My Online Business Adventure

OK, before I start to answer the question, “What is MLM?” I need to define a few terms.

MLM is an acronym for Multi Level Marketing, and is a legal way of marketing products or services and earning a commission every time you, or someone you have referred, sells a product or refers a new marketer.

It’s also called affiliate marketing or network marketing, although there are subtle differences between the three.

A pyramid scheme involves no product and there is no legal marketing involved.  It is purely exchange of money where the person at the top of the pyramid is supposed to make a profit.  Pyramids usually collapse very quickly, and people at the bottom lose their money.  They are illegal in most countries as far as I know.

Unfortunately, many people still distrust multi-level marketing or affiliate marketing because they associate them with pyramids.  Even one of my own (free) affiliates emailed me the other day asking the question, “Isn’t this just a pyramid?”

I sighed inwardly, and then sent him a very nice email explaining the difference.

I also sent him to a website that explains all these definitions in full details and much better than I can in a short blog!  The website is called FirstClassMLM and is run by Tim Sales.  There is absolutely no hype on this website, and also no advertising or any call to sign-up with anything.  It is purely informational and is full of excellent articles explaining all the questions you might have about mlms.

Here are some links to some relevant articles:

What Is MLM?

Pyramid Schemes and Scams

How MLM Works

What is First Class MLM?

If you are interested in getting started in MLM, come back here after you’ve finished reading and have a look at my website for some opportunities.

If you want to find out more about MLM and affiliate marketing, I have given you some book suggestions below this post.

Thanks for reading.

Ros Bott

Financial Freedom Online

If you love your job, and are happy with your current income, you really don’t need to read further.  But if you dread Monday mornings, drag yourself out of bed every morning, hate the daily commute and are tired of working every day just to make your boss rich, then why not consider work from home with a homebased business online?

A home based online business will not make you rich overnight, but within a few months or a couple of years, depending on how much time you can give to it, you could be giving up your job and earning a good full time income.

What’s the worse that could happen?

Today, we had a power cut in my village.  I couldn’t work on the computer for over an hour.

But, I wasn’t panicking.  Even while I am not working I am still earning and people are still reading my website, blogs and articles.  When I came back online I found I had a new affiliate.

There is very little to lose with a home based online business.  It takes a very small amount of money to get started (you can work it at less than $50 per month if necessary), a few hours a week (whatever you can spare) and…. well, I can’t think of anything else.

On the other hand, there is much to gain.  Financial freedom, more spare time (once you’ve got rid of the day job) to spend with your family or take up the hobby you’ve always wanted, and, most important of all, a sense of personal achievement and pride.

If you want to work from home with a homebased business online, you can go to my website below and find plenty of legitimate opportunities.  Or if you want to find out more first, you can buy one of the books I have selected for you at the bottom of this post.

Here’s to your success.

Ros Bott

Achieve Financial Freedom Online

I don’t watch a lot of sport, but I do love Wimbledon.  For two weeks of the year the television is constantly switched on.  I have seen some amazing matches, but last night I was deeply inspired by the most incredible come-back I have ever seen.  I do think that any of us can take many examples from sporting heroes, so if you want to know how to be a successful entrepreneur even when the odds are against you, watch, if you can, the 4th round match between Andy Murray and Richard Gasquet.

Everything was against Murray right from the start, and at 2 sets down, in the 3rd set, with match point against him, it really looked like it was going to be all over.  Not once had he broken Gasquet’s serve.  It looked like a done deal.

Yet from somewhere in this guy’s psyche, he managed to find a way to finally break the other man’s serve at this crucial moment.  Going on to win the set with the most impossible back-hand return, he went on, sometimes struggling at a see-saw deuce/advantage stalemate, but went on, looking more in control at each moment, to win the 4th and the winning, final set.

So, why am I talking about tennis in my home business blog, you might ask?

Because Andy Murray showed all the qualities that are needed to be a success in business.  Let me just list these:

• Positive thinking.  If you ever seen Murray interviewed, you will find that his focus is on what’s possible, not what’s not possible.  When his interviewer pointed out he would face Nedal in the quarter-final and he’d never beaten him before, Murray’s response was “but I’ve had some good chances against him…and I believe I can beat him…”  Positive thinking allows you to stay focused on what is possible in your business - and this will create your reality.
• Determination.  Some of the balls Murray faced in that match yesterday looked impossible to return - but he managed to return them through sheer determination.  It was almost as if his will to succeed allowed him to achieve the physically impossible.  If you are 100% determined to succeed, nothing can stop you.
• Tenacity.  Time after time, things went against him in the first 2 sets.  It was almost painful to watch.  But this is a guy who does not believe in giving up.  No matter where you are in your business right now, with tenacity and refusal to give up, you can get to where you want to be.
• Focus.  Despite the odds against him, Murray continued to remain focused and keep his eye on the ball.  His mind was set on winning, even with match point against him, and not once did he become distracted or allow mistakes to upset him.  In business, it is essential that you remain focused on what’s important and set your sights on your goals.

These are not qualities that someone like Murray just happens to have.  These are qualities that ANYONE can choose to have in any given moment.  We all have the power to succeed; we just have to choose who we are going to be in order to achieve that success.

If you want to know how to be a successful entrepreneur - or be successful at anything - I recommend that you watch your sporting heroes, whoever they are, and take some tips from them.  You too can be a hero.

No doubt I’ll be back with some more inspirational tips during the Olympics!

Ros Bott

Achieve Financial Freedom Online

Earn While You Learn Success

If you are worried about the recession, bored with your job and wondering how you are ever going to make enough money to live the life you want, you may have wondered about starting up an online business. You are not alone. With the growth of the internet, more and more people are finding that there are many opportunities for anyone to make extra pocket money, create a full time income or build a fortune. So, what do you need to start a small business online? Here is my ‘no nonsense’ guide:

1. I’ll start with the obvious. A computer with internet access is pretty important. You don’t have to have the latest model with lots of bells and whistles. However, if you are going to do this full time, you will need a broadband subscription and an email account.

2. A budget. This is literally whatever you can afford. The beauty of an online business is the start-up costs are extremely low compared with many other types of business. If you are starting with affiliate marketing (which is a very good place to start), many programs are free to join. However, I would recommend that you do set some money aside for the following:

• Website hosting. Although many affiliate programs give you a web page with youraffiliate links automatically inserted, mostly these are not your own to change. You really do need to set up your own website that you can personalise and add your own unique content to. One company in particular does provide you with this for free (you just pay for the hosting at $25 per month). See the advert on the right.

• Upgrade fees. In order to receive the best commissions all free programs will encourage you to upgrade to paid status. You don’t have to do this straight away; in fact it’s usually best to wait until you have a few affiliates of your own and you feel more confident about the program before doing this. Upgrade fees are not always that expensive. They can start from around $6 per month up to several hundred. Just go with the ones that you can afford. SFI is one of the most popular and longest running ‘free to join’ affiliate programs.
• Autoresponder fee. Experts will tell you that it’s extremely important to build a list that you can send a regular newsletter to and build trust and confidence. You can set up an autoresponder for free (for example at GetResponse.com) but you usually get a better service as a paid member (fees start at around $18 per month).

3. Time. If you are starting off while still working at a full time job, you will need to prioritise and set aside at least a few hours per week to work on your business. Coming to it now and then when you feel like it won’t do. It will take a regular commitment to get things going.
For the moment that’s all you need to think about as far as the practicalities and expense go. Of course, you need to find the right home business for you (my website will give you lots of ideas for affiliate marketing) and it’s a good idea to shop around and see what suits you first.

In my opinion, however, the most important point to consider when starting an online home business, is attitude.

Many people think that finding the ‘best’ program or product is the only thing necessary. They soon find out the hard way, that there is a lot more to it than that. How you think, what you believe and the way you communicate can make all the difference between success and failure.

So, What Attitude to you need to start a small business online?

Here are my big three ‘P’s:

Positivity: A belief in yourself and an optimistic attitude towards your business that will keep you motivated when the going gets tough, as well as a positive attitude towards your downline AND you sponsor.

Passion: Enthusiasm and excitement for your business and the products and services you are selling will go a long way. No-one buys from someone who is indifferent.

Patience: You will need this in the beginning. You need to be looking at your business as a long term commitment and not to expect to get rich within the first few months. Be willing to learn as much as you can in this starting off period and apply your learning step-by-step.

That’s just about it. I really don’t think it’s a lot to ask for. When you think of what’s needed to get a high-paying job, or set up a retail store or other kind of business, the requirements for starting an online business are pretty low.

Think you’ve got what it takes? You can start here.

Ros Bott

Financial Freedom Online

Perhaps it’s a sign of the times. In the past, people did everything they could to keep their personal and financial failures out of the public eye. Nowadays it’s the thing to shout about how you have overcome incredible odds to become successful. People who were once bankrupt, penniless and poverty-stricken are talking about how they have built financial freedom from seemingly hopeless beginnings.

You’d almost think that in order to become successful, you first need to fail big time - but does this have to be the case?

Read more of this article here.

Ros Bott

Financial Freedom Online

I quite like computer games. Particularly Adventure Games that you can play online. In the occasional idle bank holiday season I have been known to take on the character of heroine, wield a sword and set off into the unknown to fight dragons or goblins or whatever else the warped mind of the game’s creator has produced.

Win or lose, though, after a few hours of this, I do have to ask myself what it’s all leading to - in the real world, that is. At best, I have exercised my mind in solving problems and overcoming obstacles. At worst, I have wasted several precious hours for very little reward.

I called this blog ‘My Online Business Adventure’ because I do see it as an online adventure, and in many ways far more exciting than an online adventure game, with greater rewards.

In online games, you usually set up your own character with its various skills and personalities. This is a little like setting up your own website with its particular niche, and you can use your own ‘real’ skills to enhance your business.

Your ‘weapons’ are your marketing tools: blogging, advertising, list-building etc.

What about those goblins and dragons? Well, those are the scams out to take your money, or those people who tell you your business is a waste of time.

But these can be overcome: this is where your trusty armour comes in: common sense, honesty and developing a thick skin!

In a game, you can choose to visit different ‘areas’ and face various challenges. In the world of internet marketing there are endless subject areas that you can choose to focus on. And as you set off into the unknown, there are always a few wize wizards (or mentors) around to help you on your way.

In an online game, there is usually a forum where you can ask questions and meet other people. In an online business there are many forums where you can ask questions and meet other people.

In many online games you have the opportunity to find gold or build an empire. The world of the online business is no different - except that the gold is real and your empire is your dream that you can turn into a reality.

Someone once said that treating life like a game makes it fun and enjoyable; it allows you to take yourself and life less seriously and find problem solving easier. In the same way, treating your online business like an adventure game can spur you on to be the real hero you know you are inside.

And what do we play games for? Why, to win of course!

So, play an adventure game online for real: Use your skills to build an online business - and be a winner!

Ros Bott

To start your own adventure, go click here: Financial Freedom Online

Yesterday I attended a Success University seminar in Coventry. There was some interesting information that I picked up that I would like to share here and review Success University’s plans for the future in the UK.

The day was hot and sunny, but there must have been well over 200 people packed into the venue and some of them had come a long way to be there.

There were three speakers, including motivational speaker, Craig Goldblatt, and the focus was a mixture of information about developments in SU, practical advice on recruiting members and motivational talks.

I learned some very interesting statistics about SU in the UK. What I hadn’t know was that in February 2007 there were only 205 SU members in the UK. There are now around 10,000 - and the business is about to go into its sharp growth stage. This means that being a member of Success University right now is pretty good timing!

With 60 million UK residents, that means we have a wealth of opportunity all around us.

The other exciting news was that Success University is planning to (and already doing so in some cases) introduce their personal development program into universities, colleges, schools and churches, and are even going so far as to reduce fees for college and university students. Imagine our children and young people (who are, after all, our future) having access to personal growth training at such a young age. Imagine, too, coming out of college and having such an opportunity to create wealth whilst following whatever career you want.

Whole companies, too, are getting in on the act. One large mobile phone company in the UK is introducing SU to its staff. Success University is planning to introduce its programs to other companies.

The rest of the seminar was very much about using the product, self-belief and motivational tips. I won’t go into those right now because it would make this blog too long, and you can access all this stuff by becoming a member of Success University (if you are not one already). I will just say one thing that really stood out: Whatever you tell yourself about yourself, your brain will believe and create it as a reality. Tell yourself you are poor, and you will be. Tell yourself you are rich, and you will be. I know which I would rather believe.

You can find out more about Success University here.

You can also find out more about UK’s Craig Goldblatt here

One of my favourites quotes from the seminar: “I always knew that when network marketing and personal development came together it would be a GOOD thing”.

I passionately agree with this statement. I will review Success University again…. and again…. For the most ethical, beneficial and successful work at home career, you can’t go wrong with this one.

You’re all winners!

Ros Bott

Financial Freedom Online

Are you worried about the economy? Nervous about your job security? Wondering how you will manage to pay your bills or mortgage in the credit crunch? Recession always puts a lot of people on edge - but not everyone. It depends on the business you’re in. There are such things as recession proof business opportunities and right now I know I’m in the right business!

If you think about a recession in a positive way, you can choose to see it as an opportunity for change. So, you might lose your job or have less to spend. But what if you didn’t really like your job in the first place?

In the today’s world more and more people are beginning to recognise that a traditional job is not the only way to earn money - and in fact the way we have been taught (get a good job, earn a regular income, retire in your sixties) is not as secure as it once was, and that is only too apparent every time there is a recession.

Setting up a home business may not be an immediate answer to today’s pressing bills - it will take time to grow -but it is certainly an investment against future economic downturns. And if your job is currently threatened, it would do no harm to start off a home business now as a commitment to a more secure future.

Many people are put off starting up on their own because of the costs involved. But in my business the start-up costs are minimal. Even if your budget is less than $50 you have the chance to create a business that will grow into something big.

Running an online home business is fun and exciting. It is also hard work. It takes time. But compared to an ordinary job, for me the rewards far outweigh the daily grind of working for someone else in a job that might not last anyway. I know that my financial future is secure. Is yours?

Recession proof business opportunities come in many shapes and forms. Why not have a look HERE and see if you can find something that suits you? At the worst, you will discover a new world of opportunity for the cost of a few dollars. At the best, you will provide yourself with future financial freedom.

Ros Bott

Financial Freedom Online

You will often hear it said that the secret to success is to emulate those who are already successful.

But is education for success really that simple? In order to effectively imitate another person, don’t you need to spend some time studying that person’s character and habits? Even if you can do this accurately, a process of trial and error would have to take place before you find the right fit for your purposes.

All the same, the concept is a good one. Learning from others is one of the best ways of accelerating your progress. The experience of those who have achieved their goals can help you avoid mistakes and make better choices.

How do you find these successful people? How can you discover the roadmap that will pave your way to success without the time consuming trial and error search?

Read the rest of this article HERE.

Ros Bott

Financial Freedom Online

If you are looking to start an online home business, you will probably have come across the PluginProfit Site and perhaps wondered what it is all about.

Perhaps you have seen Stone Evans’ advertising page, and not made it to the sign-up bit at the bottom (he does tend to go on a bit). If you’re anything like me, I find long pages of advertising far too time consuming and I admit to sometimes going straight to the end to see how much it’s going to cost me before allowing myself to be caught up in the big sell!

Perhaps you just decided it was just another piece of hype - or even a scam.

If you’ve landed here because you decided to research the Pluginprofit site before spending your hard-earned money, well done! Doing your research before committing yourself is one of the wisest things anyone can do in the internet marketing business (I should know - I have not always been wise….)

However, having been a member of Pluginprofit for seven months, I can give you my honest opinion and explain exactly what you are in for if you decide to join.

Firstly - what Pluginprofit ISN’T: It is not a “get-rich-quick” scheme and it is not a scam. Also, it is not, in itself, an affiliate marketing program.

Pluginprofit is a program that gives you your own website which is designed and set up for you and promotes six different income streams, including several affiliate marketing companies and clickbank products.

You don’t have to join all of these programs (not all of them are free), but you do have to join the hosting program in order to host your website. This costs about $25 per month - but the hosting site has its own referral program and you get paid monthly for each person who creates a hosting account under you. Three referrals and it’s paying for itself.

The best thing about Pluginprofit is the unique training and support you receive. There is a 30-day step-by-step training program, which is very easy to follow even if you’ve never done any internet marketing before (believe me, I was a complete novice; seven months on and even my older brother asks me for advice!).

There is also a forum specifically for PluginProfit members, and I believe this to be the most important part of the whole system. PIPS members have their own community where they can ask for and give help, advice and support from and to other members. I have made friends on this forum - and if you want more intense support, there is even an inner mentoring group you can join where you get intensive, focused support.

The website, training and the forum are what makes Pluginprofit a great “product”.

But are there any downsides?

Well, nothing is perfect in this world - and if we expect perfection, then we can be lead to disillusionment. The main reasons that people give up on this business is because they have expected it to be something it is not.

As I said before, it is not a get-rich-quick program. You are not going to get rich overnight - but then if you can find me a program where this is possible, then please let me know! I am very happy that last week I received my first cheque - I know it will only grow from here.

Pluginprofit is a business. If you treat it like a business you will succeed. All businesses take time to get off the ground, and this program is no different. You need to work at it and work hard - but it’s fun, especially if you are an active forum member.

If you are thinking of joining this program, this is my advice: Set a budget, follow the training - but only do the things that are within your budget (if your budget is $0 - that’s fine, there are loads of free marketing ideas). Whenever you are thinking of spending money, ask for advice in the forum.

That’s all. If you are looking for a way of earning money at home and you are prepared to work, then I thoroughly recommend it.

If you are looking for a program that will make you rich for doing nothing - good luck with that.

You can join Pluginprofit here.

Ros Bott

Financial Freedom Online