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

The Women of USANA: Inspiring Stories of Success

written by Patrick Kibbie
Did you know that women make up 82 percent of the network marketing industry? Are you surprised?
If you look at the way the business model is set up, you shouldn’t be. Women are uniquely suited to network marketing and bring with them natural skills that give them a distinct advantage:

Juggling Life

“If you want something done, ask a busy woman,” said successful direct seller Susanne Cunningham. Women are known for their ability to multi-task, often running a household, earning an income, caring for family, and much, much more. And to build a successful home-based business, you must be adept at focusing on more than one task at a time.

Expert Opinion

Personal recommendations sell products, and women are experts in sharing their opinions — whether about a restaurant, boutique, or the new gym they joined. And when buying new products, women love to find out all the information they can, especially what other women think.

“I started using the products and was so happy with the results that I was talking to nearly everyone I met about USANA,” said Justina Rudez.

Enthusiastic to Learn

We’ve all heard the story of the lost couple; the husband is stubborn while the wife is the one willing to ask for directions. That is because women have a willingness to learn and are excited about learning new things to increase their knowledge and expertise.

“USANA is a wonderful opportunity because of the personal development that is involved,” said Erika Hilliard, whose home-based business has allowed her to connect with people all over the world. “Once you obtain a different view of yourself and your future, you realize you can make great decisions and can also take pride in watching your business grow.”

The Solution of Balance

Who wouldn’t want the ability to work from home — part-time or full — with the allure of flexible hours?
“I’ve found it inspiring to watch so many stay-at-home moms grow as people and as professionals,” said Sandra Moody. “These businesswomen have achieved improved health and gained financial freedom, and they also enjoy great work schedules that allow them to travel and have wonderful experiences with their families.”

If you want to learn more about some of USANA’s most dynamic women by receiving a *free copy, email me at erika@hilliardgroup.net *Non-USANA people only please;)

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!

Mind your own business!!!!!

I have had so many AHA moments this past weekend that I feel like I am about to explode. I am so grateful for this blog and the ability to share with whomever desires how to live the life that they only dreamed of. Am I all the way there? No! I am on my way and that's all that matters. Now I am able to help others do the same.

This past weekend we had the opportunity to speak to a group of people who have their own Network Marketing Business. They were from all walks of life, ages, race, religion, etc. But with one common goal. To become better at sharing with others, build a network and live amazing lives. 

So what is Network Marketing? It's where companies pay individuals who love their products or services and share with others using word-of-mouth instead of the company spending millions of dollars to agencies for advertising, transportation, marketing and distribution. The individual receives a portion of the profits.

This is an Industry that is recognized by Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, and the Harvard Business School just to name a few. Now that brings me to the title of this blog. I knew you were waiting and wondering why I was so angry. HaHa. Fooled you. I am not angry just grateful. Over 18 million people started a Network Marketing/Direct Sales Business in 2009. But all we heard in the news was 9 million people  lost their jobs. Oh oh I wish they knew what we knew.

In case you don't know by know we have a business that is in the Network Marketing Industry. And are proud to say that. This industry has gotten a bad reputation over the past 50 years. I am sad to say I was one of those who bad mouth it. But when it came into our lives, we knew we had something great because only God heard my prayers (cries) and dropped this business in our laps. 

I am not in the convincing business and I am not in the "selling vitamins" business. Network Marketing isn't about a product or service. It is about building a Network not a nest egg!

I just finished reading a book titled, "The Business of the 21st Century" by Robert Kiyosaki. You may have heard of him and you may not. All I can tell you is over the past 7 years of building this amazingly life changing business, we have been ridiculed, laughed at talked about and continually asked, "Are you still doing that thing?". Some of the comments have been painful and down right ignorant to say the least. BUT understandable. This book has confirmed yet once again. We are in the right place and the right business. It has nothing to do with a "niche" or what "works" for us. It is about having Financial Intelligence. Have you ever seen this image?

Prior to starting our business 7 years ago we lived in fear, anger and frustration as Robert says so truthfully in the book. And we also "thought" in the left side of that image above. It is called the Cashflow Quadrant. But as we educated ourselves (not formal education by the way) we learned that this incredible "vehicle" would take us to places no job could ever take us! So if you are struggling with the decision to step out on faith and to start a business. Do it! But first there are 3 things you must do:

First, you must "unlearn" what you have been taught. We live in an information age not, not an industrial age! Reading books such as, "Who Stole The American Dream" by Burke Hedges, As A Man Thinketh by James Allen, The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson and of course The Business of the 21st Century by Robert Kiyosaki!

  

Secondly, find out what you want. What is your vision. The Bible says, "without a vision, people perish". Having a Network Marketing business grows you, enables you to dream bigger dreams and makes those dreams come true. But it takes time and effort. I have set goals and accomplished them, now I have set new goals and write them down.

And lastly, get around like-minded individuals. It is said that your income tends to be equal to the average of your five closest friends. If you desire to become the CEO of your own company, why would you hang around people who tell you that won't happen, or say things like, "you, become a business owner, yeah right".

Seek friendships that build you up not tear you down. Of course we have people that love us and care for us. Although they mean well, they don't help us. And yes even get away from negative, mean-spirited relatives. I don't care how good Uncle George cooks at the Family Reunion. Everytime you get around him, he laughs at you for being "different" or mocking you for getting involved in one of "those things" And you feel even worse after you leave his presence. You can love them from a distance! lol

We lost many "so-called" friends when we made the decision to start a Network Marketing business. For some people with dreams, they aren't ready to give up those friends and I hate to say that but it is true. I was taught by my mentor, "if people (friends, relatives, etc) aren't living the life you desire, why would you take their advice? Why would you listen to someone say, "those things don't work" and they have never built a successful business a day in their life. But yet those that do listen, stay where they are, complaining and blaming everyone else and not living the life God created them to live. It breaks the heart of God to see any of His children living mediocre lives.

Being in the Network Marketing industry has been an amazing journey and God has given us new friends.

Friends who are headed in the same direction as we are and helping us to be better and helping us to do more than we ever thought we could. Oh yeah, once last thing. This isn't for everyone. So I am not preaching for everyone to start a business. But you know who you are.

So don't be afraid to start a business. Mind your own business!!!!!

Erika