Been there, done that

You want to be really discouraged?

Think about this. No matter how great your product or your opportunity is, there are probably dozens of other companies (maybe even hundreds) with very similar products and very similar compensation plans. You'll talk to people who will tell you, "Yeah, I've been there, done that. So what?"

You want to really be disillusioned? Try hearing your exact "sales pitch", almost work for work, delivered by a distributor with another company.

So how in the world do you distinguish yourself and your company?

I think we all have a tendency to wish for that elusive "something for nothing." Look at how many people play the lottery. Do you realize how infinitesimally small your chances are of winning? So small that it is almost impossible to compare to the normal realm of human experience. Yet every week (twice a week here in Texas!) millions of people shell out a dollar, or two, or five, or a hundred, just for the chance to get "something for nothing."

All too often, the concept of network marketing is represented as a "something for nothing" opportunity. The very real leverage of the business is catapulted out of proportion and portrayed as a quick and easy way to riches.

Well, your chances of a quick and easy windfall in network marketing are probably better than with the lottery, but not much.

Nevertheless, people come into networking looking for that windfall. They analyze different companies, "run the numbers," look at the various compensation plans, support systems, upline organizations, products, and try to determine which one will make them rich overnight.

People seem to think that they will be lucky enough to "discover" just the right company, at just the right time, and ride the wave of "momentum growth phase" all the way to a life worthy of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous."

Well, your chances of discovering the right company at the right time are just about as good as are your chances of "discovering" the right six lotto numbers to buy on Saturday night.

The fact is, the company, the products, the timing, the compensation plan, the toll-free number -- this will not make your rich. Only you will make you rich.

Yeah, I know. You've got the super-bio-mega-vita-2001 formula that is medically proven to increase lifespan by 50%, and you have a double-inverted exponential logrithmic matrix compensation plan that guarantees success if you only sponsor one person. Well, guess what? XYZ Corp. has exactly the same thing. Except that they offer a $1,500 cash bonus when you reach the Executive Emerald Master Commander level.

You say you talked to 5 people and 4 of them were already in some other networking deal? And the other guy was being badgered every week by his brother-in-law to get involved in another company.

That's the kind of thing you're up against. People have discovered network marketing. Marketing companies have discovered it, and are getting into it. Individuals have discovered it, and are getting into it. It is no longer a secret. Everybody knows about it -- or thinks they know about it. Lots of people you talk to are going to be in some deal or another.

What I'm trying to say is that the company you go with is not going to make your or break you. Only you are going to do that.

Sure, there are companies and products that are far superior to other companies and products. Even in a mediocre company, however, there is a very good opportunity to make money and build a business, if you do it right. And you won't make any money, even in the best company, if you don't do any work.

It all comes down to you. If you believe in what you're doing, you are well on your way. Belief is key. So in that regard, it is important which company you chose, because you need to chose one that you believe in without reservation. No, you don't need to be "brainwashed." You need true belief that is founded on the reality of your experience. You must use the products or services yourself. You must be able to honestly and sincerely recommend them to the people you know.

Belief will keep you going when it all seems to be falling apart. When you talk to ten people in one day and they all tell you about some other deal they're in, take heart. If you believe in yourself and your company, you'll have the strength to keep on going. After all, you joined your company, didn't you. And you're no fool. All you have to do is find some other people who are as intelligent and open-minded as you were. They're out there, but sometimes you have to look through a lot of people to find them.

It's not any easier anywhere else. No matter what company you're in, no matter how glitzy the products or the marketing materials, the key factor is you. You must still contact people and you must retail, sponsor and train. It may look sometimes like it would be a lot easier if you joined the XYZ Company -- but watch out. You're going to lose your credibility fast if you start jumping from company to company. When you start calling people about XYZ Company, they'll ask you what happened to ABC Company that you were so excited about a few months ago.

In the end, it is entirely up to you. If you have a good product, a solid company, and an opportunity you can believe in, the stick with it. Don't waste your effort trying to analyze your situation. Don't get discouraged when it seems like everyone out there is already in another company. That's not the case. There are plenty of people, who are just as perceptive and open-minded as you, who will see and appreciate your opportunity just as much as you do. Just work the business with enthusiasm, let everyone know what you are doing, and always be on the lookout for people who will see it the same way as you.