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Yesterday, three of my friends and I ran off our local mountain and immediately gained altitude in some really kick-butt thermals. It was a beautiful Sunday and from several thousand feet we could see two golf courses and a lake full of sailboats beneath us.
We were flying with bald eagles and red-tailed hawks and stayed up until our arms were tired from coring thermals, that is, catching updrafts and carving tight turns in their centers in order to gain more altitude. From that height it was easy to see thousands of people enjoying their weekend activities.
As I flew out over the lake and hovered above the dozens of sailboats, a predictable number of people waved and took pictures of us. As always, I waved back and couldn't help wonder what they were thinking.
Given the choice between floating around on a boat in a lake, driving around in an electric cart on a well-mowed pasture, or soaring through the air with eagles, how could anyone choose either of the first two? Why were only four of us in the air and thousands of them on the ground, especially when the cost of paragliding is less than one-tenth that of sailing and there are no fees or tee times required to run off a mountain?
Three words: Fear Of Heights.
That's also what causes otherwise rational adults to avoid legitimate multi-level marketing...fear of heights. Most people never join our industry for the same reason that most never consider paragliding. They refuse to bet on their own courage and effort.
Once you leave the mountaintop and the ground slowly drops away, you're on your own. Remain calm and do what you've learned and you'll have a wonderful experience. Freeze up, freak out or forget what you've learned and it could become a horrifying experience.
It's the same in MLM. Most people never join our industry because they lack confidence in themselves. And most will never paraglide.
Then there are those who see us soaring with the eagles and immediately sign up for lessons. They'll never run off the mountain, but they'll dabble with a few lessons in order to tell everyone that they've tried it. It's one step closer to the dream, but a long way from soaring. It's like the thousands of prospects I've met over the years who claim they've tried our industry, but it wasn't for then.
I have a few words of caution for those who think they can dabble in multilevel or paragliding: Don't even try. Either find a great coach and do it right or don't do it at all.
Finally, there are those who are the most likely to die. In paragliding they die physically. In MLM they die financially. They're the rare folks who have no fear of heights or lack of confidence. They're the folks who think they're so brilliant and competent that they can read a book or two and teach themselves.
There's no one more dangerous to himself in paragliding than the experienced airline pilot, mountain climber or skydiver who has no fear and a pile of confidence.
And there's no one more likely to crash and burn in Networking than the successful professional who believes competencies are transferable. Just like the airbus pilot who selects the wrong wing, refuses lessons and ends up being airlifted to a trauma center after crashing into a cliff, the MLM hot shot who usually fails, picks the wrong company, a pseudo-upline leader or worse...reads a book and then runs off the financial cliff.
I've been paragliding and Network Marketing since the 80s so I speak with authority. I've earned millions in MLM in only two companies and I've completed thousands of paragliding flights without even a sprained ankle.
How? It's really simple. I picked a winning instructor, bought the technology he recommended, and did exactly what I was taught without exception.
Paragliding and Network marketing are serious endeavors if you value your finances and personal safety. So permit me to offer a bit of friendly advice.
Unless you're willing to take the time to sign up directly under a mentor who has significant skills in MLM, don't waste your time in my profession.
And unless you're willing to sign up under an expert and learn the intricacies of paragliding, please buy an electric cart and stay on the ground. When you get the courage to soar with the eagles either financially or literally...call me. I've got the time and skill set to teach you both.
Just remember one important fact: I won't teach you to paraglide if you insist on flying an inappropriate wing and I can't teach you to prosper in a goofy money game.
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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“When a corporate executive uses the company jet for personal flights, he does not pay anything. Instead, the value of the trip is treated as a taxable fringe benefit, just like the personal use of a company car.
Taxpayers pick up one-third of the real cost because buying and operating a corporate jet is a tax-deductible business expense. Shareholders of publicly traded companies pick up the other two-thirds. That means that ordinary folks who have put their retirement money into companies are dinged twice for this executive perk, once as taxpayers and a second time as investors.”
Free Lunch by David Cay Johnston
Mr. Johnston is a New York Times reporter who won the Pulitzer Prize as an investigative journalist.
***
When I read this book I was struck by the fact that every American who does not participate in Network Marketing has willfully given up his right to the same tax advantages enjoyed by the greedy hogs running major companies. For two decades I’ve enjoyed the tax advantages of owning my own home business. Maybe we can’t fly for free on company jets, but the least we can do is deduct our car mileage and home office expenses. Those who refuse to benefit from their own legal rights have no business criticizing wealthy people for corporate perks. Either get involved in MLM or stop whining!
***
Statement of Purpose
If you’re new to this blog on Food for Brains, please be advised of my mission.
As an avid reader, author and concerned critical thinker, my goal is to provide daily food for the brain, not steroids for the heart. If it’s positive thinking you crave, please look elsewhere. My objective is to encourage self-reflection, not self-absorption.
- Mark Yarnell
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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“The corporate world is doing everything it can to wiggle through the defenses parents erect around their children. Whether they sell unhealthy music or unhealthy food, they pose the greatest challenge to parents who wish to build moral meaning for their children.
The message of capitalism is that what matters most is the satisfaction of immediate desire. If America is to remain a civilized nation in the twenty-first century, it must begin by civilizing its children, teaching them about the necessary balance between instinct and desire on the one hand, and doing what is morally required, on the other.
In the online world, our kids spend their days and nights metaphorically surrounded by anonymous people who will gleefully support them and assure them that their most unlikely fantasies are perfectly desirable and realistic. In fact, they can now ignore the outside world altogether.
If teaching children what is right goes forward, it must begin with the family. And never forget one important fact: family is not something people are but something people do.”
Civility by Stephen L. Carter
Dr. Carter is the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Yale and author of several critically acclaimed books.
***
As I read this book, I realized that each of us is a member of one human family. The responsibility for change rests squarely in the laps of each of us and I, for one, intend to do my part to call attention to cultural dead ends and unchallenged stupidity.
In the Jewish tradition, many scholars have argued that correcting the errors of others is an obligation. In my own religion the young founder preached love of others, but still criticized people – often quite harshly – for their transgressions or irrational behavior. It’s never an example of productive tolerance when we avoid ethical or moral debate. Although tolerance has become a very popular ideal in our society, we cannot afford to tolerate stupid, counterproductive, harmful behavior. Especially, we must teach young people to escape the virtual world daily and learn from real live people and well known authors.
***
Statement of Purpose
If you’re new to this blog on Food for Brains, please be advised of my mission.
As an avid reader, author and concerned critical thinker, my goal is to provide daily food for the brain, not steroids for the heart. If it’s positive thinking you crave, please look elsewhere. My objective is to encourage self-reflection, not self-absorption. Mark Yarnell
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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Washington DC “They came by Audi. They came by BMW. They came by limousine and by private helicopter. On a damp, drizzly fall day, tens of thousands of men and women from across the country converged on the mall in Washington DC for the first Million Millionaire’s March. The theme was sharing with others the struggle of being a millionaire in 21st Century America.
‘I know there are times when it’s hard,’ said Reverend Bertram Potter of Christ Church in Gross Pointe, Michigan. Some days you want to say the heck with NASDAQ and the museum benefits and the kidnapping insurance. But you’ve got to reach deep down inside yourself and find the strength to go on making money.’
The millionaires overcame many hardships to attend the march. Some had to actually pass up long-anticipated wine tastings. Others had to fly on commercial airlines.
The rally brought together a diverse group of millionaires from across the country some of whom had made their millions on Wall Street, others in technology and many in lobbying.
E. Bradley Hargrove, a millionaire from Sedona, Arizona attended with his ten-year old son Bradley Jr. who is also a millionaire.
‘I wanted to show my son what a tax bracket is all about. It’s not just about the Austin-Healey in the driveway and the second house with heated bathroom tiles. It’s about caring.’
As Tom Mannerling at New Canaan, Connecticut explained, ‘We have to support each other. We have to face the truth: You’re a millionaire. This is the hand life has dealt you. What you do with it is up to you.’”
The Million Millionaires March by Michael Rubinar
Michael Rubinar is a noted author who has written extensively for The New Yorker, GQ, New York Times and Rolling Stone. He has also written and produced a number of television shows.
***
As promised, I’ll sometimes share parodies with you, especially those which I find exceptionally humorous. This quote is from a series of essays found in a book of great contemporary humor entitled, “Mirth of a Nation,”edited by Michael J. Rosen. I found the notion of a millionaire support group particularly funny, especially given the huge number of millionaires in America. But underscoring the humor is a very sobering reality. Money is not always the best adult report card. It’s important to keep that in mind once you enter the field of Network Marketing because of the potential for such radical wealth. Enjoy the process because the destination will be far less exciting than you anticipate.
Statement of Purpose
If you’re new to this blog on Food for Brains, please be advised of my mission.
As an avid reader, author and concerned critical thinker, my goal is to provide daily food for the brain, not steroids for the heart. If it’s positive thinking you crave, please look elsewhere. My objective is to encourage self-reflection, not self-absorption. Mark Yarnell
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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“There are as many as 700 billion documents on the Internet and that is growing at the rate of 7.3 million pages per day.
Anyone who has spent even half an hour searching the Internet has learned that to find a tiny precious nugget of gold one must wade through a mountain of garbage.
The more we multitask, the less efficient we become at performing any one task.
Our culture is retreating into an increasingly narrow comfort zone, avoiding risk and cutting itself off from the renewing lifeblood of ideas.
Critical thinking is a prerequisite for the continued prosperity of America. This country needs a new generation of citizens trained in the art of critical engagement, debate and argumentation.
Video games are digitally generated special effects created for emotionally arrested males of all ages.”
Think by Michael R. LeGault
Michael LeGault, a consultant to major US companies on health, safety, environmental and quality issues is an award-winning editor and former columnist for the Washington Times.
***
This book made me feel both enraged and thankful. Enraged enough to begin sharing these quotes with anyone who will listen about the obvious social challenges we face. Blessed by the fact that I was raised in the 50s and 60s by two loving, educated parents who demanded that I learn the value of reading, debate, critical thinking and focus.
Somehow, we adults over 50 are going to have to figure out how to pull younger people out of their virtual worlds before it’s too late.
I have trouble finding anyone under 40 with the focus to work just one year in order to create radical wealth. But I will not give up until I’ve made a small impact. You can help me by getting these quotes to people under 40. Thanks.
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Statement of Purpose
If you’re new to this blog on Food for Brains, please be advised of my mission.
As an avid reader, author and concerned critical thinker, my goal is to provide daily food for the brain, not steroids for the heart. If it’s positive thinking you crave, please look elsewhere. My objective is to encourage self-reflection, not self-absorption. Mark Yarnell
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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“Recycling is part of a larger theme of stuff white people like: saving the earth without having to do that much. It’s fantastic. You can still buy organic ice tea, beer, wine and bottled water and when you’re done, just put it in different colored bags or plastic bins. And Boom! Environment saved!
Everyone feels great! Global warming is slowed way down! There’s no chance the bottles will last forever in a landfill, trapping small animals and that makes us all green!”
This behavior is important because we all feel guilty about producing waste, but nothing will stop us from doing it. By putting our crud in different colored bags we get to feel just like the Native Americans who used every part of the product or beast they consumed.”
Stuff White People Like by Christian Lander
Lander is the creator of the website “Stuff White People Like”. A former PhD candidate, Lander was the 2006 public speaking instructor of the year at Indiana University.
***
When I first discovered this book of humor, I actually had to stop reading every four or five pages because of migraine-inducing laughter. I especially love anything that forces me to laugh at myself as did this brief essay on recycling. I thought my wife and I were changing the planet by putting our plastic bottles, papers and old magazines in special blue hefty bags. Whatever. –Mark Yarnell
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Statement of Purpose
If you’re new to this blog on Food for Brains, please be advised of my mission.
As an avid reader, author and concerned critical thinker, my goal is to provide daily food for the brain, not steroids for the heart. If it’s positive thinking you crave, please look elsewhere. My objective is to encourage self-reflection, not self-absorption. Mark Yarnell
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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“Any handicap can be overcome by honesty, industry, thrift and concentration on one’s job.
If you will concentrate on one thing and know more about that one thing than anyone else in your vicinity, you at once become independent, irrespective of color, sex, health, poverty or any handicap.
This certainly is my belief, and I say so from experience.
The old saying, “There is plenty of room at the top” is truer today than any time in history.
Plenty of people have money and influence; college graduates are more common than bricklayers and plasterers; but the man or woman who knows one thing better than anyone else always wins in the end.”
Actions and Reactions by Roger W. Babson
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One of the luckiest days of my life was the day that I discovered Roger Babson’s work.
Babson was personal friends with seven US Presidents, founded twelve companies and authored some forty books before leaving this world and taking his place among other geniuses relegated to the obscurity of historical footnotes.
The book from which I quote was copyrighted in 1935 and it was very difficult to find. Valerie gave it to me as a birthday present and his ideas continue to inspire me.
Two of his dear friends, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, considered him a man of immense intellect and character and I agree.
You’ll be hearing more from Mr. Babson as we continue these blogs on Daily Food for Brains. –Mark Yarnell
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Statement of Purpose
If you’re new to this blog on Food for Brains, please be advised of my mission.
As an avid reader, author and concerned critical thinker, my goal is to provide daily food for the brain, not steroids for the heart. If it’s positive thinking you crave, please look elsewhere. My objective is to encourage self-reflection, not self-absorption. Mark Yarnell
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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“Growth doesn’t come from persuading the most loyal members of other tribes to join you. They will be the last to come around.
Instead, you’ll find more fertile ground among seekers, among people who desire the feeling they get when they are part of a vibrant, growing tribe, but who are still looking for that feeling.
I’m not talking about disaffected outsiders, I’m talking about people at the fringes, individuals who might jump from one thing to another with less angst.
Begin with the passionate individuals who haven’t been embraced by other tribes yet.”
Tribes by Seth Godin
***
Author of ten international bestsellers, Seth Godin is a great writer who first intrigued me with his book Purple Cow. It’s a masterpiece. So is his new book…Tribes.
When I read Tribes, the above excerpt leapt from the page and grabbed both my ears and shook my head like Mrs. Reimer used to do in the second grade. Why? Because I see the results of this behavior daily.
In our profession, people will do anything to find other Networkers including pay up to $5.00 for their names. Go figure.
My experience supports Godin’s premise. The best people in any sales organization are the wonderful people who were very hungry, highly coachable and inexperienced at the time they were recruited. People often ask who to recruit and my response is simple, “Anyone but MLMers.” Once a Networker has failed at ten deals, he’s an expert who is very difficult to train and virtually impossible to keep focused.
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Statement of Purpose
If you’re new to this blog on Food for Brains, please be advised of my mission.
As an avid reader, author and concerned critical thinker, my goal is to provide daily food for the brain, not steroids for the heart. If it’s positive thinking you crave, please look elsewhere. My objective is to encourage self-reflection, not self-absorption. Mark Yarnell
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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“For the first time in history, high-wage earners work more hours than low-wage ones.
We no longer have leisure-class elites. The rich are working harder than ever. Leisure is something for the poor.
Computer screens - particularly when combined with Adobe-Acrobat - were supposed to reduce our dependence on paper. Instead our per capita use of paper has risen.
We now travel more for business than ever before even though sophisticated telecommunications, e-mails and video links were supposed to end all that.
People have actually fallen for the ‘winners curse’. That’s how economists describe the irrationality of on-line auctions when one person wins by paying more than anyone else would pay which literally means the winner was willing to pay too much.
In fact, property crime has gone down because there’s really nothing worth stealing in the new economy.” Elsewhere USA- Dalton Conley
***
Dr. Conley is Adjunct Professor of Community Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. He also serves as Acting Dean of The Social Sciences at New York University.
When I read this book, I felt that if professionals in other fields truly understood the leisure time that Network Marketing yields, they’d make a beeline for our industry. For over two decades I’ve had a blast every day…thanks to a couple of years of professional networking. -Mark Yarnell
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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Please remember an important strategic fact:
A person who does not read has absolutely no advantage over a person who can’t.
Beginning February 1st, I’ll provide you with a strategic advantage of priceless value. I’ll continue to cull through the most interesting books of our time and provide you with a provocative concept unknown to the masses.
Each daily quote will serve as “brain food” which is literally mental stimulation.
Over 90% of all people lack the time and initiative to read one book a year. By reading about five books a week, I occupy a unique position in the civilized world…a place where less than one hundredth of one percent of all people reside.
I hope some of you will purchase a few of the books from which I quote, but let’s be honest … most won’t. That’s why I’ll provide as much important strategic information in each quote as possible.
I’ll do so in an economy of words so as not to cause you any significant time drain.
I’ll offer little, if any, commentary of my own. I’ll simply provide a quote, book title, author and author’s credentials.
Because in each case I’ll have read the book in its entirety, I’ll base the quote on some thesis concept of strategic advantage to you...a microcosm of the entire book.
I don’t read books because they support my opinions, nor should you expect to always agree with the concept presented. You won’t.
I’m not sharing the quotes to advance any agenda, nor confirm your biases about any subject. I’m offering you an online strategic advantage that will challenge you to think.
I assure you that this compilation of quotes will be found nowhere else on planet earth, either in virtual or actual reality.
Read my quote each day for one month and see if your life is enriched. Enough said.
Quote one will appear on this site on February 1st. Check it out.
None will be archived beyond 24 hours so I suggest that you habituate yourself to a daily visit.
It takes me many hours to devour each book, so five minutes of your time is a small sacrifice.
And by the way…if a million people read these quotes every day and you’re one of them, you have a strategic advantage of over 99.999% of all human beings alive in 2009 who will never read one book or one of my quotes.
As my uncle Jimmy used to say, “How do you like them apples?”
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| Posted by Mark Yarnell at | | | |
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