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[PeterA]

MLM => Mindset of a Gen. Contractor?

Hello Partners:

Why are - building a Home - and MLM-Network Marketing - so much alike?

I'd like to share with you some of my own thoughts on this if I may on this Memorial Day weekend in the US...

If we think about it -- building a HOME first requires a DREAM.

This dream is placed on paper -- and a PLAN develops.

Then, a General Contractor is found, to discuss implementation of the Plan.

A Contract is signed.

Right off the bat -- the Gen. Contractor SEES the "finished result" (the Home).

It is crystal clear - in his mind - on paper.

Then he begins to gather his TEAM of Sub-Contractors, builders, etc, for the task ahead.

As the LEADER, he will follow that Plan and oversee the project, as he and his Group begin to BUILD the home.

At times the Plan may change slightly -- -

But the end result is always a fully COMPLETED home.

Always.

At times, the Gen. Contractor may "lose" some of his builder-labourers (they Quit -- they don't show up, and must be terminated, etc) -- but the end result is always - - -

a fully COMPLETED home.

Always.

As he takes that Plan and begins to build the home, the FOUNDATION always takes a long time.

Surveys must be done - Land must be cleared and leveled - Excavation must be completed.

However, a Gen. Contractor knows this is 'part of the process' -- and he simply presses forward towards COMPLETION.

Finally, the Foundation is poured - after many weeks, or months.

Next, comes the FRAMING of the house. It takes less time than for the Foundation, but requires careful execution.

The Home now begins to take shape.

Although it 'looks' like a Home now -- he still needs to add INSULATION - WINDOWS - DOORS - SHEET-ROCK - LIGHT FIXTURES - TILE - CARPETING - SIDING - ROOFING - PAINTING - etc, etc.

This takes even longer to accomplish. Frustration 'happens'.

Patience is a virtue.

Often, unexpected INTERRUPTIONS occur along the way - a shortage of materials - a labour strike -- a change in the Plan - a dispute with bank or owner financing -- bad weather -- on and on.

But all the while -- the Contractor "presses on" towards COMPLETION -- despite the challenges and setbacks.

If he doesn't COMPLETE it -- he won't get "paid".

He cannot become DISCOURAGED and decide to QUIT -- he won't get "paid" (he may even get "sued" if he stops).

-------------------------------------------------------

Enter MLM-NETWORK MARKETING - - -

Is it really so different?...

What starts out as a DREAM -- transfers into written language, on paper.

Then comes the developing of a GAME PLAN on exactly 'how' we are going to BUILD our "NWM Home" -- and the STEPS and STRATEGIES it will take on our part, to finish the project.

Then comes the recruiting and sponsoring of a TEAM of Biz Partners -- joining 'together' in a caring environment -- to achieve their "own" Dreams + to accomplish the larger TEAM "mission".

But here the similarities to the Gen. Contractor seem to part ways.

Now comes some NWM "reality"...

Most Network Marketers fail to "carry out" their Plan.

They never even "get" to the Foundation phase --because after a less than spectacular start -- they are 'influenced' by OUTSIDE FORCES -- other opportunities -- a doubtful spouse -- a family member -- unforseen crisis -- or worse, REJECTION.

These adversities in NWM often cause early DISCOURAGEMENT -- these challenges in NWM often cause us to QUIT -- "before" our NWM Home even had a chance to get a FOUNDATION in place.

I believe this is the saddest day we in Network Marketing can experience.

When we "leave behind" our Dreams -- we need to ask ourselves -- what happened to those countless hours of dreaming?

We need to ask ourselves -- WHY did we waste so much time writing Goals down on paper -- only to abort them?

We need to ask ourselves -- WHY did we spend so much time developing a Game Plan -- only to abandon it ?

I believe NWM is the most 'forgiving' business there is -- meaning that if we DO have to stop (for 'whatever' reason) -- we can always "start over again" -- pick up the pieces of lumber / the hammer / the nails -- and resume building.

But if we could only get that crystal clear "visualization of the finished result" -- avoid the NEGATIVE -- get the BELIEF -- have the COURAGE -- the FAITH (faith kills "fear") -- put in the ACTION -- have the PERSISTENCE ==> we would never, never "need" to quit in the first place.

We would simply "press on to COMPLETION" -- just like the Gen. Contractor.

If we continue to "press forward" -- NO MATTER WHAT [just like the Gen. Contractor] -- and realize that it is the ONLY way that we too, can see the REWARDS (financial and otherwise) that are possible in this great industry -- and if we decide to NEVER GIVE UP --then,

- - - "failure will NOT be an option".

Period. Period. Period.

If we keep on "sawing those boards" -- if we keep on "pounding those nails" -- if we keep on 'laser focused' to that DREAM -- we will soon see OUR (NWM) Home fully completed -- SUCCESSFULLY.

And "that" will be a Dream come true. It's very exciting to contemplate.

Let's get it right -- Let's get the "belief" in our hearts that [hopefully] -- we are in the RIGHT place -- at the RIGHT time -- with the RIGHT Biz Opp // Products // People // Support // Environment.

Let's equate becoming successful Network Marketers --with the mindset of a GENERAL CONTRACTOR.

We ALL have the seeds of greatness within us.

Respectfully, Peter A.

[Craig Mattice]

Hi Peter,

This was a great analogy and well thought out and written.  At first, when I finished the General Contractor part, I thought the post was over.  Then, to my surprise, you went into the correlations between the General Contractor and Leader in NWM/MLM.  That was awesome!

You did a nice job bringing everything together and making your points so anyone can understand what you are trying to get across to us.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts today.  Very much appreciated.