Why Most New MLM Reps Don't Duplicate: And How to Fix It!
I have spent a lot of time thinking about duplication this week. Some people swear by it and others say throw a lot of mud against the wall to see what sticks. Up until this week, I really had mixed feelings on this myself.
From my personal experience I’ve learned that most people who come into our business do very little if anything at all. Most folks join, order the products once or twice, never sponsor anyone, never sell a product, and then quit in 30 to 90 days.
Only a small percentage of people who join our team have good confidence and good selling and recruiting skills. This small group of people (less than 3%) can hit the gates running from day one, but most people can’t.
The real thing I’ve spent time thinking about this week is WHY people join the business and do nothing. Why do people invest $100 to $500 only to quit a few weeks later? Is it because they are lazy? Is it because they don’t make the business a priority? Is it because they fear being rejected?
I think all of those things play a part in it. But, I truly believe that most people quit or fail because they never get the proper training they need to be successful. Most people get signed up, are told to make a name list, get slapped on the butt, and then told to “go get ‘em!” Before they have any training or are told “how to do it” they are thrown to the wolves. Talk about a recipe for failure.
In addition, most people are courted into the business. Their sponsor says the magic words like “this will be easy” or “all you need is two people” or something similar. Furthermore, they make their new distributor feel special, go over the top and provide outstanding customer service, and then once the prospect joins the business, the sponsor pretty much abandons them to look for their next recruit.
I’ve been guilty of this myself, even though I am embarrassed to admit it.
I think there is a solution to this. When you bring someone into the business you need to spend time with them to train them. Think of it like a job orientation. When you start a new job you typically have a one to four week orientation where you learn the ropes. Rarely, if ever will your employer just throw you to the wolves and expect you to know how to do the job on the first day.
Network marketing should be treated the same way. You should have a training game-plan for your new rep that indoctrinates them to your company, the products and the industry. You have to do some hand holding and transfer some of your knowledge to them.
Rather than just tell them to make a list and start contacting their friends and family, you need to educate them about how to contact people, what to say, how to follow up, overcome a few basic objections and so forth.
This builds their confidence in themselves and their business.
No, you don’t need to make them an expert or teach them every little detail about the business, but you should invest five to ten hours (minimum) over a couple week period of time BEFORE you tell them to start contacting lots of people.
Even if you do this with everyone you bring into the business, most people will still quit. That’s inevitable. However, I truly believe that more people will stick around longer if you give them realistic expectations and train them properly, so they can start out right! What do you think?
About the Author
Chuck Holmes is an author, blogger, veteran, husband and entrepreneur. He lives in Florida. Learn more about his opportunity.
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