Sir Isaac Newton’s Network Marketing Legacy…
Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
And, if you want to succeed in this industry, you too will have to learn from those who traveled before.
The funny thing is, most people won’t
Most people won’t buy the books, pay for the courses, or seek out mentors. Most people are too cheap to invest a handful of nickels in their future. They want to “get paid today” but they don’t want to learn how to get paid today.
They want fish, but they don’t want to learn how to fish!
This usually shows up as objections or excuses…
“I don’t have the money.”
“I don’t have the time.”
“I don’t have the need.”
“I don’t want to bleed.”
And that’s all they really are – excuses.
Most people won’t sacrifice a penny to make a buck.
They won’t take a single inchworm step out of their comfort zones. And they will never open their eyes and accept that they are responsible for everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, that determines their success in our industry – or in life.
I guess you could say that we have two types of MLMers
The Whiners And The Winners…
Give a whiner a fishing pole and they’ll whine about the weather, the bait, or the boat. In the end, after gossiping with their peers, they’ll sell it for a fish…
Give a winner a fishing pole and they’ll wear a raincoat, dig up the bait, and build a boat. In the end, after consulting with a fisherman, they’ll hook a fish…
In two months the whiner will be starving and the winner will be hiring other people to fish for him. Sure, he’ll give the whiner a job. There’s always room at the bottom.
Because somebody has to gut the fish!
The question is…
Do you want to gut the fish or hook them?
Do you want to work for money or make it work for you?
It’s your choice, but if you want to succeed you’ll have to throw away your excuses, stand on the shoulder of giants, and invest in the knowledge that will get you where you’re going.
Make no mistake, people HAVE been there before.
As the old saying goes “Success leaves clues.”
But it’s entirely up to you.
See you soon,
Jason The “Better Networker”
The Jason Better Blog
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48 Comments
David Veras on February 8th, 2010
This couldn’t be more true! When you start your own business, how much are you willing to invest?
What’s great thing about Network Marketing is that YOU are the business. Investing in yourself is investing in your business.
First is the want to make more money, then acquiring the knowledge, then implementing it!
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Cheers David,
I firmly belief that investing in oneself
brings the greatest returns.
Ben Franklin said it too. 
[Reply]
Alan Young Sing on February 8th, 2010
So true Jason.
My dad would always say to me ” There is a price you pay for everything. You’ll either pay it now or you’ll pay it later …. the price of success is now and the price of failure is later.”
And then he would ask me…. “Which is it going to be?”
Keep up the good work.
Alan
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Alan,
My dad used to say “Save money. It doesn’t grow
on trees. Find a secure job.”
I only started making money when I did the
opposite.
I think you had a head start.
Wise man.
[Reply]
Kurt Henninger on February 8th, 2010
So true.
I say to people that are trying to be successful in home business that its just the same as other professions…..you can’t just jump in and be a teacher, or a police officer, or a fireman without proper training. Why would you expect to do the same in a business that you run?
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Hey Kurt,
I wish everybody thought like you.
I don’t know why anybody would expect
“overnight success” when so many of our
strongest leaders started in the trenches… failing
forward for years.
[Reply]
Michael Cole on February 8th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Give a whiner a self help book and he won’t have time to read it. Tell a winner about the same book and he’ll find a way to get the book, then MAKE the time to read it, over and over again.
The whiners could learn a lesson from Sir Isaac, drop a barrel of apples on their heads,maybe something will get through.
Michael
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Hah Michael,
I think I’ll keep a basket of apples handy
the next time I share advice…
And lob them at anybody who makes an
excuse. 
[Reply]
Wayne Vassell on February 8th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Great post there, I am not going to tell you how much I have invested in my education online!
Do I have any regrets? No way – Why? because I know have a skill that can pay me for years to come.
Not just that, It can help others!
Thanks for another great post.
Wayne Vassell, signing out…
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Hey Wayne,
No worries man.
I wouldn’t want to divulge how
much I spend on books compared to food.
Haha….
Erasmus said:
“When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.”
At one time, I think most successful people were in his shoes.
[Reply]
David Wilcoxson on February 8th, 2010
Recent studies prove that people who invest in continual learning average an 11% yearly increase in income, which doubles their income every seven years.
The top 20% of people have 80% of the world’s wealth. And the primary reason for the income gap is a “skills gap“.
The top 20% know that they need to continually invest in their education to keep ahead.
The bottom 80% don’t value learning and they wonder why they are falling behind.
Which group do you want to be in?
Keep learning and growing! David
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 11:44 am
This rocks David,
Although I feel the pain of people struggling
at the bottom…
I laugh when somebody complains
about their situation…
But you ask them what they`re doing about it…
The answer is usually — nothing.
Or when somebody accuses the rich of
robbing the poor…
Some people think that making money is
about ripping people off…
Most of the people I know who did not
inherit wealth, worked long and hard on
their skills.
[Reply]
Tracey Hausel on February 8th, 2010
This is so true. It’s one thing to have a budget for your education and another to not try altogether. There are plenty of articles and videos that are free that can at least get you started. But it seems the whiners just want to push a button and “bam” they’re a millionaire.
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Tracey,
I think about this a lot.
It`s weird how people won`t move
out of their comfort zones to save their
lives.
Like you said, they want the easy button…
But if I can add to that, I would say…
They want it free.
And they won`t believe you if you
have one.
Oh… and…
If it`s free, it can`t be worth anything.
It`s very circular… I can see why
people get trapped.
[Reply]
Mitcehll Dillman on February 8th, 2010
What a great post to start off a new week Jason !
This gets down to the brass tacks of Network Marketing…
I find it curious that you’ve mentioned “Get Paid Today”. Ezine@aritcles is in the process of approving 3 articles I just wrote this weekend on this very topic. GPT is clearly the way of the future in Network Marketing. MLM is DEAD and the Internet killed it !
Don’t you find it almost comical when someone thinks they can start into a new business and succeed without so much as even researching the industry, much less learn new skills and techniques.
It takes money to make money and in the case of Network Marketing, if you’re going to succeed, you’re going to need to spend some money on some training…But I gotta tell ya, with guys like you, Mike Dillard and other Industry “Giants” producing such rich training materials, I can’t see a better way to spend my money.
I’ll climb up on the shoulders of giants any day just to get a good lay of the land so I can see where I’m headed…
I’m gonna say it again…Thanks for this post !
Your learning to ‘fish with the giants’ friend,
Mitchell Dillman
P.S. Hey Jason, Have you checked your mail box today? 
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Hey Mitchell,
I`ll have to check my mail.
I`m totally in agreement with you.
I don`t think a person has to spend a lot
to get started, but it certainly helps.
Most sane people would shudder at the lengths
I`ll go to get an old book…
But that one nugget of wisdom is worth every nickel.
[Reply]
Richard Walsh on February 8th, 2010
It’s a cultural crisis in the USA. It’s all part of the entitlement mentality, why work when I get it handed to me? I’m willing to help anybody who actually wants to learn and invest in their business but as you said, it is rare. I only target leaders (or those who desire to become one) The rest are a waste of time and energy and they are usually the most ungrateful as well. The only increase in jobs in the last year has been a 9% increase in Government jobs while the private sector lost 6% what does that tell you? Great post Jason to fire up the week!
[Reply]
Ilka Flood on February 8th, 2010
Good Morning Jason,
Thanks for starting my week off with another great post!
Great comments too. Some of you took the words right out of my mouth.
I think it all has to do with attitude to. Whiners just don’t have the right attitude and unless they change they’ll always be left behind. Sad thing is, most of them will never change.
[Reply]
Derek Alvarez on February 8th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Great post! I just read one from Seth Godin the other day where he was saying people generally fall into 2 categories:
1) Hunters
2) Farmers
Hunters are kind of “A.D.D.,” surveying the land until something catches their attention — then BAM! — supreme focus to catch their prey.
Farmers are analytical, making preparations based on what’s happening with the weather, making the best breeding choices and crop selections, etc.
He says hunters like PPC while farmers like Facebook.
Very interesting…
Anyway, my point is that, either way, you have to have the ability to adapt and learn in order to be successful.
Whether you’re a hunter or a farmer.
If you want to be good at either one, you better learn form people who’ve had success doing what you want to do.
This is how it was when people still hunted and farmed for survival and this is how it always will be.
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Derek,
Way cool.
I have a lot of respect for Seth Godin.
He`s one of the few marketers out there
who isn`t aping everybody else.
I think I`ll have to add that article to
my reading list for later.
[Reply]
Jason on February 8th, 2010
Mitchell again,
I must be checking the wrong mail box… nothing
new at this point.
Will check BN too.
[Reply]
Twila Jacobs on February 8th, 2010
Whiners just have a lottery ticket mentality…and what are their chances of winning?!
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Hey Twila,
I stopped buying those a long
time ago.
Much better odds of making money
in business than the lottery.
[Reply]
Dave Marsh on February 8th, 2010
Way to “Tell it like it is” Jason. I see so many people who won’t lift a finger (or pull out their wallet!) to help themselves hone their craft. They continue to delude themselves into thinking they’re doing a business when they’re really just pursuing a hobby.
This immediately went out to my entire team. Thanks for a great post!
Dave Marsh
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Hey Dave,
Thanks!
I don’t have anything against a hobby
network marketer as long as they’re
happy.
But definitely a strong supporter of personal
development and education. Whatever the price.
[Reply]
Rhonda Miller on February 8th, 2010
I love this post Jason!
My family would have a coronary if they knew how much I’ve spent on books, courses and seminars in the last 6 months.
To my knowledge, none of them have spent a dime on their education in the last 20 years and guess what…they’re the ones whining about the economy and they can’t do this and that because they don’t have any money.
Well, they can keep their broken fishing poles, I’m going to put duct tape on mine if I have to because I’m gonna catch a ton of fish:)
Here’s to the Biggest Catch!!!
~Rhonda
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Rhonda,
Your comment made me smile
because that’s the attitude you
need to make it.
It’s always the well meaning family
that doesn’t seem to understand business
at all.
[Reply]
Mitchell Dillman on February 8th, 2010
Hey there Jason,
Just resent you a personal email…Wanted to confirm you got it.
Let me know, I’ll try another address if you’d like.
Thanks,
MD
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Hey Mitchell,
You sure you’re sending
it to…
Because I can’t find anything from
you at all? Hmmm.
[Reply]
Peter Grimes on February 8th, 2010
Jason & leaders,
Agreed great post. Actually, canI just have that permanently recorded against my comments?
Funny thing is, only the winners are or ever will be on this blog site! I guess we can do our best but ultimately it’s not our job to “fix other people” but rather to work with those who put up their hands for help. Mmmm, just gave me an idea for a post of my own. Later everyone…
[Reply]
February 9th, 2010 at 8:44 am
I’ve noticed that Peter!
Quite often the leaders who comment
on this blog are everywhere on BN too.
I know a few are driving most of their traffic
from BN and here instead of Google.
It’s funny when I go to see my most visited outgoing
links and Dwayne Huggins is one. What a guy.
I hope he’s doing good, because it’s been a few
days since I’ve seen him.
[Reply]
Dana Prieur on February 8th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Great Post! Sometimes a whiner can be a good thing. I’m not kidding, this is a great opportunity to ask questions, listen closely and their answers will lead them to their why. If they have a strong enough why, it may just refuel their desire to make another effort to step up and work hard at making that change. If they want it, they will work for it, so don’t give up on a whiner just yet, they just may end up a winner!
Here’s a good quote I thought I’d share:
Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them!
We are all leaders here and those who follow, do what we do and learn what we learn, will win!!!
[Reply]
February 9th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Hey Dana,
They do say the “squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
I guess, we wouldn’t know who to help if nobody
whined? Hmmm…
[Reply]
Rose Mis on February 9th, 2010
LOVE this post Jason…
Just spent the weekend taking a look at the world “from the shoulders of some giants in the industry”…
What I saw was breathtaking…
What I didn’t see were any whiners…
It comes down to compassionately ruthless leadership…first of oneself..and then of others…
A total “No Excuses” mentality and focus !!
[Reply]
February 9th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Hey Rose,
Thank you.
I’m a big fan of the “no excuses” mentality.
I haven’t met a leader who makes excuses
or whines and complains about anything yet.
[Reply]
Chris Owen on February 9th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Great Post! Isaac Newton is one of my hero’s. I did book reports on him every year in high school.
A good Einstein quote to go along with this article is “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the the universe.”
I have a saying that is even my tag line at BN
IF you don’t take the time to learn anything, you don’t deserve the right to know anything.
Great post Jason.
[Reply]
February 9th, 2010 at 8:51 am
Chris,
I think your tagline should be stamped on
every network marketer’s brain.
But then again, I don’t think anybody has the
right to be in this industry if they aren’t going
to crack open a book or at least educate themselves
by learning from the best.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker on February 9th, 2010
Awesome post as usual Jason! I guess one only takes full responsibility for oneself and one’s business when one has a strong enough vision.
[Reply]
Tommy DiPietro on February 9th, 2010
Hey Jason and others-
Great tagline Chris, that is a good one.
I like Derek’s comments on hunters and farmers from Seth Godin, very true.
I just celebrated Christmas and my birthday is this week, so I am always asking for gift cards. Being on a tight budget, it allows me to purchase some training cds/books, I just bought a few books for personal development and my primary opportunity’s training event in April, purchased the tickets at a discount.
Plus, we have your community of followers and the other networkers to learn from. When I started I spent the money foolishly on bad advice. Today, two years later, I have a reduced budget, but was able to make a large investment in myself. So now… my leads are better, my team is better, my business is better, and most of all I am BETTER. Thanks Jason Better!
Your Networking Neighbor,
Tommy D.
[Reply]
February 9th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Tommy,
I’ve had the same experience.
I think what happens at first, is that
we search for all the info without discrimination.
Like an addict.
Then over time, after being burned a few times
with bad products… you cut back.
Still, I like to think that even those experiences
teach us a lesson in business.
There’s often a nugget of truth in even the
worst training.
[Reply]
Emma Weekly on February 9th, 2010
CLAP* CLAP* CLAP*
Thanks for pointing that out for those who don’t seem to take hints from success, but i fear they probably haven’t even gotten here to read it!
[Reply]
February 9th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Hey Emma,
At first I thought it was one of
those slow claps… like when the villain
walks in and applauds the hero`s feeble
attempts…
I fear that you`re correct.
The ones who need advice… are the
ones who will never seek it out.
[Reply]
Melisa on February 10th, 2010
I really loved this article! It is amazing how people will not invest in their biggest asset which is themselves. Thanks for sharing!
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Hey Melisa,
Thank you.
And thanks for dropping in. I hope to see
you back again soon.
[Reply]
Derek Fobert on February 14th, 2010
Interesting outlook, Jason! I am realizing… the world is so full of whiners appose to winners. Why is that?? The way the world has been conditioned, I guess. Fishing with the whiners is just worms on a hook. Time to take my rod and find another fishing spot!
[Reply]
Hey Jason,
What an awesome post! This is so true, people want stuff but not willing to educate themselves on how to get it.
I read this not so long ago and it goes with what you are saying, “Training is expensive. Books are expensive. Going to seminars is expensive. All learning is expensive…Being Stupid Is Still Much More Expensive!”
Chat with you later.
Josh
[Reply]
February 8th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Thank you Josh,
I think I’ll be filing that quote away for
future reference.
I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to
reinvent the wheel only to find the answers laid
out in a dusty old book.
[Reply]