Had it not been for my career with an MLM company that lasted more than twenty years, my husband and I would not be able to enjoy our current free, very comfortable and adventurous lifestyle. We live in an RV resort at home in British Columbia Canada during summer and an RV resort in Yuma, AZ during winter. Our home is luxurious by motor coach standards and all we have to do is turn the key and drive the home down the highway whenever we wish to scratch the traveling itch.
I can’t say that I reached the highest pinnacle in this MLM Company but I can say it was close to that. What made me successful were my consistency in working the business, my tenacity and more than anything else my relationships with clients, colleagues and corporate staff. Because we are people first and business owners second, my relationships were the cement in my foundation. Nothing can be built on a flimsy foundation.
Thus, I put it to you that without healthy relationships in all segments of your life, your success in an MLM business, which is the epitome of Relationship Marketing, will be a struggle. I watched many a promising, talented woman crash and burn when a key relationship, either business or personal, went off the rails and fueled the fire of destruction.
MLM businesses tend to really appeal to women, especially if they are independently spirited. That could also be read as “I don’t want to be tied down to a J.O.B”. These women usually have entrepreneurial DNA in their genes and don’t take well to being followers. Most of us have a ‘leadership’ tendency, set our own timetable, rules and make our own choices. This is wonderful, but there is a downside. There is a tendency to run into more difficulties in relationships. We have the female traits of empathy and nurturing (right brained) which when combined with a strong sense of independence (left brained) can be akin to mixing babies with colic.
Relationships are complex; they will ride an up and down scale. The closer and more deep the relationship, the higher and lower it can ride on this scale. So how does one ensure that their array of relationships will help and not hinder their MLM success?
First, you must have relationship goals. This is the basis, the foundation. List the key people in your personal and business life (some may be in both lists). Decide what it is you want from each relationship. Decide what you want to give to each relationship. Let that person know.
Second, you need to expand your knowledge of human nature. Here is where you become a student, a voracious student. Read the Masters. You know who they are; Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, Don Miguel Ruis, Jack Canfield, Bob Proctor to name a few of many.
Third, you must be willing to ask for help, usually before something becomes a crisis. Don’t allow things to fester, become deep rooted. Go to upline, go to corporate and if that isn’t feasible or appropriate, find a relationship coach. Not to act as negotiator, but to help you with your end of the relationship issues.
Fourth, know your own highest values. It is crucial that you live your life aligned with your values. Otherwise you are like a dog with a mouth full of peanut butter – your tongue will feel like it’s going to fall out from licking, but things remain stuck. What can you simply not live without? Freedom? Kindness? Organization? Find someone who knows how to guide you in a values exercise.
Fifth, know how to set your boundaries and inform others what they are. This is tougher for women than it is for men. Women have been traditionally raised to be of help to others, not stand up for themselves. It’s one of the reasons MLM appeals to women. But if you want to climb the ladder of success and independence, you must set boundaries. What is it you simply will not tolerate? Or, what are you tolerating right now? That will give you some hints.
Sixth, you have two ears and one mouth for a reason, become a true listener. It is in desperately short supply. It seems like no one really listens. Conversation goes back and forth with all sentences beginning with ‘I’. When we are not speaking we are running what we want to say in our heads rather than listening to the other person. When you deeply listen you can hear a person’s soul, you can hear what is not being said. It’s an art; an art that is truly appreciated and much needed. Hone it.
If you take all this in, you may find that you are doing pretty well with most of the secrets to MLM relationship success, you may find that you need to sharpen a couple, you may need to update yourself on all. Whatever it may be just start.
And remember to…
Keep On Goaling!
About the Author
Lynn Moore is a certified life coach, spent 20 years as a leader in an MLM Company
