Network Marketing => What IS it, Really? Hello Partners:
I'd like to challenge you (us) to really reflect on the above question.
WHAT BUSINESS ARE WE 'REALLY' IN? - Most would say we in MLM are in the business of using, sharing and marketing exceptional products and services to others, and attracting business partners to do the same thing -- whether those products are in telecommunications, financial services, nutritionals, skin care, on and on.
And this is true, because bottom line - without products moving, no money can be made.
But I believe there is really a far MORE IMPORTANT answer.
Let's at least consider what I believe is a more accurate answer to this question, in 2 Parts:
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((1))- FIRST , we are in the P-E-O-P-L-E Business -- the business of personal relationships.
Success here requires constant personal growth and stretching and striving for excellence on our part. That's hard. Personal growth here means we must not only be comfortable with 'ourselves', but we must acquire a caring attitude -- even love -- for people.
NURTURING - In reality, we do not inspire organizations or businesses -- we inspire PEOPLE. We are successful if we know how to nurture and edify and see and affirm the best qualities in people. We must be truthful. We must be honorable. We must be humble. They must trust and respect us. Others can tell instinctively whether or not we care for them and have their best interests at heart. If they do not 'know' that we care for them -- they will not respond to us.
CARING - This is about assisting and working with 'people' who we care deeply for, and desire to help. We want to improve their lives. We see the higher ground that they cannot see, and we desire to take them there. This takes time and energy and patience on our part, and sometimes heartache but - witnessing our partners exceed their own expectations - is worth every single ounce of it.
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CHOOSE A 'CARING' ORGANIZATION - "The first thing is to choose an organization that is first, committed to developing you as a 'human being' - more than developing you as a salesperson. I endorse any Network Marketing organization that has ongoing, long-term educational programs to develop you as a human being. Self-confidence is vital on the 'right' side of the
Cash Flow Quadrant -- have a strong mentor program... have people you respect and enjoy being with".
=> From famous author, teacher, coach and wealthy investment guru,
Robert Kiyosaki, talking about some major KEYS in Network Marketing (including sponsor shopping), in one of his best-seller books, 'The Business School - -'. So it's critical that we know about, and are comfortable with, our Team - its governing values - its mindset - its mission statement.
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MLM 'PULLS PEOPLE UP' - "The primary KEY to Network Marketing success lies 'within ourselves' -- NWM is not about other people making us successful -- Network Marketing is about making ourselves better people -- so that WE can help make 'others' more successful. Big difference. He says that NWM 'pulls people up' - vs- the corporate world, that tends to 'keep people pushed down'.
=> From master MLM trainer / coach / author / speaker -
Tom (Big Al) Schreiter --------------------------------------------
Powerful insights from each. We need to listen to the 'collective wisdom' of these legends, and learn from it.
TEAM PRIDE - When we can provide the social environment for our Team members to feel significant, valued, and that they really belong to our marketing family, we are ensuring lasting success for the whole Team. We will find Team pride, a flowing spring of motivation, inspiration, loyalty, commitment, and dedication. Our Team members will only be as dedicated to the team as WE are to each Team member. The secret to success in Network Marketing is the same secret that creates successful marriages, families, communities and society. It is only a secret as we lose sight of the deeper principles of life, because we let our needs, desires, fears and burdens compete with these principles, instead of embracing them.
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((2))- SECOND, I believe we are in the LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Business -- perhaps more than any other business on the planet.
Please think about that. The highest levels of success in Network Marketing belong to those who are exceptional LEADERS. They have rare skills and talents involving many areas, such as being a constant mentor, followed by letting go. A good example of that is - when a new partner is filled with questions, a Leader initially gives out all the information. Then as time passes, a Leader may begin to say -"you call this number and get that question, and I'll find out about the other question, and then call me back and we'll compare notes" (so the Leader is kept from being the be-all and end-all). Eventually, the Leader may say - "I'm not sure about that one, can you find out the answer and then get back to me so we'll both know next time?" (thus they become equals).
This will be duplicated through the power of 'leverage'. A true Leader is always teaching 'leaders-in-waiting' by example - always cutting baby eagles loose from the nest when they should be ready, but scooping them up if they're not. They walk the extra mile - they give what it takes - they sacrifice, for something bigger than themselves.
LEADERSHIP in this industry is different from leadership in others. Here it is a wonderful paradigm of "win-win" -- You win -- and as a result, I win. In fact if you don't win, I can't win. This is UNcommon in other industries.
Kiyosaki Again - "The second thing successful people learn in NWM is how to lead people. Working with different kinds of people is the hardest thing about business. The people I have met who are successful in any business are those who are natural Leaders. The ability to get along with and inspire people is a priceless skill, a skill that can be learned..."
But in MLM, what is it that we are leaders 'IN'? - - -
M-A-K-E-R-S OF LEADERS - I believe that the greatest MLM Leaders are 'makers' of OTHER Leaders. They become a resource -- a 'teacher' of leadership -- a good listener -- a great communicator -- a committed partner -- to those who are on the PATH of development as leaders (which doesn't always mean those who are the 'biggest producers' in a group). Makers of Leaders have wonderful attitudes -- they ask questions -- they challenge their associate's hidden assets -- they foresee obstacles -- they troubleshoot -- they resolve situations before difficulty enters. They inform -- inspire and empower people to be their best -- personally and professionally.
More importantly, they teach concepts of community-building and connectivity -- perpetuating the birth of NEW Leaders -- who support and help 'others' achieve their aspirations -- because in NWM -- when we are ALONE -- none of us is successful -- we only succeed when ALL of us are winning -- the TEAM spirit.
This is the 'essence' of Network Marketing.
Network Marketing is perhaps the only business structure anywhere, that truly accomodates this kind of leadership development philosophy. It's unique to our industry.
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OK, does all this mean that MLM is perfect? - - -
NO, of course not - but what is? And MLM will always have its fair share of critics and detractors (I was one myself at one time) - because like any other industry, NWM has its own problems and risks.
For one thing, Network Marketing is H-A-R-D work (ask the top MLM Leaders) - make no mistake about that - and most will not do it - and we should never deceive people about that. But the total rewards possible (it goes beyond just the 'money') for those who 'will' pay the price, can be almost beyond belief. It can offer to others - who are prepared to work - the precious 'gift of hope'.
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Yes MLM may have its weaknesses - but back to my original point - consider its very biggest STRENGTH...
MLM 'demands' that that LEADERS care for, and mentor, and build OTHER Leaders.
Can you think of any other business model in the universe in which Leaders -- empowering other leaders -- is 'mandatory' for success?
In most businesses and other industries, even in prosperous times, it's a world of -- dog-eat-dog -- me-versus-them -- what's-in-it-for-ME -- a survival-of-the-fittest syndrome -- whereas in Network Marketing, in order for leaders to MAKE it to the top, they MUST work with and inspire and develop OTHER leaders.
That's worth celebrating.
SO WHAT "IS" MLM? - I submit to you that more than anything else -- more than products and services -- more than compensation plans -- more than sales -- more than prospecting -- recruiting -- residual income -- leads -- business briefings -- seminars -- conventions -- whatever -- we in this great industry are in the...
PEOPLE // RELATIONSHIP // PERSONAL GROWTH // LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT business! THAT'S what we're in...
=> A business of bringing out the 'best' in ourselves -- and in others.
=> A business of spreading financial and physical wellness around the globe.
=> A business that may well take our society and the entire paradigm of business and eCommerce to its next level.
Network Marketing // MLM is a business I feel very good about - a business I am grateful for - a business I am extremely proud to be a part of. I hope you share some of these feelings too.
A LEARNING PROCESS - As a Business and Financial Consultant, I do not profess to be an expert in the field of 'personal growth / relationships / leadership'. Not by a long shot. As an NWM professional however, I see wonderful examples of this all the time in our industry. I am inspired by it and I am learning.
There are a few top Leaders who exemplify this. There are great books and essays and teachings and websites on this large subject. Personally, I try to absorb and internalize everything I can get my hands on about it, and in the process -- I hope to become a little stronger in these areas of my life.
CRITICAL - I believe we in Network Marketing need to find a quiet corner somewhere and 'reflect' on the business we're really in. And we need to set some exciting GOALS for the next 6-8 months -- about telling our STORY -- over and over and over -- with a quiet PASSION -- to people everywhere.
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What IS a Leader? ------------------------
--- "Leaders are readers." (Donald Laird)
--- "The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live." (Mortimer Alder)
--- "Leaders think. They think because they are leaders. They are leaders because they think." (Dr. Paul Parker)
--- "What is life all about? Development and growth. The two great laws of life are growth and decay. When things stop growing, they begin to die. This is true of people, business or nations." (Charles Gow)
--- "For every person who has the ability to lead, there are a thousand who are waiting to be led." (Roy L. Smith)
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One of the undisputed resources for leadership / inspiration / growth are the writings of Dr. John C. Maxwell ('Developing The Leader Within You' -- 'Becoming A Person Of Influence' -- 'The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership' --'The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork' -- 'Failing Forward' -- and more). =>
http://www.injoy.com/ -------------------------------------------------------
Just 'thinking out loud' with you on this topic.
Thanks for the privilege of learning and sharing on this Forum.
Here's to a future filled with Success and Happiness for you.
Respectfully, Peter A.
