How Anthony Robbins Transformed My Life

Today is Day #3 of the 21-Day Blogging Challenge. Thanks for coming back to read my blog again.

If you missed Day #1 or Day #2, be sure to go back to Day #1 and/or Day #2. And please leave a comment below each time! 🙂

Thank You Kevin Knecht

So … Day #3 is all about the question …

“Who/what has positively impacted your life?”

It’s a very open-ended question.

I do remember a specific tipping point for me.

In 1994 (not yet the tipping point!) I started a radio advertising sales career for 93.5 WTPA-FM in Harrisburg, PA. I was super proud of myself to interview and get hired at my favorite radio station and, at the time, start living my dream lifestyle.

I met a lot of business owners that year, since they were my potential clients. It was an incredible 3+ years of learning the in’s and out’s of just about every type of business …

935wtpa

Bars, nightclubs, restaurants … to retail, wholesale and sporting goods stores … and occasionally some cool “events” like the Carlisle Car Events (still thriving today!)

Just as an aside, I’ll always remember my boss, John Butler, who was just about the most laid-back “cool as the other side of the pillow” sales manager you could ever ask to work for. He took me to my very first sales call … “Al’s Diamond Cabaret” in Reading, PA. (You can Google it at your own discretion! LOL Let’s just say, it was a memorable first sales call!)

Sorry … I got way off track there. But I figured you’d enjoy reading about that.

off track kevin knecht

Stick with me … in the coming weeks I’ll have a “Lessons Learned from Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio Sales” week reviewing some of my biggest “A-ha” moments that’ve shaped me into who I am today.

It was a hysterical time working in radio, however, it wasn’t getting toward my “financial freedom goals.”

I was always “paycheck to paycheck.” (I was also the 5th in line in the sales department behind the owner, manager, and two longer-tenured sales people, so a lot of the “good” accounts were taken!)

And … I had to do business from Harrisburg, PA.  Beautiful springs, awesome summers.  But, autumn and winter were just not my cup of tea.

I wanted to have control of my income.

The ability to work when I wanted to,

From whatever location I wanted to (by the beach or in “perpetual” summer!)

Without “worrying about (lack of) money.

That’s my definition of freedom.

But I had no idea how to start down this path.

During this period of my life, I discovered network marketing and its potential.

But, like just about every other “newbie,” I struggled.

1994, 1995, and again in 1996.

I never generated more than $300 income in a month (which, realistically was almost breaking even when considering the cost of gas, tolls and driving to so many appointments back then!)

I actually was thinking of giving up because “it wasn’t working.”  (Of course, I later realized it was ME that wasn’t working!)

Everything changed for me in the summer of 1996.

I traveled to Orlando for a Melaleuca convention.  It’s hard to remember exact stats, but I think there were about 15,000 people there.  I sat in the back.  The “newbie.”  Not sure if I belonged.

Heck, on that flight (this I vividly remember!) I sat in the MIDDLE seat in the BACK row of the plane both ways (with the toilet just a “thin” wall away!  LOL)

I saw the “glitz” and the “glamour” of the six- and 7-figure earners at the front of the convention center.  Behind those “red velvet ropes” in the V.I.P. sections.

Melaleuca kevin knecht

But I had trouble seeing me up there on stage!

(Okay, I just realized I’m rambling again and have yet to get to the main portion of the post).

After that week in Orlando, my “upline” in that company, my long-time friend Tom Farrell, recommended I get my hands on this new CD series from this guy named Tony Robbins.

I thought to myself, “Who’s Tony Robbins?”  And why should I pay $397 (or whatever it was) to buy a 30-day CD set.

Tom insisted that I did if I wanted to have success in my business, so I did.

And, wow, what a transformation!!!

Over the course of the next 30 days, I dived into that CD series with my workbook and completely altered my way of thinking … crossing the “bridge” from employee to entrepreneur!

Let me re-phrase that.  I dived into it as if my life depended on it.

Because it did!!!

I promised myself I’d find the ideal business, the ideal relationship and create the ideal body for myself.

And do it within the next 12 months!!

Well … it took about 15!  🙂

I instantly achieved 2 out of 3 on December 8, 1997 when I met Melissa and realized she had a full-time income WITHOUT having a job!  (Score!!!)

Within 90 days, we were in Cancun, Mexico at our first event together.

Definitely some good times!!  🙂

Kevin Knecht Melissa Knecht Cancun

This time, Melissa was part of the #1 team in that company, so she quickly introduced me to all the “movers and shakers.”

It was in that moment I realized they were no different than me!

Except they got started a few months to a few years before me!

When we got home from that trip, we were off to the races together!  🙂

We’ve been together now for almost 18 years!!  (It’ll take another 18 years to deliver all of the incredible stories, so please stay tuned!)

Working entirely FROM HOME.  In PA, then AZ, FL, AZ, GA and FL!

Pattern Interrupt Kevin Knecht

Holy cow.  Are you ready for this thought that just came to my mind as I was typing?

We all have “childhoods” that typically last 18 years.  Mine was from 1970-1988.  I “grew up” believing I was destined to be a loyal employee for a good company and I’d work 40 years and then retire comfortably!

Well, I lived about 10 years with that “noise” in my mind with hardly any “results” from that.  (I ended up broke and living with my parents at age 27 even though I was a college graduate!)

When I met Melissa, I essentially “started over.”  I became an entrepreneur.

Well … I’m approaching 18 years of a different “experience” (as an entrepreneur instead of seeing myself as an employee).

Meaning …

It’s REALLY time to take off the “training wheels” in life and to move forward!!

That’s the greatest blessing about being an entrepreneur.

There’s always OPPORTUNITY.

There’s always something to look forward to.

There’s always ONE IDEA that can create your next six- or even 7-figures!

When you remain “stuck” at a job …

Eventually the job goes away.

Or the boss finds someone willing to do your job who’s half your age and willing to work for half your wage!  (Say that fast five times … and enjoy the sound of the rhymes!)

So here’s my advice to you.

Get around a group of like-minded ENTREPRENEURS.

Team Audacity Kevin Knecht

People who will be there to help you “climb the ladder” in life.

It’s completely the opposite of the “corporate” mentality” which is filled with “glass ceilings” which keep you from climbing that “corporate” ladder.

If you’d like to see a simple solution that we’ve used for the last 3+ years to help others escape the rat race, get to $3K+/mth within 30 days, and $10K+ within 3-6 months, then be sure to click the links below this blog post or the banner ads on the right-hand side!

Thanks again for “tuning in” today!

I’d greatly appreciate you for leaving your comments below (and a link back to your blog if you have one!)

So … final question.

ARE YOU NOW READY TO STEP INTO YOUR PERSONAL POWER?  🙂

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15 Responses

  1. Doris Smith says:

    Wow ! Your blog is awesome and it reads like you’ve been blogging for much longer. You are definitely a leader by example who is leading us all to uncover the fun and joy of blogging. I’m gathering ideas for future blogs of my own. Thank you for being and keeping it real.

    • Kevin Knecht says:

      Thank you, Doris! Well, I have been on Facebook almost hourly for 7+ years. Very similar to blogging, just without the power of the platform like Kalatu. Plus, here the content belongs to me. (Facebook can pull down our stuff at any time if they see it unfit for their platform).

      My long-term strategy is to go back through my 7 years of Facebook posts and bring the best content here, as well.

      I’m excited for you because this is the most “non-techie” blogging platform you’ll find online.

  2. Heather Teles says:

    Great post Kevin! I especially like the part or your story when you realized that the “movers and shakers” were just like YOU! My 1st event was Nashville. Seeing you, Melissa and the other speakers made me realize that I can do this internet marketing thing too. 🙂

  3. jennifer says:

    Great post. You must take action now that will move you towards your goals. Develop a sense of urgency in your life.

    • Kevin Knecht says:

      Thank you, Jennifer! There’s no better time than right *NOW* !!! Appreciate you making time to respond!

  4. Really enjoy hearing your stories and adventures, whether it’s on your blog, on stage, on a company call, or in person (which we have yet to do). You consistently entertain, inspire, empower, and we appreciate you for it. Tony Robbins has been a huge influence on so many including us as well. Thanks for sharing how he transformed your life. 🙂

  5. Dan Giercke says:

    Loving the stories Kevin. I love how your personality comes through in your writing.

    Of all the personal development materials I’ve immersed myself in the past few years, I don’t have much from Tony Robbins yet (I do have a couple audio books I listen to). I’ll have to look into a copy of Personal Power II.

    Best of Success,
    Dan

  6. Davin says:

    What a great story Kevin and I love the way you have described your journey and how Tony Robbins helped you achieve your goals – I’m in the middle of his second book right now!

    • Melissa Barnes Knecht says:

      Thank you, Davin!!! His new book is one I’d like to do in July as a “Book-Of-The-Month” Club with an online group. It’s really really thick. That one might take a bit longer!

  7. Great blog post. Motivated me. Last week I dedicated each day to a Mindset Mentor. Here’s my link to my Tony Robbins blog. Be honored if you could check it out. http://buildingabrandonline.com/mlg59/the-mindset-mentoring-of-tony-robbins/

    • Melissa Barnes Knecht says:

      It doesn’t get much better than Tony Robbins, does it, Mark? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by here on my blog!