subject: What Does It Really Take to Make It In Network Marketing? [print this page] What Does It Really Take to Make It In Network Marketing?
I have been in the network marketing for sometime now and in the beginning, I will have to admit I thought it was going to be an easy 1-2-3 type of venture and then sit back and wait for the money to start pouring in. Well, as I soon discovered, it wasn't as easy as I thought, in fact, it was unexpectedly difficult. Why was it difficult? Well, we will get to that in a minute but, yes, I too, like so many others got caught up into the glam and the get rich quick websites and charismatic speakers telling me that with very little effort, I could achieve financial freedom.
And for that reason, I had no real respect for the industry. I didn't know that I would have to treat it like a real business.
I didn't think it would take any financial investment outside of the initial investment I had to make to start the business; I didn't understand what leads were and how to really acquire them; and getting the phone hung up in your face by those leads, ignored by family and friends really made me rethink this whole venture.
Along the way begin to understand that you must learn some necessary skill sets to be a rockstar in the network marketing profession.
Let's list some skill sets you must have in order to be successful in network marketing
Retailing skills
Recruiting skills
Telephone skills
Marketing skills
Internet skills
People skills
If an ad suggested that, "If you are good at retailing, recruiting, had good telephone skills, marketing skills, internet skills and people skills, then fill in the form below and get started on a life of financial freedom" Most people would turn away and the failure rate wouldn't be so high, because the number of people joining up would be drastically lower.
But, this is ultimately what is asked of you from our industry and I hardly doubt if anyone of us comes into network marketing with all of those skills. They are picked up along the way and only the ones with desire, patience, tenacity and belief will stick around to see it through.
Nowadays, after some much needed education the only reason I am here is because of my strong belief and respect for the industry and to be an example for my team.
This article isn't meant to scare you, but it is intended to bring some awareness to the forefront to make you ask the question, "Is this business really for me" and if you conclude that you are willing to learn the above mentioned skills, then congratulations.
I know my wife will give me a strange look but, network marketing is a lot like a marriage between 2 people. It takes love, but it takes guts, it takes knowledge of the self and your spouse, it requires work and being positively consistent and productive. Everyone remembers their network marketing honeymoon period. When that honeymoon ends, it's time to go to work.
