Peggy Hornick

Good Riddance, 2008!

The end of another year and what a year it was! In my household alone, 2008 was by far the most challenging year my husband and I have ever had professionally. We are both in the mortgage industry and have about 40 years collectively of experience. That should count for something, right? Wrong!

My husband was laid off twice in 2008...first by Bear Stearns (we didn't get the 6 month severance package that the Wall St. guys got!).....and again, two weeks before Christmas from a mortgage technology company.

My job as a retail loan officer started off with a fizzle in January '08 and continued to deteriorate as South Florida property values plummeted and mortgage lending tightened. Commission only doesn't pay the bills when there are no loans to close!

So, what are two talented sales and marketing mortgage people to do? Wallow in self-pity and live on "Woe Is Me Island"? Well, maybe for a couple weeks but after that....you just gotta pull yourself up by the bootstraps and get busy finding a way to bring income in. For my husband, that meant getting resumes out and networking with peers....it also has meant working odd jobs....painting a friends house, landscaping a neighbors yard...etc. One thing about my husband that I love...he's not too proud to get his hands dirty to support his family.

For me, it meant finding a way to start my own business where I could make some quick cash without having to invest a huge amount of money to start it. And, no....it isn't a business that would make my Pastor blush! The business that I started in September of '08 that has been very rewarding and is building every day is......network marketing. I know what you might be thinking......oh, brother....another one of those crazy sales people who joined a network marketing company and have sipped the Kool-Aid and they're off the deep end. Actually, what I've found in the past few months is quite the opposite. There are some really great, professional and intelligent business people in network marketing! Why?

Here's what attracted me to my Network Marketing Business:

• It's a self-employed business! I don't have to worry about lay-offs or cutbacks.
• Network Marketing businesses thrive in bad or sluggish economies.
• My business is online, so I don't have to sell product or stock inventory!
  
• I can use my business to help non-profit organizations fundraise (alot of non-profits are in crisis mode from low contributions due to the economy)
• I can work the hours that I want from home (no office to rent)
• I made my initial investment back within 2 weeks and made $4,200 in my first 30 days
  
• I save money for my family by shopping on my own website and earning cash back
• It's an easy concept for people to understand, so there's no selling!
• I can build a team that I motivate and help others be successful, which I love doing.

No matter what job or profession you're in, it's hard to stay positive in this economy. Even if you are a stay at home mom or dad, you are bombarded daily with news that can make anyone want to pull the covers over their head.

For me, it requires effort to remain positive! Here are some suggestions that may help you, too.

1. Find a book that has positive messages in it. For me, it is the Bible. There are so many passages to discover about God's love and protection. There are also many devotional books where you can read a short story each day. The "Chicken Soup" books are great. Another great book is "The Power of Being Positive" by Joyce Meyer....you definately will find power for daily living in this book. Or try a little book called "No limits but the Sky" (a Hallmark Gift Book) that is so uplifting.

2. Turn off the news channels and shows that sensationalize current events and promote fear.

3. Keep plugging along. Don't stick your head in the sand and think that problems will go away. They will only get worse. Tackle problems head on and go into action! Perseverance does pay off!

4. Make a list! Make a daily list of things to get done or write down weekly, monthly or annual goals. Keep that list in a place where you see it everyday! There is a sense of accomplishment when you can check off an item on your list!

5. Find a theme song. This may sound funny but find a song that you like that has a positive message to it. Play it in your car, on your iPod or whenever you are falling in the trap of stinkin' thinkin'! Mine is: Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" .....the lyrics are: "Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright"! You will be amazed at how a song can change your whole outlook.

6. There's joy in the little things! How do you eat an elephant?....one bite at a time! Don't become overwhelmed by looking at the big picture. Find joy in the little daily treasures that life sends to us. So many people over look these and miss what life is really all about. A flower blooming, a bird singing, a baby's laugh, a funny joke, an ice cream cone. Focus on these moments or make sure to create them each day.

7. Volunteer. We all feel good when we help others. Best of all, it's free. Visit with an elderly person and read to them. Volunteer at your local humane society....free puppy kisses! Serve food to the homeless through a local church or organization. Take dinner to someone you know who is sick or overwhelmed. Make or buy cookies and give them to your neighbor or friend who needs a pick me up. PAY IT FORWARD! We've all received a kindness from someone at one time in our lives.....return the favor to a stranger.

8. Grow something! Plant something and get a sense of accomplishment as you watch it grow! Plant a Christmas lily and keep indoors. Start an indoor herb garden. Depending on the time of year.....you can plant a full outdoor garden or bury bulbs and wait for spring to arrive!

9. Get outdoors! There's nothing like a brisk walk to get the endorphins going and feel-good seratonin multiplying. Start with small distances and work up to at least a mile 3-4 times a week. This will shake off the dulldrums in no time.

10. Smile (even if you don't want to) The gift of a smile is always welcomed. The grocery store clerk, the teacher, the guy that hands you your morning coffee....all will take notice of your new found cheer and reciprocate. You'll be surprised how fast this will lift your spirits!

Visit my website for more advice on how you can save your hard earned money by shopping online and getting cash back discounts AND make extra income at the same time, too!
www.howtoshopandearn.com