Conventional wisdom is that allopathic medical doctors are woefully uninformed about the therapeutic benefits of nutrition. But the results of a study commissioned by the Council for Responsible Nutrition and published in the peer reviewed Nutrition Journal suggest that allopathic (i.e., “conventional”) doctors may be coming around.

The Life Supplemented – Healthcare Professionals 2008 Impact Study surveyed 900 physicians about their use of dietary supplements, including 300 each from three specialties: cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedics.

 

Among the key indings:

Personal use

• Dermatologists (59%) and orthopedists (50%) reported regular using dietary supplements on a regular basis.
• Cardiologists (37%) were least likely to use dietary supplements on a regular basis.
• The most commonly used supplements were multivitamins and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil). Twenty percent of respondents said they occasionally used botanical supplements.

Recommending supplements

• Although cardiologists were the least likely to use dietary supplements for personal use, they were more likely to recommend dietary supplements to their patients.
• Seventy-two percent of cardiologists said they recommend supplements to their patients (to support heart health and lower cholesterol levels)
• Ninety-one percent of orthopedists recommended supplements to their patients (to support bone and joint health)
• Sixty-six percent of dermatologists recommended supplements to their patients (to support skin, hair and nails).

Educational gap

Even though the majority of physicians (57 to 75%) are likely to use dietary supplements personally and recommend them to their patients (66 to 91%), most respondents indicated that they had not received any formal education or training on the subject of dietary supplements and expressed an interest in Continuing Education regarding these products.

In conclusion

Based on these results, the authors concluded that “There is a need for expanded medical education regarding the general topic of nutrition as well as the more specific topic of dietary supplements.”

Until next week,

Best Wishes for Ultimate Health and Majestic Dreams!

Steve Wallach

CEO

AL International

Helping YOU Live Younger, Longer!

“Resolve Today to Make the Best Use of Tomorrow”

Source:

Dickinson A, Shao A, Boyon N, Franco JC. Use of dietary supplements by cardiologists, dermatologists and orthopedists: report of a survey. Nutrition Journal. 2011, 10:20. Available at http://www.nutritionj.com/content/10/1/20.

Seven Ways To Grow Your Home Business

Running your business by yourself doesn’t have to mean you have to go it alone! According to Entrepreneur.com, it’s entirely possible to grow your home business without hiring employees or renting an office. Here’s how:

• Use technology. Automate as much as possible. Schedule “monthly” newsletters and “daily” social media and blog posts in advance.
• Outsource. Rather than hire full-time employees, consider using freelance employees? Search freelance marketplaces such as Elance.com and vWorker.com to find contractors for a variety of roles, from copywriters to accountants to administrative assistants.
• Be ready for opportunities. As a one-person operation you have an advantage over larger companies: you’re nimble and able to switch gears quickly. If you see an opportunity to expand your business, such as a new market for a particular product-go for it!
• Treat your business like a business. You went into business for yourself because you’re passionate about your product or service. But don’t forget that you have a business to run. Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the tools in your Youngevity back office! You’ll save time, be more efficient and appear more professional in the eyes of your customers.
• Invest in your business. You’re saving money by operating your business from home, so put some of those savings back into the business. Make sure your office equipment, hardware, and software and any other tools you need to grow your business, are up to date.
• Plan the work, then work the plan. Set clear goals for your business and define the steps you’ll need to perform in order to get there. Don’t toss your business plan into a file cabinet; keep it nearby and refer to it often. Adjust it as circumstances change.
• Get out there. With today’s technology, you may be lured into thinking you can run your business entirely from your computer. But regardless of technology, business is still, and will always be, about relationships. So get out there and meet regularly with your team members and customers. Make new contacts by attending networking events. You never know where your next opportunity will come from!

Vanessa Hunter

Vice President of Marketing

AL International

 

Important Legal Notice. The content, graphics, and trademarks (“The Content”) contained herein are the property of AL International, Inc. (“The Company”). The Content is for the purposes of providing information and not for duplication or distribution, and 3) are protected under United States Copyright and Trademark law. AL International reserves all rights concerning the use of The Content presented. No permission or rights concerning the use of The Content contained herein are given or implied. Oral permission from anyone representing The Company does not supersede the rights stated herein, and permission for use of all or any portion of The Content contained herein must be obtained in writing from AL International. Associates of AL International should consider this Company Policy 9194.01. All Rights Reserved, AL International, Inc.

Multivitamins are known for many health benefits and helping the body to function optimally. They are the most popular dietary supplement, used by a third of American adults. Two scientific studies suggest that multivitamin consumption may have benefits for short term memory and biological age.

Short-term memory

According to a new meta analysis, multivitamins may also improve immediate recall memory. The meta analysis, conducted by researchers from Australia’s Monash University, included data from 10 randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving 3,200 participants and multivitamin interventions lasting for at least one month. The researchers found a positive association between multivitamin consumption and immediate recall memory. However, there was no association between delayed free recall memory nor verbal fluency. Additionally, there was no evidence that multivitamins can prevent cognitive decline.1

 

Biological age

Scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences have reported that the cells of multivitamin users may have a younger biological age than cells of non-users.2

Telomeres are structures found at the end of each chromosome that shorten over time, with each cell division. Numerous studies suggest telomere length may be a marker of biological aging.

Researchers at the National Institute for Environmental Health, National Institutes of Health, sought to determine the effect, if any, of multivitamins on telomere length in women. After performing a cross-sectional analysis of data from 586 women ages 35-74 regarding multivitamin use and nutrient intake from certain foods, the researchers determined that:

• Multivitamin use was associated with longer telomeres
• Higher intakes of vitamins C and E were associated with longer telomeres
• Intakes of multivitamins were associated with longer telomeres than women who did not take multivitamins.

Products for Healthy Aging

Youngevity is your source for a wide range of nutritional products to support optimum health and healthy aging, including:

• #13201 Majestic Earth Ultimate Classic^™ featuring Majestic Earth^‚Ñ¢ Plant Derived Minerals^‚Ñ¢ plus a complete array of vitamins and key nutrients.*
• #13221 Majestic Earth Ultimate Tangy Tangerine, containing a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other important nutrients to help busy people maintain good health.*
• #23221 Beyond Tangy Tangerine^™, containing a base of Majestic Earth^™Plant Derived Minerals^™blended with vitamins, amino acids, and other beneficial nutrients to make a balanced and complete daily supplement.*
• #20690 – Ultimate Memory FX, specially formulated to address the changes in cognition and memory that are part of normal aging.*
• #20970 – S.M.A.R.T. FX, containing DHA, the primary essential fatty acid found in the brain, to support neural pathway function and cardiovascular health.*

Until next week,

Best Wishes for Ultimate Health and Majestic Dreams!

Steve Wallach

CEO

AL International

Helping YOU Live Younger, Longer!

“Resolve Today to Make the Best Use of Tomorrow”

Sources:

1. Grima NA, Pase MP, Macpherson H, Pipingas A. The effects of multivitamins on cognitive performance: a systematic review and meta analysis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012 Feb 13 [epub ahead of print].
2. Qun X, Parks CG, DeRoo LA, Cawthon RM, Sandler DP, Honglei C. Multivitamin use and telomere length in women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jun;89(6):1857-63.

Developing a Healthy Downline – Communication is Key!

As you build your business and your team begins to grow, clear communication begins to be more crucial than ever. Why? Because you want to make sure you and your entire team are on the same page.

Here are some tips for making sure your downline shares your goals and vision.

1. Schedule regular team meetings. Whether they’re weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, team meetings provide a way for you to update your team on new products, sales techniques, and any other information they can use to grow their businesses. Make sure your meetings begin and end on time. By scheduling them on a regular basis, you’re conveying structure and letting your team know that you respect their time.
2. Conduct one-on-ones. Make an effort to establish a personal relationship with every member of your team, regardless of how many levels separate you. If a personal visit isn’t possible because of distance, make a phone call welcoming that person to the team.
3. Share best practices. Encourage your team to share their techniques for success. For example, how to sell a particular product. Remember what Doc Wallach says: A rising tide floats all boats!
4. Recognize performance. You know all the hard work and dedication that goes into establishing a successful home business. When a team member performs above and beyond, let him or her know you appreciate what they’ve done. Better yet, let the rest of your team know! A little recognition can go a long way!

Vanessa Hunter

Vice President of Marketing

AL International

Important Legal Notice. The content, graphics, and trademarks (“The Content”) contained herein are the property of AL International, Inc. (“The Company”). The Content is for the purposes of providing information and not for duplication or distribution, and 3) are protected under United States Copyright and Trademark law. AL International reserves all rights concerning the use of The Content presented. No permission or rights concerning the use of The Content contained herein are given or implied. Oral permission from anyone representing The Company does not supersede the rights stated herein, and permission for use of all or any portion of The Content contained herein must be obtained in writing from AL International. Associates of AL International should consider this Company Policy 9194.01. All Rights Reserved, AL International, Inc.

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provides fresh evidence of the power of anthocyanin-rich fruits (blueberries, apples, and pears) in lowering a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The large, prospective study evaluated the association between consumption of flavonoid-rich foods and the incidence of T2D based on data collected from three landmark studies:

• Nurses’ Health Study, or NHS (which followed 70,359 women between 1984-2008);
• NHS II (which followed 89,201 women between 1991 and 2007); and
• The Health Professionals Follow-up Study (which followed 41, 334 men between 1986-2006).

Only data from subjects who were free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at baseline was evaluated. Of these, the researchers documented 12,611 incident cases of type 2 diabetes.

What Are Anthocyanins?

Anthocyanins are compounds found in plants, especially berries, that give these plants their bright colors. They are a subclass of flavonoids, plant-based compounds with wide-ranging health benefits, including antiviral, anti-allergic, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties. Just how flavonoids affect the body is still the subject of research; possible explanations include improved blood vessel function and anti-inflammatory effects.

Previous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant benefits of anthocyanin-rich foods. This particular study is the first in which researchers compared diabetes risk and consumption of anthocyanins and other flavonoid subclasses.

SUBCLASS	PRIMARILY FOUND IN:
Flavonones	Tangerines, oranges, other citrus
Anthocyanins	Berries (blueberries, maqui, acai, etc.), apples, pears,
Flavan-3-ols	Tea
Flavonoid polymers	Grape seeds
Flavonols	Cocoa, tea, red wine
Flavones	Parsley, celery, bell peppers

Conclusion

The researchers found that subjects who consumed higher amounts of anthocyanins, (mainly blueberries, apples, and pears) had a significantly lower risk to develop T2D. No significant associations were found for total flavonoid intake or other flavonoid subclasses.

Until next week,

Best Wishes for Ultimate Health and Majestic Dreams!

Steve Wallach
CEO
AL International
Helping YOU Live Younger, Longer!

“Resolve Today to Make the Best Use of Tomorrow”

Source: Wedick NM, Pan A, Cassidy A, et al. Dietary flavonoid intakes and risk of type 2 diabetes in US men and women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb 22 [epub ahead of print].

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When Recruiting, Make People Feel Great About Themselves

When you’re recruiting prospects, you’ll inevitably meet some people who appear confident and self-assured, some who appear shy and retiring, and every demeanor in between. As many successful network marketers know, first impressions may not always be the best indicators of who will or won’t succeed in this industry.

An individual who looks like he/she can sell anything may look self-assured on the outside but feel quite differently on the inside. Meanwhile a shrinking violet may have a passion for healthy living and nutrition that makes others want to follow her lead.

One of the keys to successfully recruiting new associates is finding out or to find out what makes them feel good about themselves. Look for what they do well or are passionate about. Then show them how working with you can give them:

• More time to do what they like doing best
• The independence to live by their values
• Extra money to pursue their dreams

A wise man once said, “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That can be said about direct selling. Turn prospects into associates by helping them find their passion, then showing them how being an independent business owner can help them achieve their dreams.

Vanessa Hunter
Vice President of Marketing
AL International

Important Legal Notice. The content, graphics, and trademarks (“The Content”) contained herein are the property of AL International, Inc. (“The Company”). The Content is for the purposes of providing information and not for duplication or distribution, and 3) are protected under United States Copyright and Trademark law. AL International reserves all rights concerning the use of The Content presented. No permission or rights concerning the use of The Content contained herein are given or implied. Oral permission from anyone representing The Company does not supersede the rights stated herein, and permission for use of all or any portion of The Content contained herein must be obtained in writing from AL International. Associates of AL International should consider this Company Policy 9194.01. All Rights Reserved, AL International, Inc.

According to a new survey, the top dietary supplements in America are (in order of popularity):

• Fish oil (omega-3 essential fatty acids)
• Multivitamins
• Vitamin D
• Calcium, and
• CoQ10.

Two out of three respondents said they use fish oil and multivitamins, and approximately half said they used vitamin D, calcium, and/or CoQ10. These findings are based on responses from ConsumerLab.com’s annual survey of its e-newsletter readers conducted in November 2011.

The survey also uncovered some interesting trends in how people of different ages and genders shop for dietary supplements.

Gender and Age

 

Women are more likely than men to take vitamin D, calcium, B vitamins, probiotics, and iron supplements.

Men are more likely than women to take supplements that are generally thought to boost energy, slow aging, or lower cholesterol, such as CoQ10, resveratrol, amino acids, nutrition drinks and powders, green tea, and muscle enhancers.

Many supplements vary in popularity based on the consumer’s age. For example, while only 31% of respondents under age 35 use vitamin D, the use of vitamin D increases to 50% for 45-54 year olds and to 58% for 65-74 year olds. Other supplements that are especially sought after by older consumers include calcium, CoQ10, B vitamins, vitamins C,E, and K, and resveratrol.

Conversely, some supplements become less popular as consumers age. These include amino acids, nutrition/protein drinks and powders, green tea, nutrition bars, weight loss supplements, muscle enhancers, and superfruits. Younger adults are also slightly more likely to use fish oil or multivitamins than older adults.

The most heavily used supplements are especially popular with people who take multiple supplements every day. For example, fish oil is used by 81% of people who use 10 or more supplements per day. CoQ10 is used by 76% of people who take 10 or more supplements per day, but only by 10% of people who use one supplement per day.

Buying Habits

The survey also found the Internet to be the most popular place to buy supplements.

42% of respondents reported buying supplement from online stores, followed by health food stores (29%). At least 20% of respondents reported buying from warehouse clubs, mail order catalogues, supermarkets, pharmacies, and vitamin stores. They also purchased from mass merchants, direct distributors, and health care practitioners.

The biggest supplement users are likely to shop online. Specifically, 56% of those taking 10 or more supplements daily purchase online versus 23% of those taking only one supplement daily.

Younger shoppers prefer the Internet. More than 55% of adults under 45 buy supplements online. More than 33% in every age group up to 85 use online stores. Even those over age 85 said they shop online.

Science-based, Quality Nutrition from Youngevity

Youngevity makes it easy to get the top five most popular nutrients-and much more-with our pre-packaged Health Paks^‚Ñ¢. These include:

• Item #10245 – Healthy Start Pak^‚Ñ¢ – Foundation nutrition to support a healthy lifestyle plus added support for cardiovascular, brain and eye health and strong bones and joints.* Each pak includes Beyond Tangy Tangerine^™ – 420g canister (1), E.F.A. Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1), and Osteo-fx Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1).
• Item #10246 -Healthy Blood Sugar Pak^‚Ñ¢ - All of the nutrition in our Healthy Start Pak^‚Ñ¢ plus extra support for healthy blood sugar levels.* Each Pak includes Beyond Tangy Tangerine^™ – 420g canister (1), E.F.A. Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1), Osteo-fx Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1), and Slender FX Sweet Eze^‚Ñ¢ (1)*.
• Item #10247 – Healthy Bone and Joint Pak^‚Ñ¢ - All of the nutrition in our Healthy Start Pak^‚Ñ¢ plus extra support for healthy bones and joints. Each Pak includes Beyond Tangy Tangerine^™ – 420g canister (1), E.F.A. Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1), Osteo-fx Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1), Gluco Gel – 240 capsules (1) and CM Cream (1).* †
• Item #10248 – Healthy Digestion Pak^‚Ñ¢ – All of the nutrition in our Healthy Start Pak^‚Ñ¢ plus extra support for healthy digestion. Each Pak includes Beyond Tangy Tangerine^™ – 420g canister (1), E.F.A. Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1), Osteo-fx Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1), Ultimate Enzymes (1) and Ultimate Flora fx (1).*
• Item #10249 – Healthy Brain and Heart Pak^‚Ñ¢ - All of the nutrition in our Healthy Start Pak^‚Ñ¢ plus extra support to promote healthy brain and cardiovascular function. Each Pak includes Beyond Tangy Tangerine^™ – 420g canister (1), E.F.A. Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1), Osteo-fx Plus^‚Ñ¢, Ultimate E.F.A. Plus^‚Ñ¢ (1) and Selenium (1).*

Until next week,

Best Wishes for Ultimate Health and Majestic Dreams!

Steve Wallach

CEO

AL International

Helping YOU Live Younger, Longer!

“Resolve Today to Make the Best Use of Tomorrow”

Source: https://www.consumerlab.com/news/Most-Popular-Supplements-Survey/2_5_2012/

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure any disease.

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Make Twitter a Part of Your Marketing Arsenal

As the above article shows, most consumers of dietary supplements-even 85 year olds!-are comfortable with the Internet. Therefore, savvy use of online tools will not only give you an edge, it can almost be considered an absolute must!

Six years ago, Twitter gained popularity as a quick (140-character) way to answer the question, “what are you doing?” But today, there’s more to Twitter than just telling people you’re waiting in line for a latte. In fact, today’s version of Twitter is one of the most powerful online marketing tools out there-and it’s FREE!

The social media marketing firm, Hubspot^™, says this about the power of using Twitter to promote your business (excerpted from their ebook, “How to Use Twitter for Business”):

“Quite often, people‘s gut reaction to Twitter is, ‘No one needs to know what I‘m doing,’ or ‘I don‘t care what other people are doing.’

These views are common among those who just don‘t understand the value that Twitter can provide for business. In the words of marketing expert Chris Brogan, Twitter is a useful communication tool that allows you to interact with people around the world in three different ways:

1. Send a short message to a bunch of people publicly
2. Send a short message to a specific person publicly
3. Send a short message to a specific person privately

Twitter is also referred to as a “micro-blogging” service, meaning you can post short updates limited to 140 characters or fewer. Why? Originally, this character limitation was implemented to make Twitter compatible with mobile phones and text messaging. Now, it‘s a useful characteristic that allows users to receive rapid-fire, concise information from many, many people!”

From a business perspective, Twitter is a relationship-building and relationship maintenance tool; the most obvious business use of Twitter is to meet potential customers and leads the same way you would at networking event or tradeshow.

You can also use it to:

1. Develop and promote your brand
2. Interact with your customer base
3. Track what people are saying about your company and brand
4. Create buzz around upcoming events, such as meetings, webinars, etc.
5. Generate sales leads for your business

If you’re looking for new and creative ways to promote your business, why not give Twitter a try? You may be pleasantly (and profitably) surprised!

Vanessa Hunter

Vice President of Marketing

AL International

Source: Hubspot, “How to Use Twitter for Business: An Introductory Guide. Getting Started with Twitter to Achieve Business Goals.

Important Legal Notice. The content, graphics, and trademarks (“The Content”) contained herein are the property of AL International, Inc. (“The Company”). The Content is for the purposes of providing information and not for duplication or distribution, and 3) are protected under United States Copyright and Trademark law. AL International reserves all rights concerning the use of The Content presented. No permission or rights concerning the use of The Content contained herein are given or implied. Oral permission from anyone representing The Company does not supersede the rights stated herein, and permission for use of all or any portion of The Content contained herein must be obtained in writing from AL International. Associates of AL International should consider this Company Policy 9194.01. All Rights Reserved, AL International, Inc.

Important Legal Notice. The content, graphics, and trademarks (“The Content”) contained herein are the property of AL International, Inc. (“The Company”). The Content is for the purposes of providing information and not for duplication or distribution, and 3) are protected under United States Copyright and Trademark law. AL International reserves all rights concerning the use of The Content presented. No permission or rights concerning the use of The Content contained herein are given or implied. Oral permission from anyone representing The Company does not supersede the rights stated herein, and permission for use of all or any portion of The Content contained herein must be obtained in writing from AL International. Associates of AL International should consider this Company Policy 9194.01. All Rights Reserved, AL International, Inc.

Mushrooms have been part of folk medicine for centuries. Thought to promote health and longevity, these highly-prized fungi were used throughout Asia, Eastern Europe, and by the Ancient Egyptians. In ancient China, the Reishi Mushroom, was thought to bring balance to a body that is out of equilibrium.

Prized for their health-promoting properties, therapeutic mushrooms were, until recently, virtually unknown in the West. But thanks to modern research, the mechanisms behind the magic of therapeutic mushrooms are gradually being uncovered. Some of the most widely studied varieties include Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes).

Reishi

 

Reishi have been called the “Mushroom of Immortality” and the “Elixir of Life.” They have been shown to contain more than 400 biologically active compounds, which seem to have a wide range of effects on human health. Among these are Beta glucans, which promote the activity of macrophages and lymphocytes, and are also thought to promote healthy cholesterol levels; and Ganoderic acids, which are thought to modulate the immune system, meaning they promote immune activity when a threat is perceived, and slow down immune activity when the immune response is excessive. Preliminary research also suggests ganoderic acids also support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels and liver function.

Cordyceps

Also known as the “Caterpillar mushrooms”, this highly-prized mushroom variety grows mainly on the Tibetan plateau at a high elevation of 14,000 feet and is produced only in small quantities. It is thought to support energy, appetite, stamina, libido, endurance, and healthy sleep.

Shiitake

Shiitake are thought to support the immune system by supporting the production of interferon, a family of compounds that helps the body resist illness. They also are a source of letinan, a type of beta glucan; eritadenine, a compound which may help support balanced cholesterol levels; and lenthionine, which may affect platelet aggregation.

The Benefits of Mushrooms from Youngevity

If you want to discover the amazing health benefits of mushrooms, consider trying the following Youngevity products:

• #24220 Triple Truffle^‚Ñ¢ Chocolate. These delectable, premium dark chocolate truffles feature calcium, vitamin D and magnesium for strong and healthy bones; reishi mushrooms for powerful immune support; and ethically-traded, kosher-certified antioxidant-rich cocoa.* They’re the ultimate guilt-free chocolate experience!
• #RG083 – Reishi Complex by R-Garden. A unique combination of two powerful mushrooms, Reishi and Coriolus, plus the enzymes Amylase and Lipase for superior absorption.
• #RG011 – Cordyceps by R-Garden. Containing 500 mg of Cordyceps sinensis and 20 mg of Lipase, this amazing formula is processed with a proprietary PhytoCell process that breaks through the spore walls to release more and higher amounts of the bioactive compounds.*
• #RG013 – Cordyceps Plus by R-Garden. Cordyceps Plus contains a unique blend of immune supporting botanicals including Cordyceps sinensis, white Chinese Panax Ginseng, and Chinese Rhodiola.*
• #82505 Immu-911^‚Ñ¢ by Supralife. Formulated for broad-spectrum immune support, Immu-911^‚Ñ¢ features Colostrum, Astragalus Root, Echinacea, Pau D’Arco, and a proprietary blend of mushrooms including Shiitake, Maitake, White Wood Ear, Cordyceps, Split Gill, and Turkey Tail varieties.*

Until next week,

Best Wishes for Ultimate Health and Majestic Dreams!

Steve Wallach

CEO

AL International

Helping YOU Live Younger, Longer!

“Resolve Today to Make the Best Use of Tomorrow”

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure any disease.

Seven Tips for Building a Strong Downline

When you are building your business, you are building a relationship with your customers through sales, but you should also build a healthy relationship with your sales team. Here are seven tips to help build a strong team and keep your business growing every day.

TIP #1: GET PERSONAL

Your team wants to know one another and share a common goal. Send a monthly newsletter with sales tips, monthly numbers, information on the top salesperson, etc. Offer a free forum or chat group to your team so everyone can share ideas and offer support to one another.

TIP #2: BE AVAILABLE

Schedule time to speak with your sales team often. Constant contact will show them that you care. This gives your team a chance to share their concerns, thoughts, and ideas with you. It also allows them the opportunity to ask questions.

TIP #3: HOLD A CONTEST

You can use a company-offered contest or come up with something on your own such as offering prizes or free services, special discounts, or coupons to the team member who recruits the most new distributors. Of course the nice thing about promoting the company sponsored contest is they pay for it!

TIP #4: WRITE BLOGS

Article marketing provides an avenue for free website traffic. You can also create banner ads linking to your website where your products are sold, then submit them to various free article directories.

TIP #5: EDUCATE YOUR TEAM

Provide your current sales team with powerful information about your business and products. By educating your sales team, you will create an aura of excitement. This excitement pushes your team to recruit their acquaintances into this wonderful opportunity for self employment.

TIP #6: LOSE YOUR MIND

Sometimes the silliest ideas are the ones that often get noticed in sales! If you’ve been playing it safe, get crazy with promoting your business. Print fliers, bookmarks, calling cards, booklets, etc. Focus only on promoting awareness of your business instead of generating sales. The sales will come!

TIP #7: DON’T STOP

It has been said many times that for every nine “no’s” you get, you’ll get one “yes.” Don’t stop promoting recruits, regardless of how many “no’s” you’ve had this far. Eventually someone will say, “Yes!” In fact, I think it’s fun to say “I won’t stop approaching people today until I have 20 “No’s”- It’s a fun way to turn the tables.

Vanessa Hunter

Vice President of Marketing

AL International

Important Legal Notice. The content, graphics, and trademarks (“The Content”) contained herein are the property of AL International, Inc. (“The Company”). The Content is for the purposes of providing information and not for duplication or distribution, and 3) are protected under United States Copyright and Trademark law. AL International reserves all rights concerning the use of The Content presented. No permission or rights concerning the use of The Content contained herein are given or implied. Oral permission from anyone representing The Company does not supersede the rights stated herein, and permission for use of all or any portion of The Content contained herein must be obtained in writing from AL International. Associates of AL International should consider this Company Policy 9194.01. All Rights Reserved, AL International, Inc.

Most of us are familiar with the overwhelming evidence regarding the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, aka fish oil, for cardiovascular health. But a growing body of research supports the beneficial role of omega-3s in healthy brain aging.

In a landmark study published in the scientific journal, Neurology, elderly people with healthier dietary patterns, including higher intakes of omega-3 essential fatty acids and vitamins C, D, E, and the B vitamins and lower intakes of trans fats, were less likely to have brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s disease than people whose diets were not high in these nutrients. Furthermore, those with healthier diets scored higher on mental thinking and memory tests.1

Where many studies have relied on qualitative evidence from surveys and questionnaires, this study is notable for also measuring nutrient biomarkers in the blood. For the thinking and memory scores, the nutrient biomarkers accounted for 17 percent of the variation in scores. Other factors such as age, years of education, and high blood pressure account for 46 percent of the variation. For brain volume, the nutrient biomarkers accounted for 37 percent of the variation.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Portland, VA Medical Center.

Not just for seniors

The Neurology study provides valuable substantiation for the benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids for older brains. But what about other age groups? Are omega-3s beneficial for younger brains too?

Quite possibly. In a study conducted at Northumbria University and published in the Biological Psychology, supplementation over twelve weeks with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 primarily found in brain tissue, increased blood flow to the brain during mental activity and impact certain aspects of mental performance in young adults.2

The researchers suggest that regularly eating oily fish or taking omega-3 supplements earlier in life may have implications for mental function later on in life.

Until next week,

Best Wishes for Ultimate Health and Majestic Dreams!

Steve Wallach CEO AL International Helping YOU Live Younger, Longer!

“Resolve Today to Make the Best Use of Tomorrow”

Sources:

• Bowman GL, Silbert MD, Howieson D, et al. Nutrition biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging. Neurology. 2011 Dec 28. Epub ahead of print.
• Jackson PA, Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DO. Docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil modulates the cerebral hemodynamic response to cognitive tasks in healthy young adults. Biol Psychol. 2012 Jan;89(1):183-90. Epub 2011 Oct 19.

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Is Your Independent Business Customer-Centric?

“Customer-centricity” has become a buzzword for small businesses in recent years. While it’s obvious that all businesses need satisfied customers, the concept of “customer-centricity” goes beyond just providing products that people will buy. It’s really about focusing your entire business around your customers wants, needs and buying behaviors.

Most business owners naturally put the bulk of their marketing efforts into attracting new customers. But “customer-centric” businesses pay close attention to the entire customer life-cycle, from the Stage 1 – Pre-purchase/Marketing to Stage 2 (Purchasing) to Stage 3 (Post-purchase). This includes the following:

• Stage 1 – Pre-purchase/Marketing. Determining what your market wants and which products best meet their needs; marketing your business in ways easily reached by potential customers; providing them with the clear, concise information they need to make an informed decision.
• Stage 2 – Purchasing. Ensuring that ordering, payment, fulfillment and return policies are customer-friendly if not effortless. If you have a web site, making sure it’s user-friendly and easy to navigate.
• Stage 3 – Post-purchase. Listening to what your customers are saying about your products and services and making adjustments accordingly. Making available, via surveys or social media sites such as Facebook, a forum for your customers to provide their feedback; being open to both positive and negative comments.

By being a “customer-centric” business, you’ll not just attract new customers, you’ll also increase the probability of getting repeat business and quality referrals!

Vanessa Hunter Vice President of Marketing AL International

 

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