A Question from a student:
Hey Barry. I am working on it. Where you could help me is tell me about your struggles in building out your success. What were the stumbling blocks that you had to overcome? What did you to do to push past them? What was your vision for your business? What were some of the keys to developing your vision?
My reply:
Lots of rejection and sometimes things take longer than I'd like. Just when you feel like giving up, push through. Make bunches of phone calls. Don't do all the work yourself, promote the company's calls and let them do the work for you. Don't give up and make up for everything with massive focused action. Take responsibility for your success and lock on to someone who believes in you - believe in yourself too. I spend 10-14 hours per day at times on the phone and promoting webinars and doing 3-way calls. Not everyday of course, but don't ever be afraid of hard work and long hours - if you are talking to people. I also am never afraid to talk to strangers to share my exciting opportunity. Go mining for gold. You just might strike it rich one day. Every Branch Manager is worth at least $15-20K. How long and hard would you work for that? Hope this helps.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tired of Mediocrity
The truth about success is that many people fail before they taste success. They give up and quit when things get tough, just before a breakthrough comes. Too many people are looking for easy success. The truth is that success is rarely easy, fast nor does it occur on your first venture. The best course of action is to start, don't quit and know ahead of time that success requires hard work and patience.
One aspect of my success has come from mentors. There are those individuals who help you to pave your way to success. Sometimes they are older and wiser, and other times they may be friends or colleagues who are also on the journey and have had some experiences that you can learn from and get ahead more quickly.
If you are in a lull or a tough spot, be willing to reach out to a mentor or someone who has made it. Do not find someone who will tear your dream down or commiserate with you. Negativity will zap your energy and your passion. You must keep yourself stirred up and excited, even in the face of roadblocks. Mentors will help you pull through by encouraging you, believing in you and offering solid advice.
One aspect of my success has come from mentors. There are those individuals who help you to pave your way to success. Sometimes they are older and wiser, and other times they may be friends or colleagues who are also on the journey and have had some experiences that you can learn from and get ahead more quickly.
If you are in a lull or a tough spot, be willing to reach out to a mentor or someone who has made it. Do not find someone who will tear your dream down or commiserate with you. Negativity will zap your energy and your passion. You must keep yourself stirred up and excited, even in the face of roadblocks. Mentors will help you pull through by encouraging you, believing in you and offering solid advice.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Taking Action
If someone were to ask me, what is the # 1 KEY to success, I would say that it is your connections. But, with that being said, if you do not know how to take ACTION in your business or with your connections - then you will not succeed.
It's the one-two punch. You can make up for lack of connections, by MASSIVE action.
Begin by helping others achieve their dreams and goals, you can achieve yours. Learn how to identify others' problems and solve them. Be willing to roll up your sleeves and get a little dirty at first. And once you taste the first fruits of success, re-invest in your business, in others and in systems. Keep pushing when the first success begins. Don't start relaxing at that time. That's when so many others fail, because of short term success. Make hey while the sun shines.
So, enough reading for today - GO Go go - Take Action.
Talk Soon,
Barry Elrod, The Mentor To Millionaires
Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
It's the one-two punch. You can make up for lack of connections, by MASSIVE action.
Begin by helping others achieve their dreams and goals, you can achieve yours. Learn how to identify others' problems and solve them. Be willing to roll up your sleeves and get a little dirty at first. And once you taste the first fruits of success, re-invest in your business, in others and in systems. Keep pushing when the first success begins. Don't start relaxing at that time. That's when so many others fail, because of short term success. Make hey while the sun shines.
So, enough reading for today - GO Go go - Take Action.
Talk Soon,
Barry Elrod, The Mentor To Millionaires
Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Power of Focus
Some people have said that you can't have your cake and eat it too. I have also heard that you can't always get what you want. Well, obviously, those people won't achieve anything - and many of them are probably afraid to try or are afraid of failing.
What I have truly found is that you can have your cake and eat it too, as long as you make the recipe in the right order. In other words, instead of trying to go for everything at one time, or chasing the flavor of the month, you must focus your energies on one thing at a time.
You can make your cake today, and eat it tomorrow. Become successful in one business first, learn the success process and develop success systems, build a team of strong leaders and delegate and duplicate - create residual income and true financial freedom...then, wash, rinse and repeat.
If you have found yourself jumping from deal to deal, or trying multiple businesses at the same time and your energies and passions get diluted - take some time to write down your core goals and objectives. Determine your underlying values and passions. Focus on the top priority tasks that have either the fastest return on investment (ROI) or the most highest ROI over the long term. You will need to fail to succeed. It's not always the business you are in that has a problem. Often that's a learning lesson and obstacles and tests are signs that you are on the right path. Embrace those challenges and stay in place, learn from them, grow and focus on today's objective.
Lack of commitment and focus has been the cause of failure for many budding entrepreneurs. After the emotion of the decision is gone, stay steady and sure on your chosen path. Keep pushing until you've reached success, until you've duplicated yourself. Until you have created real walk away income. Then you can branch out and make more cakes.
Until tomorrow - I wish you success in whatever your focus may be.
Barry Elrod, The Mentor to Millionaires
Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
What I have truly found is that you can have your cake and eat it too, as long as you make the recipe in the right order. In other words, instead of trying to go for everything at one time, or chasing the flavor of the month, you must focus your energies on one thing at a time.
You can make your cake today, and eat it tomorrow. Become successful in one business first, learn the success process and develop success systems, build a team of strong leaders and delegate and duplicate - create residual income and true financial freedom...then, wash, rinse and repeat.
If you have found yourself jumping from deal to deal, or trying multiple businesses at the same time and your energies and passions get diluted - take some time to write down your core goals and objectives. Determine your underlying values and passions. Focus on the top priority tasks that have either the fastest return on investment (ROI) or the most highest ROI over the long term. You will need to fail to succeed. It's not always the business you are in that has a problem. Often that's a learning lesson and obstacles and tests are signs that you are on the right path. Embrace those challenges and stay in place, learn from them, grow and focus on today's objective.
Lack of commitment and focus has been the cause of failure for many budding entrepreneurs. After the emotion of the decision is gone, stay steady and sure on your chosen path. Keep pushing until you've reached success, until you've duplicated yourself. Until you have created real walk away income. Then you can branch out and make more cakes.
Until tomorrow - I wish you success in whatever your focus may be.
Barry Elrod, The Mentor to Millionaires
Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
It's More Than Just Money
I have a lot of people ask me about making money. How can they develop a 7-figure business? What's the angle? Do you have to be ruthless or take advantage of people to make it big?
Well, the answer of course, is a resounding "No".
The reality is, that any successful, long-term business must be about more than just the money. It must also be about people. You must solve a real problem, fill a true need or do something that is so new, fantastic or simpler or easier or better, etc. The bottom line is, to get your needs taken care of you must focus on taking care of others' needs. Your company's vision and purpose must be bigger than your own personal bank account to last longer than a flash in the pan.
A solid and firm vision statement, backed by passion and commitment, will be the catalyst and the glue that holds it all together in the tough times and the propellant to launch your company to higher heights in the good times.
One of the reasons people don't last in business longer than a few months to a few years is because they settle for a business, its nothing more than a glorified job, and when they paycheck isn't consistent or always what they expected, they close up shop and move on to the next new thing. There will always be a next new thing.
Another issue that many beginner entrepreneurs have is getting scattered in their business model. You must first have a core business and a map of how your entire business system works together. If one day you are selling cosmetics and the next you are doing super-juice and another you are pitching telecommunications, then perhaps you are working more for the money than your customers. And this slef-first strategy will not last over time.
The time, energy and efforts that are invested in a business up front to learn it, to grow personally, to practice, to fail and to succeed should be viewed as going to school to get your education. It's really not until the 3rd, 4th and sometimes 5th year before you really can "graduate" and get that solid foundation of knowledge, expertise, team and systems established - that you can begin to really go BIG.
So stay focused on your goals. Commit to your business for at least 3-4 years. Learn all you can. Practice. Serve others. Be sure that you can endure the tough times and be wise with your profits in the good times. Have a plan for all scenarios, and work that plan. If you can't endure "the dip" as Seth Godin calls it, then don't even begin the journey. Enjoy the process and the relationships, and stay steady and consistent with your work, even when it's not convenient for you. Then you will have what it takes to make the money you need and want, while helping people. That's a 7-figure business mindset.
Barry Elrod, The Mentor to Millionaires
Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
Well, the answer of course, is a resounding "No".
The reality is, that any successful, long-term business must be about more than just the money. It must also be about people. You must solve a real problem, fill a true need or do something that is so new, fantastic or simpler or easier or better, etc. The bottom line is, to get your needs taken care of you must focus on taking care of others' needs. Your company's vision and purpose must be bigger than your own personal bank account to last longer than a flash in the pan.
A solid and firm vision statement, backed by passion and commitment, will be the catalyst and the glue that holds it all together in the tough times and the propellant to launch your company to higher heights in the good times.
One of the reasons people don't last in business longer than a few months to a few years is because they settle for a business, its nothing more than a glorified job, and when they paycheck isn't consistent or always what they expected, they close up shop and move on to the next new thing. There will always be a next new thing.
Another issue that many beginner entrepreneurs have is getting scattered in their business model. You must first have a core business and a map of how your entire business system works together. If one day you are selling cosmetics and the next you are doing super-juice and another you are pitching telecommunications, then perhaps you are working more for the money than your customers. And this slef-first strategy will not last over time.
The time, energy and efforts that are invested in a business up front to learn it, to grow personally, to practice, to fail and to succeed should be viewed as going to school to get your education. It's really not until the 3rd, 4th and sometimes 5th year before you really can "graduate" and get that solid foundation of knowledge, expertise, team and systems established - that you can begin to really go BIG.
So stay focused on your goals. Commit to your business for at least 3-4 years. Learn all you can. Practice. Serve others. Be sure that you can endure the tough times and be wise with your profits in the good times. Have a plan for all scenarios, and work that plan. If you can't endure "the dip" as Seth Godin calls it, then don't even begin the journey. Enjoy the process and the relationships, and stay steady and consistent with your work, even when it's not convenient for you. Then you will have what it takes to make the money you need and want, while helping people. That's a 7-figure business mindset.
Barry Elrod, The Mentor to Millionaires
Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
Monday, November 30, 2009
Who Is On Your Team?
As I look around my business today, I realize that real success is a team sport, not an individual. I am continually building and revising my team. I did not get to a 7-figure business by myself, nor do I expect to build an 8-figure business on my own. You need a team.
But not just any team, you must have the right team. They must match your vision and goals. They must add value to your dreams. They must have your best interest in mind first. There must be a team synergy.
This does not happen by accident, nor overnight. Team-building is a skill and is one of the most important tools of business leverage. But once you find your team members, then you make sure to integrate them into your company culture, define roles and expectations, and take good care of your people.
You see, people are truly your most important assets, and as you succeed, you want your team to succeed. One of the best ways to stimulate team growth is to empower each member to accomplish their goals, tie their compensation to results, and allow for a training or continuous improvement atmosphere.
Document processes, establish back-ups, cross train and hold regular team meetings for planning, review and improvement. Keep learning new skills and strategies and implement these throughout your business system as applicable. Keep a positive environment, and allow for safe harbor. There are no dumb ideas. Encourage collaboration and harmony within your team.
Everyone should be able to talk to another via phone, email - and be sure to include virtual team members in with face to face members in meetings.
Also, be swift to address unacceptable behaviors and attitudes, and don't talk about people behind their back. Deal with issues honestly, head on, with respect and tact. Don't promise what you can't do. If things change gears, then keep people up to date asap, and plan how to correct. Open communication and massive focused action are key.
Together everyone achieves miracles.
Barry Elrod, The Mentor to Millionaires
Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
But not just any team, you must have the right team. They must match your vision and goals. They must add value to your dreams. They must have your best interest in mind first. There must be a team synergy.
This does not happen by accident, nor overnight. Team-building is a skill and is one of the most important tools of business leverage. But once you find your team members, then you make sure to integrate them into your company culture, define roles and expectations, and take good care of your people.
You see, people are truly your most important assets, and as you succeed, you want your team to succeed. One of the best ways to stimulate team growth is to empower each member to accomplish their goals, tie their compensation to results, and allow for a training or continuous improvement atmosphere.
Document processes, establish back-ups, cross train and hold regular team meetings for planning, review and improvement. Keep learning new skills and strategies and implement these throughout your business system as applicable. Keep a positive environment, and allow for safe harbor. There are no dumb ideas. Encourage collaboration and harmony within your team.
Everyone should be able to talk to another via phone, email - and be sure to include virtual team members in with face to face members in meetings.
Also, be swift to address unacceptable behaviors and attitudes, and don't talk about people behind their back. Deal with issues honestly, head on, with respect and tact. Don't promise what you can't do. If things change gears, then keep people up to date asap, and plan how to correct. Open communication and massive focused action are key.
Together everyone achieves miracles.
Barry Elrod, The Mentor to Millionaires
Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Do You Have SMART Goals?
One of the most important things I've discovered along my success journey was the regular and consistent practice of setting and working towards goals. I am sure many people would say "Yes, I have goals." or "Of course I know what I want to be or to achieve." But one of the most amazing things I've discovered is the fact that so many people DO NOT write their goals down at all, much less on a regular and consistent basis.
Here's the drill. First, in order to be a success, you must have what I call SMART goals. Smart goals are:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-tied
Part of the process of goal-setting is to stretch yourself a bit, but also to have a good chance of achieving them. You also should have Goals for the day, the week, the month, the year and the next 2-5 and ultimately up to 10 years ahead. You should begin with your biggest life goals or dreams and then break them down into manageable pieces. You should end up with a core annual, quarterly and monthly plan - with your weekly and daily activities and habits taking you successfully on the path to accomplishment. And no, I am not just talking about a big TO DO list. Do not confuse activity with accomplishment. You must ask yourself "Is what I am doing right now, today, taking me one step closer to my goals?"
In future posts, we'll cover team building, accountability and the power of focus. But for now, I want you to get into a habit of planning your days, the night before - and plan your weeks every Saturday or Sunday. And finally, make SMART goals for each month that will take you to your annual goals. Be sure to allow for extra time than you think and then work like you have less time than you've planned. Whatever you do consistently for 3-4 weeks will become a habit - so this will only be work for 1 month - but it will produce a lifetime of results.
So have at it. What are your short-term and long-term goals? What do you want to accomplish before this year is out, and what are your plans and dreams for next year and the years to come? If you aren't satisfied with where you are today, then begin to plan, set goals and work towards a better and brighter tomorrow. I look forward to your comments. Until next time.
Barry Elrod , The Mentor to Millionaires
CEO, Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
Here's the drill. First, in order to be a success, you must have what I call SMART goals. Smart goals are:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-tied
Part of the process of goal-setting is to stretch yourself a bit, but also to have a good chance of achieving them. You also should have Goals for the day, the week, the month, the year and the next 2-5 and ultimately up to 10 years ahead. You should begin with your biggest life goals or dreams and then break them down into manageable pieces. You should end up with a core annual, quarterly and monthly plan - with your weekly and daily activities and habits taking you successfully on the path to accomplishment. And no, I am not just talking about a big TO DO list. Do not confuse activity with accomplishment. You must ask yourself "Is what I am doing right now, today, taking me one step closer to my goals?"
In future posts, we'll cover team building, accountability and the power of focus. But for now, I want you to get into a habit of planning your days, the night before - and plan your weeks every Saturday or Sunday. And finally, make SMART goals for each month that will take you to your annual goals. Be sure to allow for extra time than you think and then work like you have less time than you've planned. Whatever you do consistently for 3-4 weeks will become a habit - so this will only be work for 1 month - but it will produce a lifetime of results.
So have at it. What are your short-term and long-term goals? What do you want to accomplish before this year is out, and what are your plans and dreams for next year and the years to come? If you aren't satisfied with where you are today, then begin to plan, set goals and work towards a better and brighter tomorrow. I look forward to your comments. Until next time.
Barry Elrod , The Mentor to Millionaires
CEO, Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
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