Q&A - The FAQs!

Our customers and E-zine readers regularly ask questions about Jim Rohn. In each issue of the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine we take one or two of the most frequently asked questions and provide the answers. If you are curious about Jim Rohn, check here - your questions might already have been answered!

Q: Yes, I've seen this (2004 Weekend Event package) and would buy, except I bought his one from 2001 and wonder how different it can be! -- Colin

A: Hi Colin, thank you for your email and question. The 2001 Event is approximately 21 hours and the 2004 Event it is approximately 24 hours. The only redundancy is really only 8 hours (Jim's individual portion has the same topics as the 2001 event). The additional 16 hours of the 2004 event is completely different from the 2001 -- different speakers and topics, i.e. Denis Waitley's two hour presentation, Brian Tracy's two hour presentation, plus Jerry Clark, Chris Widener, Donna Krech, TC Cummings etc., plus VIP lunches with Jim and Denis and Jim and Brian, and Vic Johnson's "No Dream To Big" breakfast session. The teen session is Jim, Chris Widener, Denis Waitley and Charlie "Tremendous" Jones and a 3-hour Speaker Roundtable discussion among all the speakers with audience participation. It even has comedian, Garet Chester, doing four special appearances as Jack Nicholson, the Godfather, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Rohn himself - you'll love this. Then to top it all off, we had 9 bonus interviews with the speakers. This is an incredible event and incredible information presented from every speaker to every interview.

The 2004 Event is broken into 12 - two-hour DVDs - to see the individual DVDs selection menus go to http://3day.jimrohn.com and also 24 CDs (over 250 tracks), plus a comprehensive 283-page workbook and bonuses.

And last but not least it is also accompanied by the Bonus 90 Day to Life Change Course!

Hope this helps!
The Jim Rohn International Staff
 

A: It is important to have a strong will and personality. Those who succeed are rarely weak and timid. That being said, there are many people who have strong wills and personalities who do not intimidate or clash with their workmates. Bottom line is that in all human interaction good communication/relationships depend on both parties -- different people with different personalities working to understand each other and working toward a common goal.
 
So, the first question you may consider is whether or not this is not an issue of a positive strong will but perhaps a crossing of the line to the degree that you actually are intimidating them (if multiple people are saying this, it just may be true). It may be that you need to work on learning how to be strong and yet at the same time demonstrate patience and tact. If, however, this is a case of them thinking you are intimidating them when indeed you are not, I believe the best course of action is to try to communicate with them. Take one of them to lunch or coffee and say something like this, "I believe that sometimes I may come across as trying to intimidate you. I certainly do not want this to happen. I want us to have a good working relationship. Is there anything I can do to help us get along and work well together?" Then listen. You will have opened up the relationship, demonstrated that you are willing to listen to them and willing to learn. That should put you on a good track to improve the relationship.
 
Hope this helps!
Chris Widener

Q: Dear Jim, you say that you were broke at the age of 25, and that you then became a millionaire. If you are now a millionaire, and want to help others, why would you deprive people who may be in the same state as you (at the age of 25 and broke) of the chance to hear your wisdom and the things you have learned by charging $100 fees to attend your seminars?

Signed, broke 26 year old business major
 

A: Thanks for your email and question -- one that has been posed to me before. The Bible says (to paraphrase) many are chosen but few respond. When I was 25 and broke, I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Shoaff. There were quite a few who had the same opportunity as I did to be mentored by Mr. Shoaff. He'd say, "buy this book", and I would. He'd say, "attend this meeting" and I did. The point is that I had to make the decision to act, to make the sacrifice (be it my time or my money) and take the action to change me and change my disciplines. If Mr. Shoaff had made it too easy, I would have never been forced to start doing the things that helped propel me to success. Part of success is breaking through thresholds and barriers, and that cannot be accomplished if things are given away with no cost or investment from the person wishing to succeed.

In my seminars, I teach this philosophy, "I wish to pay full (or fair) price because of what it will make of me" - Because the price that I pay is small if I listen, learn and apply new knowledge and skills to my life -- thus the value -- far outweighs the price that I paid.

One of the things I would do early on after meeting Mr. Shoaff, was to invite successful people out to lunch or dinner and pick up the tab. Now this took some planning and saving because I was broke, but it was valuable for me to sit across the table from someone who had accomplished success and glean wisdom and information from them. I was eager to learn, and that is a key. You've got to make the shift in philosophy from Having to spend money on education, to Investing in your greatest asset, You.

You've got to invest in your better future -- for you, for your own quality of life. Now I'm not saying that it will be easy in the beginning, but you've got to plant the seeds. The farmer who decides not to plant seeds because he doesn't see immediate growth or fruit needs to shift his philosophy or find a new profession. He's got to know (by faith) that if he plants the seeds that they will grow, and that he will reap an even greater harvest than the number of seeds he sowed..

You've got to know that if you invest your time and money in developing yourself, if you choose to pay fair price for the value that you receive in return, that is an investment in yourself that will not come back empty, in fact it will come back multiplied and you will reap the benefits of your efforts and labor.

And one more thing, we do offer a free E-zine and an archive of numerous articles to our customers. There are an inexhaustible supply of free resources available to those who search. Take advantage of those resources, use them to build your skills and while you're building, save some money -- money to invest in you. And see what miracles you can create.
 

Q:  Good evening, I have a question for Jim. I read a lot of your material Jim but you see I am embarking on a career as a investment advisor, where I eat only if I sell. I have this fear that I won't be successful. How do I overcome this? Your input would be great.
-- T. F.
 

A:  Thank you for your email and enquiry. First of all, let me say congratulations on your embarking on a new and exciting (and yes, sometimes scary) part of your life journey.

A few things come to mind as I read your question. We've all heard the saying, "Do the thing you fear and you will have the power" and, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Zig Ziglar defines fear as, "False Evidence Appearing Real".

So many times fear of something shuts us down and takes us out of the "ballgame" before we even step out onto the field. We worry so much about the "unknown" factor that we loose sight of what we do know.

Question: Have you received training in your new field of being an investment advisor? Have you learned new skills to help you on your way to being a successful financial advisor?

If the answer is yes, then concentrate on what you do know. Work on applying those skills and knowledge, keep track of your results and learn from your experiences. Remember, as with so many things that this is a numbers game and that the more people you talk to the more that increases your rate of success. Also understand that there is a learning curve involved, so as much as possible keep a long-term perspective and know that you are building for your future.

Here are 3 steps I teach in my seminars to help people succeed in business: The first step is to imagine what is possible, the second is to have the faith to believe that what is possible is possible for you, and the third step is that you go to work to make it real.

You've taken the first step in imagining what is possible for you. Have you taken and grasped the second step of believing that success as a financial advisor is possible for You? Take a moment and remember what inspired you to take that step to become a financial advisor. Was it the possibility of unlimited income? Was it that you had the potential to determine your income and not depend on others? What was your motivation and inspiration? Catch a hold of those feelings again as you pursue your new endeavor. Write down some positive statements that inspire you and keep them in front of you. And remember, your thoughts create your reality, your world. Don't let fear build you a fragile future. Instead let your inspiration and faith propel you to heights and successes you've dreamed of. Then use that to push fear into the littlest corner of your mind and don't give voice to it.

And lastly, Take Action! Go to work to make your dreams reality, invest in the labor that works miracles and sow what it is that you wish to reap. Then at harvest time you can reap without apology or complaint.

And one more thing... if you haven't read James Allen's book, "As A Man Thinketh". Do it!
 

Q:  Hi there, just a small question - how do you break old bad habits!! and how do you acquire self-knowledge, because I think if I got to know who I really was - I could figure out where exactly I want to go and how to get there?? And how do you get motivated, I mean I know all that I need to do but it's not happening - I'm getting frustrated at that fact! not good........ feeling like I'm not getting anywhere, coz haven't learned one lesson in order to move on......
jen
 

A:  Hi Jen, thanks for your email and enquiry. Your question is a great one and one that so many people struggle to answer. How do you find the inspiration and motivation to be, do and have more? How do you translate those dreams you can see so clearly in your mind (or maybe not so clearly) into operating reality where you are working to accomplish your goals on a daily basis. Well, let me try to give you a starting point.

The key to accomplishing anything is Action! Don't wait for inspiration to motivate you. You've heard me say it time and again, the best motivation is self-motivation. The guy says, "I wish someone would come by and turn me on." And my question to him would be, what if they don't show up. You've got to have a better plan for your life, you've got to take the action and start the motion of improving your own life and making the changes that will reap you multiple rewards in your future. Don't wait until you "feel" the emotion of inspiration to take action. Instead it really is the other way around - take the action and then feel the inspiration.

The key is You, you are the one who makes the greatest impact in Your life. Now I must admit that the beginning step is often the hardest step, but what a powerful beginning, what a powerful opportunity! Science tells us that a body in motion tends to stay in motion and conversely a body at rest tends to stay at rest. Which are you going to be?

Now the other thing I would strongly suggest, is don't wait until you have it all figured out. Sometimes we can so analyze our situation that we become paralyzed in the process. There are basic/fundamental things that you already know that you should be doing that will start you on the path to success - Do those things! Take action to save a little, read 30 minutes a day from a book that will benefit you, eat healthier, take that walk around the block. At the end of the day, you might not "feel" any different, but this I can guarantee - your mental state will be better. Why? Because you know that you've taken the first steps to create a better life for yourself. Now at the end of this first week of better motion in the right direction, I will say that not only will your mental state be much improved but also that you will begin to feel better and more inspired as well. And here's why, because each little discipline adds to another and each step in the right direction builds your self-esteem and self-confidence. It feels good to be doing the right things and participating in the disciplines that can carry you to accomplish your dreams and goals. You can look yourself in the mirror and smile back at the person who has decided to make a difference in their lives and is taking the action to make it happen!

Jen, take today and see what steps you can accomplish to make your life happen - and then just do it! Remember you are the master of your own destiny!

 

Our Q and A this week comes from a fellow speaker, colleague and friend - Jerry Clark. I thought you would benefit from it (and not just because he quotes me) - Jerry makes some great points. JR

I just picked up a message from my voicemail from one of my students asking me a question. The question was so fascinating that I thought it deserved a little reflection in answering it; and, I thought it would be good for all of you to hear my answer.

Here's the question, "Jerry, how do I eliminate attrition in my network marketing business?"

Here's my quick, dirty, sarcastic answer to that question: Quit. Ok, since that's not an option for you, here's another answer.

The best way to eliminate attrition is to stop thinking that you're going to eliminate it. Once you stop thinking about eliminating it, you actually spend less time thinking about it altogether. When you start thinking less about it, you actually give it less power. The less power it has in your consciousness, the less power it has in your business. Whoa. Pretty deep, eh? (I said eh for all of my Canadian friends).
 

A:  Ok, let me break it down for you. First of all, attrition is a natural part of life - both personal and professional. People come and people go - in life and in business. Let's not get caught up with this part of nature. It's called, as Jim Rohn says, the way it is.

Ok. Now that you realize that you're not going to completely eliminate attrition, let's focus on the thing we can eliminate. Any disempowering attitude you may have toward it. One way to make sure you maintain an empowering attitude toward attrition or anything else for that matter is to create a Consciousness of Empowerment. You do this by making sure you consciously choose to engross yourself with positive and empowering material via the friends you have, the audios you listen to, the books you read, the seminars you attend and the people you model yourself after. That's been one of the secrets that have allowed me to increase my income by over 500% within the last few years alone. I know that it can make a similar difference (and better) in your life as well.

So once again, as you embark into this New Year, be sure to have one of your major focuses in obtaining a Consciousness of Empowerment. If you do, attrition, rejection, disappointment, frustration, and even fear will all be used as a catalyst for your success instead of an excuse for your failure.

Here are some things to reflect on as you enhance your Consciousness of Empowerment:

The greatest Joy - Making a Difference
The most satisfying act - Giving
The most powerful internal gift - Allowing Yourself The Ability To Receive
Our greatest natural resource - Laughter
The most motivating word - A Word Of Encouragement
The most prized "state of mind" - Peace of mind
The most powerful force in the Universe - Love
The world's most Magnificent Computer - The Brain
The two most Self-Perpetuating words of Creation - "I AM"
The most valuable part of any attire - A Smile!
The most catching emotion - Enthusiasm
The most endangered natural resource - Gratefulness
The most powerful tool of manifestation - Faith

Reflect on these ideas and make them a part of your life, and notice how your Consciousness of Empowerment develops exponentially. So what have you resolved to manifest in this New Year? Whatever it is, I'm sure it's going to require a Consciousness of Empowerment in order to pull it off.

Until next time,
Go, Go, Go and make it happen!
Jerry "DRhino" Clark
 

Q:  Hello, has Jim created any material to use with our kids and/or does he recommend any such materials on the full range of philosophy that Jim teaches to adults? Thanks for your help, T. C.

A:  Hi T. C., Thank you for your email. In answer to your question with regard to products created for kids...

Jim has one video (also on DVD) geared towards teens called, "The Three Keys to Greatness". It is a great tool to teach financial independence to any teenager, young person or really anyone who is searching for principles of financial independence. Jim takes the info used in George Clason's book, "The Richest Man in Babylon" and puts it into a simple form that is easy to understand and apply. While the presentation is not a flashy, entertaining production, the information is truly incredible.

In addition, on Jim's Weekend Event - Excelling in the New Millennium 20 CD or 8 DVD series, he did a unique "teenager session". The special teenager session was with Jim Rohn and interviewer Kym Yancey. It was an unbelievable sight, seeing teenagers fill the first several rows, and hundreds of other attendees staying as well (this was hosted at the end of Day 1). The questions from Kym and the teenagers were "on the money" and Kym was in his element sharing the ideas that changed his life with a young impressionable audience. Charlie "Tremendous" Jones practically stole the show with a special 15-minute appearance, as he read the daily letters he had received from his son while he was away at college. The letters were a result of the many book reports his son had been paid to do by Dr. Jones on the great personal development books of the past as well as the classics.

As with any and all of Jim's products, because the philosophy that he teaches is simple and straightforward. We have customers who bring their children as young as 10 to his seminars and even younger listening passively (as their parents listen). I remember one particular time that I was listening to Jim at home and my son (3 years old at the time) was playing in another room. As he came into the living room where I was listening to Jim, he repeated what Jim was saying and continued on with his activity - point being, so many times that these positive things are being heard, and the older they get, processed internally.

Another example: I recently received an email from a father of a 1st grader who when riding with her father in the car, listens to Jim. She already has favorite sayings of Jim's and also told her dad that she likes the fact that Jim says that they can be anything they want when they grow up - she's listening, absorbing and learning - at age 6!
 

Q:  I have a question; I am involved with a MLM company. I am truly focused on this company and their products. However, I am struggling. I purchased your tape series; I normally do not like tapes. Yours were excellent. My problem is I Need A Mentor. Please advise me where I can turn. May God bless you and your special ministry. -- MW

A.  MW thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your question. We have all heard the phrase "when the student is ready the teacher will appear." I believe there is truth to that. So you are already off to a great start, because it appears you are searching for positive influences in your life.

I was fortunate early on to have Mr. Shoaff as my mentor. But I also had some other very powerful influential mentors as well. People like Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale and James Allen. Although at the time I did not personally know these gentleman, I did know the very best of what they had to share from their books. And this is available to anyone who would take the time to learn from them.

I'm assuming MW, that you are doing OK compared to the rest of the world, based on the question and what little I already know about you -- since you are reading and listening to personal development information. My advice is to continue to search out good information and then act upon it. Let every source of ideas and motivation be your mentor. And as you do your part you will also then begin to start attracting positive role models and teachers into your life.

Also, I would like to invite you to enroll in our One-Year Success Plan. The results have been remarkable for our enrollees and it will serve as a 52-week mentor for you in 2004. To learn more go to One Year Success Plan
 

Q:  Dear Jim & team members,

This week in the One-Year Plan you discuss Leadership, Part 4, Becoming the Best Leader You Can Be -- Taking Care of Myself. I would like to take this opportunity to walk you through my weekly schedule. I go to work Monday to Friday, take Saturday off and Sunday to Church. During my day off (Saturday) I feel guilty as most of my colleagues working hard (full day) in the office. In addition to that, during week days most of my colleagues work late until midnight as compared to myself. I usually go home at 7:00pm. Based on this, it seems like I am not as committed to work as compared to my other colleagues. However, we all contribute the same amount of sales results to the company. At this stage I'd rather focus on sharpening my skills and strengthening my client relationships than working long hours. Do you think I am doing the right approach? Thank you for your reply.
Regards, C.L.

A:  C.L., if you are getting the same results as your colleagues, I certainly think you have nothing to feel guilty about and yes, you are making a wise choice to be working on having a more balanced life. But what it really gets down to is expectations.

Are your employer's expectations related to your schedule, your results or both? If you can share with them the desired lifestyle you are seeking and how that allows you to be equally, if not more successful than your colleagues, then that would seem like a win/win arrangement. If not, then either you both must find a compromise or one must be forced to change. Fortunately, if you are getting results, then you have the confidence to know that your results are sufficient and that your options are not limited.
 

Q:  Hi Jim, I've heard you say that you should always do the best you can. My question is that many years ago when I started my career, I worked many more hours than I do now. I make great money now and am able to spend time with my family and get to enjoy a few hobbies. But if I worked the kind of hours I did years ago I probably could make 60-80% more money a year. But I would have less time for family and fun. I guess I'm a little confused and at times feel like I'm not doing the best I can. Your thoughts, please. Thanks. JT

A:  JT, that's a great question. Of course you are the only one who can evaluate your circumstances, but here are a few thoughts. First we must all prioritize what is important to us and then build our schedule (time) around that. There will be times when you need to be flexible, but after looking at what you value in life, you need to organize your time and effort accordingly.

Second - in almost every thing in life that we start and learn, we should become faster and more efficient. The point is if you commit 40 hours a week to work - the key is to be the best for those 40 hours - not to work more hours. Same goes for family time as well as play time. Try and get the most from whatever you are doing.

It sounds like you are now making much more money now, working fewer hours than you did in the beginning of your career years ago. That is how it is supposed to be as you improve your skills, gain experience and if you continue to be and give your best in the allotted time you reserve for work, then that scenario should continue.

One last comment is that some things do require more of our time and energy in the beginning - a new career, marriage, a new baby, starting a business, etc. In those cases we might have to adjust our schedules - but such is life. The keys again are priorities and focusing on giving and being our best in the time we have allotted.
 

Q:  I really enjoy reading the weekly ezine. One complaint I have is that the testimonials seem to go on forever. Is this really necessary?

A:  This is something we have debated as well. It started quite innocently as we began the E-zine 2 years ago. We had the idea to include all that came in each week into that week's E-zine. We then started to receive positive feedback from the readers who felt encouraged by others comments. It has now evolved into a forum, of sorts, for feedback.

We always make sure and put this at the end of the E-zine so that it is not intrusive. The challenge usually comes when readers print out the E-zine - this one section can add 1-3 additional pages. We do plan to continue the weekly testimonials from our readers, but will try to keep the list shorter and put the additional ones on our website Resource Center.

 

Q2:  I would like to purchase the new Weekend package, but I do not have a DVD or CD player. Can I purchase these on video and audio? If not, why not? W.S.


A:  Good question. Currently we only offer this package on DVD and CD primarily for three reasons:

1) The sheer length and breadth of the package (equivalent to 10 - 2 hour movies) started becoming an inventory issue - approximately 80 more tapes, videos, inserts, labels, etc. to mass produce and stock. When making this determination, we had to decide what would be the long term standard and highest quality product.

2) DVD is not only a digital format, it is also universal, whereas video is analog (not as good quality-wise), will not last as long and has different formats for different countries. CD also is a higher quality product with a much longer life.

3) Although not everyone has a DVD player yet, the industry has definitely moved in that direction with almost all movies now coming out in DVD, DVD player sales in the millions and VHS player sales almost non-existent. Although the making of a DVD is much more expensive, the quality and flexibility to make selections and go back and forth from topics/chapters make it a superior product for the customer. DVD players are available for under $100 and are included on most new computers now as are CD players.

 

Q:  Do you offer the new package on CD only, what is the cost and delivery time?

A:  Yes we do. The Pre-Release pricing for the CD only (20 CD's total), which also comes with the 250-page Workbook, is available for $199. The DVD's only with the Workbook are $299 and the combo (DVD and CD) along with the bonus signed and numbered journal is $329.

This project, 20 hours of film and audio, originally had an October 15th release date scheduled. We have since had to have some additional tweaks made in the DVD authoring (to make this the highest quality product possible) and are now looking at shipments starting to go out Oct 25th, first to the June event Platinum, Gold and Silver attendees, then our September Pre-Release buyers and then the October purchasers.



Q.  I have seen where Jim Rohn has helped so many people before. I'm not sure if this is the correct medium to seek his help, but I so desperately need to talk to someone and I don't think anyone understands what I've been going through.

Since September 11, I have been wondering why I should continue to live making plans for a future that obviously is crumbling before my eyes. Why think of going back to school, starting my business, planning for a family, etc? The thing is according to my mother and every other Christian, it's the time of the end of the world, and whereas I don't have a problem with that, I'm wondering what should be my next step. I'm finding it hard to even want to live for the next minute.........I had so many plans and now they seem futile!

I don't know how exactly you can help, but even if you can't and have an idea of where I should turn............please I'm begging for your help. Please!!

Thank you for listening., S.M.



A.  S.M., that is a great question and is actually an age-old question. There have been numerous times throughout my life and throughout history that the very same presumption could have been made. So what are we as individuals to do during these times?

No doubt we should always take heed of the world events around us and also heed our own intuition. But we also need to have a philosophy that guides us in both good and tough times. One of mine is to be a good steward over all that our Creator has brought into my life. Martin Luther was once asked what he would do if he were to die today and his response was that he would plant a tree. What a great philosophy.

What if it isn't the end of the world? What if good and courageous people continue to do their best and overcome the difficulties facing them? What if we move right through the next decade just like the past? You will have been a wise steward over your talents and will reap a harvest. In times of doubt there still needs to be people who believe and push forward. I believe every day should be spent in pursuit of using your talents and opportunities to their fullest. Countries, communities and families only thrive when we all bring our unique gifts, talents and efforts to the overall service of the whole and ourselves.

Hope this helps. JR

Q.  Hi Jim. I really enjoy your newsletter and I have forwarded it to my friends many times. I have a question that has bothered me for quite some time now. It seems like I see many successful people that don't seem to be living the principles of success. Can you explain this? KA

A.  That's a good question and has many possible answers. But let me give you a few that I have noticed. I believe most highly successful people (in this case we will identify success as financial success, which is only one of many areas we can be successful in) have achieved their success through any combination of things such as hard work, great communication skills, a strong faith and vision, high level of skills, etc. But sometimes we can overcompensate for our weakness. It is possible to work hard and be persistent, but be a poor communicator. The guy does become successful, not because of his poor communication skills, but because of his work ethic. The key is to realize that if he improved his communication skills he would possibly be MORE successful.

Some people point towards someone who is perceived as being dishonest yet successful. My belief is that they are not successful because they are dishonest, but because of a combination of other positive traits and that they would be even more successful if they were honest.

Also remember success and failure are the results of accumulation. If you are 80 pounds overweight and you start a health plan today, and your best friend is in perfect health but stops doing their health plan, appearances would say they are successful and you are not in regards to health. Point is sometimes people stop practicing the principles that helped them achieve their initial success. It is called getting off track. And their current disciplines or lack of disciplines have not caught up with their current circumstances.

If you have saved and invested money all your life and all of sudden you start spending, you will probably still be ahead of the person who is just now starting to save because of the Law of Past Accumulation.

So I believe successful people have to be even more careful about keeping on eye on their disciplines - why? Because their current lack of disciplines might not immediately make a dent in their bank account or on the scale. It is easy to start to slide and think it won't affect you because everything is still looking good.

Hope this helps. JR
 

Q.  Jim I have listened to and read many of your audios and books over the years and it has been life changing. I had the opportunity to see you live in Bellevue WA last November - again an incredible experience. I know you mentioned you do a two-day weekend seminar on occasion. When and where is the next one being held? Will there be one on the West Coast? Thank you for being you! TJ

A.  It has been almost two years since my last 2-day program, so I'm anxious to get back in the saddle and invest the 2 days with people like you, TJ. We are currently finalizing details for this event and you should receive information sometime in the next week or two via email. I can tell you that this next 2-day will be in Dallas, TX during the month of June. It will have many opportunities and nuances that we have never offered before in a 2-day or any other seminar. I do not have another 2-day scheduled until sometime in 2002 or 2003, so I hope you will be able to attend this one. Again dates and info will follow in the next few weeks. JR
 

Q.  Jim has frequently talked about increasing his income after meeting his mentor. We are very curious, and were wondering what line of business Jim first made his millions in? We have guessed that it was some sort of sales, but would love to hear the specifics.

A.  Jim met Mr. Shoaff at age 25 through the network marketing industry. He considers network marketing to be grassroots capitalism at its best, when it is with a good company - with a good product and good leadership.
 

Q.  Can you tell us about the way Jim made his fortune? What type of company was he working for with Mr. Shoaff and what types of companies has Jim owned or managed since then? Does he speak full-time or does he continue to run various firms?

A.  After starting on his first fortune in network marketing, Jim went on to become an entrepreneur. He has founded or is active in companies across multiple industries. He is still actively speaking with over 140 speaking engagements in over 25 countries, this year alone.

 

Q.  Hi there, I have recently been listening to the tape set "The Challenge to Succeed". Several times in that seminar Jim says, "you should be financially free by 40, 35 if your smart and earlier if you have a unique opportunity"

I am curious about this. It has really got me thinking. I am reading the 3 books that he recommended we read. Is there anything else that Jim would recommend us to read to achieve this???????

Regards, Craig



A.  Hi Craig, there are a variety of books and audio series you can read and listen to, and I will name a few. But the three most important things you must do are:

1) Decide you will establish a financial independence plan
2) Study as many different teachers on financial independence as possible
3) Then make a plan for yourself and do it.

Here are some of my recommended books for financial independence. The Richest Man in Babylon, Think and Grow Rich, The Wealthy Barber, The Millionaire Next Door and Rich Dad, Poor Dad.

Hope this helps! JR
 

Q: "I genuinely try to have the attitude of wanting to be nice to someone who is difficult to deal with, but can't seem to get over the feeling of, 'Well, if he's nice to me first, then I'll be nice to him.' I find that reaching out first doesn't work for me because really, I don't like nasty people, and I feel phony about being nice to someone I don't like."

A:  The first key is to understand that what you're feeling is very natural. After all, I don't think many of us have an innate desire to be nice to difficult people. The world being the way it is, though, we need to make a decision as to whether we want to "be right or be successful" in dealing with others. The good news is that when we are successful, we also become right.

The second key is to teach ourselves to develop the characteristic of feeling good about those difficult people. The way to feel it is to first act it!

Here's a principle that many successful (happy) people have realized: "Action precedes feeling." Try it for a while and you'll see. It's amazing how it works.

For example, a person is sad. Do they need to have a happy incident occur "to" them before they can be happy? No, it's been proven that if you act happy, you will become happy (happiness is independent of external circumstances - which doesn't mean there aren't external circumstances that can legitimately cause sadness, but not as a general way of being). Change your actions and you'll change your emotions. For example, smile really, really big, and just try to feel sad. Can't do it. :-)

Practice "feeling" good about a difficult person by "acting" good towards that difficult person. Yes, at first it is an act. That's okay. Perfectly acceptable. Then, when the person picks up on your action and relates more benevolently towards you in return, your good feelings really will be true. – Bob
 

Q: Jim, after reading your bio on your website, I still want to know more. I see many of your accomplishments and all the great things that many impressive people have to say about you. But what happened along the way, what has been important in helping you achieve your success? PK
 

A: Obviously there are thousands of things that have made a positive difference in my life as well as tens of thousands of experiences along the way – far too much to try and put in a bio (by the way I do enjoy whatever amounts of privacy I can maintain). But if I had to define the keys to any successes in my life so far I would say it gets down to three things:

1) Early part of my life - the faith and beliefs that were given to me from my parents.

2) Middle part of my life – having some unique mentors to learn and grow from.

3) Latter part of my life – having confidence in men I trust.

I hope this helps. JR
 

We would like to address frequently asked questions from our readers related to overcoming hardships, difficult circumstances and even tragedies in their lives through a special guest article by Doug Firebaugh.

"A person dies daily, only to be reborn in the morning, bigger, better, wiser." Emmet Fox

Criticism
Embarrassment
Rejection
Self-Doubt
Arguments
Stress
Jealousy
Hurt
Pain
Heartache

The list of pain in life goes on and on and on.

But there is Good News!!

At times during your day you will feel a little piece of you inside almost "dying" from someone's words, anger, criticism, and the like.

But -

A seed has to die in order to create the growth. Are you aware of that? A seed has to die to create the catalyst for the new growth to shoot forth.

Life is like that too - it teaches you lessons about growth from the seeds it plants in you daily.

And with the Morning coming, you will know that it is a brand new day and that yesterday has planted its seeds, and now you wait for the growth that will take place to propel you to greater heights.

Life hurts at times. We know that. But when a little piece of you inside feels like it could die due to pain from other folks - Let it. The growth of a better and wiser person will shoot up from that seed of hurt someone planted yesterday.

It may not sprout overnight, but it WILL grow.

And you WILL get through what you are currently facing, whatever seed that is and no matter how painful ... how strong.

I promise. Been there. Done that. Got the T-shirt.

I'm still here.
Blessings,
Doug Firebaugh
PassionFire Intl.
To learn more about Doug and/or to receive his FREE RecruitingFire ezine trainings, please go to MLM Leadership

 

Q. As a frequent student of Jim Rohn, I have this question. With English as my first and only language, which language would you recommend that I learn to help open up my skills for dealing with a global economy? Spanish, Japanese or any other language? I live in the US, but I'm working to expand a NWM company internationally. Please advise. Thanks. J.M.



A. Obviously your future goals, ambitions and influences would play heavily into the answer. But generally if you live in America and want to also be part of a global economy I would still say Spanish should be number one. It would be valuable to you in both North and South America as well as parts of Europe. It is also relatively easy to learn. After Spanish then it's your pick. Whatever seems to make the most sense to you.

I do congratulate you on wanting to increase your influence and skill by learning a second language. Only five to ten new words a day can translate into 1500-3000 words in one year.



Q. I know your office is in Dallas, TX, is that where Jim lives?

A. Actually Jim travels so much for both business (over 100 talks a year) and personal (family, friends and adventure) that living in Dallas is not essential. He currently has residences in Beverly Hills, Southwest Idaho, Phoenix, and Carmel. One for each season, a goal he had set for himself early in his sales career over 40 years ago.



Q: What were Mr. Schoaf's ideas on getting out of debt, yet continuing to meet your obligations? Jeanne

A: In those early years Mr. Schoaf gave me a great quote, he said, "it's not the amount that matters as much as the plan". The point is, I teach the 70/30 principle of saving 10%, investing 10% and giving 10% of your net income. I believe those are good ratios for dividing how much you should save, invest and give compared to what you live on.

When you need to get out of debt, I would suggest you keep the same principle, but adjust the amounts. Example: Live on 70%, pay 20% toward debt and then use the remaining 10% to save, invest and give. Or, if that is too much, live on 80%, put 14% toward debt and allocate 2% each for saving, investing and giving. Again it's not so much the amount as having a plan. Just make sure as you start to pay off your debt, lower your interest payments and curtail your spending - that you then adjust your percentages of paying off debt, saving, investing and giving. (I personally believe in the biblical 10% amount of giving and paying God first, but that is for you to decide.)

No matter what, I would try and pay yourself first through saving and investing - even if it's modest amounts and then pay as much of your higher interest debts off first, while cutting out all non-essential spending. These three disciplines will begin the momentum to gaining the joy and pride of experiencing financial freedom. Soon you will see yourself being transformed from a spender to a saver, and from a borrower to a lender.
 

Q. Hi Jim, I recently joined a network marketing company.
After an initial excitement I've found myself lacking the
motivation or discipline to do what I need to do to reach
my goals. My husband, who is in sales, suggested I read
my goals 2-3 times a day. I'm reading but wanted to see
if you have any additional advice? Thank you. SM


A. I'm a strong proponent of setting goals, writing down
your goals, visualizing your goals, etc. But even more than
goals, I believe there needs to be a "what for" or as I
call them, a set of "reasons" to achieve your goals. I
truly believe reasons make the difference. The "why" is
always more powerful than "how". Reasons and goals are
similar in some ways, but after reading what I've outlined
below, I think you will see some of the differences
as well.

Here is a short list of reasons (there are many more) that
you might want to pull from:

1) Material things - houses, cars, boats, season tickets
to a local sports team's events or the theater, as well as
vacations - just to name a few. Material things are
important and do help us make short term sacrifices.
Example: If you get "X" amount of results you can go to
the ballgame or buy the set of golf clubs, etc.

2) Family reasons can be especially powerful. A family
trip, saving for education for your kids, helping other
family members. I've found that we will often do far more
for and because of our family than we would ever do for
ourselves.

3) Recognition can cause us to push beyond our comfort
zone - to be that month's top producer or to break a
record. Three important areas of recognition:

a) our peers
b) a mentor or leader
c) family and friends

4) Benevolence - making a difference in our community and
our world has helped to create some of the most spectacular
success stories. It is hard to stop someone on a mission
bigger than himself or herself.

5) To be the best. To try and accomplish new and greater
goals. To be number one at times in a small group or
a large group - but to be on top, even if it is for a day,
can create large amounts of motivation.

The most important part of all of these reasons is that
if any one of them helps your take a step toward your goals
and then another reason helps you take the next step, then
soon you will so enjoy the fruit and results of your own
successes, as well as helping all those around you, that
you will have no problem sustaining all future motivation.

Good Luck!



Q. I bought the two tape series "How to Use a Journal"
by Jim Rohn. I really enjoyed it and want to use a
journal. I can't find one any anywhere. All I can find
are organizers. Are there any national chain stores that
carry a good selection of journals? Help. C.N.

A. I'm finding a greater selection than ever at book-
stores for journals. But I do find that it is a store by
store thing. It would be best to call the bookstores in
your area (check the yellow pages). We also recently
added a larger, lined and inexpensive journal in our
Online Catalog at www.jimrohn.com. They come in two
sizes and three colors.

Leather goods companies such as Coach also carry high
quality leather-bound journals. Check their website
http://www.coach.com or call their toll-free number -
888-262-6224.


Note: To get the twenty-six dollar (more now) journal that
Jim references in the article, can require some research.
Jim's advice is when you find what you really like,
especially if it's through a specialty store, is to stock
up. He typically will get 4-6 at a time when he happens
upon unique and appealing journals.



Q. Mr. Rohn, I have a wonderful job/career working for some truly wonderful people doing what I love to do and do best -- writing. However, I want to branch out and have started several projects, have wonderful ideas about what I want to do with my skills. My problem is I can't seem to get off dead center. I've ordered books on publishing, writing and other sources to help me with my chosen dream but I just can't seem to get the momentum going to accomplish my passion. I read your motivational words each week along with as much other motivational material as I can get my hands on, but I still have the same old problem of procrastination. How can I get this dream moving? Thank you for any assistance you can give me. SW

A. I've often found some of the greatest motivation and inspiration in achieving a goal is found by simply getting started. Once you take a step past fatigue, boredom, obstacles, mental blocks and procrastination you find renewed energy and vision.

I've met many people who also have found clever ways to procrastinate - they are forever more the professional students. They keep learning and studying, but never doing. I'm a huge proponent of learning, but my advice is study and then do. Then study some more and then do some more.

Also, I suggest that you focus your 'several projects' down to just one or two that are the most important for you to accomplish and focus on now. Sometimes too many choices can mean to choose not to choose at all. Yes, have your dream list, but then narrow the focus of the list to one or two at a time, at least until you create the needed momentum.

And lastly, it is OK to take baby steps. The wise saying, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step" is true. And often times it is the first small steps that mean the most. Good Luck!



Q. Hi Jim, I've heard you say that you should always do
the best you can. My question is that many years ago when
I started my career, I worked many more hours than I do
now. I make great money now and am able to spend time
with my family and get to enjoy a few hobbies. But if I
worked the kind of hours I did years ago I probably could
make 60-80% more money a year. But I would have less
time for family and fun. I guess I'm a little confused and
at times feel like I'm not doing the best I can. Your
thoughts, please. Thanks. JT


A. JT, that's a great question. Of course you are the only
one who can evaluate your circumstances, but here a few
thoughts. First we must all prioritize what is important
to us and then build our schedule (time) around that.
There will be times when you need to be flexible, but
after looking at what you value in life, you need to
organize your time and effort accordingly.

Second - in almost every thing in life that we start
and learn, we should become faster and more efficient.
The point is if you commit 40 hours a week to work -
the key is to be the best for those 40 hours - not to work
more hours. Same goes for family time as well as play
time. Try and get the most from whatever you are doing.

It sounds like you are now making much more money now,
working fewer hours than you did in the beginning of your
career years ago. That is how it is supposed to be as you
improve your skills, gain experience and if you continue
to be and give your best in the allotted time you reserve
for work, then that scenario should continue.

One last comment is that some things do require more of
our time and energy in the beginning - a new career,
marriage, a new baby, recovering from an accident, etc.
In those cases we might have to adjust our schedules - but
such is life. The keys again are priorities and focusing
on giving and being our best in the time we have allotted.
 

Q. I have a question; I am involved with a MLM company. I am truly focused on this company and their products. However, I am struggling. I purchased your tape series; I normally do not like tapes. Yours were excellent. My problem is I NEED A MENTOR. Please advise me where I can turn. May God bless you and your special ministry. MW

A. Thank you for your kind words. I was fortunate early on to have Mr. Schoaff as my mentor. But I also had some other very powerful influential mentors as well. People like Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale and James Allen. Although at the time I did not personally know these gentlemen, I did know the very best of what they had to share from their books.

I'm assuming MW, that you are doing OK compared to the rest of the world, based on the question and what little I already know about you -- since you are reading and listening to personal development information. My advice is to continue to search out good information and then ACT upon it. Let every source of ideas and motivation be your mentor, until a live body comes along, and even then let that person be a source - not the whole piece of the mentoring input into your life. Good luck!



Q. What do you think the future holds for sales? I have no degree; I am 29 and need to start a career. I have been taking care of my kids as a house dad for the past 7 years while my wife built her career. I want to control my income. I would like to get into a sales position that doesn't require a degree that can take me to unlimited income potential. If you have any ideas please let me know. Take care and have a great day. Best regards, TL

A. I really don't know enough about you personally and what motivates you to properly answer your question. But I do believe sales will have a great future. The key is what do you want to do? Focus on what you want to do the next 10-30 years and beyond, and then move in that direction, applying the principles of focus, faith, persistence and hard work.

As for unlimited income potential, I know only two avenues: self-employment and MLM. Neither one is quick or easy. If someone says otherwise --- beware. Both can be financially and time risky. With both you need to think long term and apply the principals I mentioned in my article. In the beginning you can usually do either one part time, to help minimize risk while you gain experience. I don't believe it's necessary to invest large amounts of money into either one, especially if you are new or inexperienced. Build it slow and right and think long term.



Q. Jim, I noticed on your website that you have a video for teenagers called "Three Keys To Greatness." What are the Three Keys? Thank you for your weekly ezine. JP

A. The condensed answer is: If a young person, or for that matter an adult, focused on doing these three simple things over a long period of time I believe they will be assured success.

1) Setting Goals. I call it the view of the future. Most people, including kids, will pay the price if they can see the promise of the future. So we need to help our kids see a well-defined future, so they will be motivated to pay the price today to attain the rewards of tomorrow. Goals help them do this.

2) Personal Development. Simply making consistent investments in our self-education and knowledge banks pays major dividends throughout our lives. I suggest having a minimum amount of time set aside for reading books, listening to audiocassettes, attending seminars, keeping a journal and spending time with other successful people. Charlie Tremendous Jones says you will be in five years the sum total of the books you read and the people you are around.

3) Financial Planning. I call it the 70/30 plan. After receiving your paycheck or paying yourself, simply setting aside 10% for saving, 10% for investing and 10% for giving will, over time, guarantee financial independence for a teenager.

Again, I believe all three points are excellent advice for the parents as well as the kids!



Q. Jim, I'm a leader with a downline in a network marketing company. I'm constantly encouraging my group to engage in personal development. When they do, their results are almost always dramatic in both their personal and business life. But often I find after becoming successful, they get busy and stop sharpening their 'saw', thinking they don't need to continue their learning. Any suggestions? T.W.

A. "Priority" is the big word. From the time we go to school to when our life finishes up - we have to prioritize what's important and what's not. I believe having a progressive curve of learning is critical and that we should never cease our quest for learning/ knowledge.

One of the major ways to keep people in the learning mode is to constantly expose them to a system to always be where the knowledge is - seminars, quality events, all the trainings, books, audios etc. Exposure to personal development is like tuning into the right frequency on the radio dial. You are going through the day, and then you hear a motivational quote, poem, story or testimonial. Now it has you thinking about your goals, values, ambitions and opportunities.

And finally remember that all education is cumulative. It's like having a lock that needs 4 numbers to open it and you are at 3 - then you get number 4! But we never know what book or event could be the fourth number and maybe even the catalyst for life change.

So, yes, sometimes people do step off the personal development treadmill, but if you keep sharing it, exposing it and most importantly living it, they will most certainly be ready to re-engage in this never ending desire and ambition to grow.
 

Q: What were Mr. Schoaf's ideas on getting out of debt, yet continuing to meet your obligations? Jeanne

A: In those early years Mr. Schoaf gave me a great quote, he said "it's not the amount that matters as much as the plan". The point is, I teach the 70/30 principle of saving 10%, investing 10% and giving 10% of your net income. I believe those are good ratios of dividing how much you should save, invest and give compared to what you live on.

When you need to get out of debt, I would suggest you keep the same principle, but adjust the amounts. Example: Live on 70%, pay 20% toward debt and then use the remaining 10% to save, invest and give. Or if that is too much, live on 80%, put 14% toward debt and allocate 2% each for saving, investing and giving. Again it's not so much the amount as having a plan. Just make sure as you start to pay off your debt, lower your interest payments and curtail your spending - that you then adjust your percentages of paying off debt, saving, investing and giving. (I personally believe in the biblical 10% amount of giving and paying God first, but that is for you to decide.)

No matter what, I would try and pay yourself first through saving and investing - even if it's modest amounts and then pay as much of your higher interest debts off first, while cutting out all non-essential spending. These three disciplines will begin the momentum to gaining the joy and pride of experiencing financial freedom. Soon you will see yourself being transformed from a spender to a saver, and from a borrower to a lender.



Q. Jim, I hear you say discipline is a key to success. But, in spite of how much I've tried to lose weight and earn more money in my sales position, discipline continues to be my biggest challenge. How can I get over the hurdle? JW

A. I believe you should start with one or two easy, small disciplines and then begin to string several easy, small ones together.

Start making one extra call a day. Start walking around the block. Do five setups. Eat a piece of fruit instead of dessert. Then try and build a little bit more each day on your successes.

You see, everything affects everything else. Every discipline, or lack of one, affects every other discipline. So I believe by doing the easy disciplines every day you will begin to see immediate results and hopefully gain the much needed momentum and excitement that will help you to continue to take bigger and bigger steps to a more disciplined and productive life. Good luck!



Q. In referencing this extraordinary man - Earl Shoaff, I've heard you say he died early. How old was Mr. Shoaff? Was he healthy? Are there any lessons to be learned by his death? If so, have they affected your life? MJ

A. Because Mr. Shoaff was so extraordinary, and so profoundly influenced my life, it is always difficult for me to reference any of his flaws.

To answer your questions, Mr. Shoaff passed on at age 49 from cirrhosis of the liver. For all of his uniqueness and wisdom, he miscalculated on two major things; one was his Camels and the other was his champagne.

I do believe that way back then if the cigarette package had said there was a chance they could kill you - he would have backed off.

And yes, Mr. Shoaff's early passing and the cause did affect my health habits and me.
 

Q. Does Mr. Rohn use a planner i.e. Daytimer, Filofax, etc., and, if yes, which one does he find the best? N.H.

A. I use a Daytimer for my schedule, addresses and projects; and a journal for capturing ideas and taking/ making notes. But you need to play around with it and see what seems to work best for you.
 

Q. Many of Jim's tape programs discuss the importance of building a personal library. While he offers several suggested books by a few authors, I wonder if a more comprehensive list of suggested materials can be made available? M.E.

A. The short list is: the Bible, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, How To Read a Book by Mortimer Adler, The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason, The Lessons of History by William James Durant, As a Man Thinketh by James Allen and The Story of Philosophy by William James Durant. Beyond that short, but important list, which will help lay the foundation for reading excellence in your life, then you must search and develop your own unique list.




Q. Mr. Rohn, I have a wonderful job/career working for some truly wonderful people doing what I love to do and do best -- writing. However, I want to branch out and have started several projects, have wonderful ideas about what I want to do with my skills. My problem is I can't seem to get off dead center. I've ordered books on publishing, writing and other sources to help me with my chosen dream but, I just can't seem to get the momentum going to accomplish my passion. I read your motivational words each week along with as much other motivational material as I can get my hands on, but I still have the same old problem of procrastination. How can I get this dream moving?

Thank you for any assistance you can give me. SW

A. I've often found some of the greatest motivation and inspiration in achieving a goal is found by simply getting started. Once you take a step past fatigue, boredom, obstacles, mental blocks and procrastination you find renewed energy and vision.

I've meet many people who also have found clever ways to procrastinate - they are forever more the professional student. They keep learning and studying, but never doing. I'm a huge proponent of learning, but my advice is study and then do. Then study some more and then do some more...

Also, I suggest that you focus your 'several projects' down to just one or two that are the most important for you to accomplish and focus on now. Some times too many choices can mean to choose not to choose at all. Yes, have your dream list, but then narrow the focus of the list to one or two at a time, at least until you create the needed momentum.

And lastly, it is ok to take baby steps. The wise saying "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step" is true. And often times it is the first small steps that mean the most. Good Luck!



Q. A question for Mr. Rohn: I've read your books, listened to your tapes, enjoyed them immensely and agree with your philosophy. My question is as you move along in life and start to realize that maybe you are not going to be what you thought you were going to be and age becomes a determining factor, what do you tell yourself? I think you will agree that it becomes more difficult to be motivated the older you get. So a person who is older (say age 50), but still wants to become successful - does he realistically have a chance? I believe I read in one of your books or heard on one of your tapes that if you haven't become financially secure by the age of 50 you were not going to be. As you can tell, I'm struggling with my age and feel I haven't accomplished my goals and feel as if time may be running out. I would appreciate any comments you may have for me. Best Regards, Mark

A. I truly believe that it is possible to start at any time in our life and begin moving toward success. Sometimes we get so caught up on having a certain dollar amount or retirement date that it seems impossible to reach. But the truth is that there is no set amount or person to compare yourself to. You just start doing what you can today to make good decisions that move you closer to success in each of the areas of your life that you want to improve. And the wonderful thing is that success begets success. In just a few short days, then weeks, months and years you will see the positive accumulation of good habits, disciplines and decisions that start to add up. Just like when clearing the weeds out of your garden and planting and tending the new crops, you will start to see how just the application of the simplest disciplines when applied consistently over a period of time will produce the most amazing results.

Do I believe it is ever too late to achieve this kind of success in life? Of course not, in fact one of the basic sources of happiness and joy that we experience in life is the stewardship of all that our creator has given us to rule over. And odds are that while just applying these basic principals to your daily life you now put yourself in line for future opportunities that in the past might have overlooked you -- often without even your awareness.

So start putting together the future story that will be yours to share of how, just like so many hundreds of thousands of others who started well beyond their 40's, 50's, 60's and even 70's, you started the miracle process that led to true success and fulfillment in your own unique life. JR



Q. Jim, a friend recently introduced me to your philosophies. They have quoted as you as saying that success is easy - what do you mean by that? JB

A. Well, the short answer is that most accomplishments can be broken down into small manageable parts. And that as a whole, the project might look difficult or even impossible, but when approached in small bite-sized pieces, it is indeed easy. Examples:

Lose 50 pounds. That is only one pound a week over one year. Is one pound a week hard? No, even if you have a slow metabolism, most people can lose one pound a week.

Read 50 books. One book a week over the next year.

Contact 500 people about a new opportunity. Its only 2 people a day, five days a week over the period of a year.

Learning a new language? Learn just 5-10 words a day. At the end of a year you will have learned 1500-3000 words of a new language.

Become financially independent? Saving/investing 5-10% of your money at an 8-12% return over 20-40 years almost guarantees you financial independence when you retire (if not much sooner).

And again the question: is all this easy? My answer is absolutely, especially compared to many other places around the world. So what's the problem? The problem is that it is also easy not to. Success is easy, but so is failure. So we all get to choose the "easy" in life - easy to or easy not to.
 

Q. As a frequent student of Jim Rohn, I have this question. With English as my first and only language, which language would you recommend that I learn to help open up my skills for dealing with a global economy? Spanish, Japanese or any other language? I live in the US, but I'm working to expand a NWM company internationally. Please advise. Thanks. J.M.

A. Obviously your future goals, ambitions and influences would play heavily into the answer. But generally if you live in America and want to also be part of a global economy I would still say Spanish should be number one. It would be valuable to you in both North and South America as well as parts of Europe. It is also relatively easy to learn. After Spanish then it's your pick. Whatever seems to make the most sense to you.

I do congratulate you on wanting to increase your influence and skill by learning a second language. Only five to ten new words a day can translate into 1500-3000 words in one year.
 

Q. I have a question; I am involved with an MLM company. I am truly focused on this company and their products. However, I am struggling. I purchased your tape series; I normally do not like tapes. Yours were excellent. My problem is I NEED A MENTOR. Please advise me where I can turn. May God bless you and your special ministry. MW

A. Thank you for your kind words. I was fortunate early on to have Mr. Schoaff as my mentor. But I also had some other very powerful influential mentors as well. People like Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale and James Allen. Although at the time I did not personally know these gentleman, I did know the very best of what they had to share from their books with anyone who would take the time to learn from them.

I'm assuming MW, that you are doing OK compared to the rest of the world, based on the question and what little I already know about you -- since you are reading and listening to personal development information. My advice is to continue to search out good information and then ACT upon it. Let every source of ideas and motivation be your mentor, until a live body comes along, and even then let that person be a source - not the whole piece of the mentoring input into your life. Good luck!
 

Q. What do you think the future holds for sales? I have no degree; I am 29 and need to start a career. I have been taking care of my kids as a house dad for the past 7 years while my wife built her career. I want to control my income. I would like to get into a sales position that doesn't require a degree that can take me to unlimited income potential. If you have any ideas please let me know. Take care and have a great day. Best regards, TL

A. I really I don't know enough about you personally and what motivates you to properly answer your question. But I do believe sales will have a great future. The key is what do you want to do? Focus on what you want to do the next 10-30 years and beyond, and then move in that direction, applying the principals of focus, faith, persistence and hard work.

As for as unlimited income potential, I know only two: self- employment and MLM. Neither one is quick or easy, if someone says otherwise-- beware, and both can be financially and time risky. With both you need to think long term and apply the principals I mentioned in my article. In the beginning you can usually do either one part time, to help minimize risk while you gain experience. I don't believe it's necessary to invest large amounts of money into either one, especially if you are new or inexperienced. Build it slow and right and think long term.
 

Q. Dear Mr. Rohn, Is it possible to get any of your books or audios in Spanish? E.I.

A. We know there is a demand for Jim's books and audios in Spanish as well as many other languages. We hope to at least have Seasons of Life, The Five Major Pieces and the Treasury of Quotes available in Spanish and up on our shopping cart by mid November. We possibly could have audios in Spanish by next year. Any further details will appear on our website and in future E-zines. Thank you.


Q. Can you tell us about the way Jim made his fortune? What type of company was he working for with Mr. Shoaff and what types of companies has Jim owned or managed since then? Does he speak full-time or does he continue to run various firms?

A. After starting on his first fortune in network marketing, Jim went on to become an entrepreneur. He has founded, or is active in, companies across multiple industries including, home building, fast food restaurants, jewelry stores, ranching and, of course, the training industry. He is still actively speaking and overseeing many entrepreneurial interests.



Q. I recently purchased your tape program, "The Art of Exceptional Living," and am truly inspired by it! I want to apply some of these new Principles in my life to a network marketing business, but do not know how to go about finding an honorable company with amazing products. Do you have any expertise in this area? Any thoughts/ recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance for your attention to my request.
Sincerely, Vikki Neyhart

A. I commend you on wanting to do the proper research. I would recommend a few of the following things to consider. The stability of the Company and it's leadership- How long have they been around? Do they have a tried and proven marketing and compensation plan? The product- It's very important to believe in your product and have confidence that you can sell it. Great profits never compensate for a poor product. Your reputation and peace of mind are more important than any short-term gains. Will you have a mentor or good training?

Most people aren't seeking out opportunities; it's usually the other way around. Do you like your sponsor? Can and will they help you? Lastly, think long term. Keep your day job. Have a long-term plan to incrementally grow your part-time income. Focus on improving your skills and friendships, while you grow your long-term business.



This week, our special guest Zig Ziglar provides the answer to a frequently asked question we receive in regards to becoming a professional speaker:

Here is Zig:

Thank you for your interest in information on becoming a professional speaker. I appreciate your interest and hope my advice will be helpful to you.

As you may already know, I got my start in public speaking when I began giving sales seminars for the cookware companies where I was employed. In order to branch out, I made myself available to every church, school and civic organization or club within a day's driving distance of my home. Of course, I had to give away my time and talent for a number of years, but none of the engagements I accepted went to waste. You see, with each appearance I was able to perfect my presentation, to see what did and did not work with my audiences, and to discover what areas of interest were prevalent in those communities. I simply accepted any and every invitation to speak and, of course, each opportunity gained some exposure and helped to acquire additional invitations.

I recommend you join a local Toastmasters group and become a member of the National Speakers Association (1500 South Priest Drive, Tempe, Arizona 85281, 602/968-2552). There is a Canadian Association of Professional Speakers with many local branches. If you've not already participated in a Dale Carnegie Leadership Course, I recommend you do so. Our own three-day "Born To Win" Seminar is excellent training for a career in pubic speaking (please see our web site www.zigziglar.com

You will eventually need to produce a brochure or pamphlet on yourself. Include testimonials with the names and addresses or phone numbers of the people contributing the endorsement. Don't bother to claim to be "Canada's Number One Speaker," since the number of "number one's" has already reached astronomic proportions!

When you feel that one of your presentations is about as good as its going to get, have a reel-to-reel or DAT recording made of an appearance before an audience. Have the recording reproduced on cassettes and make them available to people who show an interest in inviting you to be their speaker. This is really an invaluable sales tool. Do be sure the recording is of good quality.

Probably the most important advice I can give is that you maintain a full-time paid position as you gradually move into the field of professional speaking and training. The actual length of time the transition will require differs with each individual, but we must maintain a healthy financial responsibility if our speaking career is to be based on a foundation of integrity.

Now you know what I know. My very best to you in your endeavors. God bless you and yours in everything. SEE YOU OVER THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar



Q. Is Jim a member of The National Speakers Association? Would he recommend me joining?

A. Yes, Jim is a member of NSA. In fact, in 1985 he received the coveted CPAE award that has been given to less than 2% of the 5,000 plus members. NSA and Toastmasters International are both excellent organizations to join, to both increase your skills as a speaker and to meet the industry leaders.