How to earn your first $500 in network marketing
Last night I visited a network marketing forum. I've never done that before but I wanted to see what other networkers talk about. What are they concerned about? What do they want to know? But also, what can I learn? (One never stops learning. . .) And, since I spend most of my time with distributors in my company, I thought it might be fun to meet some folks in other companies.
I registered and scrolled through some of the posts. There was a question posed by a self-proclaimed newbie. He said he didn't have a lot of money to invest in his business, and wanted to know how he could earn his first $500. I posted a response which was well received by other members.
As The Twilight Zone's Rod Serling used to say, "Submitted for your approval. . .", here's what I said:
"Some people have more time than money, so use what you've got. Also, why $500? Right now, you need to get something to happen, even if it's signing up one distributor or earning $25. A small success will lead to bigger successes. Build your belief and the money will come.
Here are some more tips:
1. Start with a warm market list; contact everyone you know and get a tool (DVD, web site, etc.) into their hands. Ask for their opinion. If you were opening a shoe store or restaurant, you would invite everyone you know to come see what you offer.
2. Training: go to events, get on conference calls. MLM is different and you need to immerse yourself in learning.
3. Focus on activity, not results. Have enough activity and over time, the results will come. If you focus on results, you'll ride an emotional roller coaster. If you set activity goals and reach them, then every day is successful.
5. Get a workout partner. Someone who will hold you accountable to the activity goals you set.
6. Do three-way calls with upline. Your job is to deliver the information (always use tools) and if they are interested or have questions, get them on the phone with someone else. It's all about third party.
7. Show up. Get around others in your business on a regular basis. Associate with people who have what you want and can serve as models for you.
8. Personal development. Work on yourself more than anything. Read, listen to tapes, practice approaches and responses and everything else.
9. Commit to a year. "The first 18 months are crap," said Art Williams. Prepare to go through whatever it takes to make it.
10. Have fun. Yes, you'll get out of your comfort zone, but if you're not enjoying the business, if it's not fun and exciting, you're doing something wrong. Enjoy the journey!
When you focus on the fundamentals and have a long term perspective, instead of focusing on the short term ($500), you'll increase your chances of success for the long term."
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Comments on How to earn your first $500 in network marketing
"Focus on activity, not results. Have enough activity and over time, the results will come" you say. In most fields that I know, this would not be well-regarded advice. It's akin to the idea "build it and they will come" or "when in ahole, keep digging". Now, I know that you will be able to distinguish both, but I still worry about your suggestion.
@Fergus
Of course it is results we want, and over time, if someone isn't getting results, they need to make changes. But in the beginning, especially with people who have never been in any kind of business before (i.e., most people in network marketing), it's more important to get some activity going and build their confidence. If we focus on results from day one and those results aren't very good, they're apt to get discouraged and quit before they get good enough, or do it long enough, to get meaningful results. That doesn't mean "ignore" results, just not dwell on them.
But experienced folks should also focus on activity instead of results. Why? Because we are always seeking the next level and that means getting out of our comfort zone (because that's where success lies) and we are all human and subject to discouragement, no matter our level of experience. And, we can't control results, but we can control our activity.
In network marketing, most people say no (and that's a good thing–if most people said yes, there would be no opportunity). But why "focus" on the reality of nine out ten people turning you down? I'd rather "focus" on doing ten more exposures so I can find the next "yes".
In my law practice, most people who came to see me hired me. I'm sure you find the same thing. Network marketing is different.
David