For most of us it isn’t a surprise that we appear on someone’s network marketing lead list. If we forget that we opted in somewhere, the auto-responders will definitely remind us. What can be surprising, is how differently we’re treated between the leader of one list as opposed to the leader of another; or even better, how differently we treat those on our list.
Appearing For The First Time Live… On The Phone
Establishing a relationship for the first time with someone we can’t see, who’s facial expressions we can’t read, who’s eyes cannot make contact with ours, can be a challenge. The exercise in listening skills begins in this first meeting, but if you happen to be the listed, you also get to be the talker. When it’s my turn to talk, I like to see if I can hear how well the other person is listening.
If I placed myself into their path, it isn’t because nothing was on my mind. We can keep our distance on the social sites with idle chit chat, but as network marketers we know that this constitutes an entirely new level of commitment. I can get myself off someones list quicker than I got on, simply by wasting their time.
What I Would Expect
With the help of a few very direct questions, the relationship either starts or stops. Assuming that the relationship starts, it has already taken a specific direction. I might be looking for information, training, or possibly I’m canvasing new business opportunities. Every question has value, every answer is important. At some point in my networking experience, this conversation in part, or in whole, might prove the difference between landing a prospect, or ending a relationship. So I keep in mind that networks are extensions, and we’re simply hubs.
The primary goal is always to grow, so I expect the same dedication from both sides of the equation. When I first began to realize the role I play to my up-line isn’t always as a trainee, the taste of leadership grew strong. Even though they’ve achieved success, they seek to enhance my leadership qualities.
Stuck In Middle Management
The battle out of mediocrity in the corporate world depends upon relationships to leaders high above our current rank. Begin to exhibit true signs of leadership and skills as a vice president or president of the firm, and the true nature of those relationships will emerge. Do the same thing in network marketing, and you’ll be invited to speak at a conference somewhere.
I want to appear as an upwardly mobile entrepreneur to anyone who has my name on their list, and to encourage the same attitude in anyone that appears on my list. That’s a formula for success.
