As I continue to experience this wonderful thing we call "life", it never ceases to amaze me how the glowing promises we were fed in our youth continue to be broken.  "Get your education, get a good job, and retire by 65...life will be fine!"  Yeah, ok.  I recall being 1 year out of college while working for one of the world's largest computer manufacturers when we were informed that pensions were being eliminated (and subsequently observing many high level Senior Engineers and Mangers shake their heads in disbelief).  And it still boggles the mind how many people who are far more heavily qualified than me still cannot find employment in certain parts of the country.  And today, I came across an article published on MSN Money titled, "8 Reasons You Won't Retire at 65."  (You can see that article here).

Here's a recap of the 8 Reasons MSN Money says you won't retire at 65 (in case you didn't want to click the article link):
1) Social Security
2) Insufficient Savings
3) The '30 Year Mortgage'
4) Stock Market
5) Sequence of Returns Risk
6) Social Security Taxes
7) Economic Conditions
8) Unsustainable Retirement Plans

Scary right?  One thing is clear: times have changed.  The question is, will you change with the times?  If you know anything about me, you'll know that I highly recommend starting a part-time home based business in the profession of network marketing to allow anyone to retire more quickly and gracefully.  About a year ago, I published a blog titled "10 Questions to ask before choosing a network marketing company", where I cited a Forbes article which highlighted why baby-boomers need alternate ways of earning cash. 

If you want more info on what we do, visit GetOffTheRATWheel.com and get back with me or whoever referred you to this article.  In any case, its time to do something.  I don't know about you, but if you're not happy about the prospects of retiring prior to being a great-great-great ancestor, its time to do something different.

If you enjoyed this blog, please quickly do me a favor and share with others and comment below.

Cheers!
Ricardo Suber


Follow me on Facebook!
Follow me on Twitter!
Follow me on Instagram!
Follow me on Google+!
Or Email me!

Disclaimer: There are plenty of definitions of "Wealth".  For the sake of this blog, we are referring to economic wealth and financial independence.

Financial independence is generally used to describe the state of having sufficient personal wealth to live, without having to work actively for basic necessities. For financially independent people, their assets generate income that is greater than their expenses.

Having a business is vital if you want to achieve financial independence.  With rare exception, it is impossible to achieve this by working for someone else.  Before we break down the two things you must enact in order to become financially independent, let's discuss why a job cannot allow you to achieve wealth.

In a job, you are exchanging time for money, also referred to as linear income.  So long as you evenly exchange time for money, you cannot achieve wealth.  While having a job is important and can provide a great living, it cannot bring about a fortune.  Your CEO will always leverage your efforts and it is nearly impossible for you to oust your CEO and take his or her job, let alone break through the glass ceiling.  Most high-paid professions require a college education--most of which come at a high price--tens of thousands of dollars in student loans and at least 4 or more years in academia.  The amount of interest paid alone, makes one wonder how soon one can break even after securing a job.  

Also, you cannot "will" a job to a child or relative (so your profession literally dies with you when you pass on).  And lastly, W2 income earners are taxed at the highest level and receive what's left after Uncle Sam takes his cut.  

Before moving on, this is not to discourage attending college.  However, we must be mindful about how we intend to reach financial independence if that is truly a goal.  Personally, I have always wanted to be wealthy but didn't know how. Probably one of the best books I read on the subject was Rich Dad, Poor Dad written by Robert Kiyosaki.  It broke down how Robert, as a young child, learned how to achieve wealth based on observing his biological father who was a high paid professional, and his friends father, an entrepreneur.  The book was fascinating and is a "must-read" for anyone looking for to understand the principles of financial freedom.

That being said, achieving financial independence comes down to putting into action two wealth principles:

1) Leverage - The ability to profit from the talents and efforts of others to contribute to your income.  Most of us understand what it is to BE an employee.  But do you have a plan to leverage others?  

2) Passive (Residual) Income - Earning ongoing revenue stemming from a one-time effort.  Similar to how authors and singers earn song or book royalties (or how actors earn royalties from sitcom reruns), always find ways to reap ongoing rewards from a single effort.  

Here's the ugly truth...MOST businesses that allow you to leverage others and earn passive income require a significant investment.  Especially franchises like McDonalds and IHOP.  It gets even uglier to think about the fact that one could slave away at one of these establishments as an employee and barely make enough to cover basic necessities.  

So is there a more affordable way to earn residual income and leverage the hard work of others all while empowering them at the same time?  What if all you had to do was follow a proven system?  


Yes there is.  Check out this video.

It is quite common for people to compare the profession of Network Marketing to Franchises.  After all, both are relatively new business structures (having been around for under 100 years).  Moreover, they both allow people to own businesses within a successful system.

We are all familiar with well-known franchises such as McDonalds, Holiday Inn, Domino's Pizza and the like. However, many still don't understand how this business model compares with Network Marketing/Multi-Level Marketing (MLM).  Are you ready?  

Here's the key: Network Marketing brought the idea of franchising to the masses.  It makes starting a business more affordable, with greater support and with the same high-reward potential seen with traditional franchising.  

Similarities between Franchises and Network Marketing Businesses
Both produce a wide range of viable products and services
Both provide a proven system and blueprint for owners to follow
Both require an investment to launch
Both provide training and support to owner-operators
Both are multibillion dollar industries 
Both rely on customers to drive sales


Differences between Franchises and Network Marketing

The answer depends on you.  Most people simply do not have the resources to invest in a major franchise.  I remember attending a franchise workshop where it was commonplace for new owners to borrow against their home and other possessions to launch a franchise in the hope of achieving success.  If you are adverse to a five or six figure investment, franchising may not be a wise move.  Yet others may have the resources and passion to pursue franchising.  However, I am very biased in favor of the network marketing model.

A friend of mine who is also a top earner in our network marketing business used to want to be a franchisee for years.  He and several members of his family spent plenty of time researching various business systems. However they ran into these common issues: the businesses that made sense were too expensive to invest in.  And on the flipside, the businesses with a lower investment didn't seem to make sense.  Upon learning about our business, they decided to take a closer look and today they, and so many others, became multimillionaires.  Nonetheless, whichever business model you choose, be sure to do your due diligence and follow the system!

If you enjoyed this blog, please quickly do me a favor and share with others and comment below.

If you're seeking more information on this incredible opportunity, click here.  If you're looking to enroll and are seeking a sponsor, click here or get back to the person who referred you to this site!  

Cheers!
Ricardo Suber


Follow me on Facebook!
Follow me on Twitter!
Follow me on Instagram!
Follow me on Google+!
Or Email me!

Although more and more people understand the basics of network marketing, the goal of this blog is to help you really understand how it works.  To make it simple, I'll give my best definition and will post another general explanation by world renown business adviser, NY Times Best-Seller of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", and mogul, Robert Kiyosaki along with the proper answer via The Direct Selling Association.  Fair?  Proceed.

My definition: Network Marketing takes the idea of franchising to dens and living rooms.  Similar to any McDonald's or Domino's Pizza, a network marketing company allows someone to invest in a proven business, and market tried and tested products and services.  What makes it unique however are two things: in a network marketing franchise, you have the ability to launch a business, in most cases, for less than $500. Moreover, you have the ability to introduce other business partners to your network, and thus, earn a small commission on all customers that come through them and potentially, your entire network.  Along with myriad tax benefits, this profession has allowed many people to free up their time by building residual income.  This is why so many people, including high paid professionals such as corporate attorneys, doctors, and engineers are flocking to this profession.

The network marketing industry (also known as "Direct Sales") garners nearly $200 Billion Annually and this figure is growing.  People often ask, how is it that network marketing is so lucrative?  It is because most network marketing companies invest millions of dollars in cutting edge products, services and business practices that meet a public demand.  For instance, my company recently completed a record setting $62 Million Dollar deal as it created a health and wellness division.  (Read more about this product and the ingredient deal, here).  

Moreover, companies notice that consumers rely on word of mouth over traditional advertising and are very willing to pass along advertising revenue to these companies.  (This is why our MLM company, 5LINX, deals with various providers such as DirecTV, GE, Sprint, Comcast Verizon and so many more).  Simply stated: Network marketing allows people the chance share products and services via word of mouth to friends and family and get paid for it.  So when people say, "I'm not a salesperson", I typically ask, "How much of a salesperson do you need to be to recommend a good product or service to someone you already know?"  

That's the best way I can explain it.  Still a little foggy?  Check out these two videos.  

Today I met with about a dozen people to share what I do (mostly over the phone but a few in person).  After about the fifth or sixth person, it hit me!  As opposed to about 3 years ago where it felt like NO ONE had a clue what network marketing was--I'm noticing that today, more and more people are either already involved in this profession or know of others who are having a certain degree of success.  (In case you're still a little lost about what Network Marketing is, click here to learn how this business model works!)

I am a firm believer that very soon, it will be soon be normal for people to say "WHICH network marketing company are you in?" and not "Have you ever heard of network marketing?"  As opposed to just a few years ago when I launched my business, many of my friends and colleagues are in the profession or are considering joining.  Those who look into it see the various benefits: generous tax deductions, the ability to earn part time income, and having a flexible and residual income stream.  Many of my business partners as well as myself rely on it as a primary and stable form of income.  For me, personally, it has meant the world.  After being fired from my last full time job, it was a way for me to begin to get my life back.  And as a result of that decision, I continue to get paid from things I did back in 2011 when I started.  I say it often--it wasn't easy by a long shot.  It it was worth it.

Nonetheless, do your research.  In fact I have another blog where I point out over two dozen third party publications which speak to the credibility of this business.  To see that blog, click here.  Either way, if you're seeking a stable way to earn extra income, become your own boss and potentially retire within the next five years, enjoy the following comparison video!

If you enjoyed this blog, please quickly do me a favor and share with others and comment below.

If you're seeking more information on this incredible opportunity, click here.  If you're looking to enroll and are seeking a sponsor, click here or get back to the person who referred you to this site!  

Cheers!
Ricardo Suber


Follow me on Facebook!
Follow me on Twitter!
Follow me on Instagram!
Follow me on Google+!
Or Email me!

There are myriad benefits of owning a home based business.  One of these benefits include tremendous tax savings.  Various business advisers discuss in great detail, how the laws in the United States cater to those who own businesses--even those who operate one on a very part time basis!  One such adviser is NY Times Best Selling Author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki. 

In the following video, listen to Sandy Botkin, CPA, Esq. outline the various tax benefits that come with owning a home-based business.  Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this blog, please quickly do me a favor and share with others and comment below.

If you're looking for a great home-based business and are seeking a sponsor, click here or get back to the person who referred you to this site!

Cheers!
Ricardo Suber


Follow me on Facebook!
Follow me on Twitter!
Follow me on Instagram!
Follow me on Google+!
Or Email me!

From time to time, I encounter individuals who need an abundance of information prior to launching their 5LINX Business.  After viewing an online presentation (which can be found by clicking here), perhaps half of all viewers will say, "Ummm...looks good but I need to do my research."  Most are genuine in this reply.  (A select few who use this line haven't figured out how to say "no" due to prejudice or a previous bad experience with a pushy amateur.  This alone causes most people to shun network marketing.  But that's a story for another blog.  Let's assume you are genuinely inquiring and wish to dig deeper).  

I actually love it because I was personally the same way.  I needed to read EVERY article, scour EVERY press release, watch EVERY video and needed to fact-find.  To be honest, I wasn't even sure what I was looking for; I just wanted to feel confident enough in my decision to join 5LINX.  After all, no one wants to launch a business with a company that will steal their money or act without integrity.  My fact-finding mission was not just to appease me--but to make sure that when I shared this with friends and family, that I could personally vouch for this business and profession and not feel like an idiot.  (I'm the youngest of five children so perhaps it was subconsciously my effort to prove that I'm not the "baby".  But I digress).  Suffice it to say, my research checked out.  

What I found was shocking to me:  Publications and news agencies such as INC Magazine, various, NBC, ABC, and CBS affiliates, The Wall Street Journal, Direct Selling News, The Direct Selling Association, Better Business Bureau (BBB), Rochester Business Journal, Success from Home Magazine and so much more did their due diligence on 5LINX, its founders and its top earners.  As I sat in my living room in May of 2011, I decided to go all-in.  And it was the best decision I made.  It might be time for you to go through that same journey.  However, no one can make that decision, but you.

The purpose of this blog is to provide a one-stop shop for anyone to do their due diligence on 5LINX.  Yup.  The whole sha-bang.  400+ Videos which includes news reports, radio interviews and presentations.  Over 30 articles, press releases and links; most of which were created by third party news publications.  So to all my information junkies...ENJOY! 

Now more than ever, more and more people are considering starting a home-based business.  Today's shaky economy, combined with shrinking retirement nest eggs for baby-boomers, and the less than desirable job prospects for high school and college grads has more and more people flocking toward home-based businesses.  In fact, a recent Forbes Magazine Article cited the following: With the average 50 year-old estimated to have less than $50,000 in retirement savings, there is an obvious need to find alternative ways to either save more or generate supplemental income starting now, and continuing throughout retirement.  Moving beyond just the dollars and cents, boomers are growing tired of feeling guilty or bad about their past savings habits and are interested in moving towards possible solutions.  

So how does one choose a "good" network marketing company?  Being in this profession for nearly four years, I will admit that there isn't a one-size-fits-all company out there.  That would be unfair.  However, these ten questions to ask will decrease the likelihood of you being burned later on down the line.  

Does it pass the "Documentation Test?"
What happens when you run a simple google search for "(insert your company here) News?"  Are there positive news stories?  Press releases?  Are there any results?  Is the company accredited and highly rated in the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org)?  Are they listed in the Direct Selling Association Member List, which is an accepted governing body of network marketing companies (at www.dsa.org)?  If its publicly-traded, what does its stock trade at and how has the company performed? If it is private-held, is it/has it ever been listed as an INC500/5000 company?  Lastly, wherever the company is based, what do the locals say about it?  Has it received positive press? Negative press?  Or perhaps worse, no press?  Much of this might seem like rocket-science, especially if you're new to network marketing.  However, if the answer to the majority of these questions is no, this could be a warning sign that the company you're considering may disappoint you in the long run (or not-so long run).  

Is the Management Team competent? 
Similar to franchises, network marketing companies have a corporate office which is normally headed by the founders and/or a management team.  How can you tell if the management team is solid?  A good rule of thumb is to 1) see if the people running your company had experience with being distributors themselves, and 2) if they have experience running successful companies.  Sadly, many network marketing companies have folded because the management team either didn't understand the profession, had poor or no experience with running a company or both.  

Finding the co-founders or management biographies should be easily found by heading to the company website and looking deeper, elsewhere.  Perhaps a bigger issue is if you cannot find any information on the individual(s) who run(s) the company.  


Do the Products and/or Services give you the "Warm Fuzzies?"
Okay, I was exaggerating about the "warm fuzzies"--yet you should really believe in the product offering of the company you choose to align yourself with.  Think about it: would you own a McDonalds if you were against the consumption of meat or run a Starbucks if you hated coffee?  It's possible, but the lack of passion for your product can hurt your chances of success.  

To be successful, you must be a believer that the products and services address a need or strong desire of some kind.  And if you truly believe that, then sharing it with family, friends and associates shouldn't be difficult.


Does it appear to be a pyramid scheme or is there an emphasis on product sales?
I worded the question like this purposely so that it is better understood what a pyramid scheme is. Sadly, most people use the terms "pyramid", "pyramid scheme", and "network marketing" interchangeably and typically dismiss the entire profession as a fraudulent practice.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  And frankly, most people have no idea what the differences are.  

Simply stated a pyramid scheme the practice of profiting solely on recruitment efforts with the absence of any product or service being sold.  Decades ago, the U.S. government began cracking down on these companies and most cease to exist in the present day.  So why do we bring this up?  Because a small fraction of companies--particularly new and underdeveloped network marketing companies--will rarely, if at all mention their products.  In fact, the majority of the compensation structure may be based solely on recruiting.  And that's not good.  The question to ask yourself is, "Am I rewarded for acquiring customers in addition to acquiring business partners?"  If the answer is no, that could be a red flag.


Are the products safe?
This might seem obvious but you might be surprised.  Just like any traditional company on Wall Street or Main Street, there have been network marketing companies that have released consumable products that have been found to be harmful.  Do your due diligence and find out if the products are safe and that third party studies (as well as happy customers) can be readily found.  Here's a trick.  Perform an internet search and type: "(company product name) dangerous".  Of course that is not the ultimate factor, but doing this may help you uncover some interesting information.


Is the company profitable?
How much did the company earn this year?  What about last year? How about the year before?  Is it borrowing money and operating from a deficit/debt position?  These are all important questions.  No matter if your company is public or private, getting this information should not be difficult.  The financial health of any publicly traded company can be easily researched by just about anyone.  A privately held company--especially one that is documented in INC Magazine will list its annual revenue and perhaps much more detailed information including agreements, mergers, and acquisitions.  So find out if the company is profitable.  If not, or if there is a lot of red tape in attempting to uncover this information, beware.  Find a rep and see if him, her or his/her upline can point you to some meaningful documentation.


Do Top Earners have varying experiences?
Here's what I mean.  Does income and rank depend more on timing than effort?  In other words, does it appear that only those who got in early are the only ones making money?  Or are there examples of people who have achieved higher ranks relatively quickly, along with some longer-tenured reps hitting top ranks much slower than normal?  Most network marketing professionals will agree that it is best to have a compensation plan that rewards effort over timing.

To give everyone a fair shot, your company should allow its representatives the ability to get to the top in timely proportion to what they've been able to build.  As such, a representative should also be able to exceed the rank of their upline and should be able to out earn their upline in many instances.    


Are Products unique, special or essential?
This one is tricky but is worth considering.  Generally, a solid network marketing company has a unique, special and/or essential (much needed) product or service offering.  If you can imagine constantly battling (and losing) against retail competition with a limited product offering, you may want to think twice.  A great question to ask your potential sponsor is "What makes these products unique, special or essential?"  


Is there a clear path to the top?
Understanding a network marketing compensation plan can be like understanding hieroglyphics.  There are a ton of different plan structures.  Here's what's important: can your potential sponsor (or their upline) generally explain how to progress through the ranks?  Is there a simple "comp plan breakdown" you can access or request?  The journey is simplified once one understands how to get to their destination--or at least has an idea.


Do you like the team?
Network Marketing is a team sport.  Yes, I know you're in business for yourself.  However, the culture in network marketing is built upon teamwork.  Trusting your upline and the team you'll be a part of is important to your business and having others trust you is equally important.  Are you easily able to obtain access to your upline's upline's upline, etc?  How willing is your potential sponsor in introducing you to their leadership?  It is important to be confident with your new team and develop a relationship with your sponsor.  This could mean all the difference.

Hopefully these ten questions will guide you to choosing a company that will help you achieve your dreams and goals.  This could mean all the difference between financial prosperity and time freedom or a not-so-pleasant "learning experience."


If you enjoyed this blog, please quickly do me a favor and share with others and comment below.

Cheers!
Ricardo Suber


Follow me on Facebook!
Follow me on Twitter!
Follow me on Instagram!
Follow me on Google+!
Or Email me!

We are elated to learn that our products continue to receive RAVE reviews!  Niagen, the active ingredient in Hi5 Edge which is part of our Hi5 Challenge has been confirmed to produce phenomenal results in humans!  If you're clueless about what this is, here is the original news story that broke in early 2014.  

From 5LINX.com:
"This past week, ChromaDex released the results of their first human clinical study on NIAGEN. The results of the study confirmed their initial findings; a single dose of NIAGEN resulted in significant increases in an important cellular enzyme called NAD+."  To view the full press release from Chromadex, click here.

For me, this verifies something that I already knew: these products are absolutely phenomenal.  I personally began taking Hi5 Edge about 8 months ago and the effects have been phenomenal--namely having more endurance and feeling "sharper".  

Check out this video of me unboxing my Hi5 Challenge Kit!

Want some Hi5 Edge for yourself?  Click here. (And then click "Products")

If you're ready to lean more about earning a powerful stream of income by marketing these and other products and services, visit this page.   

If you enjoyed this blog, please quickly do me a favor and share with others and comment below.

Cheers!
Ricardo Suber


Follow me on Facebook!
Follow me on Twitter!
Follow me on Instagram!
Follow me on Google+!
Or Email me!

Today, I had the privilege of sitting down and speaking with Jay Jackson of "The Transformation Hour"--a weekly radio show showing people how to transform their lives.  Check out the archive of this show where I explain a little more about who I am, marketing techniques and the power of Network Marketing.

If you're ready to lean more about this network marketing business, visit this page.   

If you enjoyed the show, tune in every Wednesday at 3PM EST for "The Transformation Hour" by clicking here.

If you enjoyed this blog, please quickly do me a favor and share with others and comment below.

Cheers!
Ricardo Suber


Follow me on Facebook!
Follow me on Twitter!
Follow me on Instagram!
Follow me on Google+!
Or Email me!