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Listen, Sister: Live Your Life and Leave a Legacy: How to Achieve Time and Financial Freedom through Network Marketing
What can a direct networking business do for you? It can change your life, your family, and your future. It can give you not only the financial freedom you need but the time freedom to enjoy life to the fullest.Debbi and Wendi are living proof of that, and so are the countless consultants and other individuals they have helped lead to success. Both sisters have achieved seven-figure incomes, are at the top of their company, and have teams of multiple tens of thousands. They are highly sought-after speakers and trainers—but more than anything, they are consultants and true team leaders themselves.In Listen, Sister, Debbi and Wendi break down their simple, proven methods to direct marketing growth, and they do it with their classic simplicity and humor. There are no false promises or complex formulas here, just straight talk about how to do the right work the right way. Listen to these sisters and turn your direct marketing business into a lasting legacy.
166 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 12, 2020
Great book. I took lots of notes!
September 24, 2018
Though I’m not on the same R+F team as these two amazing women, I have benefitted a few times from hearing them speak or train so I knew I’d like this book before I started it. But I actually loved this book in many ways not just as a fellow network marketer but as wife, mom, sister and child of God since these women share wisdom from those pieces of their lives as well in this book. At first I felt the advice was pretty general and not much new from what I’d heard from other trainers/leaders in this field. It felt generic and very simple to their overall message of #DoYourStuff to which they are referring to posting, hosting, messaging/conversations, and training. But then it hit me that this is exactly their “secret” to success—keep it simple and do it over and over again every day—whether you feel like it or not.
There’s not a lot of wording examples or specific scenarios included, just a big focus on mindset and hard work. The two exceptions are Chapter 10 “Leave a Legacy” where they focus on objections to as well as benefits of the business with some helpful ideas in talking to prospects. The other exception is the Team Resources section at the very end with challenge ideas and 2 pages of how to find contacts which I love! I really appreciated their emphasis on cupcakes and rainbows (seeing the positive in everything) while clearly letting their faith shine through in every chapter. My only criticism of the book (and why I didn’t give it 5 stars) is that there were some parts of the book that could have been researched better. For example, they share a few quotes I know are attributed to others without citing them/giving credit to them or even saying once aren’t sure who said a particularly quote when I know a simple search would have turned that up. Also, on p. 122 they refer to a teammate as a “physician’s assistant” which is an incorrect term for a physician assistant. (Yes, it’s a personal pet peeve as a PA myself.)
Here are some of my favorite parts so I can remember them for the future!
Introduction:
P.17 Wendi shares her hope for this book: “we hope our stories can inspire in you: the confidence and faith to act; and through action, to achieve success.”
Chapter 1: Seriously, Listen to Your Sister
P. 23 “I just knew I was sitting on a goldmine, and if I would dig for the gold, I would find it. It wouldn’t just fall in my lap—it would require effort and work on my part if I wanted this to get any bigger.”
P. 24 “Enthusiasm and sincerity are contagious. They give you a voice, a platform, and credibility.”
P. 30 “I knew I would succeed. I simply chose to believe that.” Colossians 3:23
P. 31 “It never crossed my mind to be bothered in any way by multi-level marketing business, so I never figured the people I talked to would be bothered by that either. and if they were, that was their issue, not mine. I just decided to share the gift; and as I did, I began to see the financial blessing very quickly.”
Chapter 2: Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes
P. 44 “Often the changes you want to see are on the other side of changes you need to make!”
Chapter 3: #DoYourStuff
P. 46 “I’ve noticed when people don’t achieve success quickly, they often assume something is wrong. They look for something to fix, change or blame. Often, however, the only thing that needs fixed is their expectations. True, lasting success is never immediate. It takes work over time.”
P. 56 “Time and financial freedom are the end result of “doing your stuff.” And let me tell you, they are worth it. Yes, there is a lot of hard work that goes into building a business. But it’s work that has a purpose. It’s work that builds a future. Having the flexibility to spend time on what is really important is priceless, and it makes all the sacrifice it takes to get there seem small by comparison.” P. 57 “There’s freedom in having that kind of flexibility and security. It’s not about money— it’s about memories.”
Chapter 4: It’s All In Your Mind
P. 61 is full of super advice on being a self-thinker, driven and motivated business owner and to never quit. “We have to do first, then we get the reward.” Matthew 5:37 encourages us to be a person of our word “If you say yes to something, do what you say you are going to do.... We have to decide what we are going to do and stick to it, because feelings come and feelings go. Moods change. We cannot base our actions on our moods. The successful people you see didn’t achieve their goals by working hard for a week then taking a month off because they didn’t feel like working. They worked based on commitment, regardless of feelings.”
P. 61-62 “My moods didn’t determine my actions, my actions brought stability to my moods. When it comes to “doing your stuff,” and especially doing it for a long time, emotions are great copilots but lousy drivers. They are fun to have along for the ride, but don’t let them make the decisions!”
Chapter 6: The No’s and Some Other Stuff
P. 81 “ Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice.”
P. 85 FAIL—4 stumbling blocks that can cause you to fail if you don’t overcome them.
1. Fear “I knew I couldn’t let the options of others stand in the way of building a business that could change my family’s future.”
“ If someone’s opinion has the power to take you off course, make sure they are paying your bills ten years from today, because they just stole your future.”
2. Attitude
This is where the cupcakes and rainbows perspective comes from, “Process your thoughts and emotions first so you can present them in a healthy way with a positive perspective...or simply don’t present them at all! Some things are meant to be private.”
3. Inconsistency
P. 90 “Inconsistency will kill your business. You have to work your business every single day.” They recommend personally hosting at least 2 events a month.
4. Lack of vision
P. 92 “You can’t let someone else’s lack of vision steal yours.”
Chapter 7: Do you know RITA? (Recruiting Is The Answer)
P. 96 regarding recruiting, “We’d rather call it sharing a gift or planting seeds because that’s really what you’re doing.”
1. Have Confidence in the opportunity you are presenting
P. 98 “Remember, your story is your story and no one can argue with that.”
2. Use social media
P. 101 “Time is your friend as you grow your team.”
P. 102 has a few good wording/reachout examples
3. Be patient
P. 103 “Show them you are real by being consistent and persistent.Those are keys to your success.”
4. Have fun and be excited.
Chapter 8: Unicorns vs Llamas
P. 109 Dolly Parton quote, “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”
P. 111 “Being different is good. You don’t want to be just like me or just like Wendi. Be You! And be the best you that you can be.”
P. 113 Embrace the different viewpoints and ideas and personalities and then “learn to laugh” “Let go of the things you can’t control, and be okay with those who are different than you. You be you. Let them be them. Pray about it. Laugh about it. And go find a rainbow!”
P. 117 I love the fishing example I’ve heard so often. In order to teach others how to fish you have to keep fishing yourself—be the example by doing it!
Chapter 9: Play Nice
P. 121 When referring to how to treat others in specific interactions, “I want people to feel better than before. I want them to leave feeling happy and loved”
P. 123 “ If we don’t use what God has give us to help others, it’s all for nothing!... I want my business to propel me to a place where I can touch more lives. That is the legacy I want to leave.”
P. 125 “How can we ‘play nice’ in the face of misunderstandings, miscommunication, or offense? It’s not that hard, actually: it just requires wisdom and intentionality. We have to take the time to calm dow, think clearly, and ask ourselves how we can love and serve others.”
P. 125 starts a list of how to address specific situations in their wise counsel/advice
P. 128 “cupcakes and rainbows” doesn’t mean life is easy. Rather, it means keeping a good attitude even when circumstances and people are not easy to deal with.”
P. 130 “You will ‘win’ if you react with grace and with a true desire to see others succeed regardless of how your feelings might have been hurt. In the end, the best thing we can do is think the very best of people, give them the benefit of the doubt, and work hard to be fabulous team players.”
Chapter 10: Leave a Legacy
P. 132 starts a list of objections (aka excuses) and how to tackle them specifically in your own mindset
1. Shy
2. Fear
3. Not good enough
4. Not a leader
P. 135 “Leaders are always learning, and that qualifies them to lead.”
5. Busy
P. 136 “Don’t let the ‘busy badge’ keep you from a life-changing decision!!”
6. Pride
7. Guilt
P. 137 “Contentment has its place, for sure—but don’t let guilt stop you from reaching your potential.” You were treated to succeed and to give.... God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others.... Think for a moment about how much more you could do for others if money wasn’t an obstacle.”
P. 138 “It’s okay to want to do more! It’s not about wanting more money or material things for their own sake. It’s about what money can do.”
8. Age
9. No money to begin
P. 139 “That is all the more reason to do this! If year after year you are in the same financial situation, maybe it’s time to make a change.”
10. The market is too saturated.
11. I don’t know anyone.
P. 144 When talking to those who don’t understand or are naysayers they encourage you to explain what you’re doing “and while they may not want to make a purchase or join you in business, you’d really appreciate their emotional support as you are working to help provide for your family. If someone has a problem with that, they may not be the kind of friend you thought they were.”
The pieces of this legacy:
1. Financial Freedom
P. 144 “No one can control the future, so no matter what your income is, you still have to trust God, be side, and work hard.”
I love their “buy one, gift one” view of giving.
2. Time freedom
P. 146 defined as “having the ability to adjust our schedules as needed to do what is genuinely important.”
All jobs require sacrifice “but if you invest your time in your own business, and if you work in a way that produces results, you will discover a level of freedom a nine-to-five job could never offer.”
P. 147 “Freedom is a better badge than busy!”
3. Satisfaction and fulfillment
P. 147 “A true legacy means living a life worth living, a life that is satisfying, fulfilling, and rewarding.” “Meaningful work brings satisfaction.” (I love their Biblical definition of a Theology of Work here!!) “Don’t settle for a. Life of just getting by, of simply surviving paycheck to paycheck. Believe you can do something bigger.”
There’s not a lot of wording examples or specific scenarios included, just a big focus on mindset and hard work. The two exceptions are Chapter 10 “Leave a Legacy” where they focus on objections to as well as benefits of the business with some helpful ideas in talking to prospects. The other exception is the Team Resources section at the very end with challenge ideas and 2 pages of how to find contacts which I love! I really appreciated their emphasis on cupcakes and rainbows (seeing the positive in everything) while clearly letting their faith shine through in every chapter. My only criticism of the book (and why I didn’t give it 5 stars) is that there were some parts of the book that could have been researched better. For example, they share a few quotes I know are attributed to others without citing them/giving credit to them or even saying once aren’t sure who said a particularly quote when I know a simple search would have turned that up. Also, on p. 122 they refer to a teammate as a “physician’s assistant” which is an incorrect term for a physician assistant. (Yes, it’s a personal pet peeve as a PA myself.)
Here are some of my favorite parts so I can remember them for the future!
Introduction:
P.17 Wendi shares her hope for this book: “we hope our stories can inspire in you: the confidence and faith to act; and through action, to achieve success.”
Chapter 1: Seriously, Listen to Your Sister
P. 23 “I just knew I was sitting on a goldmine, and if I would dig for the gold, I would find it. It wouldn’t just fall in my lap—it would require effort and work on my part if I wanted this to get any bigger.”
P. 24 “Enthusiasm and sincerity are contagious. They give you a voice, a platform, and credibility.”
P. 30 “I knew I would succeed. I simply chose to believe that.” Colossians 3:23
P. 31 “It never crossed my mind to be bothered in any way by multi-level marketing business, so I never figured the people I talked to would be bothered by that either. and if they were, that was their issue, not mine. I just decided to share the gift; and as I did, I began to see the financial blessing very quickly.”
Chapter 2: Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes
P. 44 “Often the changes you want to see are on the other side of changes you need to make!”
Chapter 3: #DoYourStuff
P. 46 “I’ve noticed when people don’t achieve success quickly, they often assume something is wrong. They look for something to fix, change or blame. Often, however, the only thing that needs fixed is their expectations. True, lasting success is never immediate. It takes work over time.”
P. 56 “Time and financial freedom are the end result of “doing your stuff.” And let me tell you, they are worth it. Yes, there is a lot of hard work that goes into building a business. But it’s work that has a purpose. It’s work that builds a future. Having the flexibility to spend time on what is really important is priceless, and it makes all the sacrifice it takes to get there seem small by comparison.” P. 57 “There’s freedom in having that kind of flexibility and security. It’s not about money— it’s about memories.”
Chapter 4: It’s All In Your Mind
P. 61 is full of super advice on being a self-thinker, driven and motivated business owner and to never quit. “We have to do first, then we get the reward.” Matthew 5:37 encourages us to be a person of our word “If you say yes to something, do what you say you are going to do.... We have to decide what we are going to do and stick to it, because feelings come and feelings go. Moods change. We cannot base our actions on our moods. The successful people you see didn’t achieve their goals by working hard for a week then taking a month off because they didn’t feel like working. They worked based on commitment, regardless of feelings.”
P. 61-62 “My moods didn’t determine my actions, my actions brought stability to my moods. When it comes to “doing your stuff,” and especially doing it for a long time, emotions are great copilots but lousy drivers. They are fun to have along for the ride, but don’t let them make the decisions!”
Chapter 6: The No’s and Some Other Stuff
P. 81 “ Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice.”
P. 85 FAIL—4 stumbling blocks that can cause you to fail if you don’t overcome them.
1. Fear “I knew I couldn’t let the options of others stand in the way of building a business that could change my family’s future.”
“ If someone’s opinion has the power to take you off course, make sure they are paying your bills ten years from today, because they just stole your future.”
2. Attitude
This is where the cupcakes and rainbows perspective comes from, “Process your thoughts and emotions first so you can present them in a healthy way with a positive perspective...or simply don’t present them at all! Some things are meant to be private.”
3. Inconsistency
P. 90 “Inconsistency will kill your business. You have to work your business every single day.” They recommend personally hosting at least 2 events a month.
4. Lack of vision
P. 92 “You can’t let someone else’s lack of vision steal yours.”
Chapter 7: Do you know RITA? (Recruiting Is The Answer)
P. 96 regarding recruiting, “We’d rather call it sharing a gift or planting seeds because that’s really what you’re doing.”
1. Have Confidence in the opportunity you are presenting
P. 98 “Remember, your story is your story and no one can argue with that.”
2. Use social media
P. 101 “Time is your friend as you grow your team.”
P. 102 has a few good wording/reachout examples
3. Be patient
P. 103 “Show them you are real by being consistent and persistent.Those are keys to your success.”
4. Have fun and be excited.
Chapter 8: Unicorns vs Llamas
P. 109 Dolly Parton quote, “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”
P. 111 “Being different is good. You don’t want to be just like me or just like Wendi. Be You! And be the best you that you can be.”
P. 113 Embrace the different viewpoints and ideas and personalities and then “learn to laugh” “Let go of the things you can’t control, and be okay with those who are different than you. You be you. Let them be them. Pray about it. Laugh about it. And go find a rainbow!”
P. 117 I love the fishing example I’ve heard so often. In order to teach others how to fish you have to keep fishing yourself—be the example by doing it!
Chapter 9: Play Nice
P. 121 When referring to how to treat others in specific interactions, “I want people to feel better than before. I want them to leave feeling happy and loved”
P. 123 “ If we don’t use what God has give us to help others, it’s all for nothing!... I want my business to propel me to a place where I can touch more lives. That is the legacy I want to leave.”
P. 125 “How can we ‘play nice’ in the face of misunderstandings, miscommunication, or offense? It’s not that hard, actually: it just requires wisdom and intentionality. We have to take the time to calm dow, think clearly, and ask ourselves how we can love and serve others.”
P. 125 starts a list of how to address specific situations in their wise counsel/advice
P. 128 “cupcakes and rainbows” doesn’t mean life is easy. Rather, it means keeping a good attitude even when circumstances and people are not easy to deal with.”
P. 130 “You will ‘win’ if you react with grace and with a true desire to see others succeed regardless of how your feelings might have been hurt. In the end, the best thing we can do is think the very best of people, give them the benefit of the doubt, and work hard to be fabulous team players.”
Chapter 10: Leave a Legacy
P. 132 starts a list of objections (aka excuses) and how to tackle them specifically in your own mindset
1. Shy
2. Fear
3. Not good enough
4. Not a leader
P. 135 “Leaders are always learning, and that qualifies them to lead.”
5. Busy
P. 136 “Don’t let the ‘busy badge’ keep you from a life-changing decision!!”
6. Pride
7. Guilt
P. 137 “Contentment has its place, for sure—but don’t let guilt stop you from reaching your potential.” You were treated to succeed and to give.... God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others.... Think for a moment about how much more you could do for others if money wasn’t an obstacle.”
P. 138 “It’s okay to want to do more! It’s not about wanting more money or material things for their own sake. It’s about what money can do.”
8. Age
9. No money to begin
P. 139 “That is all the more reason to do this! If year after year you are in the same financial situation, maybe it’s time to make a change.”
10. The market is too saturated.
11. I don’t know anyone.
P. 144 When talking to those who don’t understand or are naysayers they encourage you to explain what you’re doing “and while they may not want to make a purchase or join you in business, you’d really appreciate their emotional support as you are working to help provide for your family. If someone has a problem with that, they may not be the kind of friend you thought they were.”
The pieces of this legacy:
1. Financial Freedom
P. 144 “No one can control the future, so no matter what your income is, you still have to trust God, be side, and work hard.”
I love their “buy one, gift one” view of giving.
2. Time freedom
P. 146 defined as “having the ability to adjust our schedules as needed to do what is genuinely important.”
All jobs require sacrifice “but if you invest your time in your own business, and if you work in a way that produces results, you will discover a level of freedom a nine-to-five job could never offer.”
P. 147 “Freedom is a better badge than busy!”
3. Satisfaction and fulfillment
P. 147 “A true legacy means living a life worth living, a life that is satisfying, fulfilling, and rewarding.” “Meaningful work brings satisfaction.” (I love their Biblical definition of a Theology of Work here!!) “Don’t settle for a. Life of just getting by, of simply surviving paycheck to paycheck. Believe you can do something bigger.”
January 23, 2019
I'm admittedly biased because I am in the same Business and downline, so I know of these lovely ladies quite well! If you're looking for a magic solution or amazing revelation, it just isn't here because there IS NO MAGIC BULLET. But if you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get to it, give this a read. Debbi and Wendi lay out exactly what you need to do to work your Network Marketing Business in a straight forward down to earth style.
February 5, 2019
Listen, everyone!
Real, honest, transparent. Three words to describe this book, real life stories and how each sister helped her downtime with grace and letting them think for themselves a little. If you don't feel empowered and motivated after this read then something might be wrong with you!
Real, honest, transparent. Three words to describe this book, real life stories and how each sister helped her downtime with grace and letting them think for themselves a little. If you don't feel empowered and motivated after this read then something might be wrong with you!
October 28, 2018
LISTEN SISTER! These ladies are amazing and this book REALLY inspired me!!! Give it a read!! 💕💕💕
May 22, 2020
Nothing in here is believable. These are just stories they told themselves over and over again, until they could feel comfortable with diciding they really happened that way.
January 4, 2021
Great for anyone new to the direct sales world and needing a good starting point. If experienced in direct sales, it may be just a good refresher.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews