Companies teach people about the product, but more complete training programs include developing or enhancing solid sales skills that will help distributors find and maintain profitability more easily.

Industry leader Ray Higdon said, “People don’t join businesses, they join people. Why should people join you? Ask yourself this question, ‘Would you sign up with you?’ And if you can’t answer that with a positive response, then you need to change your marketing.”

A little charisma goes a long way in any profession but it’s especially important to eliminate those traits that pose a challenge really enhances the experience. Just for fun, this article shares some of the silly stereotypes we see in direct sales. Surely we’ve all met one or more of them:

Chatty Kathy.

Chatterboxes usually aren’t the first ones invited to the party. We mentioned this mistake in yesterday’s post but we’ll mention it again—talking too much won’t spread the word, it’ll shut you down. Talk without stopping and your sales will be flopping.

Cliché Carl.

This guy (or gal) relies on the old sayings to get attention and usually gets it- the negative kind anyway. He throws out gems like, “Wanna be like me and wear your pajamas to work every day while the money just rolls in!” and “Don’t you like money?” Avoiding those phrases that are considered red flags is wise and will help lower the wall of defense standard clichés erect.

Desperate Danny.

It’s often quite obvious when someone is desperate for a sale. Anytime you must have a sale, chances are that will come across… and you won’t get it. Comfort with the message will lead to more success than persistence with people who just aren’t interested. Recognizing a fruitless pursuit leads to increased efficiency and increased efficiency equals increased profits!

Nervous Nelly.

Just like in the regular world, in the world of network marketing, a little confidence goes a long way. A weak handshake, shaky voice, and other signs of an awkward delivery weaken one’s message and make the listener uncomfortable. I once worked with a man who was nice but seemed perpetually anxious. He emitted a nervous energy and his agitation made others uncomfortable. I dreaded working with him because of his body language No one wants to purchase product from someone they don’t even want to encounter again.

Pushy Pete.

We’ve all met this guy: he won’t take no for an answer no matter how solidly it’s stated. He keeps asking questions requiring more than a yes or no answer even when it’s painfully obvious no one wants to continue the discussion.

Shallow Shannon.

One of the best things about direct sales is that you don’t need an advanced degree or enhanced business acumen to start earning. The problem with network marketing is the same: no advanced degree or acumen is required for entry. A certain depth of knowledge about the product accompanied by confidence discussing the particulars of that product, will take you far. Knowing nothing about what you’re doing will turn customers off.

Weird Warren.

This is the guy at a cocktail party who randomly blurts out, “Boy, do I have an incredible opportunity for you!” While this phrase could pique interest under difference circumstances, given this situation, the comment isn’t really appropriate. Everyone exchanges glances and expressions of dread at hearing words like that because they know something is soon to follow that will likely make the situation uncomfortable rather quickly. He’ll talk to anyone and everyone who makes eye contact even if their body language relays disinterest. Time and place can make all the difference in the reception of a message. There’s a time and a place to discuss such interests and those whose sharing takes place under more optimal conditions will gain an audience instead of driving one away.

Stereotypes are usually based on oversimplified personality characteristics and while there are some who definitely possess the qualities like those described here but silly stereotypes aside, there are significantly more positive people in MLMs than not. Most are outgoing, friendly, polite, industrious, and professional people. This industry can attract the get-rich-quick, “I’m just such a people person” mentality but for the most part, even as a newbie, I’ve seen solid individuals with more energy, creativity, and determination than I’ve seen in other professions.

Higdon said that often people aren’t turned off by MLMs, they’re turned off by the people in MLMs. Everyone starts from someplace but the journey is easier with honest self-analysis and the desire to improve. The great thing about this business is that there’s room to grow. Determination, persistence, and especially, a willingness to learn and change can make all the difference in growing your business. Analyzing your own weaknesses and turning them into strengths can be the key to growing your business. With that growth comes long-term sustainment when one exhibits favorable and magnetic personality characteristics.