A mile long “to do” list,  commitments, endless tasks to complete and feeling there is not enough time can drive a person crazy.  Knowing that there is much to be done and feeling pressed for time only leads to frustration and sometimes procrastination.

Here is a tip to help overcome the frustration and stress and put you on the track to completing your tasks quickly.

In Zig Ziggler’s training he tells this story.  Pretend your best friend calls you and says she has 2 free tickets to Hawaii (He used Mexico but I prefer Hawaii), all expenses paid and you leave tomorrow. “Can you be ready to go?”.  Immediately, you think of all the things you have to do and you may say to yourself, “there’s no way I can be ready” but you really, really want to go.

Knowing that you really want to go to Hawaii and that you leave tomorrow, gives you that motivation and focus necessary to get your work done.    You prioritize you list so that you do the most important things first and then you turn on the after burners to get the necessary work done and you do it quickly and efficiently.

Another way of explaining this tip is Parkinson’s Law, which says, work will expand so as to fill the available time for completion. So in other words, unless you have a deadline the things on your “to do” list will just linger.  By identifying the most important tasks and giving yourself a deadline for completion you will find that you are able to get lots of work done quickly.

So let’s go to Hawaii “tomorrow” every day!

Science Of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles was written nearly 100 years ago and to this day, presents an excellent blueprint for getting rich. It doesn’t matter where you are from, how much education you have or whether you have money, if you can keep a clear vision of what you want and have the faith to see it through, wealth can be yours.

We live in an age of advanced technology and “How To” books which can be difficult to keep up with so it is surprising that his book has such a simple message. Wattles says that having the right thoughts, having faith and working in harmony with the Universe will produce the desired results…wealth.

Like many of our current wealthy people who want us to be rich, Wattles believed that no man can rise to his greatness or reach his full potential without having plenty of money. “The man who owns all he wants for the living of all the life he is capable of living is rich; and no man who has not plenty of money can have all he wants.”

How do we form our mental picture which is necessary for getting what we want? It involves more than setting goals although goals are very important. You must know what you want and be definite. “You can never get rich or start the creative power into action, by sending out uniformed longings and vague desires.”

Spend as much time as possible contemplating your picture. The more clear and definite you can make your picture the more you will focus on it and the stronger the desire will become. Visualize already having possession of what you want and the joy and excitement it will bring you. Remember that thought is the only power which can produce tangible riches. What you think about, you bring about.

There is one more component which is necessary for wealth, The Law Of Gratitude. The more we express gratitude when good things come to us and gratitude for the things we have, the more we will receive. The law of gratitude is a natural principle that is necessary to follow in order to get what you want. There are no riches without gratitude.
Create your mental picture, take time for visualization, have faith and be grateful and riches are surely to follow.

I truly do believe that essentially anyone, regardless of age (over 18 at least) or background, can become a successful internet marketer… there are however a few skills which will help you succeed. If you’re thinking about getting into the online business industry and wondering exactly what skills will help you to be successful, read on.

First and foremost, you’re going to need to be willing to learn and you’re going to need drive and determination. If you join a reputable internet marketing company, the basics of how to generate leads and make conversions should be laid out for you… it will simply be your job to follow a system that already works. What most people underestimate when starting this kind of thing is the “entrepreneurial mindset”. This isn’t something that’s going to come easily in a day or a week. You really have to want it, and you’re going to have to put in the time and effort for it to happen.

As for what tasks you’re going to need to complete… writing articles and making videos are a great way to generate free leads for your online business, however they’re also very good at establishing yourself as a marketing authority as well as demonstrating that you’re an actual person. Most people aren’t going to want to join a nameless, faceless internet business… so that extra little personal connection can go a long way. In no way are either of these necessary for you to succeed online, but being a good writer or being very comfortable in front of a camera can really help your business grow. I know a lot of people are particularly averse to creating videos of themselves, which I can understand because I was one of them. I’m still not 100% comfortable, but it gets easier with every video you make… so force yourself to do it and it will pay off in the end.

Basic internet and computer skills will also be a plus. If you’re already browsing the internet and reading this, then it’s likely you already have the basic skills required. If you feel you’re a little rusty on a computer, there really isn’t anything too technical you’ll have to do (most using social media sites), so not to worry. Ideally you’ll have your own personal mentor in whichever company you’ve joined, and they’ll be able to guide you through what you need to know.

Those really are the three major skills you’re going to need to be a successful internet marketer… as you can see it’s not rocket science… most people simply don’t put in the required effort and/or give up before they’ve given things a chance to come to fruition. Yes there are some other skills you should learn as your business begins to grow (although not necessarily required as it’s always possible to pay other people to do things for you) such as educating yourself on Google AdWords, or learning how to create your own websites… but just as with any other business some, level of personal development is always necessary.

The most important factor in determining your success or failure is going to be your drive and motivation… so if you think you have what it takes… start looking for a legitimate online business, work at it, and don’t give up!

I recently read a great article by Darren Hardy who is the publisher of Success Magazine, one of my favorite publications, talking about Entrepreneurial Philanthropy and how each of us can make a difference with even a small contribution.

We are all familiar with celebrities and others who support a variety of causes and who are able to raise tremendous amounts of money to benefit those worthy causes and we recognize that this is a tremendous service that they provide to so many people. As these people raise millions of dollars and travel the world giving aid, we may think there is no way we could ever do something to make such a difference in the lives of others, after all, most of our checkbooks wouldn’t allow us to compete to that level.

Consider this. Knowing that we may not be able to open our checkbooks or travel the world to help others maybe we should learn how we can be of greater service to those immediately around us. There was a 12th Century writer, Maimonides, who wrote the Eight Levels Of Charity, the highest level says:

“When charity is dispensed with altogether by helping others gain the wherewithall to earn their own living and thereby, making it un necesaary for them to be dependent upon others.”

Helping someone better their life, and more importantly their livelihood, by by helping them create their own business or market their particular skills or talents which result in their financial independence and success….

This is the greatest form of philanthropy.

When Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki meet in 2005, they quickly discovered they had much in common particularly their beliefs about America’s economic state. Two of the common beliefs they share are: the rich are getting richer but America as a nation is getting poorer and the lack of financial education.

As they began their to formulate their book both Trump and Kiyosaki wanted to stress the importance of getting a financial education and they really do want people to experience financial success. Not only will it benefit us, but it will benefit America.

Don’t get the idea that “Why We Want You To Be Rich” is a step by step guide on how to make millions, instead the book serves as a philosophical guide behind the concept of becoming wealthy. Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki are not motivated by greed, but in self protection from America’s financial outlook. They know the importance of a strong middle class in maintaining America’s financial future.

One of their main solutions in restoring a healthy economy is for us to become financially educated. It is time for us to take responsibility for our future. Schools educate us on how to be good employees or small business owners etc, but we have not been taught how to be Big business owners or investors. Basically, we have been taught that the government will take care of us and we have been taught to trust others to take care of our money rather than depending on ourselves. If we are going to be rich, we need to know many different ways to make money with money.

How do we begin the process of educating ourselves financially and where do we look for financial opportunities?

Here are a few tips from Donald Trump. Be independent! We must take the time to figure things out for ourselves otherwise we are at the mercy of people who may not have our best interests in mind. Review our skills, interests and inclinations and remain open to ideas we might not normally entertain. He says, ” Opportunity comes in different packages and that some great things have happened after wipeouts” Trump also says “Be grateful, be careful and have fun.”

Tips from Robert Kiyosaki: “If you are not doing what you love, then start doing it even if it’s only part time”. Begin investing in things you love and are interested in so that you’re more involved and focused on the outcome. Hire a mentor or a coach to help and guide you. Become good at budgeting.

Another thing Trump and Kiyosaki agree on is their belief in network marketing as a viable source of income. Marketing is a powerful tool and network marketing vastly increases that power, especially for those who are motivated.

In conclusion, it is time for us to be responsible for our future. It is time for more leaders and less followers.

It is time for us to just get started!

The day I found Internet Marketing is the day my world changed. Although I knew nothing about internet marketing, I knew the power of the internet.

It is known that the Internet is the most powerful medium in the world and through the internet, we can reach out to billions of people everywhere, and anytime. For those of us who are “Baby Boomers” that concept of reaching billions of people kinda boggles the mind.

Before finding Internet Marketing, I had reached a point in my business and in my life that I knew something had to change.

Ever had that feeling? For me the greatest gift since finding internet marketing has been the fact that I had to start using my mind again. The internet will not allow us to become stale because it forces us to embrace change. From that I’ve developed a totally different mindset.

I know first hand the power of the internet……the information that’s available, blog sites and social media sites where we can express ourselves and connect with others and a place where we can market products and services world wide. Pretty awesome isn’t it!

Since becoming more familiar with the power of the internet, I feel very strongly that the internet and Internet Marketing will be the new 21st Century Industry. It is known that many millionaires and new businesses are created during a recession, i e. Microsoft, FedEx, Burger King and Hyatt to name a few, and that new entrepreneurs and new businesses will be the spark and the base for our renewed economy. With so many people struggling financially, it’s no wonder that so many people are starting Home Businesses.

Forbes Magazine says that 79 Million people are expected to start home businesses within the next 3 years and the Home Business Industry is now a $427 Billion dollar industry. It’s why Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki and Warren Buffet have all endorsed Internet Marketing as one of the new ways to create wealth.

There is another power in the internet that we as internet marketers can take advantage of and that is helping the planet. You may be asking how that is possible. If you consider the marketing methods we use in our own businesses and how those methods could be partnered with charities, environmental causes and other philanthropic causes, it is possible to visualize the scope of what could be accomplished. In addition, consider the economic benefit of sharing our marketing knowledge and educating people to become internet marketers. By learning a new skill, people will have a new way to generate income. Now that is Powerful.

So now we can play the “What If” game. What if we can stimulate the economy through internet marketing? What if we can give people a way to generate an income? What if we can give people a reason to believe in themselves?
As Jim Rohn would say….”Why? Why Not! Why Not You. Why Not Now.”

In order to have a successful business, one must conquer fear. There is fear of failure and sadly, fear of success. Study any successful person and you will find a long list of failures before being successful. Successful people know that failures provide lessons and move us closer to our achievements. Those who are not successful consider failure as being defeated so they give up. Consider Thomas Edison who failed thousands of times before his triumphant invention.

The fear of failure can sometimes be the hardest thing to overcome and for some, the biggest enemy to conquer. In order to overcome our fear of failure we must first recognize that fear is holding us back. Here are a few symptoms:
When we fear failure, we lack confidence in ourselves and in our product, we are always worried about what friends and family will think and we think we don’t really deserve success.

When we fear success, we procrastinate, we talk ideas to death rather than take action, we resist change, and we do not complete important tasks.So how do we overcome our fears and become the successful business person we want to be. The great Jim Rohn says “Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.” and “If you change, then things around you will change.” In other words, we have to conquer ourselves. We need to know that fear is a natural part of growth and how we respond to our fears reveals whether we are moving forward or standing still.

Here are ways to overcome our fears:

1. Take action. Be willing to take a leap everyday and do something that takes you out of your comfort zone. Be bold and think of this, “Ready, Fire, Aim.”
2. Be persistent. Learn to be relentless never giving up on your goals and dreams no matter how long it takes. Remember you will never fail unless you quit.
3. Learn to embrace change. Accepting change means we are moving beyond our fears and that we are open to new ways of doing things. Remember, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
4. Serve others. Not only do others benefit from our efforts, but service to others takes the spotlight and focus from our own fears and directs that energy to others. When we see others’ joy and help others solve problems that is our greatest reward.
5. Recognize and reward your accomplishments. Celebrate your achievements, your goals reached, your good deeds. Be happy in your accomplishments no matter how small for these are indications that you are moving forward.

By recognizing and confronting our fears we will overcome and achieve our toughest task…conquering self.

Yes, I know that starting a business can be considered risky and I also know that sitting back and doing nothing can be even more risky.

If you follow these secrets for a successful business, you will minimize your risks and develop the traits of a successful business owner.

First of all, you need confidence in yourself and in your product.  That is the only way to develop loyalty and a willingness to buy from your customers. If you already possess confidence that’s great.  If you are lacking, don’t worry.  You can develop and enhance your confidence level using daily affirmations and focus.

Success Secret One:  Make Your Passion A Business!

Ask any successful person and they will tell you to find your passion and then make that your business.  Harvey McKey says, “If your business is your passion, you will never have to work another day in your life.”

Perhaps you want to start an online business, a home based business or a more traditional service based business .  Just remember , it takes a great deal of time and effort and you must be completely passionate about your business and have a sincere desire to succeed.   Remember, success is not going to happen overnight so you must be totally committed.

Success Secret Two:  Eliminate Excuses!

To quote Dr. Wayne Dyer, “Excuses Be Gone.”  This may take a while for you to digest but it is a powerful concept.  Learn to take responsibility for your actions and your business and let go of the excuses.  In other words, remind yourself, “The buck stops here.”

Be aware in your own life of some of these excuses that Dr. Dyer lists in his book:  “I don’t know if I can do it.”  ”What will my friends and family say.”  ”I am afraid to try.”  Of these and other excuses, the largest obstacle to overcome is Fear.  Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of change and even fear of success.  Fear can be the root failure and prevent you from living your dream and finding your passion.

By being aware of when you make excuses and by working to eliminate excuses from your life, you will be propelled to unprecedented heights and achievement.

Other traits of a successful business owner are:

1. FOCUS.  Follow One Course Until Successful.
2. Think.  Strategic planning and creative thinking for problem solving.
3. Never Forget Your Why.  Keep your dreams and your goals in sight.

Currently, millions of people are putting their strengths to work and finding huge rewards both financial and in other areas.  So, think about something that you love doing and then find a way to get involved.  Even if it is just part time in the beginning, why put it off any longer.

Regardless of your age, if you begin today who knows what you might accomplish in three years.  If you don’t begin today, do you really want to be doing the same thing three years from now?

Entrepreneurs are people of action and know how to find solutions to problems.

Entrepreneurs are innovative and know how to overcome obstacles.

Entrepreneurs are independent and work even when no one is watching.

Entrepreneurs see opportunities that others miss.

As entrepreneurs, we separate ourselves from others because we take the initiative and have the capacity and the drive for independent action, we know how to work when no one is watching and we see opportunities that no one else sees. In today’s uncertain economy entrepreneurs are needed more than ever because we are the ones who are willing to do the tasks and follow through despite obstacles.

In 1899, Elbert Hubbard wrote a small but powerful booklet called A Message To Garcia. Although it was written so long ago, it still provides a very timely lesson specifically, it is not always the best people but the proactive people who succeed.

The book is a perfect description of an entrepreneur. The story goes that when the war between Spain and the US began, President McKinley urgently needed to get a message to the leader of insurgents who were fighting in Cuba. Garcia was somewhere in the mountains but his exact position was not known. Upon a recommendation, President McKinley called for a man named Rowan. “Rowan”, he said, “It is urgent that you deliver this letter to Garcia”. Without question, hesitation or whining, Rowan put the letter in his pouch, strapped over his shoulder and was off. After three weeks of traversing a hostile country, he appeared on the other side of the country having delivered his letter.

Bottom line is that he took the initiative, made no excuses, and worked faithfully even when no one was watching over him and accomplished the task. All actions of entrepreneurs!

In today’s uncertain economy it is up to us as entrepreneurs to take the initiative and action necessary to revive our economy. “Are you an entrepreneur who takes action?”