JanineWiggins.com
Faith, Family, and Financial Freedom

If someone approaches you with a spiel like this, you would know to run, right?



This was posted on an anti-MLM forum I am a member of. On one hand, we laugh at such things, but it's amazing how few of us sit down and seriously count the costs of joining these "opportunities." I'm on an MLM kick this month, because after people found out I sold Avon and Mary Kay, TONS of folks have come out of the woodwork offering me their business opportunities. Unfortunately, I do my math. I calculated a positive impact on my budget for signing up with each of the companies I have signed up with (because I really like the products, and was paying full price for them through my reps). I wish more people would do that. I'll give an example in my next post, but for now, just stay away from anything that appears to make BIG MONEY with NO WORK. The two don't go together!

I've been getting a lot of emails and phone calls as to this so-called MLM Madness, so let me give you the straight scoop:

About two-three years ago, I discovered that Mary Kay's Classic Cleansing System, formula 1, really helped clear up my face. This is after years of websites, books, and even Mary Kay Ladies always insisting that if I had zits, then my skin must be oily and I'd better use those harsh, drying, formulas if I wanted to be cured. After trying MANY acne products out there, including Proactiv, I bought some Mary Kay from a friend, and chose the set my mom used to use (because I was going to give it to her). Well, something happened- I ran out of soap, I dont know.... and I had to use it. And it didn't irritate my skin. So I kept using it (I'm cheap and didn't want to buy soap if I didn't have to). And my skin got better. The only time I've used another face soap since was when I went on an extended "job trip" to a very dry location. I had to purchase a more hydrating formula by Paula's Choice. Both are fabulous. Of course, Paula raised her prices, so I've gone back to Mary Kay. And for the past 5 years, my 2 lipsticks have been 3 shades: one Mary Kay and two Avon. So when a friend started selling Avon, I jumped at the opportunity to answer the burning question: With all this lipstick I buy, can I save big bucks if I sell it myself? Like i said, I'm cheap. And it only costs $10 to start selling Avon.

Please, please, please, don't take these Avon and Mary Kay announcements to mean I recommend them for you to make money. I'm only letting you know because it's really hard to find a rep who isn't always pressuring you to sign up. And I'll never do that. And PLEASE don’t jump into any “business opportunities” without talking to me, because most of the time you are not making money- you're spending it! Just because *I* sell it, doesn’t mean *YOU* should. I "sell" several products because I wear/use them, including Jeunique and Discovery Toys. But these are not moneymakers for me. I keep "selling" them because I really love the products, and I almost hate to admit it, but I am really my own customer!

If you're thinking about signing up for something, call me. You know I'll give you straight, unbiased advice about any business opportunity you want. I made FAR mor emoeney in real estate than I ever did from the boutique or any of the "network marketing" companies. And I make a LOT more money with MUCH easier work on my day job. Thing is, many network companies are not upfront about how much things really cost or how much of a profit you really make after you've paid for shipping, buz cards, running around town, giving catalogs/hosting partiesand all that. Then you find out that you really don’t get much discount if you don’t make a lot of sales or have a lot of people in your "downline."

So what should you do if you buy a lot of products from such a company? My advice to people is typically either be a hostess (they get great freebies) to go onto one of those MLM wholesale sites where reps who have quit the business sell their products for the same discount as you would have had if you signed up. Email me for my favorite such site.

I feel so much better now, for having gotten that off my chest!

Yep, I've been bitten by the MLM bug. Well, actually, longtime subscribers to my mailing list before it became a blog know I was wanting to sign up with Avon for a while. I found out at the General Assembly that a friend was selling it, so signed up with her. So, if you are interested in buying Avon, please visit my Avon website. All online orders will be entered to win a monthly gift certificate- this month is to Outback Steakhouse!!

PS: If you or a friend have EVER thought about selling Mary Kay, Avon, or other such brands, PLEASE talk to me first. I PROMISE I will not pressure you to sign up under me. I've sold several of these "home party" businesses, and all were products that I use (and most still use). I do it ONLY to get the discount, but I have discovered that sometimes it's cheaper in the long run to buy from someone else.

Free food from Chick-Fil-A... All you have to do is (click here to find out).

You have GOT to be kidding me, right?

No, not kidding. Yes: I've been thinking about it for awhile and decided to give it a try. It helped clear up my acne, and if nothing else the starter kit is a good deal for the money. So, if you are interested in buying Mary Kay products, please visit my Mary Kay website. All online orders will be entered to win a monthly gift certificate- this month is to Outback Steakhouse!!

PS: If you or a friend have EVER thought about selling Mary Kay, Avon, or other such brands, PLEASE talk to me first. I PROMISE I will not pressure you to sign up under me. I've sold several of these "home party" businesses, and all were products that I use (and most still use). I do it ONLY to get the discount, but I have discovered that sometimes it's cheaper in the long run to buy from someone else.

Anyone out there tried the KidsWealth program? I'm thinking about trying this with the youth at our new church. After I get settled, of course. Let me know what you think. Due to spam, I've disabled comments on the site, but feel free to email me directly janine at this site dot com. If you have a comment you'd like to post publicly, let me know and I'll add it.

Here's the ad copy from their site:

Someone posted this on the Raw Milk forum, and I thought it was hilarious:

Made a nice card with candy with this poem and this scripture for a dear friend struggling to start a home-based business. Having had a home-based boutique for 6 years now, I can empathize with the ups and (mostly) downs of the first few years.



Scriptures:



And a final note:

Hi everyone, this is Janine- we've finally moved into our new place. I can't wait to let you all know about what Steve and I are working, but will save that for later... For now, I'm writing to discuss Alan Cowgill's materials.

We get a lot of emails about how we found funding for our deals and whether or not Alan Cowgill's materials are any good. Although Alan's stuff is geared toward residential, not commercial, we think the course is excellent. My husband bought the bootcamp package last year, but we actually never attended. If nothing else, you can use the private lender luncheons as a way to establish a "business relationship" which then *legally* allows you to approach your private lenders about partnering (ie syndicate) in commercial deals. The key is you have to do it. Just get out there and do it. Do one for practice and one for real and see what happens! For more info, you can visit Alan's main website or click directly on the products you want:

Beginner's Kit
Where to get the Money Bootcamp

14 Tips for Starting and Sticking With It
Stop Failure Before it Starts
-- By Julie Isphording, former Olympian

For some of us out there, if we could just convince ourselves that there is enough time in the day to exercise, we could be on track to a great fitness program. For others, we get started but quickly lose momentum and give up. To help get started and stay on track, here are a few tips:

1. 
   Throw away the bathing suit you wore in high school… and the memory too. It’s normal to have a mental image of yourself when you last exercised like a fiend. But if that image is from high school, you could be in big trouble. Even if it’s from last year, forget it. Remember as little as possible of what you used to look like. Starting today, make new memories.
   
   
2. Prepare. We already know you don’t have the time, so write it down like an appointment every day. You wouldn’t cancel an appointment, why would you cancel on yourself? Aren’t you important too?
   
   
3. Start slowly. Do much less than what you’re capable of. Take a 20-minute walk if you’re returning to exercise. You might feel like it’s not enough, but it’s a good start.
   
   
4. Get the family involved. Run while your daughter rides her bike. Go to a local track and let the kids play their own games. Run with your spouse. Sign up for a local 10K. Walk with your son. Celebrate with a little something special after every activity.
   
   
5. Where are your friends? Four words, four reasons – motivation, inspiration, determination, conversation. Surround yourself with friends who think positive and live large.
   
   
6. Put the pain in perspective. When the going gets tough, remember that you have survived 600 carpools, 540 loads of laundry (this month), 41 baseball games, 230 dinners and one family vacation. What’s the big deal?
   
   
7. Allow yourself to slow down. You’re driving this bus! For the first time today, you are in control.
   
   
8. Sign up for a race. It’s a goal to strive for and adds a little meaning to your everyday workout. (nina note: this is why I do those 5-10 mile races even though I HATE running... there's nothing like that feeling of accomplishment... next goal: half-marathon)
   
   
9. Run/walk in public. Be proud of your accomplishment. Take in all the sites and be an inspiration to others.
   
   
10. Just show up. Go to the gym, class, or the park. Once you’re there, it’s hard to say no. 98% of life is showing up.
    
    
11. Eat. Follow a healthy eating pattern. If you limit your calorie intake, you will not have enough energy to work out and your metabolism will slow down.
    
    
12. Understand your energy cycle. There are peaks during our days. Even during the week. Try to complete your workout when you feel good about yourself.
    
    
13. Wallow in your greatness. You can exercise to become a better exerciser, or you can exercise to become a better mother, a better father, doctor, teacher, or a better friend – or you can exercise to become BETTER. Be proud of that accomplishment.
    
    
14. Have fun. Where’s your childlike spirit? When you can make workouts "playouts," you’ve got it made.

(nina note: this should be #15) Don’t give up on yourself. After all, it’s never too late to be that healthy person you might have been.