Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Alien Cat (aka Cornish Rex)

 
Nova - Cornish Rex Cat
 
 
We live with two feline aliens.
Actually they are called Cornish Rexes and they are a unique breed of cat.
 
My babies are Nova (male) and Nebula (female with impressive gray mustache).  They are cats that act like dogs in their love of affection and need for contact. 
 
I have wanted a Cornish Rex for a long time after seeing their unusual looks.  The more I studied them the more I fell in love with the breed.
 
Nova and Nebula


The most striking feature of the breed is their coat. It is very short, lies close to the body, and is incredibly soft to the touch, prompting comparisons to cut velvet, karakul lamb, rabbit fur, or silk. It is in a class of it's own and it is a pleasure to pet this breed--which is a win/win for cat and human.



Nebula - take a look at that mustache!

In addition to the coat, the Cornish Rex has a distinct egg-shaped head with high cheekbones, hollow cheeks, a strongly bridged Roman nose, and large ears set high on the head. The body "has been compared to that of a Whippet, with its arched back, barrel chest, small waist, and very fine, long legs. In spite of their dainty appearance, these small to medium sized cats are extremely hard-bodied and muscular, using their well developed hips and long legs for fast starts and stops, quick turns, and high jumps." Credit CFA
Because of their coat, some people mistakenly believe that they do not shed and are hypoallergenic. In fact, all cats shed but the Cornish Rex shedding is minimal and they tend to be more easily tolerated by people with cat allergies.







I have had cat allergies my entire life. I now share a bed with two soft kitties that like to sleep ON TOP of me. I still have to make certain I am careful not to touch my eyes after petting them but otherwise I am fine.




Even though my babies look like aliens they actually originated in Cornwall, England, where one first appeared in a litter of barn cats in 1950. A cream-colored male, named Kallibunker, was covered in tight rows of tiny curls, giving him the appearance of a miniature lamb. He had a slender, fine-boned body standing on long legs, a narrow head, enormous “bat ears,” and a long, whippy tail. Kallibunker was a genuine mutation and was bred back to his mother to produce curly kittens. The curly coated cats were "bred with Burmese, Siamese, and British domestic shorthair cats, resulting in a broad genetic base for the Cornish Rex breed and the knowledge that the gene was recessive." Credit CFA

Nebula: "Stop talking about my mustache!"


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Oxidative Stress is a Killer

Oxidative Stress


We use and sell Protandim, an Nrf2 activator which reduces oxidative stress.

Which is awesome, but what does it mean??

OXIDATIVE STRESS

"Oxidation" is the chemist's term for the process of removing electrons from an atom or molecule. The result of this change can be destructive - rusting iron is a familiar result of oxidation. Here, oxygen is the responsible agent, but other oxidizing agents, such as chlorine, can be as harsh.

Although we need oxygen to live, high concentrations of it are actually corrosive and toxic. We obtain energy by burning fuel with oxygen - that is, by combining digested food with oxygen from the air we breathe. This is a controlled metabolic process that, unfortunately, also generates dangerous byproducts. These include free radicals - electronically unstable atoms or molecules capable of stripping electrons from any other molecules they meet in an effort to achieve stability. In their wake they create even more unstable molecules that then attack their neighbors in domino-like chain reactions.

By the time a free radical chain fizzles out, it may have ripped through vital components of cells like a tornado, causing extensive damage, similar to that caused by ionizing radiation.

Oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke). credit: Dr. Andrew Weil

Nrf2 ACTIVATOR
Nrf2 is a powerful protein that is latent within each cell in the body, unable to move or operate until it is released by an Nrf2 activator. Once released it migrates into the cell nucleus and bonds to the DNA at the location of the Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) or also called hARE (Human Antioxidant Response Element) which is the master regulator of the total antioxidant system that is available in ALL human cells.
PROTANDIM
Comprised of natural plant ingredients, Protandim is a patented, science-based, research-backed formula that has been tested and validated by renowned universities and institutions. It is the only supplement clinically proven to reduce oxidative stress in humans by an average of 40 percent in 30 days.

Protandim activates Nrf2, which communicates with cells, instructing them to do what they're already designed to do: up-regulate "survival genes," genes that enable cells to survive in the face of stress from free radicals and other oxidants, and down-regulates other genes to help the body function at an optimal level.


 
IS PROTANDIM LEGIT?

LifeVantage is deeply rooted in science. Science is at the heart of everything we do. Our flagship product, Protandim®, the Nrf2 Synergizer®, has been validated by peer-reviewed studies conducted in the laboratories of respected universities such as The Ohio State University, LSU and the University of Colorado Denver. The results of these studies have been published in mainstream medical journals such as Free Radical Biology & Medicine and Enzyme Research.
OPPORTUNITY
There has never been a better time to begin your LifeVantage business. Those who see the potential and act now will be the beneficiaries of our continued, imminent growth.

But here is what makes LifeVantage different: distributors have the exclusive right to share Protandim, the Nrf2 Syngerizer, which is protected by patents and validated by peer-reviewed science.

The strength of our business opportunity lies in the foundation of science behind our product: third-party and peer-reviewed studies. This academic scrutiny validates Protandim as a unique product in the marketplace. No other network marketing company offers that.

LifeVantage has a compensation plan unlike any other because of the associated bonuses and payouts percentage. Distributors who take advantage of this compensation plan, along with the timing of company growth and the foundation of science, will change their lives and the lives of others for the better.

Contact us at LifeVantage Boulder

Sunday, May 19, 2013

The Myth of Multitasking




MULTITASKING

"Human multitasking is the best performance by an individual of appearing to handle more than one task at the same time. The term is derived from computer multitasking. An example of multitasking is taking phone calls while typing an email." -Wikipedia

Does anyone else remember when multitasking was considered the holy grail of the business world? More recent studies, however, have shown that multitasking actually reduces productivity and can cause more errors in our work.



It is bad to make mistakes when working for a boss--when you work for yourself it can be fatal!

As we mentioned in our last post the key to productivity is not 'more time' but instead 'more space'. Multitasking may create the illusion of more time but it's eating up our psychic bandwidth and creating less mental 'space'.



Rapid Refocus
RAPID REFOCUS

How do we make more space in the mind and still do everything we need to make our business(es) successful?

Then trick is "rapid refocus". A martial artist can fight four opponents at one time by fighting one opponent at a time, one right after the other. He doesn’t let the last (or the next) fight interfere with the present one. By focusing on the moment, his concentration defeats all. (credit Zentivity)

In business we need to think like the martial artist and tackle each project with full concentrated focus in order to get the best, most positive results.

Guard your creativity and don't let the myth of multitasking drain your resources. Be the business Ninja focusing your energy on the problem or project at hand and then rapidly refocusing as the next issue arises.


____________Join me at Xpress Healthcare

Crisis Evokes Serenity



Have you noticed that during the times of your life when you were facing a crisis or other incident that took 100% of your brain power your mind focuses to a pinpoint and you have sudden and amazing clarity in the situation?

Of course you probably didn't think about it at the time. You were probably nailing plywood to your windows or administering CPR or swerving to avoid an accident. It all went by so fast you didn't stop to pay attention to the way your brain handled the moment.

Most of our time is spent far away from crisis. We hit the snooze button a couple of times, shower, drink that first blessed cup of coffee, drive to work barely noticing the world around us. The rest of the day, week, month, year goes pretty much the same.


Highly Distracted


And while we do not want to live a life of constant crisis, we should always strive for a degree of that true clarity.




What is on your mind?
THE SECRET OF INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY

Who hasn't said "If I only had more time...?"

But the secret is simply this: it is not about time, it is about SPACE.

We only have a certain, finite amount of psychic bandwidth and if our creative energy is being used to fix every little problem that has popped into our head or is buzzing around us like bees we will have nothing but wasted energy.

Save your creativity. Get in your 'zone'. Be ready for change.




Zen Buddhists use the term "mind like water". Bruce Lee said, "Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend."

Strive for flexibility, not perfection. Clear your mind and give yourself SPACE to think, to create, to grow.



(Credit: David Allen - CFA Leadercast...based on my own notes)

________________
Nicole Kann's Xpress Healthcare
 nicolekann.joinxpress.com/index.html

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Ammo Against Health Care Reform?


I wanted to share an article from Life Health Pro which is an insurance industry publication.  My 'day job' is Benefits Consultant - a fancy term for insurance agent.  I spend most of my week selling health insurance, maintaining my client base, and explaining health care reform!  

As an insider in the insurance industry I believe that we are going to see an increased need for medical discount memberships like Xpress Healthcare.  

PPACA is going to require that all Americans purchase health insurance in 2014.  We may see an increase of premiums for individual coverage and even group coverage especially for people under 40!  

If a company must provide affordable health insurance to their employees, many people will see a reduction of ancillary benefits offered by employers.  These ancillary benefits include dental, vision, life and disability, critical illness, etc.  


The market for discount healthcare programs like Xpress Healthcare will likely be booming as 2014 looms.


I wanted to simply share this information with you and hope that you will share it with others.  
This is truly the time to join with a health care discount program such as Xpress Healthcare


The time to provide a necessary service and product is NOW! 

The time to offer a solution to the fear that Americans feel about reform is NOW!

The time to make money by helping others is NOW! 
 
Read the full article here:
Ammo Against PPACA? Medical Discount Cards

Monday, May 13, 2013

Simply Lead

Chick-fil-a Leadercast: Simply Lead

I was privileged to attend the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast on Friday, May 10th broadcast from Atlanta to Colorado.

The speakers were impressive but I was coming down with a flu bug and not exactly looking forward listening to someone talk all day long.  I was glad I attended, however, and I learned some important and vital truths about business and leadership.



Andy Stanley


I want to start with Andy Stanley who said: "Wherever there is growth there is complexity.  Complexity is the enemy of CLARITY"







CLARITY:

When in any business situation you must ask yourself:

1) What are we doing?
2) Why are we doing it?
3) Where do I fit in?

If you don't know EXACTLY what you are doing you will certainly have a difficult time reaching your goals Determine what you are doing, this is your mission statement.

When it comes to "why?" ask yourself: "What would happen if I didn't do this thing that I am doing?" Where would your world, your community, your network or your family be if you never started XYZ Business? That is your "WHY"

Knowing where you fit in tends to be more applicable in a larger company, perhaps one that you don't own yourself...but it can be a handy question if you work with a spouse, partner, friend, etc in your home business. In this case you can ask yourself: "What is my unique contribution?"
In our business, my husband is the salesman and I am the back office. We do help with all aspects of our network marketing businesses but our unique contributions and core responsibilities are different and work well together.
SIMPLICITY:
Don't ever forget that growth creates complexity. When your business is getting out of hand and there seems to be chaos at every turn do not automatically think that you are doing something wrong. You may be doing everything exactly right but now it is time to remind yourself the complexity requires simplicity.
When the chaos gets overwhelming remember these three vital steps:
  • Simplify the situation.
  • Cloister yourself somewhere private and quiet.
  • Re-center yourself, your mind, your goals, your mission.

 
___________

Learn more about becoming an Affiliate Business Owner with Xpress Healthcare.

"Our mission is to bring a new sense of comfort to both our customers, as well as our Affiliate Business Owners. We will bring this comfort through health savings and financial gain. We look to revolutionize the discount healthcare industry as a whole, while at the same time bringing financial freedom to families across the nation. As we continue to grow and offer benefits to our members and ABO’s, Xpress Healthcare™ will be a recognized brand that brings hope and success to millions."
~Xpress Healthcare

 

Monday, May 6, 2013

Cheat Sheet: Success





"Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil."
~ J. Paul Getty

We aren't all going to strike oil in our lifetimes but we all have hopes and dreams pinned to one or more home businesses that we are working at making successful.

Have you achieved your desired level of success? If not, there may be some wisdom to the term "fake it 'till you make it"

Successful people wake up each morning planning for success, work towards success through the day, reflect on that success in the evening, and then plan for the next days success.

Although not every successful person lives exactly the same as the last there are some strong similarities in how they work for their success.

1. Successful people get out of bed each morning ready to accomplish something. It's easier to stay in bed for a couple of rounds of snooze button smash but getting up with a positive and determined attitude will go far in making you a success. That ten minutes you just wasted could have been spent sending emails or marketing your business on a forum.



2. Successful people never stop learning. The world is changing, successful people know that to get left behind is fatal. We see this by the way that the world wide web has changed network marketing. If you don't evolve you cannot be successful.






3. Successful people expect more of themselves. Every day brings new challenges and possibilities. Successful people embrace them and face them head on. Are you happy with your home business only supplementing your 9-5 job? If you want more you can't be content with mediocrity.







4. Successful people exercise. They move, they get fit, they understand you have to feel good and look good to succeed. Exercise boosts brain power, puts you in a better mood and makes you look great. Plus you can meet a new group of prospects at the gym or running in the park.





5. Successful people have little time for television. It's called a boob tube for a reason. The more time spent in front of the idiot box is less time spent reading, exercising, learning and achieving. After you are done working for the day allow yourself to 'veg out' and unwind, but don't let TV steal your time. Time is money.



6. Successful people compliment others. They realize that they didn't get to where they are without help. They appreciate and acknowledge that help. In turn they will value and nurture others. James D. Miles famously said: "You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." A successful person knows that there is potential gain everywhere and from everyone.



7. Successful people listen. When you spend your time talking it's much more difficult to listen. To the untrained eye, sales is all about talking. However, the successful salesperson knows that sales is 99% listening. Successful people know their audience and the way to learn about your consumer is to listen louder than you talk.



8. Successful people plan. They look at what they want to do, decide if it can be done, and then outline the steps to accomplish it. Setting goals and planning your steps will take your business to a whole new level of success.




9. Successful people expect more of you. Successful people have a difficult time understanding mediocrity, even more difficulty understanding why others settle for it. Surround yourself with achievers and you when you are feeling low they will lift you up.


10. Successful people make the effort and sacrifice to get what they want. It's easy to dream but much harder to give up the two hours of TV each night or sleeping ten extra minutes. Starting your own home business can be the most difficult and rewarding challenge you ever face (next to raising children) Be ready to sacrifice your time, your money, your comfort to make your vision a reality.


Your dreams of success ARE achievable with hard work and dedication. There is no such thing as 'get rich quick'. There are no 'secrets to make you fabulously wealthy'. It's all common sense, hard work, and the ironclad will to succeed. 





Sunday, May 5, 2013

Getting Started In Network Marketing


Choosing a home network marketing business can be a scary and confusing endeavor. If you don’t choose the right company you could be missing out on a lucrative business. Worse, if you choose the wrong company you could waste resources (time, money, credibility, etc.).
I want to put YOU in control of your future so I am going to share with you some quick criteria for evaluating an MLM company.
 
 
1. Is the company going to last long term?
  • Ask how the company got started and who started it. Is the originator still involved?
  • Is the company solvent? (meeting financial obligations)
  • Is the company growing? If the company is private (not publicly traded on a stock exchange) this may be more difficult to find, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the company is hiding anything. If there hasn’t been growth since the previous year it doesn’t automatically mean that the company isn’t great, but increasing sales is a plus for the distributors.
  • If the company is over 10 years old, does it regularly ‘reinvent’ itself?
 
 
2. Does (or could) the product sell outside the network?
  • Are there consumers who will buy the product even if they are not also distributors? In addition is the product so exciting to consumers that they will want to become distributors?
  • Is the product low quality and/or overpriced or is it a valuable product to consumers? Does it perform as advertised?
  • Can the exact product be purchased from another MLM or through retail? For instance, you can purchase Vitamin B cheaply or expensively. If you are selling an expensive yet high quality Vitamin B supplement can you explain the value and thereby justify the expense?
  • Is there a market for the product? Where? Is this sales niche a place in which you want to be?
  • Have you used the product and do you like it?
3. Will I be rewarded for my efforts?
  • What is the company’s commission or compensation plan?
  • Does the company only reward recruiting new distributors? Or will you get paid commission on products sold? Ideally you want a company that rewards distributors for selling product and rewards developing leaders.
  • Does the company pay too much commission to its distributors? This could be setting up for bankruptcy.
  • Is company growth due to earning a higher position or can it be purchased? If distributors can buy commissions rather than earning them the training will not focus on developing leaders. This will eventually destroy a company.
  • Is the commission plan difficult to achieve but achievable? Hype aside, any business takes hard work. You want a business that pays you well for that time and effort.
4. How is the training?
  • Does the training produce effective distributors? Does the company training create success?
  • Is the training specific to the company and its products?
  • 3) Do you have a team of distributors involved and invested in your success?
  • 4) Can you contact someone in your ‘up line’ for support when needed? Your team should return your phone calls and emails within 24-48 hours. They should work with you to determine your needs and help you through them.
Signs to watch for:
  • Does the company promise fabulous amounts of money for little to no effort? You want a company that will be honest with you about your earning potential. Many MLMs have enormous earning potential but as mentioned before, this comes after hard work and serious dedication.


  • Does the company present a “miracle product”? Does it claim to cure cancer? Is it the ‘fountain of youth?’ Does it end world hunger, disease, and all natural disasters? You want honesty. If the product has some extraordinary claims it should have non-biased scientific research to back that up. If there is no research then the claims should be believable and achievable.





  • Does the company treat you as a ‘cog in their wheel’? Are you just another ‘down line’ distributor who was signed quickly and forgotten? You should be a vital member of a team of people that love their product. 




In conclusion, be diligent in researching your prospective network marketing company. Find a company whose owners are committed to the products that actually enrich people’s lives, a company whose owners value their distributors as their most important asset. Make certain that the compensation plan pays its leadership very well and that there are actually leaders who have reached the top level. Finally, choose a company and product that you can feel pride in representing.
"At LifeVantage, we are here to support you every step of the way as you work to create and live the life you've always dreamed.
We are here with you as you build your LifeVantage business and embark on your journey of personal development helping yourself and others find financial freedom."
 

PROS of Network Marketing



PROS of network marketing.



1. Low Startup Costs – For usually less than $500-$1,000 you can start your own business that has the potential to generate a full-time income. Often a large portion of start up fees include your product, sales materials, back office and or website.



2. Time – MLM allows you to work however many hours you want. You could take on a 'second job' but if "time is money" you have already lost. I currently work in the 'real world' 36 hours a week. I have been able to simultaneously work three other businesses and assist my husband with our biggest money maker, LifeVantage.



3. Build Your Skillset – When you run your own MLM home business, you’re also learning how to sell, market, manage, and network, all things that can carry over to your success in almost any other area of life. I am not a natural sales person...I am not a naturally outgoing person even...but I have found that this business is forcing me out of my comfort zone and into a place of growth.



4. Personal Development – Network Marketers are some of the most optimistic people you will ever meet. This optimism and drive to keep learning new things makes this a great industry to be part of. I have met the BEST people since diving into the MLM pool. I am learning it's up to me to make it happen...the people I meet believe the same thing.


"Anyone can do network marketing. It is for men and women of all backgrounds and ages, or from all ethnic or socioeconomic groups. For example, the LifeVantage family is comprised of people from all walks of life: doctors, lawyers, teachers, athletes, stay-at-home moms, realtors, young adults, senior citizens and students from all around the world.

In direct sales, you are empowered to dream and achieve beyond what you thought was possible, to create and live the life you've always dreamed of." Credit LifeVantage