What Prospecting, Sponsoring New MLM Reps and Dating Have In Common
Let’s face it, a lot of people hate dating. It gives you anxiety in the pit of your stomach; it gives you cold sweats. You wonder what you should say? You start thinking about the get-to-know-you dance you have to engage in. You put out all that effort to get to know someone…what if it doesn’t work out? Ugh.
I bet you’re wondering: What on earth could that possibly have to do with prospecting and sponsoring new reps into my MLM business Amy? Well, did you ever sit down to get ready to make those phone calls. You know….You’ve got your list of MLM leads and phone numbers in one hand, your phone in the other; you take a deep breath and get ready to start prospecting …all hopeful and nervous…getting that familiar anxiety in the pit of your stomach….looking over your “script” so you know what you should say. Get ready to talk to a total stranger and hope you make a connection. Starting to sound familiar?
We can learn a lot from people who do well in dating situations. I’ll tell you what they’ve got that you should have. An actual desire to date. Now I know that sounds crazy. I know even all you long-time married folk can remember how nervous and uncomfortable you got on dates at times. But here’s something about successful daters — They actually look forward to dating. It’s a chance to connect with someone new. To enjoy getting to know a new human being. They actually find it fun!
I know that sounds nuts to those of you who’ve experienced dating dread on a regular basis, but it’s true. Dread in dating is merely a decision that you’ve made to be uncomfortable with something. It’s not “just the way things are”. You have CHOSEN it.
This same philosophy could and should be applied to prospecting. It’s all in the mindset. If you want to be successful at prospecting and sponsoring new reps into your MLM business, BEFORE you pick up that phone, you have got to DECIDE to enjoy yourself. Make a decision to have a little fun. Breathe. Relax. Vary your script a little. Make the words your own. Make it a game you play with yourself. So what if it doesn’t work out. Who cares? Take the pressure off and just enjoy yourself. It’s just a lead. It’s not the be all and end all of your success.
When you put such importance (aka desperation) into each phone call, your MLM prospect can feel that. Ick. Do you really want to spend time with needy, desperate people? … Neither do you prospects. They certainly aren’t going to have confidence in the idea of getting into business with a needy, desperate person – no matter how good your MLM opportunity is.
Instead, just listen. Find something that you can connect to about your prospect and ask them questions about it. People love to talk about themselves. Listen to what your prospect is struggling with in their MLM business and try to relate. Make it personal. When your prospects feel listened to – when they feel really HEARD – you’ve made a connection. Then, and ONLY then, might they actually be receptive to your opportunity. Then you have the chance to really sponsor them into your MLM business and show them the way to the top!
Prospecting in MLM is a dance. You keep in rhythm with your partner and take it one step at a time. You don’t go proposing marriage in the middle of your introduction. You don’t step on their toes. First you make a connection. Then you woo. Then you sponsor.