Align Your True North

“The moment that you take ownership of you and your goals, the sky is the limit.”

Krystan Samaniego (22:25 - 22:30)

The power of a clear vision.

Do you feel confused about who you are and where your business is headed? Or do you have the clarity you want and need?

Heather Flores, Krystan Samaniego, and Hayley Zeidman were desperate for guidance. They were unsure about their messaging, audience, and overall purpose in life. But fate brought them together at the Authentic Influencer workshop I hosted in January. After meeting, these rockstars banded together and formed an unstoppable team in health and wellness. The online marketing tools provided through Social Tenacity helped them gain clarity to achieve their desired social prestige and success.

If they can do it, then so can you!

“There is so much freedom that comes with embracing the opportunity that you have to build yourself in network marketing.” - Heather Flores (18:11 - 18:22)

Network marketing has the ability to not only impact lives around you but your own as well. It’s not just a career but a journey of self-discovery.

Clarity is the foundation for beginning this rewarding journey. It’s the essence that establishes your mission and the direction of your business.

Heather Flores was in a dark place before joining the Social Tenacity program. She felt her identity had almost completely slipped away after a traumatic pregnancy and birth. A career in network marketing presented a way for Heather to regain what she felt she had lost. However, she was repulsed by the culture of inauthenticity, spammy approaches, and still struggled to find herself.

The workshop in January was her turning point. “Everything aligned that weekend,” Heather recounts. In some deep soul searching, Heather realized that her message had evolved. She was in the wrong industry! Once she switched, everything felt right. Just two months later, Heather savored an auto-bonus and rejoiced in her newfound confidence!

Clarity helps you take decisive actions to get the results you want.

Krystan Samaniego admits she had been doing network marketing the wrong way for almost 5 years. “I wasn’t getting the results that I wanted,” Krystan remembers. She was barely making ends meet. As she worked more hours away from home, the cost of therapy sessions and daycare for her autistic son and two daughters grew unbearable. Krystan knew there had to be a better way.

Krystan found her saving grace through Social Tenacity. At first, Krystan, and her hesitant husband, were fearful of the risk and cost in such a personal investment. But she almost immediately started seeing results. Krystan realized her true passion was in helping driven mothers build the life of their dreams. It was with this clear vision that Krystan was able to devise and execute a plan that not only fulfilled her mission but allowed her more family time and a greater income.

Clarity helps you fulfill your potential.

Hayley Zeidman was really frustrated after joining a new business. Initially, everything was going smoothly with a successful downline. But then her team started dying down. “I felt in my heart that I had a lot to offer people,” Hayley describes, “but I just couldn’t.” The information Hayley needed to unlock her full potential wasn’t readily available through her company. She was hungry for more.

Everything Hayley was in search of was found through Social Tenacity. Instead of solely focusing on the “how” in marketing strategies, Hayley started working on her mindset and behavior. My program motivated Hayley to fix everything that felt off in her life so she could thrive on a higher level of authenticity. Now Hayley is blossoming into her full potential and attracting other women to do the same.

“Now, not only am I able to make an impact on my family, but I’m able to influence others and change the world as I’ve always wanted to.” - Hayley Zeidman (25:54 - 26:04)

You have so much to offer.

Your business has the potential to be life-changing. But you need a firm grasp on the basics of who you are, who you serve, and where you want to go. Don’t be afraid to explore your full potential and invest in yourself! If you work hard to declutter your thoughts and rid yourself of any toxins, then you can remove everything that is clouding your vision and holding you back. If you’re ready to reach the top and monetize your passion in an authentic manner, Social Tenacity may be the next step for you.

It’s up to you to claim your power and gain clarity for your success!

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE
• If you want to connect or join any of our guests’ groups, reach out to Heather Flores HERE, Krystan Samaniego HERE, and Hayley Zeidman HERE.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

“Most of the time, doing the things that seem to be the most difficult will be what propels our business forward the most.”

Brooke Elder (21:41 - 21:50)

Alice is a coach at Social Tenacity, and she is an expert at helping consultants create momentum in all aspects of their businesses.

Why you need momentum in your business.

Having momentum can help you push through obstacles both in life and in business. When you're on a roll, things seem to move along smoothly. Tasks get accomplished, new members join your team, existing members are happy and productive, and goals get accomplished.

In any business, it's natural that growth and excitement stalls a bit after the initial launch phase. It is during this period when momentum is especially critical. If you build a solid foundation and have the tools and techniques to manage time efficiently, you and your team will continue to flourish even if the company is in a plateau phase.

“To build team momentum, give them goals, a system of how to get there, and accountability. People tend to fall off when there is no accountability.” - Alice (14:51 - 15:08)

Building and sustaining momentum in all aspects of business.

Let’s take a look at how to build and sustain momentum in your personal routine, your company, and in your team.

Personal - Personal momentum is all about making the most of the time that you have available. To maximize your productivity, especially if you’re busy, try setting up rituals and creating a structure for your day. Set up your day in 30-minute blocks, and fill them up with tasks the night before. Schedule the most difficult tasks earlier in the day. Getting those out of the way will boost your confidence as you go through the rest of the day.

Also, having rituals like a morning routine can get you in the right mindset so that you can accomplish more. One of the best things you can do each morning is to meditate. Insight Timer is an app that can help you get started in your meditation practice.

Company - When your company launches, there is typically a lot of buzz. However, after a while, the excitement inevitably subdues, and growth seems to plateau. It is during this time that you need momentum to keep yourself motivated around your company. One of the best ways to remain enthusiastic is to explore the “why” behind what you’re trying to accomplish. Maybe you’re doing it to give your family a special trip, or it could be that you want to retire your husband. Whatever the reason might be, being clear about it will help you sustain momentum even if others in your company are stalling.

Team - It’s not just you, but also your team that needs momentum to get through the plateau phases. Build momentum by giving your team goals, instructions to accomplish those goals, and by having systems in place for accountability. If they have a feeling that they are working together with others towards the same mission, they’ll remain enthusiastic. A couple of tools to help them minimize time wasted on social media, and to increase productivity are RescueTime, and Toggl.

“There are no proven rituals that work for everyone. You have to find what works for you, and then do it consistently.” - Alice (5:21 - 5:29)

Momentum is a critical aspect of growing your business, especially when your company or organization hits a plateau. Listen to this week’s episode of the Authentic Influencer Podcast with coach Alice to learn more about how to build momentum in your personal routine, your company, and in your team.

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE
• To learn about the importance of tackling the most challenging tasks first, read Eat The Frog.
• To find your why so that you can create and sustain momentum in your business, read Start With Why by Simon Sinek.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

“Every little thing you do, and the lessons you learn from them, add to the person you are now.”

Brooke Elder (19:35-19:46)

There are plenty of lessons on the path to building an authentic purpose-driven business. But it’s the little things that make the big things happen. When I first started my journey in network marketing, there were bumps on the road that forced me to adapt and shift. But because of that experience, I was able to build a successful business and help others reach their own vision of success.

Trisha Peterson is a mindset coach. She’s also my sister. Together, we made our way through the journey of growing a thriving network marketing business. But it wasn’t so easy in the beginning.

“There is something in every single day that you can learn to help you be better tomorrow.”

- Trisha Peterson (22:25-22:31)

After attending an event and seeing one network marketer flash a $10,000 check she’d earned, I knew I had to give it a shot. But the company was selling make-up, and I knew that wasn’t the best fit for me. I joined anyway, and Trisha soon followed. I left after about three months and Trisha only lasted a few weeks.

When a consultant I worked with through my graphic and web design business invited me to join another network marketing company, I went ahead and checked it out. Once again, I had Trisha on board with me.

In Episode 15 of the Authentic Influencer Podcast, we talk about the importance of having a “business bestie” when building a business.

Aligning Your Business With You

We learned the importance of aligning ourselves with a company that’s authentic to us. When you’re in alignment with your business, things work and flow better. But it takes trial and error as you go back and try new approaches until you find what is really you.

In Episode 19, Knowing When to Quit, we discuss how alignment is crucial to your business success. Students who go through our course often discover that what they’re doing doesn’t align actually align with who they are, and what they desire to accomplish. So we guide them towards choosing the right company.

“When you align yourself with a company that’s authentic to who you are, that’s when you can become an authentic influencer.”

- Brooke Elder (8:51-8:59)

It’s easy to blame others when things don’t work out for us. But it doesn’t matter who’s fault it is, and there’s often no one else to blame.

The little things we faced were forcing us to evaluate what we were doing and respond so we could continue to grow. We created Superstar University, a training center for other network marketers. After three months, 10,000 marketers were going through our training. But none of that would’ve been possible without all the smaller obstacles we overcame.

The Little Things Made You Who You Are Today

Think back to the things you considered failures. What did you learn from them? How have they made you a better person today? There are little things every single day that help you learn for tomorrow. When you see the little things in those moments, you become equipped to respond to the bigger challenges.

This week, start by creating a journal where you write down the things you’re grateful for. Look at the little things that happened in your life and acknowledge that they made a big impact on who you are today. You’ll quickly learn to overcome the little things and shift your actions so you move through life empowered to take on new challenges, and create your movement.

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

“As long as you are staying true to who you are, there are plenty of fish in the sea for you to help.”

Brooke Elder (21:53 - 22:00) Why you don’t have to worry about what others think as an Authentic Influencer.

The mission of Social Tenacity is to change the way network marketing is perceived. So you can imagine our fury when we stumbled upon a fellow network marketer’s (who shall remain

nameless) Facebook page. A post read, “The catch to network marketing is you must accept a temporary loss of social esteem from ignorant people.” Excuse us? That’s just plain rude! Also, entirely incorrect.

It’s actually not okay for you to be spammy, make your friends hate you, and assume everyone is dumb. It’s this kind of limiting mindset that got us podcasting in the first place. The career of a network marketer doesn’t have to be loathed or cringeworthy. It can actually be esteemed and enjoyable. When you become an Authentic Influencer you don’t have to worry about what others think. You can keep respect and gain success just by being YOU!

“You don’t need to lose the respect and esteem of others in order to have success. Will some people not get it? Yes. But if they don’t get it, it’s better if they don’t get it on account of you being you and not someone else!” - NiCole Easton (5:53 - 6:11)

True network marketing is about taking what you are awesome at and sharing it with the world in an authentic way through a product or opportunity.

Here are the ways to become an Authentic Influencer and stand firm in who you are.

• Treat others as you would like to be treated. If you don’t like spammy weirdos, then don’t be one! Successful network marketing is built upon relationships. There should always be a two-way road of trust and respect. Work to keep it that way!

• Recognize your offer isn’t for everyone. A handful of people will not resonate with what you’re selling. That’s okay! There’s plenty of other people who will! Try not to take this so personally. Acknowledge that the people who just don’t get it are not your people. Search for your true avatars to influence massive change.

• Get over the shame in being an MLM. It’s most likely that any shame you currently feel as a network marketer is stemming from your embarrassment from what your upline is doing. Thankfully, you don’t have to be like them or follow their inauthentic methods to gain success. Accept that you are more than an MLM, find the method that feels authentic and let the magic happen!

• Don’t pretend to be an outgoing person if you’re not. Ever heard of Russell Brunson? He is an introvert who became a widely successful online marketer and built a $360 million dollar software company. You don’t have to change who you are to be successful.

• Step out of your comfort zone only to give your audience what they need. Again, you don’t have to force anything! Ask yourself if stepping out feels inauthentic or like personal growth? Recognize the massive difference between the two. Then do what feels right in order to bring value to your audience.

“It comes down to this. Are you going to own who you are, and what you want to do? Or are you going to apologize for it?” - NiCole Easton (10:23 - 10:31)

It’s easy to get sucked into the stigmatized attitude and belief of what a career as a network marketer entails - harassment, spamming, and brainwashing. While some people sadly participate in such methods (with an army of minions), it’s comforting to know there is a better, more authentic way. All you have to do is be yourself! No one can argue or take offense to that. Even if they do, when you decide that other people’s opinions and thoughts are not going to change who you authentically are, you stand in a place of abundance. You embrace who you are and set your sights on those who you can help while letting go of those you can’t. So go ahead and cast your line out! There are plenty of fish in the sea who want and need your help.

This week, test out this theory. Head to your social media page and tell your story. Ask whether anyone resonates and see who responds! Use that inspiration to push forward. Become an Authentic Influencer and own who you are to make your greatest impact!

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

“You need systems, and once you have those systems, you need automation so things can just happen.”

Brooke Elder (3:30-3:35)

Who doesn’t want to make money while they sleep? It’s certainly possible and it’s all through systems and automation.

Think of a system like a routine. We use a lot of routines and systems in our lives because it makes life easier, such as creating a meal plan and then grocery shopping based on that meal plan.

“If you don’t have a system - the more you work, the more work you create, and the less time and freedom you have. That is not how you want to set up your business.”  - NiCole Easton (3:13-3:28)

If you have the charisma to easily get people into your business but don’t have a way to manage them, you run the risk of succumbing to the fear of success. You won’t show up the way you need to in order to be successful because you’ll be afraid you won’t be able to handle the business once it comes in.

The best way to combat the fear of success, and the tendency to become overwhelmed with business growth, is to create proper systems. Maybe you feel overwhelmed at the thought of even creating systems. It’s ok! Start small. One of the easiest ways to set up systems is to think about what goes well in your business and what you do to make it go well. Then create a system for it by writing down exactly what you do each time. Create a checklist template to return to each time you complete this project or task. You will no longer have to expend any of your precious brain power remembering what to do, and how to do it, because the process is already set in place.

I remember having this feeling once (ok, more than once), that if I create enough systems, I won’t have to actually work anymore. Your business will continue to evolve, and with it, your systems. Don’t get into management mode or use system-creating as an excuse to not prospect, market, or put yourself out there. Systems are a means to empower you to have the freedom to do the things that make your business great! They are the structure that will give your business the ability to have sustainable, stable growth.

Give room for adjustment. However, beware of the tendency to continue returning to the same system to “fix” it over and over. If it is working well, let your system do its job. Don’t get caught up in a cycle of continuous adjusting. This becomes counterproductive, and could end up wasting more time than it saves!

Don’t let technology intimidation keep you from using systems and automation.

Technology keeps moving forward at a lightning pace. It can feel so overwhelming to think about tackling the ins and outs of technology. However, there is a vast number of resources out there that can make building systems so much easier in the long run.

If it just seems too difficult for you to figure out how to utilize technology for the systems in your business, one solution is to hire someone to set up the technology of the systems for you. This eliminates the need for you to spend the time it will take to understand and implement the technology, but will still provide you with the immense benefits that technology can provide.

Another solution is to find easy-to-use online solutions, such as Trello, which is an amazing tool. We keep track of our podcasts, our TV shows, our emails -- everything we do -- in Trello. Trello pretty much runs our whole business and our lives.

One of the systems you can set up on Trello is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) to keep track of your customers. With a CRM, you can track the products your customers have ordered and when they need follow-up. You can also keep track of their birthdays and other information about them.

We understand how difficult it can be to manage a business, and try to learn something new, like an online solution for systems. To help you get started, we want to offer you a free gift! We have developed a CRM on Trello to help you keep track of your customers, and we’ve even included a training video to show you exactly how to use it. You can find it at socialtenacity.com/crm.

“Adding automation and systems into your business is going to be a gamechanger. This is how you make money while you sleep because it just runs, and you don’t have to really do anything. It’s a beautiful thing.  - Brooke Elder (23:16-23:30)

Your aim for this week is to take a look at your business. What is one automation or system that you can implement NOW in your business?

Building a business is hard work, but there is no need for you to work hard on every single aspect. It’s time to find the things in your business that are working so well, but don’t require your attention each day. Free yourself up from the tasks that can be done without you, and start making money while you sleep!

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

“When you stay within your boundaries, it actually brings you more freedom.”

Brooke Elder  (20:41-20:45)

Setting boundaries with your team creates freedom for you, sets an example for them, and empowers your team to stand confidently on their own feet.

Everyone has issues with boundaries. For some, it is rooted in the fear of missing out - if I say no to this, I may be saying no to something awesome.

It’s important to adopt the abundance mindset as we contemplate boundaries, and realize there are enough of the right people out there willing to operate within our boundaries. We don’t have to put ourselves in positions where we compromise our own boundaries and our own values to cater to someone.

People think that having boundaries is constrictive. But in reality, boundaries bring freedom for everyone involved.

“If you haven’t set up expectations and boundaries in the beginning, it is really really hard to backpedal.”  

- Brooke Elder (1:54-2:02)

There are two basic mistakes leaders make, especially when they’re first starting out.

Mistake #1 - They allow their team to have 24/7 access to them.

Mistake #2 - They don’t establish boundaries with their upline and downline relationships.

Realize that the individuals on your team are not your employees, and you are not their boss. Your team members are called “independent consultants” for a reason.

By not setting boundaries with your team, you create fear and confusion for them. Boundaries help them feel liberated and confident that they’ve got this.

Some new recruits think that their success is guaranteed if they just do everything you tell them to do. It’s a lot harder for them to step out and do things all on their own, realizing their ownership and ability to make wise decisions for their business.

Their success is not based on who you are, or on what you’re telling them to do. We don’t believe in duplication, that each person has to be like their leader or must do things exactly as their leader does. Each person needs to think for themselves.

As a leader, you help your team to think for themselves by setting boundaries and telling them when your office hours are so they know when they can get help. When they don’t have access to you 24/7, they are forced to make decisions and take action on their own.

The result is freedom for both you and your team, and they gain the confidence that they truly can build their own business and conduct it on their own.

“If you’re a leader who is handholding and forcing your team to do exactly what you say as you say it, and do as you do, they’re not going to have any independence and they’re not going to soar. They’re not going to have true freedom.”  -Nicole Easton (30:18-30:33)

Take some time for self-reflection and ask yourself the questions, “Where do I need boundaries?” and “What is my plan when this type of situation comes up?”

It’s not a good time to set boundaries when you’re in the middle of a situation. In those moments, we typically default to what is most comfortable, often compromising the boundaries we desire to uphold. You need to set them ahead of time.

When deciding what your boundaries are going to be, make sure they are based on your values, because then you will have a moral obligation to maintain them.

Your aim for today is to think about where in your life you need to set a better boundary. Come up with a plan and then let everyone that is involved know about the boundary and how you are going to proceed moving forward.

To learn more about the value of setting boundaries with your team, listen to Episode 35 of the Authentic Influencer Podcast.

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

“There is a person inside of every woman, wife, and mother that is meant to shine for the rest of the world outside of the home.”

NiCole Easton (16:32 - 16:39)

You deserve to be supported.

What you’ve got going on, is more than a “cute business.” Network marketing has the ability to transform lives and generate a sustainable income. But it can be difficult to assure your husband of all the returns in light of first investments. Even our own husbands, Josh Easton, and Ben Elder, were both reluctant to climb on board our Social Tenacity bus. They were fearful of accruing debt, sacrificing their own dreams, and the unknowns of starting our own business. However, by eliminating one fear at a time, our husbands were able to change their mindset, offer their support, and eventually hand us the batons as breadwinners.

“My mindset changed… I realized my wife could support our family, and my dream could come true because I would be at home doing what I wanted to do.” - Josh Easton (13:01 - 13:18)

“To other guys who may be listening… maybe you ought to be the one staying at home? It’s possible that your wives may be better at making money than you… just saying.” - Ben Elder (14:20 - 14:30)

There are so many “what if” questions surrounding the creation of a new business that may be the culprit to  your husband’s reservations. What if we accrue debt? What if I can’t fulfill my own dream? What if nothing good comes out of this? Well, what if this new endeavor will change both of your lives for the better?

Breakthrough these fears to reassure your husband and gain his support.

Accruing Debt. The first steps in a new business will feel like leaps. Sometimes a large investment is necessary right at the beginning. This can feel overwhelming to your husband if he is a penny pincher like Josh Easton was, or already in debt like Ben Elder was. However, you need to invest in order to see a return. It’s all part of the process. Speaking from experience, we’d strongly encourage you to first consult your husband before spending away. Show them your passion and commitment to making this new business work. A husband is more likely to take on debt in the beginning if you are confident in the end results.

Sacrificing His Dream. You are not the only one with a dream. Your husband has a purpose he would like to fulfill. Josh Easton loved fatherhood. So much, that he desired to be a stay at home dad. Ben Elder hated his job at an online retail business and was searching for something better. Both our husbands were able to reach their dreams by embracing ours! Your dream may actually coincide and not require a great sacrifice on your husband’s part. Sit down and have an open conversation about each of your wants and needs. It’s possible for everyone to win.

The Unknown. We would never lie to you. There is a chance your business could tank. But there is also a chance it could take flight! The question is, are you willing to take the risk? If you’re unsure, reflect on the cost of not doing it versus doing it. Forget the cash flow for a moment! Both of our husbands attest to the amazing transformation we have undergone since starting Social Tenacity. Entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for you to increase confidence in the pursuit of your passion. Remember, on the other side of big decisions await possibilities beyond your imagination. You won’t know for sure until you try.

“It’s not about the big house, the Lamborghini, or whatever it is. It’s about all the people you get to help and the lives you get to change because you’re doing what you’re doing.”

- Brooke Elder (19:45 - 19:59)

Starting your own business is a risk and can be downright terrifying. We were fortunate enough to gain the support of our husbands when we first started our entrepreneurial endeavors. They have encouraged our growth, provided perspective, and kept us grounded in our journey. Now, we are the breadwinners and sole providers for our families! However, not every husband is as willing. Even after discussing any fears surrounding your new business, your husband may not climb on board. If this is the case, don’t proceed alone. Let us come alongside you. We believe you have something truly remarkable and unique to offer the world that deserves support. Do you?

This week dig in and reflect on what you really want. Find the person who can best support you and sit down with them to write out your six-month goals. Then jump right in! Take a leap of faith to become the entrepreneur and person you are meant to be. We’re ready to hold your hand if no one else will. You got this!

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

“You may not have the support of the very person that you care the most about, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have success.”

NiCole Easton (4:55 - 5:03)

You are capable of success with or without support from the ones you love.

Watch your step! You’ve pulled into your first stop in your new network marketing journey beaming with excitement. The timing is right and you’re sure this is the best route. But when you open your big bus doors, not even your family and friends step on board in support! What gives? We can understand your disappointment. Resistance from people you admire, treasure, and respect usually stem from either a place of envy or true love. Neither are easy to swallow when all you want is for one person whom you greatly trust to confirm you are making a good decision. Sadly, you might not get this confirmation. When you’re confident in your decisions, it’s important to push forward regardless of unsupportive uplines and family to reach success.

“When you don’t have the support of your family or husband, it’s okay, if deep down you know this is the route that you need to take… to just push forward and do it.” -Brooke Elder (20:05 - 20:17)

No matter who does or doesn’t step on your bus, you are capable of success.

Gain the confidence to keep the wheels rolling by overcoming lack of support from uplines and family.

Uplines.

There are two types of unsupportive uplines. The first type is the upline who thinks you’re invisible if you don’t make money right away. A business bestie should be supportive along your entire journey - highs and lows included. Listen back to Episode 15 of our Authentic Influencers podcast for more insight on a proper business bestie and the importance they carry as a support to your business. If your upline is self-centered and only focused on the results, ditch them and find someone else to look up to.

The second type is the upline who looks down on you if you’re not following her or his exact system in network marketing. Here at Social Tenacity, and on our Authentic Influencers podcast, we love a good rebellion. In fact, we encourage it! We teach female entrepreneurs how to gain success by going against the grain every single day. Just be mindful that our tactics may ruffle some feathers. In that case, consider going your own way especially if what you’re doing is working! Any upline who is unsupportive of doing things in an unorthodox, authentic, true-to-yourself way, doesn’t deserve to be on your bus. Kick them off and make room for the people who actually care!

Family.

Of course, you want to fill your bus with the ones you love. But this doesn’t always happen. If there is resistance, initiate a candid conversation. Communicate with your husband and family and explain why network marketing is the best route. When you know exactly what you want, people are more likely to get on board. Be confident with a plan of action, especially if your husband is a businessman. Lay it all out on the table and see what happens. There is a chance that even after you do this, no one will step on board. Don’t translate this as disbelief in your abilities. Your husband and family want to protect and keep you safe. Their hesitation is only due to their fear of the unknown in your new endeavors. With or without their support, you still got this! Don’t give up! If you honestly believe that what you’re doing is the best for you and your family, then push ahead. Be confident that you know what is best, and just do it!

“Where the greatest risk is, there is the greatest reward on the other side.”  -NiCole Easton (20:22 - 20:27)

Let’s be realistic. The first couple of months in network marketing may feel less like a party bus and more like you are a lone rider on a horse. It’s incredibly lonely to move forward without the support of uplines, your family, and husband. Thankfully, we have a community of women ready to travel alongside you! This week your aim is to join our Facebook group. Let us support your ambition and encourage you to become the network marketer you were meant to be! We understand the risk in trailblazing ahead without support, but we are living proof of the immense reward waiting on the other side if you push on. Keep those wheels going round and round with or without the support of your loved ones. Open up your big bus doors to our Authentic Influencer community and let us step right in. Next stop, success!

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE
• To listen back to Episode 15 click HERE

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

“Work it like a hobby, and you’ll make hobby money. Work it like a business, and you’ll make business money.”

- NiCole Easton

NiCole Easton (1:38 - 1:41)

The difference between a business and a hobby.

A lot of people get into network marketing because they have high income and lifestyle goals. However, they're often reluctant to put in the required amount of work to reach their objectives. Network marketing can certainly create financial stability, but there’s a lot of misconception around what it takes to get there. Just like someone trying to lose weight will fail if they regularly eat potato chips and only exercise once a week, an entrepreneur is most likely to fail if they treat their business like a hobby.

The first thing that most network marketers do when they get started is that they reach out to everyone they know. They try to convince their friends and family to join their businesses. They inevitably face rejection, and they get frustrated. They might gain some initial traction, but selling people on a one-on-one basis is not the way to build a business that is profitable and sustainable in the long term.

“Start investing in yourself. For example, find a great course to learn a skill that will improve a particular aspect of your business.” - Brooke Elder (10:47 - 10:56)

Instead, focus on building a system that allows you to share your message with a targeted audience. When you only work with people that genuinely want what you have to offer, your business will grow more rapidly with less effort than before. But you do need to put in the work to build the initial foundation. You have to create some business assets like a marketing system, branding that speaks to your audience, and a message that they can get on board with.

How to invest like a business owner.

If you want to start a traditional business, like a fast food franchise, you’ll typically spend a few hundred thousand dollars before you make a single cent in profit. In comparison, starting a network marketing company is relatively easy and cheap, and you’ll only need to spend a few hundred dollars for the starter kit and some samples. But don’t let the low barrier of entry fool you into thinking you don’t need to invest time and money into your business if you want to create a substantial income.

You'll have to invest in things that’ll make you a better entrepreneur. You might need to buy a course to learn critical marketing and sales skills, or hire a coach who can help you build a solid business foundation. Your starter kit and samples will help you get started, but you’ll need to invest the time, and some money, to develop a brand and message that is aligned with your unique voice.

The difference between consumer debt and business debt.

When considering making investments, you might be wondering if it’s a good idea for you to go into debt to fund your business. To answer that question, you need to understand the difference between consumer debt and business debt.

Consumer debt is any kind of debt that is not an asset, or something that brings you a return. If you take out a car loan with the sole intention to drive the car for personal use, that is an example of consumer debt. You’ve taken a loan on something that is not only not making you money, but it is also depreciating in value each day. On the other hand, if you get a car loan with the intention to become an Uber driver, now your car is generating revenue that you can use to pay all of your expenses. This is an example of business debt.

So, when you think about investing in your business, maybe a course, a coach, or product samples, ask yourself if it's something that is going to bring you a return, or if it will create income for you. If the answer is yes, then it is most likely a smart business decision.

“When you think about investing in something - maybe a course, coach, or product - is it something that is going to bring you a return?” - Brooke Elder (18:40 - 18:54)

If you’re a new entrepreneur, it is critical that you start treating your company like a real business. Even if you take small steps, you’ll create positive momentum that you can build upon and move forward towards achieving your bigger goals. Take some time today to come up with one thing that you can do immediately to start treating your business like a business, and not a hobby.

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

“Most network marketers aren’t doing social media in a way that will get them anywhere.” - Brooke Elder (2:27 - 2:33)Brooke Elder & NiCole EastonAuthentic Influencer Podcast

What it means to be internet famous.

There are many digital marketers out there trying to get internet famous. In other words, they are working hard to become social media influencers. They are trying to get the word out about the products they are promoting, build a loyal following, make an impact, and create a thriving business. But there is a right way to do it, and there is a wrong one. Unfortunately, most marketers are doing a lot of work that is unlikely to get them the results they’re looking for.

“When you’re willing to say the things that everybody else is thinking, it shows that you’re willing to relate to people and it makes them feel understood.” - NiCole Easton (7:41 - 7:53)

How to create a loyal social media following.

Before we discuss some of the best ways to grow your following, let’s talk about one common mistake that you should avoid, which is posting lifestyle pictures of the “amazing” life you have achieved through your business. If you’re constantly posting pictures of your recent vacation to the Carribean, your audience won’t stop to hear what you have to say. They’re just gonna keep on scrollin’. Unfortunately, we as a society continue to grow more and more selfish. People are only interested in how you can add value to them. To draw in your target audience, your posts have to be about how you can help them solve a problem or avoid pain, instead of how “perfect” your life is.

Recently, people started noticing, and speaking out about, social media as the “highlight reel” of our lives. In the midst of all of the staged photos of avocado toast, we are craving authenticity and vulnerability. To reach your people, instead of just sharing your success and the perfect version of yourself, also share some of your struggles and your failures. When people see the real and raw you, they connect with you on an emotional level. They see you talking about things that they might be experiencing, which makes them feel understood, and makes you more relatable.

Also, let people know about your mission and why you’re doing what you do. When you focus on a mission, you can build a strong and loyal community around it, which is something people desire more than ever before.

“When you’re raw, real, and authentic, that’s what creates influence. When you do that, you’ll become internet famous!”

- Brooke Elder (13:04 - 13:15)

When you’re authentic about who you are, and you’re genuinely focused on helping others, that’s when you create real influence, and you become internet famous. You’ll be able to build a tribe that is loyal to you, that will buy your products and join you on your mission.

This week, go to your favorite social media platform and make a post with the following - tell people who you are, who you’re serving, and why you want to help them. If you make authentic posts like that consistently, your influence will grow more quickly than ever before.

How to get involved

• If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening!
• If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!