In November of 2004 I began my hunt for a way to stay home with my kids, yet contribute toward a new driveway and braces for my kids. I had no idea what I was looking for other than freedom and money. In the back of my mind I thought I'd probably find some repetitive service I could do for some company such as making calls, doing mailing lists, data entry, etc. In no way was I looking for a business of my own. My mind didn't even go there. I knew nothing of networking marketing. I didn't really have a plan of action, I just went searching.

I ran across an ad on the internet that caught my eye. It talked about a network marketing company that distributed gourmet candles. I certainly wasn't looking for anything to sell, but I have always LOVED candles, so I thought I'd check it out. Once I gathered information on the company and the products I began to envision the freedom this business could bring me and it sure sounded a lot more fun than doing some type of repetitive work.

Even though I didn't realize it at the time, my spirit was crying out for something exciting that would help me learn and grow beyond the boarders of my life I had been living in.

I am so thankful I allowed the opportunity for my borders to be stretched and opened. I didn't know what was out there until I gave myself the freedom to explore what "could be!"

Once I caught the vision of what a network marketing company, with a product I loved, had to offer, I knew I wanted to go "BIG". I didn't want to just create a hobby that brought in a little money. I wanted to create a "PLAN B" that brought in FREEDOM. That is what I have done.

I have become a mom with an entrepreneur spirit who has the freedom to pack lunches in her jammies, meet friends for coffee, help the neighbors, greet the kids with cookies after school, watch neighbor kids because mom and dad have to work, attend all games and performances, AND bring in money toward our financial freedom.

In between doing all the things I love, do I sit and watch soap operas? A resounding NO! I work. But I work within the freedom of choosing when I do it. Don't be fooled. Working from home is just that, work. If you take on a business and then expect it to do the work for you, you are headed right back into the 40 hr work week.

So ask yourself today, do you like the 40 hr work week away from home? If not, then let's take a look at the important steps I have taken to keep MYSELF out of the 40 hr. work week.

To understand better what Network Marketing is and why it works for me, go to www.squidoo.com/NetworkMarketingDefined

Today's changing economy creates uncertainty, doesn't it? All we have to do is watch the news or read the paper and we become aware of how unstable things are; layoffs,foreclosures, Social Security, stock market, retirement, rising gas prices, etc.

The average American only has enough money saved for one month without income.

That's kind of scary. No, that is REAL scary!

As you plan for your future, I would like to share the gift of financial stability with you. Owning your own business is a viable "Plan B" to pay for life's necessities, emergencies and fun stuff.

I created my "Plan B" with a Candle business. Many of my partners get started on their business journey because they like Candles, know others who like candles, as well and looking for a way to earn some extra cash doing something fun. It's also a way to purchase candles for your own use at WHOLESALE and to be able to buy candles to give as gifts, paying only the wholesale price.

As they create success for their family, they begin to see their candle business for what it really is ..... a "Plan B".

As you begin your candle business, you'll soon discover your family's Plan B as well.

Your business can:

- Secure your retirement
- Provide a slush fund
- Protect your family in case of emergency
- Give you freedom to do things you couldn't have done before
- Create a legacy for your children
- Protect you from downsizing
- Allow free time
- Create a walk away income as we have done

So I'm wondering, if you see a home based business as a way to do some retailing (that is certainly doable), or, if you see it for what it can really be .......... Your "Plan B".

I encourage you to invest some time in your future and check out the Mia Bella Online Presentation to truly gain an idea of the power a little candle business can offer your family's financial stability.

Grab a family member, your favorite beverage and plan for your future.

www.gourmetsoycandles.scent-team.com
(Click on PRESENTATION)

1. Select the right company.

As I said, I lucked out. I chose a company that just happened to have all the "recommended" qualifications. I guess I knew a good thing when I saw it....just didn't know why.

Choose a company that has the following qualifications:

- Has been in network marketing for at least two years, preferably 5 years or more.

- Has a management team that is experience in network marketing, is assertive, and yet fiscally conservative.

- Markets a product or service that is in high demand.

- Has no long-term debt and is financially strong.

- Offers excellent training and marketing materials.

- Offers a program where both distributors and customers buy directly from the company.

- Has a compensation plan that is fair for the part-time distributor AND lucrative for the full-time Business Builder.

- Has a company web page.

- Allows for freedom to build your business in a way that fits YOUR style and at a pace that fits YOUR needs.

- Operates at a high level of integrity in all areas.

2. Choose the right sponsor

Many join companies under friends and family. Often this leads to the "blind leading the blind". With the age of computers having a sponsor close by is also not a requirement. Much training and support can be done via conference calls and email.

- Choose a sponsor who has experience or has access to the support of a solid team.

- Choose a sponsor whom you can relate with on a personal level.

- Choose a sponsor who is sincerely interested and vested in your success.

3.Develop your WHY

Your WHY is the reason you are considering or operating a network marketing business. Be clear of why you began your journey and keep that in front of you. Post it on your wall or bulletin board.

Example:

More Free Time With Family; Travel; Secure Retirement; Buy My Dream House, Give Abundantly, etc.

Visit Training by Gail Wahl for more in-depth training resources.

4. Develop your Goals and Objectives

Have a final destination in mind and then develop the steps it is going to take to get there. These will become your goals.

Create two types of goals; Dream Goals and Activity Goals.

Dream Goals: Vacation, Car, Vacation Home, Buy Grandma a house, etc.

Create a Dream Board. Use a Bulletin Board, Picture Frame, Wall, etc. Post pictures and words of your dreams right in front of you. On the days when your valley seems too low that dream board will keep you moving forward.

Activity Goals: These are your daily, weekly, monthly and annual goals that will drive you to your Dream Goals.

Use some type of planner to map out each day, week and month. I not only use a month-at-a-glance calendar, but I have a white board with all the days of the month on it up above my desk. I track my journey by seeing it up in front of me each month.

If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing!

5. Create the right Mindset

The mindset of a network marketer can make or break them. As the Bible says, "As a man thinketh, so is he." Napolean Hill said, "Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "We become what we think about all day long."......You are what you think.

How do you develop the right mindset?

- Surround yourself with those that build into you and not tear you down.

- Keep yourself teachable. Check out my Recommended On-line Mentor sites below.

- Readers are leaders. Check out my Recommended Reading list below.

- Become a student of your company by getting on company conference calls and getting to your conventions.

For further training on Creating Success Mindset Visit Gail Wahl's Success Mindset E-Book and Workbook.

6. Treat your business like a business, not a hobby

One of the biggest differences between top income earners and those who fail in network marketing is how they approached their businesses. Top income earners treat it like a business. Those who fail only treated it like a hobby. They fit it in when it was convenient.

Imagine opening a store front and only opening the doors when you felt like it. The doors would not be open for long.

Network Marketing does bring you freedom to call your own shots, but you must still see the "work" in Network marketing.

Map out your day, week and month with the amount of time you are willing to give your business. Working it part time you should be giving it at least 10 hrs a week. That's 2 hours of T.V. a night with weekends off, or, whatever schedule best works for you. The more you put into it in the beginning the more payout you will see in the end.

If you have selected the right company then you should stay committed until you have achieved your dreams....."Winners never quit and quitters never win!"

7. Be Coachable

One of the biggest ways to sabotage your business is to think you know it all. At no point in your journey should you say, "I know enough!"

Network Marketing is an evolving business. There are always new ways to gather leads and present your opportunity.

Listen to those that have gone before you and have been successful. Find mentors within your organization and outside your organization to glean from.

Always keep your eyes and ears open for ways to improve your serve.

A great resource/manual that shares some of these same steps, PLUS more, is Rod Nichol's new book, "The Twelve Power Secrets". You can purchase it at www.RodNichols.com