This (very) personal note was not something I expected to write you today, and at the risk of sounding overly emotional or sentimental, I will admit to you that my eyes are welled up in tears as I write this. Today, this special day, is one that means the world to me...
free·dom
ˈfrēdəm/
noun
1.the power or right to act, speak, [do business] or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
Today happens to be the day that most people celebrate Independence Day in the US. Yes, it’s meant to mark the holiday in the United States commemorating the declaration of independence from the United Kingdom. And yes, many will be doing barbecues, fireworks and the red, white and blue everywhere (you should actually see how my house is decorated, inside and out!). My kids smile when I start getting out my 4th of July Decorations.
But for me this is a very personal holiday, one that brings tears to my eyes because it’s so meaningful.
You see, this is the month (almost 15 years ago) I found AmeriPlan. Because of AmeriPlan I will never collect a paycheck from someone else for doing mindless things I didn't like doing and that weren't actually making a difference.
It was the month that I took the great leap of faith, against the advice of many people who loved me and wanted the “best” for me. It was the month that I started my AmeriPlan business, in a corner of my living room. I was super shy and had never had success working at home. I really didn't even understand AmeriPlans compensation plan. All I knew is that the company was legitimate and there were ordinary people
making 6 figures in residual income. And I didn't have to make people buy expensive products or do parties! This was actually a real service something people truly needed!
I still remember the day I signed up very clearly. It was a hot and muggy summer month. Michael was working 60 hours a week and I was taking care of two very active little boys. I also remember having some fears but I also felt light as air, giddy from the all-encompassing sense of freedom that came from drawing a line in the sand and declaring my own independence.
Yes, I went through some turbulent times in the beginning because this business was all new to me! I started my business not knowing how to market online. I didn’t understand what a lead was and I hardly had any money to advertise! There was no training website, no marketing system and my upline had no idea how to market online! Which is what I really wanted to do! She was always busy raising 5 kids and it was hard to
reach her. Yes, I felt lost, without a plan. But I knew somehow I would figure it out.
I remember getting up early to post ads online. I would work around the boys schedule and listened to many conference calls at night. I remember placing ads and nobody would respond. I didn't get discouraged. I knew I had something special and AmeriPlan was my ticket to freedom. I started tweaking my ads and kept searching for ways to market my business. Slowly I started getting some people visiting my website and I started
calling them. Not everybody was signing up and that was okay. I knew I was just going through a process and it was just a price I had to pay.
Since Michael was working 60 hours, I had to take care of the boys, learn my business and work my AmeriPlan business. It wasn't easy for sure!
But through hell and high water, afraid and clueless, I made it. Yes, the gamble and the sleepless nights paid off after all in a BIG way. I became the #1 income earner in Ameriplan and now make a multiple 6 figure income and belong to AmeriPlans millionaires club member. And you know what?
I wouldn’t give it up for the world.
Yes, entrepreneurship is a full contact sport. Yes, it’s not for the faint at heart.
It’s for people with a big heart, a big vision and for those who want to make a difference and who are willing to do whatever it takes.
Entrepreneurship is a private club that I am incredibly proud to belong to, one that I will never, ever leave.
Why? Because…
I realize now that I’m completely unemployable (and unapologetic about it.)
I am passionate about what I do and proud to shake up the status quo and be of service to others that want Freedom at Home.
And because I get to change lives every day, and no amount of “security” from an outside job could ever give me that feeling of being here on purpose, for a purpose, with a purpose.
I am proud, immensely proud, to call myself an entrepreneur, because I know in every cell of my body that entrepreneurs are some of the most courageous people on the planet, with the biggest hearts, the most determination and ultimately, are the ones who change the world.
And that means you too.
Whether or not we’ve ever met in person, please know that I champion you, I respect you, I admire you for bucking the status quo and doing your own thing, and I love you from afar.
Whatever your own “independence day” was from working for someone else, even if that day is still ahead of you – TODAY, I celebrate your courage, your passion and your stick-to-it-ness.
Thank you for being on this journey with me.
Here’s to our freedom…
With love (and wiping tears from my cheeks),
Janie Jones, NVP
