Now Appearing in an Extended Engagement! Join David Robison as he takes you into his world and his daily life of reviving a stand-up comedy career. Prepare for side trips exploring the "art" of salesmanship and business ethics and his experience with Multi-level Marketing. Enjoy some frequent detours describing his observations on life. Read the exploits of this self-proclaimed Renaissance-man and blooming blogger as you go
On The Road With Dave.
Below is a question posted on another discussion board,
> ANSWER THE AGE OLD QUESTION....
> IF I HAVE A PRODUCT THAT GETS VISUAL & EMOTIONAL > RESULTS IN 2 DAYS, SHOULD I LEAD WITH IT
> OR
> SHOULD I LEAD WITH THE BUSINESS??
> WELCOME COMMENTS
I replied with the following comments,
"Neither. If you are concerned with your products and your business opportunity and how many days it takes to get results, then you haven't begun to focus on what is truly important.
Do you know if the person you are talking to wants a product that gets visual and emotional results in two days?
Or does the person you are talking to want to hear about a business opportunity?
Does the person you are talking to even know who you are?
Does he know that you have a business?
Does he have a business?
Does he use a similar product that you have?
Does he trust you?
Has he given you any insight that he is remotely interested in giving you permission to sell to him?
If you haven't taken the time to find this out, then product or opportunity is of no consequence.
If you have taken the time to find this out, then the question is nether age-old nor will comments from people outside your experience help you.
Because if you have taken the time to find these things out, if you have built a rapport with this person, then you will have the answer based on your own knowledge; and you'll know exactly what to "lead" with.
Around here, on the weekends, various charities will set up at intersections and collect money for their various causes, as traffic waits for the signal light.
Sunday, a church group was doing this, or so I thought, as I was headed to the supermarket.
Sure enough, the signal turned red, and I was forced to wait in line.
All I had on me was my debit card, no cash. I didn't even have any change in my change compartment in my Jeep.
So I sat there, with my head down, trying not to catch the "eye" of one of the volunteers.
I was like the world's worst outfielder praying, "don't hit the ball to me, don't hit the ball to me".
But as it happend, a lady came to the door on the passenger side of my Jeep and motioned for me to roll down my window.
I looked at her and signaled with a pathetic shoulder shrug and my arms raised showing her my hands, and I hoped she would get the message that I had no money to give.
She insisted again with the standard "roll down your window" sign.
So I did.
She smiled and said,"We aren't collecting money, God bless you!" and she handed me a Milky Way candy bar.
I managed a smile and said, "Thank you", as the light turned green and I headed on to the supermarket.
Funny thing was; I was still smiling when I pulled into the parking lot.
Over the weekend I was digging through some boxes in my storage building and came across a box of old Amway audiocassette tapes.
Most were produced by the various uplines and motivational organizations that are prevalent today.
But, I also found some tapes produced by Amway Corporation.
During the time I was deciding whether to stay with Amway or not, I had begun purchasing tapes from the corporation, rather than my upline. It was my desire then, as it is now, to duplicate what the company had to say, rather than falling in "lock-step" with the so-called "leaders" that I was affiliated with.
My way of thinking is, duplicate the founders, rather than those that followed.
Anyway, came across a tape by Amway founder, Richard DeVos, entitled "Ten Points".
The tape was recorded in 1974 in my present hometown of Mobile, Alabama.
DeVos explains that the Amway Sales and Marketing Plan contained 10 unique points, but they are all tied to the fact that the concept of Amway was built upon the individual. That an individual could access a business of their own, with minimal expense, and no specialized knowledge, or expensive training.
And that training was not only given freely by an upline, but given gladly, in order to help another person succeed.
Amway was a simple business of selling "soap", because people bought soap. A usable product that needed to be reordered.
Amway has come far since 1974, new changes, new names, new people. And some of those changes have been for the better.
But I can't help wonder, if the concept has changed too much.
I believe there is a country song with the lyrics, "lost in the seventies tonight".
And as I listened to the tape, I thought, 1974 was a really good year.
God expects from men something more than at such times, and that it were much to be wished for the credit of their religion as well as the satisfaction of their conscience that their Easter devotions would in some measure come up to their Easter dress.
In that article, I listed some of my goals for those upcoming months.
I don't want to be accused of being dishonest or holding back, so I thought I would give you a forthright update on what transpired with that list.
Here's a recap.
NOVEMBER 2004— Write FOCUS Blog Series Make Supplement schedule Devote 10 minutes a day to planning and prayer Practice Ventriloquism Daily Post in Forums at least 3 Times a Week Mail Casino Letters Write daily.
JANUARY 2005—QUIT SMOKING! Increase accounts by 12 Voice lessons Subscribe to Home Power magazine Cap three teeth
MARCH 2005— American Comedy Institute
APRIL—2005 “get me outta the house”Tour
OCTOBER 2005— Sturgis bike rally
2006—Debt Free
Now, bear in mind, I had other goals as well; and I completed a good chunk of those, too.
But here's how the "blog list" looks.
NOVEMBER 2004— Write FOCUS Blog Series a Make Supplement schedule a Devote 10 minutes a day to planning and prayer a Practice Ventriloquism Daily a Post in Forums at least 3 Times a Week a Mail Casino Letters a Write daily. a
JANUARY 2005—QUIT SMOKING! Still Smoking
Increase accounts by 12 FAILED But I did make some progress. With changes in my employment, the increase in new accounts may rise in the near future
Voice lessons FAILED But re-scheduled for summer
Subscribe to Home Power magazine accessing issues through their website
Cap three teeth FAILED If I can't quit smoking yet, dental work is moot
MARCH 2005— American Comedy Institute FAILED But, another class is in June. I have done the research, still writing, and practicing
APRIL—2005 “get me outta the house”Tour FAILED Can't have a comedy tour until I go to the classes. That will be my jump-start for any kind of tour.
OCTOBER 2005— Sturgis bike rally
2006—Debt Free
So there you have it...not everything accomplished, but still "failing forward".
Now Appearing in his Blogging Debut, David Robison takes you into the world of Multi-level Marketing, his daily life as a partner in a home renovation/handyman business, trials and tribulations of beginning real estate investment, and the hopeful aspirations of reviving a comedy career. Read the exploits of this self-proclaimed Renaissance-man and budding blogger as you go On the Road with Dave.
Well, that's how it all started last June when I went "On The Road."
For the past four weeks or so I haven't been much of a handyman. My partner and his wife, although not giving up on the business or closing it; have redirected their efforts in some other areas.
Which means I haven't been working my "day job" much.
I enjoyed the time off for a little while. I got to stay up later, sleep later, I watched a lot of Deep Space 9 on television. I wrote more. I worked on my Quixtar business more, and I have had a lot of time to myself at home.
But, I'm getting bored, and I'm starting to miss the income.
So, I'm at a crossroads.
Not sure in which direction I should turn.
I could double my efforts and go "full time" in Quixtar, and see what happens.
Or, I could get a temporary job and see if my partner decides to re-energize the handyman business.
Or, I could look for another job in construction/home renovation.
And there's always the possibilty that I could take an entirely different direction.
One of those options have to be decided on pretty quick, as even though there has been a decrease in income, a decrease in expenses is not likely.
So, I'm not going to change the description of my blog just yet.
As an avid Star Trek fan, (Save Enterprise) I was pleasantly suprised to discover Wil Wheaton's blog about six months ago.
In case anyone doesn't know, (or doesn't care)Wil was the actor that portrayed young Ensign Wesley Crusher of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
But Wil is grown up now, married, a father, still an actor, but there is more.
He is now an author, avid runner, speaker, and blogger.
And man, can he blog!
With views on family life, problems with pets, frustration of pursuing his career, politics, the blogosphere, and the excitement of landing his latest gig as a homeles man becoming a suspect on the television show, CSI; Wil simply provides a "Good read".
Now, there's really no way I am going to increase the thousands of visits to his site each day, by any dramatic numbers; BUT, I have added WIL WHEATON DOT NET to my "Links That I Like" section of "On The Road With Dave".
I visit his site on a fairly consistent basis, I think you should, too.
Last night, I'm sitting in a chatroom, watching everyone talk and putting in my "two cents worth" when necessary, and I'm having a pretty good time.
So this guy comes in and starts asking about being an "online travel agent" or finding someone that sells "vacation packages" online.
Well, I know this other guy online that works with Carlson Travel so I give the chatroom guy the link.
Someone else in the chatroom, advises him on another place, as well.
He leaves, and later comes back asking the same question. The exact question, same font, same words, same everything, like he had it copied and ready to paste to the room. Still, no one else gives him much advice.
So I, in what is later to become a major flub, decide to dash off an email to the guy.
"I'm a Quixtar rep, we sell travel packages, but probably not what you are interested in.
Now, I admit, I did tell the guy, that my product was probably not what he was interested in, but I saw a "lead" and decided to go for it. I broke several of my own rules in "prospecting". But really and truly, I thought I would just give the guy some options; he didn't seem to be getting anyone else's attention.
Well, he wrote back kinda interested, and we exchanged some back-and-forth "one line" emails; and then he "Instant Messages" me.
I was honest and told him that I was not an expert on the "travel packages" but that I would give him some more links and pricing, and he could browse the Quixtar site.
At first, he seemed like, "Hey this looks good, what's it cost to join?"
And he began asking more about pricing and details of these Vacation gift albums that Quixtar sells.
I tried to answer each question, I gave him prices and specific links.
I'm not sure he understood the concept, or maybe I wasn't explaining it right. He kept asking more and more similar questions that I thought I had just answered.
Basically, the concept is; A client purchases a "gift album" with many different vacation packages to different locations for one price. The client can then pick ONE destination, fill out the information card, and redeem the album for the trip of their choice. No add-ons, you get a hotel room for two or three nights, breakfast, maybe a round of golf or theme park tickets; stuff like that.
It's NOT like making individual arrangements with a travel agent.
It's also not really a "turn key" process for the client, because the Quixtar site is HUGE. The seller would have to be able to contact the client and direct him to the specific page to purchase the gift album.
It's not difficult, but a client would not just "happen" on the page by searching "travel packages" online. It takes some sales skills to garner the client.
In the end, my prospect tells me that I wasted an hour of his time, and that I should really be more prepared, as my other prospects, might not be so patient.
I tried to analyze where I went wrong.
First, I should not have "jumped" on this guy, I should have found out more about what he really wanted.
Second, since I do very little sales of this product online, I shouldn't have been so quick to try to explain it online.
Third, I should have not sent the initial short email. I should have probably explained the concept in a well-written proposal, the same as I would an offline client.
I realize you can't please everybody, he may have still found the concept and product of no value to him; but in my haste to provide him with options and please him, I actually lost him, before I got started.
It's Friday. Why on earth would I have an entry entitled "Bad Days" on a Friday? Fridays are supposed to be good days, right?
Any day can be a bad day. A day where things just don't seem to go right. A day where all the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Too many bills, too little money, frustration, depression, anger. Maybe a day, or several, where you just don't feel good, you're sick, you don't want to get out of bed.
You read something depressing. Someone said something bad about you. Your kids hate you.
Everyone has bad days. I have bad days.
"You Dave?" "Aren't you happy all the time?" "I would think you are always in a good mood, ready with a joke or a kind word to someone?"
Actually no, I have my share of bad days just like everyone else. Sometimes I wander around the house saying "Life sucks", just like a lot of people.
I suppose the trick is to not let "bad days" turn into "bad weeks" or "bad months".
You have to recognize what is causing the "bad day" and try and fix it. You may not even realize what the cause is, but by acting in a positive way, breaking inertia, and making an effort to accomplish something despite the "bad day", you can break through and overcome the feelings that brought you down.
Other times, the "fix" comes by just acknowledging the "bad day".
"yes I am having a bad day, I don't have them often, and sometimes they're just gonna happen, I can deal with it"
Sometimes that's all it takes.
So if you are having a bad day, I just want you to know that you aren't alone. Good people can have bad days, it's not the end of the world, and "bad days" do end and bring brighter days, better days, good days.
I hope all are wearing green on this fine St. Patrick's Day, and in celebration of today, grab a mug of green beer and have a chuckle at a fine Irish joke.
Into a Belfast pub comes Paddy Murphy, looking as if he'd just been run over by a train. His arm is in a sling, hisnose is broken, his face is cut and bruised and he'swalking with a limp.
"What happened to you?" asks Sean, the bartender.
"Jamie O'Conner and me had a fight," says Paddy."
That little fella, O'Conner?" says Sean. "He couldn't do that to you, he must have had something in his hand."
"That he did," says Paddy, "a shovel is what he had, and a terrible lickin' he gave me with it."
"Well," says Sean, "you should have defended yourself.Didn't you have something in your hand?"
"That I did," said Paddy. "Mrs. O'Conner, and a thing ofbeauty she was, but useless in a fight."
I just saw a notice on a message board that someone was announcing that they just joined Watkins. Watkins is a reputable Multilevel Marketing company. But I also recognized the screen name and know that this person is also in two other MLMs.
I also noticed another advertisement, this person had 6..SIX companies listed in their signature/link line; Including Tupperware and a new gourmet food company.
So I would like to conduct an informal reader survey.
How many MLM companies have you been in at one time and why?
How many different MLM companies have you tried in the past?
What are your reasons for multiple companies at once?
Do you combine your downlines in both companies, inter-sponsoring them? (If Applicable)
Feel free to respond in "comments" or privately by email.
I'll make my thoughts on the topic known in the following weeks.
Today is the official launch date for Amway Russia.
Russia has been added as one of the 80+ countries a Quixtar IBO can now conduct business through international sponsoring through the Amway Corporation.
As most people know, Amway Corporation and Quixtar Corporation are part of the Alticor group of companies. Some would say that Quixtar is simply AmwayUSA in an online version; new name, same business.
I'm not going to "split hairs" on this subject. If a Quixtar IBO has been in business before 1999, then he/she was "in" Amway before that. And all Quixtar IBOs after 1999 can make use of the same compensation plan in international markets through the Amway Corporation.
I have made use of Amway Corporation in international markets such as Great Britain, Australia, and Singapore.
There are different rules and procedures to follow in each new international market that opens, and Russia will be no different. My hope is that all IBOs that enter the Russian market will follow the guidelines and help build this market in an ethical way.
Starting a business in international markets takes more than just "opening the doors". It takes a sense of empathy and respect.
Don't assume that people in other countries, are just like people in your own country.
There are different customs, practices, and rules of social life. English colloquialisms may mean nothing to an international prospect. Use of translations and translators have to be used carefully. Things "getting lost in the translation" is more the rule, than the exception.
International prospects that speak English, most likely speak better English than the English-speaking Sponsor. But the sponsor may still be misunderstood due to slang and improper usage.
Also, what someone is the USA might think is casual and friendly, can be offensive in other countries.
So remember if this entry into a new market makes you think it's as easy as "signing someone up"...re-think your position. Take some time to study the market and the rules.
This a chance to be an unofficial "ambassador" to another country, don't mess it up!
The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that we were at when we created them.
Way back when I was a video producer, I saw a neat little video that tried to explain a new product. In it, the narrator(who always has that "voice of God"-type sound) tells us that way way back when people thought the Sun revolved around the earth(Imagine a cool animation)and then along comes Copernicus, and we have a paradigm shift(really, really cool animation)and the earth revolves around the sun.
One definition of a paradigm states,
a philosophical and theoretical framework of a scientific school or discipline within which theories, laws, and generalizations and the experiments performed in support of them are formulated
A more basic explanation of a paradigm is the center of our core beliefs and how we react and act within those core beliefs.
In the field of Multi-Level Marketing a definite paradigm has been established.
Practices and techniques are duplicated, preached, mimicked, and extolled that establish a core belief pattern among the participants.
Anyone associated with MLM, "knows" that you must begin with your dream. You must contact and talk to everyone that comes within three feet of you. Daily Motivation must be a part of your life. You must sponsor "wide" in order to achieve profit. You must "Go Deep" to establish stability. You must practice "conversational selling", and interject the topic of your products in all conversation. Your "upline" will provide all answers. Do not question. Success is the progressive pursuit of a worthwhile dream. A man without vision is lost. You can get everything in life you want, if you help enough other people get what they want in life. Your best prospects are those at or above your level of income.
And so, a paradigm is established whereby all MLM participants act and react to these core beliefs.
Call me Copernicus, if you want. Brand me a heretic. But a paradigm shift is in order.
Ex-MLMers experience another paradigm shift. When their shift happens they throw away all of the old paradigm, and begin anew outside the MLM experience. Their pendulum swings from one extreme, pro-MLM; to a new extreme; not ever wanting to be associated with MLM again.
MLMers need to institute a new, a better paradigm.
It will be difficult.
A radical change in your core beliefs, and experiencing this paradigm shift can bring on feelings of confusion, problems you thought were solvable suddenly present dilemmas.
Many MLMers wont be able to handle accepting new ideas, it goes against their present paradigm.
But, think about the new solutions and discoveries and advancements made in the field of science once Copernicus' new paradigm was accepted.
A new field of thought and belief can bring on similar advancements in the area of Multi-Level or Network Marketing.
I think "prospecting", chasing people down, and practicing the "three foot rule" are on their way out, replaced with building relationships first and attracting people to your business. The hard sell is becoming "permission marketing"
I want the old chants of "GO WIDE FAST!" to become "Go One at a Time".
Motivation should be derived from a healthy bottom line and the knowledge that integrity drives your business.
Men should have vision, but not be blinded by the vision.
And answers must be formed by questioning. Different solutions will be found by different people in different manners.
If you accept this idea of establishing a shift in the MLM paradigm, be careful.
You will have to consider everyday when you talk to people about the way you conduct business, that what you say is going to be rough. It may hurt their brains to consider the new possibilities of building a Network Marketing company without hype or deception.
They may have to change their minds about how they view Network Marketing.
In my case, they will fight me, and tell me they already have an established belief about Quixtar. They know what the past paradigm is and they believe it wholeheartedly.
Copernicus did not live to see the changes his theory made to our present day knowledge. But people in MLM, in any company, can have the luxury of a stronger, more ethical business if they decide to initiate a paradigm shift in their business.
To forget the mantras and chants and embrace business knowledge combined with ethics.
Of course men like Galileo and Bruno were tried for heresy in adopting the beliefs of Copernicus. And you may be cited as a traitor or ostracized from your upline for a newer form of thinking.
But if you become more profitable, more respectable, and a better business person you will be vindicated in the end.
From what I know, there is no MLM company that uses the practices of the Spanish Inquisition in this day and age. And to my Quixtar critics...nope, not even Quixtar uses a torture rack at an arbitration process.
And finally let me say, that as Copernicus theorized, that the Earth does indeed revolve around the sun, always remember that in your own world that is still true. Your life should not revolve around your MLM business in all matters. Live your life as an individual, and let your business revolve around your day-to-day life as that individual. That would be the best paradigm shift, anyone could think of.
But these are for all my readers that aren't indigenous to the South, and feel like they may want to come down for a visit.
This is very "Southern" and funny. If you are offended, it is not my responsibility. In the South, we make fun of ourselves.
In an effort to help outsiders understand the rural Southerner's mind, the following list will be handed to each person as they enter a Southern State.
If you are going to live, or visit in the South, you need to know the rules:
That slope-shouldered farm boy did more work before breakfast than you do all week at the gym.
It's called a 'gravel road.' No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Navigator. Drive it or get it out of the way.
The red dirt - it's called clay. Red clay. If you like the color, don't wash your car for a couple weeks - it'll be permanent.
We all started hunting and fishing when we were seven years old. Yeah, we saw Bambi. We got over it.
Any references to 'corn fed' when talking about our women will get you whipped -- BY OUR WOMEN.
Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod. Don't cry to us if a flathead breaks it off at the handle.
We have a name for those little 13-inch trout you fish for back home. We call them "bait".
Pull your pants up.....You look like an idiot.
Men, if you want to wear earrings, pierce your nose or whatever, go right ahead - but if we call you Ma'am, don't be offended.
If that cell phone rings while a bunch of mallards are making their final approach, we will shoot it.
That's right, whiskey is only two bucks. We can buy a fifth for what you paid in the airport for one drink.
No... there's no "Vegetarian Special" on the menu. Order steak... Order it rare.
Vegetarians can always order the Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.
TEA! - yeah, we have tea. It comes in a glass over ice and is sweet. You want it hot - sit it in the sun.
You bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice.
So you have a sixty thousand dollar car. We're real impressed. We have a $250,0000 combine that we only use two weeks a year.
Let's get this straight. We have one stoplight in town. We stop when it's red. We may even stop when it's yellow.
Our women hunt, fish, and drive trucks - because they want to. So, you're a feminist. Isn't that cute.
We eat dinner together with our families, we pray before we eat -- yeah, even breakfast.
We go to church on Wednesdays and Sundays, we go to high school football games on Friday nights
We still address our seniors with "Yes Sir" & "Yes Ma'am"; sometimes we take Sunday drives to see friends and neighbors.
Greens - yeah, we have greens, but you don't putt on them. You boil them with either salty fatback or a ham hock.
Yeah, we eat catfish, bass, bream, and carp, too. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the bait shop.
They're called pigs. That's what they smell like. Get over it. Don't like it? Interstate 65 will take you north. Interstate 40 goes East and West.
Grits are corn. You eat them at breakfast. You put butter, salt, and maybe even some pepper on them.
If you want to put milk and sugar on grits, then you want cream of wheat - go to Kansas. That would be I-40 West.
The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season or dove season. Both are holidays.
You can get pancakes, cane syrup, and sausage before daylight at the church on any "Opener".
So every person in every pickup waves? Yeah, it's called being friendly. Understand the concept?
Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazards. It spooks the fish and bothers the gators
If you hit a ball in the golf course rough, we have these things called "Diamondbacks" -- they're not baseball players.
That Highway Patrol Officer who just pulled you over for driving like an idiot -- his name is "SIR"... no matter how young he is.
We have lots of pine trees with sap. It drips from them. You park your Navigator under them, and they'll leave a logo on your hood.
You burn an American flag in our state, you get beat up. No questions.
The 4 liberals in our legislature enacted a measure to stop this. There's a $10 fine for beating up a flag burner.
So, I'm at the local convenience store the other day buying a pack of cigarettes(yes I'm still smoking) and a Dr.Pepper. As I'm paying for my stuff, the guy at the register asks me if I have been looking for some real estate. Seems he owns the store but also is a real estate agent trying to sell houses in an exclusive development being built.
He says that he asks everyone that looks like a good "prospect" about real estate when they come into the store. He claims he get 40 or 50 "prospects" a day.
Well, we have a pretty good conversation about home renovation and real estate rentals, and I leave with his business card. The problem is that the entire time I am being polite to this guy listening about the potential of his new development; I'm thinking, "Man, I just came in for cigarettes"
Maybe this approach works for him. But, I can't say I was impressed with it. In fact, now I don't really want to go back to that same store, for fear, he'll want to "follow-up" with me and keep me standing at the register talking, when I just wanted to run in and run out.
Okay MLMers, you know where I'm going with this!
Why is it that if you see someone at the mall or in a bookstore, you feel like that they must be a "prospect" for your business?
Just because they are in the "business" section at Barnes and Noble, doesn't mean they want to hear about YOUR business. Just like if they were in the "Religion and Philosophy" section, it doesn't mean they want to be converted to the religion they are browsing.
What MLMers call "prospecting" could be making the MLMer look like a "suspect" in a line-up.
"That's him Officer! That's the man who tried to sell me vitamins, I'd know that face anywhere"
Folks, if you are in Sears browsing through the Electronics section and the sales guy comes up to you and asks can he help you, and you say, "No, I'm just browsing"; don't you get annoyed if he continues to try to sell you something? Sure you do.
Well, don't you think if someone were browsing at the book store and a NON-employee started to try to sell them something that isn't even in the store, don't you think they would be annoyed?
Okay, I'm not saying Don't try to meet people, Don't try to be friendly. That's not it at all.
You can meet people all day, every day; that's great. But meeting them and getting to know them, doesn't mean they want to be in business with you. That can come later. Let me go on record and say, "NOT EVERYONE IS A PROSPECT!
But, if you treat them that way, then you become "suspect".
Let that sink in.
Special thanks to df for the inspiration for this entry
I was recently asked a very good question about prospecting a "warm market". A warm market is your family, friends and neighbors.
I have no objections to a businessperson approaching a warm market, if they do it professionally. That is, make the contact, announce you are in business, and then let them call for an appointment. Don't pressure them based on your relationship with them.
I think approaching a cold market can be better, because your approach is based on business, not taking advantage of a friendship, although business relationships often spring into personal friendship, but then the boundaries have been set,
Anyway, this was the question and my response.
Please give me one good reason why any of my friends could possibly be upset with me for asking them if they'd like to have a look at my products ? (or even my business opportunity)
1. You showed them something similar last year.
2. The guy down the street showed them something similar last year.
3. They work where you work, if you were so smart, you wouldn't be there.
4. They know where you live, why should they give you money?
5. You know they don't go in for all that baloney.
6. Didn't you just complain to them last week about your car payment?
7. How on earth could you be so blind, for getting involved in that?
8. You called right in the middle of the game!
9. You called right in the middle of "Survivor"
10.Didn't they buy Christmas wrap from your kid's school last year?
The word "sponsor" is frequently used in the Network Marketing industry, as the person you sign up under, or the person who trains you, or the person who bugs you about your progress.
In international affairs, a sponsor may be someone that accepts responsibilty for your actions while visiting a foreign country. A sponsor may also be the one who provides for your care and safety in a social, education, or humanitarian function.
In a 12-step program, a sponsor takes on many roles; leader, teacher, comforter. I recently found the 12 Qualities of a Sponsor on a 12-step program for debt recovery.
I believe, that with very little adaptation, these qualities are quite appropriate for a network marketing sponsor.
Twelve Qualities of Sponsorship
I will not help you to stay and wallow in limbo.
I will help you to grow, to become more productive, by your definition.
I will help you become more autonomous, more loving of yourself, more excited, less sensitive, more free to become the authority for your own living.
I can not give you dreams or "fix you up" simply because I can not.
I can not give you growth, or grow for you. You must grow for yourself by facing reality, grim as it may be at times.
I can not take away your loneliness or your pain.
I can not sense your world for you, evaluate your goals for you, tell you what is best for your world; because you have your own world in which you must live.
I can not convince you of the necessity to make the vital decision of choosing the frightening uncertainty of growing over the safe misery of remaining static.
I want to be with you and know you as a rich and growing friend; yet I can not get close to you when you choose not to grow.
When I begin to care for you out of pity or when I begin to lose faith in you, then I am inhibiting both for you and for me.
You must know and understand my help is conditional.
I will be with you and "hang in there" with you so long as I continue to get even the slightest hint that you are still trying to grow.
If you can accept this, then perhaps we can help each other to become what (God) meant us to be, mature adults, leaving childishness forever to the little children of the world
I believe these 12 qualities put a whole new spin on just signing someone up, and watching the money roll in.
You've done all your research, and you have just signed on the dotted line, and you are now officially a representative for a MLM company.
Your sponsor has left your house and in your possession is your "kit".
On your coffee table are several stacks of brochures, fliers, a company handbook, some videotapes, an audio cassette, possible even a DVD. On the floor is a box of products. The labels are shiny, colorful, inviting. There's a small bit of shrinkwrap beside you; you couldn't resist opening one of the containers and taking in the aroma of the contents.
But, you decide to get online and do some more searching about MLMs, maybe find out if any sites exist that talk about running a business, or merchandising products from a MLM. You just want some advice, a little encouragement that you did the right thing; and lo and behold, you stumble onto this little blog.
What's my advice?
Well here it is, new MLMer...
To the new raw recruit, I won't chant typical MLM mantras to you. I won't preach the virtues of business ownership.
My first advice to you is to QUIT.
That's right! Run screaming from the room.
You don't want a business of your own. Certainly not an MLM.
Concentrate on your job,your hourly wage. It ain't that bad to have a secure job and a steady paycheck.
You don't want the long hours. Heck, you don't even want the extra hours.
You don't want to sell.
You don't want to talk to people about your business.
You don't want to spend hours online getting nowhere.
You don't want to face rejection.
You don't want to hear family members tell you that this is just one more thing to lose your money in.
You don't want to hear "NO" from potential customers.
You don't want the stress of business start-up. Why in the world would you waste 2 years of your life to stress, anxiety and worry?
I'm serious...QUIT!
I'm already trapped. Save yourself.
Save me the time of getting to know you, and liking you, and seeing you fall by the wayside.
This is the best advice I can give you.
"But", you say, "I'm different. I can make this work"
Okay, prove it. In this first minute.
Decide to be different.
Know that you will face these challenges. Don't act surprised when they happen.
Know that your MLM business is a business. It has to make a profit. It is not a social event or a club that you joined.
Those products on the floor must be sold. Don't rely on "pity-sales" from friends and family. Devise a marketing plan.
If you decide to register others, don't make wild claims. Tell the truth. Be ethical. Be Professional. Attract others to you, don't drive them away.
You can ignore my advice to "QUIT NOW" or you can ignore my advice to act different.
Ignoring both, will definitely determine that you will, in all honesty, quit later.
I just wanted to take a moment to thank Qblog at QuixtarBlog for the opportunity to guest blog for him yesterday.
QuixtarBlog is running a new series during the month of March. Entitled March of Perceptions, he's giving IBOs a chance to guest blog about their own perceptions about Quixtar or Quixtar-related sites such as his.
I was honored by being one of the featured bloggers.
I will probably submit at least two more entries to be included in the series.
It's an interesting experiment. So many people visit the QuixtarBlog site, and it's gained a reputation among most visitors as being critical of Quixtar.
I find that Qblog offers insightful information and commentary. The information is factual. The commentary can be funny, thought-provoking, and sometimes critical; but it's one man's perceptions.
His new series shows what I always knew about the author and that is an openess for discussion.
I found a great resource for most business owners thanks to a friend of mine in Connecticut. (Thanks Kimmy)
Welcome Business USA is a free resource site, for new, existing, and wannabe businesses.
The site features articles on everything from startup costs to managing people and relies heavily on a partnership with SCORE. (A valuable resource in its own right)
Resource links abound at the site.
Whether I'm practicing ventriloquism, fixing a leaky faucet, or selling an MLM product, I'm first and foremost, in business. So I can continue to do vocal exercises, read about plumbing codes, or handing out brochures, but if I don't make available to myself; business ideas, practices, and legal information my business will be short-lived.
Motivation and desire are powerful, but Knowledge IS Power.
My Dad would have celebrated his 93rd birthday today. Sadly for me he passed away on March 27th, 2001, shortly after his 89th birthday.
Dad was born in 1912 and witnessed a great many things transpire over his lifetime.
Born in the Delta of Mississippi, he spent part of his young childhood living on a riverboat, farming, and then working with his step-father in a sawmill for the enormous pay of 17 cents an hour.
When the Great Depression hit in 1929, hardly anyone in Mississippi noticed.
But Dad took advantage of the Civilian Conservation Corps initiative and became a baker for a railroad project.
He joined the US Army Air Corp in 1939.
In 1941, Dad was walking to work, and looked up in the sky to see hundreds of planes approaching, the airfield he was traversing began to take enemy fire, strafing bullets hit the ground around him. He made it to his station to learn that Japanese Forces were attacking Pearl Harbor.
From Hawaii, he later was stationed in Manila, The Philippines.
In 1951, he married Polly Hall. He was 40, she was 26. Old people by southern standards. He left Polly and two kids in Texas, while he was "stationed" to "the top of the world"; Thule, Greenland in the Arctic Circle.
He retired in 1960 and bought a house near his final duty at Columbus Air Force Base.
But, not ready to quit living, he converted his military vocation to a Civil Service job and at age 50, had one more child, the author of this blog.
Dad was not always sure about this boy. He never quite understood my passion for performing, my desire to be famous, or my dislike for what he called "real jobs".
But, he supported me in all that I did, and little did he realize that his wit and imagination that he used on me as a child was the very thing that inspired me to be what I wanted to be.
Dad's favorite poem was by Edgar Guest. The first line reads,
"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way."
And each day, he showed me that sermon in his life.
These days I look around my home and I remember Dad.
His funeral flag is folded in a traditional triangle and sits atop a bookcase in my living room. Rifle shells from his gun salute, next to his military medals rest in a small jewelry box. His picture sets on a table.
I still dream about him being alive from time to time, talking to me. And normally a day doesn't pass that I don't think about him.
The night he died, I stopped at my favorite bar back "home". I bought a round a drinks in his honor and toasted his name.
Shortly after the toast, a huge burly "biker" came up to me, and grabbed me in a "bear hug". After the hug, he looked at me, with tears in his eyes, and said,
"Man, I knew your Dad. He was great man, but he ain't gone, dude, he lives inside you"
Today, "On The Road with Dave" achieved it's 5000th visitor.
Looking at my SiteMeter statistics, this blog is averaging about 30 to 40 visitors a day. I want to thank my regular readers and those that just happen by.
Granted, I'm not changing the world, CNN is not talking about my little blog, and the CIA isn't keeping tabs on me, But I'm pretty proud that folks are dropping in to read my blog on a somewhat consistent basis.
Thanks again, tell your friends about this place, and I'll see you On The Road.
I used to hear in the MLM community, that if you had a problem, go show another presentation, go prospect another person.
Today, I'd like to offer another solution.
If you feel like your MLM business is growing stagnate, or you can't seem to break inertia, don't go show another presentation, take a drive.
That's right, get in your car, turn the radio on to a station with some good music...not a motivational tape, and take a drive into your city. Maybe, roll the windows down.
Look at all those businesses on the road. What are their needs? What can you offer them? Do you sell window cleaner? Bathroom supplies? Office candles? Potpourri? Greeting Cards?
Can you place your cosmetics brochures in their break room?
Now, turn down a road into a residential area. How many houses are on just one street? How many referrals could you get?
After you are done driving around, stop somewhere and pick up a Krispy Kreme donut or maybe a hamburger and Coke at MickeyD's and find a park somewhere and just sit in your car for a few minutes, watching the kids play, or the ducks walk around, or for some of you at the moment, watch the snow fall.
