MLMs...Love them or hate them?

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Permalink Reply by Sherry Fritz on November 12, 2010 at 2:58pm

Very Well said! I liked your emphasis on training!



Tucson Networking Association said:

Larry James said:

From my experience, it's not the MLM companies that are to blame, it's the unfortunate people who are not sufficiantly trained to be in business for themselves. Many are lured with the option of making thousands of dollars each month when - in truth - that is seldom the case. So, let stop the blame game and everyone pitch in to help train "everyone" how to effectively network better.

A major irritant for me is having an MLMer try to recruit me into their fold at networking events without telling me hardly anything about their scheme where I can make $20,000 a month. It seems to me that it should be this way: help someone understand and like the product by being a user of the product and much later. . . introduce them to a way that they might make a few extra dollars in their spare time. I know how it works because at one point in my life I was a very successful MLMer. Networking events are not about recruiting. I doubt seriously if you or anyone you know would consider getting in business with someone they just met. If you are someone who does this, you will soon get a reputation as a "networking pest" and your networking opportunities will soon evaporate.

Sometimes I want to scream, “Stop trying to sell me. I don’t even know you and you certainly have no clue about what my motivation is for being here!”

Networking is about building long-term business relationships. You cannot do that in one meeting. It takes time. Be clear. Networking is using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return! And if a business lead grows from conversation with another networker that’s the bonus! Not the intent.

MLMer's can fit in nicely into "any" networking groups as long as they truly understand the collaborative etiquette of networking!

Suggested article: Networking Events are a Waste of Time. . .

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Permalink Reply by Larry James on February 5, 2011 at 12:57pm

A networking irritant for me is having an MLMer (multi-level or network marketer) try to recruit me into their fold without telling me hardly anything about their scheme where I can make $20,000 a month. It seems to me that it should be this way: help someone understand and like the product by being a user of the product and much later. . . introduce them to a way that they might make a few extra dollars in their spare time. I know how it works because at one point in my life I was a very successful MLMer. Networking events are not about recruiting. They are not about selling. If you are someone who does this, you will soon get a reputation as a networking pest and your networking opportunities will soon evaporate.

Sometimes I want to scream, “Stop trying to sell me. I don’t even know you and you certainly have no clue about what my motivation is for being here!”

“Selling to people who actually want to hear from you is more effective than interrupting strangers who don’t.” ~ Seth Godin

My friend, Jim Rohn once said, “The more you know, the less you need to say.” Sometimes is is wise to just keep your mouth shut and let the other person blab on about whatever it is they do. Then excuse yourself politely and move on to meet someone else.

Be clear. Networking is using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return! And if a business lead grows from conversation with another networker that’s the bonus! Not the intent.

Read: "Networking Events are a Waste of Time. . ." @ http://networkinghq.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/networking-events-are-...

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Permalink Reply by Sherry Fritz on February 5, 2011 at 1:05pm

Here!  Here! Very well said!  Thank you Larry!

Larry James said:

A networking irritant for me is having an MLMer (multi-level or network marketer) try to recruit me into their fold without telling me hardly anything about their scheme where I can make $20,000 a month. It seems to me that it should be this way: help someone understand and like the product by being a user of the product and much later. . . introduce them to a way that they might make a few extra dollars in their spare time. I know how it works because at one point in my life I was a very successful MLMer. Networking events are not about recruiting. They are not about selling. If you are someone who does this, you will soon get a reputation as a networking pest and your networking opportunities will soon evaporate.

Sometimes I want to scream, “Stop trying to sell me. I don’t even know you and you certainly have no clue about what my motivation is for being here!”

“Selling to people who actually want to hear from you is more effective than interrupting strangers who don’t.” ~ Seth Godin

My friend, Jim Rohn once said, “The more you know, the less you need to say.” Sometimes is is wise to just keep your mouth shut and let the other person blab on about whatever it is they do. Then excuse yourself politely and move on to meet someone else.

Be clear. Networking is using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return! And if a business lead grows from conversation with another networker that’s the bonus! Not the intent.

Read: "Networking Events are a Waste of Time. . ." @ http://networkinghq.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/networking-events-are-...

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Permalink Reply by Larry James on February 5, 2011 at 1:09pm

Sherry - Opps! I had forgotten that I had already posted a comment some time ago that said nearly the same thing.

Must I say everything twice twice! LOL

Guess this is a lesson that really needs to be emphasised.

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