Many folks believe success in a network marketing business involves selling. I recently received an email 'MLM tip of the day' which stated:
Don't let anyone kid you. Network marketing is a selling game and the best way to play the game is to have a good product or business presentation.
I read that and it made me cringe. How many people do you know who like to sell or be sold? My guess is not many! No one likes it. Yet we get into this business of network marketing wanting success and we're told that's what we must do. We are told the only path to success is to get out of our comfort zone and become that salesperson we don't even like! How long can a person stay out of his comfort zone and become what he is not? The answer is not long.
No wonder the attrition rate in our business is so high, close to 97%! No wonder the phone feels like a million pounds! No wonder we feel stressed when approaching our friends and family! It's because of crazy stuff like this. Then we start to feel like a failure because 'we weren't cut out to be in network marketing' and figure that MLM only works for the lucky few who can sell, sell, sell or recruit, recruit, recruit as we slowly watch our dreams slip away. But, there is hope!
Build Relationships and the Sales will follow
Building a successful network marketing business is not about selling. It's about building relationships and focusing on other people. Helping others get what they want, not selling them your product or selling them on joining your business. Focus on the other person. Find out what they want to accomplish in their life then help them get what they want, that's how you find success. Don't sell. Network marketing business success needs to be win/win not sell/sell.
Slow down and listen
Instead of focusing on what you should say next, slow your mind down and listen to the other person. Hear what they have to say. It will change the way you approach people and lower your stress level. People will sense that you care about them and you want to help them reach their dreams and desires. When you take the focus off yourself and put it onto the other person you will be amazed at how relaxed and open they become. The other person will instinctively know you care.
Do yourself and your business a favor. Don't follow the advice of these so called MLM gurus. Don't sell! Instead build a relationship with your new found friend, a.k.a. prospect. The process may take a little longer, but you'll have a life long business partner or product buyer which will be worth a lot more money to you in the long run. So, remember to have massive success in your network marketing business, it's not a sales job, it's a relationship business! |
