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Have You Heard the MLM Lies?
By Johna11 | heart-centered
MLM is most profitable to the individuals who develop their own organization charts.
First, let me say that I like MLM or multi-level marketing programs in general. Usually they sell really good products. Second, most are honorable and honest. However, some MLM lies show up when it comes to sponsoring and recruiting.
This week I was called by a woman I’d met at a seminar in March. She did a good job of refreshing my memory as to whom she is and how we met. She also got me engaged by asking questions about how the program I signed up for is going for me. Then she told me what’s going on in her world. That lead to her talking about a really incredible program for getting rich. She wanted to send me a CD that I can watch.
Initially she was going to rely on the CD to explain the program benefits. I tried repeatedly to tell her that no matter how good it is, I’m not going to get into it right now. When I explained that I have to stay focused on my present business, she started on the three hard sell MLM lies I’ve heard from network marketers for years.
The funny thing is that as a new distributor or representative, you tend to believe this nonsense and spout it when you talk to other people. In my experience, the up-line distributor tells them that it won’t take any effort because it’s the easiest way to get your new people started. It’s not the most effective approach, though, to selling your products or services. Nevertheless, if enough newbies talk to all of their friends and families, a few will luck into someone who actually wants what they are selling. The rest of your people will get discouraged and quit so you just recruit someone new.
Unless you’re selling water in the desert where there’s no public source of water, you need to understand your idea customer profile. It enables you to be efficient in your recruiting. You may still want to speak with everyone you know – but you will do it conversationally asking questions to see if there is a need or want that your program can help fill.
Hard sell salespeople focus primarily on their own needs so they can’t hear the repeat nos. While I agree that you don’t stop “selling” at the first no, until you find what your prospects want and need, you shouldn’t even be selling yet. You should be asking questions and listening.
If you are a heart centered, soft sell salesperson or marketer, you care about your prospects first, knowing that the sales will follow when you truly can help them get what they need to fix their problem or fulfill their desire. I have heart centered, soft sell friends in multi-level marketing who’ve approached me about their products. When I explained that I need to stay focused on my current business until it’s strong enough for me to add something else, they listen and wait until the time is right for me.
Multi-level marketing is a wonderful way to get started in your own part-time business. You can avoid getting suckered in by the MLM lies if you learn the basics about sales and marketing. You know from your own life, you’re not a prospect for every product on the market. So why did you get involved in this business? Start building an ideal customer profile as it will make it easier to find people who really will excel in business with you.
For more information on what an ideal customer profile is about check out my previous blog posts. One in particular I hope you will enjoy is “Focus Your Marketing on Your Ideal Customer.”
Sales Success Requires Listening, Not Telling
How to Ask a Closing Question
Gratitude Sets the Right Attitude
Heart Centered Selling’s not for Wimps
Sales Motivation – Remember, There’s more to Life than Money
Trusting a Salesperson Is Tough; Liking Is Easy
If No One Cares, It’s Not a Unique Selling Proposition
If Sales Calls to You Are Win-Lose Battles, Read No Further
