This blog post will hopefully be a learning experience for me as well as anyone that chooses to participate by making comments and posting their insights, (comment button on top). For 26 years I was a an Entrepreneur and Professional in Mortgage Banking and Owner/Broker of Real Estate offices; including a franchise and always took my craft very seriously.

I then made the transition to coach agents and lenders and I noted some people were more committed than others and often times this manifested in their attitude and results and equally important in their actual plans and implementation from week to week.

Now to bring it full circle I want to discuss what defines a REAL Network Marketer and what separates the PROS from the AMATEURS.

They say a rising tide raises all ships and I would love to see network marketing continue to gain exposure and let’s be specific; positive exposure in the eyes and minds of others not yet in the industry. There are billions of dollars being moved through Network Marketing yet it seems most people, (well meaning) are lost.

It would be great to help raise the professionalism in Network Marketing. But what exactly makes you a professional in this business? I don’t mean a suit and tie, nor am I referring to the car you drive, etc.

I’ll start with some initial thoughts…

The first thing that comes to mind is how committed is someone that joins. By this I am referring to time blocking or planning your week…

It’s pretty common knowledge that to be successful you need to spend at least 10-15 hours a week building a business. However, when I mean “building the business” I don’t mean dreaming about it or thinking about it or getting ready to get ready…I mean “working” 10-15 hours a week in your business. I wonder and conclude that few people; especially new ones actually spend that much time in their business. The next group are those that actually make an attempt to work 10-15 hours but are not as productive because they don’t practice good time management and/or they aren’t exactly sure what they need to be doing at all times.

Most people treat the business like a hobby, and that’s why they earn a hobby bonus check. That may seem harsh but this can’t come as much of a surprise. This is part of the reason the industry has gotten a “black eye” from critics that talk about making little to no money and the high failure rate. You couple this with many people that have never been self employed and have no idea how to market and it’s no wonder this happens.

As a “traditional” businessman for many years, I really never paid too much thought or attention to MLM or Network Marketing. I will say that my experience in Mortgage Banking exposed me to verifying multiple six figure annual incomes of Amway Diamonds and then others in this industry. I often wondered what made the difference from someone that earned little to no income and the Pros that in those same companies earned tons of money…

A Real Network Marketer or a Pro spends their 10-15 hours (or more if they have gone full time) on high pay-off activities. Wait! Let me back up for a second; I feel someone can be part-time and be a Real Network Marketer and a Pro; they simply are in the initial learning curve and operating phase of their business and these will most likely go on to make this a full time career. When I refer to high pay off activities I mean: lead generation, meeting people, prospecting, presenting, helping active team members, product marketing and follow up.

Although, this is not about any company or compensation model; I have to say that I am disappointed by all companies that sprout up with promises of making tons of money almost overnight only to see people flock to these companies and the companies going sour 6 months or a year later. My only comment here is to choose wisely and not the “deal” of the week or month. Even though your “investment” may be only a few hundred to a thousand dollars; I urge you to make sure that what you are doing or considering is logical because if it sounds too good to be true…it probably is AND doesn’t it make sense to build something that actually has a chance to be residual and long term…?

Okay, back to the topic…

Amateurs don’t really work the hours and don’t really work effectively those hours they do put in. Real Network Marketers are Pros like in any other profession and they use their Outlook or Day-Timer at the start of the week and make a plan to be effective that week. They are proactive and simply get it done including working on personal growth, people skills and have a good balance between confident and simply being “real” with their ego in check. (Yep, it’s not always about you, if you really want a huge business..)

How are you doing on this? Do yo need to make some changes or are you on track? Take a reality check for your benefit on this.

My final thought is have a plan, implement and take “real” activity, do it with honor and please, please get or find a mentor as it will make ALL the difference in the world. Yes, even an “average” pay plan can result in more success if you have a real mentor/coach to help you along and keep you accountable as compared to the 450% Whammy Bammy company that has no legs and no coach/mentor to really teach the business, (not the hype; the business).

I will add to future posts as the demand arises and there are other issues to discuss but for now I welcome your comments and let’s all learn and grow so that we may all succeed. The great thing is there is room for everyone and my opinion this industry has been in an infancy stage and those who become real leaders in real long term companies will prosper whether that’s adding a couple of thousands dollars a month to your household income or breaking six figures, multiple figures or more.

As always my desire for you is Much Success and Abundance, Al Rod

**Please Re-Tweet this to your friends and followers, (top right).

***Do you want Free Training on list building and lead generation? http://www.MasterMindConsulting.info

Share