EDITOR'S NOTE: This article includes excerpts from the book "MLM A Shortcut to Financial Freedom" by Jim Sweeney, Published by Synergetic Publishing Company, 5513 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 213, Columbia, MD 21045, Phone: 316-681-7518, Fax: 316-942-6315
Even though we talk a lot about it, it's not the money we're after -- it's success. It means winning -- to achieve your goal in life. Money doesn't make you rich -- satisfaction does!
To do so we have to think bigger. We have to move from the same `ole conditions that got us to where we are, and find other solutions. If we keep on the same path that got us to where we are, we can expect to continue receiving the same `ole results.
The key is to find the right solution to success. Most people let opportunity pass them. They simply couldn't recognize it if it hit them between the eyes.
Most people will consider a change in personal lifestyle success only when forced to do so, like being laid off or for health reasons. The tragedy is that nearly everyone needs to earn supplemental income to provide for their family in today's economy.
Your job is not easy. It is to convey the above concept without bruising the ego of your prospect. Then you have to truly believe that your supplemental income plan is truly the answer for your prospect -- NOT JUST SAY IT, BUT BELIEVE IT!
Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. The secret to network marketing success is creating a desire within your friends for the product and the opportunity. Remember, persistence brings success when nothing else will. Your success is in helping other people succeed.
People love success stories. Everyone wants one to tell about themselves. You can help them create their story, and in doing so will help write the script for your own story.
Financial success lies in people you know. Success is a team effort. Building the team rests squarely on your shoulders, with the support of your sponsor.
The is a list of traits which generally define the success of a leader. If you are lacking in any area, then you are cheating yourself, as well as those sponsored.
TRAITS OF A NETWORKING LEADER
The real key to successful network marketing lies in the adage: you can't convince someone unless you believe yourself. The single most important possession in network marketing is your credibility. Don't blow it, especially with your friends, by not knowing everything possible about your products and what makes them advantageous.
A networking plan is always secondary to the products being sold. However, the key to successful networking is to sponsor others with a similar desire to succeed. Their ability becomes hinged to your ability to succeed.
When considering sponsorship candidates, shoot for the stars -- go for first place! The best candidate is not always already successful. It is your job to determine your own definition of a star and to help them become this.
Success breeds success. Just as playing golf with lower handicap players can increase your concentration, desire, and often lower your score. Likewise, working with successful people can stimulate your personal success.
The only people that knock success are those that have never achieved it. For these individuals it is only a dream which will never come true until they wake up and do something about it.
The more ambitious you are the more failures you will have. Count on it. Don't let it sway you or your efforts. You will also experience more success in achieving your goals.
I don't have time is the greatest dividing line between success and failure. No one can let this statement stand in your way. If someone is too busy to be successful, then they need to redefine their priorities. If the someone is you, review your plan with your sponsor. Anyone can find time to do something they enjoy -- do you enjoy doing this?
Even if you are on the right track you can get run over if you just sit there. Things just don't happen. If you want them bad enough you won't mind working to get them.
Examine your personal attitude toward the success of your business. Network marketing is a people business. Most people can't be led to a decision on the first presentation. And, you should never try to choke a commitment out of someone -- not if you expect them to keep it. Never give your final sales pitch until you are ready to close. Only the person you are attempting to sponsor can let you know when they are ready to be part of your business. They will do this in some subtle gesture, nod of approval or comment. You should only use pre-closer statements, like do you see why I'm excited about this business?
If your prospect is a self-made person, let them arrive at a conclusion slowly. In most instances their hesitancy is not in the product, company, people or even you as being their sponsor. Self-made people make a commitment, then make their commitment right. They are never finished with the job. They know this about themselves. What they are hesitant about is making a commitment, because once they do they generally have the factor of self-determination to stick to their commitment. But, once you have them aboard you can count on riding the rainbow of success with them.
The primary key to the success of any organization is proper foundation. Just like a building, the foundation must be dug, footers poured and properly prepared to erect the rest of the structure. The foundation, though eventually covered, supports the structure. In addition to your product and company knowledge, you need to properly assist each person sponsored. To do so means limiting the number of individuals sponsored and sharing your time as necessary to assure their success.
Sponsoring success means limiting your personal time and ability to meet the needs of those you have sponsored. Don't sponsor another individual until the one just brought into your business is hitting on all eight cylinders. As a general rule, spend an average of one hour per week minimum working directly with each person personally sponsored.
Built correctly, you only need to work with those individuals personally sponsored. Teach them to do the same, and you have multiplied yourself many times. On a supplemental income basis, spend 10 hours each week (generally nights and weekends). Know what you are after. Write down your goals and the steps necessary to reach each goal. You can't hit a target unless you know where to aim.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once remarked, The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving. Keep focused. Success is not a destination -- it's a journey.
Larry Dean is an Independent Representative and Regional Training Director with Excel Telecommunications.
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