Five Mistakes That (almost) Every Network Marketer Makes
I have worked in traditional marketing; producing campaigns and creative and buying
and selling advertising in television, print and radio for the past 20 years. My career has developed from being just another employee, grinding through a daily commute and office politics to being a freelancer working from home and having more control over my life, my time and my income.
When I grew tired of making other people wealthy, I explored my options and quickly discovered Network Marketing. And maybe this is where you are now. Exploring options so that you can create more diversity in your income and live a more free and abundant lifestyle. Smart. Very smart.
I have to admit.. I didn't have a clue as to what Network Marketing was all about. However I quickly noticed the upside; that it was an affordable business, it was something I could own, and it was 'portable' meaning that I could take it with me wherever I went. Cool.
But boy-o-boy did I have a lot to learn. If it's okay with you, I'd like to share some of the common mistakes that I and others have made when they first venture into the brave new world of Network Marketing. If you can learn from my mistakes.. maybe just maybe you can join the millions of people who are creating a better lifestyle for themselves in this new economy where information and individual freedom rules and network marketing provides an affordable and viable option to participate in the trends that our shaping our world.
1. The company you keep
This can be the single biggest mistake that most people make. The company DOES matter. Of course it has to be legitimate and legal and have quality product, leadership and compensation. But I encourage you to look deeper than that and check out market trends and the company's position in the marketplace.
If you're all about a fast buck, you're going to leave a trail of dead relationships behind you and end up empty handed. The only thing that sucks about making a lot og money, is making it for only a short period of time.
My suggestion? Choose a company based on their long term growth potential. Is it in a growing industry? Is there long term opportunity for expansion? The addition of products or services? How about the competition? Is the company one of a thousand just like it or is it in a niche by itself (lets face it.. if you or your customers can buy a same or similar product at Walmart for half the price.. keep looking). Does it have a product that people will want to buy on a continuing basis or is it a one time purchase?
And finally, does it have the support systems and culture that will help you get started and stay involved. No one wants to be around stressed out, negative people. How you 'feel' when you use the product, work with your upline or participate in company events is critical to your ongoing success.
2. I'll show you mine if you show me yours
This is related to the previous mistake. So many people, including those who have been in the business for a while and should know better, will jump at any opportunity to show someone their 'deal' that they'll agree to look at someone else's 'deal' and think that they will sway them over to their way of thinking.
Guess what? The person you are meeting is thinking the same thing! My 'deal' is better than your 'deal' is a dangerous road to travel and in my experience is a big time waster. Instead, go find people who aren't in any 'deal' and are hungry, open and looking for an opportunity. They are all around you and their numbers are growing. (NOTE: This isn't to say that you shouldn't talk to and attempt to recruit networking leaders. There are many who are open to looking at other deals... just be sure to fake it 'til you make it and approach them with confidence)
3. Why are you putting yourself through this?
What is your WHY? It's not enough to say you want to 'make a lot of money' and it's not enough to say you want to 'get out of debt.' Somewhere along the line, many of us lost the ability to dream, or at least to believe in our dreams. Life, media, parents, friends and teachers have taught us and continue to remind us to be practical and to stop day dreaming.'
With Network Marketing you have the ability, in fact are encouraged, to dream again. And I'm not talking about silly, hyped up fantasies of being a millionaire in 30 days. I'm talking about putting pen to paper and thinking through WHY you are embarking on this new venture and what will motivate you to get up early or work late. It's not about the money, it's about what the money can do.
Give yourself a timeline and some goals to achieve along the way (be sure to celebrate achieving those goals). Paper is cheap and dreams are free. Write them down, have fun and spend some time up front working ON your business before you spend hours, days, weeks and months working IN your business.
4. Go back to school
In the new Information World Order, gaining new skills and being open to learning new things is not suggested it's REQUIRED. And I'm not just talking about tactical and strategic things like learning how to build a website, write ad copy or understanding your company's compensation plan.. I'm talking about the more elusive soft and squishy stuff of working on your attitude, openness and control of your emotions, often referred to as PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.
You have to first have the MIND SET of a successful person before employing the tactics, skills and strategies of BECOMING one. Just like water finds it's own level and runs to the low spots during a rain storm, if you don't raise your mental game you will also continue to return to the same place.. your emotional and financial mud puddle.
Be real.. do you want to attract a bunch of misfit whiners and complainers and emotionally challenged people to your business or do you want to attract fun, motivated, mature and positive people to your business? The only way I have found to do that is to first BE one myself.
5. Whack a Mole
Okay, I don't have kids but I HAVE been to Chuck E. Cheese. If you haven't, then you have to go check out this kid's game called 'Whack a Mole.' It's a game where a little plastic mole pops out of a hole and kids whack it back down with a rubber mallet. And that is exactly what most new and amateur network marketers do!
As soon as someone they know or meet 'pops up' and mentions something about wanting to earn extra money or live a better lifestyle, the marketer 'whacks' them with a barrage of hot air about their company, comp plan and product. And then continues by trying to convince and cajole the 'mole' into taking a look at their business.
And what does the 'mole' do? Get beaten down into the hole from where they came! It is this exact tactic that gives network marketing its bad name and why most people fear talking to friends and family. Who wants to come off as 'salesy' and 'cheesey' to everyone they know? No one!
In order to change that, first BE the person that people are attracted to rather than the person they run away from. This is called ATTRACTION MARKETING. Make your business part of your conversation but not the only thing you talk about. Ask probing questions. Someone needs to make more money? Ask them why. Someone hates their job? Ask them what they would rather be doing.
Show an interest in them and their needs, desires and dreams and PLANT THE SEED that you may have an answer to their problem. That way you're not selling.. you're offering a solution. If you are patient, caring and you LISTEN you will probably find ten more reasons of why your network marketing business (or product) will solve their problems and allow them to enjoy a better life and lifestyle.
This takes practice. And I have found that when I talk less, people listen more. When I take an interest in them, they take an interest in me. If you do this right.. they will soon be asking YOU for an opportunity to look at what mysterious' thing you have going on that is giving you new confidence, financial blessings and peace of mind.
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Five Mistakes That (almost) Every Network Marketer Makes
By: Robert Hebert
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