Founding The R.C.A. - The Retweet and Comment Alliance

What is the R.C.A.?

The Retweet and Comment Alliance, or R.C.A. is being formed to increase the exposure of names, personal brands, blog and article posts, and messages of value.

The purpose of this group is to channel the power of Third Party Edification on Twitter and other social media platforms and expose multiple audiences to blog posts, articles, and valuable content on Twitter. Those who are using Twitter as a platform for sharing valuable information with their followers will benefit from a group that spreads that value to their communication channels as well.

Many people have integrated their social media accounts with Facebook, Linked In, and others, thus creating an even wider audience in which messages of value can be spread.

In addition to retweeting valuable content, this group will also focus on commenting on each other's blog posts and other online publications.

The Power of Third Party Edification

Often times, people find articles online and, despite getting value from what they've read, never share their thoughts to edify the author's hard work.

This Alliance will change that.

While posting a link to the article on Twitter shows a level of edification, a quick comment about what you took from the article can speak volumes. The power of comments should never be overlooked, as powerful conversations can be born from the feedback of various readers.

Third party edification positions the author as an expert in their particular niche as readers gain value from their content. Providing that value lays in the hands of the author. But spreading that message of value is something we all can participate in!

How This Alliance Will Work

In no way am I asking you to Retweet someone's spam or add comments to an article you don't find valuable. Nor am I asking you to add positive comments to everyone in the group at all waking moments of the day!

In addition, feel free to add varying viewpoints and constructive criticism as well. This can lead to improvements and, as mentioned before, great conversations.

Finally, you will not be asked to spend hours in front of Twitter looking for content of other Alliance members to retweet.

Here's how it will work:

1) A Twitter List titled "@jasoncercone/the-rca" has been set up here
2) All you need to do is follow the list, and I'll make sure the list is following you back
3) Take 10-15 minutes to go through the Alliance's Tweets. Find valuable content and Retweet it!
4) If the valuable content comes directly from the Tweeter who posted it, leave a quick comment on their blog, article, press release, etc. to add third party edification.

If everyone in the Alliance does this for just a few people each day, imagine the exposure your name, brand, and message will get!

This Alliance will help each and every one of us further establish ourselves as leaders within our particular niches, thus adding to increased followers, more quality and targeted traffic, and better overall conversions.

How Do I Join the Alliance?

Joining this Alliance is simple. You can follow me on Twitter by clicking here if you aren't already doing so. In my profile, you will see the List entitled "@jasoncercone/the-rca." Click on it, then click "Follow This List" at the top.

Once you follow the list, you'll be able to access it from your Twitter Home Page. If you have not started utilizing Twitter Lists yet, it will appear on the right-hand side of your page beneath the Twitter Search bar. Simply click on the link and you'll be redirected to the updates of all the Tweeters who are part of this List/Alliance.

I will manage the List to ensure the list follows anyone who is following it, thus making you a member of this Alliance.

Once you're in, feel free to start commenting, retweeting, and striking up conversations with other members!

I look forward to building a successful group with you. Please contact me if you have any questions or feedback on other measures we can implement to make The R.C.A. successful.



Best,

Jason Cercone
Marketing Success Mentor
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

Read more...

What's Going to Light the Fire Under Your Ass?!

Motivation comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms. It's your reason for getting out of bed every day and making the sacrifices necessary to accomplish what will create your success.

Many call it their 'Why.'

"I have a child that I want to eat breakfast with as they grow up and I don't want to come home so late at night, so often, they have no clue who I am. This is why I run a business from home that allows me to leverage my time and be with my family."

Your motivation stems from the belief you have in yourself and your mission. If you don't believe in those two things, you're dead in the water. You might as well quit before you start.

I've always considered myself "wired differently," and my belief in the corporate machine in which we're all trained to be a cog in never really jived with me. Despite my belief, I did what I had to do to support my family while pursuing my own personal enterprise. But when the last company I worked for decided to yank the rug out from under me and downsize my position, I decided I no longer wanted to subject myself to that sort of treatment.

That's been my motivation since that fateful day. But recently, I've added something new to the list of things that light the fire under my ass.

One of the goals I set for myself when I became a full-time entrepreneur was to repay my parents for all they've done for me. And although I fully believe that no gift can fully repay my debt to them, I'm still driven for the ability to try.

I am fully aware that mining for one's own fortune is considered "against the grain" and "non-traditional," especially within the circle I grew up in. My father has worked very hard his whole life, mostly for the same company, and is doing quite well for himself. Therefore, his son not taking the same path seems to lead to a lot of tongue-in-cheek comments and disbelief.

"Well, running your own business is OK...if it works."

"I'm glad you're trying to make this work on your own, but eventually you're going to have to make the decision to get a REAL job."

Never mind that it's 100% possible for two people to have two different definitions of "real job."

I understand it's more concern talking than anything from my dad, but having someone you've looked up to your entire life not fully believe in you can provide more motivation than can be put into words! And it's not even to just prove him wrong and make them eat his words. It's once again earning his pride for what I've accomplished.

Those comments didn't just light a fire...they ignited a nuclear bomb!

The biggest tip I can give you about channeling your motivation and defining your Reason Why is to not wait until you're backed into a corner, desperate, and forced to fight your way out. Utilize the age-old saying, "It's better to be proactive than reactive" and define your mission before you do anything else.

From there, determine what will motivate you.

Is it the ability to create time freedom for yourself?

Do you want to spend more time with your family?

Do you want to set your own hours? Be accountable for your own results?

Have more time to do the things you love?

Are you so sick of being treated like nothing more than a worker bee, you'd do anything to close that chapter of your life?

Or do you want to show the world that you have what it takes to ignore the tongue-in-cheek comments and succeed on your own terms?!

Motivation can be any number of things and will truly determine where you get and how you get there. The key is defining it early, revisiting it often, and making it your life to the point it consumes you!

Now, spark that fire!


Be the Best,

Jason Cercone
Marketing Success Mentor
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428


What Motivates You?! Feel Free to Leave a Comment and Share Your Motivation!

Read more...

10 Steps for Success in 2010

Well, it's that time of year again. It comes like clockwork every 365th day. That one day that makes us reflect on everything that's happened over the last 365 days, then convinces us to make changes in the next 365.

Yes, it's time for a new year. And with 2010 comes a brand new decade. A chance to once again start anew, make resolutions, and convince ourselves that "THIS is MY year!"

Sadly, the resolutions people make are usually long forgotten by the end of February. We come up with excuse after excuse after excuse why we can't accomplish what we originally set out to do. Thoughts and words remain thoughts and words and cease to become actions that lead to the improvements we seek.

Regardless of where you are in terms of accomplishing what you want from life, I've laid out some simple steps and philosophies you can follow to TRULY make 2010 your year. But like everything else, you'll get out of this year what you put into it.

1. Re-adjust the Way You Think - For years, you've been instructed to think a certain way, act a certain way, and live a certain way. But it's this blatant line of pre-programmed thinking that's gotten us where we are today as the human race: in debt, full of negativity, unwilling to change, slaves to our comfort zones, hating our lot in life but accepting it as reality.

If you're looking for a new answer in your life, ask a different question! Use 2010 to reshape, recreate, redefine, and rewrite everything you've come to know as "your life." Subscribe to this blog and stay tuned for more on this in 2010.

2. Embrace, and Master, Change - You needn't look further than the way we read a book these days to realize that change is an inevitable part of life. My wife and I were watching a news report about the new Amazon Kindle e-reader and she told me about a college professor she had who said we'd one day be reading books in electronic, non-paper form. She and everyone in the class thought he was crazy.

But technology has reached that point and will continue to go further beyond.

The ways we communicate, the way money is made, and the way business is done will continue to evolve as we move ahead. Will you evolve with it? A new year is the perfect opportunity to embrace change.

3. Establish Goals and Develop a Time-Frame for Achieving Them (aka Practice Self-Accountability) - The biggest problem with New Years Resolutions are we normally only have to answer to ourselves if they're not accomplished. And it's pretty easy to look the voice in our head straight in the eye and say "Shut up, my favorite episode of 'The Office' is on!"

Today, as in this very second, is the perfect time to start holding yourself accountable for the things you want out of life. If you have a goal in mind, put it down on paper and assign it a time-frame in which you can realistically reach it. Don't set yourself up for failure by saying you'd like to consistently make $50,000/month from your home business by next week. Unless you've already invested a great deal of time and effort into your business, reaching that financial benchmark in a week's time is downright impossible.

Give yourself something that's attainable to work towards and it will make all of your efforts more worthwhile.

4. Read 10 Page of an Educational Book From Your Niche Per Day - This is an easy one, and if you're reading this article, there's no way you can tell me there isn't enough time in the day to accomplish this step. The lifeblood of an entrepreneur is his or her ability to expand their knowledge, thus reading books that focus on your niche and strengthen your strongest muscle (your brain, Einstein!) will enhance your value to your teammates, customers, clients, community, etc.

5. Find a Positive in Every Situation - I recently wrote a blog post that touched on my favorite lesson from 2009. It involves evaluating every situation, even negative ones, and finding a positive.

You can read the full article here.

Every situation you face offers positives if you dig deep and find them. When you're faced with something negative, simply ask "What's great about this?" or "What can I learn from this?" Your mind will immediately begin to work in a way it never has. This ties back to Step #1 and will ultimately make 100% of your experiences positive in some way.

6. Find a Mentor - The abundant use and growing popularity of social media makes this step simple to carry out. Twitter is overflowing with leaders in your particular niche who provide value all day long. They may also have fan pages on Facebook or YouTube channels. There's so many ways to find someone who can make you better at what you do.

It's nearly impossible to reach the pinnacle of your goals by yourself. Finding someone who's gone through the trials and tribulations of the success you want will help you get to where you want to be in a smarter, faster, and more efficient way.

7. Work On Yourself Daily - The late, great Jim Rohn said it's more important to work on yourself than your business. Wise words indeed. As an extension of your business, it's imperative to develop the mindset and skill set that will lead to better results for you and everyone associated with you. Take the time to read a great book, watch an inspirational video, discuss your goals with your mentor and/or other leaders, exercise, and keep yourself active. This will help stimulate your mind while increasing your focus and stamina.

8. CHALLENGE YOURSELF! - "If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done." This famous quote sums up #8 nicely. You have to be willing to go outside of your comfort zone in order to achieve new heights of success. This involves shattering the limitations that have kept you in a comfortable little safe zone for all this time. If you want big things, DO BIG THINGS! Big results will come from big actions.

9. Develop Good Habits and STICK TO THEM - Habits are not easy to break, but they can be replaced by better ones. It all comes down to your mindset. What are you willing to do to replace bad habits with good ones? The key here is consistency. The more consistently you carry out any action, the more of a trend it becomes in your life. Determine what it is you want to accomplish, the best course of action for accomplishing it, and the tasks it will take to make it happen. Start doing these tasks consistently and you'll start to see your efforts pay off.

10. Stop Talking About It...TAKE ACTION! - "Screw it...JUST DO IT!" --- Richard Bronson

This is a great quote that speaks to the absolute importance of taking action and making things happen. In the face of doubt, fear, and uncertainty, the best action is action itself. Inaction leads to complacency, more fear, more doubt, and more uncertainty. You'll never know what you can truly accomplish until you actually try. Thoughts are just thoughts. Words are just words. But actions are what define, or redefine, everything you're capable of.

Make 2010 the best year ever.


Be the Best,

Jason Cercone
Marketing Success Coach
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

How Are You Planning On Making 2010 Great? Please Leave Your Plans, Thoughts, Insights and Comments Below.

Read more...

Get Ready For a HUGE 2010!

As 2009 reaches its climax and another decade draws to a close, I can't help but recognize all the blog posts, articles, tweets, and status updates about making 2010 the best year ever.

And, I say...if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

There's a great feeling of closure and rebirth as one year closes and another one begins. It's usually around this time that everyone reflects on the past 365 days and is forced to hold themselves accountable for what's transpired.

Have I reached all my goals? Have I accomplished everything I set out to do? Am I adjusting to the various changes that have taken place? What will I do in the next 365 days to ensure things go better?

Undoubtedly, you've had a similar conversation with yourself and thought about what's on the horizon. This period of reflection can offer a great opportunity to change the course of your life...but only if you're honest with yourself. And if you can't be honest with yourself, who can you be honest with?

2009 was a year of serious change for me. My job was downsized and I was forced to look within myself for what I was going to do next. Over that time, I've made some adjustments, expanded my education, and continued to reach outside my comfort zone to learn new things and become a more well-rounded, self-sustaining individual. I've taken on the role of "full-time entrepreneur," and within the next week, I will take on the role of "first-time father." It's truly an exciting time in my life.

I won't lie and say the path was a smooth one. There's a learning curve that further reiterates the point that you should never enter any venture, regardless of its nature or size, with blinders on. Always allow yourself a margin of error and learn from each and every mistake. This is the best way to grow and develop yourself as a leader and person, and allows you to attack tomorrow's tasks in a smarter, more experienced way.

So now, it's the moment of truth. Crunch time. The epic question I must ask myself, and you should ask yourself as well: Did I accomplish all of my goals for 2009?

The answer for me: No. And I have no one to blame but myself. Fortunately, I stand in the same position as you: aware of the past, focused on the present, and determined to make every change possible for a bigger and brighter future.

I'm on a mission to consistently get better at everything I do, and quite frankly, I don't think I'll ever be satisfied. There's an inner-fire within everyone of us that pushes us to go the extra mile and do things we're not accustomed to doing in order to achieve the things we want.

The trick is finding the spark that ignites that flame.

Despite some goals going unaccomplished, 2009 has brought some valuable life lessons that I will carry with me into the new decade and beyond. The biggest is finding positives in EVERY situation. Take a look at every scenario that presents itself to you and say, "What's great about this? What can I learn from this?" Hidden beneath every negative is a chance to extract a positive and make each experience worthwhile. The second I learned this school of thought, my life changed.

In the early part of December, I came down with a pretty nasty flu. But, as I dumped a ton of vitamin C into my body, I asked, "What's great about this?"

The answer: I was sick before the holidays, so I didn't have to spend Christmas in bed. And, with the upcoming birth of my first child, I didn't have to support my wife in a weakened, flu-ridden state.

Every situation has a positive!

2010 is going to be big year, but it's up to you to make it happen. Making a resolution is nothing more than words and thoughts until you take action and turn it into reality! Plan your attack and attack your plan, no matter what it is you're looking to accomplish.

It's time to wipe the slate clean. It's a new year. A new decade. A new start. Make the most of each and every second you have.

Best,

Jason M. Cercone
Marketing Success Coach
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

P.S. ---> I'm excited to hear what you have planned for 2010. Leave a comment and share what's on your horizon as a new chapter begins in all our lives!

Read more...

Photographs From the Good Times

Read more...

What's Your Competitive Advantage?

We live in a world chock full of options. If we want to buy a DVD, there's dozens of stores we can visit. If we want Italian food for dinner, there's a variety of restaurants to choose from. If we want to buy a new car, there's a plethora of dealerships angling for our dollar.

Corporations and restaurants spend a mint determining exactly what their customer is looking for. Market research and customer surveys dictate how their business is run, and the businesses who cater to their clientele's demands the best, gain satisfied customers as a result.

As consumers, the purchases we make are part of a simple process. We see, read, or hear an advertisement. We process the information and determine whether the deal makes sense. If it does, we make a trip to the store. If the information we receive is congruent with the advertisement that got us in the door, plus we were treated like human beings, we make the purchase.

Whether it's foods, cars, DVDs, CDs, or computers, the suppliers of the materials we consume do whatever it takes to gain a competitive advantage. It's what gets customers in the door and keeps them coming back, as well as spreading those ever-so-important word-of-mouth advertisements.

So let's relate this to your own personal brand. What's YOUR Competitive Advantage?

If you're involved in a network marketing, MLM, direct sales, or any other home-based business venture, you've undoubtedly noticed the competition is heated and abundant. There are countless products for the consumer to purchase, which ties right back to the world of choices I discussed earlier. In addition, the number of opportunities that are available are astronomical.

The most successful network marketers are well aware of the importance of their personal brand. Because, as you've probably heard a thousand times, people don't join an opportunity...they join YOU. Therefore, what are you offering your prospect that gives you a competitive edge over John and/or Jane Q. Business Opportunity?

It comes down to your competitive advantage. What makes you unique and attractive amongst the millions of other options out there?

Here's a fantastic drill I learned from a Business Coach named Cris Lang who spoke at a networking function I hosted:

1) Take 20 minutes and brainstorm EVERYTHING about yourself that makes you unique and attractive. DO NOT JUDGE YOURSELF! Anything that comes to mind, write it down on a piece of paper.

2) Take a 10 minute break, then repeat Step One.

3) Circle the qualities you feel signify the Top 5 about yourself.

4) Determine the best way to communicate these traits in a clear, valuable way to your prospects, business partners, and customers.

5) Combine the benefit for your customer ("What this means to you is...") with the feature (the traits you determined are the best reasons for them to join you, your opportunity, or purchase your product).

This is a great drill that helps you "empty your head" and design a clear blueprint about what makes YOU competitive in a marketplace of thousands of people. Remember, you want to stand out above and beyond the rest. Taking the time to define your most unique and desirable traits will help you do just that.


Be the Best,

Jason Cercone
Internet Marketing & Home Business Consultant
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

www.homebizsuccessfactor.com

Read more...

Aviara Review - The Stone-Cold Facts All Leaders Will Learn Before Joining Aviara

This Aviara Review is designed to provide an overview of the Aviara business opportunity and determine whether it offers a viable opportunity for those looking to start a home-based business. In addition, this review uncovers the truths of the network marketing industry and what you should expect when you become a distributor for Aviara.

What is Aviara?

Aviara is a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) company looking to establish long-term success and stability by focusing on early investment and commitment to their product and mission. They consider themselves a catalyst for change and offer a unique management strategy typically unheard of in a network marketing start-up. The products improve your health and offer a better quality of life, while the business opportunity allows you to create a lifestyle of financial independence.

In addition, Aviara's training offers a self-directed career path to allow you to reach the personal goals you've set for yourself. Plus, Aviara's insurance and matched savings plans, which are very unique in the home business industry, help you achieve future success.

Aviara combines the benefits and stability of traditional companies with the flexibility and opportunity of direct sales. Upon joining, you will be given tools, training, support, and the benefits necessary to build a successful home-based business.

What Does This Mean For You?

The Network Marketing, or MLM, industry can be very lucrative...if approached the right way. Unfortunately, many people join companies such as Aviara thinking the world is their oyster and their bank accounts will be magically stuffed with thousands upon thousands of dollars, with no work, effort, or mindset shift.

This review was created to help you avoid those pitfalls should you decide to join Aviara and become a member of the network marketing industry.

What you want to focus on is not the great features Aviara has in place. While what they offer may be unique, it's important to pay attention to what's NOT being said as you make the decision to join. Think about it. A car salesman does not sell a car by talking about the latest recalls. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of them.

Keep in mind that, once you sign up, you are a business owner. It is your duty to educate yourself on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Aviara has training in place to help build a solid foundation, but that's not enough to get you to the highest levels. It takes a specific mindset to reach your goals. You have to believe in your mission so strongly that you'll stop at nothing to achieve success.

Also, think about every accomplishment you've earned in your life. It came from hard work and persistence, correct? Of course it did. If something was given to you, it was a gift...not an accomplishment. Therefore, don't use your Aviara opportunity, or the MLM industry as a whole, to develop a "hand-out" or "lottery" mentality. Your results will be defined by the amount of work and dedication you put towards your business.

Finally, plan for frustration. Don't expect every single aspect of your business to go smoothly. Expect to be frustrated. Expect to face headaches and obstacles. But don't let them detour you from your goals. Treat each failure as a learning experience. This is how you develop the mindset, and skill set, that is necessary for you to reach the pinnacle of your aspirations.

Can Aviara Leap Above and Beyond the Competition?

Aviara looks primed to stake its claim in the health and wellness sector of the MLM industry, but their success won't come with effort, planning, and implementation. They are entering into a very competitive marketplace, and how they position themselves, and their product, will determine how much traction they gain.

As long as Aviara attracts industry leaders and provides each distributor with the leadership and business knowledge they need to succeed, they give themselves the opportunity to be a major player in the game for a long time. However, their long-term success will be predicated on each distributor's ability to learn effective ways to advertise and market their business, as well as develop the mindset of an entrepreneur.

To Your Success,

Jason Cercone

Internet Marketing & Home Business Consultant

jason.cercone@gmail.com

412-965-8428

http://www.homebizsuccessfactor.com/

Read more...

5 Things That All Leaders Do

Leadership is within us all. For some, it comes out naturally in the deeds and actions each does for those around them. For others, it takes some time to rise to the surface. It needs to be discovered, molded, and mastered.

It's important to never forget you always have the potential to be a leader. You just have to do what leaders do. You are in a great position where the actions of people before you create a leadership blueprint in which you can follow.

To begin constructing your own leadership blueprint, here are 5 Things that ALL Leaders Do on a daily basis:

1) Daily Visualization and Meditation of Goals - What do you want your life to be? What's something you want so badly that you'll stop at nothing to get it? To answer these questions is to set goals for yourself. And to focus your energy on making your goals reality, you must take the time to revisit those goals on a daily basis and remind yourself WHAT you're working for, and WHY you're working for it. Within the rigors of a work day, your overall goal can get lost in the shuffle. But if you set aside some time each day to think about why you're focusing your efforts on accomplishing a certain goal, it will make even the most mundane of tasks merely a stepping stone towards the greater good.

2) Income-Producing Activity - When you break it down, money is just ink on paper. If your goals are poweful enough, money becomes a by-product. Everyone says they want more money, but the reality is they want more money so they can use it to obtain the things they want, be it material goods or a more comfortable lifestyle. So, don't put the cart in front of the horse and WISH you had more money. Don't look for a handout. Don't develop a "lottery mentality." Each day, produce advertisements, articles, videos, press releases, campaigns, and leadership initiatives that lead to the development of your business. Over time, your efforts will pay off in the form of monetary profit.

3) Work On Yourself - Jim Rohn said it's more important to work on yourself than your business. How accurate is that? You are an extension of your business, thus developing your mindset and skill set will inevitably lead to better results for your business. Take the time to read a great book, watch an inspirational video, talk with someone about your goals, exercise, and keep yourself active. This will stimulate your mind and help you focus more clearly on building a more successful business.

4) Mastermind with Other Leaders - You've heard the age-old adage, "Rome wasn't built in a day." Well, Rome also wasn't built by one person, and neither will your business. It takes a team effort to reach the highest peaks of success, and taking the time to network and mastermind with other leaders will not only improve your business, but it will help you grow as a leader as well. When you have a network of professional, experienced leaders at your disposal, it's foolish to work alone. Learn their ways, share insight, and open up your mind to creative, proven strategies.

5) Put Yourself in a Position to Win at All Levels - One of the best pieces of advice I ever received involved an industry leader's perception of negative situations. This leader looks at every situation that is presented to him, and says, "What's great about this?" and "What can I get from this that's positive?" Instead of stressing about the negatives, he digs for the positives. By doing this, he wins no matter what. The situation may not end in a positive way, but at least he was able to enhance his skill set and learn what works and doesn't work for the next time the situation presents itself.

Developing a positive mindset is critical to winning. If you think of top athletes like Tiger Woods or Peyton Manning, they don't enter the competition saying "Man, these guys are too good for me." They focus on what they can do TO BE BETTER THAN THEIR COMPETITION! Therefore, they win...and win a lot.

Do the things that leaders do, and you'll be a winner, too.

"Leaders don't just play the game. They play the game to win." --- John Jackson


Be the Best,

Jason Cercone
Internet Marketing & Home Business Consultant
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

www.homebizsuccessfactor.com

Read more...

2009: The Greatest Year of Sports I'll Ever See

My grandma loves the home-shopping channel QVC. She does a great deal of her Christmas shopping from this network, as well as buys items for herself. And, when her sons' or grandsons' teams win a major sports championship, she flips over and immediately purchases the team championship gear.

2009 has been a busy year for Grandma.


Earlier this year, I dubbed 2009 'The Year of Cercone Sports,' as the Steelers, Penguins, and Lakers had all captured their league's championships. I've been a lifelong fan of all three of those teams, and to see all of them reach the pinnacle of their sport in the same year was nothing short of amazing.

As the MLB playoffs loomed, the New York Yankees were entering the 8-team tournament with the league's best record and were odds-on favorites to capture their 27th World Series crown.

Could it happen? Could the stars align just right? Could the Gods of Sports, who I've prayed, begged, pleaded, and sworn to on multiple occassions to help my teams and fantasy players out of jams, shine down upon thee and grant the holy grail of sports greatness? Could all four teams in the four major sports I follow closest...all capture championships...in the same calendar year?!

On Wednesday, November 5th, the Gods answered, "Yes Jason, Yes They Can!!!"

The Yankees defeated the Phillies in six games to win the World Series, thus putting a bow on the greatest year of sports a fan could ever experience. All four of these franchises have the ability to repeat...but I don't want to get ahead of myself. Right now, I just want to let it all soak in!

Now, before you start calling me a front-runner, allow me to shed some light on the years of struggle and frustration through which I stood by my teams:

The Steelers: The Steelers are one of the most popular franchises in sports, but it doesn't mean there weren't some lean years in the mix. At the tail end of the Chuck Noll era and before the Bill Cowher administration began in the early 90's, this was a sub-.500 team that looked nothing like its predecessors. Twenty-six years removed from their last title win, they managed to return to true Steeler form and capture their 5th Super Bowl under Cowher, then their 6th under current coach Mike Tomlin in 2009.

The Penguins: Where do I begin? They captured two Stanley Cups in a row in 1991 and 1992, then were bounced from the playoffs the following year by the New York Islanders. Many Penguins said the team that was eliminated in '93 was hands-down the best squad they had. The upcoming years saw the Pens go up, and the Pens go down. Mario Lemieux retired, then returned, then retired, then became an owner. They entered a rebuilding phase, and attendance dipped so low, the team almost skipped town, Baltimore Colts style. Fortunately, the Penguins remained in Pittsburgh, the losing seasons allowed the likes of Fluery, Crosby, Malkin, and Staal to be drafted, and the team defied the odds to capture their 3rd Cup in '09. This is a team with a core group of stars young enough to bring home many, many more championships in the upcoming years.

The Lakers: Ugh...the Del Harris era?! Brutal. Although they were able to reach the playoffs, they had no chance against powerhouse Western Conference teams like Utah and San Antonio. Enter Phil Jackson, Shaq, and Kobe Bryant, and three straight championships result. Phil leaves, Shaq departs, and the team nearly falls apart under Rudy Tomjonavich. Re-enter Jackson, Kobe steps up and becomes the team's leader, and the Lakers are back on top of the mountain again.

The Yankees: I remember going to my first baseball game when I was a little kid. My parents took my sister and I to Cleveland to watch the Yankees take on the Indians. And not at cushy Jacobs Field. The setting was old Cleveland Stadium, the one straight out of "Major League." Billy Martin was the manager. Dave Winfield, Ricky Henderson, and Dave Righetti were apart of the Yanks' roster. And, of course, my all-time favorite player to this day, Don Mattingly, was there as well. I was primed, I was pumped...

And wow, did both those teams suck! You think of the roster the Yankees had and wonder how they did not achieve more. But things were pretty sparse in those times. The Indians were so forgettable, I remember two things about them from that game: 1) the guy in the center field bleachers living in a tee-pee, vowing not to leave until the Indians made the playoffs, and 2) eating an ice cream sundae out of a tiny Indians helmet. Notice neither has anything to do with the team, although I think "Wild Thing" Ricky Vaughn blew the save in the 9th.

Over time, the Yankees got better, and World Series titles piled up in droves!

All four of these franchises worked hard, dedicated themselves, and stopped at nothing to be the absolute best. They made a collective decision that they would achieve greatness, and that's exactly what they did. All four of these teams are excellent examples of what can be accomplished if you focus on taking action and dictating the results you receive.

The lesson is this, kids: Loyalty pays off. After going through years of struggle, frustration, and dying along side your team, watching them achieve the ultimate prize in their sport is so much sweeter to enjoy.

When you believe in something strongly enough, the results come as long as you're committed seeing things through to the end.

Unless you're a Bills fan...in which case, all hope is lost. :)

Read more...

Twitterverse, I Plead With You: "NO MORE SPAM IN DIRECT MESSAGES!"

I can't remember the last time I spoke to someone who actually enjoyed receiving spam in their email. With all the tasks we have to accomplish on a daily basis, who has time to read about the latest male enhancement pill or the fact that you've just won the vacation of a lifetime without even entering to do so!

Come to think of it, the last time I've ever heard 'spam' talked about in a positive fashion was when my dad reminisced about how my great-grandma had this special way to make Spam Sandwiches 'delicious' and 'out of this world.'

Possessing the culinary skills to turn canned, processed meat into an edible treat not withstanding, I'd like to call to the stand a new form of spam: the Twitter automated Direct Message.

No doubt, Twitter's popularity has exploded. Everyone's using Twitter: Athletes, Celebrities, Marketers, Small Businesses, Home Businesses, Corporations...the list goes on and on.

But I've made a fairly obvious assessment that I'd like to call into question. Why do people insist on sending automated Direct Messages that, nine times out of 10, hold no meaning to the receiver?

There are several services that allow you to automate your tweeting. I don't agree with turning 100% of your Twitter usage over to a bot because A) it removes the human element from your tweets and B) you might miss useful information that others tweet.

As far as automated Direct Messages go, I know it's extremely difficult to send a 'welcome' message to a new follower in real-time, especially if you gain dozens, even hundreds of new followers per day. So I understand using a service, such as Tweet Later, to automatically send a new follower a Direct Message.

But please, I beg of you, don't use this message to sell something or "give a gift!"

I can't tell you how many Direct Messages I've received that say something along the lines of "I just sent you the gift of 'blankity blank!' You should send me a gift in return!" Honestly, I'm having trouble wrapping my hands around the actual purpose of this. It's not intriguing, holds no real value, and is the Twitter equivalent of an email chain letter. It's a tremendous time-waster.

Adding to my point, as I was writing this blog post, I received a Direct Message.

Here's what the message said: "Thanks for following! Working from home has NEVER been this easy. - ..." and there was a link to a website. For the sake of this blog post and to add fuel to the flames of my argument, I checked out the site...

And wouldn't you know it? A sales page trying to sell me something! I never, EVER, saw that coming.

Here's why this strategy is wrong. The person behind this automated tweet doesn't know me at all, so how do they know I'm in need of this product or service? Perhaps I'm already using the service, or using a similar service, or part of the opportunity they're promoting, or part of a different opportunity and not looking to switch!

It doesn't matter. Social networking is about building relationships, not selling. And automated tweets with links to a website that attempt to sell something are nothing more than spam. Trying to sell a product or service blindly without first determining a person's needs not only yields small results, it's a tremendous waste of time for you, as well as your audience.

People are looking for value when they log in to Twitter. More so, they're looking for sources of valuable information they can turn to when in need of insight or assistance. The opportunity for you to be that person to thousands of people starts with that first Direct Message. And if you do nothing but spam-spam-sell, you run the risk of being dismissed within seconds.

To add fairness to my argument, not all automated tweets are bad or spammy. I've received simple messages that have said "Thanks for following, I look forward to getting to know you and sharing insights." This is a great icebreaker and prompts me to reply and start building rapport. Perhaps there is something they can help me with, or vice versa. Either way, I feel much more comfortable conversing with someone who didn't throw a spammy link in my face the second I started following them.

Spammy Direct Messages are just as bad as spammy tweets that go out to your entire following. They annoy more than they produce. So take a minute to evaluate what you're sending your new followers. It can make a tremendous difference in the network you build and the experience you have with Twitter.

And, unless you're my great-grandma, there is absolutely no way you can turn spam into something that others desire.



Be the Best,

Jason Cercone
Internet Marketing and Home Business Consultant
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

http://www.homebizsuccessfactor.com/

Read more...

3 Tips to Get You Motivated for Mondays

The Leadership Blitz
November 2nd, 2009

Getting out of bed on Monday morning can present the most daunting of tasks. You're coming off two days of rest, relaxation, time with friends and family, and, if you're like me, lots of football in the fall and winter and golf in the summer. :)

The movie "Office Space" starts out with a series of events many of us are all too familiar with. If you've seen the movie, you know everything about the "Case of the Mondays" epidemic. I love this movie because A) it's hilarious, B) anyone who's ever had a job can relate to it, and C) it represents a world I've done everything to avoid by embracing free enterprise.

But Mondays can be brutal, no matter whether you run a business from home or work in an office setting. The coffee just doesn't taste as good, the task list seems never-ending, and the Monday morning meeting seems pointless and arbitrary. I remember a job I used to have where Mondays were so chaotic, I usually wasted Sunday evenings dreading what I was going to walk into.

Regardless of the 'Manic Monday' plague, the day of the week beginning with 'M' is going to inevitably come. Every seventh day. Just like clockwork.

So instead of damning the day and developing your own 'Case of the Mondays,' here's three tips that can brighten your Monday and get your week off to a more productive start:

1) Get up 1/2 hour to an hour earlier and exercise - Rolling into Monday, our minds are usually filled, sometimes cluttered and/or jumbled, with memories of the weekend. But, despite the great memories that were created, they're the past. It's time to move forward. And there's no better way to get your mind back in focus than to start your day with a quick workout. This boosts your energy and stamina, thus helping you think more clearly and making Monday just another day and not one you dread. A simple jog or some cardio work at home will do wonders for your production.

2) Plan your day for all of the unexpected occurences that Monday brings - If you're familiar with my practices, you know I'm a strong advocate of being prepared for your day. I've recommended mapping out your next day in advance several times, thus giving you a plan of attack when your day starts instead of wasting time trying to figure out what needs done. In regards to Monday, I'm sure you don't need me to tell you they never go as planned. Customer requests, complaints, an inbox jammed with emails from the weekend, server updates, an EXTRA meeting in the morning or afternoon, you name it. So when you map out your Monday, be sure to allot some extra time for the unexpected. This can be done by removing a task thats importance does not rank at the top of your priority list. If your Monday ends up being free of the unexpected, add the task you removed back to your list and get it done!

3) Lose the Negative Attitude! - Guess what? It's Monday, and there's nothing you can do about it! Everyone around you is in the same boat. So why walk around with a frown and answer "It's Monday, grrr" to everyone who asks you how you're doing? It won't change anything. Instead, implement Steps 1 and 2, leave the negative attitude with the doorman, and start your Monday with a smile! You'll be surprised how infectious your positive attitude can be, thus boosting the creativity and production of everyone around you, as well as yourself.

Sure, the weekend was fun. But it's over. So getting the new week off to a great start will begin to pave the road for solid results, thus making your next weekend just as, or even more, enjoyable as the one before it.

OK, it's time to wrap up. It's Monday...I'm sure you have a lot to do! :)


Be the Best,

Jason Cercone
Internet Marketing and Home Business Consultant
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

http://www.homebizsuccessfactor.com/

Read more...

MISSION: MINDSHIFT - The First Step to Mental Re-Programming

You've been programmed to think a certain way your entire life. And society, school systems, parents and friends have reinforced this way of thinking. You were told to take the safest path through life, the one that offers the least resistance, and the one that creates a comfort zone that keeps you from taking chances. To win at the game of life, you must stay the course and never go against the grain.

But, there's a major problem plaguing this world today: The game has changed, but the players have not.

I believe it's unintentional ignorance that makes a person look at what's going on in the world today and feel they don't need to change with the times. Many people hold on to everything they've got and hope that things will one day return to the level of comfort they've grown accustomed to.

One thing you and I both have in common is this: We cannot see into the future. So, what if things never return to what they once were? I can't say they will, nor can I say they won't. Neither can you. The only thing we can do is prepare ourselves based on the trends of current times.

Embracing change starts with mental re-programming, which naturally requires an incredible shift in mindset. Since you've been programmed to think 'A,' reconditioning yourself to think 'B' may seem irrational, impossible, and downright scary.

But you have to evalute your current situation, whatever it may be, and ask yourself: "My pre-programmed way of thinking has gotten me where I am today. Am I willing to live with that or do I want something better for myself and my family?"

If the answer to that question is yes, then mental re-programming must begin. Your mind must begin to think in ways of "OK, I've decided I want more. What can I do to get it?"

I mentioned switching from school of thought 'A' to school of thought 'B' may seems scary, and here's why: We live in a society that determines its actions by the opinions of others!

Have you ever seen something you wanted to take a risk on, were right on the verge of taking the plunge, but someone close to you came along and criticized you to the point that you changed your mind?

It's happened to us all. We base our final decisions on how we feel others will judge us. This could have led to a missed opportunity on a stock purchase, a chance to make a smart investment, or the joy of starting your own personal business. People make opinions based not on the facts of why the risk is worth taking, but rather on their own pre-programming.

If they would never do something "so outlandish" and "against the grain," why should you? And they'll make sure they tell you about it too. Over and over again.

You hold the key to your mental re-programming, and the process begins when you stop listening to uninformed, opinionated outsiders who lack the facts to tell you how to act. Regardless of the criticism you may receive, those who pass judgment are not putting cash in your bank account or food on your table.

And if they're broke, both mentally and financially, why in the world would you ever take advice from them?! They need to worry about helping themselves before they try to help you.

To conclude, going from one school of thought to another requires effort and discipline, but it doesn't need to be difficult. It's certainly not impossible. It depends on how strongly you believe in your self-worth.

Do you feel you've reached your maximum potential or are you leaving opportunities to better yourself and your current situation on the table?

Be 100% honest with yourself as you answer that question, and if you, not everyone around you, but you, feel there's more out there to gain...well then, you're right.

"In a world without limits, there's always more to gain."

More on this subject next week. Until then...


Be the Best,

Jason Cercone
Internet Marketing & Home Business Consultant
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

www.homebizsuccessfactor.com

Read more...

Why Income Claims Make Your Opportunity Less Attractive

The Leadership Blitz

October 29, 2009

Many network marketing or MLM companies are from the school of thought that dollar signs will attract the masses. If someone is given the opportunity to make five-figures per month, why wouldn't they jump at the opportunity, right? Well, reality paints an entirely different picture.

It's no secret that everyone wants to make more money. No matter what level of income you're used to receiving, chances are you feel under compensated. The problem is, most people don't know WHY they want more money, what they'd do with more money, or realize they may not even deserve more money.

When you market your opportunity by putting a dollar amount in someone's face, you run the risk of attracting prospeects with a "lottery mentality." This means they'll sign up with you, and if they don't make the dollar amount you specified in their first month, they'll become angry. And not angry at themselves...angry at you! They will feel entitled to all this extra income without exerting the effort necessary, and they'll most likely refer back to your original claim of how much they'd make.

If you want your prospects to see you as leader, the cornerstone of your marketing approach should be honesty. If you are in a position where you're making five or six figures a month, that's great! Indeed, there are people in network marketing who are doing just that. But...it doesn't mean EVERYONE is going to do that. By stating an income claim, you're filling your prospect's mind with false hope. You're better off informing your prospect up front that their success hinges on the effort they pour into their business.

Take yourself back in time to when you first started looking for a network marketing opportunity. When you came across the very first advertisement that stated someone made boatloads of money with no effort, what was your initial reaction? Chances are, it was "YEAH RIGHT!"

Actually, the person who placed that advertisement may have been telling you the truth. They may have indeed made $25k in a 30-day period. But what's more important here is what they're NOT telling you. It most likely took them months, even years of struggle, effort, training, education, blood, sweat, tears, and frustration to reach that 30-day period. Their success did not come overnight, and the smartest of people will see through that sort of advertisement for the underlying truth.

The foundation of your marketing should be based on two things: Truth and Value. If you've reached a lucrative income goal in your opportunity, you should be very proud of your accomplishments. But using the dollar amount to attract new business partners can lead to signing up unqualified leads...ones that are expecting to get rich overnight with no effort. Instead, offer your prospects value. Offer them leadership. Offer them a helping hand in getting their business off the ground.

You're looking to attract the brightest and the best to your opportunity. And the brightest and the best are over the hype, over the get-rich-quick claims, and over seeing a dollar amount flashed in their face. The brightest and the best want to enhance their current lifestyle and are willing to put forth the effort needed to make that happen!

In conclusion, income claims can cause more headaches than they're worth. It's important to realize that most people are not attracted to money. They may say they are, but at the end of the day, money is just ink on paper.

What people truly care about is the lifestyle money can provide. People want to have more time to spend with their families, more time to travel, and more time to do the things they enjoy. You can position yourself as a more effective marketer if you pull at people's heart strings by talking about the things they enjoy, not shining the spotlight on a dollar figure that may be months, even years, out of reach.

Read more...

Must-Have Resources

Below is a list of training courses and books that I feel are crucial to your development as an online marketer and entrepreneur. This list merely scratches the surface, but will start to develop the foundation you need in which to build your education upon.

Check back regularly as more Must-Have Resources will be added!


Magnetic Sponsoring


This book single-handedly changed the way I approached my business. Mike Dillard's course shows you how to generate leads, use a funded proposal to grow your advertising budget, develop the proper mindset, and properly market your opportunity for maximum success.

Black Belt Recruiting


Mike Dillard and Mark Weiser discuss the subtle psychology behind prospecting and recruiting new team members into your opportunity. This course teaches posture, positioning, mindset, techniques, and strategies for finding the best people to join you in building your empire.

PPC Domination


If you are looking to tap into the power of Google to advertise your opportunity, it's imperative you avoid paying the Internet "stupid tax" and go through this course. You will learn from PPC expert Jim Yahgi the necessary skills and strategies to properly use Pay-Per-Click Advertising and reduce the risk of flushing your entire marketing budget down the drain!

MLM Traffic Formula II


Mike Dillard's A to Z blueprint for building You, Inc. and maximizing your marketing efforts. Mike shows you the system that he's used to generate countless leads and generate cash, regardless of what network marketing opportunity you're a part of.

Brad Weinman's Attraction Marketing Blueprint


Brad's course provides a great perspective on personal branding, mindset, generating leads, and how to properly use a variety of different marketing outlets. The Attraction Marketing Blueprint is an easy read and enables you to quickly implement its teachings as soon as you're done reading.

Twitter Traffic Exposed



Twitter has quickly become one of the most popular social networks on the web. But many marketers don't know how to effectively use it to their advantage. Twitter Traffic Exposed provides easy-to-implement tips on using Twitter the proper way, as well as instructs you how to use many of the plug-ins and applications Twitter offers, such as TweetDeck, Twilerts, and Twollow.



Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker

Accumulating wealth all starts in the mind. If you are not mentally prepared to be wealthy, or do the things that are required for you to become wealthy, it will never happen. Period.

Eker's book breaks several extremely important wealth principles and lays a foundation that leads to proper development of wealth mindset. Eker also explains how pre-programming that took place at a young age is affecting your income today.




Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill

An absolute classic that teaches you the key to your success starts in the mind. In order to obtain wealth and success, you have to first envision it happening. Until you literally see yourself accomplishing your goals, you'll never reach your full potential.

A must-read for anyone looking to untap their maximum potential.



Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Best-selling author Kiyosaki explains how he grew up with two different fathers with mindsets of wealth on opposite sides of the spectrum. His poor dad instructed him to go through life the traditional way, working hard and creating a cushion of safety. His rich dad taught him timeless principles that have made him the millionaire he is today.

The principles in Rich Dad Poor Dad are practiced by millions of people today. The foundation of Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Education series starts with this book.

SERVICES

Scripts-R-Us

In need of web or graphic design? Scripts-R-Us is a great service for all your needs. They are very easy to deal with, fast and efficient with producing your final product, willing to work with you to ensure the designs are to your liking, and, best of all, very fairly priced! I have been completely satisfied with the work they've done for me and I will continue to turn to them going forward.

To contact Scripts-R-Us, simply visit their website at http://www.scripts-r-us.com/ or send them a message on Twitter: @scripts-r-us

Read more...

Who's Recommending Jason?

"Jason takes on every task wholeheartedly. He is never satisfied with his position in life and consistently wants to be better." --- Jason Collins, Owner of Made in the Shade Travel

"Jason is a leader in Attraction Marketing techniques. If you're trying to figure out how this social media buzz can help you grow your business you owe it to yourself to spend some time with Jason. He understand the value of relationships and what it takes to develop them and integrate it well with social media! Jason is a pleasure to work with and a real asset to anyone's business and social network." --- Greg Leffel, Gold Star Referral Network

"Jason is enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He is helpful and willing to share what he has learned. His insight and expertise in his area will prove invaluable to all who work with him." --- Diana Fletcher, Diana Fletcher Life Coaching

"Jason is extremely detail-oriented and knowledgable on Internet Marketing strategies." --- Anna Cehelsky, Professional Network Connections

"Jason has always been a 'go-getter' and would settle for nothing less than being on top. I am very happy for Jason and the success he is having." --- Colleen Myers

"I have known Jason to be a trustworthy and hard-working individual. Jason is very focused and driven to succeed. Additionally, Jason is conscientious, tenacious, and dedicated to providing for his clients' best interest. I would give Jason my highest recommendation." --- Kathleen Bittel

Read more...

The Louder the Bark: What It Takes to Run with the Big Dogs

Network Marketing. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM). Home-Based Business industry. Top-Tier Direct Sales.

Call it what you like, it can be an intimidating world to enter. Especially if it's your first crack at running your own business and you're having trouble getting started.

Right off the bat, things get turned upside down by statistics, flashy taglines, income claims, and an overwhelming amount of information, both negative and positive. Most people tend to focus whole-heartedly on the positives, while ignoring the negatives and developing an opinion that "no bad can ever happen to me...I was promised nothing but success!

Sadly, the network marketing industry can make you feel like the new kid at school sometimes. It will welcome you with open arms, but quickly prey on you if you're not prepared. It can knock you down and steal your lunch money. It will shove you into a locker. It will make you wonder how you can recover.

But...just like everything in life, it's how you react and overcome this adversity that defines whether you'll one day write your own success story, or join the 97% of people who have failed at MLM. The "big dogs" in this industry were once in the same position you were. But they overcame every obstacle they faced in order to get where they are today.

There was a reason you joined your network marketing opportunity: you saw value. But regardless of how much value you saw, the ingredient that's most likely missing is the mindset you're applying to your efforts. Are you completely eliminating failure from your success equation or are you "trying things out, and if it doesn't work, you still have a job to fall back on?"

Trying things out in half-assed fashion doesn't work. Period. Just like dipping a toe in the water doesn't cool you off on a hot day. You have to dive in 100% with everything you've got!

Do you want to run with the big dogs in network marketing? Here's a few pointers that can help you get started:

1) Look Fear Dead in the Eye, then Beat It Into Submission - Some of the boldest moves you can make are out of fear. But...do you fear failure? If you do, SNAP OUT OF IT! Failure gives you the knowledge to know what to do better the next time. Never, under any circumstance, let fear dictate what you do, or worse...what you DON'T do. Everything you do, whether it works or fails, is for the betterment of the greater good.

2) You Have 86,400 Seconds in Your Day...Use Each of Them Wisely - Robert Kiyosaki once said "The difference between the rich and the poor is how they spend their time." Regardless of whether you joined your business two years or two minutes ago, you have the same amount of time available to you as the biggest big dog in the industry. Develop habits that allow you to maximize the time that's available to you.

3) Don't Fear the Big Dogs...LEARN FROM THEM! - To get what you want, you must seek the advice of those who have already obtained it. If you're looking to become a leader in the network marketing industry, you need to network with leaders. You need to find out who they are, why they're here, and what they've done to get to the top. Don't fear the top dogs and what they say. Embrace them. Absorb their advice. Top leaders realize their success is fueled by helping others reach their goals, therefore are more than willing to help you get the information you seek.

4) The One Thing All Leaders Do: TAKE MASSIVE ACTION! - All of this is nothing more than a moot point if you don't take the action necessary to reach your goals. The big dogs in this industry take action every minute, every hour, every day of their life. The greatest results come from effort, not from wishing. There is no magic spell that can be cast to transform your dreams and goals into reality. Your success and all you achieve lays solely in your hands.

The big dogs are big dogs for a reason. The lesson to take from this is they stand for everything you can accomplish. The ability to make the most of yourself and get to levels you never thought possible are right at your fingertips...

It's up to you to decide whether you're going to run with the big dogs, or get left behind the pack.


Be the Best,

Jason Cercone
Internet Marketing & Home Business Consultant
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

http://www.homebizsuccessfactor.com/

Read more...

Are You Holding Yourself Accountable?

Accountability is one of the most powerful tools you can possess, but is rendered ineffective if you don't use it the proper way. It is imperative to set goals for yourself because you need something to work towards, but following through on the completion of those goals is the tricky part. You have to believe in your goals and mission so strongly that you stop at nothing to ensure they're reached.

To effectively train your mind to hold yourself accountable, it's best to put things in the perspective of a "regular" job. In the course of a day, you are expected to complete certain tasks. If those tasks are not completed, or are completed below the standards set forth by the powers that be, you're going to have some explaining to do. Most likely, you'll be expected to work overtime and/or redo the entire project.

The bottom line is, you are held accountable for the completion of certain jobs and tasks because your paycheck and employment depend upon it.

In terms of your own business, things change...but stay the same at the same time. You are no longer working to appease a boss or meet an assigned quota. The goals you are looking to accomplish are far more personal and provide you the opportunity to build a lifestyle by design. But if you don't hold yourself accountable for doing the things that lead to results, your business will never allow you to design that lifestyle, thus leaving you with more of what you already have.

The biggest transition a new business owner must make is in mentality. You have been pre-programmed to be an "employee," meaning you do the work that is expected of you so you can take home a paycheck while everyone above you gets wealthy. In order to make the transition from employee to "entrepreneur," meaning you'll apply the same sort of work ethic to achieve results that make you wealthy, you must adopt the mentality that allows you to do so.

The human brain is programmed to react to consequence. In order to work hard for something, often times there needs to be a consequence tied to it. Again, think about a "regular" job. If you don't perform up to standards or carry out the duties of your job effectively, you'll lose that job. If you don't pay your electric bill, the power goes out in your home.

In terms of your own enterprise, what's something that you want so badly, you'd rather die than live without it? Is it the freedom to travel? The chance to spend more time with your family? It's all relative to what you're truly passionate about, and it requires a trip deep inside yourself to determine what will make you follow through on your tasks by any means necessary.

The effort you pour into your business is directly related to the goals you are trying to accomplish and how strongly you believe in them. If you don't truly believe in your goals, how can you expect to hold yourself accountable for their accomplishment? What you do has to mean something and get you one step closer to what you truly want out of life.

To help build your personal accountability, try the following exercise:

Think of something you want so badly and feel so passionate about, your life would change forever if you had it. Then, close your eyes and envision yourself living in that lifestyle, with whatever it is you wanted, for one week. Literally run through your head how great things would be. Feel how much happier you are. Imagine all the possibilities you now have available.

Then, pretend someone comes along and takes it all away in an instant!

Open your eyes.

You feel horrible, right? Of course you do!

Now, take that one thing you can't live without, and start taking massive action in order to make what you just envisioned a reality! Don't expect it to come overnight, but look at every task you complete as a step in the right direction.

Developing strong personal belief and wanting something badly enough will build a great foundation to your long-term success. If you implement habits that start showing results, start holding yourself accountable for carrying out those habits on a daily basis. Getting what you envision will ultimately rest on your shoulders, but taking accountability for what you truly want will get you there much, much faster.

Make it happen!


Be the Best,

Jason Cercone
Internet Marketing & Home Business Consultant
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

www.homebizsuccessfactor.com

Read more...