MLM Experiment

The other day, I began counting how many network marketing companies I’ve tried in the past few years. My total is about 8 and that’s amazing! Do I feel like I’ve been taken for a ride? Absolutely not. Have I made a million dollars? NO! Have I made any money? Very little. Am I still determined? Heck yes! Have I learned a lot? YES. Was there something wrong with the products or companies I got involved with? With one exception, no. The thing that’s stopping me from success, therefore, has to be myself. What a realization! All the gurus have said that, but I never really understood what they meant.

Every day people attempt to become masters at network marketing. They join a company whose product they like, with a pay plan they think may be good, and a management team that should be responsible. They join in the conference calls, make a list of 100 friends and relatives they can speak with, tell everyone they joined a company, and then get ready to get rich! If they stay involved after the feedback from family and friends (who often tell them they’re crazy for spending their money on such a thing), they’ve made it past the first hurdle.

Sometimes, they have a little bit of success early on. If they don’t see income generated within the first few months, or at least the first year, the’ll leave the company. Some search for another company (my own path), some leave the entire MLM/network marketing thing alone.

Companies often tell their new enrollees that if they follow the plan, they’ll do well. This, of course, isn’t always the truth. The plan isn’t the only variable involved in network marketing. A lot depends on attitude and posture. Some say “belief”, but I have difficulties with that word. It’s difficult to believe in success when you haven’t had it yet. Belief in network marketing can come from talking to others who’ve done very well with the concept, but internalizing that belief is something quite different.

So, success in network marketing might hinge on attitude or posture. It’s relatively easy to change your attitude quickly. Listen to music, smile, take a walk, do whatever it takes to change your state.

Posture is a bit more of a challenge. Dress for business. Set up an office in your home, stand up while you talk, and realize that there are several people watching you, ready to help you succeed. Your company has set up products, systems, materials, quality controls and a shipping department. These are all at your disposal! If you’re in a successful frame of mind, and are ready to explain how much you’re offering to others, you just may succeed in attracting people to your opportunity.

The other important variable, it seems, would be what some call “connecting”. I’ve purchased things from people I didn’t like, but I never felt good about those items. My last major purchase was a car. I didn’t leave the house and say “I’m going to get a car today,” My intent was to look around. The salesman I encountered was so likable and friendly, I spent a lot of time looking at his cars, and purchased from him. It was the human friendly exchange that drove me to purchase, not the car, and not the price. I’d spent more than I’d planned to spend. I’m guessing I’m not alone in this. People purchase from those who care about them and from those whom they like. So I’m going to try to get to know the people I call, not just to be able to take notes on what they’re about, but to really get a personal relationship going.

My intent is to present a successful posture when I speak to strangers. (If you used up all your family, don’t bother with more nay-sayers for your new business) You should plan to do a brief meditation in the morning, put on some enlivening music for 15 minutes, then begin calling opportunity seeking prospects for at least 3 hours. You should repeat the process in the evening hours.

I’ll document my progress. Perhaps I can let some new MLM recruit know in plain English what it takes to be a success. Stay tuned!