2 years. Thank you God! A good book to get is The Business of the 21 Century by Robert Kiyosaki & John Fleming. Mind-blowing!

Many of you are drowning in debt, drowning in relationships, drowning in jobs and careers that you hate. This industry has changed lives, has brought hope back into the lives where there was no hope. Prayer is a great weapon and God loves the person who puts the work in after that prayer. So if you are praying for a solution to your health, your financial situation or a job. Go talk to that friend, brother or neighbor and ask them what are they doing? How were they able to walk away from that job, improve their health or pay off that car? Their answer might surprise you. Until next Friday, be you, be happy and be free!

Erika

New Era of Entrepreneurship

We have one more month until it is 2012. 16 more months until my husband walks away from a 20+ year career with the U.S. Army. Although we are grateful for the experiences, we look forward to having the freedom to do what we choose. Recently I read an article and wanted to share it with those who are wanting the same. Whether it is to open up a Floral Shop or Bakery, there is no time like the present.


Achieving Your Entrepreneurship Destiny
 by Darwin J. Bruce

At this time, more than ever, it is paramount for
entrepreneurs to take control of their entrepreneurial
dreams and plan to succeed in this new era. Of course,
there are certain steps you should take to better control
your entrepreneurial destiny. Read on and learn how to
open the door to your future.

Have an Entrepreneurial Mindset


Entrepreneurship is much broader than the simple definition of small business. It is a mindset. You must think like an investor and act like an entrepreneur. You invest in an idea to create value that is separately identiiable
from yourself. However, as an entrepreneur, you still take full responsibility for it. Make sure that each of your ventures has its own unique purpose, vision, and plan.

The Map –Plan, Manage, and Strategize

There are always inherent risks in business. The word entrepreneur by its own deinition is someone who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise. However, you can overcome many risks if you develop a succinct business plan, an organized management infrastructure, and strategies to create
value. Strive to be innovative and develop new ideas while balancing risks and costs. This will ultimately lead to proitability.


Expect to Succeed

What does it take to succeed? It takes an entrepreneurial mindset, a plan, and management strategies that create value through innovation and a focus on profitability. It does not come easily, but it can be done. The economy has changed, and change creates opportunity for those who are prepared to seize the moment. Don’t miss your opportunity. Expect to win. Plan to win. Prepare to win in this new era of entrepreneurship. The future of our economy awaits!






Darwin J. Bruce, J.D., is COO of The Potter’s House of Dallas and author of The
Map to Entrepreneurship. For more information visit www.darwinbruce.com

How to stop worrying about the gas prices!

As I listened to a conversation someone was having about the gas prices, recession and the economy, I could't help but remember I use to be one of those people. Angry, upset, asking the question, "when will the government do something?" Fast foward to today, we are grateful we came to the realization that the issue wasn't the Economy or the Government, this issue was with us. We changed our thinking and now are on a mission to help others do the same.

We want people to understand the importance of having your own business. I don't care what you choose just realize that if you want something, CREATE IT! MAKE IT HAPPEN! If you don't know how and want to learn all about why millions are choosing a Network Marketing business, this book is a must read!!!!

You may already be aware of who Robert Kiyosaki is. He is the Author of the Best-selling book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad and many others. Since I was not someone who believed in Network Marketing and have now had much success. I was so happy to read a book that confirms our decision was the best decision we could have ever made for our future and generations to come.

So I am on a mission to educate and empower others to take charge. As Kim Kiyosaki so eloqently put it in the book, "Network Marketing is a relationship business". And as Robert says in the book also, "It is not a business that revolves around making sales but making connections and not about carving out a sales territory but building a community.

And if that still doesn't impress upon you the blessings that can come from building a Network Marketing business. Be sure to watch one of our mentors, Dani Johnson's story, this Sunday Night 8/7c on ABC's Secret Millionaire. If she can do it and if we can do it so can you. Here's her story from The View on March 4, 2011!

A calling?

Today marks 7 years of "being my own boss". If you had told me 7 years ago I would not be at a J.O.B. I would have laughed in your face. But when life doesn't go as you plan you must choose another option. And as Albert Einstein said, "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Making the decision to go against the "norm" was scary to say the least but worth it!

After a conversation with a friend of mind who has what some would consider a great career, there were things that my life had that my friends didn't. My friend duties at the end of the day doesn't change lives and gives clients hope? My friend doesn't have the option of just taking off, staying in their pajamas and knowing that the income will still flow in. Yet I was somewhat comparing myself and thought, "what an exciting life that must be" and I am sure at times it can be. But I was told how blessed I was. And I would have to agree.

I believe in what we do. I give people their dreams back and give them hope. I teach them how to be better than what they are and feel good about themselves. As one person said in his blog, God doesn’t call the equipped.  He equips the called.  And I have been called….

Thank God and thank you to Matt Shanna Ryan for helping us start this incredible business.

Erika 

Top secrets for success

by Collette Larsen
Struggling to get motivated? Need more inspiration? Here are some tips on how to succeed against all odds

Going through a difficult divorce, about to lose her home and face bankruptcy, whilst coping with the needs of two of her five children who were struggling with Cystic Fibrosis, one of whom needed a double lung transplant to survive. This was a snap shot of Collette Larson’s desperate situation sixteen years ago.

With sky rocketing medical bills, Collette started her home-based business with the goal of earning enough income to simply pay for the nutritional products her children needed. However, within a few months she realized her business might also provide a way to cover her family's basic needs.

As her vision of where her business could take her expanded, Collette set a goal to dig herself out of debt. As the months and years passed, the possibilities became realities and a life beyond her wildest dreams manifested itself.

Today, Collette, a 57-year-old grandmother of 12 is the top income earner in USANA Health Sciences, Inc., has achieved complete financial freedom and assisted to set up businesses internationally including Australia and New Zealand.

Her home-based business has become an international family enterprise allowing her to expand her philanthropic vision and travel the world.'

So how did a financially frazzled and emotionally battered Collette fight back to become USANA's top income earner? Here are her top-ten secrets to success.

Determine your ultimate why

Declaring your intentions and attaching a value to what you are doing helps you stay focused. Also involving friends and loved ones will assist you to stay on track and remind you of why you have chosen to do what you set out to do.

Build your belief

It is imperative to have a strong belief in what you are doing. Having confidence and belief in the industry, company you are working with and most importantly in yourself will greatly assist you on your path to success.

Set goals

From the realistic to outrageous, setting both short and long term goals will help you identify your success and need for improvement. Goals ensure you are continually striving for success.

Expand your warm market

Networking is imperative in the making of a successful business. By initiating conversations, building new relationships and nurturing old ones you will find that exciting business opportunities will arise.

Invest

Investing in yourself, your business and your future will ensure you continue to grow as a business owner and person. It will also make sure your business is evolving and not being left behind in a world that is constantly changing.

Build leaders

Identify those around you who have leadership qualities. Mentor them and assist in their growth, let them fly! They will develop into a confident leader and integral part of your business.

Get involved locally

Being involved in your community will keep you connected and in touch with the evolving trends and needs of your local consumers who are often the most important people to your business.

Live gratefully; Give generously

Humility and generosity are important aspects of business. Nurturing your relationships and taking the time to show you care are small but essential components to not only a happy workplace, but a balanced life.

Love what you do

Having passion for your work will show in everything you do. It provides you with the drive and confidence to succeed and makes going to work every day an exciting prospect.

Choosing the Right Company

by Pete Zdanis

Evaluating network marketing companies can be a daunting task. However, it is well worth the effort to insure that your time, money and reputation are not wasted on trying to build a business with an inferior company.

We know you will find the following guidelines to be valuable in helping you select a company that you will be proud of and that will provide you with the level of lifetime residual income that you aspire to.

There are four main areas to evaluate. First, you'll want to look at the company. Who are the leadership of the company? The management? What are their credentials? Is there a vision for the future? Do they function with integrity, and can you prove it? Is this the company...are these the people that I want to align myself with?

Second, you'll want to look at the products. Does the company do the research and development of the products? Does the company own their formulas? Does the company do their own manufacturing? Are they in control of quality control procedures? Are the products highly consumable...that people use and reorder on a monthly basis, and become loyal to? Do the products have a positive impact on people's lives?

The third issue is timing and trends...timing in the industry, as well as timing in the company. Is the industry just now emerging as a growth industry? Does the company have a history of solid growth...not one that is declining, or flattened out in terms of growth?

And, the 4th is the compensation plan. How do you make money? And, is it fair for the individual who is working on a part-time basis...someone who wants to make an extra few hundred dollars per month, and beyond that... will it pay an individual $10,000, $20,000, or more per month...for the people who really want to go out and create wealth and financial freedom?

Don't short-cut this process! And, trust your answers! Because we know that if any one of these areas is lacking, your chance for success is cut in half. Which means you'll have to work twice as hard to be successful. If two of these areas are lacking, you'll have no chance.

The time to do your homework is before you make the decision to partner with a specific company...not by jumping from one company to another.

Who are you listening to?

As I listened to a wonderful Podcast today from Marianne Williamson on "You've Got Talent". I decided I would speak on this for my first blog and share how I relate to Susan Boyle and compare it to starting our Home Business. If you haven't seen or heard of her, you might want to watch the Youtube video that has been viewed by millions around the world. Please take a moment and watch, then continue reading! Click to see Susan


I just watched again and got emotional! Why you might ask? Because so many of us, like Susan Boyle have the potential to change our lives but some may never experience the wonderful freedom when you make the decision to go against the grain. We had allowed so many in our life to be the so-called "Judges" to determine if we would "make it" or how we should live our life, what we should believe, where we should go to school and where we should live. Who were our judges? Bosses, friends, teachers, neighbors, co-workers, parents, pastors and the list goes on and on. Is it wrong to take the counsel? Absolutely not! One thing we learned years ago that set the course for where we are today is "take no advice from someone who is not where I am striving to be, do or have."

We were told to go to college, get a "good paying" job with benefits and work there for the rest of our lives. But when we decided to go against the grain, we were ridiculed, laughed at, talked about and "judged". I too was naive to all the things to fear in the Network Marketing Industry. Just as Susan was naive to the feelings of those looking at her from the audience. But as Susan Boyle walked out on the stage, not realizing she didn't have "the look" or have "it", that didn't stop her from opening her mouth and changing how every judge (doubter) saw her. Now as we have the life and future we have obtained not from a job, many have changed the way they see us and the Home Based Business Industry.

When I lost my job, I made the decision with my husband not to get another "good job" or go back to school. I didn't think to myself, what will my friends think, or what if this doesn't work? I knew that if I didn't change what I was doing, my life would continue to remain the same. Susan never stopped to ask herself, "am I pretty enough or smart enough or do I have what it takes? Just as was stated in the podcast, everyone made fun of her before she opened her mouth. When that happened everything changed! When we stepped out on faith and trusted God everything changed. Our health, finances and marriage changed. Our lives, our children's lives and those we have come in contact with have been forever enriched and changed forever.

Was it worth it? Yes! Did we lose friends? Yes! We have gained more friends, better health, more financial and time freedom in the past six years than we ever achieved in our lifetime prior to starting a home based business. Whose your Simon Cowell? Who are you taking counseling from? We must realize that God created us for greatness! To live any less than is a slap in the face to your creator. And if no one applauds you when you walk out on the stage of change, God and the angels will be applauding!


To your success!
Erika