MLM Recruiting – Why the Old Ways Don’t WorkMlm recruiting methods are outdated. Many of us first got started in a multilevel marketing business, or mlm, because we were talked into it by a friend, or were invited to some sort of meeting. The so-called “rah-rah meetings” are designed to present the limitless money-making potential in an atmosphere of cheering, clapping, and personal success stories. If this is the recruiting method used to get you started, chances are you are either beginning to wonder if you made a good decision, or you are no longer with that first home business opportunity, and looking for something that better suits you. The average person stays in a given mlm for three months. That’s about the time it takes for the initial excitement to wear off, and the realization to set in that this is not as easy as it sounded!
Part of the problem is that mlm recruiting methods are to the benefit of the company and not the recruit. Most recruits truly believe in the product they are trying to sell. Even if they quit the business side, they will probably continue on as customers. Another reason mlm recruiting falls short is because it is followed by ineffective training. When presenting a subject, any subject, to a wide audience, the subject matter has to be geared toward the least knowledgeable. Since most new recruits do not have a sales or marketing background, the training offered is motivational in nature. Marketing skills are not taught because it might be too much for the novice. “Fake it ‘til you make it” is one line I heard over and over. Not bringing in enough new people? Go out and do more of what you are already doing. This, in spite of the fact that what you are already doing obviously isn’t working! Sales and internet network marketing skills training are exactly what the new recruits need, but it is not what they get. Mlm recruiting is designed to bring in as many new people as possible. This is to compensate for the high turnover rate. Only five percent of people in mlms find success because the old ways of doing business just don't work. But for those who are able to use the old ways, and they exist, it may be difficult to accept that what they are teaching their downlines is no longer effective. After all, it’s working for them. When you present a home business opportunity as a way to “get rich quick” it’s not surprising that you will attract people who have a something for nothing mindset. You will have a hard time getting them to apply the same work ethic and achieve the same results you do. Unfortunately, this is the usual tactic for mlm recruiting. The fact is the “old school method” of chatting up anyone within three feet to present your business opportunity is becoming more difficult even for the most charismatic. People simply don’t have the time to go to some hotel presentation to hear about how great company xyz is. If they come at all, it’s because they were enticed by a contest, or door prizes and the majority will leave with prize in hand, never to be heard from again, despite the best mlm recruiting attempt. If someone does sign up for your business opportunity, the same time restrictions apply. My mlm was holding meetings up to four or five times a week. This was in addition to the time I spent pounding the pavement looking for leads. Considering the fact that I had intended to build a home based business, the time spent away from home was ironic, to say the least. I actually enjoyed the meetings and the company of my fellow team members, but it wasn’t productive for my business. And, since I care for my elderly mother, I was needed at home. Many, if not most, of your downline will have the same time constraints. They may still be tied to full-time jobs, mothers wanting to be home with their children, or they’ll have a host of other reasons that make their time precious. You must deal with this reality when working with them because if you don't, they will look for someone who will!
The solution to this problem of time and place is to use mlm recruiting methods that paint a realistic picture for prospects. Given a true drive to succeed and the proper training, your recruits can be successful. But they must be willing to do the work and you must be very respectful of the demands on their time. Set up a way to train your downline over the internet. Keep to the schedule and don’t allow your sessions to run over. An honest approach to mlm recruiting will yield the people who will help your business grow. For an interesting point of view on MLM methods, download the free e-book, The 7 Great Lies of Network Marketing by Ann Sieg.
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