|
To see an alphabetical site map click here
- Home
At Icon Enterprises, we endeavor to expand in an ever-growing array of businesses, offering several classes of services and products, including:
Home-Based Business Development
Internet Marketing Tools & Resources
Professional Software Engineering (Design/Development/Test)
Leisure and Corporate Travel Services
- Business Opportunities
As a former network marketing business owner and current CEO of Icon Enterprises, Brian Kelly now joins different Multi-Level Marketing (otherwise known as MLM or Network Marketing) companies as a distributor. Why? Using his insider knowledge of "what makes an MLM company tick", he performs in-depth investigations of the companies he joins, and then provides you with an ongoing account of his findings.
We're not talking about someone who has been hired as an MLM Private Eye, but a person who provides an honest look from the inside of some of today's hottest business opportunities. Brian uses his past knowledge to ask company employees and managers some "tough insider questions". He probes deeper than the typical MLM'er, seeking to find anything that might possibly be deemed as "inappropriate" or "unethical" business practices.
- My Personal Account
I use my past knowledge to ask company employees and managers some "tough insider questions". I am able to probe deeper than the typical business opportunity seeker, seeking to find anything that might possibly be deemed as "inappropriate" or "unethical" business practices.
My "as-it-happens" account of the latest and even well-established MLM and direct sales companies provides a fresh view of a frequently misunderstood industry. In addition, I'll provide you with some key factors to consider when choosing a business opportunity, along with detailed information such as startup costs, recurring (monthly) costs, amount of personal effort required, whether or not a company can do business internationally, and more.
- Guaranteed Wealth From Home
Guaranteed Wealth From Home - If you're anything like me, all your life you've been told that the only way to succeed is by putting in long hours of hard work, laser focus, intense passion, unrelenting perseverance, the list goes on and on ... right? Well, I'm here to tell you that those who have told you this are absolutely RIGHT!
- This Blew Me Away!
This Blew Me Away! - I've been here before ... a company wishing to show you their opportunity
asks you for your contact information, you then ponder what time is best for them to call you (at lunch, after work, on the way home in the car via your cell phone, etc.). After careful consideration, you decide that you wish to be contacted @ 5:30pm, while in the midst of your commute home from work.
- Answers To Tough Questions
Answers To Tough Questions - In addition to the aforementioned hard-hitting questions, I also grilled Kevin by asking quite a few other questions, including some I had taken right out of the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) of their website (which was another test of integrity). In fact, Kevin actually gave me a different answer than what was stated via one of their online FAQ's. Aha! I've finally found ONE flaw, one discrepancy ... I've broken them down ... but wait, his answer was actually much more favorable than that of the online version.
- A Quick Update
A Quick Update - I emailed support to investigate the cause of the delay. I got a response, but I was surprised when I found out just exactly who it was that responded. It was the CEO of the company himself! Now, I'll be the first to tell you that the fact that a CEO personally wrote to me did not by itself impress me.
As I had mentioned a few messages back, I myself once held the position of Vice President of a Travel-based MLM company, and I am currently CEO of my own Internet Marketing/Software Consulting company, so it takes much more than a mere title to impress me.
But what did impress me is the fact that he took the time to write me. Believe me, I completely understand just how much time and effort it takes to operate a business, and responding to support issues can consume MUCH of one's time.
- All Systems Go!
All Systems Go! - The folks at Prosperity Network apparently had their hands full. Not only were they dealing with technical issues (which I know first-hand can nearly cripple a person and/or entire company), but they were also in the midst of dealing with a handful of less-than-scrupulous distributors ... distributors that had been identified as trying to "steal" prospects from other distributors.
Well, the CEO put an immediate halt to this by having his development team put together a foolproof system that would prevent this from ever happening again. In addition to that, one of these distributors is going to be expelled from the company, and four others are in danger of encountering the same fate. Kudos to the CEO!
- 3 Key Factors
As I search for new opportunities, I look for a number of key factors. First of all, I personally seek out companies who cater to the international community. Why? Because I will then have a world-wide market base (versus simply a nation-wide market base). This, coupled with the incredible advancements in internet marketing technology make international business opportunities quite alluring indeed.
Another important factor I look for is the "Effort Factor". In other words, I analyze companies to determine how much of my personal time and effort will be required to build and maintain my business. I look for opportunities that require as little effort as possible. This most often made possible via automation technologies.
A third important factor that I consider is the overall cost. I look at both the startup and recurring costs. How much will it cost to join? How much will I have to pay on a monthly basis to make this a viable business? How much will I need to pour into advertising on my own (via newspaper ads, Google Adwords, online leads, etc.).
- The Prosperity Automated System
As you may recall, the company in question had been encountering some difficulties, or, growing pains, as I like to call them. They appeared to have hit a couple of technical speed bumps, which had resulted in nearly a halt to any traffic to my WealthByPAS.com website.
Before I go into the details of the current status of my personal experience with the company (The Prosperity Network) thus far, perhaps I should first explain very briefly how the system works (I apologize for not covering this in earlier issues).
- Prosperity Automated System Facts And Figures
In my last message to you, I revealed that I was indeed receiving (on average) around 8 hits per day, as advertised/promoted by the Prosperity Network. Now, if you remember, I was receiving these 8 hits per day, but this was not a consistent running average. What I mean by that is when the company would experience periodic, technological "growing pains", the hits all but stopped coming in.
Well, today I'm happy to report that the number of hits are now FAR surpassing the 8 per/day average. See below for the daily stats for last week (Feb 27th through March 5th).
- PAS and GDI
To quickly recap, a TrafficPak is something offered by PAS whereby you, the PAS member, pay $190 for one TrafficPak. When you purchase a TrafficPak, you are purchasing the inclusion of your PAS website into a traffic generating "rotator" system. In other words, PAS places advertisements in various forms of media (both online and offline). When someone sees the ad and responds by visiting the advertised website, this website then automatically executes some code that looks up the next PAS member in the rotation (typically controlled via a database ... but I won't go "techie" on you here).
- An Interesting New Development is Taking Place
As you've undoubtedly read by now, the Prosperity Automated System provides a means to promote not only the system itself, but also any product or service of your choosing. In the beginning, I was hesitant to do this for fear of diverting the attention from my PAS system, since my goal was to first build up some income utilizing nothing more than the system's built-in "Automated" features. Then, once some income began to come in, I would utilize the realized income to bolster additional advertising (both on and offline) to promote both PAS and GDI.
- PAS Expansion
I've got some late-breaking news concerning the Prosperity Automated System. I just received an email from the corporate offices of The Prosperity Network concerning an important members conference call. In the email message, company President Bill Osterhout reveals that there will soon be new PAS Corporate websites.
This news, by itself, does not necessarily generate much excitement. However, included in the message was a URL (website address) that shows the new login page. I must say, I am pleased with the improved (albeit not perfect, but improved nonetheless) work they've done in making the site more aesthetically appealing.
- PAS Members Call Details
I just got off of the PAS Membership call that I had mentioned in our last issue. I wasn't sure if I'd make it because I wanted to spend time with my family, but the curiosity got the best of me.
While I listened to the call, I took notes via MS Windows Notepad by typing as fast as I could.
Before I get into the specifics of the call, I can now "Let You In" on the first URL that I had spoken about in the last issue. The second URL (the one I "guessed" correctly on) was not revealed on the call, so out of respect for the company, I will not reveal it quite yet.
The URL Was Disclosed!
- Important News For Your Business
I just received an informative email from the MLMIA (Multi-Level Marketing International Association).
This is very important information that may change the way you approach your business(es). See below for the details:
Proposed New Bill by
The Federal Trade Commission
- PAS To Be Featured On TV
The new website has been completed. If you haven't already seen it, simply go to http://www.WealthByPAS.com. This will take you to the main landing page ... the one that is seen by all prospects. Now I'm sure that you will definitely want to see the INSIDE (the web pages that a prospect sees once he/she has entered his/her name and email address).
- The Founder of PAS Clears The Air
Bill Osterhaut (founder of The Prosperity Network and the PAS program) recently held a membership call to effectively "clear the air" concerning a multitude of questions that have been on the minds of its members.
In this audio clip, you'll hear about a multitude of topics, so rather than list them all here, I'll just provide you with a link so you can listen in immediately:
- Another Income Source for PAS Owners
As you may have already heard, PAS has added another income source to its line-up. It is called Freedom Rocks. Freedom Rocks, in a nutshell, promotes a unique "Wealth Builder" program that produces automated buy and sell triggers for its members, giving them guidance for trading in the Forex market.
- Answers Regarding New PAS AdPaks
What I did notice ... my body did not react as it normally would. I was not a "walking zombie" after repeated short nights. What does this mean? Does this mean that it was all due to FrequenSea? I honestly cannot tell. It is certainly possible that this was a mere coincidence, so I'm not going to go ranting to you about the wonderful effects of this product. However, I will say that, at least for me, this was indeed very "unusual". It was great to be able to work such long hours, get minimal sleep, then get up early and do it all again.
- New PAS AdPaks Update/Status
As I had mentioned in our previous issue, I had acquired (as of 6/8/06) 2 rotations (AdPaks) for the ensuing 8 weeks. I am currently averaging about the same number of visitors to my PAS website as I had with the "Old" AdPaks ... but we must take into consideration that I had 4 rotations running with the "Old" Adpaks, compared to only 2 rotations now, with the New AdPaks. What does this mean? Effectively, the number of visitors has doubled, on average, with the New AdPaks.
-Ethos FR-
The product has arrived! At long last, my shipment of 4-32oz bottles of Ethos FR arrived. Along with the 4 bottles came a very nice, full-color, full-sized, multi-page welcome pack. Also included was a DVD. I must say, for a company that is just starting out (still in pre-launch), I am indeed impressed with the quality of this initial package.
- A New Star?
As you may have seen in our previous issue, we had begun coverage of a relatively new business opportunity known as The New Plan Network (or NPN for short). In that issue, I ran down a list of both similarities and differences with The Prosperity Automated System (PAS). Before I continue, I would like to address the issue of company support. In my last issue I had reported that my request for support had not received a response.
I'm happy (very happy) to report that support has already improved. In fact, the owner even frequents the members bulletin board and engages in discussions, as responds to support issues as well. I honestly don't know how he does it. Sure, there are some that he can't get to in a timely manner, but I'm amazed at how many he DOES respond to.
- Your Long Awaited PAS update
In our last issue, I reported (quite succinctly) that my PAS system had produced no new callbacks. Well, roughly a month and a half later, the report, sadly, remains the same. Still zero callbacks. In fact, website traffic has dropped to an average of only 6.5 visitors a day.
Again, that's visitors (i.e. people who have merely viewed the website). In fact, since July 25, only 10 of those visitors were interested enough to request access to the rest of the PAS website (to get beyond the first page of the PAS website, visitors must enter their name and email address).
Let's break this down a little further. In a month and a half, two PAS rotations (AdPaks) have produced a total of approximately 293 "visitors", and only 10 Opt-Ins. Given that 1 AdPak runs a healthy $190 per month, the results listed here are valued at about $570 (2 x $190 x 1.5 months).
Now, I don't know about you, but in my book, $570 for 10 Opt-Ins and Zero callbacks is a pretty poor advertising investment. Also recognize that this "reduction" in performance comes after the folks at The Prosperity Network amplified their marketing efforts by placing adds via Sirius (Satellite Radio), mainstream magazines and the like.
- PAS Under Investigation!
The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking to shut down a network of 25,000 websites, accusing operators of running a $15-million pyramid scheme that promises to shower participants with easy cash.
Prosperity Automated System, which bills itself as a marketing network, "is destined to collapse and leave the vast majority of investors with substantial losses," the SEC said Wednesday.
The complaint targets the network and its creator, William M. Osterhout of Citrus Heights, Calif.
- PAS Conference Call Recorded
- PAS Websites Have Been Shut Down
It has begun. In response to the SEC, all PAS Members websites have been shut down. Please read on.
PAS Members are instructed to refrain from further sales until further notice. Here is the latest update from Bill Osterhout:
- MegaWealth Rescinds It's Offer To Purchase PAS
As promised, I stated that I would keep you updated as developments surrounding PAS unfolded. As of October 3rd, 2006, the MegaWealth Corporation announced that it has rescinded their interest in the purchase of PAS. You may recall that Harmony Thiessen had announced via a conference call that the MegaWealth Corporation had, as of 9/29/06 (only 5 days earlier) intended to purchase PAS.
- A New Unique Business
I've recently become aware of a brand new business opportunity called ITV Ventures. I've been watching this one for over two weeks, and just recently enrolled via the Premier Independent Business Owner (IBO) Package.
As you already know, I am a former MLM company owner (of 6 years) myself. I have seen and experienced my fair share of network marketing companies, and never has one "grabbed" me like this one.
ITV Ventures is the network marketing arm of ITV Direct, an extremely successful and well established (6 year, 400 million dollar) infomercial company. This is the first ever company that started out as an infomercial company who then incorporated an MLM component (versus the other way around).
- ITV Ventures - The Verdict Is In
As you know, this newsletter series is (and has always been) a publication that has been based on my own personal experiences with various business opportunities. Today's issue is no different.
Before we jump into the topic of the person of Donald Barrett, I'd like to ask that you be aware of two important points as you read this rather lengthy newsletter issue.
As you read this, remember that ITV Ventures is only in Pre-Launch (This is very important)
Also remember that I personally used to co-own a Network Marketing (MLM) company. I have (nearly) "seen it all", both as a distributor of several MLMs, and as an owner, with the full realization of what it takes to not only keep the operation alive, but to do so while constantly striving for the utmost in integrity. It is not an easy task, by any stretch of the imagination.
Okay, now on to Donald.
Donald Barrett (CEO of ITV Ventures), along with a cast of corporate officers, came to Newport Beach, California to conduct an opportunity presentation. Now, being a former Vice President of Operations of my own Network Marketing company, I'm don't get overly excited/impressed with idea that there's a possibility of meeting the "CEO" of a company. When it comes right down to it, the title isn't necessarily what "makes the man" (or woman).
However, that being said, if you do get the opportunity to meet an officer of a company that you are interested in, by all means, do whatever you can to make it to that event. Sound a little contradictory to my previous statement? Here's the bottom line. A CEO is "the" source by which you can judge a company's direction, passion, and potential for success. If you can find out what makes the CEO "tick", then you will also have a much deeper insite into the company he or she represents.
In a Word ... Impressive
Given my past experience dealing with not only my own corporate partners, but also with several officers from other companies, I'm going to just come right out and say it ... Donald Barrett is the real deal. Although he is young in age (31), he is incredibly mature in his business savvy, in his presentation skills, but most importantly (to me), in his genuine character. He immediately came off to me as a straight-shooter. Is he confident in what he has built and what he is now embarking on ... yes. Is he a slick-tounged snake oil salesmen ... certainly not.
- ITV Marches Forward
As you may recall, our previous issue highlighted a brand new company called ITV Ventures. Rarely does a company come along that "has it all together" right from the "get go". I feel a strong responsibility to report the truth regarding any and all businesses I cover, and as such, I've been searching for the "achilles heal" of ITV Ventures. I have yet to find it.
According to MLMRankings.com, ITV Ventures became the top ranking (most popular) MLM company for the month of September. This ranking is based on company interest, where the data is gathered primarily via MLM searches from various sources.. ITV Ventures showed the greatest gain from the month of August to September ... a gain of 122.67%.
- We Have Liftoff!
As you may recall, our previous issue highlighted a brand new company called ITV Ventures. Rarely does a company come along that "has it all together" right from the "get go". I attended the Phase 1 Launch in Newport Beach, California on Jan 12-14.
What I saw, witnessed, and experienced simply blew my mind.
It didn't take long to realize that ITV Ventures had attracted a group of people with some of the highest levels of integrity I had ever seen gathered in one place. I was able to make several "instant friendships" that evening. It was such a fantastic experience to once again be amongst a group of like-minded individuals. Individuals who had similar goals, who had creative marketing ideas, and individuals who simply wanted a vehicle by which to help others achieve their dreams as well.
- My Personal Alert
We created My Personal Alert to act as a close sibling to our primary newsletter publication My Personal Account. But, there's a distinct difference. My Personal Alert will inform you of brand new business opportunities and/or marketing systems ... opportunities and/or systems that have not yet been scrutinized from an insider's approach.
So why did we create this additional newsletter? As the subscriber-base for My Personal Account continues to grow, we are constantly alerted (by our readers) of new opportunities that were due to "hit the streets". Over the course of several months, we've formed relationships with people in the industry that we can trust, people who have already succeeded, and people who are well connected to some of the biggest home-based business "heavyweights".
Armed with these kind of resources, we can now send you an alert when the next (hopefully) big business is opening its doors. Again, we want to be very clear, we have not yet had an opportunity to ourselves join and/or investigate the businesses that you will be notified about. Please keep this in mind.
However, we will do our best in ensuring that new businesses we cover will have adequate representation (by other known, successful MLM'ers and/or entrepreneurs), either as members of the new businesses, or as owners/directors.
- An Exciting New Business Opportunity Prospect
A brand new business opportunity had been recently brought to my attention via one of my new-found friends (and now business-associate). It's called the Predator Marketing System.
On the surface, it appears to be very much like PAS. But, there is one very noticeable & obvious differences. The folks who created the Predator make no claims that theirs is a truly a 100% automated system. In addition, the Predator even comes with a product (I'd call it more of a service, but I won't split hairs). They provide education and training on how to build a business.
They do not offer any type of leads package (e.g. AdPaks). Instead, they will embark on training you in different methods/approaches how to acquire and build your OWN leads. This, on the surface, is quite a refreshing concept.
But, enough of my babbling. Go ahead and give it a good hard look for yourself (and be sure to watch the movie). Oh, and if this shows enough promise (which I'm hopeful it will), I'll be developing another complete "Dominator" marketing system for it (like the one mentioned on the next page).
Here it is:
The Predator Marketing System
- High Tech Alert
New MLM From the Creator/Inventor of "Caller ID"
Announcing Forum Technologies
A brand new business opportunity had been recently brought to my attention via another of my new-found friends, Keith Tyler. It's called the Forum Technologies.
Forum Technologies offers an array of technological products. It is kind of like "Sharper Image goes MLM". The founder and CEO of the company, Greg Dockery, actually invented some of the technologies that we use today. Caller ID and Picture-in-Picture are just two examples.
Infomercial Giant Will Send It's Customers To YOU!
ITV Ventures
I'm going to keep this one brief. I have actually already joined this company several weeks ago, and have reported on it via the last few articles via the primary newsletter My Personal Account.
If you'd like to read the details concerning my personal experiences with this company thus far, either subscribe (FREE) to My Personal Account, or, you can go directly to latest two issues here:
- ITV Ventures
Without a doubt, this new business opportunity has it all together. Award-winning infomercials will drive buy-ready customers directly to your phone, at your home, on YOUR schedule!
- Global Domains International
GDI is the one of the best global income opportunities on the internet today. It provides domain names, email and hosting, which are huge and growing markets, and are predicted to be worth trillions in the near future.
- Ethos 4-E Corp
-in-1 Product
1. Save fuel & oil
2. Reduce engine wear
3. Reduce emissions
With Ethos Fuel Re-formulator you will Save fuel! Save Oil! Save on Wear and Tear to your engine! Make it run smoother, cleaner and with more power with their custom ester blend that is completely non-toxic.
Commercial fleets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Asia and Europe use this re-formulator. It significantly reduces emissions, fuel consumption, and engine maintenance costs. EPA laboratory tests confirm that Fuel Re-formulator is 99.99976% clean upon ignition and ashless upon combustion. 4-E's, Ethos FR now offers this exclusive product for general consumer use.
- uVme
uVme is a fast-moving and unique business that combines three of the most exciting phenomena on the internet: ONLINE GAMES, SOCIAL NETWORKING WITH INSTANT LIVE COMMUNICATION, and Social Marketing. This market is so powerful, it’s growing four times faster than the Internet. It’s NEW, VIBRANT, DYNAMIC, and above all else, it’s FUN. And you can join today and it won’t cost you a single penny.
- FrequenSea
FrequenSea brings you total earth nutrition "by land and by sea." This proprietary blend of Marine Phytoplankton, Frankincense, Ionic Sea Minerals, Sea Vegetables, Herbs, Aloe Vera, Astaxanthin Sea Algae, carried naturally in Cranberry and Blueberry concentrates with a twist of lime.
- Prosperity Automated System
PAS offers a comprehensive marketing system that allows you to market your current business opporutinities. If you are currently involved in a business opportunity, PAS offers you a variety of businesses to market that they've hand-picked.
PAS claims that you can earn a substantial income with little to no effort. They send traffic to your PAS website by way of what they call "AdPaks". AdPaks can be purchased for $190 per month (this is in addition to your initial enrollment, or license fee). PAS offers a unique business model, one that shows great promise.
Internet Marketing
Internet Marketing, done right, requires a multitude of online (and offline) tools and resources.
Some essential tools include, but are not limited to:
A High Quality, Reliable Email Autoresponder
Website Development Software
Website Domain Name(s)
Website Hosting Server(s)
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools
Anti-Spam
Information, information, information
Software Engineering
Our staff of software engineer consultants has extended experience in software design, development, integration and testing.
We have provided our services to major companies including:
The Boeing Company
AIL Systems
BAE Systems
California Microwave
Hughes Aircraft
Lockheed Martin Skunkworks
Northrop
Paramax (a Unisys Company)
Raytheon
The Lighter Side
Testimonials
Transfer Factor
Sea Vegg and The Transfer Factor have been demonstrated to reverse the affects of cancer and other negative affects on the body.
Blog
Shop
spider-map
Contact Us
|
