Network Marketing Lie #2: Anyone Can Do This!

At best, this statement is only half-true. In my opinion, the value of the truth contained in the statement is far outweighed by the sheer number of people it misleads.

Well, whether we want to admit it or not, not all network marketers start their business on equal footing. Some come into the business with substantial advantages, while others come into the business with substantial disadvantages. Don’t believe me?

Let’s say 2 people want to start their business with Company Z. Person A has been in network marketing for the past 10 years, was a top money earner with Company Y; and he’s been a network marketer full-time for the past 6 years, and has a faithful downline 1,000 strong. Person B works 60 hours a week at a dead-end job, has bills up to his eyeballs, and has never been involved in Network Marketing, but he’s heard that “anyone can do it” so he’s ready to get going and get himself out of the financial rut he’s been in for the past 5 years. Who will be the first person to reach let’s just say $100,000 in 6 months? I’d be willing to be the farm that it’ll be Person A. Why?

Person A has significant advantages: he’s been in network marketing for 10 years (read: he has substantial experience); He was a top money earned (read; he has money to spend to grow his business; he is a full-time network marketer (read: he has time to build the business); and he has a faithful downline (read: customers);

Person B represents a large percentage of people who find their way to network marketing. Person B is at a significant disadvantage in starting with Company Y. Person B works 60 hours a week (read: he won’t have much time to devote to the business); he has bills up to his eyeballs (read: he has very little money to build the business); and he has never been involved in network marketing (read: he has no experience).

Am I trying to discourage people who resemble Person B from getting into network marketing?

Absolutely not! There are plenty of people out there that were just like Person B and who are now millionaires. That’s what makes network marketing the incredible business model that it is. However, Person B is going to have to do a lot of face-to-face presentations to get his business really going, and $100K will likely take 1-2 years, not 6 months.

The point is, that everyone is on a different time line. There are so many factors that determine how quickly and easily people start making money in network marketing. One of the most important factors is skill level. That is why it is very important to educate yourself.

Another important factor is money. Although companies’ start-up costs vary widely, one thing that remains true for all companies is that you will need a monthly marketing budget. You don’t need a big budget, there are many good tools that make Internet marketing easier for everyone. But, the reality is you will still need some money to market your business to its full potential. Big money earners won't tell you that.

Why do you need a marketing budget? Well, without money, you won’t have a constant stream of fresh prospects that you need to build your business. There are two ways to get leads: buy them or generate them yourself. The ones you generate yourself will be far more qualified, but it costs money even to generate leads yourself.

The other main factor is time. Yes, you can start building your business with little time, but the more time you spend the quicker your business will grow.

When Person B approaches me about joining my business, I have an honest heart-to-heart with them about the reality of this business. I take them down off of the “Anyone can do it” cloud, and let them see the reality that they will be facing.

Other people sadly are out for the “Quick Sell”, they wouldn’t mind if a guy spent his last dime on becoming part of their network marketing team, only to have 0 money to market his business. I don’t think that the Quick Sell is the way to build a business. In the short term, it’s great- more sales. In the long term, it’s a long list of discouraged, broke, and angry people.

The moral of this story: please be honest with your prospects. Tell them what it really takes to succeed in this business, and you will be rewarded with happy, successful business builders, which will in turn take you to the top of your network marketing company!

Copyright 2007.