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

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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/

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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

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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. :)

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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/

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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/

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