The ‘why’ factor in network marketing success
On the popular reality show “Fear Factor,” contestants recruited from across the US compete in physically and mentally challenging stunts for the grand prize of $50,000. These brave hearts dive into underwater labyrinths, jump from helicopters and eat the most disgusting dishes served with worms, rotten cheese, pig’s eyes and more. The natural question that comes to you as a viewer is, “Would you do that for $50,000?”
In fact, many contestants walk away from the chance to win the ultimate prize out of sheer fear or disgust at the challenges. However, the lucky winner often walks away with just a few bruises and an upset stomach, but $50,000 richer than before.
Viewers can get a glimpse into the contestant’s mindset through the answers given to the host’s questions about why they wanted to be on the show. Many times it’s just for the money – no surprises there – but other times there are ‘higher’ reasons like getting out of debt, paying for a child’s college, or proving your stoicism to other family members.
When preparing for a stunt and during the performance itself, the host often shouts a reminder at the contestants of the award they are working for and their reasons for being there. This often turns out to be a great motivator for some contestants who were about to give up.
This may just be Reality TV, but there are plenty of lessons here that can be applied to having a successful career in Network Marketing. Just by watching a few episodes of “Fear Factor” it becomes obvious that there are a lot of contestants who got in just for the chance to be on TV. The elimination in the first round is inconsequential because they would have fulfilled their ‘dream’. In the same way, there are many people who join an MLM opportunity just for the fun of it. They do not have set goals, plans, or a burning desire to succeed. This is a sure recipe for failure.
Your chances of success in network marketing are only as strong as your “why.” When you face challenging moments, it’s your “why” that will keep you going.
Although money is a great motivator, I can boldly suggest that it is not enough. Just think about it: we don’t really need more money, just what that money gives us. In fact, the most important things in life (family, health, love, freedom) can’t really be bought. There are many rich men who would pay their entire fortune to regain their health sacrificed to earn their wealth.
At the same time, there are many people who continue to work well into their retirement years because they enjoy the work even more than the monetary reward. Money is a lot, but it is not everything.
This is where goal setting becomes paramount because your goal is intimately tied to your reason for doing the business. If your ‘reason why’ is to get your children through college, then your goal will be proportional to that reason. When obstacles get in your way, these setbacks are measured against your ultimate goal and your priority will become apparent on what you win: your goal or the temporary setback.
Many people approach network marketing with a lottery mentality. They hope their investment will pay off in some big windfall. But no business works that way. A good sponsor vs. recruiter understands their people’s “why” and can use it to help them achieve focus and a long-term plan. A strong “why” becomes like an anchor that sees network marketers through the ups and downs of doing business. As Winston Churchill said, “Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”
We are often charmed and inspired by the ‘rags to riches’ story of people who overcame great odds and extreme poverty to become very rich. What drove these people to financial success was not so much the prospects of wealth as it was the distaste for poverty. They hated their situation and turned this hatred into a positive force that motivated them to act. There was no turning back because they were too familiar with what was behind them.
History is replete with stories of people who overcame great odds to excel in their fields. Lance Armstrong recently won the Tour de France for the seventh time in a row despite his battle with cancer. Did you know that Beethoven was dead and John Milton was blind?
A classic example of the results of having an invincible “why” is found in the life of one of America’s greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln. He failed as a businessman, a farmer, and in his first attempt at political office. When he was elected to the legislature he failed when he sought the position of speaker. He failed in his first attempt to go to Congress. He failed when he sought appointment to the United States Land Office. He failed when he ran for the United States Senate and he failed when his friends sought the Vice Presidential nomination for him in 1856. But he was finally elected President in 1860.
Passionate desire and a strong will to succeed despite obstacles are far more important than raw talent. In network marketing, it’s not the talented leader or speaker who rises to the pinnacle of success, but ordinary people with extraordinary “whys” MUST be successful.
Unlike the TV show “Fear Factor,” to be successful in your own business you don’t have to jump out of moving helicopters, eat beetles and slugs, or walk a tightrope between thirty-story buildings, but you do have to possess the same passion. of a winner of $50,000. The great thing about Network Marketing is that there is room for more than one winner…and $50,000 is a joke when you really consider the number of millionaires this industry has produced.
So how strong is your “why”? Your answer to this simple question will determine your success in this home business more than any other factor.
Copyright (c) Craig Aldridge