Russ Dalbey's Blog - Dalbey Education Institute

Are you a WINNER... or a LOSER?

Here’s a quick and easy way to find out.

No matter what you do in life, whatever goals you may set for yourself…

Whether you want to be successful in the cash flow business… or if you just want to be a better person…

These are the attitudes that separate winners from losers:

When a Winner makes a mistake, he says, “I was wrong.”
When a Loser makes a mistake, he says, “It wasn’t my fault.”

If you acknowledge your mistakes, you can correct them and learn from them.

If you blame someone else for your mistakes—you’ll repeat them.

A Winner works harder than a loser and has more time.
A Loser is always “too busy” to do what is necessary.

If you expect life’s greatest joys to be handed to you on a silver platter… you’ll rarely, if ever receive them. And if by some miracle you’re made a present of life’s bounty… you won’t appreciate and value it—you’ll be too busy trying to get more.

A Winner goes through the problem.
A Loser tries to go around it, and never gets past it.

If you don’t tackle your problems head on—and fix them once and for all… they’ll always be there in the background, haunting you, dogging your every step… waiting for another chance to stop you from reaching your goals.

A Winner makes commitments.
A Loser makes excuses.

If you keep your promises… you’ll be relied on, trusted and turned to in times of need.

If, on the other hand, you make excuses for not keeping your promises, your failures will be magnified and the problems you were called on to solve—will only have been made worse—and blamed on you.

A Winner says, “I’m good but not as good as I could be.”
A Loser says, “I’m not as bad as a lot of people.”

If you aim for the stars, though never reach them, you’ll still soar higher and achieve far more success than someone who never lifts his head or dares to look up.

If you take comfort in knowing there are always people far worse off, far more miserable than you, and you never see those who are above you—how will you ever find the desire or the will to achieve more, and be better still?

A Winner always listens.
A Loser just waits until it is his turn to talk.

If you think of others first, you’ll be far more liked and admired than someone who always wants to have the last word—believing only he or she is right.

A Winner respects those who are superior to them
 and tries to learn something from them.
A Loser resents those who are superior to them
and tries to find chinks in their armor.

Stand on the shoulders of giants and give credit where credit is due. If you build on the efforts of those who came and succeeded before you, your future successes will be built on strong legs.

But if you cut down and belittle the achievements of others, and are unwilling to learn from them, you cut off at the knees your own chances for future greatness and success.

A Winner feels responsibility for more than their job.
A Loser says, “I only work here.”

If you are only for you, who are you… and who will stand beside you when you need a helping hand? If you take to heart that no person is an island, and that we all sink or swim together, and that behind all achievement is the work of many working together—we will benefit together, and we will have far more successes… than if we work alone.

A Winner says, “There ought to be a better way to do it.”
A Loser says, “That’s the way it’s always been done here.”

Without the energy and desire to be better than we are, to work smarter, and to achieve more than we have, we’d all still be living in caves—fearing the dark, suffering in the cold, and dying alone.

It is in our best interests, individually and collectively, to always try to do more, to be more, to have more—to find a happier place and a better time for ourselves, and our families.

So what do you think… are you a winner… or a loser?

In the final analysis, it’s really just a matter of choice. The thoughts you think and the actions you take… are always under your control.

So be a WINNER… do it now… do it for yourself… and for all of us willing to stand beside you.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education

The Worth of a Positive Attitude

If you want to learn magic—talk to a magician.

If you want to learn how to fly—talk to a pilot.

If you want to learn how to make money—talk to someone who has made a lot of money—talk to a millionaire.

Unfortunately, most millionaires don’t have time to talk to people who are not millionaires themselves (there’s no money in it).

And that, my friend, is one of the main reasons I founded Dalbey Education — to teach people who want to make money, how to make money.

And because I’ve made money (yes, I’m a millionaire many times over) I think I’m worth listening to.

So this is what I want to tell you...

Long ago I realized that making enough money to just get by is easy—if I wanted to just get by.

But if I wanted to make a lot of money—I’m talking five or six figures, and way more—I needed to change my attitude.

I needed a positive, never-say-die, I-can-win mindset.

I had to believe in myself.

And you, my friend, need to believe in yourself, too—if you want to do better than just get by.

Automobile pioneer, and multi-millionaire, Henry Ford was right when he said:

“Whether you think you can
or you think you can't, you're right.”

To put it another way, if you don’t think you can make a lot of money in the Cash Flow Business—you won’t.

But… if you think you can make a lot of money—serious money—in the Cash Flow Business—then you can!

Because where there is a will, there is always a way.

With the right attitude you will leave no stone unturned. You will seek advice. You will study and learn from those who have succeeded.

Your positive attitude and your belief in yourself is everything.

A positive attitude motivates you. It keeps you going. And if you stumble and fall, as everyone does from time to time, it picks you up and dusts you off.

And the other amazing thing about attitude... it’s a choice YOU make.

You choose the attitude you will embrace each and every day.

We cannot change the past. We cannot change the way people act. We cannot change the inevitable.

But we can always change our attitude.

Match your attitude to your goals, and your attitude will bring your goals into reach.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education

What are you afraid of?

“The only thing a note-finder has to fear…
is fear itself!”
– President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Well, okay, President Roosevelt didn’t actually say it that way.

What he did say was, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

But either way, the point should be well-taken by note-finders.

Because what I’ve noticed over the years is that the biggest obstacle facing beginning note-finders, when entering the Cash Flow Business… is fear.

Getting their feet wet.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s making that first phone call, writing that first letter or postcard, or mailing out that first newsletter… the one thing that stops most new note-finders cold… is fear.

It could be fear of rejection, fear of embarrassment… or just plain fear of fear.

Even veteran note finders—successful Cash Flow Business owners—can be paralyzed by fear—the fear of new ideas, methodologies and technologies—anything that takes them out their comfort zone.

Sure, anything new or untried can be intimidating—especially if it requires you to do or act in a way that’s unfamiliar and alien to the way you normally approach things.

And that’s only natural; it’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

But you still can’t let your fears prevent you from reaching your goals—whatever they may be. That would be self-defeating, and a darn shame.

Listen, remember when you were a kid at the dinner table, and your mother put a plate of “yuck” in front you?  (Yuck being anything you never ate before—and that looked and smelled, well… yucky.)

Now it may have taken you a long time to get over that fear of the yuck—but I’ll bet you anything—the yuck you wouldn’t eat back then, is probably one of your favorite foods today.

And how many times have you stood on the beach, at the water’s edge, or on the edge of a swimming pool, scared to jump in—because you were afraid of how cold the water would be?

And how many minutes—or hours—did you waste negotiating with yourself, trying to convince yourself that it wouldn’t be that bad—only to find when you finally did jump in—it wasn’t that bad, after all!

The water was fine!

Well, it's the same thing in the Cash Flow Business.

Sometimes you just gotta jump in and get wet and leave all your fears behind.

Or, to borrow a phrase from the famous sportswear company, Nike…

Just do it!

There’s money to made out there—and all you gotta do is get it!

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education

A message from Dr. David Winter for the new year

Welcome to 2009!

I wanted to share something written by Dr. David Winter, my Lead Educator at Dalbey Education. He always has great insight and encouragement for my staff, but I thought this message was particularly powerful.

Here’s what David has to say…

By now most of us are charging forward into 2009. I hope you’re excited about the year and the new possibilities!
 
Before we say “goodbye” to 2008 and dismiss it as history, let's do one more thing. I encourage you to look back at the past year and do some reflection. 

Take a look at the past year. What was great about it? What was not so great?  What experiences do you cherish? Can these experiences be carried forward and duplicated in 2009? Or was it a one-time experience? What experiences do you not want to duplicate in your future?
 
Look back to 2008 and reflect on your relationships... your work... your financial status... your health. Are there adjustments you want to make in 2009? Look at the goals you set last year and your New Year's resolutions from last year. What was fulfilled and crossed off the list? What needs to be discarded or modified? What goals need to be carried forward into 2009?
 
As we move forward into 2009, it is important to take with us the lessons learned from 2008. Then we can fine-tune our goals as needed. Remember the old saying:

“If you keep doing what you've always done, you're going to
keep getting what you've always got!”

Reflect on 2008 and make modifications for 2009. Then charge forward into the New Year!

That’s fantastic advice David! Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration with all of us.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education

A fantastic opportunity... even in a downturn economy

Whenever there’s a downturn in the economy (and unfortunately, the one we’re in right now is pretty bad), people tighten their belts and tend to “sit tight” instead of making any new moves, financially or otherwise.

This is understandable, and on the surface of things, it makes sense. But, in terms of starting up a new business, it really depends on what it is.

Is this the best time to start a retail business offering luxury items or services… like pet grooming, or a high-priced specialty-cuisine restaurant? Maybe not.

But if you run a business that always provides what people need… and need MORE of when times are tough, you’re likely to succeed. And, you could do really well for yourself – while you contribute a lot of good to society in general.

So, what’s the NUMBER ONE thing people need more of in a bad economy? Well, money, of course. 

And that’s exactly what you can provide to people when you act as a cash flow note finder. You help people who need money now access it… by enabling them to trade their small future payments for an immediate, lump sum amount!

The other half of the equation is this: Most of the people who had the money to buy notes (that’s how you’re able to get that check to the people who need money) are still financially secure. BUT, in a downturn economy, they’re looking to take advantage of the great deals available, so in some cases, they’re even more interested in buying notes than before.

Lastly, remember that in the cash flow note business, you don’t need to invest even a dime of your own money on real estate… rent an office space… buy inventory… or hire any employees. All you have to do is let people know that you can help them trade future payments for cash now.

Even spreading that message can be done for free or extremely inexpensively – just start with word-of-mouth marketing, or make some business cards or fliers with your contact information. Many individuals have closed their first profitable note deal without even that!

My students are reporting MILLIONS of dollars in earnings combined, and I have never seen a better time for the cash flow note business. Winning in the Cash Flow Business is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to achieve financial success. Winning in the Cash Flow Business could be the perfect chance to change your life.

Happy Holidays to you and your family. I’ll see you in the New Year.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education

Inspiration for a New Year’s Resolution

2008 has been a tough year for many individuals.

If you could use some inspiration for what you want to accomplish in 2009, this story about one of America’s greatest minds and inventors might help.

It is has been said that Thomas Edison tested more than 10,000 ideas and prototypes before he hit on a working example of an incandescent light bulb. At one point, one of his financial backers suggested that he give up.

Edison replied: "Each time an idea did not work, I got feedback on how to make it better. I now know 10,000 ways it does not work, and I get closer and closer to success."

Edison was able to eventually triumph despite thousands of setbacks because he had the right mindset: He saw each “failure” as simply a step towards success!

There’s another lesson to be learned in Edison’s life, too: Don’t be concerned if others don’t believe in you. Edison was actually thrown out of school at an early age because a teacher felt he was “too stupid to learn anything.”

No one other than you can determine what your future holds.

Here are some other examples of people who achieved great success after meeting resistance or defeat earlier:

•    Henry Ford declared bankruptcy before going on to found one of the largest automotive manufacturing companies in the world.

•    R.H. Macy made several failed attempts at retail business before his New York department store chain took off.

•    Bob Dylan was booed off stage during his performance at a high school talent show.

•    Oprah Winfrey was once fired from a television reporter's job and told, "You're not fit for TV."

•    After Elvis Presley’s first (and last) performance at the Grand Ole Opry, he was banned and reported told: “You ain’t goin’ no where, son.”

None of these people let these early discouragements stop them from realizing their potential. The path to achievement and well-being is often far from easy, even for those blessed with raw talent or rare genius.

But no one makes it very far without determination and the ability to roll up their sleeves when faced with a challenge.

So go ahead – make that New Year’s resolution. And then set out a plan to do it. If you have the right attitude… and refuse to let a setback stop you… you too will achieve amazing things, just like other great people have.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education

“Cinch by the inch”

Some new students of the Dalbey Education Institute have told me that even though the cash flow business IS simple – it’s just finding private notes, putting the information out to buyers, and arranging the transaction to collect a referral fee – they have trouble getting started.

These people aren’t hung up on an issue like a lack of time (remember, it only takes a couple hours a week to get going with Winning), or funds (you don’t have to invest ANY of your own money on real estate), or information.

After all, our Success Counselors are available to provide live help to students five days a week, from 7 AM to 6 PM MST, toll-free... and via email too.

Their problem is usually that they get stuck imagining all the “what if” scenarios that they MIGHT have to deal with. Or, the end goal – getting that check in the mail – seems far away to them... even though they know exactly how to get there. And because they’re focused on that seemingly distant goal, they can’t get started.

Here’s the solution. It’s very easy!

Just focus your mind on your goals and specifically the end result – exactly what you want to happen and how that feels. Next, just focus on taking one small step at a time towards your goal. You don’t have to worry about all the “what if's”...

I call it “cinch by the inch.” Just take it one inch at a time... every day, set a goal to make some movement forward... and before you know it, you’ll have traveled a mile. You might even go much further than you imagined possible! And it becomes a cinch to accomplish any task... any goal and it’s the easiest way to get anything done.  

So, your very first goal could be to talk to at least three people today about your note business (just say, “I help people get cash now for future payments… are you receiving any payments?”). Or, you could establish an initial goal of printing simple business cards for yourself (there are many low-cost options online; just type “free business cards” into your favorite search engine).

Even better: take action with just one method I describe in Winning in the Cash Flow Business to start finding notes – like visiting a courthouse to get leads on deals.

So, if you’re having a little trouble getting going, don’t worry: just “cinch by the inch” to start reeling yourself towards what you want. Take a little action every day (or as often and regularly as you can) and soon you’ll have reached your destination!

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Back to Basics

For those of you who are students of my Winning in the Cash Flow Business program, I’d like to address a few basic concepts that many beginners often ask about. Sometimes there’s a little confusion about what is needed to become a profitable note entrepreneur… and some individuals make it more complicated than it really is. It’s really very simple! Read on and see.

What it’s all about

In the fifteen years that I’ve been teaching about the note business, many things have changed. But the heart of “Winning in the Cash Flow Business” has always remained the same: recognizing the value of information about secured real estate cash flows, and bringing this information to those who will gladly pay you for what you know!

Once you know WHAT information is valuable, and HOW to locate this knowledge (it’s all around you, and available for free), you can earn a fee for getting it to the right party.

It is important to remember that none of a note finder’s activities involve acting on behalf of others. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that cash flow specialists represent other people or act on their “client’s behalf.”

As a private note specialist, this is what you do:

•    Find individuals who need help getting cash from their notes
•    Gather meaningful information and check it for accuracy
•    Present that information to interested parties
•    Earn profits for the above services

Just find the deals, process the information, and put it out to the right people. That’s all you do to earn great profits! And there’s no need to use any of your own money to invest in real estate or fix up property.
 
What’s in a name?

Many beginners in the note business get hung up on what their title should be:

“What do I call myself… and how do I describe what I do?”

Just say, “I help people get a lump sum of cash now for their future payments; are you receiving any future payments?” That’s as simple and accurate as you can get.

I recommend you never use the words “agent,” “broker” or “representative” because that’s not what you do. You just provide information, and let people decide for themselves what to do with it.

The bottom line

Don’t try to reinvent the wheel and make things harder than they need to be. Follow the lead of those who came before you – this is a MUCH easier path to success than striking it out blindly on your own. Having a qualified coach has always been a key ingredient to my success as both a professional athlete and in business.

When you work with people who know what works and follow their suggestions, you won’t waste time making mistakes and you'll make more money instead. This is exactly why I created the Dalbey Education Institute – to help people to create their own financial success.

If you want proven, step-by-step instruction that will guide you towards generating short-term AND sustainable long-term income, there’s no better way than utilizing the continuing education courses that my Institute offers.

For more information about how YOU can get the ultimate advantage to “Winning in the Cash Flow Business,” click here.

Best wishes with your note business!

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Which voice do YOU listen to?

A few weeks ago, I invited George Walther to come speak to all my employees in my office in Westminster, Colorado.

You might not be familiar with who George is, but he’s one of the best professional speakers and motivation experts on the planet. He's also an accomplished author and business consultant who has consulted with companies like Microsoft and FedEx.

George Walther has some great wisdom to share… and that’s why I asked him to give a presentation at my company.

One of the key points he made is that everyone has a voice inside his or her head. And when that voice speaks, it is typically one of either INHIBITION or INSPIRATION.

A voice of inhibition says things like “Don’t try it… it’s too risky… people will laugh at you… you won’t succeed anyway” while the voice of inspiration says “Why not? You’ve beaten harder challenges before… and you and I both know you can do this, if you really want it…”

George encouraged us to pay more attention to those voices in our head. Distinguish between the voices that inspire us and those that inhibit us. Then, act on the inspiring voice… because that one’s right. And ignore that voice of inhibition, because that one will only hold you back from achieving what you really want in life.

So, I encourage you to embrace this concept. Start distinguishing between those voices in your mind, and taking action on the inspiring voices. Try it, and watch those impossibly good things start happening!
 
Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

About being lost and being "outside the box"

One of my staff members - Lead Educator David Winter - brought up a great idea in a meeting the other day.

David challenged us by asking, "Do we really 'think outside the box'?"

His question really resonated in me. We've all heard this now-old cliche, and we know that "thinking outside the box" is a way to step back and re-evaluate our options and strategies, but how often do we really do this? 

Do I actually try new ideas and venture down unproven paths, in everyday situations? 

Here's a quote that sheds a different light on this concept. Are you willing to be confused, upset and think you're stupid in order to achieve success? And are you willing to make a mistake or take a wrong turn in order to discover a shortcut?

"Lewis and Clark (American frontier explorers) were lost most of the time. If your idea of exploration is to always know where you are and to be inside your zone of competence, you don't do wild new stuff.

"You have to be confused, upset and think you're stupid. If you're not willing to do that, you can't go outside the box."
- Nathan Myhrvold, former Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft

On the eve of the anniversary of our nation's declaration of independence, it might be appropriate to reflect that nothing worth achieving was ever accomplished without taking an enormous risk... setting a course towards the unknown... or being brave enough to get lost along the way.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute