We are on the cusp of the fall quarter and for those in network marketing, this is traditionally one of your more productive periods. What better time to review those behaviors, the qualities of character that produced success for you in the past; that you will want to bring to bear during the months ahead. Sometimes, people get stuck because they stop doing the things that got them where they are. To the relatively new entrants to the industry, the tips I offer may work for you as well.
To begin: Focus on fundamentals: basic skills, values, character attributes that connect with those you prospect. At the end of the day, people don’t buy your product. They buy you, they join you. The number one sale you have to make is selling yourself to YOU. This means you have to buy YOU first (before others will).
First and foremost, like people; enjoy being around others. People pick up on this. Believe in the power of relationships so develop them with care.
Second, be a good listener. The professionals know this. You cannot hear or learn when you do all the talking. Be empathetic: interested in the needs, goals, and dreams of others. If possible, be a problem solver. This is not forgotten. When you help someone achieve their goals, you achieve yours.
Third, do not forget the importance of good habits. Good habits consistently applied are a building block for success. It takes discipline to be consistent. Make it a habit to learn from and work with your upline colleagues and support system. You have to be “teachable” and “coachable”, otherwise your limitations become apparent very quickly. Do what your sponsor, your organization does until you have mastered your craft. This means watch the videos, participate in the conference calls and the Webinars. Even then, you will make mistakes – that is to be expected. The object is to learn, build self-confidence, and stay in the game. Look at success as a cycle of behavior: trial, error, feedback, knowledge, trial, and success.
Fourth, make effective use of your time. Think of time as a strategic commodity that offers a return on wise investment. Set priorities and allocate time wisely. Create balance in your life by setting aside time for family, community, your faith, your business, and personal growth. Each contributes to your ability to focus and prosper in the myriad roles we assume in life e.g., family member, parent or guardian, spouse, business leader, mentor, etc. Set up a system that best helps to account for your time daily: a daily planner – bound or electronic; 3×5 cards, PDA, whatever works for you. Consult it daily!
Fifth, strengthen communication skills. Be able to present an idea in clear, precise, and succinct language – in person, on the telephone, in writing, and in a group setting. Distill your message and say it right and say it often. Tell your story honestly and often. Remember, facts tell, stories sell.
Sixth, know your product. Be your product! Exude optimism. Your confidence can be persuasive, contagious. Others need to know that you believe in your product. Again, tell your story.
Seventh, project confidence; have faith in yourself. Believe that you represent the best of your industry, your company, and your product. This overcomes the negative impressions some have of our industry.
Eighth, stay focussed on your goals. Establish benchmarks or timelines to measure your progress. This relates to time management and being able to distinguish between “being in motion” an “pursuing those activities that meet a specific purpose.”
Ninth, be able to say “no” when necessary. Often, your focus shifts because of saying “yes” too frequently. Sometimes, productivity, success is measured by what you said “no” to that day. It is easy to be too available, too involved in too many activities that, on the surface, appear to be worthwhile but do not represent the best use of your time. When you say “no”, several things happen: a task has to be delegated, others step up to assume responsibility, value is attached to a request for your involvement, and, your time and attention remains focused on a greater priority.
Tenth, always be prepared. You are a professional representing your industry, your company, your products, and your organization. Knowledge is never a disadvantage. Be on time for appointments. Review details in advance. Do your homework. The ultimate compliment you pay a prospect, a sponsor, your organization is to be on time and prepared for the meeting.
The tips I offer are not unique but proven. Jim Rohn is, as always, on point when he said “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced everyday; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated everyday. It is the cumulative weight of our discipline and our judgments that leads us to either fortune or failure.”
