Would I Pay This Person?

“Would I pay this person’s paycheck before my own mortgage?”

As an employer, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to make awful hiring mistakes. I can’t really blame the individuals and their weaknesses, because I feel like it’s my responsibility to properly vet those issues during the interview process. But I’ve recently had an epiphany that I actually chose to act on and it’s made all of the difference in the world. This recommendation applies to both the employer AND the employee.

To Employers, if you are not in love with them, don’t hire them. This is your business, your livelihood we’re talking about here. As a small or even a medium sized business you’re susceptible to financial volatility. Clearly things do not always go rosy and there may be a time when you get paid last, or even not at all while you keep your staff on so that you can get to the next paycheck. So there are two issues that you need to consider here. One of them you need to consider before you hire them and the other you need to consider after you hire them.

1) Before you hire them, you’ve got to look at their attributes and literally ask yourself the question, “Would I pay this person’s salary before my own mortgage?” Why? Because frankly such a decision may need to be made at some point in the future. Even if you never have to make such a decision (and let’s hope that you never do) you still should only reward your unique risks and responsibilities as a business owner with quality individuals who enhance your work path, not detract from it. And if you aren’t able to see how they would be an attribute to the financial strength of your business and the tasks that you need accomplished, then don’t hire them.

Don’t run your business like a popularity contest. You are the president/CEO/Owner of a business, not the President of Please Like Me, Inc. You owe it to the rest of your team members to ensure that you do not bring on anyone who compromises the strength of your company’s financial standing, because if your company isn’t profitable everybody suffers. If you aren’t in love with them when they are supposed to be putting on their best behavior and only have to “fake it” for a few interviews, then for crying out loud, what makes you think it’s going to get better when they are in the midst of the daily business stresses and handling critical responsibilities?

Remember, the enemy of best is good. Don’t go with the “good” prospective employee just because you need to fill a position. That will cost you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. Be patient. Wait for the “best” person to manifest your wish list requirements to you. In today’s economy, being able to offer someone a job is an asset that should be appreciated by any prospective clients.

2) After you’ve hired them, you have every right to expect them to proactively contribute to your bottom line. In other words, each employee you have on board should be a revenue generator in some way or another for your business. If not, you cannot afford to have them.

So how does this apply to employees? Well for starters it gives you great insight into the thought process of successful business owners. And after all, isn’t that the kind of company you want to work for? Keep in mind that you’re obligated to work and then get paid. Your employment should only be contingent on your value to the company for which you work. This does not mean you have to be perfect. Plenty of businesses aren’t and they still manage quite well. But you do need to realize that for every task you slough off or perform incorrectly you are costing your employer money. And if they didn’t have to pay for your errors or inefficiencies, they just may be able to pass some of the wealth on to your salary. The question is does your work ethic and capabilities merit you being paid prior to your owner’s own mortgage? The answer is only a “yes” if they can’t afford to do without you.

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

American Taxation

A Double Whammy!

As an American, I feel that it is absolutely irresponsible to not understand how money really works in this nation. A full comprehension of this topic will actually instill a more prudent behavior in our own financial habits - at least that’s my belief. Such a behavior will lead to less anxiety, stress, and chaos in our lives.

For starters, those of you who would mistakenly pipe up that the Canadian dollar is now worth the same as a U.S. dollar as a result of our deficit; you are missing a large chunk of the rest of the story. The fact is our dollar is devalued because there is an abundance of U.S. currency in circulation. The value of the dollar is directly related to supply and demand. For instance, remember when cell phones were first sold in our nation, the prices were prohibitive for many. However, now that they are more abundant and commonplace, the prices have lowered to as little as “free” in many instances.

It used to be that the Federal Reserve published a report which contained an M3 number. This figure would convey to the public just how much money was actually in circulation. Mysteriously, the Federal Reserve has elected to no longer provide the public with that figure. Thus their printing presses can continue to roll out currency as they see fit, watering down the value of our dollar. Our foreign nations who trade heavily with us are not imbecilic economists. Clearly the only reason to NOT provide such a number is to hide the true value of our currency. And as such, international trading with us has been subdued.

This is Economics 101…(although not likely to be taught as such.) Suppose I was investing in fine art. Wouldn’t it be reasonable for me to know just how many pieces an artist created? Of course. As it would determine the value of any art I purchased by this artist. So why would anyone invest in a commodity who’s true value cannot be rightly determined?

Be aware that the Federal Reserve is a nation unto itself. It is NOT part of the U.S. Government. Sure the Federal Reserve Chairman is appointed by the U.S. president, but are you certain that whom he appoints is of his own choosing? You keep spouting how we need to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil; how about eliminating our dependence on the foreign nation that rules our currency? All of the U.S. Presidents who have attempted to stand up to and eliminate this cartel dependence have met with serious demise. (Kennedy, Reagan for example.)

If our nation’s currency can simply be printed up in accordance to the Feds whims, with no checks and balances, then the value of the dollar is questionable. Thus in my mind it behooves us to incur as little debt as possible so that we remove ourselves from this shell game as much as possible.

Why is our budget deficit $407 billion dollars? Because those that play with the money only see it as Monopoly money. They figure they can simply print more. “Let’s just call the Federal Reserve and ask them to loan us more money.” Where does this money come from? A check? Where is the money that backs up the check? It’s not money, it’s a printing press. Unfortunately, it’s REAL hours we work for every year through the month of May to pay for our nation’s REAL debt. That debt is paid for by the sweat of our brows. Our federal income taxes do not go for road improvements, social security, or Medicaid. It all goes to pay the INTEREST on the debt that our nation’s “leaders” have imposed upon us. I have no offense in paying for the services that I require. But unfortunately I’m not receiving the benefit of those services. I cannot count on Social Security when I need to retire, neither can 80+% of all retirement-aged Americans. I could go on and on here with the façade of services we’ve been led to believe our tax dollars pay for, but the bottom line is we’ve had very little say in what our tax dollars pay buy, or how they enslave us. Now that’s what I call “taxation without representation.” And not only are we being arduously taxed, but those dollars with which we pay our taxes are being destabilized dramatically. A Double Whammy!

So here’s my solution, as a patriotic American I say let’s be proud to be American and let’s take advantage of the freedoms that we still have in this country. This doesn’t mean we have to like what they do with our financial matters, but fortunately they don’t have ultimate control. This nation was built on the backs of visionary entrepreneurs and it’s future lies in the hands of those same visionary, determined hearts. I feel like so many of us get so tired keeping up with our business and keeping our heads above water that we forget that we are very powerful in determining our outcome. So learn what game you’re really playing in, and learn how to leverage your entrepreneurial inclinations to maximize your prosperity so you don’t need their credit.

If you would like to increase your prosperity, join the Money, Mind, Marketing consulting program today. This is the only complete consulting program which shows you how to leverage your knowledge to create unprecedented business results, and to live a life of true prosperity, not just one on paper. Sure marketing knowledge is important, but what good is it if it’s unaccompanied by a sound understanding of fiscal matters as well. By learning from a true expert and my innovative money strategies, you can expect to increase your business revenue at little as 20% to as much as 600% in the next 12 months! Simply go to http://www.moneymindmarketing.com/ to begin.

You may also desire to subscribe to the nation’s only non-politically or fiscally motivated publication, Monetary Intelligence Magazine. Go to http://www.monetaryintel.com/ to register for your marketing, money and mind mastery without the fluff.

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

Scares the Crud Out of Me

The most recent news of the government taking over Freddie and Fannie may come as welcome relief to some, it scares the crud out of me. Here’s yet one more way that our government can have a hand in our business, our finances, and it is certain to be an unpleasant one. Every time the government is in control over a financial issue, they consistently demonstrate that they have no decorum in conducting themselves with any sense of prudence. Social Security. Medicaid. FEMA assistance. Pork spending. And let’s not forget the true 800 pound gorilla that’s been around since the early 1900’s, the suspiciously formed Federal Reserve. So now we have the Federal Reserve pulling all of the strings of our currency circulation (whilst arbitrarily eliminating any reporting of just how much currency is in circulation at one time), the FDIC taking over control of various banks that have mishandled their funds, and we’ve now got the U.S. government acting as the nation’s primary mortgage lender. Geesh. If that’s not a recipe for disaster, I don’t know what is. The more of our financial freedoms we give control to our government, AND to non-elected officials such as those that run the FDIC and the Federal Reserve, the less free we are indeed.

To read that Freddie or Fannie did not see the mortgage bubble coming is ludicrous. These are learned and highly educated individuals entrusted with this responsibility all these years. Of course they saw the writing on the wall. They either had a back up plan that didn’t pan out very well, or they chose to ignore the responsibility that this problem they created would require. You simply cannot believe they acted in ignorance. I’ve got entry-level administrative personnel that can forecast better than that! I’ve got nothing more than a high school education and yet over 3 years ago I bailed out of the residential industry to get into commercial because the writing was on the wall way back then. In other words, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon—or at least a college educated economist—to see that there was trouble brewing long ago with the credit given freely to so many with such unrestrained finance terms.

Here is yet one more reason for us to heed ongoing counsel of the wise to get out of debt, including our homes. We’ve got to start looking at our homes as our places of refuge, not a credit line.

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

Modern Day Warriors

Over the last year, I’ve had the immense privilege to work with many women who are presently in challenging circumstances. I’ve consulted them primarily in matters of self-esteem and their entrepreneurial path. These women come from various points of wealth, family life, nationalities, marital status and religions. Some have struggled with domestic violence from a spouse, parent, or even a child. Some have been overwhelmed battling destructive eating disorders or even fighting a terminal diagnosis’ which they’ve emerged from with a clean bill of health. Still some have struggled to raise their children single-handedly, manage intense depression, anxieties, or even struggling just to find their place in the professional world. While their backgrounds or present circumstances vary dramatically from each other, I’ve noticed a common theme among these modern day warriors. With little exception, they all have chosen to continue to press on. But after spending so much time with them, I still feel a sense of sadness for them as I realize they feel like their life is intended to merely survive, when I am absolutely certain that their lives are intended to be one of thriving. For some, they even have a hard time to acknowledge their problems to be what they actually are. Here’s an example: One woman whose son was physically abusing her, even threatening to kill her in her sleep, had the most difficult time even calling it what it really was. She just kept blaming herself for not raising him properly and trying to come up with the perfect parenting skill to make everything all better. It didn’t help that her husband refused to acknowledge that it was as serious issue as well. So here you have a wonderful woman who’s living a less than fulfilling life because her perspective of things is so skewed.

Now, to be clear, I’m certainly no therapist and I don’t have the proper education to clinically assist these women in any of the aforementioned matters. My exposure to them has come solely as a result of my business and marketing consulting. However, because of my belief that fixing the “head” is critical to one’s true success in the professional world, I attempt to address this aspect as well with all of my consulting clients. I believe that one of the keys to fixing your head is to remove yourself from the situation for a “moment in time” so that you can see your surrounding, your current circumstances with a fresh, more accurate pair of eyes. After all, it’s hard for us to really see things as they are when we’re so close to it and embroiled in the climax of the emotions. So, last fall I elected to take a few women to Walt Disney World. I did so in order that the women could experience a vastly different world from their own perceived reality, and thus, perhaps, view their situations in a different light. I’m happy to say that after 4 days with these wonderful travel companions, each of them expressed some alternative views of their situation, which I believe was much more accurate. Obviously, in order to overcome a challenge, we’ve got to know what the challenge is, right?

So my point in this message today is to encourage you to remove yourself in order to maintain better clarity. This is a wise practice implemented regularly by some of the most successful entrepreneurs.

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

The Real Scam

You’ve heard the line “Your money or your life.” Lately I have come to regularly witness the scams that would rob many of both. This all too real deceit is perpetrated by anonymous individuals living in dark caves of cowardice, well-intentioned loved ones and friends, and the media. The intended scam occurs when misinformation is dispensed to individuals truly seeking to better their lives, become more, and to succeed at higher levels, but who fall prey to lies of bitter, pessimistic, or truly ignorantly charged motives.

The media would have us believe the proverbial sky is falling and thus we should halt our normal lifestyle and take no risks of progression. Anonymous posters to websites would have us take their cowardly, unsubstantiated posts and obliterate years of respected relationships, education, and sound evidence. Loved-ones and friends, in the name of saving us from hurt, would have us avoid any part of life that might be challenging or trailblazing. Ironically, research has shown that in most cases, the loved one is actually lacking in the fortitude themselves which may be necessary in watching us struggle.

Here’s a perfect example of an attempted scam that could have had devastating effects if it were attempted on a person with less resolve. One of my clients, who I consult for regularly regarding the utilization of advanced finance strategies for his clients, came to me with a somewhat “prickly” transaction. In spite of the deal’s obvious glitches, this fine expert was able to structure a solution for his client which offered 100% financing for his project (unheard of nowadays—especially in commercial transactions), NO interest rate, NO payments for the duration of the 24 months of capital infusion, and no personal guarantee. Clearly this was a phenomenal solution for his client and obviously indicative of the expertise that this professional brings to the table when he takes on a client. However, when he initially took on the project he was overwhelmed and even shocked by the number of “caring or concerned” individuals who let him know that he should pass on the deal and not proceed because it was impossible, a waste of time, a dubious project, or a pipe dream, etc. Had this client of mine heeded their advice, he would not be several million dollars wealthier for a job well done, nor would have be presently overwhelmed with other business professionals standing in line for a similar proposal on behalf of their projects.

Oh, here’s another interesting twist. Since this client of mine is an experienced advisor in matters such as these, his prospective clients pay him $5,000 an hour just to be able to consult with him about their deal! Kudos to him for having his sense of worth to the market for taking such a position. And kudos to the savvy professionals who likewise find value in his services as well.

Ultimately, if the “scam bullets” had hit their mark, over 148 individuals would not have well paying jobs right now, a community would be missing out on a phenomenal economic boon to their growth, and there would be at least one more person in the world who would have been discouraged with his/her lack of success. In this case, the scam didn’t have any efficacy, thank God.

Do we really need more discouragement? Doesn’t the devil have enough advocates? Then why do so many of our associates give us “advice” in the name of “just playing the devils advocate”? Why don’t we hear more individuals saying, “Just playing the angels advocate”?! Should we allow anonymous posts by cowards have any legitimate influence on our pursuit of something better? Fortunately in this case, my client knew what he was worth and knew of his competence. But most people are subject to the winds of rumor in the moment. My position is this is a costly mistake. Our progress doesn’t just affect our own lives. We have a continual ripple effect on the lives of countless others.

At this time of political and economic rife, the real solutions and growth can only come through individuals who possess their own thoughts, rather than subscribing to those of others. We’re all blessed with the ability to choose for ourselves, to act for ourselves. Why let inexperienced individuals in the world of success dictate our actions? Surely we can verify any real concerns we may have in making a decision if it truly has merit.

I subscribe to the camp of “Free to act. Free to choose. Free to succeed.”

May you not only choose wisely, but may you proactively choose.

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

Ultimate Success Gala

Monetary Intelligence Magazine presents the Ultimate Success Gala - three incredibly full days of non-stop headline experts and celebrity entertainment catering specifically to the genuine needs for today's successful business professionals and entrepreneurs with 100% of all profits going towards one of the most reputable charitable organizations in the U.S., the Children's Miracle Network.

The incomparable Grand America Hotel, dining masterpieces, private concerts, and a gathering of a 12 star-studded cast of experts whose sole goal it is to ensure your greater success regardless of the economic climate!

As part of this Gala, we have acquired a ballroom to host a silent auction over the three day educational event. With tickets ranging from $5000 to $6500 for the event, over 300 high income professionals will be in attendance. Headlining the event are reuptable individuals such as Steve Forbes of Forbes Magazine, Nido Qubein of High Point University and Carolyn Kepcher from the Apprentice, to name a few.

We are looking for businesses to sponsor the event and make donations for the Gala's silent auction. Would your organization be willing to make a contribution to an honorable cause? 100% of the profits will benefit the Children's Miracle Network directly. For more information, visit us online at http://www.ultimatesuccessgala.com/ or contact us by phone at 801-788-4133.

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

Power Women- Working from Home

Unfortunately, there are many of you reading this who can completely relate to this content. I say “unfortunately”, not because of a predisposed judgment on single moms, but only because I would certainly wish for a complete, whole, and happy life for all of our readers. But the fact is, single motherhood abounds in our nation. My mother raised the 5 of us single-handedly for much of our lives—sometimes even when she was married to one of her 5 husbands. And thus it is one of my goals to make a significant impact in the lives of single mothers nationwide with the knowledge and technology that is now available for women working from home. Let’s face it. It’s hard enough raising your children alone. But attempting to make a positive influence in their lives with only a couple hours of exposure each day is clearly not for the feint of heart. Add financial strains of all kinds, contentious interactions with a family, and a lack of time to rejuvenate your own sanity, this working Mom stuff is the job of a saint! (Ok, I admit that it doesn’t look very saintly right now, but don’t worry, history has a way of clearing away some of the bad moments and teaching your children in their later years that you were right on so many levels. *wink* ) Ok. You already know how tough your job is, right? Well, allow me to share with you how it can get much easier; thanks to the availability of real marketing knowledge and modern technology, women no longer have to choose between expensive day care, leaving their children for the majority of the day in the hands of teachers and strangers, deciding between health insurance or positive extracurricular activities, and so many other choices that are painful for any mother to make who truly cares for her children. Surely you never dreamed of growing up someday and ending up handling all that life dishes out on your own. With the right knowledge, you no longer have to make that choice.

My favorite sister in the whole wide world had two little girls to care for, all by herself. Meanwhile, she was also battling an abusive husband in the court system as well to retain custody of one of them. The last thing she wanted to do was to relinquish her girls to anything other than her nurturing, love, and values. At this time, I was earning a very good income working in the wholesale portion of the residential industry. My sister was a sharp cookie, and I was convinced that if I could train her properly, she could do what I did, which did not require me to leave the house for hours on end. Essentially, I did a lot of work from my home, my computer, and my phone. Bless my sister’s heart. She faithfully and patiently studied with me for several hours a day for a week—long distance via telephone and computer— to learn the mortgage business inside and out. And as a result she landed a job as a wholesale account executive where she could still be at the crossroads of her daughter’s lives. Sure she had to work hard learning the information. Sure she had to venture where she never had before. But she made it and her girls have grown up amazingly well-balanced and wonderful!

My point is, you have a wealth of knowledge right now. Yes, WEALTH. You simply need to connect with individuals who can assist you in leveraging that knowledge.
There’s a popular story known as Acres of Diamonds. I find especially when I consult with single mom’s that they have this belief that they have very little to offer the world from home that anyone would pay for, let alone enough to support their family. And yet you do not have to look far to see evidence that that simply is not the case. What about the famous stay-at-home blogger who now makes more money blogging from home than she did at a high-paying IT job? Or what about Stephanie Meyer who writes national best-selling books from the comfort of her home? What about successful home sales specialists who provide fellowship in addition to quality products from companies such as Reliv, Pampered Chef, or Mary Kay? I personally have dozens of friends who are SUCCESSFUL women working in this aspect of business. We’re not talking about stuffing envelopes or making cold calls, here. You have numerous examples of fulfilling roles and prestigious women leaders. (In fact, you can hear from 4 of them at the upcoming Ultimate Success Gala on November 13-15 in Salt Lake City! Carolyn Kepcher, Susan Adams, Chin-Ning Chu, and Sydney Biddle Barrows will rock your world with their examples of a realistic and achievable strength and power!)

This advice isn’t simply for working moms. It’s applicable for individuals who are working hard at numerous jobs and still not making ends meet, or for the married mom who feels compelled to leave home to help bring in income for the family. You no longer have to make that painful choice. YOU CAN LEARN TO LEVERAGE YOUR EXISTING KNOWLEDGE and earn a living which actually sustains you—while you work from home. All you need to do is learn how to leverage the information you’ve been given through your education, life’s experiences, or your hobbies. Whether you want to work in the mortgage industry, scrapbooking, network marketing, cooking, or belly dancing, it doesn’t matter. The tools are available for you NOW. I know this because I live by this rule and am able to support the livelihood of all of my employees as well by implementing these real and applicable strategies. I just wish my mother could have seen it in her lifetime. It’s available in yours. So take advantage of it!

I will do my part. I will gladly provide you with access to my knowledge and expertise with the same fervor that I did my sister so many years ago, so that I can repay my wonderful single mother for all that she did for us kids and also for all of the other single moms out there who struggle so hard to make ends meet.

Single Moms, I salute you!

If you would like access to your exclusive, expert training in the three most important components of success— Money, Mind Marketing, register today for a free trial membership at http://www.moneymindmarketing.com/ You and your family have everything to gain!

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.