Why Do we Travel Hundreds Of Miles To Give A Presentation?

Maybe the question should be Why Don't we travel hundreds of miles to give a presentation? Everybody likes to hear a good story so let me tell you one about my good friend Tom. He was already successful in Network Marketing and had decided to start a downline in England. He had already established a relationship over there with a man named Jim. Well Tom got off the plane suffering from a bad case of jet lag and wanted nothing more than to go back to Jim's house for a nap. He met Jim at the airport and Jim told Tom about a friend of his named Brian who would like a presentation. Brian's house was 2 hours away, so while travelling there Jim signed up with Tom. The presentation that Tom gave was not his best due to being so tired but Brian signed up because he trusted and respected Jim. Finally they got to Jim's house and Tom kicked off his shoes to take his nap. After an hour Jim's phone rang, it was Brian saying he had a prospect in Scotland who would like a presentation. The man lived about 8 hours from Jim but was willing to drive 2 hours if they would drive the other 6 hours. Jim was reluctant but Tom said they absolutely had to go. After a couple of hours driving Jim turned to Tom and asked why they were doing this for a man who may not even show up. Tom's answer astounded Jim, Tom said "we are not doing this for the man in Scotland, we are doing this for Brian. He is new to the business and needs to know that we are willing to do whatever it takes to help him."

Tom understood what it means to be a leader, he understood what it takes to be a mentor. Tom understood the value of a relationship, he also understood that being a leader and a mentor sometimes took a lot of hard work and sacrifice. It meant giving of himself without expecting anything in return. I think many of us (myself included) can learn from Tom's story. The next time one of your downline asks you to drive a hundred miles to give a presentation, don't think to yourself "I could do this easier by doing a 3way call" just get off your butt, get in your car and happily give the presentation. The results may surprise you and you will have gained a downline that will be with you for a lifetime not a lunchtime.

Donnie