Is ‘Networking’ Inherently Evil or a Scam?

For sure, you are familiar with the line: ‘Open-minded ka ba?’ 

And I am so much willing to bet my life one thousand peso bill that you know. 

Trending kaya ‘yan… So imposible namang hindi mo pa narinig. 

Yup, I am talking about network marketing which Pinoys fondly call simply as networking.

And our knee-jerk reaction when we hear this word is disgust. Why? Maybe because of the fear of us becoming new victims where we will be made to purchase overpriced products or to be lured and become recruits. 

This is saddening. How ‘selling’ has acquired this tainted meaning in the marketing arena —as we have already pointed out in this previous blog post. 

But is networking inherently evil or scam? 

Is network marketing a scam?

You might nod in affirmation. And we can’t blame you. Nowadays, offline and online, we can see how pyramid schemes have been popping out wildly like mushrooms. 

All are very aggressive at pursuing pathetic people with little to no financial education. But the answer is no; networking is not inherently evil. And I am about to teach you how to spot the good ones. 

Let’s go.

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12 Life Lessons for Entrepreneurs by Bunny Pages | Wealth Bootcamp 2.0

Last March 19, 2017, the much awaited second series of Wealth Bootcamp: From Zero to Hero was held at Harold's Hotel. Around 150 entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs attended the powerful event.

The first speaker, Jess Faller, Engineer by profession and a Certified Financial Educator talked about the Big 3 in the Financial Industry - the Banking Industry, the Insurance Industry and Investment Industry, where money is created, distributed, brought and sold.

 "It is not mainly about your career that makes you successful - it's in the daily financial decisions and lifestyle  that makes you a failure or a success." 

That' why Financial Education is the biggest and most powerful innovation today. It is important to have basic knowledge on personal finance.

-Saving the right way
-Managing Debts
-Creating Emergency Funds
-Knowing the Power of Compound Interest
-Building Solid Financial Foundation - Life Insurance, Healthcare, Stock Market, Mutual Funds

The best solution to get ahead is to become a Financial Literacy advocate. Attend lectures, seminars, coaching classes such as TRC of Bro. Bo, WBC of ProsperPinoy and/or weekend Financial Education Workshop of IMG.

The second speaker was one of  Cebu's leading entrepreneur, Mr. Bunny Pages, the owner of Thirsty, Lantaw Restaurant, Mooon Cafe, and many more. He personally shared how happy he was to be speaking in front, he just had a surgery and thank God he is doing very well now for he was able to deliver inspiring lessons that day.

12 Life Lessons for Entrepreneurs

1. A Business is given by the Lord. 

A business is a blessing, you should cooperate with grace. Always pray for guidance, his simple prayer is like this "Lord if this is for me, please make it easy. If it's not, please make it hard."

And since it is given by the Lord, you must always be prepared - "It is better to be prepared and not have an opportunity than to have an opportunity and not be prepared."

2. Don't stop learning.

Practice "Kaizen" a Japanese term for continuous improvement. Doing small improvements daily is the key to long-term success in life and in business.

Bunny Pages became who he is today through reading. Some of the books that changed his life are the following:

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How to Upgrade to IMG's New Preferred Membership Online

Good news to IMG members and partners!

Just recently, International Marketing Group has upgraded it's membership into IMG preferred membership with added benefits! On top of the top 10 membership benefits, here are some added perks and privileges exclusive for IMG members. 

The New IMG Preferred Membership

Below is an email sent from IMG's newsletter:

To our dear IMG members and partners:

Since the launch of our new IMG Preferred Membership, many of our members who have availed of this membership have been enjoying a new world of exclusive perks, exclusive discounts and exclusive benefits.

In connection with this, we would like to inform you that, starting Wednesday, March 1, 2017 (12:00AM, Manila Time), all new IMG membership applications will already be Preferred. As such, the new membership fee of P4,500.00 will already take effect for Philippine code and for International membership,the new rates that will apply to your respective country will soon be available in our ejoin site. Likewise, the new fee of P1,500.00 will apply to all Accreditation Renewals (all codes) and P700.00 for all Membership Upgrade (all codes).

Besides our Top 10 benefits, our IMG Preferred Membership initially offers these additional privileges in partnership with the following providers: 

1. Fidelity Mutual Life

Fidelity Life is a mutual benefit association exclusively created for the IMG Preferred Members. It provides IMG Preferred members P50,000.00 life insurance with free memorial concierge service through Everest. As an additional benefit, the IMG management has successfully negotiated the waiver of membership fee that is usually required from all Mutual Benefit Association members, for all new IMG Preferred Members until further advise...

2. Everest Memorial Services 

Everest Memorial is a 24/7 FREE concierge service for IMG Preferred Members and their immediate families. Our trained Family Assistance Officers will help members in organizing personalized funeral plans when they need it. During the very difficult time, our preferred members and or their family members need not look for the best-priced suppliers; nor coordinate set-up and deliveries of funeral services. Members will just focus on giving the perfect send-off to their loved one and Everest will do the rest.  Everest is prepared to provide the convenience and peace of mind when you need it most... 

3. Ozone International 

Ozone Therapy has been popular with people from all age categories: from the younger generation who uses ozone therapy as a disease-preventing measure, to senior citizens who want to maintain an active lifestyle, and even to patients who use Ozone Therapy to complement their prescribed medical treatment. This medical breakthrough is now available to all IMG Preferred Members at a special discounted rate of P5,000/session (P1,000 discount) or P50,000/program (P10,000 discount).

Please check your emails to read full email newsletter from IMG. 

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Work from home ideas: 10 ways to make money online in the Philippines

Not enough savings? Buried in debt? Living paycheck to paycheck? 

Sometimes, managing (especially reducing) our expenses isn't enough. You don't want to get sick because you cut eating meals into twice a day instead of thrice. That's going to be an additional financial burden.

Do you want to work from home?

The solution therefore is to earn additional sources of income. And now because of technology, people can actually make (additional) money online now in the comforts of their homes. 

Here are 10 ideas how to work from home for Filipinos and start making money online:

1. Freelance work or online jobs

Because of technology, a lot of jobs are now being outsourced all over the world. Thus, online jobs are now available. 

Luckily, Filipinos are known to be skillful, full of talent and hardworking. Earning few dollars is already a big thing here in the Philippines.  

Thus, a lot of Filipinos today are doing virtual assistant jobs. A lot are doing it as a part-time income online but some already made it a full-time job. 

Just imaging working at the comforts of your home. No more heavy traffic and you own your time. 

However, freelance work and online jobs may not be easy. It requires skills, dedication and constant learning but is truly doable. 

Here are some skills and services that are perfect if you want to get a freelance work online: 

- Graphic Design

- Android/IOS Application developer

- Content Writing

- Virtual Assistant

- Technical support/Customer Service

- Social Media Marketing

- Email Marketing 

- Online Video editor

- Logo Design

- Data Entry and Online Typing Jobs

- Search Engine Optimization Services (SEO)

- Internet Research

- and many more..

Famous sites you can go to:

International freelance websites:

- Upwork (www.upwork.com)

- Fiverr (www.fiverr.com)

- Freelancer (www.freelancer.com)

Filipino Freelance websites:

- VirtualStaffFinder (www.virtualstafffinder.com)

- MyOutDesk (www.myoutdesk.com.ph)

- OnlineJobs.ph

2. Sell stuffs online and/or build eCommerce website

You can sell physical items online like clothes, gadgets, even cars or basically anything. By using media like Facebook or Instagram, you can create your own business page where people can inquire, ask quotations and schedule for meet up. 

Transactions are usually done by meeting up or through delivery. However, a word of caution as scams are also evident online, so its best to be careful especially when payments are done online. 

Another way is through building an eCommerce website. Where you can set up an online store, have a secure payment process (usually through PayPal) and have an effective delivery system. 

3. Blogging

Blogging was once done as a hobby, but now can be a lucrative source of income online. A blog is basically a website where you can write anything you want. Usually informative, educational, entertaining or inspiring. 

You can be a food blogger, travel blogger or even a financial blogger. Then by building significant number of readers, visitors and traffic to your blog, you can then monetize it by adding relevant advertisements. 

Online advertising works the same with physical advertising. Have you seen those big banners with "Ads space for rent?" A company can rent a space in your building and place an ad banner. Same thing with online advertising, an advertiser will rent a "digital space" in your blog. 

Make money online as a blogger

However, just like physical advertisements where a good location is a big factor (where a lot of people can see the ad), your number of online visitors called traffic, determines how well you will earn as a blogger.

That's why choosing the right niche (specific blog topic) is also very important if you want to be a blogger and earn through advertisements. 

Good niches that can potentially receive good traffic are:

- news

- showbiz

- technology (especially gadgets)

- food and lifestyle

- travel

- relationships, family and marriage

- and even finance 

Turn your passion into profit, create a blog that you love to write about, work from home and make a decent money online! 

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is basically promoting other people's products online. Unlike an e-commerce website where you need to sell your own physical products online, by being an affiliate you just promote somebody else's products and receive a commission when someone buys from your promotion. 

An example would be by being an affiliate of Amazon or an affiliate of Lazada here in the Philippines. You just apply as an affiliate, fill-up some forms and upon approval, you will receive a unique code called an affiliate link. 

This affiliate link will be coded specifically to you. Meaning, when one clicks your affiliate link leading to a certain product and that person buys you will receive commission in return. It works like a referral system. 

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Ten Secrets of the NEW Rich

When we hear the word "Rich" what normally comes to our minds are people who are financially abundant. 

Yes, that might be the case, but in Kevin Donaldson's "Ten Secrets of the New Rich" book, he shares that not only we be rich financially, but in all aspects of life.

He also shares that majority of millionaires are entrepreneurs and how we can be entrepreneurs too without much risks and much capital. 

Also called as the "safest way" in becoming an entrepreneur.

The secrets of the new rich

Today, let's watch this 9-minute video below and learn the ten secrets of the "NEW" rich and how we can be too.

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How to find, discern and discover the perfect career for you

There's no one-size-fits-all, perfect career for everyone. Every individual is and will be attracted to a specific career.

The only challenge is that a lot of people are overworked and underpaid. Thus, they may love the job but hate the pay.

Others may love the pay, but they hate their jobs.

Worst, people hate the job, and totally hate the pay too! (what a disaster) 

It's quite challenging to find that perfect "love the job and love the pay."

So here are some meat to chew on, to hopefully help you find, discover or discern that perfect career for you.

How to find, discern or discover the perfect career for you

Incident #1:

My mother is involved in sales and has a huge sales organization in the cosmetics industry.

Back in high school when I was helping her out in what little way I can, I also help sell cosmetics (imagine a guy selling perfumes and underwires, what an experience!) 

Then, I got a not-so-good experience:

I followed-up my high school teacher a week before her due date and she told me, "Kasayo sad nimo maningil ui. Di ka kahibalo mamaligya da." (you ask for the payment too early. You don't know how to sell.)

After that, I told myself, I'll never be a salesman!

RESULT: I became a financial trainer selling financial products and services

Incident # 2:

When I was in college, I took BS-Chemical Engineering.

I never like repetitive tasks. So I told myself, "When I work, I don't want to be in the Quality Assurance Department." 

No offense but, being in the QA/QC Department, the tasks are almost the same everyday testing and monitoring certain quality standards. 

RESULT: You guessed it right, I landed a job as a Quality Assurance Supervisor after taking the board exam.

Incident # 3:

When the telephone was still very new, my brothers and sister have what we call before as, "call-mates." They spend hours on the telephone doing "telebabad" (long talks over the phone) 

I was the only one who doesn't have a call-mate. (If I remembered it right. Hehe) 

So I never really was comfortable talking to people over the phone. I feel like we are talking so close (ear-to-ear)! Wew, what a terrible thing to imagine. 

So when I became a full-time financial trainer after quitting my job as a quality assurance supervisor, I hated contacting prospects over the phone! 

RESULT: I have no choice but to contact prospects over the phone. 

Now connecting all the dots, I realized that I was too focused on the things that I never wanted. 

And I don't know if you believe the law of attraction or not, but truly - "What you focus on expands." 

And during these times of quarter life crisis (which I believe everyone undergoes) I made a decision to focus on a career that I wanted. 

As IMG coach, Xuan Nguyen said: 

"Find something to believe in and put your life to fight for it!" 

So I made a blueprint (outline) of all the possible careers out there:
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Wealth Bootcamp: from Zero to Hero

We just concluded an awesome event last weekend, Nov. 6, 2016 at Harold's Hotel in Cebu:

Wealth Bootcamp: from Zero to Hero

as organized by ProsperPinoy + the admins of Life at IMG, in partnership with CERTA, Inc. - Family Estate Planning and Investment Advisory. 

While it was the people's champ - Manny Pacquiao's fight with Jessie Vargas, around 100 attendees still dedicated themselves in learning more about business and personal finance. 

It was a comprehensive program which covered 3 areas which are believed to be an essential factor to thrive and maximize the financial potential and opportunities in the 21st century.

1. Business & Entrepreneurship (Modern and Online Business, Art of Selling)

2. Stock Market & Mutual Funds (Types of Investments that will work for you)

3. Financial Education (Increase Cash Flow, Debt Management, Understanding Insurance, Retirement Planning)

Here's a peek at the topics that were discussed in the event: 

1. Investing in yourself

Investing in yourself

The event started with Serge Bargayo, RFP, CSS of CERTA. The topic revolved around investing in yourself which is key to increasing your value. 

While people may acquire a lot of different investments and assets. The best asset that appreciates over time is yourself. It was the perfect start of the event as it is very important to remind people why we invest in attending seminars and lectures. 

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Lessons from Rich Dad Poor Dad

Robert Kiyosaki is the best known author of the #1 personal finance book of all time: "Rich Dad Poor Dad." This book has challenged the way people think about money and he stresses out the importance of Financial Education. 

While Robert Kiyosaki is not in any way related with International Marketing Group (IMG), his advocacy towards financial education is totally remarkable! 

Today, let's look at the lessons in his famous book: "Rich Dad Poor Dad."  

Robert Kiyosaki the author of the #1 personal finance book: "Rich Dad Poor Dad" (source: Rich Dad Quotes)

Watch the summarized 10-minute video below and learn more about becoming rich than taking a 4-year finance degree. (credits to OnePercentBetter)

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Leadership lessons from Mr. Rex Mendoza

One of the most sought after financial gurus in the Philippines is the founder of Rampver Financials, Inc: Mr. Rex Mendoza. We are very proud to have him us our dear friend and mentor. 

Every IMG convention, Mr. Rex will always remind us how lucky we are that we have him by saying IMG has never ever paid him to speak for us. Everybody would laugh but seriously speaking, Mr. Rex Mendoza is a top tier speaker easily earning a 6-figure every talk. However, he never asks payment because he loves sharing to IMG members his advocacy of financial literacy knowing his advocacy goes farther with IMG. 

Mr. Rex Mendoza of Rampver Financials, Inc. (IMG Convention 2016)

So last IMG convention held in SMX Mall of Asia, (Sept. 10-11, 2016), Rex Mendoza has bombarded us again with amazing lessons. 

Let's take a look at his leadership lessons to help us get ready to dominate anything in life.

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Three reasons why having a job should be temporary

Wealth file #11: 
Rich people choose to get paid based on results.
Poor people choose to get paid based on time. 

From the Secrets of the Millionaire Mind of T Harv Eker, the 11th wealth file we need to have is to choose to get paid based on results. 

Every time I conduct a talk and ask the audience:

"Who among you here are under-worked and overpaid?" Everybody seems to laugh!

but when I ask, "How about overworked and underpaid?"  All hands went up. 

You see, a lot of us, are not paid with what we are worth for. Why? Because as Robert Kiyosaki would say, we are all been programmed to "Go to school, have good grades and go find a secure and stable job." We are programmed to choose getting paid based on time. 

Getting paid based on time is exchanging your valuable time for money. Regardless of the work, you are paid. Even how busy you are, or even if you are sleeping inside the laboratory, you are still paid as long as you punch in the bundy clock. This is normally called as a J.O.B. (Journey of the Broke)

Having a job should be temporary

I am not saying that jobs are not good. In fact, it is one of the reasons why our economy is booming. However, jobs should not be the end result. 

Here are three reasons why having a job should be temporary: 

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Dominating the financial industry through financial literacy

International Marketing Group just concluded an awesome event last weekend: IMG's Convention of Champions 2016 - DOMINATE. It was held in SMX - Mall of Asia last Sept. 10 - 11, 2016. 

The theme of the event was "Dominate." Dominating the financial industry in the Philippines through Financial Literacy. We want to achieve a humble 1 million financially educated Filipino families by the year 2020. It was the biggest event so far with almost 8,000 financial advocates gathering with one common goal. 

International Marketing Group Convention of Champions 2016: Dominate (photo credits: Jon Siu)

As in every annual convention, we celebrated it first with a Gala Night. A night filled with food (eat-all-you-can buffet), entertainment and awarding. 

Artists were present to celebrate with us: Mr. Ariel Rivera, Ms. Morisette Amon and Mr. Dennis Trillo. Mrs. Korina Sanchez-Roxas was also there as part in the awarding ceremony. 

It was a fun night but the real juice was in the Sunday event - the convention proper. It was a whole day training event featuring IMG's millionaire mentors. 

Let's take a peek at IMG's mentors and the wisdom they shared during the IMG convention of champions - DOMINATE. 

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A Plea to all IMG Members: Branding Lessons from Mr. Rex Mendoza

IMG has had an amazing Malaysia convention last April 17, 2016 in Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. And we were again bombarded with awesome lessons that truly can change our lives. One of which was Mr. Rex Mendoza's topic about branding. 

He truly is a master speaker and has made his topic come to life with a story and it goes:

forge a strong brand like iron

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Why you should be your own boss?

It's morning and you're still begging for unlimited extra 5 minutes in bed. You spring up in bed when it's already 7:30 and take only a little sip and a nib. You get to work a tad late, and the looong day starts, with customary glances at the wall clock every now and then, silently wishing it would turn faster.

Your daily cycle? Let me tell you little snippets of truth that may encourage you to be the big guy. 

be your own boss

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How to change your life in the next 30 days

Are you one of those people who keep on making New Year’s resolutions yet after a month or two, you go back into doing your old “not-so-productive” habits? Today, it’s time to change those old habits.

You can change your life in the next 30 days! It just takes a little shift in the mindset; to have a “Winning Mindset,’ and back it up by following the ‘30-Days Relentless.” Source: System Builder Book (4^th Edition), Xuan Nguyen, page. 309.

develop a habit for the next 30 days

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10 Ways to Build your Confidence

Being an entrepreneur, it is mandatory that one must have confidence in what you do as the amount of results you get are directly proportional to the amount of belief in what you do. People are attracted to your clarity, in your belief, and in your stand that you are doing something right that can help other people. May you be salesman, an owner of a start-up company or in IMG’s case, a financial broker or advisor, it is important that through your confidence and belief, people will trust you and thus they will do business with you.

Here are 10 ways how to build confidence:

Self confidence is key to entrepreneurship

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Is there Life after BPO?

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is a booming industry in the Philippines. It has become the 2nd pillar that contributes to the economic progress of the country next to OFW remittances. It is expected to exceed the revenue of OFW remittances in the coming years. This industry has given people opportunity to earn higher salaries, way above the minimum fare of ordinary workers.

 time difference is one of the challenges being inside the BPO industry

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How to have a Business inside the Financial Industry

The financial industry is the biggest And wealthiest industry. This is where the money is. All other industries start and end in the financial industry. Thus, in terms of career opportunity, being inside the financial industry offers huge income potential. But how does one get inside or make a career inside this industry?

The financial industry is the biggest and wealthiest industry

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3 Ways to be Emotionally Disciplined and Why it is Important to be One

Being a part of International Marketing Group, every day out in the field is a battle of beliefs: our belief in saving and investing versus people’s innate habit of spending. It is a crusade where people in IMG receive battle scars of rejection, distrust, and criticism. A lot don’t survive and quit doing the advocacy yet few stand still and survived. These people believe that IMG’s crusade and mission is what we Filipinos really need especially in terms of money management.

What made these people continue in the advocacy is emotional discipline. Here are 3 ways how to be emotionally disciplined and why it is important to be one:

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IMG offers Filipinos an Opportunity to Travel the United States of America

A lot of Filipinos dreamt of going to the United States of America, the land of opportunity, to go look for greener pasture: get a high-paying job, to earn dollars, and be able to provide the best for their families. 

Some succeeded and decided to live the American dream while a lot of Filipinos struggle having 2 to 3 jobs to balance sending money to their family and cope up with their expenses. 

They may earn dollars, but they also spend in dollars.

However, here in IMG, the more you work hard, the more the company will reward you. 100% chance of going to the U.S. for free and more incentives are given to qualified IMG members. 

Here’s how IMG rewards those who work hard and deserve to be rewarded. 

IMG-WSB Free Trip to USA with Free Mexico Cruise (source: IMG Official Poster)

1. Go to U.S. for free with a 10-year multiple entry

Since IMG is an affiliated organization of World System Builder (WSB) group of World Financial Group (WFG) in the U.S., WSB and IMG backs up all qualified members in acquiring their U.S. Visa. 

Majority of those who got their Visa were granted a 10-year-multiple entry with few to almost no questions asked. 

Qualified individuals are given subsidy for all the expenses including fare, making the travel to U.S for free.

World System Builder is the largest organization in World Financial Group with Xuan Nguyen as WFG Executive Chairman and WSB/IMG Head Coach.

IMG Executives enjoying USA, the mexico cruise and attending WFG/WSB Convention with around 50,000 attendees! (Photo Source: FB Grab from IMG CEO's) 

2. Attend the World Financial Group and/or World System Builder Conventions

The beauty with travels in IMG is that you don’t travel for work or go look for a job, but for business and pleasure. 

On top of the free travel (pleasure), you get to attend WFG and WSB conventions with around stunningly 50,000 attendees (and still growing) up to date.

WFG by the way is one of the biggest and fastest growing financial distribution companies in the U.S. and Canada. 

Not only that you enjoy, you also get to learn more on the financial business side of IMG with first-hand experience from U.S.

Attending Convention stretches one’s mindset and vision, seeing how far our financial knowledge is compared with our foreign counterpart. 

One will see that the current financial industry in the Philippines are still selling financial products that are almost out-dated in the U.S. and still a lot of Filipinos buy these products. 

Once a person attends these conventions, going back to the Philippines, they become crusaders of finance knowing there are still a lot of things to be done.  

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