The Mind of Vatke
Thoughts, Musings and Advice by Andre Vatke

“If people only knew how hard I work to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.”

- Michelangelo (1475–1564) Italian painter and sculptor

Too many times I have heard people express their envy at the success or appearant talents of others. “It’s easy for them,” or “I’m not like so and so,” they say as an excuse to why they shouldn’t try as hard.

An even worse trap is to assume that anything you want to master or accomplish must be easy. I’ve seen many people end dejected, confused or even blissfully ignorant of the work-mastery paradigm. This causes them to frequently switch companies, training methods, products, all costing more and more money yet delivering little tangible progress in return.

One rule I have found nearly constant in almost 40 years on this planet is that things worth having don’t usually come easy. The skill or talent to build a business, build relationships or even just create a work of art don’t just fall from the sky. They must be nurtured, honed and exercised to get stronger and this takes a certain amount of personal discipline.

Personal discipline is one of those things we hate to talk about but in all reality it probably the most important skill we could master. It’s personal discipline that’s the driving force behind all personal growth and any mastery of skill. What others see as natural and easy is often the result of pushing ourselves when no one was looking.

Google announced higher than expected quarterly earnings today - even as growth in paid search slowed.

Google's earnings show that marketers and searchers are finding a mutual benefit in search. Though caution should be exercised on behalf of small budget marketers such as network marketing distributors as the learning curve for running a successful Adwords campaign can often be costly.

A successful PPC effort needs to balance the ad and keyword selection with the landing page and offer into a seamless line of thought. High CTR's are simply not enough. The marketer must understand what the searcher is looking for when they enter a keyword search and be able to clearly communicate a solution.

“A Black Belt is not invincible, but they won’t go down without a fight.”

- Julian Vatke (Age 11, Black Belt)

My son recently earned his Black Belt. As part of the process he had to write a short essay about what a Black Belt means to him. I love this quote because even as others see a Black Belt in an almost mythical superhero light, he recognizes that anyone is vulnerable. Having a Black Belt simply represents years of dedicated training.

It’s this training that allows a person to face a dangerous situation with confidence. Knowing that you are not invincible, in fact, knowing just how vulnerable you really can be, is something most people don’t really appreciate. This knowledge brings with it a certain humility and respect. As Julian put it, it’s easier to treat people right than it is to fight.

In business and in life, we are not immune from the effects of the world around us. By learning necessary skills, understanding the nature of our business, the keys to it’s success, we empower ourselves to win. And even if we cannot win, we know we won’t go down without a fight. It’s that very attitude that permeates every fiber of every successful person I have ever talked to. It’s never too late or too early to stoke that ember within our soul.

If you want to see a short 3 minute video compilation of his 2+ hour test - including the disarming of a grown man with a knife - visit his YouTube posting.

In our most recent marketing study, we found an alarming trend - success rates for network marketing are going down.

Now there are plenty of guru’s and trainers that will conjecture as to why this may be and even those who would deny it altogether. But it’s real and we know why it’s happening…

Looking at the data we find tangible clues as to what’s happening.

Those with the greatest amount of success – sponsoring the greatest number of people – were the ones that had the most balanced marketing approach. They included both online and offiline activities. Interestingly, those with the most people sponsored rated connecting with their warm market as one of the most important elements.

On the other hand - those with the least success – often not having sponsored anyone in the previous six months – were the most optimistic on new media tools like social networks and web sites. They tended to rate as important the very things the successful rated as less important.

It would be dangerous to construe this as a problem with the tools when it’s really an issue of understanding what makes network marketing work in the first place.

By focusing on getting visible, network marketers have taken up mainstream business tactics without the advantages a mainstream business brings with it – such as an exclusive product, a specific geographical location or even complete control of their product message.

The advantage of network marketing – its core strength – is in a business model that’s duplicatable by many. High-visibility marketing methods may work for some but by the very nature of network marketing they don’t work for most.

The key then in using technology, web sites, social networks and the like is in viewing them as you would any other communication tool. Look at them as a way to communicate with your existing prospects (both warm and cold market) rather than a way to generate leads or attract prospects. The latter may come in time and practice, but it’s the first that’s actually duplicatable.

The focus on duplication hinges on the ability to communicate. It’s not about forcing every conversation into a prospecting situation – that’s more of that typical advice that doesn’t work. Instead, learn how to recognize prospecting situations and then connect with the prospects specific wants.

To help you learn how to do that – without investing a lot of money – we’ve created a brand new 7 Day Plan. In it you’ll learn over 2 dozen specific strategies and techniques that will enable you to quickly create a profitable and duplicatable network marketing business. You can check it out for just $1.

Learn more about or 7 Day Plan for Network Marketers

It’s easy to underestimate the value of knowledge.

Warren Buffet was asked not too long ago what investments were the most important during this economic recession. His response was that the most important investment you could make was in yourself. Looking at the 48% decline in my mutual fund portfolio since 2001 his point becomes all too clear.

But how often do we take for granted what we know or get lazy in developing our minds?

Knowledge is so powerful and such a good investment because it has no expiration date. You can’t get taxed on it and no one can take it away. Therefore any knowledge that empowers you to improve business, build connections, communicate better, or develop a valuable skill is something that has the power to continue to pay off even if you lost everything.

Here’s a prime example…

On Saturday my 11 year old son will be testing for his Black Belt in a Mixed Martial Art and Self-Defense System. He’s been training for about 3 years. And I can’t say that he’s been eager for every training session. Like most 8 to 11 year olds, his enthusiasm waxes and wanes with his attention span.

But he’s learned a valuable lesson - a lesson I wish I would have had at the same age. And that is that you won’t always be motivated to go after goals. In fact, I overheard him tell his sister that, “It won’t always be fun, but if you stick with it, it will be fun again.” That’s a lesson a lot of adults haven’t learned – that the pursuit of a goal isn’t always fun – that you have to give something up to gain something but in the end you do it because it’s MORE than worth it.

He’s also learned another valuable lesson…

That in pursuing a Black Belt, it’s not the belt that’s valuable; it’s the knowledge in his head and the skill he’s gained by repeatedly applying that knowledge. And there’s no shortcut for that. Buying a belt at a martial arts store won’t get you the knowledge or skill – only years of training will. You only get there by going through the process – cheat and you only cheat yourself.

Don’t hold back on gaining knowledge. Because once you have it, no one can take it from you. Apply it, and it can be worth gold.

What happens when bad advice from a so-called expert lands you in trouble?

Information is easy to come by in the Internet age. That’s both good and bad news for business owners and network marketers.

Around every corner, in every Google search, there’s the promise of another solution to any question we may pose. Some of the information is good, a lot of it isn’t. As a business owner, knowing the difference is your responsibility.

=> Read more!

Ever wonder who you can really trust in network marketing?

On Ann Sieg’s “7 Great Lies” website she features a prominent testimonial by Barry Burns – of Life Force fame, stating…

“Finally, after 20 years in the MLM industry, you are the first person I’ve found who isn’t afraid to contradict all of the old, worn-out marketing methods. Of course the truth is those traditional methods never worked for most people anyway”

Now most people are familiar with Leaders Club extensive mentoring of Ann. Even according to Ann, straight talk about what does and does not work in network marketing, is what makes Leaders Club so attractive…

“That is the beauty of Leaders Club. What we teach are market tested strategies that work. It’s not the idea of the week club but rather proven field tested strategies that allows you to, “Build Your Business by Design Rather Than Chance!"” - Ann Sieg (1/17/2007)

By itself, the testimonial loop is amusing. Maybe Barry Burns didn’t know and even if he did, perhaps it was his first encounter with someone teaching non-traditional methods of marketing.

Until you learn that…

From the years 2002 to 2007 Barry Burns had not 1, not 2 but 6 Leaders Club accounts – 4 of them ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Maybe Barry didn’t get what he was looking for in Leaders Club, but then why 4 accounts at the same time? Some of these accounts earned over $500 a month! So he was telling others – though in fairness I don’t remember Barry’s activities.

Look, I love testimonials. I love using them in marketing. Used correctly they can make a huge difference. But in a Web 2.0 world, do we need to think twice about the credibility or genuineness of testimonials?

In many ways, when a leader endorses something – anything (network marketing or not) you should fire up a little BS checking program. If someone is making money on a product or service you would expect them to give a glowing review. But the reviews that matter most are from those who are not earning money – where what they say about the product or service is untainted by financial motive.

A little something to think about in the new Web 2.0 world!

“To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.”

- William Hazlitt (1778-1830) English Essayist

Life doesn’t always work the way we’d like it to. If we had our way life our be fair, easy and a lot more fun. But it doesn’t usually work out like that. Life is a journey and it’s continuously changing. Our options seem to be to get good at changing (growing) or get good at complaining.

This quote made reminded me of how important our relationships are. I know people who have few lasting relationships. Few friends that have lasted through time. It’s a clear sign that something is wrong.

When you look at your lasting relationships you realize that to have them you have to swallow a bit of your pride and ego. You have to be able to compromise, care about the other persons thoughts, situation and feelings. And you have to be do this in the face of the possibility that it may backfire of you - with the other person using your kindness as leverage against you. (We cross that bridge when we come to it.)

The same personality and communication traits that allow for lasting personal relationship are the same ones that allow our leadership ability. Good prospectors, marketers and leaders are able to empathize with others and communicate that with them.

Are you impressed with people showing you checks, account snapshots or telling you how many people would pay them big bucks for advice?

If so, you’re in for a lot of network marketing disappointments.

Here’s why…

Gurus and the 'get-rich-quick' crowd love to use those things to distract their readers from something – usually something big and important. Like a hunter distracts his prey with a lure, they hope you don't notice obvious holes in logic and contradictions.

Here’s a prime example I recently stumbled on…

=> Read more!

Ever see a video like this?

Sitting in his rocking chair, swaying back and forth, the camera held loosely in his lap, a gruff middle age man, with a full wooly beard, a ball cap and tinted glasses begins to talk about the role of attraction marketing in network marketing. "You have to attract people to yourself..." he paused, momentarily losing his train of thought, the camera rocking with the motion of the chair, "...then people will want to join your downline."

Video’s like this are becoming more and more common. It’s a good try, but largely ineffective in generating interested prospects or even more importantly, in building credibility.

They are a symptom of what may be the biggest misunderstanding (or con job) to ever hit the network marketing industry.

=> Read more!

Network marketers like to tell people that their business is immune from recession. But is this really true?

Longaberger announced yesterday that it was laying off another 300 workers due to soft sales they attribute to the current economic conditions. This brings their employee count down below 1500 employees from their peak of 8000 just a few years ago. Company executives will also be taking pay cuts to help the company weather the storm.

The reality is that Longaberger’s product, like many network marketing company products, is not an essential for customers. In a time where everyone seems to be cutting expenses, luxury items and those products easily replaced with cheaper version are the first to go.

What can a network marketer do to deal with this?

In a post today titled, “PR And Today's Social Marketing Media Frenzy,” Glenn Burks points out that customer service has become a lost art. With Wal-Marts and chain stores driving out traditional local stores, business has gotten more impersonal.

Oh sure there is the trained friendliness when you walk into a Bath and Bodyworks but that’s no substitute for a shopkeeper that actually knows you. Bath and Bodyworks is rumored to be headquartered in my hometown of New Albany OH – the quintessential mid-west upscale small town. The back of every bottle says so! Only problem is that that the address used does not have an actual building! There isn’t even a Bath and Bodyworks store in New Albany!

Today’s customer is craving real interaction and genuine customer service – not a façade built on the input of marketing research and focus groups. We all want the real thing. And network marketing can deliver that better today than any other business. Too bad most networking companies don’t mention it – much less train their people in exemplary customer service.

I’ve been getting more spam lately.

Not the kind we have all come to expect – the large-scale offshore crap our spam filters catch – but the kind that smells of desperate marketers acting on bad advice.

This kind of spam often comes direct from the marketer email account rather than a service. Often they mail a poorly written letter to past contacts or people they find online in forums or on social networks as if they were long lost buddies. Often they do it making the most amateur mistake of all: adding all their contacts to the TO: field.

In a blog post last week, Glenn Burks noted that with a bit of sarcasm: "In this day and age with all the trojans and viruses out there just to do a blanket broadcast to everyone in your address book, real smart and really professional looking."

Another variation of this is the marketer who joins a new social network only to have the network send invitations to everyone on their list – even if they are not legitimate contacts. In one example I received repeated invitations from a user going by ‘blindguy55’ to join various social networks. After a bit of research I discover that the reason I’m on this guys email list is because he was terminated from a Leaders Club service for sending tens of thousands of unsolicited emails – against our usage terms.

Why in the year 2009, would anyone still be resorting to sending spam?

=> Read more!

In the next 8 minutes I’m going to save you no less than $100 by exposing the latest lame marketing trick that will soon be a favorite of renegades and hucksters across the Internet.

The newest in black-hat marketing/traffic generation is a software service called TweetTornado (thanks to ThreatChaos for bringing it to our attention).

Here’s how it works...

=> Read more!

If you’ve been struggling to get your network marketing recruiting or marketing system to provide an actual commission check, you’re not alone.

Statistics indicate that the majority of those involved in network marketing are not earning a profit – and it’s not the fault of network marketing!

According to Web Marketing Expert and Leaders Club Trainer Glenn Burks, “Most people who buy into a system have no idea how to use that system.”

Most people are not aware of the fact that there are actually two types of systems…

=> Read more!

There is a mantra that is heard in network marketing companies large and small that network marketing is not like traditional business.

Yet to hear some popular trainers talk about it, you would easily confuse traditional business marketing with network marketing.

I believe that’s one reason the failure rate for network marketing entrepreneurs is going up, not down.

You see, the confusion comes from the fact that while the principles of traditional business (providing benefit, customer service, understanding prospects) transfer into network marketing, the practices of traditional advertising and mass lead generation do not.

Here’s why…

=> Read more!

Seventy-three percent of the people who die on Mt. Everest do so on the way DOWN. You see, success is not a summit. You won't find it on the pinnacle of the mountain. Rather, success is determined in everything you do, in every action you take. And once you embrace it, you can enjoy it for the rest of your life.

The good news is that you're not on your own.

Read More: Do You Have A Sherpa?