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[TERENCE R. WINSLOW Contribution Level: 1]

Debbie!

You Go Girl! Very well said...I like how you handled yourself... How much money do you make?...yeah right. That person couldn't spend your money...so why ask.

Nice job!

Terence

[Dean Deschenes Contribution Level: 1]

That was gr8 Debbie. im very new to MLM just joined ACN in sept of this year and i've heard that line alot already. as a newbie its dificult to awnser because of the obvious...i just started so i use that same line you did...its not about me its about them...how much do they want to make..
Have a healthy new year!!

Dean asd.acnrep.com

OK, I think I'm going to be the first to disagree. I do think you all make valid points. You want the conversation to be about them, you want to qualify them to make sure they are right for the business but people also need to know what is possible. I would have never joined an MLM if I didn't meet someone that was making well over 10K a week. First, I loved the product but the business side would have escaped my attention had I not had a upfront friend who just "showed me the Money" so to speak. My husband also needed to see the commission statements. We weren't going to mess around for lunch money. I've seen this technique of talking about money openly in my MLM being very effective with enrollment. In fact, some of the top earners say they just bring their laptop to show how much they make.

[Adam Taha Contribution Level: 8]

If that's works for you and your husband Suzy, then that's great but for me, I won't be opening my laptop showing my income until certain qualifying is sorted.

There's the first stage and that stage is first figuring if the person serious. That's why there's questions for example, 'how long have you been thinking of having your own business? What's your reason? etc. Knowing their reason why and so on. Their needs.

This is the first stage. Then, if I see they are serious, after listening to their reasons, etc, then we can talk about the rest of money, cheques etc.

For example, I sat down with lawyers and other top earners in industry they are in. None of them ever said, "show me how much you make." They asked, "show me the business plan, what's the history of the company, how far can I go with this. Can I meet some of your associates too, the top earners, if this is possible. And, have you further information I can see later on."

My reply, "yes, and that's good but first, I have a few questions.." etc.

I even say no to some because some say, "Oh, I need to make 5k and in a matter of month." Then I ask are you willing to do this, that and this. Answer, "No," and I reply, "then forget 5k a month. Let's look at a reasonable goal for you based on the effort you're willing to put in." That's when many get reality check and get serious.

If something else works for someone else, great.

Adam

Adam,
I agree with you. I just think actual numbers in the context of a larger conversation are warrented. The Income Disclosure Statement in our company is one the prefered tools of many of the successful distributors.
Someone else compared this to not asking someone how much you make at a job. This is very different because you are not recruiting someone to your job. If you were hiring someone, there would be an honest conversation about salary.
Susy

[Debbie Turner Contribution Level: 3]

OK, I think I'm going to be the first to disagree. I do think you all make valid points. You want the conversation to be about them, you want to qualify them to make sure they are right for the business but people also need to know what is possible. I would have never joined an MLM if I didn't meet someone that was making well over 10K a week. First, I loved the product but the business side would have escaped my attention had I not had a upfront friend who just "showed me the Money" so to speak. My husband also needed to see the commission statements. We weren't going to mess around for lunch money. I've seen this technique of talking about money openly in my MLM being very effective with enrollment. In fact, some of the top earners say they just bring their laptop to show how much they make.

Susy, had you pushed the envelope with me, I would told you that you didn't qualify for my team. You don't need to see commission statements to know how to understand the company's pay plan to know whether you're going to be working for lunch money.

It really is completely irrelevant how much one person makes vs another. It our job as independant affilates for our respective companies to positively the present the opportunity and information. It's our responsiblity to support, offer help, tools, resources, etc. The rest is up to that individual. End of story in my book.

If they are so hung up on how much I make I don't want them on my team. First of all if I told them how much I made, most likely they will be frustrated because they aren't going to be making what I make until they put in the time I've put in and learned the skillsets. The "average" person isn't going to do what I did.

I'd rather make sure they understand the compensation plan and work on a game plan with them. For example with my Global business, one sale = $1,000. If that's all someone is wanting, then our focus is 1 sale a month. If they want $5k, then we focus on 5 sales a month.

I'm glad for your sake you had someone open their bank account. I don't, won't and think it's totally inappropriate.

I've also had new business owners tell me when someone else is showing or disclosing what they earn, and my business partners who are working hard but haven't seen results yet that it's like rubbing salt in the wound. It doesn't inspire, uplift or encourage, but rather it makes matters worse for them.

[Mary McLean Contribution Level: 3]

Happy Xmas break to all...

This disclosing issue is a matter of personal preference.
Some people attract a certain type of personality & to them, there's no "fear" or whatever it is that "bugs" some people not to disclose & they easily show what they are earning.

For some people, they see non disclosure as fear, ashamed, secretive, scammy, not fair dinkum & so on...so to understand what the person is really asking would be the ideal way to go. But then, who of us are so people smart to be able to get it correct every time?

Disclosure is fine for that personality type & understanding the different needs of various personalities is an art-form for sure.

Sometimes, no matter what you do or do not say, the timing is all wrong & the person who asked you the $$$ question was possibly only doing & gathering research, (as we all have done in various ways over time) to arrive with confidence at their own decision at a later date!
Mary

[Debbie Turner Contribution Level: 3]

Hey Suzi,

I was glancing over my last post and it sounded like maybe I was being harsh. I'm not, I'm enjoying getting to know you and how everyone handles this. You bring such great value to the forum and I'm so glad you're here talking about this. You're awesome. So, wanted to follow up with this post to say I could have picked a better opening line . Look forward to continued dialog.

No worries. I understand where you are coming from and I think you're helping people get over a newbie mistake. The prospect needs to understand it is about what they are willing to do that will determine how well they will do. There are problems with always focusing on what the big successes have made in your company. Still, I have seen that seeing real numbers is a big motivator. Most people have no idea what is possible with network marketing. I would say the general population thinks Network Marketing is something stay-at-home Mom's do to earn Christmas money.

[Adam Taha Contribution Level: 8]

Adam,
I agree with you. I just think actual numbers in the context of a larger conversation are warrented. The Income Disclosure Statement in our company is one the prefered tools of many of the successful distributors.
Someone else compared this to not asking someone how much you make at a job. This is very different because you are not recruiting someone to your job. If you were hiring someone, there would be an honest conversation about salary.
Susy

Susy, thanks for replying. Yes, I understand what you're saying and you have some good points there too. I appreciate your reponse. And again, if that is what works for you in your company and you've tested it out, then great.

If I was hiring someone, well, they'd already know the wage on the newspaper, or magazine. Or I'd ask, "what are you looking for in wage?" I'd be asking the question not them. They know as employees they shouldn't to ask how much is wage but let the boss first say it, is one fatal step.

Yes, sometimes wages are negotionable but I don't expect the person to talk about wages in the first interview. Later on, we can talk. First they need to tell me why they qualify for my time, my leadership, and also the opportunity I have. And to sit right in front of me.

Harsh, no. Just had enough years in MLM to learn now, what I need to do to move ahead.

That's a job but what is it like in business, when someone is a CEO? Someone who is in a job, wants help, is going to ask me, "how much do you make?" Not right question to be qualified for my business but that's me.

This is my personality, what I've learnt and works for me.

Now, for example, if you was sitting with me, and I am at a certain level, traditional business background or mindset and I asked, "ok, show me your checks?"

And you did, then you won't qualify to lead me. I would have wanted you to say, "Great question mate but this is about you. How much do you want to make?"

I'd be very impressed. I'm dominant, so for you to talk back at me and put me in my place politely and showed me your CEO mindset, gives me a clear sign, you got something I might want to know about. Plus, I just seen someone show me leadership, confidence.

But that's me Suzy, a traditional business owner of businesses. Money is not a problem. It's leadership I look for. Then a system and to check that system out, then the team. It's the person I want to know about not their ferrari.

In regards to recruiting. I never do. I use to and I found out whereI went wrong years ago. I aim to qualify people and have quality. In this regards, I know life is fulll of abundance, so it's ok, to qualify people and have faith in the way I apply it. Plenty of people looking for opportunities.

The people come to me. They come because they are interested, they know it takes work and it's not a matter of how much I make, but what they want to make. Also, I don't look to sponsor but rather, look for the right person when they come to me.

But that's me Suzy and again, whatever works for some, great. Again, thanks for your response on my thoughts.

Adam