One of my good friends recently suggested I check out the book Networking: The Natural Extension of You! by John and Giselle Sexsmith. The authors are some of the top earners in Nu Skin, having earned more than $20 million in career earnings (it’s probably even more than that now).
I read the book over a period of about three days and really, and really enjoyed it. It’s a lot different than most MLM books. There is no hype or fluff. The authors have been there and done that and they share some of their best success tips.
It’s well written and it’s a quick and easy read. I do believe the book is currently out of print, but I found a used copy on Amazon for just one cent! Talk about a deal.
John & Giselle Sexsmith Quotes
John & Giselle Sexsmith QuotesWhat I want to do in the rest of this post is share 40 of my favorite John & Giselle Sexsmith quotes and ideas from the book. Each quote is in bold and italics. At the end of each quote I will offer my own thoughts on the idea. The quotes are listed in no particular order.
# 1: Perhaps the most difficult choice you make in your life is how you trade your time for money.
From the time we are small children, most of us are taught we should go to school, get good grades, graduate college, find a good paying job and trade of hours for dollars. For most people, this is the only way they know how to make money. At the end of the day, time is your most precious asset. It’s the only thing you can’t get back or get more of. Your goal in life should be to make the most amount of money in the least amount of time possible. Ultimately, you want leverage and residual income. Network marketing allows you to do that.
# 2: Everything great that we have ever done in life has been a team effort.
Nothing worth accomplishing in life is an individual effort. We all rely on the support of others to lift us up and help us. Our spouse, family, kids, and co-workers all have a critical role in our success. No one is self-made.
# 3: The best way to build a better world is to build a better you.
When we focus on personal development and improve ourselves we can grow. For life to get better you must get better. For life to change you must change.
# 4: It’s harder to fail than to succeed.
If you make a commitment and stick with something you will eventually succeed. The only way to fail at something is to quit or do nothing at all. Success is actually quite simple. It’s also important to remember that you must fail your way to success because success is never a straight line. Instead, it’s three steps forward and two steps back.
# 5: If you truly desire to build a successful business, you must be committed to take action.
Commitment is the most important word when it comes to success in network marketing. You must get started, make a commitment to move forward, put in the work, and never quit. Most people don’t make that level of commitment and that’s why they don’t succeed in their business. When you are 100% committed, nothing will stop you.
# 6: Not taking action will lead you down a path of misery, doubts, and regrets.
It’s better to attempt something great and fail than attempt to do nothing and succeed. You never know what you can accomplish unless you try. You can’t wish your way to success. You must work your way to success. If you give 100% and still fail, at least you know you gave it your best and left nothing on the table. You might be disappointed that you failed, but you won’t wonder what might have been if you had tried.
# 7: I knew that the reason I had enthusiasm then and why I still have it today is because I am committed to take action and to take it now! Whining, worrying and whimpering will never lead you to success.
You can make excuses or you can make money, but you can’t do both. Let your actions control your motivation rather than letting your motivation control your actions.
# 8: We like to think that great things just happen in life, but if you want to really succeed, you have to plan for it.
Nothing worth accomplishing is easy or will just fall into your lap. Ultimately, you need a game plan and you need to roll up your sleeves and do the work. Set a big goal, develop an action plan, and get to work.
# 9: Making specific plans is a common trait of all peak performers and high achievers in this business and every business.
You need a daily action plan and long-term plan for your MLM Business. You need a business plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail. You can’t “wing in” and expect to succeed.
# 10: It is important to recognize that it takes time, energy and a lot of hard work to get to a level of success.
Success is not easy. It requires hard work and sacrifice. If it was easy, everyone would do it! If it’s worth accomplishing must make sacrifices to get there. You won’t build a big business overnight. It takes several years (or more) of consistent effort to do that.
# 11: It all comes down to paying the price and being willing to move from one step to another in sequence.
Do the work, make the sacrifices, and stick with it. Create a game plan and take your journey one step at a time.
# 12: This business is much like a space craft taking off where almost 90% of the effort and fuel consumption comes in the first few seconds of lift off.
Building the foundation of your business is the hardest part. Your first two three years in the business will be spent building your foundation. Once the foundation is built properly the rest of your business will develop quickly. As an example, look at skyscrapers. It can take a year or two (or longer) just to build the foundation of the skyscraper, and then just a few months to build the rest of the building.
# 13: The only way to really make it in this business is to move quality products to end users.
This business is NOT about recruiting or hitting certain ranks. It’s about creating volume in your team. You can recruit people until the cows come home, but if no one uses the products or sells the products you won’t make any money. Focus on growing your volume each month and developing leaders, rather than hitting certain ranks.
# 14: If you want to succeed you must be willing to fail.
Dare to be great. There is no guarantee of anything in life other than taxes and death. Don’t be scared to take calculated risks. Fail your way to success. Temporary failure is a big part of the journey to success.
# 15: Many people simply do not want to take any risk and just want to stay where they are.
Your comfort zone is your biggest enemy. The opposite of excellence is good enough. Don’t let your comfort zone keep you from achieving your dreams.
# 16: Remember that you have to focus on the positive with people regardless of their performance.
Believe in everyone on your team, especially if they don’t believe in themselves. Inspire your team members by your own personal example. Look for the good in others because no one is perfect. Show them you care about them as people. Treat everyone as well as you would your best friend. Do that and good things will happen (eventually).
# 17: If you are focused on the money aspect only, you will not last very long in networking.
People first and money second. That is the philosophy you want to live by. Build relationships and treat people well and the money will follow. If you’re only in it for the money, you will quit the business within a few months if you aren’t making the amount of money you think you should be making.
# 18: If you want to be a winner you must associate with winning people.
The people you hang around today will determine where you end up in five years from now. Hang around positive people who lift you up and have what you want. Never forget the power of association. Surround yourself with people who encourage you and bring out the best in you.
# 19: The culture within your network is crucial to your long-term success.
Ultimately, you need to create a culture in your team. Create an environment where people are encouraged and they feel like they belong to something much greater than themselves. People might get in for the money, but they stay in (or leave) because of the team culture and people.
# 20: Too many individuals get into networking because they feel it will be fast and easy money.
No business if fast or easy money. All businesses come with some level of risk. If you want easy money go to Las Vegas. If you want long-term money or a great Plan B, start your own home-based business.
# 21: If the people you sponsor into the business see you working hard and paying the price for success, they will likely follow your example.
Set the pace. Lead by example. Be so busy staying in the trenches that you inspire your team by your actions. Do the things you want your team members to do.
# 22: Support must be a parallel commitment.
The distributor you are helping must invest as much time and effort into their business as you do helping them. Never do more for a team member than they are willing to do for themselves. Match people’s efforts, but don’t build their business for them.
# 23: You must also be very careful to make sure that you don’t spend your time with people who are putting zero effort into the business.
Work with the people on your team who are in the trenches doing the work week in and week out. Spend 80% of your time with the 20% of the people doing the work. Live by the 20/80 Rule.
# 24: New insight and knowledge is the greatest gift you can give a distributor.
Share your wisdom and knowledge with your team. Teach them everything you know about the business. Whenever you learn a great idea, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with others.
# 25: Don’t do things for your distributors that they can do for themselves.
Don’t create a welfare or entitlement mentality on your team by answering every question for them. Ultimately, you want a team that is INDEPENDENT of you, not dependent on you. Point people to resources and tools where they can find the answers to their questions and issues.
# 26: There are many ways to make a total commitment to this business, but far and away the best is to burn your bridges, don’t look back and drive it forward.
If you really want to make it big, sell out to the business for five or more years. Don’t give yourself an exit strategy. Be all in, 100% committed.
# 27: If you want to succeed in this business you must have an abundance of an abundance mentality.
What you think is what you get. Be optimistic. Look for the good in things.
# 28: It is critical that you make a distinction between being busy and being productive.
Successful people are productive. Anyone can be busy, and most people are. Successful people manage their time wisely and get things done. In a commission based pay system or business it’s your results that matter most. Don’t confuse busy work with productive work.
# 29: If you take care of the minutes, the days, months and years will take care of themselves.
Manage your time wisely. It is your most precious asset. Have a plan for your business each day. Use a “to do” list and follow it. Set priorities and do the most important things first.
# 30: You must have strong self-discipline to be self-employed. Too many people think that being self-employed is easy and a very casual lifestyle.
Owning a business is NOT for everyone. It’s hard work and takes a lasting commitment. The rewards are worth the sacrifice, but it’s definitely not for everyone.
# 31: People who say they have a time management problem are really just experiencing a lack of focus and direction.
When you know what you want and you have a big goal in front of you, you will find a way to make it happen. People make time for things that are important to them. Show me someone’s day planner and checkbook and I will show you their priorities.
# 32: Procrastination is the most lethal killer in network marketing.
When you procrastinate your business dies a slow death. You can’t think your way to success. You must take action and do the work.
# 33: When you are viewed as a friend and trusted person your success rate will increase dramatically.
People like to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Build good relationships with people and provide value.
# 34: Remember that you are trying to build individuals to be successful presidents of their own companies.
Your real job is to build leaders who lead their OWN Armies. You want people who are independent of you and can think on their own two feet.
# 35: The marathoner also knows that by focusing on steady, gradual growth he can build individuals who will have the stamina to go the distance.
This business is not a sprint. Nice and steady is what wins in the long term. Yes, you can have short bursts of energy, but the real key to long-term success is being consistent and steady for ten or more years.
# 36: You will find that longevity in the business is one of your greatest assets.
Sticking with the business and industry for the long haul is more than half the battle. The longer you stick around, the higher the likelihood you will succeed AND the more credibility you will have with the people you know.
# 37: It’s far better to be a rising star than a shooting star.
You never want to reach your peak. Keep climbing the mountain. Keep learning and growing every day and every month.
# 38: You must have the ability to stick to your goals long after the mood in which you created them has passed.
Enthusiasm comes and goes. It’s like lust. Most people will lose their excitement for the business within 30-days of joining. It’s the actions you take AFTER your excitement fades that will determine whether or not you become successful in the business.
# 39: True leaders help every team member feel like they are part of the championship effort.
Create a great culture in your team. Let your team members know you appreciate them and that they are a valuable part of your team.
# 40: Many of your best people will enter only after you have shown them what a strong commitment you have and how much you want them to succeed in the business.
Your best leaders five years from now will be people that tell you NO today. Keep pressing forward.
John & Giselle Sexsmith: Nu Skin Team Elites
John and Giselle Sexsmith are Team Elites in Nu Skin Enterprises. They joined the company in 1985. They earned the title of Team Elite in 1990 and have maintained it ever since. They are extremely successful in the business, having earned more than $20 million with their Nu Skin business! They are currently leaders with GPN, the Global Partners Network. This is the name of their team within Nu Skin.
Prior to joining the company they owned a chain of retail stores. At the time (1985) they were broke, frustrated, and raising their young family. Their first month in the business their bonus check was just $50. Although it wasn’t a very large amount it opened their eyes to the possibilities of making money with Nu Skin.
When they first joined Nu Skin, they shared the business opportunity and products with friends, family members, and casual acquaintances through one-on-one presentations, in-home meetings, and conference calls. As they sponsored new distributors and found customers, they started working with their team. They started working in depth as quickly as possible, identifying leaders who wanted to “run with” the business opportunity.
Since joining Nu Skin, they’ve come a long way. Their business spans 35 different countries and has tens of thousands of distributors. They earn a substantial six to seven figure residual income each year and are some of the top earners in the company. Simply put, they are the ultimate Nu Skin Enterprises success story. They have five children, two grandchildren, and live in Florida.
If you have ever worked with Nu Skin Team Elites John and Giselle Sexsmith, I would love to hear your story. Please tell us how long you have known them, how they helped you, and when you worked with them. Just leave a comment below to share your story. Thanks.
Final Thoughts
In summary, these are 40 of my favorite quotes and lessons from John and Giselle Sexsmith’s book, Networking: The Natural Extension of You! Overall, I give the book an 8 of 10 and consider it a must read for any network marketer.
What are your thoughts? What is your favorite John & Giselle Sexsmith quote listed above? Have you read the book before? If so, did you like it? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day!
Order a copy of the book on Amazon!
Sincerely,
Chuck Holmes
Network Marketing Professional (21+ years)
Top Recruiter & Top Rep
mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
Point #11 draws to my attention a significant element of being able and willing to follow a process in order to get to where you eventually want to end up. I think people are always looking for a shortcut or a detour to reach a certain point and sometimes, well most times, you have to be willing to go through each step of the process. The steps are in place for a reason and so following them will likely ensure your success better than any short cut you try.
Yes, there is no shortcut to success!
This sounds like a very good book to read for network marketers. There are several quotes here that hit home. #3 to me says that the only person we can change is ourselves.
They also speak a lot about taking risks for success. #14 is great. If you want to succeed you have to be willing to fail.
Also #29 is great. Take care of the minutes and all else will fall into place.
Yes, this is a wonderful book.