So what’s the difference between successful leaders and the people that are grinding through the business? I think you’ll find a big difference between their approach to major events…
Grinders announce events. Leaders promote events. Grinders go by themselves. Leaders bring a team.
Grinders: “I’ve been to five different events. I spent all this money, how come I’m still not rich yet?”
Leaders buy tickets when they go on sale. Not one for themselves. They buy a block of ten and then they start promoting to get people for each ticket. Then they teach their people to duplicate the process.
Please don’t tell me you don’t have the money to attend the major events. Sorry, I’m not buying it. You have three or four months, sometimes six months between major events. Make it work. Retail some products, sponsor some people, build some volume and create the money to go.
So when is your next major event? And how are you handling it?
-RG
Comment by Jeffery Yong on 2010-01-25 03:13:40 .
This is going out to my entire group! Thanks, Randy. Btw, don’t get too tanned at Hayman Island. See you soon in Kuala Lumpur.
Comment by Zu Radzuan on 2010-01-25 04:28:15 .
Hi Randy,..A simple thing to do and it makes sense, a big investment to some but remember…it brings BIGGER income…. it’s in $$$$$$ not in RM guys…so go for it…..
For just 2 months on my own in XXXX,My nx major event is Bangkok & 6 to see you in Seremban !!
Thnx Randy.
Comment by Jack on 2010-01-25 04:18:07 .
You know I love you Randy, and I’m waiting patiently till you make the inevitable transition – inevitable, because I see how you are changing – that will allow you to empower with what is right, as opposed to overcoming what is wrong.
The whole “Grinder” concept – for which you are famous for – is based on negative motivation. True, it’s proven effective, but the price for the success it ushers in is in effect is “grinding” in itself. Focus on inner motivation and uplifting energy – without putting down – and you won’t have to hound people to bring their people to events.
Comment by Randy Gage on 2010-01-26 01:49:10 .
I have no problem with hard work. I’m just against stupid work, which is rte essence of grinding.
-RG
Comment by Gina on 2010-01-25 05:58:52 .
From a former grinder, now leader, this was spot on! Thanks for the post Randy!
Comment by Ron Ackerman on 2010-01-25 06:12:51 .
Leaders makes a difference.
Grinders makes noise.
Leaders teach others.
Grinders talk.
Leaders gives answers
Grinders ask questions
Leaders Makes money.
Grinders makes a lot of hot air.
Ron Ackerman – Israel
Comment by Yuliya on 2010-01-25 08:00:46 .
Thanks for the post Randy!
Comment by Mary Jo on 2010-01-25 09:24:24 .
I have a question about events. Do you think some people are not “ready” for events? I have had people go to events, big corporate events, and get so blown out of the water that they quit. So was the timing wrong, or were they just never going to be right for this industry?
Mary Jo
Comment by Randy Gage on 2010-01-26 01:49:53 .
If events scare them away, they weren’t right for the business.
-RG
Comment by Cliff Boxer on 2010-01-25 09:42:25 .
Grinders are fear struck. Leaders are awe struck.
Comment by Jack LaCava on 2010-01-25 09:51:34 .
Randy – Events can be an important part of building a business, if they are done right. However, they do require a substantial investment to attend. Most companies do not take into account holding an event in a central location. They tend to pick places that are near their most porfitable states. If their highest ranking state is California, they may have a big event in Las Vegas, etc.
Regardless of that, I think it is a big mistake for someone who can’t afford to attend to put the expenses on their credit card and worry about it later. That only puts operating their business in the red, a good step for going broke. Please don’t give me the nonsense about how attending events boosts your business. Events are great for learning and meeting people & maybe pick up an idea or two in a vacation like setting. If you can’t afford to go, there are plenty of options for learning what you missed through conference calls and wrap-up meetings. For someone like yourself who makes millions this may be a difficult concept for you to understand. JL
Comment by Yendi on 2010-01-25 11:26:22 .
I totally disagree with you, there is NO way you can get the idea of the event with borrowed notes, and I’m not buying the excuse of red numbers in your business. Any business, not just NM, requires red numbers for a while, requires your belief that it will work… For me, people that think like that don’t believe in their business or in themselves being able to success in it.
I still rememember my first event, I had 1000 usd already in my credit card from the enrollment fee of my company from 3 weeks ago, and this event was in Austin, TX. I live in Mexico City. I bought the plane tickets with a no-interest promotion for 6 months and stayed in a Motel (not a very nice place). And I went alone, because even though my husband and I are together in the business, we couldn’t afford twice the expense.
Thank to that event, when I returned to Mexico I ranked advanced twice in the nezt month. Been there, done that, so I don’t buy the “I can’t afford it” part. On the contrary, I always tell my downlines they can’t afford NOT to go. Now we have event in Mexico, now it’s easier… And still, soooo many people complain. So many grinders making excuses…
Comment by Jack LaCava on 2010-01-25 15:25:36 .
Yendi, you’re not looking at the big picture. Stop getting caught up in the “grinder” nonsense that your being fed. I have a few people in my downline that are awesome and due to the poor economy they really could not afford to attend a big company event recently. I didn’t lash out at them and call them “grinders”. I took great notes, held a conference wrap up session at my home and they are pumped up and continue to advance in the business. I suggest you look at the stats for network marketing and you will see that most people fail in our industry, a big part of that due to people spending more than they can afford. The few people I mentioned earlier are working the business hard and they have all made a committment to attend the annual conference later this year. They will be there and they will not be running their business in the red but in the black.
Comment by Yendi on 2010-01-25 16:02:19 .
I understand that, I have people in my network who earn 1 USD a day… that’s right I live in Mexico, and that’s what they make… and I UNDERSTAND their situation, I’m not forcing them to go to the USA events, and I don’t lash at them if they don’t… but, for my surprise, some of them are saving from right now to be able to go… that’s attitude. Versus some others that are just making excuses and thinking why they can’t go.
I also take great notes, and do a training to the group that couldn’t go to the events, but it is NEVER the same.
I hear what you are saying, and you have a point, but we can never be paternalists with our downlines, this way, we find the leaders, the ones who really want to make it and are willing to pay the price to do it. And I’m not just talking about money.
Comment by Jack LaCava on 2010-01-25 16:42:22 .
Yendi: You are right about the people who always have an excuse: I have to go shopping, I need to fix the front door, etc. They are a waste of time. Maybe Mexico has a different attitude towards this business but my 6 years in this industry has taught me that it doesn’t matter if someone misses an event due to economic reasons, if they have the qualities of a leader and they have the strong desire to succeed, they will. They may miss one event but as they get better, they will have the money and make the next event.
You can’t duplicate the excitement of an event but you can duplicate the major points to give people reason to get excited and rank advance. Personally, there are times when I prefer the conference wrap- ups to traveling. JL
Comment by Ronald on 2010-01-25 10:13:25 .
You are absolutely right Randy, I was a grinder for the longest time. Not leading people to our corp events and seminars, just telling them they should go. Now I am promoting them like they are the biggest thing since sliced bread. That’s a good idea to buy a group of tickets and have a promotion and the top leaders on the team get those seats and show them how to duplicate for their teams.
Great stuff….
Comment by Carlo Rinaldi on 2010-01-25 10:30:07 .
If you have a lot of debts and you have lost your first job you have to pay first them and you can’t attend the Big meetings. I personally do a lot of regional meeting with XXXXX, I do webcast and I’m earning money with Agel. But first you have to pay debts.
CR
Comment by Michael Eisbrener on 2010-01-25 10:50:04 .
I have been to a lot of meetings. When I have been there without an upline or any downline the meetings are horrible. Even the few that were fantastic were a waste of my time because I had no one to share it with.
When I have been part of a group and no personal downline the meetings have been a little better unless my upline is a jerk operating a military operation. The ‘value’ of your upline shines forth at meetings. I have been in a couple companies where the meetings with my upline guaranteed I was done.
Promoting an event and arriving with a group makes a huge difference. Insuring everyone in the group has expectations that get them into their chair listening for WHAT they came for is a big key. When I know what they came for as well my listening is expanded by each one in the group and the looks of ‘light bulbs’ going off in the room is really fun. Investing time with my group to insure expectations are exceeded and the unique opportunities that appear for growth make events the perfect place to grow everyone.
Comment by Dorene Pierceall on 2010-01-25 11:32:40 .
The next major event is in June and I will make it happen. I will be there!
Comment by lea sedan on 2010-01-25 11:58:56 .
Hey Randy,
About” the difference between leadersand grinders.
The leader can and wants to lead the people, he has the idea,the vision,and the ability to inspire the people to follow him’ to duplicate his doings, and to adapt his ideas and believes.the leader feel commitment to his group’ they trust him, because he is fair and dedicated to his idea, and his group, because of this the real leader has much influince on the group.
the grinder need to be lead,to be told what to do and react in any situation. he has not initiative, and need his leader for to follow him.the grinder is always one like the most another people.
Lea Sedan
Comment by Ruben Escalante on 2010-01-25 16:30:32 .
february, and handling it, trying to double the last amount I took to my companys major event… it is simple but not easy..
Comment by Dick Beglinger on 2010-01-25 16:35:12 .
First of all, thank you Randy for taking the time to bring up such helpful topics. I’ve learned so much just reading and digesting the influx of comments you receive. Secondly, you really struck a nerve with a lot of us when it comes to leaders and grinders. Please keep your thoughts coming in. This is by far one of the most challenging issues when building a downline.
Comment by Daniela Orrico on 2010-01-25 17:56:09 .
Dear Randy,
I must to learn more things, but I want to be a leader.
I’m buying my tickets after the event to Jesolo, in October 2009.
I’m already two tickets. One for my and one for a dear friend.
The next event to Jesolo is in April 2010.
I want to bring 50 people at the event and I hope of more.
Randy, we build volume if we buy so many tickets?
Thank you for all.
Have a great week!!!
-D.O.
Comment by Warren Little on 2010-01-25 18:24:04 .
The Law of Explosive Growth applies here.
You are either leading followers or leading & developing leaders.
The latter will guarantee you explosive growth in your organization.
Comment by C on 2010-01-25 20:40:05 .
Randy,
we buy the tickets and then do we sell them to our guests or do we give them to our guests?
Thank you for your input, when you compare a leader to a grinder it’s easier to visualize what we’re supposed to do.
Comment by Brian Dudley on 2010-01-26 00:45:56 .
One idea, one new skill can be worth a million dollars. If you attend an event and don’t apply what the presenters offer then you might as well have gone to the movies. Most people will find money for something they want.
If med and law students can borrow money to get trained then so can a distributor in multi-million dollar enterprise.
Comment by Randy Gage on 2010-01-26 01:59:13 .
Hey guys,
Please keep in mind this is a generic forum, so please don’t post your company name. Thanks, RG
Comment by Edward on 2010-01-26 12:39:10 .
Hey Randy,
Thanks for the insights. I never though of leaders and grinders like that.
It is another form of duplication that we as leaders can teach to our teams.
I find that I live my life between leader and grinder. Time to step it up.
Thanks again for sharing.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
Comment by Anonymous on 2010-01-26 12:44:12 .
There’s something wrong with this picture.
I’ve seen a few hundred people attending major events year after year in a major MLM company.
Where are the other hundreds of thousands of distributors? If they can’t make it in the business by not attending events as described here, then traditional MLM seems to be a very tired concept, if not even falling off the cliff.
Comment by Rachel Henke on 2010-01-26 15:05:28 .
I think many people stay in the business because they attended a major event that showed them the possibilities. They can’t get that at home even on a webcast or a phone call. At my first major event I saw Jim Rohn live for the first time.
Imagine what an effect that had on my philosophy. Could I get that feeling at home – not really.
That being said I think there are a lot of people who go from event to event, bringing no one and not recruiting. That is the way to go broke fast.
I think every new distributor should attend a major event asap because it can make all the difference for them between ever getting into profit or not.
After that if they can commit to themselves to take action on what they learn (not just hang out and have fun!) I think it’s brill.
Comment by Anonymous on 2010-01-27 16:07:57 .
there are many as myself who want to go to all the major events and really do try to,but i’ve been blessed to have 7 kids and to find a sitter who is willing to take them all or even attemp to split them up is hard and somtimes impossible, I can’t get up when I’m done sleeping, and play soft ball every day in many leagues, I want to drink from a coconut, I don’t consider my self a grinder becuse It’s impossible to attend all the major events, the reason we are in this wonderfull business is we are a one income family and I work it part time there is no other way I we can work, it is expensive to be MLM but it takes money to make money …right?
Comment by Ted O'Grady on 2010-01-27 18:27:38 .
I just signed up for Randy’s email course and looking forward to it. I’m working a program here in the UK with integrity and just looking for some good training to help hone my skills, attitude, etc.
Looking forward to participating in Network Marketing the right way.