Is 4Life just a numbers game?
One year ago I posted the post below entitled “ANY business is a numbers game” (on another blog http://4life4all.wordpress.com, which is now targeted to 4Life Customers).
I have modified my view since then. Now I would say it is and it isn’t a number game. Let me explain…
Treating MLM business building as a numbers game can lead you astray and can be a turn off to you and to others who are considering joining your business … who can replicate Bill Britt’s (see post below) approach and attitude? Very few …
I prefer to view MLM as being about the Power of One and the Magic of Two.
The Power of One is building your business one person at a time, one on one and one by one.
The Magic of Two, is the next step … first get 1 and then another … now you have 2.
If you do the second step well, then your MLM job is 80% done. That job is to teach and train those 2 to expertly duplicate these two steps … so each finds their 2 business builders.
Now you have 2 + (2 x 2) = 6 in your team … 2 on level 1 and 4 on level 2 … you job is to supervise level 1 to ensure that they are managing (teaching, training and then supervising) their level 1 (your level 2) well… in an excellent way so that they system is duplicated properly.
That’s it … you job is done … you continue to support these 6 people … you need not do any more, so long as they are all operating the system well.
Now, you keep an eye out for other people to share your story with in a natural and effortless way. If anyone is interested you have the option of placing them under one of your downline, OR if it is a unilevel mlm system like 4Life Research, then you can place the new business associate on your front line (level 1), thereby becoming the manager of your 3rd division or “leg”. I guess you could consider this level 1 manager as your back-up manager.
When this third level 1 manager gets 2, this adds another 3 people to your level 1 and 2 supervision … making a total of 9 in the first 2 levels of your team.
Human beings natural span of control is around 6 … so at 9 your management ability will be stretched. But it can be done so long as you put in the time and energy. Beyond 9 is not recommended and unnecessary for you to succeed in your MLM business. In fact, it could be detrimental.
If you do a good job of inducting and training your managers and leaders, and continue to do a good job of mentoring and supervising them, then there is much less likelihood of people dropping out. By ensuring their success, satisfaction and happiness being part of your team they are likely to remain committed, inspired, loyal and true leaders.
As your managers and leaders gain in confidence, competence and experience they can take over some of your mentoring and supervisory role, leaving you more free to consolidate and deepen your knowledge, skills, abilities and experience as a 4Life Leader.
You see, you do not need big numbers if you are careful on who you accept .. notice I said who you accept and not who accepts you … let go of the fear of rejection. Maybe you will need to approach many to get the 1 and 2, and maybe not! It depends upon who you know and who you approach in the first place. Ideally you will approach quality people of talent. Sometimes a conversation with a stranger reveals are hidden gem! It is a process of sifting and sorting … your are recruiting talent for your golden opportunity and future global business.
Don’t be in too much of a rush to take the first person who puts up their hand. You want to also advise your #1 and #2 to do the same, otherwise you may find that #3 through to #6 are incompatible with your management style, your personality and values …. be sure you build a strong foundation be selecting your #1 and #2, and even #3, very well!
Don’t be misled by the rhetoric of MLM being a numbers game. It is more about the Miracle of Two, the amazing power of the exponential growth from 2 to 4, to 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096 = 12 levels to your business organization, with each level all based on the natural span of human control of 6. When your organization reaches 12 deep you can retire a very wealthy person.
If each manager (business associate) learned, mastered and duplicated the system each month, then you’d have a 12-level deep organization in 12 months. And if you created a third division (took on a third leg), then theoretically you’d reach the same position much sooner.
In addition, using this approach, every participant could achieve the same, without fear of rejection. If anything the fear may be of you’re needing to reject unsuitable candidates or “prospects”. However, you can quickly learn to politely and diplomatically explain that you do not think that the business opportunity is suited to them, that you do not think they would be successful and that you do not want to see them waste their time, effort or money.
If they insist, then you could refer them to someone else in 4Life who may be willing or may be a better match, or to another MLM business if they insist on being in a MLM business. Alternatively, you could offer to put them through an induction and more rigorous screening process, and reassess their suitability once they have done the more detailed preliminary study and reading.
I hope the above provides you with a good counterbalance to the “numbers game” view of MLM as portrayed below.
All the best, Denis McCarthy
Skype me: denis_mccarthy
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ANY business is a numbers game
July 7, 2009
ANY business is a numbers game, plain and simple! Here’s an inspiring article for your success in this business: You may have heard of Bill Britt, one of the most successful distributors in Amway. Some years ago, 20/20 did a feature story on Amway. They spent 19 minutes interviewing whiners and complainers — several distributors who had failed and showed the garages full of products they couldn’t sell. During the last minute of the show, Mr. Britt was interviewed in front of his palatial home. He was asked, “Mr. Britt, this business has obviously worked for you. What’s your secret?” He replied, “There is no secret. I simply showed the plan to 1200 people. 900 said, ‘No.’ and only 300 signed up. Out of those 300, only 85 did anything at all. Out of those 85 only 35 were serious, and out of those 35, 11 made me a millionaire.” Like Mark Yarnell (who made millions with NuSkin), Bill worked through the numbers. Like we always say – ANY business is a numbers game, plain and simple! Remember that & be persistent & you WILL succeed. Stack the odds in your favor, play the numbers and keep a steady flow of NEW business coming into your business. Learn to make the most of your time and investment (you). join LPU and make a new more abundant path for you and your family.
To your success!
