On the flight home from my fabulous holiday weekend in Chicago yesterday, I read an excellent article written by sportscaster and NFL superstar, Jerome Bettis. I've always admired Jerome Bettis, on the field and off. Jerome exuded a certain confidence and energy while he played ball and he continues to do it now that he is off the field..the brotha' is BAD! I don't know Jerome personally, but based on a few articles he's written and a great interview I watched the other day...I'm "feelin" Mr. Bettis and his positive outlook on life.
The article I read on the plane is titled, "Learn, Earn, Return" and it's in the August issue of Ebony Magazine. Jerome called it the 'Winning Formula for Life", and I couldn't agree more! The article focused on the three stages of life-the first is to learn; the second is to earn; and the third is to return. Jerome went on to explain how in the first stage we go through the learning process-we learn to walk and talk, then we go on to school to get an education, which culminates with graduation. He called this the main part of the first stage-the learning stage. The second stage is the earning stage, this is where we "get out of our parent's pockets" and take the things we LEARNED and turn it into what we EARN. Here we start a career, start a family, provide for our families and earn a place in life. This is the stage where we really understand that nothing is given, we must EARN IT!!
The last stage, this third stage of this winning formula is called-RETURN. This is where we take what we learned and what we've earned and put it to good use. We share our wealth of information, lessons, experiences and even some of what we earn (Charities, tithes, donations, etc.) with others. The return stage is where you can really change lives! Because of this, I agree with Jerome...the third stage is where you make a difference for others, the most important stage. It is in the third stage that you get your true fulfillment.
The three stages of the winning formula will not only apply to your life, but also to your business. I couldn't help but apply these same principles to how I should look at the building of my network marketing business. In the first stage, we learn-we sign up with our company and begin the learning process. This is the stage where we must become "educated" about what our company has to offer. This stage can be the most challenging because we are usually not making much money at this point. The real value of this stage is in the lessons, the experiences and the learnings. Once we get more comfortable with what we LEARN, we move on to EARN with our companies. It's during the earning stage that we begin to take things more seriously and build a strong confidence about the company and the products or services. The last stage, the RETURN stage is where we share all that we know, this is where we really step up and realize our true ability to change lives. We must give back to others in this stage through training, coaching and supporting.
All three stages are necessary and important. You can't get to the return part without first learning. You can't get to the earning stage without learning. Be willing to go through all three stages confidently, never giving up.
I love Jerome's quote, "A lot of people thing success is your ability to become successful, but I disagree...I believe that success is your ability to make others successful".
On the flight home from my fabulous holiday weekend in Chicago yesterday, I read an excellent article written by sportscaster and NFL superstar, Jerome Bettis. I've always admired Jerome Bettis, on the field and off. Jerome exuded a certain confidence and energy while he played ball and he continues to do it now that he is off the field..the brotha' is BAD! I don't know Jerome personally, but based on a few articles he's written and a great interview I watched the other day...I'm "feelin" Mr. Bettis and his positive outlook on life. 
