Pay Freeze for US Federal Employees

Latest Headlines from the President of the United States, Barack Obama is that there will be a pay freeze for a Federal Workers. "Getting this national deficit under control is going to require some broad sacrifices and that sacrifice must be shared by the employees of the federal government," Obama said in a speech Monday afternoon explaining the decision.

"The U.S. Federal Deficit is when government spending is greater than revenue received for that year. In Fiscal Year 2011, the budget deficit will be $1.267 trillion. The FY 2010 deficit was $1.57 trillion."


What does this mean? What happens if you are a federal worker? What should you do now?

The reason workers get a pay increase normally is to keep up with inflation. Prices go up, in order for workers to be able to maintain the same standard of living they get a raise. For the next 2 years prices will go up, but these workers will not be able to maintain their standard of living. In essence they will be poorer. While some may argue in that federal government employees are paid more than the private sector when you factor in benefits, retirement and other compensation this doesn't help that individual that has created their standard of living based on those earnings.

As one always looking on the bright side at least Obama didn't announce a 10% pay decrease or something like that. But still in the next 2 years living will get harder for millions of Americans. If you are a federal worker you will see over time your dollar get smaller and smaller as the prices go up. Food, clothing, fuel, health care, education are just a few things you will begin to notice.

Our deficit does need to come down substantially there is no doubt about it. What I would recommend for you if you are a federal employee, or any employee that would like to see their income increase in the next 3-5 years would be to look at starting a Part-Time Home Based Business.

Now is the time to act, don't wait until your standard of living goes down and you don't have to money to pay those bills. Look toward the future for yourself and your family by taking steps now to secure a secondary form of income. Start now doing your research and help jump start your future.

There are some serious advantages to starting a home based business. These are the reasons I saw when I started my business over 10 years ago.

• Residual Income
• Tax advantages
• Work from home (or anywhere for that matter)
• No territories
• Can move with you easily (I was a military spouse and we moved often)
• Build relationships for the long term (many new friends and business parterners over the years)
• Have an asset that you can leave to your family, this business will continue to pay you even after you die. 
• Increase your standard of living even in a down economy

You see when I started my business in 2000 I saw the writing on the wall. My situation was that of what many Americans face today. Unemployment, lack of focused career, no retirement and an unsure future. Once I found a home based business I was able to change all that more than I could ever have imaged.

If you are reading this, maybe it's time you start to take action. Start doing your research to find what kind of business might be best suited for you. Maybe you would like to even work with me, Michael Sparks, Entrepreneur and business owner. I recommend doing some preplanned research before just jumping into any one business. I've seen many home business owners go from company to company seeking that "perfect opportunity".

I recommend purchasing some books like The New Professionals by Charles King and James Robinson. This book breaks down what MLM, and Network Market are and how it has gone from a often negative connotation to something that people see  see as a legitimate opportunity to work from home.  It's a must read for anyone who is on the fence considering a career in network marketing. The writing on the wall is clear; our profession has enabled masses of people to gain time freedom, financial freedom and a perfect meld of home, business and personal values.

I have read this book several times and each time it cements in my mind that our industy (direct sales) is a great way for someone to reach higher goals with little downside risk. In an economy like the one we are living in, now is not the time to take drastic measures, but to look at opportunities that over time will improve yourself and your future earnings potential. With a good home based business you could for less than $500 invested start earning a commission that will continue to increase month after month.

The business of the 21st Century by Robert Kiyosaki is another excellent book highlighting the benefits of starting a home based business. I like the fact that both Robert Kiyosaki as well as Charles King were negative about MLM or home based business when they first saw it, but after taking a serious look at what MLM is really all about and how it offers someone the ability to start small and finish big if they so choose.

Once you decide to get started, be prepared to commit to working your business at least 3-5 years if your desire is to gain real traction and income. It is possible to earn several hundred dollars per month in a short amount of time, but for real long term income it will take some effort and time on your part. It is also a good idea to find a mentor (or sponsor) that will help guide you through the process to help you avoid the pitfalls that are sure to crop up. I know people that have lost thousands of dollars either doing the wrong program or trying things that do not work. Myself, I have always earned a positive cash flow starting in the very first year. My commissions have paid for my business over and over again. Now after 10 years we are full time and growing year after year. This is a true testament to how our business can provide you and your family a positive and rewarding secondary income.


With the tough choices our country will have to make in the coming years. Starting a home based business is just a part of a safety net that you and your family could employ to help weather the coming storm.

Feel free to contact me, Michael Sparks for comment, advice or information on starting your own home business. Don't wait until it's too late.


To Your Success,


Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur
www.michaelsparks.us

You've made the decision, now where to start?

You've made the decision to start your Home-Based business but are not sure where to begin. I would like to offer some advice as a seasoned entrepreneur.

• Get setup ASAP. Business cards, clothing, catalogs, signs for your vehicle are important to advertise to others that you are a Distributor of said company.
• Use the products your self. . Become a product of the product, a walking testimonial. Using your products with success will inspire confidence when you speak to others. 
• Make a list, or make several lists. One of everyone you know personally, another of at least 100 businesses in your immediate area. Keep it within 50 miles radius
• Become Genuine. Genuine about yourself, your product and your customers. I call this keeping it "Real"
• Let your friends, family, and acquaintances know what you are doing. This should be done as announcement, not a sales pitch.
• Be prepared to give yourself time to get your business established. This will be at least 24-48 months. That's right 2-4 years. If you cannot make that commitment then don't even get started. This is a business not a get rich quick scheme.

 After you have decided to get started, find yourself a few mentors. The reason is that no one works their business the same. This means you will want to follow advice on several different people until you can add your own ideas, flair and personality. Don't start off reinventing the wheel, do what has worked for others until you have the resources to give your own ideas a try. If you start off doing it "your way" you will fail and you will lose money. Don't ask me how I know this.

If your company has awards and recognition use that as a goal sheet. Ask yourself, what do I have to do to get the first award from the company. Start right away working towards that goal. You will also want to use those recognition levels as your goal sheet. Set a time line that you can accomplish. Put a date beside each goal, you might want to work with your mentor on this as they will have more experience on how hard or how long it takes to reach each level.

One company that I have worked with has a Rolodex Award. This is a special award the mentor gives out when they have talked with and followed up 100 people. This sounds like a great way to build up your contact list. Get to work on something like this as well. Talk to 100 people about your business, show them what it is you do, then follow up. Once you do the show, and follow up then check them off your list. When you get to 100, give yourself an award.

One of my favorite mentors is the late Jim Rohn. He has been called America's Foremost Business Philosopher. I recommend listening to his material as well as reading his books. The things that he talks about will change your life as well as your thinking. I can't talk enough about reading the books and listening to the tapes.

On average I recommend reading at least 1-2 person development books per month. The more you read and absorb, the more you will have the confidence, the knowledge and the desire to succeed in your business.

I can tell you, it won't be easy at first. There will be days you feel like giving up, that no one is interested in your product or service. Read the books and it will help you get through those times.


There are many great books that I have read and continue to read. Please take a look at my Recommended Reading List I have personally read every one of these books and they have all been a positive influence on my life.

Few last things you need to get started on right away in your new business is finances. You might not be in a position to have extra money right now but if start out right, it will be much easier once your business is rolling full swing.

When I started my mentors never mention much about taxes, business expenses, accounting / bookkeeping etc. I had to go out and find all this out on my own. After that I share with all my new distributors the programs that I have found useful.

One program that I have been using for years is a simple and effective bookkeeping software called Home Business Tax Helper. www.homebusinesstaxhelper.com It's inexpensive and has a lot ideas already in the program for the business expenses you should be taking.

Next you will want to set up a separate checking account. Use this for all business expenses, even if you have to add money to it from your personal account. This will help you keep track and prove that you are serious about your business.

Lastly, you will want some sort of filing system. At first one of those file boxes will work. As your business grows you will want a cabinet of some sort. Keep your business receipts separate from your personal ones. Come tax time you will save yourself a lot of time and frustration if you get your financial house in order.

Starting out your business is an exciting time. Get started right and you will see success in no time.

Happy Prospecting.

Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur

Is News and Politics Bringing your Business Down?

Today is election day in america. Imagine that, millions and millions of people going out to "pull the lever" on the favorite candidate (or least unfavorable candidate) in hopes that some things will change, and hopes that some things will stay the same. The question you must ask yourself is, How much will all this change my own personal situation? Jim Rohn says "Not Much."

It's your own personal philosophy that determines your future. You can start at any moment you choose to take responsibility for the changes necessary to create a better future for yourself and your family. Humans are the only life form that can make changes like this. Develop the ability to redesign your future, tear up the script from the last 5 years, 10 years etc.....

Maybe you have pennies in your pocket, maybe you don't have the relationship you want, maybe you're overworked, out of shape, over weight and you are blaming everything but the real reasons for the mess you are in.

Reading the books, listening to the tapes, working with positive, successful and outgoing people are what changed my life. The Democrats and Republicans had nothing to do with it. The negative news on TV every night had nothing to do with it. I'm telling you turn all that negativity into something useful that you can take hold of and use to your advantage.

Jim Rohn was a speaker and business philosopher that has helped me tremendously. I started listening to Jim in the very beginning of my business venture and his words rang so deep with me that to this day I am a different man for listening.
With many quotes, ideas and sayings, you cannot go away without using some of his stuff. The Challenge to Succeed is a must for any listening library. This 6 CD set covers every idea you need to make yourself a better life. Some ideas that really seem appropriate for days like today.

Jim Rohn says:
"How come you find yourself in an unfortunate position, age 25. I had more of a tendency to blame the Government. It's those Democrats. I used to blame interest rates, or I used to blame taxes. Taxes are too high. Guess what the top tax rate was when I started paying taxes? Ninety-One percent, top federal tax rate. Now the top federal tax rate is about thirty-three percent. But people are still saying taxes are too high. See that old dog won't hunt as we say in Mississippi"


You see your personal philosophy is what matters."If you just depend on the wind that blows to determine your future you will be blown into the rocks. You can't depend just on the wind. The same wind blows on us all. It's the set of the sail that determines where each of us is heading."

Regardless of the wind that blows it takes you to where you want to go, as long as you have the right tools. You can do anything you wish to if you put your mind to it. Start today with the right tools, using your own mind, your own ability to learn something new and find new ideas that can really effect change.

As I sit here listening to the local news I'm wondering who is going to win in this election today across the country? I know for certain after pulling that lever who the real winner is:

I am a winner with my personal philosophy!



So as you leave your polling place today, think for a second. What real change Am I going to make in my life?


Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur

Nov 2, 2010 is dedicated to the late Jim Rohn (September 17, 1930 - December 5, 2009)

Sell for Today, Sponsor for Tomorrow

So you are working at your home based business and the check don't seem all that big. Maybe the checks are not even coming at all, or you are paying out money instead of having it come in. This is known as negative cash flow. They say in traditional business you will lose money for the first 3-5 years. Capitol (cash) is what is needed for any new start-up. 

Well I'm here to show you how to do it without any money. No huge investment or loan is needed to get started with a home based business. Matter of Fact I have home-made brochure that explains how I got started with a $35 investment. I can show you how to hit the ground running, and start off with a bang that will get your cash flow up immediately. You might not be able to live off the income in the first 3-5 years but you will be positive cash flow, or "In the Black" the very first year. 

As the title of the article says: Sell for Today, Sponsor for Tomorrow. The meaning of this in a home-based or Network Marketing business is that you have to have a product that people want and need. Your first priority is to get that product out in the hands of many people. Your product should be consumable so you can get repeat business time and time again. The idea is to sell your product to someone once then resell over and over again. Take Care of the customer and they will take care of you. You should have a product that can be sold retail. If you cannot compete in a retail market the only customers you will have are those you sign up as distributors, this could take a very long time to get your residual commissions coming in. Likewise with the company that I started with; I chose to get out in the retail marketplace. Five, Ten, Fifty or a Hundred stores carrying your product is like having hundreds of sales people out there. Many of the stores that I worked with years ago still carry our products. This is because customers are still coming in to buy. A store is open 60-80 hours per week, could you work that many hours in that many locations?

Secondly, retail brings you a higher commission. Most home-based companies pay commissions based on volume of products going through that business. If you are working with only distributors, some of those commissions must be paid on your sponsored distributor before you can get paid. A company only pays once on any product sold. If you are buying products, selling retail you get 100% of the commission due to you. Stated again Sell for Today, Sponsor for Tomorrow. 

Selling retail actually takes a little more work than just registering dealers and letting them build their business. A new distributor will naturally want to get started earning a commission, but in truth it takes a long time for most to understand and learn about building a business, sales, recruiting, training, etc. The commissions you gain from sponsoring will bear fruit in the years to come. But you didn't start your home business to wait years for a good sized commission. You want commissions now, maybe an extra $500 per month is really all you need right now. This accomplishment can be done is a short amount of time if you work your business correctly. 

My positive cash flow started in the first couple months of my business and has continued every year. As more money comes in I was able to add more to the business, get new "toys", have a better cell phone, do more things etc. Going after retail first then distributors second especially in the first year or 2 will make a huge difference in your ability to earn at least a check every single money in your business. 

Just like there are 2 sides to every coin, I look at a home business as having 2 sides. There is the retail side explained above to get that immediate cash flow, then there is the sponsorship side where you learn how to train and build a sales team. Sell for Today, Sponsor for Tomorrow means starting right away helping others achieve their goals and dreams by building their own home based business. Matter of fact my sponsor died several years ago and his spouse still gets a check every single month from those initial efforts of sponsoring me into the business. This is one of the best reasons to have a home based business. Your work continues to pay you time and time again even if you can't work. Sponsoring adds depth and breadth to your business, it allows the peaks and valleys to even out in your sales efforts. There might be a time when your retail sales efforts slow down for a short bit, this could be due to your lack of time to devote that part of the business, or maybe a bump in the economy where people are just not buying much. Either way sponsoring a team of distributors will help even out those months. Sponsoring is the key to higher levels of recognition as well as higher incomes in a home based business.

So you want to sponsor but you don't know who or how to get them started. The first thing you should be doing is prospecting. Let everyone know what you are doing and  have a mission statement that you can tell others. Mine goes like this. 

Mission Statement:

1. I help customers save money, get the best products with the highest performance per cost in (insert your product here) our industry. 
2. Provide a vehicle for financial independence to anyone who wants it.

You see this two fold mission lets everyone know what I'm doing and that they too can become a distributor without actually pitching it to them.

Get your mission statement together now, this will help solidify your goal of building a profitable business. Maybe you are currently involved in a company and are not seeing the results you like, maybe you don't feel you have a product that will sell at the retail level. If you are in a company with the only way to earn money is to sponsor you might want to reevaluate if this company will allow you to meet your goals. The number one way to determine if your home business will work in the manner I have described above is to ask yourself. Does my company push the product or the opportunity? A product oriented company will continue to grow, it will be stable and always try to provide a product in the marketplace that customers want and need. 

When you evaluate a company use these 10 statements to see if your company stands up:

• Quality products that meet a need. 
• A well-established, reputable company backing its products AND distributors.
• Excellent support without all the hype.
• Multiple avenues for business growth, which allow YOU to decide how to build YOUR business. 
• Potential for financial independence within 5 years or less with limitless potential for financial growth.

The perfect home business SHOULD NOT require or entail any of the following:

• Large initial investment to become involved. 
• Keeping an inventory of products.
• Minimum quotas for purchasing or selling products.
• Lots of paperwork and record keeping. 
• Large commissions for simply signing up new distributors.  

Prospecting, then sponsoring is what you need to do in order to build a large business. How to you spot a good prospect? These are some characteristics that will provide a good indication of future performance. 

• People who value your products
• People who desire to start their own business
• Hard-working, self-starting, stable people
• People with good experience
• People looking for retirement income
• People who are driven
• Successful people
• Busy people
• Personable people
• Husband & wife teams

These types of people are all around us, you run into potential distributors every single day. The key is to be ready. Have the tools necessary to prospect any where you go. 

• Have all necessary materials on hand
• Wear proper attire, if you company has logos or clothing wear it
• Have a positive mental attitude-smile
• Know your prospect
• Believe in your products, Live your products
• Do the paperwork
• Follow up

Get your business off to a great start! Sell for Today, Sponsor for Tomorrow. 

Michael Sparks-- Entrepreneur

 

Flying to build your business

I just love to fly. The question is why? Here are some ideas that will allow you to expand your mind and think about "the bigger picture"

For me flying isn't something I necessarily enjoy because of the security, the hassle, and the all the germs being spread around. So you must realize my love of flying has more to do with a business aspect that I will now explain. Flying allows me to realize, visually how big our state, our country and the world is. As we leave the ground I can see cars whizzing down the road, rows and rows of houses, large office buildings, malls, and businesses as well as hundreds of thousands of acres of farm land. I realize the untapped business potential is essentially endless (in personal terms) meaning I know that I will never be able to work with every single person out there, though I do have the potential to work with many more customers than I currently do.

My other love as I look down is the fact that we are traveling at 300 or more miles per hour. The efficiency of doing business in distant places allows anyone to jump on a plane and in a short time be in another state, or country. Matter of fact as I write this I'm sitting on a plane headed to Florida for a business meeting. It wasn't that long ago really when flying was prohibitively expensive. Today my ticket will cost less than it would cost me to drive from Tennessee to Orlando and back, let alone the extra time it would take to drive.

In my businesses, where just about everyone is a potential customer, it makes sense to have connections, customers, and business partners anywhere I go. Flying to Florida we are turning a business event into an opportunity to connect with friends, as well as meet new folks.

I guess its not so much the act of going through the hassles of getting on the plane, but more the perspective it gives me that there is a whole world full of people out there that I haven't met yet.

Happy Networking,

Michael Sparks - Entrepreneur

Answer to the Secret

Maybe you know maybe you don't know, but The Secret is a book that was written around the premise of the power of your own mind to attract the things in life that you want. This "Law of Attraction" is what has made many in history successful or smart, or famous. After all you are what you think about.

To Create that life of abundance or that life of happiness you must first have the thought in your mind, then act upon those thoughts. We call these I am statement. After all when the mind can conceive the body can achieve. Likewise, you can not conceive of it, then there is no way to act upon nothing, therefore you will achieve nothing.

We recently took a trip to UTAH to attend a conference for a company that specializes in helping others act on their promptings. You see a prompting is little more than a thought to do something. It's a feeling that you have that makes you want to do kind things for or to others. A prompting could be the thought that you express your appreciation to someone by saying thank you, or maybe call up someone on the phone that just popped into you head. The company we visited uses real greeting cards to allow someone to go on the internet, and in a few seconds create a card, click send and the card will be mailed out to that person.

Creating a life of abundance must first begin with giving unto others, then allowing that giving to be received back. You see it's difficult to say thank you without the other person saying "you're welcome" This prompting is noted in the other mind, with the acceptance of the "thank you" which then in turn that person wants to return this thank you by acknowledgment of the "you're welcome". If you keep giving out, eventually you will begin to receive. This subconscious process works in ways like the advertising market works. Plant that seed in your mind over and over--this is why we are bombarded with ads over and over. You plant seeds in others mind and you will then be at the forefront of what they think about. You send someone a card, the act of opening it, reading it, feeling it and touching the card will put that thought directly in the front of their mind. You will be what they think about at that very second.

What I want to talk about is using subconscious processes to allow you to attract abundance in your life by getting on the forefront of thousands of persons minds. This can be possible by using tools and techniques. Staying in contact is a great way, using Social Networking, sending cards, calling and meeting in person are some ways to get started. Also note that if you are trying to sell someone, or trying to influence them, this will not work. You must sincerely want to connect with others on a personal level. This is easier said than done, but when you are able to connect personally the connection between you and that other person will be long lasting and hard to break.

From the Secret, we got the Answer. The Answer is a book written by John Assaraf and Murray Smith that delves deeper into how the subconscious mind works. I've read the book several years ago, but have recently picked it up again after listing to some of the speakers at the Convention.

The Answer Offers a step by step process for anyone who desires more success and abundance in their life. Using cutting-edge research into brain science and quantum physics, they show how readers can actually rewire their brains for success and create the kind of extraordinary lives they want. By teaching readers how to attract and use newly discovered "uncommon" senses to achieve business success, the authors demonstrate the beliefs, habits, thoughts, and actions that they have used to build eighteen multimillion-dollar companies.

The Power locked inside our own minds can be used to create any life you desire, use the techniques like the law of attraction, the law of gestation and the law of action. After a renewed sense of wanting to take my business to the next level. A reread of The Answer just might be "My Answer".


Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur

Losing those we have touched.

Sad news to report that a friend and business partner passed away 9-14-10. Our young friend, had a wife and 3 young children. What is truly amazing that you don't realize how someone can touch your life, even though you barely knew them. Someone that you had a chance meeting with, or maybe corresponded with via email and telephone can in the blink of an eye be gone.

Another amazing thing is that how this person has come into your life. Our business is an inter-connected network of people. And through those connections of people you can become friends with someone you would have never known if you were not involved with what you are doing. My friend lived in a small town in southeastern Tennessee and was sponsored by someone else. Basically we had a distributor between us and that is how we got to know each other. As a business leader, I contact everyone in our team regardless of who their sponsor is or how far down the line they are. Connections are made, relationships are created. This is how our business works.

Though our friend is gone, he will not be forgotten. We all miss him.

We all know something like this can and does happen every single day. We just never know how or when our time on earth is up and we must leave. Everyday is a time to touch someone in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Give your wife an extra hug and kiss. Tell your children, your mother and your father that you love them. These things seem so insignificant but anyone at anytime could be the last.

With this in mind, it's up to you to take responsibility to prepare yourself and your family to an unfortunate indecent. Setting yourself up with insurance that will help take care of those you care about is essential. Health, and Life insurance is a must. For life insurance I've read that you need at least 10 times your income to be properly insured. For me, my military SGLI insurance covers most of this. There are a lot of people that supplement the $450,000 with even more.

Another area to help take care of your family is to have something that will continue to pay even when you cannot work. This doesn't have to be in the event of your death, but maybe an extended disability or unemployment situation. This is a prime reason to get started now with a home based business that pays residual income. You work on something one time and it will continue to pay you for years to come.

While my friend and business partner was just getting started with his home based business, the ability to build up residual income takes some time and effort. Another friend and mentor passed away several years ago. He was my upline Direct Jobber and we spent countless hours on the phone. He coached me and mentored me when I was first getting started in the business. This encouragement was worth it's weight in gold. Now that he is gone, his family is still receiving compensation from those efforts, training, leadership and mentorship that he provided many years ago.

Get started today, go to sleep at night knowing that if something did happen, your family would be taken care of; both with the insurance as well as the security of a home based business.

Understand the basic fundamentals of working your home business and why it's important to sponsor, train and teach. Mark Yarnell's book "Your First Year in Network Marketing" should be on everyone's top list when you get started in a home-based business. Understanding the basics will allow you to build residual income, help others succeed and allow you the opportunity to be successful right from the git go.

Follow the lessons taught in "Your First Year in Network Marketing" and you will be on track to take care of  your family for years to come, no matter what happens.

Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur.

I wish I had your job

Wow to get a statement like that. I wish I was like you or had your life. How can you ask for more than that?

This could be construed as a cocky attitude but you know, LIFE IS SHORT and life is what we make of it.

What I would have never imagined is that sitting in that foxhole circa 1991 during Desert Storm with my "Ranger Buddy" that he would have ever said something like I "envy" what you have. Rewind over 20 years ago we are 20 something kids sitting side by side for 12 hours a day. We shared dreams and goals, we read books, and discussed politics, religion, life and childhood. What an amazing 20 years! Now he is a super duper engineer with a government position and I am a self made, do it all entrepreneur.  Earlier this year we get together and I get the comment "I wish I had your life". At first this was just brushed off, as looking at my life as it's just nothing special. I'm here doing what I do. But........

Looking further as how others see you and your life compared to theirs you can see that a life lived in someone else's shoes is no life at all. You have to live your own life and if someone looks up to you or at your current state of affairs in a positive light this could be a good thing. What I'm trying to say is don't take a little comment like "I wish I had you life" as something small. This is a life changing event.

Two lives stuck in a fox hole. Can we imagine that they turned out exactly how we imagined? Personally I can't see that I imagined where I would be at this time and place. Who exactly could do that? Though what I can say is that I can say I am glad how my side turned out and that I'm not the one who commented that "I wish I had your life".

The turning point in my life started in 1998, when I decide that I wanted to take control of my own destiny. Deciding that I'm sick and tire of being sick and tired (even before Dave Ramsey coined the phrase). Taking control of your own future, your own finances are something that anyone can do.

My journey started on a warm summer day in 1998. We were living in Jacksonville Alabama and I was going to school to become a machinist. As I was on my motorcycle that day I didn't want to go straight home so I cruised around to do some thinking. I wanted to have some sort of hobby, but one that didn't cost money. That made me think that I needed to check out the bookstore, which I promptly headed that direction. After going up and down the isles I found the business and investing section and started browsing the titles. That's it! I said, investing doesn't cost you money it makes you money. I selected a couple of books and headed home to read. What I found was that it took money to make money and I had very little of it. Since getting out of the Army in 1996 we were a one paycheck family and it was hard to save anything "extra" to get started investing.

This brought me to the conclusion that we had to lower our bills and expenses in order to start saving to invest. I was also working a part-time job while going to school. Every little bit helped! Eventually we reduced some bills and had a few thousand dollars in the bank. What I found is that this is not an overnight process. Staying are track was hard but within a year we managed to have about 6,000 in the bank which I decided to take 3000 and open a mutual fund account. I continued to build this up and invest. But it seemed that there was always something missing. Some type of investment that I had control over.

Over the next several years I search, learned and continued to gain knowledge in finance and investing. We moved from Alabama to El Paso, TX and I was without a job. When you are a military spouse it's hard to have a steady career since you have to move ever couple years. You get established then Bam, military orders come for another part of the country or even worse overseas. After leaving Alabama my interest in finance continued to grow and I decided that I wanted to become a financial planner or a stock broker. (This was during the height of the dot come boom) and everyone wanted to get in on the game. It was easy to make money then, just buy a stock and it went up. A found an ad in the paper for financial planners, and the name of the company was Waddell & Reed. So I applied for a job, had to take a few tests and do an interview. I scored good on the test, but during the interview the interviewer determined since I was new in town, I didn't have enough contacts to build a business portfolio. Basically I didn't have enough friends to push their crappy investments on. Looking back I'm so thankful I didn't get hired, it would suck to become a financial planner now a days, folks are losing money left and right, no one knows who the Government is going bail out or not. Many folks have seen their retirement savings dwindle down to just a fraction of what they thought they had, not to mention all the people that took equity out on their homes thinking it was like a bank account.

Being bummed, but not ready to give up I kept on searching for that perfect opportunity that I really would enjoy. I wanted a "JOB" that I could take with me, do from anywhere, and help other people. One day I was looking for some oil to use in my F150 pickup truck. I had already been using synthetic oils, Castrol Syntec to be exact. I had always known that synthetics were superior to conventional oils, but didn't know how long you could go. Everyone would say you could go 5,000 miles instead of 3,000. I thought synthetics have to be better than that. I ran across this guy spouting off about this 25,000 mile oil, AMSOIL to be exact. I thought well, that's a little too far fetched, but was intrigued to learn more. After some research and coaching from the dealer that turned me on to the product I decided to take the plunge. I used the products in my truck with some skepticism. I kept doing more research and finding out that this product really lives up to it's claims.

Now the big thing that hit me, it was so big I couldn't sleep at night for weeks, and I had the excitement of 10 year old on Christmas eve. What did I find out? What did learn about this amazing synthetic oil? I learned that you can sell the products through a business opportunity. You could become an Independent Business owner. Wow I thought, this is a product that would help every car on the road. AMSOIL is a product that I could sell. Next step was to get started, I had no prior sales experience. What I did have was a burning desire to do something, to figure out a way to get these products in the hands of as many people as possible. Right off the bat I started reading the business manual (how to get started) and I started reading books on sales, listening to tapes, and learning about the sales process. It really came quite natural to me, and once I understood a little about the products (Features and Benefits) I was off to the races. Beginning with my first retail account E-Z Rider motorcycle shop on Dyer St in El Paso. My goal was to cover up El Paso with AMSOIL. Prior to my arrival I don't believe there were any retail places to purchase products. Within 1 year you could find over 25. Hows that for success. Not to mention the many, many individual customers that I worked with.

When I found this business I really didn't understand the power of duplication. I was a do it by my self if you wanted it done right type of guy. I was out there doing it all and really didn't want to hassle with someone else. After reading many books on the subject of MLM or Multilevel marketing I started to understand that really it's not about me, but more about helping someone else. Helping another individual have the opportunity to succeed and become independent - not dependent on their employer for that paycheck. Or not relying on the Government, Social Security, or any other form of handout to survive. Little did I realize back then how important this would be a short 10 years latter. There are millions of people out of work right now for extended periods of time. I've helped many people start and build a successful home based business and to this day they are glad they started. There are dealers that are not looking back wishing they had a JOB to go back to. The feeling of freedom from that slave of a job is hard to describe. What I can tell you, if my business went away tomorrow, is that it would be aweful hard to go back to the work force. Starting, running, and building a home based business has been a rewarding experience which I'm positive will continue to get even better. Just now as I've been helping others succeed in this business I've watch people that I've never met before start out, and become friends and business partners with us. I've help other dealers in our team achieve financial success and grow.

What I hope to do with this blog is allow you to see that working with a company and product that you can truly believe in can change your life. Maybe you don't see yourself as a salesperson.  I can tell you this, when you have a high quality product, a great company and support from your friends and family anything can be possible. I never had any desire to work in sales, but once I made the commitment to become a business owner I learned all I could about sales and networking. You could do the same. 

So how do you get the statement from a long time friend "I wish I had your job"? You work hard, help others, be kind, and have fun.

Now it's up to you to take the next step.

Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur

Self-Employment Cures Unemployment.

Take Bold, Decisive Action Now!
Keep Your Cash Flow Flowing!



Yes, self-employment is the best cure for unemployment. That includes the prospect of having your job eliminated at any time without prior notice or a rational reason.

Don't wait until the shoe drops--when the boss lets you know that you've gotta go! Right now! Never mind many years of service.

Develop your self-employment plan in advance--then fire your boss at the time most convenient to you.

Thoroughly consider starting a home based business. Take this possibility seriously. Keep on reading so you'll have the complete information to make an intelligent business decision.

I'm an home business owner, but I had no previous experience selling, marketing, or operating a home business before I started. I read lots of books, talked to many people and made some mistakes all while building my business. What I did have was a burning desire to help others by providing the products and service, as well as the possibility to earn money with a business opportunity. There is a satisfaction that comes by knowing you and your products are making a difference in someone's life.


The Key to success in a home business is to "earn while you learn" or get started right away. The more enthusiastic you are in the beginning the faster you will want to learn and grow. 

In the book, The New Professionals, by James W. Robinson I found out how the evolution of MLM and Network Marketing are fast becoming mainstream. There are more companies today with great products, great business plans, and great brand recognition than ever before. This book is a must read for anyone looking to get started in a home based business.

Please consider the following:

1. You can create and use your business model that takes advantage of your own skills and knowledge.

2. Many entrepreneurs, including myself, function as national and international business owners, marketing products throughout the USA and beyond--online. With our type of business, there are no territory restrictions because we register customers, and sell products directly there are no layers of distribution. This is a factory direct business.

3. Some business owners prefer to market products locally. That's OK, too, actually it's a great way to get started and let your personal circle of influence see what you are doing. It's a great way to help your community by giving back, but it can limit how much money a someone can make because you are limiting your geographic scope. Start small, but think BIG!

Our business is based on an e-commerce model. That means our buyers purchase and pay for products online. We maintain no inventory. We handle no buyer money, either.

With a home based business you are creating your Own Economy, your Own Employment, and your Own Future. 

It's never too late to get started.


Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur

I have quit, but haven't failed

I wanted to write today about being a quitter versus being a failure.  Why is it that people quit, then call themselves a failure? Failing is a one time event when you fail to complete a task in a given amount of time. If you are doing a task that doesn't have a time line, like building a home based business, it's really impossible to fail. The only way to fail is to do absolutely nothing.

I have quit many things in my life. Some things were positive and others were things I either lost interest in or took another direction. For the positive things, I've quit smoking cigarettes, quit drinking alcohol (for over 2 years), quit consuming caffeine. Sometimes it's hard to be a quitter, I've never quit building my home business. 

I was listening to a youtube video put out by Tim Sales, who is a professional MLM trainer. He gives some great arguments against the old adage that most people lose money in Network Marketing, The truth is most people quit. It's almost impossible to fail at it because building a homebased MLM business happens over time. Some people do it faster than others, but anyone who goes out and gets customers on a regular basis is a success in my book. The whole most people "lose money" in MLM is also looked at in the wrong way. In this economy most people who bought a house in the last 3 years have lost money. Does that mean that no one should buy a house? Or that home owners are a "failure"? I don't think so, most people lose money in MLM because they are not spending time/money on the activities that will bring them the returns on their investment. I have spent money on things that did not return on my investment, but I have never lost money in my business. Even in the beginning I saw that registering customers, taking orders, and building that base has paid me back every single month in residual income. To this day I still prospect and add new customers each and every month.

Check out the video below, I hope that you come to the same conclusion that I have. Most people quit most things. But to fail in Network Marketing is just not possible.




If you are going be a quitter, start today by quitting all those bad things that are holding you back, slowing you down, and keeping you from being ALL YOU CAN BE! Like Michael Jordan says....Just Do it!

-Quit procrastinating
-Quit doubting yourself
-Quit being judgmental of others
-Quit sitting around watching others be more successful
-Quit those bad habits that are ruining your health like smoking, drinking too much, eating too much.
-Quit worrying about your financial future, by building your home based business

Start today, change those habits and by the end of the week you will see positive results in your life, your business, and your relationships.

To your success!

Michael Sparks-Entrepreneur

Trends good and bad

-July 3rd, 2000 the Dow Jones closes 10,650

-July 1st 2010 the Dow Jones closes 9,686

Money invested in 2000 would be worth less now, not to mention inflation of the dollar over that same time, gasoline, energy, insurance, etc have all gone up, while the value of your dollar has gone down.

When I started my home-based business in 2000 I would never have imaged the upheaval of our current world. I just wanted a way to supplement my income, help others and become financially independent in the future. Little did I know that investing in your own business could be the opportunity of the decade. With very little money invested (less than $100) I was able to use a lot of "sweat equity" as well as learn a lot along the way to build a very profitable business.

Many people do not look at their business in the same terms as an "investment". If you read, or listen to Robert Kiyosaki you will realize that a home based business is an investment, it's a "real" business that allows anyone who is willing to spending the time learning, doing, and sharing what you learn with others to give you the leverage to become financially free. In "The Business of the 21st Century", Robert Kiyosaki describes how MLM or Network Marketing can teach you the principles of business and allow you the time to learn those principles without the risk of failure. In truth the only way to fail in MLM is to quit.

Anyone looking at a home business opportunity should read Robert's book as well as several others that are on my "recommended reading list" so that you can understand what you are getting into in an "objective" sense.

I have worked hard, but sometimes not so hard and my business has grown every year. I can say that my business grows in direct proportion to the amount of effort and time that I have given to it. Now as a middle level leader in the company I have the privilege of helping others not make the mistakes that I have made, and learn how to quickly and effectively build their home based business.

One question that I get, "what have you done to get started"? and I tell people that the goals were already set in place for me by my company. All home based companies have "higher levels of achievement", and  what I did was take the achievement milestones and turned them into goals.

Our company is unique in that we can work with Commercial and Retail business (B2B) and so we have to legs to build the business. We work with individual customers as well as dealers in our team and we work with the Commercial and Retail side. I did this simultaneously to grow the business in cash flow as well the the depth of leverage to give stability to the business.

All new distributors start in the same place, with no customers, dealers and accounts. How fast you build your business is up to you, it's how hard you work your investment to determine how fast it will grow.

It's never too late to get started with a home based business. But NOW is the time for building a better future for you and your family. If the past is any indication of our investments and the growth of the stock market, I don't have much faith in that. I do have faith that my business, built on my personal efforts will continue to grow exponentially thoughout the next decade and beyond. Finding a great company, a great product that will continue to grow in market share will be the saving grace for many people who have the desire to make a change for the better.

Here is to your investment in your future!

Michael Sparks-Entrepreneur

Understanding the Power of Social Networking

Lately the explosion of social networking sites is being touted as the next way in person to person communication. Just think it wasn't that long ago when the rotary telephone was the king of communication for about 30-40 years. In just 2-3 years online networks of people have grown at an exponential pace.

What I would like to hopefully get across today is the power of using social networks. Unlike mailing or telephone, most people that use social networks are more available than ever before. In the past staying in touch meant sending a letter or giving a phone call. It was very difficult to keep up with large groups of friends, acquaintances and colleagues from the past. Now all you have to do it to add those people to your social network and you can contact, track their activity or simply stay in touch. Anyone over 25 years old, has probably 2000 or more people that have interacted with since birth. Can you image that gradeschool friend that moved away in the 3rd grade that you always wondered what happend to them? Using a social network could have let you stay in touch with them all this time no matter where they were in the world. As long as they had a computer and logged in to that network periodically.

Secondly, social networks can put you in touch with others of like mind or interest. Maybe you are in the polictical movement or have an interest in certain kinds of cars, or music or a sport or hobby. You can, though your current friends and contact find others with similar interests. This can also be used as a business contact tool for getting in touch with new potential customers.

Right now I"m reading a book called 33 Million People in the Room, How to create, Influence, and Run a successful business with Social Networking. This book goes over the power of just 25 people in a room that could potentially connect you with 33 million others. The way this works is mind boggling, but it follows the 6 degrees of separation theory. That you are connected everyone in the world removed from 6 other people. This is why social networks can grow at an exponential rate.

You will also learn about the various social network sites, and how to use them. The author will give advantages as well as disadvantages of using each of the listed sites. I feel this book is a must read for anyone who is just starting to use one of the social networking and trying to figure all this out.

In the short couple hundred pages you will understand really undstand if using social networking to build your business is right for you. (It really should be)

My current social networking favorites are Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter. I have also used myspace in the past, but it seems more geared towards music groups than anything.

You can connect with me via social networking by checking out my pages.
http://www.facebook.com/michaelEsparks



http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsparks


http://www.twitter.com/lubedirect






Michael Sparks-Entrepreneur

Building a $1 Million a Year Business

Lets just say upfront, this post is not for someone who just wants to sell a few products to friends and family. Anyone can become an AMSOIL dealer for just $30 per year.

Continue reading if you are someone that is REALLY SERIOUS about building a large AMSOIL business that would earn in excess of One Million Dollars Per Year.

This post is for someone who desires to be the leader, the #1 money earner, the top of the company. You will be one that will sacrifice a lot in order to get what they want. The Truth is, most won't do it, they will quit, burn out, blow up or die trying. This is like a Military Battle, you don't go into battle with a "just see what happens attitude". If you don't train to fight and fight to win you are dead in battle. Your AMSOIL business should be the same. Train to Win, Work to Win, Live to Win.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT "MOST OF THE TIME!"........If you live, breathe, eat, sleep your AMSOIL business, you will be able to generate that $1,000,000 per year business.

What if you owned any other business? A business that you had invested your life savings into. You bet the farm on this business and it's a sink or swim proposition. Would you not put everything you had into making it a successful business? You would use every waking minute to MAKE IT SUCCESSFUL. I've seen small business owners work 80 hours a week. NOW THAT'S COMMITMENT!

This is the way to approach your AMSOIL business. Even though you don't have your life savings invested in it, acting like you do will bring immediate success on your part. If you are satisfied with the way your life is right now, if you think your on the gravy train. WELL MOVE OVER, I"m rolling on by you. Get out of my way. That's the attitude to have. When you are at the front, you will know it because everyone is kicking you in the behind. You said you want to build a Million dollar per year AMSOIL Business, right?

The solution: AMSOIL has more dealer programs than you can shake a stick at. You can buy products, and retail them, (that wont' make your a million). You can register preferred customers, they buy at wholesale, (that still won't make you a million either). You go around setting up Commercial and Retail-On-The-Shelf accounts, you would be getting warmer, but it won't make you a MILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR. All of these programs are there to support the dealer in building his business. Getting off the ground, is what those will do, but if you want to make it to the big time, if you want to be able to dramatically increase your earning potential by 5, by 10, by 100 by 1000. The only way to earn $1 MILLION a year is to Sponsor, Train, and Teach. Say it with me Sponsor, Train, and Teach. 

Building a high level Multilevel Marketing business requires WORK, it requires skills you don't think you have, but I can tell you now that they can be learned. Anyone with the desire, motivation, and determination can build a $1 Million per year business. According to AMSOIL's literature: "The overriding priority in our Marketing Plan is a business opportunity for AMSOIL Dealers. AMSOIL Inc. provides programs and support mechanisms to help AMSOIL Dealers earn residual income mainly through the sponsorship and training of other AMSOIL Dealers, as well as the utilization of the sales programs."

There it is folks, right from the horses mouth. The Sponsoring and Training of other AMSOIL Dealers. AMSOIL Tells it like it is. Sponsoring in the AMSOIL business is helping others get started as AMSOIL Dealers, there are millions of people out there right now that would like to find a "legitimate" way to have their own business. The AMSOIL/AGGRAND/ALTRUM product line represents a highest quality product to allow dealers the ability to build a large and profitable business, and even earn $1 Million per year. I've spoken with Mr. Amatuzio personally and he assured me there are no sales caps, no ceiling for dealers that want to earn as much as they would like. They might die trying, but AMSOIL won't hinder the success of any dealer that wants to be at the top.


Sponsor, Train, and Teach.

The Million Dollar per year business you want to develop will come by sponsoring a lot of new dealers! Sponsoring is the name of the game. When you sponsor new dealers, YOU MUST LEARN TO IDENTIFY LEADERS and work with those leaders. Look for the ones that have a tendency to "do it on their own" without you "having to hold their hand". They Order their own products, setup their own accounts, call you for questions or to help with new dealers. Leaders do what is necessary to be successful. Leaders wear their AMSOIL clothing, have signs on their vehicles and answer their phone "AMSOIL this is Michael". These are people that you want to focus on helping the most.

Training these new dealers (and old for that matter) will bring the most growth to your AMSOIL Business. Training is how the business works. Training is learning about products, customer service, registering customers, follow up, sales, and leadership. Training will take up a significant portion of time in the beginning, but will pay off by having a learned behavior that will put the tools in place for your new dealer to succeed. Many folks are smart enough to see the advantages of having an AMSOIL business, but lack the necessary skills to put in motion the things that will achieve the best results. Attending AMSOIL sponsored events is a first key step in learning about products and the way the AMSOIL business works. Next is to find tools that allow efficiency of time using tools like a computer, email, outlook, bookkeeping software, will help grow your business faster than not using those tools. Learn all you can about reaching new customers and potential dealers. Social Networking is the new "Cold Call". Learn to get the most out of your current "networks".

Teaching is how life works. "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he feeds a village". Helping others, leading by example, and giving will build your business. It's often said that "Help enough get what they want, and you will have everything you want", or "Help enough pay their bills, and your bills will disappear". Teaching is the full circle to the sponsoring process, it's like having children, you don't just have children, then leave them to their own devices, you must teach them in order for them to grow up and be productive members of society. In turn you much teach your TEAM to do those things necessary to become successful at life as well as business.

Meetings, successful high level dealers have meetings. Get organized, get folks together. Have monthly, or even weekly meetings. Encourage your dealers to bring someone new. Encourage your dealers to have their own meetings, when you get this process accomplished you now have a Direct Jobber in the makings. Attending company meetings, this is a no brain'er, but for some reason you don't see many dealers at these functions. I take this as a good sign, that means that are not very many Serious AMSOIL dealers out there. That's less competition for me, and you if you are Serious about building an AMSOIL business.

The Purpose of a meeting is to instill good sales and sponsoring habits in your TEAM that will build your AMSOIL business to the MOON. These habits are Sponsor, Train, and Teach. You could also say Prospect, Sell, Refer. Prospect for new business, sell more products, and have your happy customers refer business to you.

Work on yourself, work on being a better leader, work on training others to be better leaders. This is how you build a $1 Million dollar per year business.

DEDICATION TO YOUR BUSINESS IS THE ONLY WAY TO EARN LARGE SUMS OF MONEY! Set your goals high, work on those goals every single day. Goals are written and have an end time on them. Goals are also reasonable, meaning that it's something that you can do. Share you goals with your sponsor, your regional sales manager RSM,  your Direct Jobber and with your significant other. If you don't share your goals, you may be reaching too low, or have to lower your expectations a bit. Sharing goals with your spouse can make a huge impact on your business (both good and bad) having your spouse on board will help with your self esteem, help you have the vision and the motivation to achieve those goals, on the other hand not sharing those goals can cause resentment, or strained relationships because they don't understand why, or what you are doing. Write your goals, and share them with others. This is a must to build a $1 Million per year business.


Getting Serious about your business only requires one thing. That's for YOU to set in motion the factors of success.

THERE ARE NO LIMITS AS TO HOW BIG YOUR BUSINESS CAN BE! You and you alone are the limiting factor. In the next 5 years, synthetic oil, organic fertilizer and nutritional supplements will grow by 5 by 10 by 100 who knows? The thing that I know is that the business that I create will be growing by 5 by 10 by 100 by 1000. Remember the dial telephone? Remember when cell phones first came out and were basically the size of a brick and only rich people had them? How many hundred thousands of percent growth has the cell phone industry grown? Your business will grow like that if you let it.

Last thought, How much money were you making 5 years ago? Are you still in the same place you were? Are you begging for a 5 cent raise? Or are do you wake up wondering if you will be outsourced, downsized, or even fired? How can you live a life like that?  Do you think that 3 to 5 years of concentrated, persistent effort will change your current situation? Do you think there are others out there in that exact situation? Do you think they could use your help, your guidance your leadership and your friendship?

SPONSOR, TRAIN, and TEACH.








Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur
Think and Grow Rich

Stay At Home Dads, breaking the Stereotype

Recently watched a CNN news article about all the out of work and stay at home Dads that were having a hard time making it work. The article set light on the fact that these Dad's were sometimes treated as outcasts or stereotyped that the man should be the bread winner in the family.


Since 1996 after an 8 year stint in the ARMY as an active duty Saxophone player I've been basically a stay at home dad. I've worked several jobs yes but nothing in the "bread winner" category. Prior to my divorce in 2005 my wife was the main bread winner. What I had found was there was really nothing that I wanted to do more than to be able to be there for my family. I wanted to be the one that could show up at school functions, or pick up and take to dance lessons etc. I feel this has shaped the relationship between myself and my daughter more than anything. I guess I'm her "steady"-- the person that's always there when needed.

I've been the lonely man at many a dance recital where it was mostly moms. Good thing I'm not shy, I've had many an interesting conversation with other moms.

Where I think the article lacks is the fact that many dads can get more done. They can cook, clean, mow the yard, change oil in the cars, help with homework and be a positive role model for children in a world where the father is often times absent.

There is a great book that Dave Ramsey recommends called Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.  This book is a great place to find answers for those new stay at home dads. The companion book to this is Boys Should Be Boys: 7 Secrets to Raising Healthy Sons by Meg Meeker as well.

If your a stay at home dad, put these 2 books on your summer reading list.

If there is ever a better time to become a stay at home dad now is the time. There are many areas that stay at home dads could put a positive impact on the family unit. Some of these include, finding ways to reduce expenses, networking in the local area, volunteering, as well as maybe starting that dream job you've always wanted to do.

There has never been a better time for guys to start a new career. For a couple years after my Army Career I bounced around from several part time jobs, I went to school, until one day I stumbled upon my dream job. I had always wanted to have my own business. Being a stay at home dad allowed my the time to do things that most people don't have the time or the energy to do. I was able to learn new skills (on my own mind you) like basic HTML, networking, sales, and business development. Setting off on my new found career gave me the motivation to keep on going, and working toward being financially independent by the time I was 40.

I have never followed the stereotypical stay at home dad. I've been able to go out during the day when my children were in school working when I could and being there for them. It is my hope that maybe a stay at home dad, that isn't feeling so happy out being at home reads this. Maybe they too could make the change of a life time as well as impact the lives of those that matter most--their children. Besides that learning the new skills of starting and operating a "home based business" could give that stay at home dad the ability to once again be the bread winner.

Since my divorce in 2005 I've been able to continue to be a stay at home dad and with a teenager being able to keep the bill collectors at bay is no easy feat. With the help of Dave Ramsey and The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness I was able to reduce my expenses, increase my income and still be there for her.  I have been the custodial parent since 2007. And I have many a gray hair to prove it. 

In the future as my daughter is about to graduate I feel like I'm in a great position to be able to continue to impact and give support to her. Since I won't be a stay at home dad any longer I will have to reclassify as a Financially Independent Home Business Owner. I'm looking forward to the day, when I can leave town for as long as I want, travel with the people that I want and work with as well as enjoy life like others only dream of. Like Dave Ramsey says. "I've lived like no other, so that now I can live like no other."

Please feel free to comment on my article. If you have a stay at home dad story, please share it.

In closing as I have been able to be the stay at home dad, I've also finished a career in the National Guard with over 21 years of service, I've bought my own home as well as saved for retirement, and have a good emergency savings. While I'm not quite debt free yet, its on my list of accomplishment in the next few years.

Wish me luck.

Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur

The Go-Giver Book Review

Just finished reading The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann.

What an exciting and easy to read book. As a seasoned sales professional I wasn't sure what this book would bring me, but I received as a gift and a recommendation from a business partner. I can tell you I was not disappointed.

On the front of the book there is a sub-title that says: " A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea"

What this tells me is that the book is in story format, as opposed to just a learning book that is full of abstract ideas and details. This books helps you learn the basic concept of learning to be a giver so that you can receive more in return.


Most sales people are always thinking how they can get something from someone, maybe a new sale, or maybe a lead from the people. It's very hard to have the right mindset that the more you help others, the more it helps you, and this book helps you understand that.

There are Five Laws of Stratospheric Success.

#1. The Law of Value- Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.

#2. The Law of Compensation- Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well  you serve them.

#3. The Law of Influence- Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place others people's interests first.

#4. The Law of Authenticity- The most valuable gift  you have to offer is yourself.

#5. The Law of Receptivity- the key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

After reading hundreds of books on sales, success, leadership and such. I would recommend this a new person just starting out. It's easy to read and only 125 pages.

This book is on "Michael's Reading List" located on the right side in the links section. It's my top recommendation for beginners and for those that don't read well.


Here is to your success!

Michael Sparks--Entrepreneur and Go-Giver.

Ying and Yang, Success and Failure, Give and Receive

You want success don't you? You want to know that what you are doing right now in your business, life, and relationships will pay off....Well I'm here to tell you they won't, at least not all of them, at least not right away.

Life if full of opposites. That is just they way it is. These are things you cannot change and even to ponder why will make your head spin. I say just don't do it. Don't wonder these things of "why". Why this, why that, why me. Why, why, why....

Can you have light without darkness? I don't think so.

Can you have Love without hate? I just love love love all the time, I think they would lock you up.

Can you have success without failure? I haven't seen it. At some point we all fail. The question is will we get the skills, the knowledge, the perserverence to get past the failure and go on to even bigger and better things?

Many people are living Zombies, going day to day because they are afraid to try something new and fail at it. I'm here to tell you if you don't try and fail you will be a zombie for the rest of your life, then look back and wonder where did my life go.

The law of reciprocity is that have to give in order to receive. While this may be true, you cannot just keep on giving without having the ability to receive what others are offering. Once you have trained  yourself to open up and be able to receive, then you will see that you are in an even bigger position to give.

I cannot explain this exactly, but I do believe it to be true. Life is about giving, but also receiving. These acts are the foundation of life, the interaction with the human species and all things in nature. 

Practice this principle and you will see your results multiply. Practice receiving what others are offering, they are doing it I promise, it's human nature.

Excerpt from "The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg and John David Mann:



"What I'm here to sell you on is you."

"People, remember this: no matter what your training, no matter what your skills, no matter what area you're in, you are your most important commodity. The most valuable gift you have to offer is you."

"Reaching any goal you set takes ten percent specific knowledge or technical skills----ten percent, max. The other ninety-plus is people skills."

"And what's the foundation of all people skills? Liking People? Caring about people? Being a good listener? Those are all helpful, but they're not the core of it. The core of it is who you are. It starts with you."

"As long as you're trying to be someone else, or putting on some act or behavior someone else taught you, you have no possibility of truly reaching people. The most valuable thing you have to give people is yourself. No matter what you think you're selling, what you're really offering is you."

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This is so powerful, right here say all that really matters. This isn't self centered, but it's what you have to offer. Getting a job, starting a business, meeting a new friend, it's all what you bring to the table.

The question I ask, is can you work on being a better you?

Of Course you can. Reading the books, interacting with others, learning how to be yourself will help you.

We are all "individuals" in a connected world. How you interact with others will determine your success.


Here's to your success.

Michael Sparks

Learning from your Mentor

Are you experiencing the successes in life that you would like? Or are you stuck in a rut? The biggest and easiest thing that I have found is to find a mentor. A mentor is someone who you would like to be like, someone that you share common interests with. Once you determine who this could be, interview them to find out if their life is really something you would want to emulate. If it is, then proceed to work with them often.

Here is the definition from Wikipedia: Mentorship refers to a personal developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps a less experienced or less knowledgeable person.

I have had many mentors in my life, some from way back in school days, and others like my parents and relatives that I looked up too. I believe you should have several people and take their experiences to combine a unique YOU.

As your relationship grows with your mentor, they should be growing and learning from you as well. Human interaction will bring this about in all relationships.

It's your life and you get out of it what you put into it. If you are not where you think you should be, find a mentor. Start right now.

www.michaelesparks.com