Network Marketing - What To Do When Nothing Seems To Work

One of the things that many people allude to (and some come right out and say it) is that they have tried everything to get their business to grow, and nothing seems to work. They've tried online and offline systems, genealogy leads and biz opp leads, hotel meetings and home meetings, but things just aren't working.

I want to take a few minutes and give you some advice and some thoughts that may be able to help you (or those you know going through this) have success in our the NWM industry.

Let me begin by telling you my personal story. I joined my first company back in 1997. In fact, I am still with that company using their products every day. I tried for nearly six years to build that business, but I never had any level of success. In fact, I think my spending to earnings ratio is at least 100:1 (maybe 1000:1).

Now, it wasn't that I wasn't passionate about the products. It wasn't that there wasn't a system that worked. It wasn't that I didn't have successful mentors. It wasn't because I didn't have prospects to talk to.

After about six years, I began working with another company. By the end of my first year in business I had earned $60K after 18 months, I was on track to surpass $100K annually.

What was the difference?

Well, it wasn't because all of the sudden I had a good batch of leads. It wasn't because all of the sudden I now had a patented, proprietary, first-to- market, ground floor, doctor approved, miracle product. It wasn't because I now had an upline that could do killer 3-way calls with me.

The difference was - it was the right fit for me.

I believe (and you may not agree) that there are some companies and segments of the NWM industry that are harder to build than others, for some people. While one person may thrive and flourish with one company, another person may flounder and falter with the same company. It doesn't mean the second person is a moron. It may mean that there is another company out there somewhere that is a better fit.

Now, before I go on, let me say that I am not advocating for people to quit their company and jump ship to another company. I believe in perseverance, overcoming, and breaking through those barriers that can help you become a greater person. I am advocating that a person needs to be realistic and not blame the leads, the system, the upline, etc.

You see, in my first company, there were people who were making six figures a month. There are still people who are recruiting 20+ people a month. In fact, one guy recruited 110 people in one month this last year. It isn't as if the company isn't successful. In fact, they are currently experiencing record growth after 10+ years in business.

Look at the corporate world. People change jobs all the time. I'm not talking about the person who can't hold down a job. I'm talking about the person who changes positions because as he matures he comes to discover what brings him the greatest fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction. While there isn't a job that can provide all that 100% of the time, there comes a time when a person knows what works and what doesn't work for them.

For example, my favorite restaurant is a Mexican place called Abuelos. It doesn't mean I want to work there or even own the place. But, I'll recommend them all day long for someone who wants a great meal. Similarly, I still believe in the products of the first company I joined, but it doesn't mean that company is the best place for me to work and build a business.

Another example - have you ever seen a shirt, dress, or pants that looked great on someone else? But, when you go to the mall and try it on, it makes you look like an overweight, disfigured Manatee that highlights every fault and imperfection on your body. You can either buy the shirt and live with the disillusion that the shirt looks great on you, or you can be realistic and say "the shirt looks great, but not on me."

Here's the bottom line.

I believe in our industry as a whole. I don't believe every company is for every person and that every company is an equal fit and opportunity for every person. I believe it is time to stop blaming the leads, the system, the products, the upline, the leadership, etc. for one's lack of success.

While it may be in someone's best interest to persevere, break through, and achieve success with their current company, there also comes a point when it's time to admit, "the shirt looks great, but not on me."

I tried on a different shirt, and it fits great. I love what I am doing and I wouldn't go back to the corporate world for anything.

Maybe, just maybe, this resonates with you. This article was written for those who can "hear" what I am saying. There is a verse in the New Testament that says "To him who has ears, let him hear." You see, many people are bombarded with guilt because they are told that if they can't make it with "ABC" company, then what makes you think you'll make it elsewhere.

Finally, let me say this. This article is not all about finding a new company. If that is what you've concluded, then you've missed the heart of what is being said. This article is a response to people who have been complaining and blaming, and for those who have been working hard and working smart, but making very little progress. It is about finding success within our industry.

Rich Niccolls has been helping networkers with leads for over five years. To receive a free copy of his soon to be released ebook, "The Almost Comprehensive Guide to MLM Leads," sign up for his newsletter at: MLM Leads Newsletter.