As most of my readers know, in addition to being a self-declared “network marketing evangelist,” I am also seeking work in my primary area of expertise, IBM’s database DB2. To that end I have joined a local networking group specifically for work-seekers. For the most part I find it illuminating and helpful. But this is the second week in a row that something has happened that I find quite offensive.
The leader of the group is very proficient in LinkedIn and has joined and participates in multiple LinkedIn Groups. She was lamenting how some of the Groups she has joined have excessive self-serving messages coming through. The good news is that you can adjust your e-mail settings to minimize or eliminate such unwanted correspondence, which she has done. The bad news is how she explained her disgust for “nothing but a bunch of business opportunities” or “yet another network marketing come-on.” I may not have quoted her verbatim, but I hope her disdain comes through loud and clear.
On both occasions I was visibly taken aback. Yes, I often hear people speaking negatively of this industry that I have grown to love so much. Many people have legitimate gripes based on negative past experiences. Indeed, I was one of them, myself. But for the leader of a networking group to speak with such contempt about an industry that I can only assume she knows little or nothing about strikes me as being massively inappropriate.
In her defense, I’ll admit that even I tire of some of my counterparts in other companies who send out too-frequent e-mails to an audience that really hasn’t opted in to hear that sort of pitch. Fortunately, my colleagues have taught me to promote my company in a much less in-your-face manner. Still, I share my counterparts’ enthusiasm for the industry.
And why am I such an “evangelist” for network marketing? Primarily because it is such a great equalizer. It does take skill—primarily sales savvy—but this is a skill that anyone can learn, and that everyone should learn. Let’s face it: we’re all in sales. Any time we open our mouths, we hope to persuade our listeners to our point of view. And the people who make it big in network marketing often come from the most modest backgrounds. One indispensable trait they all have is a large WHY—an overarching reason or need to succeed.
On top of that, I have grown as a person in the seven years that I have been involved in network marketing. I am more confident. I am more outgoing (and this from a near total Introvert on the Myers-Briggs scale). I complain less, and I surround myself with others who rarely complain. After all, we’re striving to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. So there are innumerable intangible benefits to be gained by becoming involved in network marketing—at least with a reputable company that stresses training and personal development, as the best of them do.
I plan to continue my involvement in this networking group for work-seekers, despite its founder’s closed-mindedness about alternate ways to make money. For myself, I’m all for multiple streams of income. I pursue DB2 work because I love DB2 and I love solving SQL problems. But my financial dreams are larger than having only linear income can realize, so I plan to continue pursuing avenues of residual income—primarily network marketing but also some investing.
Won’t you join me on this journey? I love to help others achieve their goals and dreams. Let me know how I can help you.
