Stick With Katie: Ms. Fredricksen’s Guide to Balance

In an industry dominated by females, women need not stick together to win, they simply need to identify their goals, pursue them with passion, and embrace the concept of community.  No one understands this clear-cut path to success better than Lifemax Independent Distributor and Global Director, Katie Fredricksen.  And that’s exactly why Katie is our July/August Spotlight Leader of the Month!  Hear her story of balancing love, life, and Lifemax, find out why being a workaholic isn’t so bad, and discover Katie’s favorite new saying in her below article.

In March of 2009 my husband, Cully, and I made a decision to put our home on the market as we, like so many others, had been adversely affected by the economy. This was not a move we were thrilled about but is what we needed to do.  We were introduced to Lifemax that spring and joined the company in May and have never looked back.

Although the business potential was what first interested me in Lifemax, I would not have joined the company had I not felt passionately about Mila.  Not only have people in my own family received amazing health benefits, but I continue to hear new stories every day that fuel my excitement and passion. Lives have truly been changed through eating this food. The stories I hear are powerful and moving and if you stay with us long enough, you will hear them, too. Or perhaps you already have your own story to share…

The money that we have earned has also been incredible. For most of my life I have been an independent contractor in the field of corporate training, executive coaching and teambuilding. I have enjoyed working with people and helping them to work together more effectively, and am grateful for all I have learned. However, the availability of this work has been inconsistent, never quite giving me the opportunity to create a steady income or to hone my skills in a way that was meaningful to me. With Lifemax, my income is not only steady, but growing all the time. I am confident and passionate about working with other distributors and prospects. I believe in what I do and in what I have to offer. And, the love and support I get in return is unparalleled for me in my work life. That has been such a gift.

Which brings me to the concept of community. Being an independent contractor, I had communities of people with whom I worked, but often saw them once or twice a year. In Lifemax, I have made many new friends and have re-connected with or re-energized friendships I already had, and I get to do this again and again every day.  We support each other, cheer each other on, learn from and teach one another.  Amazing people are drawn to this work, and I think especially to this company and this product.  This work is not for everyone, but for those who stick around, there is so much to gain.  My new favorite saying is “I don’t stick with the winners, I win with the stickers.”  So for all of you stickers out there, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around real soon!

Finally, I am grateful for the love and continued support that I get every day from my husband, Cully and my son, Austin. I hear over and over again how fortunate I am to have the support of those I love the most, and believe me, I know!  Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky, and that makes the road so much harder. I must confess that I can be a bit of a workaholic.  (My father would be so proud as he knew full well the excitement of loving what you do!)  Since I really do love this work, there are times when I can (and sometimes do) work all day long and well into the night. Cully and Austin are endlessly patient with me, make me laugh, and every now and then drag me away from my office and out to dinner and a movie! So thank you both for reminding me about the importance of having balance in my life.

Oh, and I almost forgot to say that we took our house off the market last summer and live there very happily and comfortably now!  Thanks to Lifemax.  One day soon, you can come and visit us in our dream apartment in Paris.  But that is another story…

Brian Bilbro on Building a Booming Business

Global Directors Brian and Meredith Bilbro exemplify what organizational leadership is all about.  They are fervent advocates when it comes to the needs of the people within their organization.  They have lived the network marketing industry at a high level and understand the importance of “skills & systems”.  Get to know Brian and Meredith Bilbro this month as we spotlight their leadership!

Brian Bilbro attributes much of their success to being teachable and they have therefore become great coaches to the leaders within their organization.  As founding distributors, Brian and Meredith were the first voices of the Company as they made the ultimate commitment to drop everything else going on in their lives to help Jim and Sherri Wear create the foundation for what is now the amazing global network marketing opportunity offered through Lifemax.  They understand that Leaders lead by example and that Leaders are “Momentum Creators”. 

Brian and Meredith set an amazing example and create momentum in their business every day.  Brian sums up his perspective on the business by saying, “It is an absolute pleasure to be working with such great people here at Lifemax. I’m looking forward to the continued growth of the business as we expand globally to help people all over the world realize their potential.  The relationships that we have formed are of the highest quality and the things that we have learned are simply amazing.  I think that anyone and everyone should have an opportunity to experience this.”

Brian continued by saying, “We’ve been blessed to have been here with Lifemax since day one when it was just a vision and an idea. We moved to Orlando in November of 2007, and it has proven to be the journey of a lifetime.” Brian thanks Lifemax founders Jim and Sherri Wear for their trust and belief in him, allowing him to come in and help them get the job done when it came to helping them put together a company he believes is destined for greatness.

Brian’s incredible love, respect, and belief he has for the industry is evident in everything he does. He views it as a privilege. The privilege that this industry gives him to help, mentor and lead people to a better tomorrow for them and their families. This is what drives him everyday. “As a leader in this industry, you must have a pure heart, you cannot ‘fake it’, people will expose you quickly if you are not sincere, and I absolutely love that about our industry. I just love getting up everyday working with like-minded people all joined together on a common mission to Change the Health and Wealth of the World.  This is a business of knowing that what you give, you will receive”, states Brian.

Referring to what is happening in our industry and at Lifemax, Brian points out, “I know we may never see this “perfect storm” again. To catch an 18-month-old network marketing company like Lifemax at this time in the history of their growth curve and inside of what is predicted to be a 500 billion dollar industry within the next 4 to 5 years, is unbelievable to me.”

He contends the next few years will go down in history as the “boom years” of this industry and those business-minded entrepreneurs that recognize this, who position themselves accordingly and take massive action, will create life changing wealth for themselves and many people around them. Brian encourages others to consider this business as a better way by stating, “Lifemax gives people hope, even in down economic times. It’s truly a better way as long as you are willing to share the story, business and product with the world.”

Lastly, Brian’s philosophy and message he wants people to take away from his leadership is: “Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with bettering his own life and the lives of others.”

Paul Caldwell: Insights From A True Leader

Founding Distributor Paul Caldwell is known by distributors world-wide as a top Lifemax leader.  Not only does he host a high-impact weekly blastoff “Go Director” webinar, produce top-tier network marketing training materials, lead and present at distributor-hosted events, and avail himself regularly to thousands of Lifemax distributors, but he is also the person responsible for creating a large majority of the Largest Promotion in Lifemax History:  The Prosperity Promotion!  Dedicated to your success, Paul Caldwell offered up the following words of wisdom to the Lifemax family.

As we move well into the second quarter of this year, the amazing growth story of Lifemax continues. There are a few important things to be aware of as we grow:

The first is about “change”. If you want to create a higher level of achievement in your life, change is required. After all, if nothing changes – nothing changes. You have to decide to make the change. The change might be focused on one little thing or maybe it needs to be accomplished through a series of minor changes. Or, it might be one big change. Just decide, commit and execute. YES, YOU CAN.

The second is about growth. As we grow and become less obscure and more popularized, we will enjoy the benefits of growth. We will also experience people that want to “knock us off the ladder”. People do and say things for their own reasons. After all, people are people and sometimes good sense is not part of their personal constitution. 

Sometimes, people are well-intentioned but just uneducated when they try to knock you off of the ladder. No matter the reason, when someone tries to knock you off of your ladder to success, just hold tight, dig in and build. The company will continue to grow. If you allow yourself to be knocked off of your ladder to success, only you lose. You see, the Dogs bark but the Caravan moves on.

The third is about activity. To achieve a high level of success with this business, it is necessary to engage in a practice of consistent daily revenue producing activities. Some of the key activities are:

1. A fast start is a good start if your goal is to build big. Do a 48 Hour Review New Distributor Orientation with your Sponsor. Make a huge list and call everyone on it and introduce them to this amazing opportunity immediately.
2. Share this opportunity with at least three new people every day.
3. Do at least one in-home or in-office Private Small Group Presentation every week. Get your next three scheduled now and build towards them.
4. Do daily recaps of your daily revenue producing activities with your Sponsor or Upline Leadership.
5. Attend all events. You have terrific opportunities coming up to build towards the next two “Go Diamond” events. See the events section of the corporate website for details and pre-registration.

Finally, please remember that–although the window for the Prosperity Promotion has closed–this promotion extends for an entire year after your enrollment (as long as you enrolled between 01 February 2010 and 01 May 2010 AND you became qualified by the closing of your qualification window, AND you meet all Prosperity Promotion terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements). If eligible, I strongly encourage you to not miss out on participating in this amazing promotion.

To your success,

~PC

“Go Diamond” Training with Chris Prefontaine

Chris Prefontaine, an established leader and Lifemax’s first Diamond Executive, has helped others in his team to achieve their personal goals, whether it is rank, income or more free time. The “Go Diamond” training is intended to help all independent distributors to realize their full potential and achieve success in their Lifemax business.

As an internationally recognized entrepreneur, Chris is an 18-year veteran of the real estate industry, working as an agent, coach and trainer. After selling his business, Chris found his way into network marketing and spent three years being coached and mentored by one of the industry’s top income earners globally. He has used that experience to coach and mentor others so that they too can literally design lifestyles beyond what they thought they could in the conventional business world. He resides in Newport, Rhode Island with his wife and children.

Kimmy Everett’s Go Diamond DOs and DON’Ts

Kimmy Everett, one of Lifemax’s only 2 Diamond Directors, is a fearless leader.  After working alongside Diamond Director Chris Prefontaine and several other Lifemax leaders to host our first Go Diamond event last month in Hawaii, Kimmy is back to business (we don’t think she ever rests!)  We caught up with Kimmy and asked her to share some of the wisdom that has made her so successful as a Lifemax distributor.  Take a few moments to read her Go Diamond DOs and DON’Ts, and you can be on your path to Diamond Director, too!

5 Go Diamond DOs

1.  Choose success. Failure is not an option. When things get tough, remember why Lifemax spoke to you initially and recommit yourself every time you hit a bump in the road to choosing success.
2.  Read everything you can get your hands on! “Beach Money” by Jordan Adler, “45-second Presentation” by Don Failla, “Your First Year in Network Marketing” by Mark and Renee Yarnell, and all of John Maxwell’s books. Never stop educating yourself as you grow in this business.
3.  Run with leaders. Surround yourself with winners! We are the company we keep.
4.  Focus on building the checks of those in your downline and your check will grow too. 
5.  Continuously work on being the very best YOU! Personal growth will be the golden ticket to your success.

5 Go Diamond DON’Ts

1.  Don’t take cheap advice. Never listen to those who have either failed in the industry or have no experience in the industry! Seek the advice of those who are successful!
2.  Don’t create your own system. Follow the system that’s in place and stay right on the center line.
3.  Don’t compare yourself to others; it will only slow you down. Stay focused on your goals, not someone else’s.
4.  Don’t get attached to the outcome of a prospect. If timing is right for them, great! If not, that’s ok too, simply move on.
5.  Don’t say too much! Get your prospect to the message. Don’t try to be the message. It will only hurt you!

About Kimmy Everett:

On June 1^st 2009, my life changed in a way I never expected it to.  I was working as a fundraiser in a private school in Honolulu, Hawaii and pretty much expected to be there for the next 15 years of my life. But on that day, I became a distributor with Lifemax, and I’ve never looked back.

For the first month with the company I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and I remember vividly the day I was put in touch with Chris Prefontaine towards the end of June. He sent me an email that helped me shift my whole perception of how to run my business. This is now known as the infamous “getting started” email.

I followed every step suggested on that email. I tapped into all the trainings suggested, I read all the books listed, I became a sponge.

People will often ask, “How did you achieve your success?” and I tell them there are a few key components.

First, I believed in Mila wholeheartedly because of my own personal experience from eating it. That belief was evident to everyone I began to share it with, and share it with EVERYONE, I did.

Second, I was willing to follow the steps exactly that were suggested to me by Lifemax Independent Distributor Chris Prefontaine. I’d like to send out a special thanks to Chris for all he has done for my team and me. I would not have gotten to where I am without him!

Third, I had tremendous support from both Todd, my boyfriend, and Hailey, my daughter, that allowed me to take the risk of quitting a very stable job to be able to go for this 100%! Without that support it would have been very difficult to get to where I am now.

And lastly, I have been very fortunate to have built a team full of incredible leaders. Each person on my team comes to the table with their unique strengths and together we have created an amazing, powerful group of people who support each other and encourage each other to grow and succeed. My success is truly a reflection of all of those on my team.

I am excited every day to see what unfolds with this new adventure and I am so thankful to be a part of the Lifemax family!

Terri Ballestero: World-Traveler and On Her Own Time

Most of  you already know Terri Ballestero.  Terri, one of our Founding Lifemax Independent Distributors, is our “Leader of the Month” and she has an incredible story to share.  We spent a little time with Terri to learn more about where she came from and where she’s going, but we’ll let Terri tell you about that…

Lifemax:  Terri, you have been with Lifemax since the beginning.  Can you tell us a little about your background and why you chose to get involved with Lifemax?

Terri:  My background previous to Lifemax was Corporate America.  I worked 12 years for 2 of the largest companies in the United States, and was top in the industry.  I made a strong 6-figure annual income.  At some point of your life, you ask yourself if the money is worth it, and if you are really enjoying what you are doing to the fullest.  In the corporate world, you are told how to do it, when to do it, and why to do it.  I knew the flexibility inherent to the network marketing industry could allow me to own my own time. 

Lifemax:  It is an amazing industry and a lucrative opportunity for anyone who works as hard as you do, Terri!  So, since you started your own Lifemax business, have you reached your goals?

Terri:  Absolutely!  In a short 1 ½ years, I have replaced that income with a very strong business by helping others achieve their goals and dreams–whether they choose health or wealth. 

Lifemax:  You sound like a woman on a mission!  It is inspiring to hear how your goal of helping others has resulted in personal success.  Other than helping others and maintaining the income to which you had grown accustomed, is there any other way in which Lifemax has affected your life?

Terri:  Lifemax is allowing me to live out one of my dreams.  I was not able to travel extensively with my previous career.  My Lifemax business has grown to the extent that I have now been able to travel to over four different countries.  I feel as though I’m living out my goals and dreams, and could not imagine my life without Lifemax. 

Lifemax:  Thank you, Terri, for sharing your story with us.  Any last words?

Terri:  I would just like to thank Lifemax Founders Jim and Sherri Wear and the corporate staff for believing in me.

Meet Rags-to-Riches-Roland

Meet Roland Banquil, our top Filipino Lifemax Independent Distributor, and an incredible up-and-coming Lifemax leader. We felt his story was so powerful, and such a great representation of how the right opportunity can so positively impact a person’s life that we just had to share it with you. We hope you are as touched and inspired by it as we were.

Mr. Roland A. Banquil was a former security guard prior to entering the world of direct selling and networking. His wife, Mrs. Ma. Cecilia Nacario-Banquil, was a plain housewife selling yema and polvoron (Filipino sweet delicacies) to support their 6 children. Together, they tried to make ends meet with Roland’s meager salary and Maricel’s limited income. After years of experience with many different network marketing companies, many of which went bankrupt after the couple poured themselves into the business, they were ready to give up and go back to farming. All of that changed, however, when a previous company—one in with which they had experienced great financial success and established a name for themselves as the formidable power couple in networking marketing—came back to them with a new opportunity. Thus began this incredible rags-to-riches story.

After an incredible reign of top ranking for three consecutive years, the couple experienced great disappointment as promises went un-kept, profits were withheld, and corporate allegations entangled the company to a point that the couple knew it was time to make their move. With that decision in mind, they planned and prepared for their very own enterprise.

In 2008, Mr. Rad Sy & Mr. Gene Manaois sought out the couple and introduced them to Mila. Quick to see the amazing effects, they became retail customers while carefully studying and observing the product as well as the opportunity for seven months. Meanwhile, 43 other network marketing companies began soliciting Roland to get involved with their companies, but several meetings with the Lifemax executives told them all they needed to hear: with Mila, they could help to “Change the Health and Wealth of the World.”

True to their reputation as the power couple, Mr. Roland Banquil was the top EAQ-maker for the month of December with his wife Maricel following close behind as the top distributor for all of the Philippines. Together, they aspire to globally lead Lifemax in Mila distribution. Together, along with a growing network of Mila distributors and consumers, they continue to live their vision of a healthier and brighter future not only for their family, but also for their peers and to the rest of the community. Truly, this husband and wife team leads the Philippines in bringing Mila to the world.