Over the edge

After three months of hard work, I've finally gotten over the edge and met my initial goal in my network marketing program. I'm not saying that to brag. I think some got to the same level in three MINUTES! My purpose for sharing my goal attainment is that I finally uncovered the missing piece of the puzzle of my personal success in this, my first network marketing experience.

What was that piece, you ask? Persistence? Knowledge? Enthusiasm? Sincerity? To be sure, each of these is a vital piece that plays a significant role in completing the puzzle. But there was one more piece left to add.

Actually, I didn't uncover it in October. I merely "rediscovered" it. It's a principle I had learned several years ago but had forgotten. You see, back in 1988 I was preparing to go on a mission trip to the South Pacific islands. I had to raise the funds. After a few tries and a few failures, I talked with the missionary who had been in the islands at that time for over 14 years. "I feel like a beggar," I told him. He looked me square in the eye and said, "Don't you EVER feel that you're a beggar when you're doing mission work. You're giving these people the OPPORTUNITY to use their money in a positive and powerful way." I had never thought of it quite that way before. I thanked him and went on and, in the end, had to pay most of my way anyway because I was STILL too timid to ask others for the money. It's not that they wouldn't have been willing to help me go on the trip. I just didn't want to "bother" my friends.

Did I just hear someone say, "When's he going to get to the point? What's that missing puzzle piece???"

Some of you may have already picked it up from my story about raising funds for mission work. For those of you who didn't see it there the first time, go back and read that paragraph again before going on.

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Did you see it that time? Of course you did. The final piece of the puzzle was what my missionary friend tried to teach me and which, just now, over 7 years later, I have finally learned to apply in my life. I just began to see my involvement in my network marketing program for what it truly is - an opportunity. I see it now as something that will benefit my friends. I see it as something for which they may later thank me for sharing with them. In short, I've stopped worrying about "bothering" my friends and started working on giving them an opportunity by telling them about this wonderful company and its great leadership and tremendous marketing program.

Have you been loath to "bother" your friends and family with your program? Could this be why your organization hasn't gotten off the ground? Remember, in network marketing, the emphasis is on the term "network." We are first and foremost about relationships. At least that's how I understand the concept of network marketing. And if you can't go to those closest to you, to whom can you go?

If your organization has stalled or has not even gotten off the ground, perhaps some personal inventory is in order. Are you worried that you'll bother your friends if you talk to them about your program? Or do you believe so much in the company, the products and the marketing plan that you figure you're offering them something that could be of tremendous benefit to their lives? It bears some thought, don't you think?!

Postscript: Someone will surely say, "My main concern is, what if I convince my friends to get in and they fail? I don't want to lose my friends over a business." To be honest, some will indeed fail. They won't work the program. They won't do what it takes to have the proper attitude to be a success. And, when it's all said and done, they may indeed end up blaming you. The bottom line here is that you are showing them, as prospects, how successful the program is IF WORKED PROPERLY. You're not guaranteeing their success. You can't run their lives for them. You're telling them what they can achieve if they put forth the effort. Do all you can to support those in your downline, but please don't feel responsible for the failure of those who refuse to try. Every person is responsible for his or her own success. This is true in all aspects of life.

Michael Gifford lives in Montgomery, Alabama and is the father of four. He is the president of the publishing firm, Upword, Inc. and is the author of 3 books. His first venture in network marketing is with Nationwide Auto Club, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael enjoys making new friends and welcomes communication from across the globe.

E-mail address: carbucks@mont.mindspring.com
Home address: 4501 Charingwood Court Montgomery, AL 36109
Phone: 334-270-8694