I am a Network Marketing Professional.
Is that one of those MLMs?
Until I began following Eric Worre of Go Pro fame, I never
thought of that title as actually applying to me. I knew I was working with an MLM company, but
there are still people who shy away from that connotation. MLM is no longer a new concept, but everyone
knows at least one person who will complain loud and long about an MLM company. I admit there were days I wasn’t keen on
using that title. I am happy to say that
now I am proud to be a Network Marketing Professional!
Oh, those companies are all _______!
Believe me, I’ve heard all the arguments against MLM and through the years I have developed a thick skin about those arguments and find myself now feeling sorry for the ignorance of the detractors. The first thing people complain about is something along these lines: “Oh, those companies are all scams! You never make any money; there are only a couple of people making money! It’s all a pyramid scheme!”
There are numerous articles and books that address these
arguments and I’m not going to restate the obvious. If you feel that way about MLM companies, and
are not open to becoming educated about it, I will not waste your time (or
mine).
Look at some of your favorites
However, the next time you place
an order with Avon, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, or any other direct selling
company you obviously are a great supporter of MLM companies, and if you don’t
want to join us that’s okay, we welcome your business and your cash. In fact, many companies that are direct selling companies, and belong to the Direct Seller Association are indeed MLM companies.
"I did it and I never made any money!"
To counter the “I tried it and I never made a cent” argument
I want to know “how long did you try to make it work?” Although it has been known to happen, most
people need to spend more than one to three months working their business. Plus, unless the business is being treated
like a business and not a hobby, your chances of success are slim.
In order to be successful as an Independent Business Owner
you need to complete your company training and then continue on the path to
self development in those areas you notice weakness.
Refrain from blaming anyone other than yourself for your failure. When you need help ask for it. You up line has a business to run too, and unless you ask for help you won't get it. Don't expect people to read your mind.
Active listening? What's that?
You need to develop strong listening
skills. Listen to what your prospects
are telling you, don’t craft your next question or response. So many MLM people “hear” but they don’t “listen”. Hearing is passive, listening is active so be
an active listener and focus on what the other person is saying. Acknowledge what that person is saying, and
if called for, ask more questions. Worry
more about their “wants” than what you want (the sale).
"Focus" is not just a term for your camera!
Speaking of focus, daily consistent working your business is
important. Develop a schedule and stick
to it without being inflexible if circumstances change. Set yourself a goal as to the number of
people you will contact/have conversations with/email/or give a tool explaining
your product or business.
Be accountable
to someone about your progress, whether to an up line, a partner or another
team mate. Accountability will help
you stay the course and give you reason to be proud of your progress. If you are building a team, it will be easier
for your team to be accountable to someone if they see you are accountable to
someone.
Everyone completes the same training
Never ask someone on your Team to do something you yourself
would not do. The training for your business has to be easy for your team to
duplicate when building their team. If
your attitude is “do as I say” rather than “do as I do”, you are guaranteed to
lose team members. Focus on completing
every step necessary so you can truthfully tell your team “if I can do it, YOU
can do it”. That’s what your team wants
to hear. They want to know that it’s ok
to be human and make mistakes. They want
to know they don’t have to be an expert straight out of the gate. They want to know that the training will take
them where they want to go and be something they can accomplish. Apply the knowledge learned to the steps
taken and reap the profits. It should be
that simple.
Build your "ship"
If you want to build a team, there are some important facts
to remember. First of all, although you
may talk to someone who wants to earn more money, or improve their quality of
life, or to earn a passive income, a good percentage of the people you talk to
are going to be reluctant to make the changes they will need to make in order
to achieve these things. Make no
mistake, ALL these things are possible with MLM, and the probability of success
is predicated by how willing the individual is to acknowledge what needs to be
changed and to want to make the changes.
That is not to say you should discount these individuals as prospective
partners. In fact, once you discover
their fears and can offer them a solution to overcoming the obstacles, you will
have a very determined, hard working and happy team mate.
I don't want to pay anything!
Some people will say they “can’t afford” to invest any
money, or will say “I don’t want to pay anything to work”. First of all, you are not asking anyone to “pay
to work”. What you are offering with MLM
(assuming your company is stable, has a great product, and a good compensation
plan…complete your due diligence before you commit), is the opportunity to make
as much money as can be dreamed about.
You are offering hope and freedom from future financial woes; you are
offering the chance to be the CEO of a company without the brick and mortar
expenses of a traditional small business.
Every business requires some start up fee and overhead. There is no denying that fact; and MLM businesses
incur start up and overhead fees that are significantly less than a brick and
mortar business.
When people say they “can’t afford” it, the statement often
indicates their concern that they won’t receive any ROI. When you help them see the value in the
opportunity, people will find the funds. Remember this: people ALWAYS find
the money for what they WANT. Sometimes
they’ll forgo paying bills to do it! Although
you never, ever, ask them to sacrifice, it is important they understand that a
small sacrifice now can bring much freedom and liberty in the future.
Believe!
