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Motivation in Direct Sales- Part 2

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We continue our discussion on motivation and share ways to overcome the main challenges faced by those in direct sales. Here are some things to keep in mind…

Don’t give up too soon

Study results from several research websites list as high as a 99% failure rate of those who start a direct sales career. The reality is that most who start will quit within a fairly short period of time. Much attention is given to that fact, but this factoid should really be put in perspective. Every industry and pursuit has some measure of a high failure rate: the majority of people seeking careers in music, professional sports, or theatre quit before finding motivating success. Another example, the National Association of Real Estate reports that over 80% of people who get their real estate license will quit their very first year and most of those never even sold a single home.

In a recent interview with MLM.com, MLM Training Expert Simon Chan said he believes the main reason so many people quit network marketing pursuits is that while many are attracted to the independent lifestyle, they quit before they establish the solid habits required for success.

“Most of us love being our own boss but hate being our own employee,” he said. Chan’s believes there are five fundamental skills of MLM success: 1) mindset, 2) marketing, 3) no hype selling, 4) leadership, and 5) new market expansion He maintains that when those skills are practiced correctly, any person in any company can find sustained prosperity.

Adopt the right approach

MLM opportunities are businesses. The “Get Rich Quick” stereotype is not only misleading, it’s false. Unless you’re heir to some incredible fortune, solid and lasting success with a lucrative network marketing business requires hard work, commitment, and dedication. But, there can still be profits in the short-term.

In an article for ABOUT.com, Scott Allen, a 20-year veteran technology entrepreneur, executive, and consultant, wrote about what questions people considering joining an MLM should ask themselves. When it comes to an opportunity’s profit evaluation, he writes, “Don’t fall for the line that it takes months or even years to show a profit. You should be able to recoup any investment and start earning income within just a few weeks, if there’s really demand for the product. Making a living at it is another story. You need to be able to work it part-time in addition to other steadier income sources.”

Attitude is everything

Motivation includes many factors but one of the main ones is attitude. Thomas Jefferson once said, “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

Jefferson’s statement has been proven true over and over again. Still, it’s also important to note that attitude cannot compensate for competence or experience. I know a man who often boasts about his positive attitude and how his success is built on the power of positive thinking. The struggle comes when he’s asked what he does. He’ll refer to thinking big and helping others be happy. “Again, what do you do?” is a question for which he has no solid answer beyond the clichés of a positive attitude. The shallow replies to such questions may be one of the main reasons he’s not yet found financial success in the MLM industry despite years of effort. There’s a lot more to achievement than thinking; accomplishments are related to doing.

Still, attitude is definitely a vital characteristic of success. US philosopher & psychologist William James (1842 – 1910) said, “The great discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.”

Identify what motivates you and refresh it regularly

Some people are easily inspired, naturally optimistic, not easily frustrated, and possess the stamina required to pursue a goal despite many setbacks. Those people may find success in less time and with less effort than others, but people of all personality types and motivation orientations can achieve tremendous success in network marketing. Discovering or recognizing what drives you, focusing on what motivates you, and refreshing yourself with those reminders regularly can help you be more efficient in your MLM efforts. Direct selling skills are like any other life skill: practice makes perfect.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last.

Well, neither does bathing—

that’s why we recommend it daily.”

Zig Ziglar

Anyone can be successful in network marketing. MLM blogger Brad Campbell asserts that determination, teachability, and initiative make the difference between success and failure in network marketing. “If you’ve got a burning desire, a willingness to learn and you’re committed to taking action on proven money-making tasks each day, the MLM world is your oyster.”

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