The Truth About Network Marketing - Is It A Real Business or A Pyramid Scheme?

What is Network Marketing?When you hear the term "Network Marketing" do you feel uncomfortable, afraid or confused?Do you think that it's a pyramid scheme, or some sort of get rich quick scheme?In the beginning I did too, but today you can put your fears aside, as I am going to help you understand what Network Marketing (MLM, Direct Selling) really is.We will prove wrong all those myths about what Network Marketing is not. So I just want you to relax, maybe get a cup of coffee, and enjoy the lesson.No pressure, No fear, and No confusion.Debunking Myths That You May Have Heard About NetworkingSo what is Network Marketing? The truth is, it is a business; a very easy and lucrative business.But before I get into how easy it really is, I want to explain what network Marketing is Not.Network Marketing is not a Pyramid scheme. Don't get me wrong, pyramid schemes do exist, they are very real, but they are not Network Marketing Businesses.One of the major differences between a network marketing business and a pyramid scheme is,that pyramid schemes promise to give you money without the sale of a product or any work involved.There is no such thing as money for nothing! If anyone promises to make you money without you having to put in effort, or without having to promote a product, that's a pyramid scheme!A pyramid scheme says, "You don't have to make any sales, you just have to sign up and you'll make money".That's a lie and it's a scheme and it doesn't work! A Networking Business is based on direct selling; meaning that you get paid for sales that are made because of your referral.Depending on the product, it might be a purchase of Makeup, Coffee, Health Vitamins and supplements, or a specific service of some kind. I personally only like to sell services, and there is a reason for that, but we will get to that later.For now, what I want you to understand is: Network Marketing is based on sales just as any other business, that's how cashflow is made.But there are benefits to Network Marketing, because you don't only get paid for the sales you create, but you get paid as your Network/Team continues to grow!There Is No Such Thing As Get Rich Quick!Get rich quick people will tell you, "join today and you will make $1,000 by the end of the month", or, "Buy this product that has all of the secrets to 'making money online', and you will make up to $2,500 a month, every month".All that is BULL! Those products don't work! Those people don't want to help you, they are just after your money; and to me it's disgusting!In a true network marketing business every one wins, everyone makes money, not just the person who sells the product or a team leader.


Please understand this, a true network marketing business will take some time to grow!I will never promise you $2,500 by the end of the month, but I can promise you success and growth if you dedicate yourself to truly investing your time and efforts in a real Network Marketing Business.Find Out How You Can Become a Network Marketing Professional.How does Network Marketing Work?1-Multilevel Marketing (MLM), or Direct Selling all mean the same thing.This business model began a very long time ago around the 1800's, although it has become very popular in recent years.Some direct selling companies that you may know are: Avon, The Kirby Company, Mary Kay, Amway, etc.Companies that use the Network Marketing Business Model promote their products by word of mouth, and give commission checks to their representatives.2- You should know that every MLM company has it's own compensation plan and perks.They all are a little different, although they use the same business system.The reason why these companies can pay people like you and me for promoting their products is because they do not use traditional promoting strategies such as Television, Radio, NewsPaper, and Heavy Ad Campaigns.Because they save a lot of money by not promoting in traditional ways, they can use that money to pay their reps for promotion.Their money is well invested because they know that word of mouth is a very effective and inexpensive way to receive promotion.3- So this is how it works: You enjoy the product(s) of a given MLM company, you join as a representative or affiliate, you begin to refer the product(s) to others, and when other people purchase the product or join as a rep you receive a commission.If someone that you refer decides to join the company, in most cases, you will receive a percentage of every sale that that person makes as well.You see how that works? Everyone wins, It is not a scheme, it is a real business.As your MLM team grows you grow!Once you have developed a faithful team of people who understand Network Marketing and the freedom and benefits it provides, that is when the money really begins to come in at a very fast pace. How much time will it take?There is no right answer for that question. For some people it only takes a couple of months to start making a significant amount of money; for others it can take up to more than a year. It all depends on your efforts and how much you really want to change your life and your financial situation.All I can really say for sure is that if you are truly dedicated and determined to grow in this business,and make money, YOU WILL MAKE MONEY!

Email Marketing Importance In 2013

When we discuss email marketing importance in 2013 we have a lot of things to consider. For many Internet marketers it is more important then ever. For others it is not important at all.Let me offer a few of my own thoughts.1. Internet assets. As Internet marketing continues to grow as an Industry developing assets in your business is becoming more important.An email list when built correctly is an asset. It is an asset because you can continually go back to your subscribers and sell things to them.I read once where many successful Internet marketing gurus refer to email marketing as printing money on demand. That's why a quality list can be a long-term asset.Think about it this way.Websites can rank or disappear on Google almost immediately. The same thing with your blog.There are many things about Internet marketing that you really have no control over. This is not true for your email list.As long as you're not spamming your list you are not going to lose the ability to send out emails to it. This makes it one of the most valuable, if not the most valuable, Internet asset you will ever build.2. Branding. One of the most important things that can come from email marketing is branding yourself and your business.When a person comes to your website they are going to leave. They may or may not ever remember you in the future.This makes it hard for you to brand yourself as an expert on the niche that your business is involved in. When you have their name and email address it totally changes everything.


You can now send out email messages to them because they've given you permission to do so. Repetition makes for good learning and so it is with the email marketing and branding.Over time your subscribers begin to know you as a person they can trust. You become a credible expert on the topic that you're sending out email messages for.Your email messages can actually complement your website or blog. You accomplish this in a couple of ways.One thing you can do is put your header at the top of every email you send. People get used to seeing this header and associate your business with it.Another thing you can do is send out snippets of information in an email message that requires the reader to click on a link that sends them back to your website. This is a great way to increase your website traffic as well as enhance your reputation a little bit more.Every message that goes out is a potential branding email message. You don't even have to make money on every message when you're sending someone back to your website.The great thing is when they are ready to purchase something they will do it from you. This is actually top of mind awareness advertising which is an important part of branding.Email marketing importance is not changing and is actually increasing. The successful Internet marketer is the one who is building an email subscriber list and using it as a profit center both today and in the future.

Top Six Effective Networking Tips

Looking for Networking Advice?If you'd like to grow your business or start one of your own, it's time you started networking. Going to networking events can be a big boon to business or a big waste of your time. If you've never networked before, or you think your networking efforts could be improved, keep the following business networking ideas in mind when you head out to your next event.Top Six Effective Networking Tips1. Listen FirstThe best way to start a conversation is to listen. While you may think what you have to say is the key to effective networking, what you really should do is think about what someone might have to share with you. Chances are the conversation will bring to light new ideas and opportunities that you may have missed by talking about yourself.2. Be HonestNobody likes a braggart. It's great networking advice to ditch your pitch, and just talk openly and honestly. While it may be tempting to sell someone on how great your business is, discussing challenges and processes can often lead to great business relationships. The business networking, tips and tricks that come out of a conversation can take your business to new places.3. Be OpenIf you're not an extrovert, networking with a bunch of strangers might make you nervous. The good news is, most attendees are in the same boat and everyone's looking for someone to talk to. Remember, everyone has some knowledge to share. Don't assume that someone in a different industry won't have something valuable to teach you. One of the best business networking ideas is to step outside your circle. This will give you access to a world of new thoughts, ideas and opportunities.


4. Share Your InformationHave your business cards handy so you can easily exchange contact information. Don't have a business card? One of the best business networking tips and tricks is to create one of your own. Don't have a business? Create a personal card with your contact information. The whole point of business networking is to increase your visibility in your field and build relationships, and you won't get very far without leaving your contact information behind.5. Go Online to Learn MoreOnce you've made a connection, do a little digging and see if they have a website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn page. When it comes to effective networking tips, learning about a prospective client or business partner can better prepare you moving forward.6. Follow Up and Follow ThroughThis piece of networking advice is so simple and important yet often neglected. If you promise to make a call, do so. If you said you'd send information, send it. And don't lose that business card you were given. The best business opportunities can fall through the cracks because of poor follow up.Keep these business networking ideas in mind throughout your business journey. Following these simple business networking tips and tricks can make your business endeavors more successful, providing you with great bits of advice and pushing you to do something outside your comfort zone.

Tips To Be Interesting To Others When Networking

You are told that you should network with more people for any number of good reasons, but for most people this is hard to do.You might be extremely competent in your role, but the thought of starting up conversation with strangers sends you into a cold sweat.Perhaps you are relatively new into management and don't feel confident in your ability to hold a conversation with senior people.Perhaps your experiences in the world have been limited and you are challenged with having things to talk about with all these strangers.You might naturally be a little (or a lot) introverted and "putting yourself out there" is tough."The mark of a good conversationalist is not that you can talk a lot. The mark is that you can get others to talk a lot. Thus, good schmoozer's are good listeners, not good talkers." Guy Kawasaki10 Tips for Getting the Attention of Others:
Most people are feeling the same as you, so get over it.
Most people are most comfortable talking about themselves, so you can use this.
You don't need to be a genius to be interesting to people, just able to carry a conversation the same you would with someone you know.
People like to talk to people that look inviting... so smile. Nobody wants to talk to the guy who looks like a grouch standing in the corner.
Go to networking events prepared with some questions to ask people. Try not to be a cliché... "So how you doing?" might work for you, but most likely will backfire.
What do you think of this event/venue/speaker etc?
Are you with one of the sponsors/exhibitors/company X etc?
Are you local?
Are you with a group?
How often do you go to these things?
There are a million questions/starters that you can use to get a conversation going.
Get people talking about themselves. Once you start a conversation it gets easier. Ask about their job, their family, their school, their company, their friends, their interests all depending upon where the conversation goes.
You do not need to be an expert about everything going on in the world but you should know what is going on in the world. Get in the habit of keeping up with the news, locally, nationally and globally.
Try to give rather than seeking to take. What can you do for others? Can you share information? Can you make an introduction? Can you offer advice in your field? If you go with that attitude them people will be far more open than if your sole purpose is to get something from them.
Do NOT seek out the people you know and hang out with them... because it is comfortable.
If you are sincere, prepared enough and willing to get outside your comfort zone then you will always do well.



"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you." Dale CarnegieLike everything worth doing it takes a little effort, a little faith and a little courage. Go for it!

The Fastest Growing MLM Business in USA - An Overview

As a matter of fact, it may be difficult to provide an accurate rank on a particular MLM company since there are many factors that would influence the ranking. Today, many people wonder what the fastest growing company in USA would be. Here, you would find an answer to this pertinent issue.Recently, according to Direct Selling News, Amway, a subsidiary of Alticor Inc., was ranked as the top MLM company in USA. The company started with only one product as far back as 1959; but at present, it has many product lines with global presence wherein it has now spread to over 80 countries. Amway has been dubbed as the fastest MLM company in USA, owing to its potential growth rate. In fact, it has reported more than $11 billion in yearly revenues in the past two years. Amway already has a strong foundation and it's far from being a scam business.Amway Product LinesAmway started its direct selling business with liquid organic cleaners. Now, it has a wide range of products which include personal care and beauty products, nutritional supplements, food and beverage, cleaning products and cosmetics. Examples of the products are water purifier, NUTRILITE vitamin, and air purifier. Most of the products are purposefully for consumers who wish to live a healthy lifestyle.Amway usually comes up with new products from time to time. This is because the company runs its own R & D laboratory where research is regularly carried out for better and new products. It's believed that this makes the MLM company to stay on top of the competition.Making Money With Amway1. Person-to-Person SalesBasically, profits come from the 'mark-ups', that is discounts, which are associated with products that IBOs sell. Suggested prices are stated for every product as a guarantee on earnings and they also help to prevent unhealthy competition among distributors. Sticking to the suggested prices also serve as an incentive for buyers to sign up as an IBO if they wish to receive higher discounts.2. RecruitmentIn order to make more money, you would have to build a network of down-line IBOs, that is, you have to recruit other people to become independent distributors for Amway products. As a result, you would receive commissions based on the sales that your new recruits generate.The sales are tracked with the use of a point system in which each product has a Point Value (PV) and a Business Value (BV). BV determines the amount you can earn; PV is based on the actual % of the earnings you would get. This is done every month by computation.


There are a number of ranks you can attain within the system, and these include 'Platinum' and 'Diamond'. The volume of sales that both you and your team generate would determine your progress from one rank to the other within the multi-level marketing system of Amway. In order to get to any rank, you must be able to consistently hit certain sales targets over a given period of time.Why Does Amway Rank as the Fastest Growing MLM Company in USA?Here are important points to note:- Amway is a company with years of experience in the marketing of products through a direct-selling system.- The company focuses mainly on products that have large market demands.- It has the highest growth potential on annual revenues. According to 2013 ranking from Direct Selling News, it is about 9% higher than the 2nd MLM company in USA.- Amway products are produced from its in-house labs.- It's said to be the biggest MLM retailing business in USA.- The company provides income opportunities and performance-based incentives that motivate more people to sign up as IBOs.Training and SupportOne of the factors that make Amway a household name in the industry is that it regularly reaches out to its IBOs, offering helpful information that are essential for sales and recruitment. Detailed resources are available on the official website of the company.Nevertheless, the training materials aren't enough to grasp the multi-level marketing system; you need to have a mentor. When you carry out research on Google for information, you would find articles and essays from experienced IBOs who recruit others via the net. By so doing, you can learn the strategies that would help you to succeed in the business and also avoid terrible mistakes. Becoming a member of a supportive sales team would help you to build your business very fast.Finally, it's worthy of note that Amway is fairly strict as regard compliance with local regulations and laws. If you fail to comply with them, you would be disqualified from being part of its marketing network. Without doubt, Amway is proven to be the fastest growing MLM company in USA. It's profitable to do business with the company.

Networking Is Your Key To Success: Be Consistent And Follow A Few Simple Networking Rules

Yes, I know, if networking doesn't come natural to you, it feels like a chore. Here are few basic rules and ideas that will help you to become a better networker.Become a good listener. When meeting someone new, or simply when talking with anyone, listen to what they have to say. Ask questions and be attentive to their answers. What if you could help them to solve a problem? Or even better, what if you know someone else who can help them? Then you can introduce one to the other. You become their network connection.Be consistent. Networking is most effective when it's done routinely - not just once or twice. The best networkers create a schedule and then stick to it. Create chunks of time you'll dedicate to networking. For example, commit to three networking events per month, and decide to reach out to 2-3 professionals a day via LinkedIn or email.Do what you say you would do - stick to your word. If you tell someone you're going to do something for them, make sure to do it. And not only that, but do it as quickly as possible! Remember, professionals are busy people. Demonstrate your credibility by following up on your word.Keep records of people you meet - keep a list. Networking means talking to many different professional. This could lead to information overload. Establish a list of individuals as you meet them, make notes regarding the company or industry they represent, their expertise, and notes about your conversation.


Show your interest and enthusiasm. It is said that the best networking professionals are happy in what they do. When meeting people, you need to show you're passionate about your what you do, as well as about what they do. They will notice - they'll want to engage with you and share their ideas with you. This will allow you to share yours with them. Ultimately, this will help you to move forward in your networking goals.Networking is a necessity in today's ever-changing world of business. There are many levels of personal and professional connections that can lift you higher. These people will motivate you, will give you sound advice, and will provide that boost to help you to the top.You are not just gaining exposure with the people in the room, you are creating connections with their networks as well. And again, remember, by listening to others instead of being too eager to promote your services, you will learn what others need.Who may be a good influence on your goals and productivity? As you begin to network in your niche with inspiring mentors, and influential clients, think about whom you would want by your side when it counts.Networking isn't difficult and shouldn't be intimidating. Successful networking can be drawn up to time commitment, focused energy and understanding of few basic rules.

How to Build Your Network Online

In our interconnected world, business professionals are using smartphones and other electronic devices to maintain constant interaction with their work. You see businessmen in suits on the subway staring at the screen on their phones and checking their emails. On airplanes, traveling business professionals can be seen reviewing presentations or reports on laptops. Therefore, it isn't unreasonable to expect that networking has also shifted towards online communities in order to provide business professionals with increased accessibility to potential contacts. If you haven't jumped on this networking opportunity yet or not currently getting the most out of online networking, here are some tips to get you started:1. LinkedIn: Probably the most important social media networking tool for business professionals, a LinkedIn profile will not only connect you to previous clients and contacts but also, could provide more opportunity to develop more. By participating in professional groups focused on your particular industry or profession, you can interact with other likeminded people that may develop into a new connection or provide leads. Also, many HR departments are now turning to LinkedIn as a way to judge potential candidates or headhunt, so keeping your profile current and complete is extremely important.2. Twitter- You wouldn't think that networking could be reduced down to 140 characters, but Twitter is a great way to share content with other business professionals and build relationships. Maybe it's because our society has developed short attention spans and prefer quick and abbreviated messages over long typed out emails but whatever it may be, Twitter has definitely attracted a large business community which every serious businessperson should take part in. Be sure to share relevant content and avoid unflattering statements in order to better promote yourself and legitimize your professionalism.


3. Blogs- Even if you don't deem yourself an expert in your industry, contributing to blogs is a great way to put yourself out there on the Internet. Find blogs that cater to your industry or profession and write articles as a contributor. Make sure you write something original and interesting to attract others interested in the same things. When someone comments on an article, follow up and begin building a relationship with that person. Later down the road, they could become a solid connection in your network and provide opportunities you wouldn't have had before.4. Klout- The key to anybody's networking is establishing clout in their field and there just so happens to be a website that measures that, Klout.com. By being active on multiple social media outlets and developing solid relationships upon those, you can raise your Klout score. The higher the better and you will begin attracting other key influencers to network with.These social media outlets are just the beginning to networking online and there are organizations that exist solely for this purpose. For example, the National Association of Distinguished Professionals is an online community that business professionals can join and meet others. They also offer many other networking services like webinars, blogs, and personal branding tools. Using resources like NADP will greatly assist you in accomplishing your networking goals and connecting with more individuals.

Is Networking for Me?

Networking is not for everyone but is a necessary skill for all small business owners. You may be thinking that this is a silly question to be asking. If you understand the importance of using your innate skills wisely, it is a question that needs to be asked.Networking for people who do it innately just do it without thinking. They are extraverts, love people and enjoy being where the action is and it is done with ease. They are happy to small talk and have the ability to get information out of people without even realising that they are doing it.On the other hand, networking can be a very difficult thing for a lot of people. For most introverts, it is a painful experience but there are some extroverts that find it hard as well. These people just do not like people all that much and are not comfortable in this type of environment. They find chit-chat and gossip unimportant and extremely boring. They are more comfortable in their own skin when they are alone.If you are a solo entrepreneur who is an introvert or not comfortable networking, you need to be smart. By learning the necessary skills to become more relaxed in a networking situation, you will find that relationship building will become easier. Networking is vital for a business to grow today so the learning of correct skills for each personality type can make a big difference.It is easiest for an introvert to be the first to arrive at a function so that they can set the space for themselves when other people enter the room. I often suggest to people who are uncomfortable in this situation to look for others who are just as uncomfortable. They will be happy to talk and be relieved to have someone else to support them. So, become the supporter for them and help yourself at the same time.It is important for all business people to become aware that networking is an investment, not a nuisance, for your business growth.If you have lots of contacts and you know lots of people, it will then be easier to find who and what you need. Without contacts, you will find it time wasting looking for the relevant information or people to give you what you want. Putting in the time to create your network, which does not have to be large, will pay off in the long run.


Be aware that if networking is a struggle in the beginning you may need to meet a lot of people... and maybe kiss a lot of frogs on the way! Once you find your correct niche market it will become easier and you will eventually find the people you like and want to have around you.If meeting people is difficult for you it is important that you do not spend too much time going to networking events as the following up is the most important part when you are starting out. Go to one or two events a month and build on that until you become more comfortable. Over a year you will have built yourself a database of people who you will be able to support you to gain what needs you have in the marketplace.Sometimes for people who do not like networking it is good to meet one or two people for lunch or drinks rather than at an event with lots of attendees. This gives you the opportunity to get to know people better in a more comfortable setting. Discuss things that you like eg hobbies, golf or fishing, what they do for fun etc. Ask them these questions to find out if you have any synergy away from the business environment.If you do not like networking more than likely you are intuitive and analytical. So, analyse your results. What is working, what is not and where do you get the best results from the money you are spending.Networking is not something people should do for the sake of doing it, if they are smart. It is important you have a goal for every event you go to. It is not all about just meeting new people, it is about finding the people who are the best fit for you and your business. It is also important that you can support them too as you may have resources or contacts that are important to them.I suggest that you learn the skills, as networking is an important key to unlocking your own potential and future.

Why Are "In Person" Interviews Better Than Skype?

As you may know, a popular business model for breaking into any niche is to conduct interviews with the movers and shakers of your niche. In this manner you are creating great content, making potentially profitable connections and making yourself an expert by association.But do you know what's even better than conducting an interview by phone or Skype? Doing it in person. Here's why:First, the vast majority of communication isn't what a person says, but rather the person's facial expressions, gestures, body language and so forth. For this reason your interviews are going to be better when you can do them in person. By watching your subject, you'll be able to draw out more information and revelations than you possibly could over the phone.Second, you can develop a much stronger connection with your subject in person. No matter how much time you spend on the phone or even on Skype, you're still miles apart and have never actually met the person. You're much easier to forget this way. But in person, you can make a much stronger impression and create a deeper connection with your subject that allows you to become much closer.Third, you can prolong the initial connection by inviting them out to coffee or lunch before or after the interview. This makes for a great bonding experience and again increases the odds of your relationship building beyond simply the interviewer and interviewee.


Fourth, you've got a great photo opportunity in person. Get your photo taken with this expert - who is probably something of a minor celebrity in your niche - and then use that photo for marketing purposes.For example, you can add the photo to your website. Use ALT tags to describe the image with something like, "Joe Smith of the podcast Super Abundance with renowned financial expert Warren Buffet." When people search for Warren Buffet, they could find your photo.Use the photo on social media. Again, it makes you an authority by association in your niche.Use the photo in promotions you might be doing, both online and offline. This increases your credibility and elevates you in the eyes of your readers and potential customers.Naturally there will be many times when an in person interview simply isn't possible. But when you're going to another city, check to see who you might set up interviews with while you are there. Watch to see who comes to your city. And when you go to events, set up interviews in advance whenever possible. Also, be ready to do interviews on the fly at conferences - you never know who you might get your next interview and photo with.

How to Partner With Big "Players" in Your Business in 4 Easy Steps

A question I receive often goes something like this: "How do I get connected with X well-known person so that I can partner with them in my business?"Partnering with big "players" is a hot topic and it simply means connecting with influential people you admire to create a win-win relationship. This relationship can lead to a big boost in credibility as well as an incredible amount of exposure, plus more access to opportunities and resources.You already know you want to make more of these connections. The question is, where to start?Here are four simple steps you can follow to get you there, starting now:1. Shift your mindset.It all starts here. These influential people usually have a good-sized list and a lot of clout, and it can sometimes be intimidating for business owners to approach them, as the playing field just doesn't seem level. This is where an important mindset shift comes into play: you must begin thinking of yourself as an equal. If you have a tendency to undervalue your skills, abilities, and what you bring to the table, now is the time to kick the habit!One of the most important things to know is that this is a strategy that's meant to be long-term-it's NOT something you can rush. It's also something that requires another type of mindset shift: don't go into it thinking about how they can help YOU, but how you can help THEM.2. Make a wish list.Making a list of people you'd love to work with is the first step toward making these relationships a reality. Writing it down sets the intention, and gives you a lot more clarity when it comes time to set your strategy in motion.3. Show up where they show up.Time and again I've experienced the power of attending live events when it comes to planting the seeds of collaboration with the people on my "wish list." There's nothing like a little bit of face-time.


A simple icebreaker once you're there? "Hi, my name is ____. I don't think we've met yet." (And please remember that it's JUST as important to follow-up afterward as it is to show up in the first place.)High-touch in our high-tech world can be the most effective way to create these connections, but don't forget social media and email as well. Follow them on Twitter. Re-tweet their content. Create a "wish list" group in Hootsuite. Connect with them on Facebook and comment regularly on what they share. Comment on their blogs.If you have your eye on a particular person, be sure to express to them why you appreciate what they do and how they've helped change your life or business for the better. If you're sending an email, keep it succinct and to the point. Offer to help them first, perhaps by connecting them to someone you know who would be a great person for them to know.4. Win them over with class.Persistence is important, but be cool about it. Pursue them "gently." Compliment without gushing, and come from a place of giving and service. People are smart and can sense a hard sell.Remember, it's not about what YOU can get out of it. Give first, then get. If you don't receive a response, understand that people are busy and take it in stride. There's no reason you can't still support them, so don't take it personally.And when you do finally score that awesome partnering opportunity? Keep in mind it's not about hogging their spotlight. The power of association is enough to make your connection MORE than worthwhile.It's simple, right? Follow these four steps and you'll be rocking your own circle of influence in no time.