Category: Entrepreneur

Its difficult to find an entrepreneur who is as well-known as Kenneth Yellowe. This well-known professional is the owner and founder of the Global Energy Group. There are many companies that deal with liquefied petroleum gas but Global Energy was set up with the primary purpose of collecting local gas and energy with energy efficient methods and then processing it for its parent company Shell oil. The company slowly became so popular that it expanded to add many more subsidiaries to the parent company slowly becoming one of the largest oil and gas processing companies in Africa, America, Europe and Asia.

All these efforts are the hard work of company chairman and CEO Kenneth Yellowe. This professional spent more than ten years of his life working to streamline the oil and gas processing plant that he set up in Nigeria. He initially had no experience in oil and gas but with years of hard work he was able to set up one of the best support and development resources in the entire world for the processing and development of gas and petroleum in the world. He was the first to recognize that Nigeria had one of the largest resources of oil and petroleum that had to be tapped by the natives for it to be the most profitable.

As a result, his primary aim was to set up the very first indigenous oil processing plant that would involve the local population in it. The processing plant and rigs would provide local Nigerians a source of income as well as improve the local quality of life. It was a tough struggle as the native Nigerian had no real experience.

That didnt stop him at all as he brought in a team of consultants in the form of oil professionals, technicians, skilled and unskilled workers and even an entire team of engineers to reverse engineer rigs that would fit the unique Nigerian climate. And it worked like a dream! The company was able to achieve a strong foothold in the country. Millions of families now work for the company improving their quality of life, education and livelihood.

Even untrained local youths are incorporated into the workforce to teach them a livelihood which will help them in their future. The company is dedicated to providing the best quality if service for all its customer companies. Newer goods, better drilling techniques and world-class purification procedures are an integral part of the company and they have worked to make Global Gas and Refining, the industry giant that it is today.

From the Desktop of Stephanie Robey, Internet Entrepreneur

Why Read This 5Linx Review?

I am NOT a distributor or an employee of this company. I have an MBA and have spent many years learning things the hard way that eventually led me to be an expert in this industry. I have over 2 decades entrepreneurial experience in various businesses, primarily start-ups and am writing this so you can make your own decision about 5Linx as a business opportunity.

5Linx provides technology through a traditional Network Marketing business model. I see a huge opportunity for distributors in this company and will tell you exactly why at the end of this review.

Any business start-up will require your money and your time. Lots of both. MLMs are unique in that the startup costs are considerably less than say, a franchise, or a start-up. Never the less, you’ll need a mindset for success and the ability to really focus and get things done on your own.

The company has a sensible management team and a great compensation plan. I believe there are opportunities here to make a decent income if you understand how to market this company utilizing new technologies and marketing systems.

Read below for specific details.

Review of Pros & Cons

Reputation

No glaring complaints jumped out in regards to the company. There were several distributors online that had switched to other companies with similar product lines but all were professionally handled with no “word slinging”.

Looking online at the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) site revealed no outstanding complaints, either. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) in Rochester, NY, showed dozens of complaints, all resolved. No government action or ad infringements currently existed against the company.

Years In Business

According to the BBB, the company has been in business since January, 2001. It’s always good to go with a company that has been established for a few years because statistics show most businesses will fail in their first 12 months.

5Linx Review: Management

The Company has a well-rounded team that encompasses each area of the business: cellular sales, product development and direct marketing. Sales expertise is always helpful and this team has it. Companies lacking sales aren’t in business for long. The sales criteria is met with this company.

Craig Jerabeck, CEO and President has been with the company since 2001. With a background in cellular sales at the retail level and plenty of management experience, Mr. Jerabeck is an excellent choice for this entrepreneurial venture.

Jeb Tyler, Executive Vice President – Marketing, holds a degree in Business Administration focused on Marketing but the corporate website says very little about his experience elsewhere. Mr. Jerabeck’s experience probably compliments Jeb’s.

Jason Guck, Exec VP of Sales, has experience in the direct marketing industry, critical for the distribution method the team has chosen. Mr. Guck has had years of success building sales orgainzations.

5Linx Review: Financial Stability

At the time of this writing, the company is privately held and listed on INC 500 as one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Not a bad sign. Growth has been over 800% in a 3 year period.

5Linx Review: Products

Wireless Phones and Accessories, Internet and Long Distance Services plus High Speed Internet and Satelliet TV make up the company’s product line. VoIP calling plans comprise the most popular of their services. I found no complaints about the quality of their products or services.

5Linx Review: Competition

This market has a lot of competition with familiar brand names which could make it difficult to convince people to switch. However, positioned properly with the ability to identify prospects, this could be a lucrative opportunity. Today, everyone uses phone services.

5Linx Review: Compensation Plan

This is a traditional MLM direct marketing model. You can earn money when you sign on new distributors to work the business as well as a residual income when customers pay their monthly bill for services. There’s also a monthly profit sharing bonus pool.

Plus, the top producers also get a leased BMW and benefits similar to traditional corporate executives like vacation time, health care and others bonuses. The top level also receives a car upgrade to a Bentley and more profit sharing.

Opportunities start at $99 (limited) and increase to $499.

5Linx Review: Leadership

The biggest disappointment about the business is that they are still using the old-school methods of marketing: the 3 foot rule, home and hotel meetings, personally contacting people. Interesting, considering they are selling such a high tech product.

Remember, you need a lot of people looking at your opportunity daily, in order to reach the goal of one new sign-up per day. Take a look at the top producers. Interview them and sit in on one of their trainings. How do they market and train their team? Look for a “blueprint”, or a “system” that will get you started step-by-step.

See Training below.

5Linx Review: Training

Marketing materials, group trainings conferences and calls are provided at both the local and national level. This is pretty typical of MLM companies. They pitch the “old school” style of marketing and it’s the #1 reason people fail: chasing prospects and attempting to convince them that they want your offering. This is a difficult way to work the market and strange considering the products they sell.

On the Internet, you’ll be able to get between fify and 200 leads, daily.That’s actually, several hundred people per day, looking at your opportunity. Physically talking to that many people is tough and that is the beauty of the Internet where they come to you. People will actually flock to YOU.

Massive Income Awaits 5Linx Distributors

Leverage the Internet. The big questions – where is it people shop when they purchase electronics? ONLINE. This is a great business, expecially when the products are sold via Attraction Marketing and the Internet. The distributor who uses the Internet for their business will dominate the market in a matter of months and that’s exactly why I put together this website.

No more:
Home and hotel meetings
Approaching strangers
Burning out your friends and family

Instead, powerful online sales funnels:
People help themselves to the information on your website
They buy online from you, any time day or night.

I’ve done it for my business and many, many others. I can teach you the same exact things that I did.

Many people discuss real estate, banking/financial institutions, and other common investments that are know to most entrepreneurs. However, because we are new entrepreneurs, we need to create NEW investments!

Many investors invest money and time into a project. When one buys a piece of real estate, one spends his/her time evaluating the property, discussing and negotiating terms, and preparing and signing contracts. After all of that time is invested, money now has to be invested to conclude the deal. These two elements are very common in the entrepreneurial world. Time and money; time and money; time and money! This is all entrepreneurs hear! You have to invest a lot of time and money to make this business work! I do not entirely agree with that common statement, but there is some truth to it. The point is, we as new entrepreneurs need to (at the risk of promoting a clich) THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.

You may be asking, WHATS THE POINT? GET TO THE POINT!! The point, my fellow business community members, is that if you/me/us/we ONLY invest time and money into a project, we are extremely limited in our choice of investment. The entire premise of being an entrepreneur is that we do not fall in line; we do not conform to the conventional; and we break boundaries and borders in order to pioneer an idea, product, or state of mind!

Keeping that in mind, many people are interested in the entertainment arts. In other words, many new entrepreneurs are interested in the music and acting industries. This is a GREAT road to travel! I respect and congratulate any person who wants to invest in these types of projects, not only as silent or active partner, but as the actual talent; the actual musician or actor/actress. However, I do NOT want to mislead. Entrepreneurs that have picked this road have a very hard and bumpy expedition in front of them, but, like any risky investment, the payoff can be HUGE!

Now, let’s tie these two points together. People who wish to undertake this type of venture need to invest more than just the traditional time and money! Do not be afraid! This additional commitment is what makes being a new entrepreneur lots of fun!

In addition to time and money, one has to invest two other things. First, one has to invest his/her TALENT. If you wish to pursue a music or acting career, your talent is your biggest asset! Whereas you capital may help you invest in a real estate project, your musical or acting abilities are your capital in the entertainment arts. Second, one must be willing to invest his/her HEART! That may sound cheesy, but truer words have never been spoken. Unlike a traditional investment, like real estate, emotional attachment to the project is a must! If you do not believe me, ask yourself this question, do you really expect people to buy, watch, or listen to your music/movie/stage performance if no feeling is involved? The correct answer is NO! Truthfully, how many people do you know listen to music they like or watch a movie they like without getting emotionally involved. THE ANSWER, ZERO! Everybody who likes the artist they are watching or listening to creates an emotional response from each person. Whether that response is sadness, happiness, thrill, excitement, mellowness, calmness, and/or motivation, to name a few; the point is an emotional response is created, and therefore, fans are created! NO FANS, NO MONEY, bottom line!

Besides investing you time, money, talent, and heart, you must act as an entrepreneur in this business to remain successful. If you are the artist, always remember that no matter how big the paycheck, your art is still a JOB! If you stop singing or acting, the money stops coming. Although it is true that royalties may trickle in from time to time, the main money is gone if you stop. We have all seen how people can make millions on one job, and be broke in just a few years. Is this how you want to live? How would you like to be a millionaire that IS WORRIED whether or not he/she will be broke next month?! The whole point of wealth is that one does not have to worry about money!

If you are an artist you also have to be an entrepreneur. When you first start out in the business, people may try to take advantage of you. Watch out for these people, because there will be more than you think. Does this mean that all agents and/or managers will try to take advantage of you? Of course not, but you do have to create income through more than just your talent. Think of yourself as a professional athlete without a contract. When a pro athlete gets injured, in most sports, he/she gets paid even if injured. The same is NOT true in your business! If you do not make a record, movie, etc., you do not get paid!

Making it big should be your first concern, but when money starts coming in, DO NOT ASSUME that it will continue forever. Many big musicians and actors spin their fame into clothing products, perfumes/colognes, and restaurants. Investments of that magnitude may be further in the future, but chance favors the well-prepared mind! You do not have to be a millionaire to invest in real estate, an internet business, or a magazine; just to name a few ideas.

Musicians and actors/actress need to be entrepreneurs their whole career. The best way to avoid risk is to diversify. If you do not make a record, movie, etc. this year, wouldn’t it be nice to know that your magazine endorsement and your real estate investments are going to pay your bills for the next three years?

A few of the above written paragraphs may sound cynical, but for those of you new entrepreneurs that chose this path, you have a long, hard journey ahead and sugar-coating it will make it harder. If you go into this investment project with the mindset of an entrepreneur and the talent of an artist, you will do fine!

One hundred business owners walked into a bank. Eighty left empty handed.

Thanks not a joke. Its a stark reality of how the financing world works in 2015.

Traditional bank financing is a great tool for growing your business but we do not live in traditional times, and even as the American economy improves, access to this financing does not seem to be getting any easier. When traditional channels are no longer an option, the world of Alternative Lending is an excellent choice. These lenders offer competitively priced products, fast turnaround times, transparent terms, and require minimal documentation.

Market Street Funders offers a fast, free search for business owners to find business financing. MarketStreetFunders.com helps businesses identify the right type of capital needed and then matches them with lenders eager to work with the business. Lending options include:

Business Advance Short term working capital matched to future revenue. Repayment is made through small daily drafts. Requires the least amount of documentation and funds within days.

Business Loan Traditional loan product for larger amounts or longer terms. Simple interest loans with no prepayment penalty. Requires greater documentation and a slightly longer approval process.

Factoring Solutions Ideal for businesses with large purchase orders, invoices, or accounts receivables. Get paid immediately on invoices and purchase orders or turns accounts receivable into cash.

MarketStreetFunders.com was developed as a solution to the existing business financing search ritual, which many business owners find to be inefficient, while at the same time, rarely leading to the most competitive offer. Concurrently, traditional, bank-originated small business lending continues to be on the decline: the unmet demand is estimated at $80 to $120 billion per year.

The companys proprietary process leverages technology, deep industry knowledge and existing funder relationships to provide a fast, competitive and transparent growth solution for entrepreneurs. Most funding solutions will have a 3- to 18-month repayment period, with some loans up to $1,000,000 and 60-month repayment periods. Commissions are transparent and there are no origination fees.

Market Street Funders co-founder and CEO Tom Abel said, Today, when you want to buy a plane ticket, you dont call the airlines; you go to a search comparison site like Kayak or Expedia to find the best price. Market Street Funders provides the same kind of one-stop shopping for business loans and funding. Within hours of completing an application, business owners can compare financing offers side by side.

There are minimum qualifications to apply. A business must be at least six months old and have $8,000 in monthly sales. The online application requires some documentation; typically a few months bank statements. Approval and pricing are based on the strength of a business, cash flows, predictable revenue streams, historical performance, and other common sense factors. Funding solutions can be tailored for a variety of purposes, including inventory and purchasing, working capital, marketing, expansion, renovations and repairs, and hiring.

Co-founder and COO Erik Williams added, As entrepreneurs ourselves, we have first-hand knowledge of a sometimes untapped business culture of ingenuity and innovation. Our singular mission is to match entrepreneurial passion with the capital necessary to fuel it and make the process simple.

Prior to founding Market Street Funders Tom Abel was the Chief Operating Officer of Swift Capital, a recognized leader in the alternative lending industry? He also served as Executive Vice President and Director of Small Business Banking at MBNA America and later Bank of America. Abel is a small business owner, entrepreneur, and stakeholder in several early stage ventures.

Frank H. Crerie is an experienced businessman and has founded several businesses in his successful career of more than 55 years. Some of the companies with which he has been involved include Mundoro Mining, Doreal Oil and Gas, White Shield Oil and Gas, Corriente Mining, Minbanco. Under his guidance, he helped business ventures to reach new heights of success and gain excellent profits. An expert in the fields of investment banking, venture capital and corporate finance industry, he also served as a Director of Molina Mineral Exploration and was also the co-founder and financer of American Tidelands, Standard Uranium and Stan rock Uranium.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Frank H. Crerie, has been involved in initial public offerings serving as a co-founder and controlling shareholder on various major stock exchanges such as New York, London, American, Toronto, Vancouver and Alberta Stock Exchanges. At least two of his companies were listed on the American Exchange and more than five were listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and Vancouver Exchange. He founded and held the position of Chairman of White Shield Oil and Gas and the company was listed on LSE, TSE and NYSE.

Frank H. Crerie has started numerous companies which have attained great success in their chosen fields. While serving as a President of Crerie & Co. from 1951 to 1963, Frank H. Crerie underwrote and developed several resource projects globally. Along from his business ventures, Frank H. Crerie regularly donates to various humanitarian organizations and charities on local and national levels. He has also donated to Child Help USA and Arizona State Universitys Art Department. He has made donations to Scottsdale Contemporary Art Museum as well. Frank H. Crerie is also an artist and in his free time, he likes to paint abstract art and gifts his paintings to family and friends. He holds a B.A. degree from Columbia University, and also attended the Columbia University Law School.