Leadership Posturing
When I signed up with my first network marketing company back in the 90′s I was exposed to leadership posturing and I didn’t even know it. I was really in doubt of my skills at a marketer at that time, and boy I see how green I really was back then.
Like most people I cut my teeth with Amway a still thriving network marketing company even today. I was approached by a co-worker and he asked if I would be interested in making some side money that wouldn’t interfere with my life. I was like “sure!” So I attended my first network marketing meeting at the age of 19.. I tell you they hyped up the whole presentation. I finally came to the point where I was asked to sign on the bottom line. “Um, not sure if I can do this..” the response I got was so classic I will never forget it! Clint, You are probably right.. this business is not for everyone..
Leadership Posturing Lesson Learned
Well what would any red blooded American do at this point? lol I signed of course, but what I didn’t realize is that I was more goated into doing the business than actually having someone to guide me through the next critical year in my business. Btw, another great line to use on prospects is.. “Well, I am not so certain this is a fit for you. The people that produce in this industry are coachable, confident and can follow simple steps that I outline. Based on what you just said, I am not sure this business is a fit for you, at least not right now”. The challenge to the prospect and the fact that you just took everything away from him is usually too much to bare.
Knowing what I know now about this industry and all the personal development I have gone through in the last 12 months I can tell you this… Its ok to get the reluctant prospect to sign by using this method, but if you are going to let your new recruit just sign and then you leave them to their own demise you might as well go find another business.. People are not interested in being sold they are interested in being helped. So help them, to the point where they can help themselves, and then and only then should you cut the chords a little and let them fly. Encourage them and build them up. That is what leaders do…
Being A Postured Leader
Being a leader today is more about showing people how to act rather than showing them how not to act and doing the work for them. By this I mean, show them by taking action in your own business and lead by example. Explain the reasons why you do what you do in your business. Also, being transparent to the extreme is a refreshing way to show people you care about them when mentoring. I would expect these things in a leader and I think you should too.
Don’t Over Think This…
