What makes a really great network marketer? The ones that network constantly, that have thousands of contacts, many of whom will follow them into any business they recommend. The ones always seem to be the first ones to know about a new opportunity and can tell immediate whether the opportunity is the next great thing or just a bunch of hype. What makes them the biggest at the best?
Many of the same characteristics that make a great leader make a great network marketer. John C. Maxwell in his book "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" describes something called the "The Law of Process." In network marketing, this could be renamed the "Law of Discipline." Successful network marketers are extraordinarily disciplined. They work their business in a systemic and consistent way. They are always looking for new ways to reach people. They are also always looking at opportunities. The status quo is never good enough. They are also always looking to others in their field for ideas and guidance.
Successful network marketers also take care of the people that they do business with. That means both the people involved in the company whose products they represent and the people that decide to join them in the business. As described in the book by Bob Burg and John David Mann, "The Go-Giver" extremely proficient network marketers know how to use their knowledge to help everyone involved. Because they have mastered theses skills, they become successful in any venture they chose to pursue.
Leaders in the network marketing arena are often risk-takers. Because they are essentially in business for themselves, they are often willing to take a risk on a new company. Much like a leader in any company, however, they have to weigh those risks, particularly if they are bringing in others from their downline.
Successful networkers are always out there. They have a high degree of visibility, particular on the web, and they work consistently to increase their visibility. Because they are highly visible, they are often the first ones that are recruited when a new company starts. New multi-level marketing companies know that landing a "big fish" can bring thousands of new distributors almost instantly. But a good network marketer is not that easy to persuade. As often as not, in the process of trying to recruit the network marketer into their new company, they find themselves signing up the network marketers current company (known as reverse prospecting)!
The highly successful network marketer also knows how to take in large amounts of information and filter it down to what he finds useful. He is an intense reader and a constant learner. Successful network marketers are always on the lookout for the next great thing to give the rush they get from something new—whether it is within their current company or in a new company.
Getting a successful network marketer on your side takes persistence, a fantastic opportunity and a savvy negotiation strategy. But landing a "big fish" can net your company untold benefits.
