And honestly, I don’t care if you are offended.

What is it with the majority of network marketers and their basic lack of understanding when it comes to social media engagement?

How do you know when someone is about to hit you up via Facebook about joining their network marketing company?

1. They have ignored your posts for the last 2 years you have been friends and now find sudden interest in everything you post. They don’t just like your posts, they actually take the time to engage with you (a novel new concept).

2. They continue with step 1 while they are wining and dining you. Everything you now say is fascinating, funny, intelligent, etc. Funny, you weren’t all that interesting before *scratches head*.

3. When you tell the “network marketer” no in a firm and direct way, they disappear and you never hear from them again. Not until the next big opportunity comes along, anyway. Hey, wait a minute! I thought I was interesting, intelligent, funny…and now you’re gone? *sobs heavily*

4. Do they not see how transparent their behavior is? Most people see what they are doing, they don’t appreciate it, and they don’t fall for it.

In my opinion: You are better cutting through all of the fluff, pretend engagement, and short term attention, and just telling me what you are selling, why I should join (and please, give me reasons why it benefits ME – I don’t care if you won’t hit your bonus…most people want to know what’s in it for them), and any other facts I should know before making my decision.

You will have a lot more respect in the long run and won’t be considered a sneaky salesman.

Peace out.

1. ALWAYS pay your team on time. They don’t care about excuses, they don’t care what’s going on behind closed doors, and honestly, they shouldn’t have to be forced to care. They have families, bills, and obligations, just like YOU. They “did the time” and it’s time for you to respect them enough to not force them to chase down their paychecks. Ever.

2.  Don’t expect your team to go out of their way getting tasks and jobs done for you, if you don’t pay them on time. Nothing makes an employee more upset than not being paid in a timely manner. And most employees will shrug their shoulders and mumble under their breath “Yep, I’ll get that done, boss, about as quick as you were to pay my last paycheck.”

3.  Pay generously. If you want a team that thrives, and you want people vested in your business, give them something to get excited about. When is the last time you gave someone a raise? A bonus? Unless your team is doing volunteer work, most people appreciate increases in their wages…don’t be cheap. It will come back to bite you in the behind.

4.  And since I’ve mentioned volunteer work: Never force your team to “volunteer” for charities, events, or other things they didn’t sign up for. Their time is valuable, especially when it takes away from their personal time away from the office.

5.  You expect your customers to pay on time, to receive your check on time, and so do your employees.

There are many more ways to unmotivate your team and I will get to those later.
For now, just remember a simple rule of thumb: Pay people on time. Always. No exceptions.

Why does the cost of health care in the USA keep going up?

The United States government spent more than $2.3 trillion on health care in the year 2008, which is twice as much as it spent on food. Since 1999, health care premiums have risen 131 percent and families all over the country have struggled to afford these hikes in price.

Check out this interesting Interactive Graph showing how health care spending has changed since 1960

There are many reasons for the rising costs of health care. Here are a few of the major factors which are making it cost more:

Medical Technology

Innovations in technology have advanced medical care, but they have also caused health care spending to increase. The use of high-tech medical tests and surgeries has escalated over the last ten years and the currently system encourages more complex systems to be used even if they are not the most appropriate care. Doctors who prescribe more tests and services are rewarded, rather than those who focus on quality of care.

Hospitals also tend to want to fill up all of their beds and market the newest and most expensive technology to their patients, even if the patient does not need it.

Administrative Costs

Another factor driving up health care costs in the USA is administrative expenses. There is much inefficiency in the current health care system which results in a higher cost to the patient, such as multiple billing systems for one insurer.

If the health care system could move towards bundled payments and physicians could be paid more on the value they produce rather than the number of tests or examinations they order, this could reduce health care costs.

Disease and Aging

Another reason why health care costs are rising is because there is a higher demand for them. As the baby boomer generation in the USA is starting to retire, they are developing the type of health problems associated with old age. Their long term health care needs are putting a strain on the system.

Also, over the last few decades the lifestyle of the average American has becoming increasingly unhealthy. As of 2012, the United States has the highest obesity rate in the world with 30.6% of citizens having a BMI of 30 or higher. Our sedentary lifestyle and the availability of cheap and abundant fast food contribute to this growing health problem.

Prescription Drugs

The cost of prescription drugs is one of the fastest growing spending programs. Government costs have increased since Medicare Part D was implemented in 2006 when funding for prescription drugs was shifted from the private to the public sector.  Drug companies are pushing the use of their most expensive drugs, to increase their profits as well as the price for the patient.

These are just a few of the reasons why health care costs have been steadily rising within the USA.