By: Michele Hren

For some of us who have ever been an “MLM” Mutli-Level Marketer or in “Direct Sales” I want to shed some light on what goes on behind the scenes to show you where “MLMs” and “Direct Sales” are similar in some ways and altogether different in other ways. If you are a sales person, for either side or especially a skeptical consumer, you will appreciate this information so you can shut down the skeptics and the skeptics can learn to be nice and just listen.

#1- Most everything you & I purchase has a Multi-Level pay structure.
When you buy groceries, there are “Multiple Levels” of people getting paid.

1. Farmer
2. Wholesaler
3. Distributor
4. Trucking Companies
5. Grocery Store Owner
6. Grocery Store Employees

So does that make our local grocery store an “MLM” or pyramid deal? Clearly it doesn’t.
It’s just the way distribution works. Even the products & services below have a “Multi Level” pay structure.

Gasoline
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Financial Products & Services
Gym Memberships
Gas, Electric & cell Phone Bills

Bottom line: In a world of specialization & convenience it takes several layers of distribution to efficiently get a product from factory to consumer. But, with most products & services the layers remain “Faceless” to us so we don’t think about it.

#2- The difference between an “MLM” & and Direct Sales Opportunity.
In the mid 90’s I represented 4 companies, all with different products, at the same time. If you called me crazy, you’d be right. Only 1 of the 4 survived, most likely due to their good management and consumable products that worked. I made good money for several years. The others turned out to be money making schemes, not consumable, or just had bad leadership.

Essentially, these unproven companies that were not a member of the DSA (Direct Sales Association) were marketing high priced, less than standard products and taking advantage of the laws which allow a product to be distributed via the “Direct Sales Model”. They often have poor leadership and are typically shut down, out of business, or merged with other companies within 2-5 years.

What I didn’t know before was that it takes a lot of research to find that perfect fit, and then you need to take a leap of faith and trust in that fussy feeling you get, deep down, inside. That’s what I did, not very long ago. If looking for the real deal in products and/or a way to earn a second income, I’d like to use Advocare as the Model I would suggest you look for.

Advocare is an 18 year old Direct Selling Company who has never been in the RED. For years Advocare has paid their independent distributors generously at 6 cents to every dollar. In 2009 approximately 60 Million dollars were paid to their Distributors. This year looks to be about $120 Million that will be paid. They deliver its products to a market place through distributors instead of retail outlets (GMC, etc.).

Advocare is a member of the DSA (the governing body who ensures that high ethics & standards are being met by all members) and features elite science based nutritionals (Consumables) which have a true market demand & value. Advocare allows distributors to be compensated by both retailing the products and building teams which help Advocare expand into the market place.

So, does Advocare have a pay structure that compensates through multiple levels of distributors – absolutely – just like our groceries, gas & insurance. Is Advocare even remotely close to the typical “MLM” deal your best friend or co-worker said it was? NO!
Just like my Real Estate relationship as a Broker Associate with Ewing & Assoc. Sotheby’s International Realty, I’m proud of the choices I’ve made and the character and ethics of my leaders and co-workers I associate with. I can’t control everyone’s perception but I know Advocare is a special company with a strong vision to teach ordinary people and watch them do extraordinary things for themselves and others. Let me help you change your life.

We don’t Take – We Give
We don’t Sell – We Teach
We don’t Close – We Open Business Relationships
See the testimonies and endorsement below
Ask about our “24 Day Challenge” simple weight loss program.
Did you know our sugar-free “Spark” is in every NFL Locker room?

Contact Michele Hren, Independent Distributor
here.

Products: Testimonials
https://www.advocare.com/111014711/Products/Testimonials/

Endorsers: A long list of Sport’s Categories & “Spark” in every NFL locker room.
https://www.advocare.com/111014711/Products/Endorsers/

The Products Are Safe: Advocare has a Science and Medical Board
https://www.advocare.com/111014711/Products/Safe.aspx

Michele Hren

From Daughter to Mom

By: Michele Hren

In this very busy world I make it a point to get together with a girlfriend at least 2 times a month. A few days ago, Lynne, my Arbonne Distributor, and I laughed out loud at when we realized we’d been talking for two and one half hours. Time truly does fly when having fun, especially with an extraordinary friend. During that time I ordered some Christmas gifts. I’ll wrap up my present and put it under the tree with, “From, Steve” on the sticker. My Husband will appreciate that, just as he has in the past. It’s been a great way to get what I want every year, don’t you think?

Back on track, in the 2^nd hour I told Lynne about my new Plan B adventure with Advocare to supplement my Real Estate income. I gave her Advocare’s #1 selling “Spark” energy drink to try when she got home. She was impressed with all of its added nutrition on the label and that it was Sugar-Free. Mentioning she wanted to lose some weight after the holidays I told her about the “24 Day Challenge” where people are losing no less than 10-15 lbs. My husband lost 15 lbs. in 3 weeks with his only exercise being walking. Lynne promised to do the “24 Day Challenge” in January.

Later in the day Lynne told me her daughter saw the “Spark” pouch in the kitchen and said it was great stuff. Lynne had never heard of Advocare or “Spark” before our visit and wondered how she knew the brand. As a full ride college grad athlete she and her teammates knew it well. Athletes trust Advocare because they test for Banned Substances in their products. Plus, they really work.

What a great endorsement from daughter to mom and to also validate me and Advocare. Did you know that “Spark” is in every NFL locker room?

For a quick boost of energy*:

AdvoCare Spark Energy Drink contains an effective amount of caffeine to give you the quick boost you’re looking for.* Caffeine supports the processes in the central nervous system and muscles that enhance mental energy and focus in a relatively short amount of time.* The amino acid taurine helps provide the fast-acting energy you need that won’t overstimulate or overburden your body.*

For long-lasting energy*:

The B vitamins that are present in each serving of AdvoCare Spark Energy Drink enhance your body’s natural ability to produce and sustain its own energy, leading to long-lasting benefits.* Since your body looks to carbohydrates, protein and fat as its primary sources of energy, it makes sense to enhance the metabolism of each for optimal energy production. B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-12 and vitamin B-6 all specifically contribute to the conversion of the foods we eat and the calories we store for energy.

For mental focus and clarity*:

The neuroactive amino acids in AdvoCare Spark Energy Drink help increase your mental focus and alertness by supporting your brain’s ability to receive and send messages to and from the nervous system.* For example, L-tyrosine an amino acid found in dietary proteins, is believed to improve mental energy and focus by serving as a precursor for specific neurotransmitters. Furthermore, the choline and GABA found in AdvoCare Spark Energy Drink are essential for nerve function, muscle control, memory and many other functions.* Together, the nutrients found in AdvoCare Spark Energy Drink provide the energy, mental focus and well-rounded nutrition that makes it the most effective energy drink on the market.*

My personal WARNING to anyone buying other energy drinks: Beware of the Sugar Content in most all energy products. For Example, coca-cola, Red Bull, Rockstar and Starbucks Grande Mocha Frappuccino Whip have high sugar levels ranging from 27grams- 47grams of sugar.  (Advocare “Spark”  is Sugar free, and has an abundance of Nutrients, too.)

We Don’t Take – We Give
We Don’t Sell – We Teach
We don’t “Close” – We Open Business Relationships

Commit2Advocare@yahoo.com
Michele direct: (805)432-6708

Michele Hren

By: Michele Hren

Let’s be honest – none of us grew up dreaming of “selling vitamins”… But none of us grew up knowing about:

- Wellness becoming a Trillion $$ industry…
- Fish oil hitting the main stream…
- “Energy drinks” or $4 Cups of coffee

And we didn’t know about:

- This powerful thing called the internet that allows people to shop from home and Business builder’s store are open 24/7.
- A guy named Charlie Ragus who would sacrifice everything to build something that was bigger than himself
- A new millennium cultural shift where “purpose driven” work and balanced living would be valued, pursued, and honored

And we certainly didn’t grow up knowing that:

- Companies (and states!) were promising retirement packages they couldn’t honor
- Social Security would by many be compared to a Ponzi Scheme that couldn’t last
- Players on Wall Street largely have their own interest in mind, not ours

Recently, after months of research to find a Plan B to supplement my Real Estate income, I became an Independent Distributor with Advocare. No doubt you have been seeing a huge increase in Fitness, Weight Management, Energy and overall Wellness advertising lately? So, regardless of the belief systems with which we grew up, let’s choose to see and experience what IS, now, and how things have indeed evolved that make Advocare fun, wise, and rewarding since 1993. Not all companies are equal.

Several times a month I will give you information on the benefits of supplements, spotlight bestselling products on the market and why Advocare is changing people’s lives in their Health and their Finances. If you want more info now vs. later I’m here to help you.

Ask about our “24 Day Challenge” Weight Loss Program or
Why “Spark” Energy Drink Is In Every NFL Locker Room

We don’t Take – We Give
We don’t Sell – We Teach
We don’t “Close” – We Open Business Relationships

For more information contact me here. or (805) 432-6708

Michele Hren

Helping Children this Holiday Season

By: Roger Ewing

Our three Ewing & Associates offices have again placed Toys for Tots collection boxes in Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Sherman Oaks.  The collection boxes will remain in place through December 22, 2011. Toys of all monetary value will be distributed to needy children. Often, there are few gifts for children over the age of 10 so a special consideration for these children is always appreciated.

To find our offices, visit the links below:

Agoura Hills Office
Calabasas Office
Sherman Oaks Office

Roger Ewing

A few Calabasas facts you probably did not know

By: Mickey Nathans

1. Calabasas has approximately 23,000 residents
2. Calabasas offers free Trolley rides: Dial a ride for $2.50/trip; and 5 shuttle buses for only $.50/per ride or $50 for one year unlimited use
3. “No drugs down the drain”. You can drop off all unused or expired pharmaceutical medications, syringes, needles, etc. at the Sheriff Station on Agoura Road.
4. Electronic waste disposal is available at Vons on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10am-3pm;or Albertsons on the 1st Saturday of the month 10am-3pm (batteries, computers, laptops, TV etc)
5. Water Based paints and oil can be dropped off @City Hall 10 am-2pm on the 2nd Saturday of every other month
6. Exciting New Programs for Senior Citizens: The City of Calabasas is offering exciting new programs just for senior citizens like knitting, line dancing, arts & crafts, computer classes, bingo and more at the Calabasas Library.
7. If you are interested in having an event at the Civic Center, there are four rentable spaces available for events or meetings at the Founders Hall.

Hope these facts will help people be informed with some of the many benefits the City of Calabasas has to offers!!

Mickey Nathans

I’ve loved opening doors and making dreams come true since 1978. I am an experienced, consistent, top producer as well as a preview specialist. I am a certified relocation specialist. My clients benefit from my memberships on the Valley Board of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, and several other local organizations. I have experience in negotiating, expertise in working with appraisers, lenders, and title companies; and knowledgeable in all areas of real estate.

Website - More Posts

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Stephen Roesler
Director of Social Media
Ewing and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty
818.657.4523
Stephen.roesler@sothebysrealty.com

By: Roger Ewing

Follow @ewingsir

May 26, 2011

Sherman Oaks, CA

In an attempt to unite local eco advocates, Ewing and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty hosted an eco-workshop with the help of actor and visionary Ed Begley Jr. Showing up by way of bicycle, Begley stopped by the Sherman Oaks real estate office to share a few enlightening words regarding the ease and necessity of harnessing green energy in today’s economy.

Eco company Blu Homes, REAS, Cyber Rain and Environmental Solar Design were also in attendance for an evening complete with light fair and wine. Each vendor spoke for roughly 20 minutes and held an insightful session of Q and A. Led by Ewing and Associates’ manger Jeff Biebuyck, also affiliated with Blu Homes, the event hosted approximately 40 environmentally minded guests. From local business owners, former musicians and select real estate agents, all attendees received the opportunity to speak directly with educated representatives of the green movement.

Mr. Begley, a self-proclaimed fiscal conservative, briefly spoke about his journey towards embrace a green lifestyle. A native to the San Fernando Valley, he mentioned his young adult days of putting money aside to make more sustainable choices. Taking public transportation, bike riding, recycling and investing in key initiatives to update his first residence with the latest eco options were just some of his insightful tips. Additionally, he spoke in length about REAS (Residential Energy Assessment Services), as they worked closely with Begley on his latest residential green upgrade.

The event was followed by an informative period of casual networking and further details regarding the scope of each company’s service.

###

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Roger Ewing

Join the Walk on the Wild Side

By: Roger Ewing

Calabasas residents know the overwhelming amount of wildlife that live just outside our homes. We live in a city replete with coyotes, rattlesnakes, hawks, owls, rabbits and deer. However, our native friends are often sick, injured, and orphaned, especially now during baby season.

This year, join the WOWS program on a 5K walk along Zuma Beach. All proceeds go directly towards helping our native wildlife recover from sickness, injuries or abandonment.

Last year, more than 300 Walkers registered online; there were 29 “wild” teams and 226 people donated online in support of participants. The event features a 5K (approximately three miles) beach walk that begins and ends at Zuma Beach.

All particpants will get a FREE Walk t-shirt if registered online by Friday, May 6. Online registrations will be accepted through Friday, May 13; after that, you may register at the Zuma Beach site on Walk Day for $40/adults and $25/youth (12 and under).

Event details and registration information can also be found on the WOWS website.

Event information:

When: Sunday, May 15, 2011
Where: Zuma Beach, Malibu

All particpants will get a FREE Walk t-shirt if registered online by Friday, May 6. Online registrations will be accepted through Friday, May 13; after that, you may register at the Zuma Beach site on Walk Day for $40/adults and $25/youth (12 and under).

Walk Day Program:

10 a.m. – Online Registrant Check-in and T-shirt pick-up*, Walk Day registrations; warm-up with MC Dan Cortese; applaud as hosts Catherine Oxenberg and Casper Van Dien award the top fundraising prizes; cheer as CWC releases a rehabilitated animal right on the beach. Enjoy our wild DJ, refreshments and snacks!

11 a.m. – 5K Walk Start – Walk with animal lovers of all ages and receive a Certificate of Completion; reward your efforts with an all-vegan hot dog from the Franken Stand or refreshing ice cream and yogurt from King Kone.

*Note to registrants: pick up the t-shirt size you ordered online at check-in to avoid confusion; you may be able to trade for another size later on.

For more information, Email CWC

Roger Ewing

Open House this Sunday 1pm – 4pm

By: Roger Ewing

Wonderful Custom home located in the gated exclusive private community of West Kelly Estates. The grand foyer with soaring ceilings opens to the main living area featuring gourmet cooks kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinetry w/glass doors, stainless steel appliances, travertine flooring and a cozy breakfast area with views. Entertaining made easy in the large Living room w/custom fireplace opening to a large formal dining room with peaceful mountain and city light views. Den/office also with fireplace. Enjoy the splendor of high ceilings, plantation shutters and travertine flooring. Tranquility exudes in the master bedroom, opening to a deck with views and a large master bathroom with spa tub, custom shower and walk-in closet. Three additional spacious bedrooms on the lower level lead to a central bonus room which opens to a rear yard with oversized spa and nearly ½ acre with mature landscaping, oak trees and creek w/bridge. 4 car garage with work shop or possible RV parking.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrp7WYFRh3k[/youtube]

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Roger Ewing

Useful tips on becoming a leader

By: Roger Ewing

On the surface, the difference between a step and a stumble seems obvious.

But in business, plotting long and hard to climb into a leadership role often is indistinguishable from inadvertently falling into one. The fact is, whether you take a deliberate step toward an objective or immediately trip on a shoelace, you may end up in the same spot. Put another way, many people who have a laser focus on getting to the top make it there no faster than those who have a leadership opportunity thrust upon them.

Yet knowing the difference between thoughtful business leadership and the kind that happens seemingly by accident is critical — not only in your ability to grow and develop as a leader, but to establish a pattern of success that’s deliberate, not miraculous.

Here, then, are eight attributes that separate genuine leadership from leadership that’s more a matter of chance:

1. Real leadership means leading yourself

Passing out orders is as easy as passing out business cards. But a prudent leader also knows how to lead himself or herself — not merely to provide a genuine example to others, but to become a working element of the overall machinery of your business. “It’s important that leaders have the ability to focus and motivate themselves as they motivate others,” says Larraine Segil, an author and consultant who teaches executive education at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

2. Don’t be a monarch

Thoughtful leadership likely means you already have a talented work force in place. That’s terrific. But be careful not to set up a throne room in the process. Accidental leaders often inadvertently establish a system of guidance that’s unnecessarily restrictive. Guide employees, but don’t implement more parameters than are absolutely necessary. “It’s important to influence the people with whom you work,” says Segil. “Don’t see your business as a hierarchy.”

3. Be open to new ways of doing things

One potential land mine of a prosperous operation is to repeat anything that proves successful. It’s hard to argue against that, but an inadvertent leader will put far too much stock in sticking with what always works. By contrast, thoughtful leadership acknowledges success but also recognizes there are always ways to do things better.

4. Remember that white males are fast becoming a minority

Statistics show that white males now make up only a small fraction of the workplace population. Couple that with growing partnerships across borders, and it becomes obvious that blending a variety of cultures and backgrounds in a work environment is an essential leadership skill. A thoughtless leader will try to cope with this as best as he can. One with more vision will work to take advantage of differences. “Competition — the constant push for faster, better, cheaper — mandates that we learn to effectively deal with differences in the workplace,” says career consultant Susan Eckert of Advance Career and Professional Development in Brightwaters, New York. A company that weaves an appreciation of diversity into its cultural fabric will make itself “unbeatable,” Eckert says.

5. Establish a genuine sense of commitment

I must admit this is a personal sore point with me. I’ve seen too many company slogans and catch phrases whose import is no deeper than the paper they’re written on. Want to be “committed to superior service”? More power to you, but a genuine leader will see that as words and little else. Instead, put some meat on those bones — establish how to quantify excellence, design a cogent plan to achieve it and set a reasonable but real timetable for its completion.

6. Finish the job

Many business leaders yak about their complete game, but how many actually finish what they say they’re going to start? A thoughtless leader who never genuinely finishes anything loses the confidence of clients and customers. That lack of follow-through isn’t going to be lost on his or her employees, either. Instead, set goals and establish pragmatic, accountable measures to actually finish what you start. “The ability to complete things is critical,” Segil says. “Nothing’s useful unless you actually complete it.”

7. Show genuine appreciation

Thoughtless leaders must have forearms like Popeye’s, what with all the back-slapping they do. That’s fine, but good performance requires a more substantive response. Leaders with an eye to the future hand out praise but augment it with real rewards: promotions, raises, bonuses and other tangible tokens of appreciation. That motivates your people, not only to apply themselves with enthusiasm but to stick around your company longer than they might otherwise.

8. Know that leadership skills come from learning, too

Far too may business executives believe leadership skills stem from some sort of wondrous epiphany or other such flash of insight. Sure, great ideas can come to any of us, but being a bona fide leader also means study. Read books on effective leadership, attend seminars and pick the brains of colleagues to see what works for them. It can be a long education, but one with rewards that multiply with the more knowledge you have under your belt.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Roger Ewing

Announcing the Most Exclusive Real Estate Brokerage in Calabasas

By: Roger Ewing

Welcoming all residents of Calabasas, Hidden Hills and the West San Fernando Valley, Ewing and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is hosting a wine and cheese party Saturday, December 11th from 2pm – 5pm. We are excited about the recent opening of our corporate headquarters located in the Calabasas Court Yard at 23647 Calabasas Road. Please stop by for live music and plenty of wine.

Warm wishes and Happy Holidays!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Roger Ewing