The MLM industry traces its origins back to the late 1950’s with the grandfather of network marketing companies Amway. Amway was quickly followed by the other direct selling giants of Shaklee and Mary Kay.
Pretty much everyone today has not only heard of these 3 companies but personally knows or has been a representative.
Today there are thousands of legitimate network marketing companies marketing everything from cell phones, to organic foods to luxury vacation packages.
No other industry offers the average person the ability and support to start a home-based business for around $500 or less. Subsequently more wealth is created in this industry than any other.
On the flip side many people join and then exit the MLM industry broke, frustrated and wondering why they didn’t have what it takes to create the success and financial freedom they were dreaming of.
So what happened? Why do so many people fail to create a thriving business in network marketing?
While this is an intricate problem with many possible answers I believe that one of the main reasons is because most network marketers don’t identify themselves as a real business owner.
All too often upline sponsors enroll as many people as they can with the mindset that only 1 or 2 people will make it. They don’t invest the time and energy it takes to help a person become a true professional and teach business skills. They simply wait and see who has the natural talent, contacts, and or tenacity to stick it out and create success.
But it’s not all the uplines fault either.
Many people join a company and then hide behind their product or comp plan. They think that their product is so good they just need to let people know about it and people will buy it in droves. Or their comp plan is so lucrative people will sign up knowing that they will soon be flooded with money into their bank account.
Or they hide behind the success of their upline. “We have the fastest growing team in the company.” “Sign up with us and we’ll create your fortune for you.”
Success with your network marketing business will ultimately begin when you identify yourself as a legitimate small business owner. When you dedicate yourself to learning effective marketing techniques. When you learn how to network like a professional. When you identify with the unique value you offer your clients. When you know, at the core of your being, why someone else should get involved with YOU, not your product or service.
Creating success in any business is simple but not always easy. It takes time, energy and dedication to learn all the skills that are necessary.
Never give up. Stick with it. Continue to grow and develop as a business owner. A business owner. A successful business owner!
