Merry Christmas to all

Most of today was spent getting ready for Christmas and the "holiday break". I have 5 reports at my job that have to go out this week...so two today and three tomorrow. We'll see how tomorrow goes.

I have been enjoying the break and have been taking time reflect and decide what is going to work best for me for building this business. I am trying to take every opportunity I have to learn and to go out and try to talk to people about MPM. I'm reviewing all the training in my back office so everything will be fresh in my memory when we get started again in January. I am also making a few calls each day so I do not get out of practice. One of these days, someone I call is going to be home and then I'll actually get to talk to someone besides a machine.

Hope everyone has a great holiday break! Take time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

--Sandy W

Friday-December 19

I desperately had to get some items at the grocery store tonight, so after putting my son to bed, I went out to store hoping to find 5 people that would be interested in changing their lives by earning rebates on their every day spending.

I live in the section of Raleigh, NC that's pretty close to NC State. Normally, on a Friday night, the local grocery store is teaming with young adults who are buying their favorite beverage and potato chips, getting ready for whatever party they are going to that night.

Tonight however, the store was very quiet with only a few people who were also actually grocery shopping like me....I forgot that exams were over and everyone was home for the holidays. I still tried to talk to the few people that were there....though most just did not seem interested in talking with me.

I have more follow up planned for this weekend, along with getting those last minute items for Christmas.

Hope everyone has a great Christmas if I don't get to talk to you before then!

-Sandy W

Thursday-Week 4

Yesterday I had someone tell me "You're on a sinking ship and you should get off fast" because I have been working on this "boot camp" and do not have any sign ups yet. I just answered, I know I will because I continue to work on it every day, and eventually someone will be there when I call them and I will be able to talk to them.

In the mean time, I revisited the "101 ways to Promote My Power Mall." I picked out a few things that I could do while we were "on break" from the boot camp because I do not want to loose any momentum. I want to make sure that I am still actively building my business--that is I want to continue to go out every day to meet others that might be interested in being a World Changer. However there are other great ideas in the e-book that can really help bring me some results. I am going to make sure I revisit it as often as I can and keep trying a different promotion!

-Sandy W

Wednesday December 17

I was not able to get ahold of my NPO today, so that is first on my list for tomorrow. I made some more follow up calls and managed to call a dozen businesses or so with the script for the answering machine. I tried to pick ones that I thought would have an answering machine--or least no one would be answering after hours. We will see what the result of those calls are. Eventually, someone has to call me back, right?

I do have a shopping story to share... I have not yet gotten as creative as others (buying the AMEX gift cards to buy store gift cards to buy items from the online store and earning triple commissions), but I do really love the stores that also have the feature where you can buy online and pick up in the store. I tend to do things at the last minute....and decided that today was "about time" to order my photo Christmas Cards to send to my family and friends. I was able to order it on Snapfish on the mall and pick them up at my local walgreens...on the same day! I was sure to tell the clerk about it when I picked them up, too!

-Sandy W

Where did Tuesday get to?

I'm excited that the requirements for boot camp are now relaxed so the pressure has also diminished. I am disappointed in myself for not getting more done. I forget how busy this time of year is for my other job. I did leave a few messages on some of my contacts between dinner and bath time for Avery. I also attempted to make some contacts while I was out today but was not successful, so back to the phone and some leads to get my 5 for today.

Tomorrow is a new day and I will be rested and ready to get on the phone and meet 5 new people! To talk to someone (and not their answering machine) who is interested in building a business would also be a great early Christmas gift!

-Sandy W

What I learned over the weekend

It's Monday of Week 4 of the World Changer Realty Boot Camp. I feel like it just started yesterday and yet we are starting the 4th week!

I spent the weekend attempting to follow up with the 54 contacts I have made in the first three weeks of boot camp. I tried calling at different times of the day, in hopes of reaching people at home. I had 14 people either flat out tell me they were not interested (by giving me a wrong number in the first place or telling me that they were not interested) which means there are still 40 left on my contact list. I left A LOT of messages but did not manage to get anyone on the phone. I will keep trying though because it is important to me.

I have learned that I need to be more direct about the reason that I am collecting information, both when I am meeting someone for the first time and getting their information, and when I email them and later call them up to follow up. I am contacting them because I want to help them, not because I want to sell them or convince them to join something that will not benefit anyone except myself. I think that's why it is important for me to find out the "why" as soon as possible and keep track of it. The "what would you do with $2000" can help give an indication as to why someone might want to build a business to change their lives!

Here's to hopefully getting to talk to someone on the phone soon!
-Sandy W

It's the end of week three and follow up is key!

Ginny has challenged us to contact each of our contacts and follow up with them this weekend. When completing a follow up call, the goal is to get to know the contact better. Ask questions and listen to the answers. That sounds really simple.

With the exception of one call, at 1 AM in the morning, most of my follow up calls thus far have been talking to answering machines. I have a bad habit of answering the phone [at 1 am in the morning when I've been asleep] and not really being awake when I talk to the person on the phone. I honestly am not sure how that follow up call went :). I tried to call the person back today and just got the answering machine...so I left another message.

The business I had contacted regarding advertising opportunity declined the opportunity by email (they have already spent their advertising budget) before I could call them back. I sent them the ebook "101 ways that your business can change the world" and thanked them for their time. I will be sure to contact them on a regular basis to see if they may be interested in the future. I think a New Years card is a great idea!

I will be reporting on the follow up progress this weekend and will still be going out to make contacts. I need the practice until it becomes a habit!

Sandy W.

Thursday-What a day

Today I spent most of the morning taking care of my husband-he had a minor procedure and was a little bit loopy from the anesthesia. Then, my other job ended up having several emergencies I ended up having to take care of (we usually have issues come up when it rains, especially when it rains as hard as it did today with flooding). It ended up having to sit in a board of supervisors meeting for a client until 11:30 PM and then arriving home at 12:15 AM. Needless to say, I had a hard time getting the contacts I did today. I did manage to make a few phone calls to get 4 contacts that I will follow up tomorrow.

My Power Mall is such a great opportunity to build a business because it is one where you can work on building it no matter how busy you are! You can work it from anywhere!

Ginny- I will discuss my follow up tomorrow (well later today) as well.

Good night everyone!
Sandy W.

Wednesday-Week 3

I set off today to try to talk to someone each way I had outlined in my blog yesterday. I called a local business owner and said,

"My name is Sandy. I work with a company called My Power Mall and I have some information regarding an advertising opportunity that I think you would be interested in. Can I email you with this information?"

It was very simple! I sent the email, which was adapted from the letter Ginny wrote for the Business Partnership Program and script that Linda sent out as a message to leave on answering machines. I will call them on Friday to follow up.

I also talked to someone using the "small talk" approach. We were in Big Lots, and actually he was the one that started the conversation (Yay!). Anyway, the conversation was very pleasant, but I had trouble steering the conversation towards MPM. I always think of the things to say after the fact. Chalk that one up for practice!

I am disappointed that I did not get to try out the other conversation starters. I used the phone to get my other leads today as I had to take care of some things around the house (I hate being cooped up when its warm and nice out).

I also like the idea of using the answering machine to build my business...and ironically enough, I just got a new phone book in the mail, so I guess I know what I will be doing tomorrow!

-Sandy W

Tuesday Week 3

I cannot believe it is already 11:30? Where did today go? I wish I had an exciting story for today's efforts, but it seems like today was a lot like yesterday.

For those of you participating in the program or following along trying to build your business, there have been a lot of ideas on the calls and in the discussions that can help you if you are like me and having trouble getting your 5 contacts each day (Today it involved 6 different attempts in 5 different places and I lost count how many people I talked to and how many more people I probably could have talked to if I were more bold). Here are a few:

1. Ask someone what they would do with $2000. What would they do with $2,000/month? Ask them for their information so you can send them how they can get $2000/month.
2. Get to know the person with small talk (either in one visit or by frequenting the same store/location) and then discuss what they do for a living and talk about what you do for a living
3. Ask someone if they could use an extra $1,000 for the Christmas season (or another amount). Ask them for their information so you can send them how they can build an income for $1,000 dollars during every season.
4. Ask someone if they would like for you to give them $80 in free gas. Ask for their information so you can follow up and tell them how to get the free gas.
5. Approach a business owner to offer them advertising to 148,000 all over the world for $16/month. Then go on to show them the other benefits WCM has to offer, including helping them share it with other business owners.
   
6. Promote your NPO. Make sure that the person you are talking to knows the benefits the community will receive by them building their business

I know there are more, but these are just a few. I have mostly been sticking to #1, but am going to branch out tomorrow because it is not as easy or comfortable yet as I would like it to be. I know that I need to focus on follow up more as well, so that too will become second nature.

Until tomorrow-good night...

-Sandy W.

Week 3-Day 1

There are a few things that I learned today. Most importantly, I was reminded of how powerful the Business Partnership Program can be by offering advertising through the Local Merchant Network through My Power Mall.

I also was reminded why it is a good idea to start early. I did start trying to get my five today early. But today seemed like "one of those days". Then all of a sudden it was 9 PM and I was still trying to get my 5. I tried going to the student union on campus again, but it seemed like most people were engaged in study groups...I did not want to be the one to interrupt that the day before finals! Off to several stores and gas stations, but I guess the cold was keeping people in tonight. I will definitely rearrange my plans for tomorrow to try to get my 5 on my way to work and during my lunch break :)

One of the things that I have been thinking about over the weekend and today is motivation. What is my motivation? Right now, my motivation is I am in a glass bowl and do not want to fail in front of everyone! However, what will happen to my business when I am no longer in the glass bowl? Others seem to be success motivated, in the sense that their success motivates them to continue on and do more with their business. This is also great-as long as the success continues. Friday, I was very motivated because I seemed to finally be getting some success in talking to those I do not know about My Power Mall. On a day like today, when I had limited success (quite a few people told me they were not interested in giving me their information), a success motivated approach would have told me to quit. The reason for my motivation has to be a reason that will keep me motivated, both when my business is doing well and when I struggle, when I am feeling pressured and when I am feeling stressed. That is where your "why" comes in! Let your "why" be your motivation and you will have success.

Looking forward to an early start tomorrow!

-Sandy W

Getting Ready for A New Week

I just wanted to write a quick note to let everyone know I'm looking forward to this new week. The past two weeks have been spent with me learning--learning how to discuss My Power Malls with others and to follow up with them to help them to action. I know I haven't had any sign ups yet since the training started but I know I will get some soon. I am finally started to feel a little more comfortable with getting my 5, and I know that with practice, the follow up will be comfortable too. I'm getting pretty good at talking to answering machines! I also got a chance to pull together some target Businesses to send letters to, so I look forward to following up with them in two days.

-Sandy W.

The End of Week 2

I think back on the last two weeks and it is easy to get discouraged based on my personal results. However, I am not discouraged at all. I am very excited about the next 40 days!

My work day at my job was cut short my a call from my son's school. He had a fever and I needed to come pick him up. Poor little guy. I can always tell when he's not feel good because all he wants me to do it hold him. After spending the afternoon/evening taking care of him and getting him medication and to bed (he seems to be feeling better)... I was ready to focus on My Power Mall for the rest of the day. It was already time for the 8PM training call.

After the call I went out, determined to talk to 5 people about My Power Mall. I am happy to tell you about what I learned about the people I met. "One of my dreams is to become a millionaire and be able to help people with my money". "I have student loans I need to pay off" There are so many things that people need to do with $2,000. I hope that the people I met are interested in helping themselves, the Wake County Food Bank/Medical Clinic/Homeless shelter, and the charity of their choice.

Looking forward to being able to call my contacts tomorrow and going out to get another five!

Sandy W

Practice makes perfect

What does it take to build a My Power Mall Business-
For me, it takes lots and lots of practice talking to others about why they need a mall. I think one of my stumbling blocks is I look at people and automatically think in my head, "They won't want to listen to me" or "they won't want their own mall."

I did not get a chance to "get out" today until about 9:30 PM. I decided I might have some luck at the local college campus student center. It was a really nice night (weather wise) as it was not so cold as it has been. I walked around for a while exchanging smiles and hellos. One guy was using his laptop around with him as he was walking down the street. I thought, "wow, this guy really needs an online business like My Power Mall." Unfortunately his mp3 player was set way to loud and he was too wrapped up in what he was doing to even notice that I was trying to stop and talk to him.

Here is my video for today where I am practicing talking to people about My Power Mall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70fsf9QmqqM

Wednesday-Looking forward to a new day

I had a very tough time today. I realized that I still am having trouble talking to people about My Power Mall. I need to practice. I went back to two stores today. There were people there, but they were not interested or I could not talk to them to find out if they were interested. I'm not giving up. Eventually this has to get easier. I made 6 phone calls for follow up today. One was a wrong number and another told me she was not interested. I thanked her for her time. I left messages with all the others. I will follow up on Saturday and see if I can catch them home at a different time of day. I purchased leads for my three contacts today but will have to call them tomorrow as now it is too late (11:30 PM)


Here is why I am going to succeed and keep trying:

1. My Power Mall is a great opportunity that anyone can benefit from. I love the fact that it is now even easier to help out the charities that we care about. I really want to succeed to help those in my County that need help paying for medical care, food, shelter and clothing.
2. I know there are others who are struggling in today's economy that need a way to earn extra money. I want to help these people. I realize I cannot tell who these people are until I talk to them.
   
3. Here's my other reason. I want to be prepared financially for our addition to our family in April. She's getting bigger and every time I feel her kicking me, it reminds me that I need to get out there and talk to people.

I will talk to everyone tomorrow!

-Sandy W

Tuesday-Follow Up and So Forth

Today- I did implement my plan; I rode the local college transit bus, but unfortunately when I rode it about 9:30 at night, there were not as many people as I expected. I did have a very nice conversation with a gentleman about My Power Mall. I used the simple questions about what could be done with $2,000. I gave him my information. Although he did not want to share his information with me, I did enjoy talking with him about who could best benefit from a "program like this".

Here is the best part about MY POWER MALL-everyone can benefit. Everyone buys groceries; Everyone buys gas. Even if they do not need the money themselves, they can build the business for someone else who does or an organization who does.

The non profit organization that I would like to build my organization under is the "Urban Ministries of Wake County" This is an interfaith organization that helps to provide food, clothing, shelter and medical care to those who cannot afford it in my County.

FOLLOW UP

Here is my approach to follow up. I know that everyone has a little different approach but here is mine. I send an email the day (or day after) I meet someone. I call them the day after the email to see if they have gotten it. If they don't answer I leave a message and call back in a two days. I basically use the Miracle Team/World Changer script to find out why someone is interested in building an online business. If I have a mailing address, I will mail them information and then call them about two days after I mail to see if they have received it and if they have questions. I am realizing that as my number of contacts grow, it is more difficult to keep track of who I have talked to recently and so forth. I am learning to take good notes! I sent out 19 emails today and will follow up with phone calls tomorrow and Thursday.

-Sandy W

Dec 1- Time for a new strategy

I need a new strategy

I need to come up with a new strategy. I am very excited about being a member of the boot camp but am still having problems with getting the 5—let alone the follow up with those I have contacted, lining up a local charity to be the gifting center of my foundation mall, and contacting and following up with businesses.

I need to overcome my fear

I need to overcome my fear of talking to the people I meet with My Power Mall. I know that I will; I am willing to do what it takes. However, I now realize that my time during the day is limited and I need to make sure that I use the most of it! My available time during the week is really a ½ hour or so on my way to work, some days I get a lunch break, and then a few hours after work before the evening boot camp call (at 8 PM since I’m on the East Coast). After the call is when I have been working on catching up with my blogs, emails, and reading other’s blogs (I really do not feel like I can call people after 9 PM…at least if they are on the east coast). I plan on using the weekends (when my time is much more flexible) to meet additional people so I can make up for those days (like today) I’ve fallen short of the goal of 5.

Here is my strategy

I think I will try Eleanor’s strategy to start the conversation (see Eleanor’s November 26th blog entry). That will make the conversation easier; however, I need to get these contacts at places where I am most comfortable at starting conversations. I am most comfortable in place where conversation is natural. So far, I have tried the grocery store, several other stores, and gas stations. I had limited success at a restaurant with the staff; I used to work at a restaurant and know how boring it can get in between tables (or as a hostess in between customers) when things get slow.

Tomorrow I am going to try to ride the local college transit bus. I drove for the local transit system when I was in college and feel conversations on the bus just naturally get started between the people riding on the bus. Any other ideas of places I should try? I have more than 50 days left :)

Follow up

I’ve been spending too much time worrying about trying to get my “5” that the follow up has not been where is should be. I’ve spent time making a list of all that I need to do for follow up. That includes emails, but also phone calls and snail mail letters. There are all my contacts from last week, plus contacting the local food bank regarding the funds from my foundation mall, plus making a list of businesses for the Business Partnership Program. I will include more tomorrow about follow up.

-Sandy W.