So which are you? An MLMer, or a Professional Network Marketer?
Is there really a difference? Are we just trying to separate ourselves from the negative connotations of the phrase 'Multi Level Marketing' and all of the pain it brings to mind of the people who stepped into and out of the business model over the years? Do we instead call ourselves "Network Marketers" and escape the skeptical eye of the 'real' entrepreneurs who would never do one of those 'deals'?
I say not at all- Network Marketing as a profession has come into its own - and there are hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs who would never work a business if it did not have the leverage that a Network Marketing business offers. A professional Network Marketer knows that by developing leaders - they can create true walk away income. You cannot do that with a traditional business - even if you are the 'boss'.
So what is an MLMer? What makes them different from a Professional Networker? And how can YOU evolve from the MLMer mentality and become the professional you must be to stop running on the hamster wheel - getting nowhere?
The MLMer has the mentality of an employee.
Wow, that's a tough one - but right on the money. Most individuals are actually employees when they begin a home based business, so of course they have the mentality of an employee! How can that be a bad thing?
The MLMer's focus is on retirement. Its on how quickly they can sit back and do nothing. Their first question is 'how quickly can I make $5k a month so I can quit my job'. Now, wanting to quit your job is a natural thing... indeed, the true entrepreneur is smothered in a job and can see no other way of life than being self employed. But if your primary goal is retirement - we have some work to do!
The Entrepreneur's drive is to do exactly what they desire
The entrepreneur is looking for an opportunity to work so that they can do what they are driven to do - they KNOW they are meant to do bigger and better things and are looking for the way, the teacher, the opportunity to present itself as the answer to the problem they have - a job!
The MLMer is also known as a MLM 'Junkie'.
The MLMer is always looking for the next big thing - the next super duper comp plan that is going to pay them 2000% more for doing diddly squat. They are constantly jumping from one company to the next and have 'shiny object' syndrome which constantly distracts them from their goals. They rely on their emotions when making a decision. They let the over hyped launch calls, websites and and big promises of individuals guide their decision making. The are typically in multiple deals, and in many over many years. They never learn to laser focus to make the long term residual income... because they are living week to week, or at best month to month.
Be careful - because this affliction has a cousin. It's the elusive search for the magic 'system'. If you are up all night reading every so-called guru's training on how you can make money in your sleep without ever calling your prospects... If you are spending your days in the technical side of internet Network Marketing instead of talking to humans... you are in the endless spiral of looking for the magic dust.
7-9pm is the Golden Time where you need to be talking to people. Your online marketing should be done after hours... yah hear???
The Professional Network Marketer aligns themselves with one GREAT company and builds for LIFE
The Entrepreneur relies on discipline - and truly does their due diligence before aligning themselves with a company that they will succeed wildly in.
An entrepreneur will stick with one company once the right one is identified. They will build one huge network and create as many leaders within that network as humanly possible! They will work to 'replace themselves' by training up people who can lead the masses...
So that they can go on to do bigger things, to give philanthropically, to travel, to inspire greatness in others.
The MLMer is always looking for an example of success outside of themselves.
They are waiting for their upline to provide the perfect training - the perfect system, the magic leads that are going to get it all done for them... or worse still- for spillover! What the heck is spillover? It's a lottery mentality. It's the get as much as you can for doing nothing - it's the employee mentality that wants to get just enough done so that they don't get fired... but never strives for excellence.
The Entrepreneur Leads by Example.
They make a definite decision and remained committed to the tasks ahead until the goal is met. They don't do what they do for the money - but for the sake of creating something bigger than themselves. They do it in service - for the greater good. They don't make excuses for themselves, and don't give excuses when asked why the goal wasn't accomplished. They state the facts... not lame excuses!
Don't Worry! Your Evolution can be swift!
I do think that most people begin a home based business with the MLMer mentality ~ But most of us will mature into the mindset of the Professional Network Marketer. Eventually it is no longer about how much money you can make 'off of' people, but instead its about how many people you can help to succeed in this incredible profession. Your ability to distinguish between a 'great' company, and a fly by night program designed to fleece people out of their hard earned seed money becomes honed. You will avoid money games like the plague - aware of the carnage they leave behind. Instead, you will seek to align yourself with greatness - with a rock solid company with all of the pillars in place so that when you bring a new person into the business you know with full certainty that you are doing something GOOD. You are making a change in the world.
You never know who that new entrepreneur might be- or how many lives they will impact. But you'll know its your job to make sure they have what they need to move forward to be a professional Network Marketer.
As a pro - you will be able to see the MLMer mentality a mile away. You will hear it in your prospects and in your new business builders. What are you to do???
Be an example - that's what leadership is and does.
If they are watching, they will learn. They will emulate. They will win. And then guess what??? So will you!
So are you an MLMer or an Entrepreneur using the Network Marketing business model? If you see yourself in the MLMer mindset - your evolution can be swift. It can be NOW. You can make the decision to avoid the MLM junkie behavior. Align yourself with a great company - and then get laser focused. Do exactly what you are told without deviation. Develop your own skill set within that company and build a rock solid future for your family.
Otherwise you are always just starting over... just trying to make a buck... just trying to get by... always thinking the reasons for your failure are outside of yourself.
One last thing...
If I tell you I'm laser focused - don't show me your MLMer qualities by trying to woo me with your super duper next big comp plan thingy... I don't care what it pays if you are selling crap products with no real value in the marketplace, or if your company is a dinosaur when it comes to marketing.