Not Everyone Will Be Your Fan

According to the Direct Selling Association, 15.1 million people in the U.S. are involved in direct selling. That’s a lot of people in this industry, and new people are joining every day. More consultants means more competition for you. In fact, competitors are everywhere – on different teams, working with different companies, or even on YOUR team. 

Don't sweat it though. Friendly competition can be healthy. Of course, not all competitors are friendly; some will view you as the enemy simply because you’re not in their downline or with the same company.  You may even have some of your own team members or customers who don’t think you’re all that wonderful. So what?

Just accept that you can please some of the people some of the time; but you’ll never please all of the people all of the time. And when it comes right down to it, the only people you really have to please are your customers. If you are running a business of integrity, you just keep doing what you’re doing.  Don’t change who you are or what you are doing simply because someone doesn’t like it. Change if you need to for continuous improvement; otherwise be true to yourself.

Unfortunately, not everyone operates with the same principles. Some people will try to sabotage your business. Some people will call you a liar. Some will try to get into an argument with you on a public forum. Some people may even do something that you could never imagine. So what? Keep on building your business and do not let others determine the fate of your future. Don’t spend too much time worrying what others think or say about you - and never stoop to their level. Remember, those who talk badly about you only make themselves look ugly. By taking the high road, you can keep your integrity intact.

All that said, lest you think network marketing is all cat fights and mud slinging, you will find that most people in this industry are inherently good. Like you, they're simply too busy running their own business to pay much attention to your business. Most are very helpful and supportive, and will freely give advice when asked. When you do run across those naysayers, just walk away. 

You should be aware, though, that the more involved you are in your business, the bigger the target on your back. The best way to deal with competition and those who have made it clear they are not a fan, is to politely ignore them and focus your time and attention on growing your business and delivering exceptional customer service.

As in everything you do - church, school, work, and even family gatherings - you will meet some people who like you and some who don't. Concentrate on building relationships with people with whom you have a connection, and ignore the ones who are just looking for trouble, and you'll have much more success - and a lot less stress - in every area of your life and business.

Should You Sign Up With a Company Because You Absolutely Love the Products?

Whether you’re considering starting a business as a network marketer or if you already have a business but are entertaining switching to a different or additional company, read on.

There are so many options available if you want to be part of the direct selling industry. There is no shortage of product lines and of companies whose primary product line is similar to other companies. You certainly have your choice of which company to represent. In your decision process you should consider the company’s compensation plan, policies and procedures and whether or not the products are consumables – making it likely customers will reorder.

What about particular products?  Should you sign up with a company just because you love the products? While liking the product line can help you be a more enthusiastic sales person, there's a few other things you should consider.

Clearly you should at least like the products. If you don’t have any interest in what you are selling it will show; and could present some real challenges in your business. If you don’t wear jewelry and it’s not something that interests you, how well do you think you could represent a jewelry company? Yet the question remains: do you need to be full-on, passionate about the products? Some will say emphatically, Yes!  Others will disagree that being passionate about the company’s products is a necessity for success.

Let's take a look at an example to help you understand why passion might not be the best indicator of potential business success. 

Company A has a product line that you absolutely love. You want one of everything in the catalog, and have already started amassing quite a collection. After you reviewed their compensation plan you see that earning more than 25% is virtually impossible. It’s a ground floor opportunity, and while customers won’t need any refill on a regular basis, they certainly could come back to give the products as a gift. But the products are to die for - and you just love them!

Company B has some cute, unique products. You’re hardly passionate about the items, but you can think of some target markets that would benefit from the product line. This company pays their consultants almost 50% commission, in addition to extra percentages available. The primary product line is something customers would replace frequently. They’ve been in business for about six years, have a proven track record of growth in both sales and recruits. You read about them in the Direct Selling news and know they’ve won a number of awards. You showed the catalog to a couple of your friends and they like what they see. You just don’t happen to see yourself needing to fill your home with one of everything from the catalog.

Obviously, if you're in business to make money (and aren't we all?) then Company B has a whole lot more going for it than Company A. If all you're looking for is a fun way to earn a little spending money, though, by all means stick with the company whose products you're passionate about. 

Help for Shy Network Marketers

Do you think you're too shy or introverted to be successful in network marketing? Does the thought of approaching strangers to talk up your product line or business opportunity give you a sick feeling in your stomach? Will you avoid asking for referrals simply because it feels too uncomfortable for you? Don't automatically dismiss a profitable network marketing career just because you get a little nervous about making phone calls to strangers - most everyone experiences this kind of fear at one time or another, and just about everyone can overcome it.

First, it’s important to look at the fear of public speaking. It is absolutely the number one most common fear.  Public speaking could mean speaking in front of an audience of 500 people or it could mean speaking one on one to a stranger. Three out of every four individuals suffer from speech anxiety. That's seventy five percent of the population! Given this alarming statistic, shy network marketers are the norm, not the exception - and if they can overcome it, so can you. I should know - I used to be so shy, I would skip school on days I had to give a presentation.

The reality is, most people on your team, including upline and downline have or have had a fear of speaking in front of people. Sure, some make it look so easy and natural.  They are either faking it quite well, have become more comfortable over time, or are in the minority twenty five percent of the population who enjoy public speaking.  Knowing this, there is no reason to feel inferior or intimidated if you fall in the 75%.  Aren’t you feeling better already?

For some consultants, the hardest part of running an MLM business is opening their mouth to talk with strangers. They are comfortable talking with family, friends and those they have had an opportunity to get to know. But potential customers, recruits or new team members scare the pants off them. The more opportunity you have to speak with people you don’t know, the easier it becomes. That said - a good many people simply will never be comfortable with public speaking, no matter how much practice they get.

Honestly, if you are so paralyzed with fear that you can never force yourself to utter some words about your business to strangers, then perhaps MLM is not for you.  You don’t have to be overly chatty, but you do need to introduce your products if you want to sell them.  If you are willing to give it a shot, and you really do want this to work and are willing to step out of your comfort zone, here’s a tip to get you started.

The next time you come in contact with a cashier, receptionist or waitress, take a deep breath, then say to this person, “If you know anyone who likes [candles, jewelry, cooking, etc.], could you please pass this along?” Then hand that person a business card, sample, or catalog.

That’s it.  It’s that simple.  You’ll realize it wasn’t so bad and that you didn’t throw up or pass out. Now try it again, and again, and again. It’ll either get easier and at some point you’ll find yourself engaging in conversations with strangers.  Or, this might be as good as it gets, but you’re still sharing your business with others.
 
Give it a try. You just may find yourself with new customers and recruits as a result.