Put "Network" Before "Marketing"

All too often, when we start a MLM business our focus is on how soon we can make some money. While we may be trained to start our relationship with the "F.O.R.M." questions, we ask them with our agenda in the back of our minds. We are in a hurry to tell them about our product or opportunity, since we've been taught that "everyone needs this!"What would happen if your only agenda was to make new friends? When you have a chance to meet someone new, just "connect" by asking questions they would love to answer, questions that get them to open up about what is good in their life. Do not ask anything that might make them feel negative. Here are some examples:Ask how they got into their profession
Ask what they like about their job, not what they don't like
Ask what makes their company different from others in the industry
Ask about their hobbies
Ask about their favorite vacation spotThe goal is to find out how you can help them, how you can add value to their life. If you discover things you have in common that is great too because that could give you more ideas about how to add value.What do I mean by adding value? Can you refer them to a person or business that can help them? Can you refer someone else to them? It is very powerful when you can start a connection between two people you know who can benefit each other. In this way, you can build relationships even with people who are currently competitors of yours. You never know when things will change and you might be able to work together. You can also pass along anything of personal value, like information about a sale at a store you both like or something their kids would be interested in. Just be sure you are helpful and not annoying.Do you see how it takes the pressure off both of you, when your only goal is to build a friendship? Sure, you say, sounds like fun. But how do I make any money?Good question. Think about these things:Some people you meet have no interest in your product or business; they are not prospects now
Everyone is a potential new friend
Most people want to know, like, and trust someone before they do any business with them
People don't care what you know until they know that you care. They want to matter to you.Does true networking take time? Yes! Is it worthwhile? I think patience is a virtue, and good things come to those who wait. What do you think?