Ask Bob and Anna

Published August 10th, 2008

Posted by Bob and Anna in General, MLM Tips and Training

Hello Everyone

Please ask a question or pose a problem in the comment section above or by clicking on Ask Bob and Anna. This this site is our way of offering free mentoring and coaching to any MLMer or network marketer. If we don’t have an answer, we’ll do our best to find you one!

If you’re like most people, you’ve asked one or more of the following …

What’s the best system for time management?
What are the secrets to recruiting?
Should I be using closing techniques?
Where are the best places to find interested people?
What’s the best MLM recruiting system?
How do I find the top ten mlm companies?
How can I avoid a scam?
What are some good MLM strategies?
How many of the five pillars does my company have?
How important is a good product?
Should I try for multiple streams of income?
Should I buy leads?
What’s wrong with me?
Why are my people quitting?
Where’s my sponsor?
Why can’t I find good workers?
Should I try a ground floor opportunity?
Am I treating people like numbers?
Why doesn’t anybody want my product?
Why are my friends and family avoiding me?
Is this sales?
Why am I not making the money I expected?
How can I improve my phone skills?
How can I improve my people skills?
Are there inexpensive ways to advertise?
Who is Michael Dlouhy and why is he saying those things?
Where can I find a mentor for network marketing or MLM coach?
Come on … how much does Mentoring For Free reeeeeally cost?
What does ‘duplicatable’ mean?
Why do so many people fail at MLM?
How do I figure out my pay plan?
Are all MLM compensation plans the same?
Should I have read my policies and procedures?
Where can I find help in MLM?
What are my two biggest challenges?
Am I doing something wrong that I don’t know about?
Any other question that comes to mind …

Please leave your question in the comment section below the title, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Please be as specific as you can.

You can also subscribe to the feed for this post or to the feed for our entire blog Together To The Top, and you’ll get a notification of your answer!

We look forward to helping you any way we can.

Bob and Anna Bassett
519-371-1028
Skype bobbassett
bobandanna@togethertothetop.com

22 users responded in " Ask Bob and Anna "

Subscribe to this post comment rss or trackback url

Rhonda said, Posted August 11th, 2008 at 9:55 am

Hi Bob and Anna! First thanks for all the input you provide to all of us and thanks for being great mentors. I do have a question for you. Besides this great blog how do you get your great book out into the world?
Thanks!

Bob and Anna said, Posted August 11th, 2008 at 11:23 am

Hi Rhonda

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for the question!

We have used a couple networking sites like Adland Pro, but mainly concentrated on Direct Matches, which we visit about once a week now. Some of our team are having good success on the Magnetic Sponsoring site for free without signing up for the training program.

We are concentrating on just two social sites, Plaxo Pulse and Facebook and linking those to each other and our blog and YouTube videos.

We are trying more passive methods like YouTube videos, and lately this blog, which we are enjoying the most as it’s getting more response all the time.

We’re also trying some safe lists, but we won’t recommend them yet until we know how well they work for us.

We recommend to everyone that they start with the free ebook Success in Ten Steps and get connected to the Mentoring For Free system.

http://bassett.bigmlmsecrets.com/?mad=22202

There are ten free skills calls every week, one of which is Inexpensive Advertising.

Hope this helps and thanks again for the question!

Bob and Anna
519-371-1028

Kathy Moffatt said, Posted August 11th, 2008 at 11:44 am

What a great idea, Bob & Anna! This is a fantastic way to get the word out about “Success In 10 Steps” and Mentoring for Free.

I do have a question for you. I believe it was you who recently commented on Regulation Z on one of the calls.

I’m working with someone who desperately needs help, and Michael suggested that Reg Z will help her deal with a contract she is dissatisfied with.

Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks for all you do,

Kathy Moffatt

Judy Scuderi said, Posted August 11th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

Bob and Anna,

You provide such a great service to the Network Marketing community. Thank you for all you do.

Judy Scuderi

Joyce Penner said, Posted August 11th, 2008 at 1:41 pm

Hi Bob and Anna. I just wanted to drop a note to you and tell you how absolutely amazing you both are. I am so proud when I hear the “Canadian” come out in you. Thank you for all you do for everyone.
Joyce in Manitoba !!

Bob and Anna said, Posted August 11th, 2008 at 3:24 pm

Hi Kathy

Here is the link to Regulation Z:

http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/6500-1400.html

I’ve pasted part of it here for you so that you can see that it does also pertain to credit card practices.

(b) Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to promote the informed use of consumer credit by requiring disclosures about its terms and cost. The regulation also gives consumers the right to cancel certain credit transactions that involve a lien on a consumer’s principal dwelling, regulates certain credit card practices, and provides a means for fair and timely resolution of credit billing disputes.

You should also note that when you pay by credit card, the U.S. Fair Credit Billing Act gives you a lot of protection.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fcb.shtm

So … if you pay by credit card and don’t get what you were promised, companies do not want to hear that you will use the above regulations and will often give you back your money before you have to take the next step.

I do recommend that if you are going to use the above, that you send the company in question, a registered letter outlining why you want your money back e.g. false advertising, didn’t get what they promised you, etc. In your letter, make reference to Regulation Z or the Fair Credit Billing Act so that they see that you mean business. This will be evidence for you that you have attempted to give them the benefit of the doubt to return your funds. This step is very important!!

We can no longer plead ignorance of the law. Learn your rights and become a critical thinker. The best place to start is with Success in 10 Steps …

http://bassett.bigmlmsecrets.com/?mad=22202

Hope this helps.

Bob and Anna

Melanie Kissell said, Posted August 11th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

Dear Anna and Bob …

Talk about thinking “outside the box”. What a marvelous, innovative online strategy. There’s just no end to what the two of you come up with. I’d love to be a little bird pirched on your windowsill while you are brainstorming ideas!

A “Q & A” on your blog is what I call streetsmart marketing!

You’re Tops in my book,
~Melanie

Irma White said, Posted August 13th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

I love this new feature. You guys are truly Go-Givers. I appreciate your generosity and willingness to share your wealth of information. What you provide is priceless.

Be empowered to prosper!

Irma White

paulad732@gmail.com said, Posted August 14th, 2008 at 2:37 pm

I just want to let you know You are a blessing to me with all of the info on your blogs. You have helped so many people. I know God led you to Mentoring for free to help us all. See you in Houston!! Love Paula Drake

Juanita Waterman said, Posted August 19th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

Hey Bob and Anna
I have been posed this question by my Daughter in Law and Son. They want to understand Why do MLM companies use BVP and GVP’s instead of just not giving people a percent of the Cash value of the products. It seems confusing to the regular guy.
Thank you Juanita Waterman

Bob and Anna said, Posted August 19th, 2008 at 5:50 pm

Hey Juanita,

Great question!

Various companies may have different reasons for why they do this, but most use the point system. The main two reasons we see are:

1) To be able to market products in various countries that have different currencies and still have some consistency. For example, if a wellness product costs $44.95 in the US and carries 25 Bonus Points, in the UK it may be 25 British Pounds but it still carries 25 BP. In Germany it may cost them 25 Euros but still carries 25 BP. So the BP is constant globally even though what is paid for the product will vary according to the local currency. Commissions will remain the same in each country.

2) Companies want to remain competitive with health food stores and other outlets. The point system allows the company to keep prices reasonable, while still paying top commissions on the points assigned to the product rather than on a varying price. i.e. if the company lowers the price to remain competitive, your commission will not decrease.

We hope this helps a little to explain the reason behind the BP approach.

Bob and Anna

Abissi Raymond KOUAME said, Posted September 18th, 2008 at 9:06 am

Bonjour BOB and Anna,

Comment allez-vous.
J’ai presque fini la lecture de votre livre et vous remercie pour son contenu.
Bonne journée à vous.

Abissi Raymond KOUAME
Pdt Fdt ONG LVS
IMED Project Manager
01 BP 8554 Abidjan 01
Cel:225-01 11 07 24
E-mail: abissigms@hotmail.com/ ong_lvs@aviso.ci
site web: http://www.onglvs.ass0.fr
http://www.business-travail-internet.fr.gd
http://www.imed.1s.fr

Jim Pittman said, Posted November 26th, 2008 at 11:15 am

First off I/we wish you a Blessed thanksgiving . I have just started to read your webpage and i am so impressed that i will print it out so that I can have a hard copy to look at as a goal. This info is GREAT and we thank you for taking the time to write and share it. Jim n Lou Pittman FL

Jamsline said, Posted January 28th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

How can I make it in any MLM company if I don’t like talking to people, trying to sell them my product? I don’t like webinars, (even though I did listen to yours) and meetings?
Jeanine Mercer

Bob and Anna said, Posted February 1st, 2009 at 2:24 pm

Hello Jeanine

You are not alone, and we don’t blame you for feeling that way!

Most MLM training is designed to make you change your personality to become an aggressive (red) salesperson.

Most MLM training tells you to use techniques that have not worked in a long time, like making a list of friends and family, getting 100 no’s, and using the ‘Three Foot Rule’.

Most MLMers are fed up with hotel meetings and home parties, and most MLMers are tired of standing around waiting for people who never show up!

That’s why we were so relieved to discover Mentoring For Free.

If you are not selling anything, you have no reason to dislike talking to people. Offering nothing but help takes all that pressure and agenda away.

If you work 99% of your business online, you don’t have to worry about meetings and no-shows. We have not attended an opportunity meeting in the past three years!

To learn more about how we turned our business around and avoided more years of failure and frustration, read …

http://bassett.bigmlmsecrets.com/?mad=22202

Mentoring For Free will help you with all the skills for success. You’ve come to the right place for all the support you need!

Dedicated to your success,
Bob and Anna

Rachel Cormier said, Posted March 30th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

Hi Bob and Anna

I have been thinking of all the information you gave me yesterday that has been going around and around in my head. Tuff Stuff!!

Thank you sincerely for your kind attention and patience in pointing out to me how to analyze a compensation plan. I could never have done that myself in a week of Sundays!! My head is still reeling and I am glad I made notes. I will do my ‘due diligence’ as you showed me.

I feel like I am back at square one, but on a solid square, and my learning continues.

Thank you so much for your contribution to my education and growth. I really really appreciated it.
All the best, and God bless your efforts!

Rachel

JuanitaWaterman said, Posted August 4th, 2009 at 7:49 pm

Bob and Anna

If a company is publicly traded, how much does it cost the company?

Thank you for all the value you add on this site.

Juanita

Bob and Anna said, Posted August 6th, 2009 at 11:43 am

Thanks for a great question, Juanita!

Not an easy answer because there are lots of factors involved.

The most important part of going public is the company’s financial stability. Based on their success, will they find investors and stockholders.

A company can go through the process of going public on their own or they can hire a company that specializes in taking companies public. Lots of legal work, paper work and time. It can take anywhere from a few months to as long as 18 months for the SEC to approve the process.

The companies that specialize in setting you up to go public can charge anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 for the process. If they have their own legal team, that’s a bonus, otherwise, you will have additional legal fees. Make sure that your legal team specializes in securities law and related corporate and federal taxation matters.

Finding investors can be a challenge and one of the best investments if you are going public is to produce an annual report on a Form 10K to provide the investors with information as to why they should invest. That means that you should also have a competent accounting firm who knows how to put an annual report together. The report should communicate the value and potential growth and showcase the value of products, services, employees, management strategies and potential markets. With over 15,000 publicly traded companies competing for investors, you can’t afford not to have a good annual report.

By the time the dust settles, going public in the US can cost between $1.5 million to $2.5 million!!

Then you have to ask where that money comes from, and whether it’s a good thing for the distibutors.

coachmarkdavis said, Posted August 28th, 2009 at 12:04 pm

Hey Bob And Anna!

What a best kept secret this site is!! So glad to see the work you do, makes the rest of us sit up and want to improve what we bring to the training community.

Can I come see you guys again in Toronto soon, say October?

Catch you soon! I’ll be visiting this site again really soon!

Mark

Steve said, Posted February 26th, 2010 at 12:22 pm

Hey Bob and Anna

Just wondering a couple of things. First, why is it that I can find a million sites like yours that are offering training systems yet I don’t ever see the actual products you are selling in your MLM business? It seems there area a million people selling training systems yet no one is marketing their MLM business so who is actually making money in good MLM businesses.

Second, I work with a really good company (XXX), however I can’t seem to get anyone interested in starting a business. I will admit the money isn’t great in the beginning, but I do fairly well now. I can’t find one person who wants a business, so could you tell me what you think of XXX or perhaps what type of people I should approach about this great business.

Thanks!
Steve

Bob and Anna said, Posted February 27th, 2010 at 11:49 am

Hi Steve

You are absolutely right about the million training systems out there. You have to be careful that you choose a system designed and supported by a team who are actually building a network marketing business.

Too many ‘gurus’ out there have never built a team, but will sell you expensive tools that may or may not work. It’s like trying to buy the best saw from the kid at the hardware store who has never built a house.

Many of the ‘gurus’ are making their money from the sale of tools, not from their MLM businesses, and that’s why you don’t see products advertised or opportunites promoted. There are none!

There’s another group of trainers who have their own MLM businesses, but realize that if they were to promote their opportunities in the usual way, they would look like every other recruiter out there. These trainers would rather attract people with the truth than with hype, with education rather than a flashy presentation.

These trainers are relying on their MLM businesses for income, so can give away the training free. We wrote an article about this:

Do Not Make Money From Tools
http://togethertothetop.com/?p=406

Anytime you are offered a training system, check to see that the promoter is actually building the type of business you want to build. Make sure s/he is not just looking for your credit card number in exchange for an overpriced ’system’ with no track record. Ask for proof that the system works and is duplicatable down several levels. Ask for references from people who have used the system to build a team.

The system we use is Mentoring For Free, which is generic and free! There are dozens of experienced volunteer networkers who contribute to the group for our mutual and collective success. There are ten skills calls per week that have changed the way we do business. And we don’t sell the system – anyone can use it for free.

As for your company, you might want to first learn if it is a five pillar company. The five pillars are what YOU need to have in a company for YOUR success. Start with this free report …

http://bassett.bigmlmlies.com/?mad=36554

You can also listen to our explanations of the five pillars on our audios page:

http://togethertothetop.com/?page_id=932

Once your company has passed the five pillar test, your confidence level will soar, and you will begin to attract more people. Once you’ve downloaded the free book above, we can help you with the five pillar test for XXX or any other company you are considering. We’ve analyzed over 300 companies so far, and enjoy helping people do the same. You have to know how hard you are going to have to work, and how hard your recruits are going to have to work to reach their goals and dreams.

We work online with the book Success in Ten Steps, and face to face by using Tom ‘Big Al’ Schreiter’s skills training. You can find Tom in several areas on this blog. He’s the best.

As for what kind of people to approach … everybody. We use the Two Minute Story and work with the willing. “Take the volunteers!”

We hope this long winded answer has been helpful. If you’d like to chat some more, just download the book and we’ll give you a call to help you get started on the road to more success.

Thanks again for your question, Steve!

Bob and Anna

Christina said, Posted March 29th, 2010 at 7:49 pm

Hi Bob and Anna,
My only regret is that I never discovered your website prior to ever becoming involved in BIM Corporation. I unfortunately became involved with Business in Motion in October of 2008. Just a year earlier my husband and I had invested in a vacation club, Club Par Excellance, which turned out to be nothing more than a scam that left us $7000.00 out of pocket. As you might understand this loss cost us a great deal both financially and emotionally. We were vulnerable, deperate to try and recoup our loss when this new business venture presented itself through two of most trusted friend. They had the solution to help us recoup our losses. I knew that she would never deceive me and still believe that this was not of their doing. They like us were had by Alan Kippax and his gang. We were ripe for the picking and were brain washed into thinking that this was the real deal. Why would we have doubts these were our friends of 20 years and therefore if they said it was so it must be. We unfortunately handed over another $6400.00 to BIM Corporation and have yet to receive any money from this business venture. We have just been informed that BIM has closed all operations until furthur notice. As you might guess, we are sick and stressed to the point where we do not know where to turn. This has shaken me to the core. I find myself so mistrustful of people. Is there any recourse for us or do we have to come to terms with yet another major loss of our hard earned money. Any direction you could give us would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Christina and Robert McCarthy
robandchris@rogers.com
home phone 905791-4788