Getting the Right People in the Right Seats on the Bus
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I walked to elementary school and junior high, but I had to ride the bus to high school. I lived in a rural area in Pennsylvania and the high school was several miles away. The first week or two of shcool, I noticed that the bus driver made a point of getting to know each and every one of us on his route. Then he would begin the strategic process of assigning seats.
Trust me, there was a good reason for getting the right people in the right seats on the bus!
The bus driver knew better than to put the known rebel rousers in the back of the bus. He always made sure they occupied the front row seats so he could keep a close eye on them.
The serious, saftey-minded students were seated near the rear exit door. He trusted they would stay calm and know how to open the door in the event of an emergency.
Any band members carrying bulky instruments were given aisle seats.
The rough, bumpy ride made a few motion-sensitive people nauseated, so he would assign them window seats (I'll refrain from explaining why).
As your network marketing organization grows, are you focusing on getting the right people in the right seats?
In other words, have you figured out which downline members to assign your valuable time and attention to? Who do you need to keep a close eye on? Who can you trust to work independently and diligently without a watchful eye? Whose fires are you constantly putting out?
A full day has only 24 hours and you've only got two hands, two feet, and one voice.
Begin by doing what my school bus driver did. Spend time getting to know your downline. Come to the realization of who your producers and business builders are and assign them the best seats. These are the folks who qualify for your time, energy, and effort. They deserve the opportunity to know, like, and trust you.
Oh, and in case you're wondering ...
My bus driver did NOT assign me a front row seat!
~Melanie Kissell
Views: 443 | 
Comments: 6 
About the Author: Melanie Kissell
Member Since: 10/10/2007
Company: Perinatal Services
Industry: Health Care
Primary Web Site: http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/mkissell
Great Analogy, Melanie
Melanie,
I never thought about the placement of a downline in this manner. After reading your post, it does make sense. The bus seat assignment analogy is clear and to the point. In a previous business that I was trying to make successful I faced great difficulty getting people placed in the right seats. My problem was that I guess I had my "rowdy" ones in the wrong seat, therefore they were left to mischief (so to speak). Before I realized my mistake, because they had me fooled, it was too late. Needless to say, I am learning how to "create a better seat assignments on my bus" now. It's a huge learning process, but I am willing to put in the work. Thanks for the helpful insight. I am looking forward to following your postings and learning more.
I appreciate you!
Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to comment on my article.
I've learned this lesson the hard way ... without a doubt! In the past, I've spent way too much time on folks that aren't really serious and didn't really have the desire to "work" the business.
Looking forward to staying connected.
Be fierce and be fabulous!
~Melanie
Excellent connection
Many would find the attitude of spending time with those who deserve it a harsh view of building your business but your bus driver story is an excellent way to explain the care, concern, love and appreciation for each person's talents and abilities that needs to go into being a great leader.
Excellent story. Wonderful post proving how you are a leader worth following, learning and growing under.
To your success,
Joyce Penner
www.joycepenner.com
Thank You!
Joyce,
Thank you for your comment.
I knew I was taking somewhat of a risk in posting this article. I agree with you that some professionals may see this as a "harsh" approach to seat assignments in their organization.
However ...
Coming from the mindset of a respected and successful leader in this industry, you are already aware of exactly what it takes to build a thriving business.
I value your feedback!
~Melanie
The right seats
You are right on target. The culling process in a necessary evil. Time being are most precious resource we must use it wisely. You just have to drop the lazy, the negative and concentrate on those that have a desire they will work for.
HONE YOUR DESIRE...then work will be a joy
From The heart
Elwood
Thanks, Elwood
Appreciate your response, Elwood. Sifting and sorting through people is tedious and time consuming, but essential. Finding just the right people with the attributes you're looking for is absolutely tantamount!! It never ceases to amaze me how some folks will take anyone with a pulse.
~Melanie