In 2007 I will expand my UnFranchise locally. Two or three new people on our team will create tremendous growth and excitement. Finding someone new for Motives would be such a big boost too and could really put Long Island on the map!

There's so much potential nowadays for the right people willing to start an UnFranchise business and I have just been into sales, management and training, without actively sorting through possible partners. New York especially needs more people to help grow the region in every area of the company. You would think that would be easy with the sheer number of people around here, but I have to say, being born and raised in NY, that they/we are a tough nut to crack. In addition, my own worst enemy is my in-experience and time management.

Throughout North America, Taiwan & Australia, Market America is experiencing incredible growth. The distributorships are gaining in numbers but are still far below any direct sales/network marketing company's average. There are just not enough Motives Consultants, Trainers, licensed Health Professionals in the doctor program, Transitions Lifestyle Coaches, website specialists, not enough.........everything!! No matter the specialty, we need to get the word out and find serious people with the desire to make a life for themselves via the UnFranchise vehicle.

Now back to NY, the mindset of a typical "New Yawker" is not understood by the general public. Yeah sure, we're in a hurry but we know its just a race to the next red light two blocks away, we've got lots of stuff to do, people to see and places to get to and you're in our way!-LOL. Some say we're abrupt or curt, even cynical, and I can admit to that one. There's so much to be wary of that you end up being cautious or short so as not to get involved in some crazy drama, which seems to be everyone's situation. I've been taught since I was little not to be open and friendly to strangers, it makes you a target for unscrupulous characters. So starting an unheardof business, like the UnFranchise, meets with heavy resisitance but they'd gamble big dollars in a heartbeat in a Texas Hold-em. People I know talk about losing twice to three times the amount it would take to capitalize the business.

Its not easy, nor safe, to walk up to someone around here and just say "Hi!" like most trainers teach. It took a lot for me to do it, and most people don't even hear you since they have headsets on for an iPod or cell phone. People look at you like "what do you want?" or "ya talkin' to me?"; its a rarity to actually get a response or even a nod back to acknowledge your gesture. So sorting through people with qualifying questions is like asking for their social security number. It really works against the average person looking to find new partners with minimal skills for communication without looking plain ol' nosy, which people really resent.

When I discuss it with team mates they say the same kinda thing. "What's wrong with NY?!", Long Island especially, the city is doing better these days, but out in the suburbs its a struggle to set meetings. Even though there's a mega sub-culture for home parties, it seems that Market America's name doesn't impress people, no matter how great our stuff is! They'd rather buy famous brands at the malls or don't see the value in anything and are not willing to learn about new things because they know it all. There's not much interest in helping others to make a living with a home business either, probably because of some over zealous people with heavy recruiting tactics. And they feel like sales people are pushing things on them that they don't want.

That's why NY is so hard to grow. I've seen the same people for years running the presentations and trainings, they deserve a lot of credit. A few new faces are around but nobody that wants to set the world on fire and take the business to new levels. So much awesome stuff is being developed at corporate and I hope they make MA a household name. Then getting a distributorship so that new potential partners will work it like the million dollar business it is...just as if it was a construction business or a designer's studio or some consulting service, then maybe NY and the rest of the country would realize the opportunity we offer.

Too bad we don't have an infomerical with the talkshow format running on late night........maybe then we'd get somewhere. (cynical New Yawker speaking) LOL