Network Marketing IS About Selling, So Get Over It

In today’s Truthful Thursdays post, we are going to examine a claim made by many a Network Marketing recruiter:  There is no selling involved!

Could this really be true?

I remember the first time someone told me there was No Selling in Network Marketing.  I was talking to my new sponsor after joining my first MLM Company.

I had a small case of buyer’s remorse and a little panic was setting in.

The initial excitement of starting our own business had worn off, and now I was afraid I’d made a huge mistake.

The conversation went something like this:

Me:  I’m not sure I can do this.  I’m no good at selling.  I’ve never sold anything!

My Sponsor:  Don’t worry, there’s no selling in Network Marketing.  Just tell your story and the product will sell itself.

I  believed her answer back then.  Yup, I bought it  hook, line and sinker.   But then again, I was naive and stupid.

But before you jump all over this poor lady for lying, there was a smidgen of truth to what she said, although she probably didn’t know it.

And I was wrong, too.

Let me explain.

There’s really 2 truths to identify in this scenario:

Truth #1:   Network Marketing IS about Selling

Of course it is.

Anyone who tells you differently is either a liar or delusional.

Or trying to persuade you to sign up at all costs.

Network Marketing is ALL about selling and your success will depend on your ability to sell.

Okay, before you self destruct in fear (remember “I’m no good at selling”), let me explain exactly what you’ll be selling.

Because it’s not what most people think.

Most Network Marketers believe they are selling their company’s product line.  WRONG!

If you’re surprised at this statement, you’re not alone.  It’s one of the most common misconceptions in the Industry.

But here’s the truth:

You MARKET your Product;  You SELL YOURSELF

Think about it.  You place ads or make promotional videos to market your product, to spread the word and share it’s features and benefits to the consumer.

But if you want people to join you as a distributor in your Network Marketing business, people don’t join because of the product.

They join your business because of YOU.

They will join you if they believe you’re the one who can help them reach their goals and achieve their dreams.

That’s right, you bet you’re selling yourself.

Which brings us to…

Truth #2:  You are Constantly Selling Yourself

Now before you hit the back button and send this post into oblivion, hear me out.

You can say you’ve never sold anything and you would be dead wrong.  I guarantee it.

You sell yourself constantly, every day of the year, and you’re probably doing it without even realizing it.

Don’t believe me?

• What about the time you had that first date with your spouse or partner?  Remember the process?  You were putting your best foot forward, trying to impress and be on your best behavior.  You were careful only to share stories that put you  in a good light.  After all, you wanted that second date.  You were selling yourself.

• What about the time you went to that job interview, wearing your best clothes, with your new haircut and a resume printed on the best paper you could find?  Remember that?  You practiced answering all the tough questions, because you knew you’d need to really SELL YOURSELF to your potential boss.

Hmmm…. see a pattern?

You see, as a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a husband, a wife, a father, a mother, a student, teacher, an employee, or a boss — In so many ways, we are CONSTANTLY SELLING OURSELVES.

It’s no different in business, especially Network Marketing – a People and Relationship business.

The ones who are most successful?

These are the people who are best at building trust and selling themselves.

So get over it and start selling yourself.  Get out of your comfort zone if that’s what it takes.

But just be sure you’re selling the right thing.

Your Turn

So what do you think?  Do you agree or disagree?

Have a favorite story to tell?

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