As you know, I wrote my Manifesto to help raise the professionalism of Network Marketing. But what exactly makes you a professional in this business?
I think it will be informative to start a discussion on this. So I’ll start with some thoughts today. Please add yours below, and I’ll check in with some more ideas as we go along.
The first thing that comes to my mind is how you spend your time. Meaning actually planning your week…
We know to start the business successfully you need to spend at least ten to 15 hours a week building the business. I bet the number of new people that actually spend that much time is less than ten percent. And the ones that actually spend that time doing real business during those hours is probably half that amount.
Most people treat the business like a hobby, and that’s why they earn a hobby bonus check. The professionals spend their ten to 15 hours on “rain maker” activities: meeting people, prospecting, presenting, product marketing, and follow up.
Amateurs don’t put in the hours, and don’t really work many of the hours they do put in. Professionals get out their calendar at the start of the week and make a plan for how they can get the maximum mileage out of their time. So how are you doing on this? And what else separates the pros from the posers? Please check in below with your thoughts.
-RG
Randy, I’m learning that when you begin prospecting, you have to first identify and qualify your prospect. You have to ask key questions that would bring both you and them to a conclusion as to where they are and where they expect to be in their own business adventure. If prospectors would begin using a conceirge and consultive approach to prospecting rather than hype, we may begin to see more professionals than amateurs.
I have found that in order for me to become a Professional I had to get rid of all the baggage I had accumulated over the years. Which means that I am having to learn how to do everything right including putting in real hours of work instead of busy work, learning how to get rid of all the fears holding me back, and so much more. I could write a book about all the changes, in me, that I have had to make. Ok, I’m done!
After making a plan for the week ahead, TAKE ACTION!!! It’s Ready,Fire,Aim!!!
Hi Randy,
I think professionalism is all about developing the skill sets and experiences that allow us to interact with a wide variety of people. Once we venture outside our immediate circle of family and friends we will encounter many people with different opinions, appearances, values, habits and beliefs, etc. They are all viable candidates for our businesses if we can learn to approach them without judgement, using our learned skills to attract them.
Additionally, a thick skin sure doesn’t hurt…LOL
And it seems to me they “get out their calendar at the start of the week and make a plan for how they can get the maximum mileage out of their time” because a Professional Network Marketer has a powerful vision along with CLEAR and SPECIFIC goals.
I’ve come to realize that the real Pro’s know exactly what step is needed NOW in order to move them in the direction of their goal. As a result of their own clarity and specificity they know and are focused on the ‘right’ steps and they take them consistently.
~~Mary K
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, just because “the usual” is certainly NOT professional. I comment a lot on NetworkMarketingPro.com exploring this very thing.
It seems to me that when someone becomes a real estate agent, they let people know what they are doing, and then go about looking for who needs their services in a professional manner. If someone becomes a lawyer or a doctor, they do the same thing.
But those professions aren’t really comparable to us.
If someone starts a traditional consumer-based business, (I have some friends who started a snack company, and another who started a granola brand), they find people who want their product, and who would like to sell that product too.
Closer, but not entirely comparable either.
Plus, as Network Marketers, we’re kinda just paid customers, so there’s the “paid to recommend” part of it too, like a celebrity endorser tied to results.
All three of these things *kinda* make up what we do in NWM, and I think there’s a balance where as professionals, we can build a reliable business WITHOUT creating wakes of anger, disappointment, and industry bad-mouthers.
Lately, I’ve been reading what Kim Klaver has been talking about, and I like a lot of what she has to say. Also, I think about what it would be like if Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. were leading an MLM movement.
Would they be charging people for “Coaching programs” and DVD sets and whatever else the “gurus” do?
I doubt it.
If we’re going to be stewards of this movement, and really bring MLM to professional status, I think we have to let go of a lot of the “Every man for himself” idea that is so ingrained in the MLM culture.
I agree with you Bones on the “Everyone for himself” is leading to failure.
Jim Rohn teaches that in order to get what you want, you need to help a lot of other people get what they want.
The challenge is that a lot of new comers are being told: “you can make $10,000 a week in less then a year” and that builds unrealistic expectations, leading them to get in financial stress. When a distributor is under financial stress, it becomes very hard for them to help others, since their main focus is surviving.
We should lead towards realistic expectations and a long term commitment, trading 10-15 weekly hours for 2-4 years like Randy says.
If you look at the new comers successes, it is almost never a 1 year quick deal, but a 2-4 years commitment.
The basics for success that duplicate easy are what needs to be followed. A daily commitment to self development and taking the time to teach our new comers what to do by doing, instead of talking. Walking the walk.
Here is a simple activity that duplicates and assures success long term:
Daily minimum commitment to contact new people. If everyone in your team can commit to expose 2 new people EVERYDAY, then success will follow 100% of the time, NO MATTER WHAT.
It is so simple that its hard for most people to get (since most don’t believe that money can flow into their life with ease).
I say: stop selling people the get rich quick and commit long term to do your daily commitment of 2 new exposures, long term.
Good luck :)
I agree, right now people are looking for a means to survive and the worst thing for the new prospect and the life of your business is to make unrealistic promises. That “pie in the sky ” will have people avoiding you and the idea that money can be generated in this industry like the plague.
I agree with the comment about charging people for the “coaching programs.” Some of the programs I have purchased are a constant upsell to the next program that I wasn’t even clear on just what exactly did I purchase. Some of the so called tips are so buried in the sales letters that they are pratically useless, or you’re to tired to implement by the time you uncover them. I am learning to separate the hype from the gems.
I think you hit it MLM head on… in other professions people have no fear telling people what they do for a living and going about business in a prof, manner to get customers and people to work for them..MLM unfortunately has the ” sleazy used car sales man” feel… when recommending a product to others and telling how great it is and better than all others … makes the “customer” feel that we have a ulterior motive ..so even though we say its all about the customer or new business builder it boils down to its really about us. When people really can just say try it and see if it is true for you.. and if it’s not than so be it… we may be able to have MLM viewed in a different light… MLM has a long road…
What it takes to be a Network Marketing Professional is all about Connecting with people.. Everyone has something to contribute to your business..Every type of Individual can earn Big as long as they work at developing the skills of connecting with your heart…
You must be in action on IPO Income Producing Activities daily consistantly..Its all about the Math… My Mentor says understand the math you can’t fail.
Develop teams working together for the common objective time Freedom.
We are in the People Business way before we are in Nutrtion or travel or what ever your deal is…Be the person you are looking for… You always attract like minded people.
Bill MacMunn
Vancouver Island canada
Some quick thoughts:
a pro understands that MLM is a career, not a business
a pro has a Daily Method of Operation
a pro has a Duplicatable System for retailing, sponsoring and training
a pro understands that MLM is about sorting (prospects from suspects), not convincing
a pro understands that not everybody will join.
Your quick thoughts are great. I will share them with my team.
Thanks for your Nework Professional wisdom.
DG
:-))
I think the most important things to be a N.W M. Professional are these:
The right behavior, with respect for every person.
The right posture towards every person.
The right attitude for running a real business, not a hobby. So make it number 1 during the hours you’re supposed to work for your business (You know when).
Not only show interest in people, when talking to them, but HAVE real interest in them!
Randy
For me being professional means, consistency, work hard, focus, responsibility and always been an example for your team and friend.
Luis Gringras
CHILE
Being a professional entails being in service, maintaining and constantly improving on the level of our skills and ensuring that we have the best interests of our clients at heart.
To do this we need to be disciplined in our dealings and relationships with people, guided by principles which will protect and secure the long-term good of the profession we’re in so that it will continue to contribute towards the prosperity and well being of our community and society.
As an industry, network marketing is crying out for leaders who will step up and make this profession what it’s destined to be, against all the ignorance and misunderstanding that still hold sway out there in the world.
Your manifesto and your blog postings, such as here, are rallying points for people out there who get it and are willing to be part of this wonderful revolution.
KH
A professional is someone who realizes that it is not a get rich quick scheme; it’s going to take some time and education; the development of business and communication skills; and most of all, a WILLINGNESS to commit to and embrace this process.
Most people aren’t born networkers, so it requires some development.
Professionals don’t hype; exaggerate; or flash checks. They don’t need to. As their skill sets develop, their confidence shines through and becomes a strong selling point.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received is that you have to be willing to be bad (the start of developing skills); to be good; and good, to be great!
Give it time and attention and EXPLODE your future!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Dear Everyone,
To me a Network Marketing Professional takes pride in doing the business with integrity and good will. He says what he does, and does what he says on an ongoing basis, which in turn builds a reliable foundation for his long term success.
A professional network marketer is a team player, not only a leader… a student as much as a teacher; always setting a positive example by becoming it.
A pro has a posture reflective of the power of his fortune, yet he is just as humbled by being in the position to empower others with it. I think that is the essence of knowing what we have.
Greetings from Europe :o)
Maria
I totally agree with you. And I must ditto to a lot of what Jackie Ulmer said.
Until I found the right business/company fit for me, all I had was a hobby, with the associated hobby income. Now I enjoy planning my week, and my day, and keeping track of my schedule in a day planner. It takes time, work, and dedication to really become a professional in this field. No one is an overnight success; no one!
Most folks don’t realize how this type of business can really make you a good-sized income. Because of having a j-o-b for so long, it takes a while for them to think outside of the box.
Great post!
Gina Koinski
Randy its always the basic rule that works best:
Commit to trade 10-15 hours a week for 2-4 years and during that time, devote yourself to self development, expanding your mind, your vocabulary, your contact list and expand your comfort zone by stepping out of it everyday.
Do your minimum exposures everyday and you are on your way to financial freedom.
A challenge we need to overcome:
Most new comers are told the get rich quick story. That is what’s pushing most people to leave the industry.
I see leaders pushing their downline to buy products and to do things fast, stressing them out, just so they (the leaders) could go up in rank.
Is that considered helping?
i don’t think so.
Being there for someone else, taking the time to teach, train, coach and being there for others is the best way to develop long term friendships and a true residual income that is based on others successes.
Talk soon
Ran
True professionalism is really meaning what you say.
Carole
This is the tickler file for the complete set on being a Professional Network Marketer. I like all the comments I have read here and I will likely say many of the same things. I will return often and take good notes.
Leadership in our industry is about enrollment, recruiting and coaching. I have stopped wishing it was about sales. It is also about priorities. The industry requires our support and respect. Leaders won’t denigrate others, their companies, their comp plans or their products to make him/her look good. We are about expanding the pool of freedom lovers instead of going after the same 3 percent who have it figured out.
Leaders grow their down lines checks by their actions and mentoring of those they sponsor. Leaders build a safe space for people to work out what they have to work out to be successful. Leaders appear if the space is clear.
Leaders are looking for those who are looking. There are a lot of people looking today. They are looking for money; they are looking for personal growth, a challenge, leadership coaching and many for some ‘unknown’ wordless opportunity that no longer exists anywhere else. Being a Professional Network Marketer allows you to offer all of this without measure.
I think coming off as a professional sets the wrong example, most prospects don’t see themselves as being a professional or a guru….
People want a change of lifestyle, not something that seems like another job. So if they see you as coming off as a professional or your opportunity as just another career change they are turned off.
The professional career prospects I talk to about my business want to get away from that “Professional Lifestyle” and LIVE life. They want to spend more time with family, on vacations and have more free time.
Yes be professional about the way you do your business, but don’t come off as having to be some guru to make this business happen. It’s about the system you use and if they see themselves using it also to get where they want.
People tell me all the time, ” I enjoyed talking with you and just how laid back you are and how you seem to just enjoy life” That’s why for me I just share the system or tools to get them where they want to be.
It doesn’t take guru’s to cook the burgers/fries at those burger joints, but the systems do. Show them how to do it and support them 100%.
I like this! Great view point.
This was an awesome comment! You make a very good point!
Professionalism, in any arena requires an unwavering belief in your chosen discipline. This belief will always transcend any number of hours spent at a task, as integrity is instantly recognizable for what it is.
Let’s face it, you must believe in you first, no amount of time or exertion will completely cover up a lack of faith.
I say… let’s keep these discussions coming and let’s grow awareness of our profession the way we grow our networks!!! I too am becoming a true advocate of what true Network Marketing is – especially after meeting Randy in person in one of his spectacular seminars in Vegas. (You really know your fashion by-the-way! ;)
Spam, cactus handshakes and constant opportunities-in-your-face are unnecessary!!! A true professional is magnetic!!!
Let’s keep spreading awareness of what true professional Network Marketing is like Randy and let’s lead by example!!!
Thanks Randy!!!
PS – DMO is key!
I believe Jim Collins says it best – Good to Great – get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, the right people in the right seats and drive it somewhere great!
Pros possess posture and hone their skills ongoing. Diligent, consistent attraction marketing multiplies over time. Leaders continue to learn.
I’ve been in Network Marketing continuously for close to 7 years now and have seen a lot of different types of ‘professionals.’
I think there are many ways to be successful in this business and what works for one doesn’t work for another. 2 a day in theory is great but its what comes before and what comes after that also makes the difference.
I don’t think just numbers cut it any more like they did 20 years ago when great MLM opps were few and far between.
That being said professionals all have some core things in common:
they treat it like a business
they don’t make endless boring excuses about why they can’t work this week
they do schedule and manage their own time to work their business
they try to develop their inner game so it matches their outer one
they work with integrity and balance honesty with kindness
they take responsibility for their results
they become leaders
they don’t think about quitting – they think of solutions
they need to think about what impact their actions have on their team
There are so many things we need to do to be professionals in this business. I guess that’s why it takes us a while to get it!!
What I like most about NM is that it makes us become much better people than when we start as long as we are doing the daily personal development and not playing the blame game.
Understand one truth…”The life you lead is determined by the choices you make.”
Hello Randy,
You must remember the following things
Faith, Family, Financies, Fitness,and Fun
Professional Networks have a plan for success.
We must build relationships and create leaders.
We must communicate with customers and buisness partners.
We are performing several tasks at the same time.
Owner- Buy the business concept
General Manager- Always recruiting players
Coach- Teaching and Training the team
Salesman- Always selling products or services and the business model
You must stay focused, positive and never give up. Be patient with excitment and urgency.
Much Success to You and Your Buisness
DG
Hi,
Can any one suggest me a real system which is automated for MLM?
thanks
Koli
Randy has a system. Check it out.
Why do people mistake professionalism in MLM as being like any other professional person.
Being professional in MLM is about caring, having integrity and being totally honest to yourself and your people. Very few other professions require that!
Real MLM professionals keep things simple and learn to say the right things.
Trust in your own abilities and focus on the end result at all times.
Gary J Kidd
I have just been reading through the comments, and want to thank the contributors, and Randy for raising the discussion about professionalism. There are a number of very clear lists of “evidence of professionalism” which are well explained. It makes it so much easier to run through a checklist and check out if you personally staying on track, and it is much easier to have a well though out list when training others who are just starting their business. thanks guys (and gals)