MLM Myth Buster: What if my family doesn’t support my MLM business?

What if my family doesn’t buy from me or support me in my MLM/network marketing business? How do I find more people to talk to?

You’ve joined a new network marketing company. You’re excited about all the possibilities. Your life is about to change.

All you need to do is… make a list of people you know. Then, you start reaching out.

I’d assume that list is supposed to be at least ten people, mainly friends and family. You go through the list. One by one you reach out and say something like “I’m so excited, I just partnered with a company…”, and one by one you cross a name off a list. They say no, they don’t get back to you. They say they already have that product or something like it. It’s too expensive, they aren’t interested.

Does that sound familiar? I can go on and on if you’d like me to. Because I’ve been there. I’ve seen this and I know the feeling of blowing through that list and then wondering what to do next.

I talked about this in my Myth Busters video: “Family and friends have to buy from me to be successful, True or False?” That’s a common myth that people believe, but the answer is FALSE!

But then, if not your family and friends, then who are the people I’m supposed to be selling to or networking with? Where are they and how do I find them?

I asked myself that question when I was starting out, and years of experience have answered it. Here are 5 tips to never ending prospecting (and a bonus tip #6 that may trump all tips!):

1. Join a networking group. There are typically free ones or groups you can join and go to a few times for free. I suggest “sampling” several before committing to enroll or pay for one. This is a great way to expand your network and meet others. Pro tip: these people aren’t there to buy from you! They are there to promote their businesses too. Use this as a tool to serve others, get to know them, introduce them to your network and they will introduce you to theirs. It takes time, and friendships and trust are built. Don’t go there expecting everyone in the room to be your client on the first day! Take the time to get to know them and ask yourself, “how can I support or serve them?” Remember, support does not mean buy!

2. Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn groups. What are your interests? Your hobbies? Find groups online with people that share your similar interests. Make friends and connect with them. Pro tip: Again, not everyone in that group is your client. But making friendships and gaining the know, like, trust factor will serve you over time. Just be consistent, be friendly, add value by commenting and befriending others and it will come naturally over time. You just have to stick with it!

3. Get a blank map of the United States (or a list of all 50 states). In every state think of one person you know. Connect with that person. Rekindle a friendship, nourish it, and let them know you are expanding in their area. Let them know that what you do may or may not be for them, and that’s ok! Let them know that you’re hoping they can introduce you to– this is where it may get company specific. For my company, this is what we suggest– someone that posts on social media often about their pets, OR volunteers to help pets or rescues pets. OR is a DINK (dual income no kids). OR is business minded/has an entrepreneurial spirit. OR, is close to retirement. Do you know anyone who needs a second income?

4. Ask for referrals. Your family and friends don’t need to buy from you, but maybe they know someone that would. Similar to tip #3, the “target” people is going to be company-specific. In our case, it’s those who have pets that have issues, allergies, are aging, or are puppies, or those who are health conscious and have pets. These people are more likely to be concerned about their pets’ health, since they are concerned with their own.

5. Go to a vendor event. Whether it’s a local farmers market or a larger event (or even online vendor events), find an event near you that allows you to set up a booth and display your products. It’s a great way to meet others and practice your “30 second commercial”. Pro tip: Ask questions. Let the client do the talking. You’re looking for a problem to solve and if they don’t have a problem your products can help solve, they aren’t your ideal client (yet!). It doesn’t mean you can’t connect with them, collect contact information for the future, but remember this is about them and serving them, not about capturing a sale. Love, serve, grow– as Bob Heilig teaches.

6. Bonus tip (and the most important!): Apply the “3 foot rule”. This should perhaps be tip #1! The three foot rule is simply, talk to anyone within three feet of you. Not necessarily about your product or company. But smile. Give a compliment. Start a conversation (about anything!). I’ve started conversations at the grocery store often over a bag of cat litter or food on the belt we have in common. It’s actually quite easy! And it’s not about getting a sale. It’s about making a new friend, giving someone an authentic complement, making small talk and finding common interests. You never know where the conversation might lead. I’ll typically ask “what do you do?” and almost always they ask me the same in return. I get to share with them how I’m changing pets and peoples lives. It leads to more questions, and more often than not we end up exchanging contact information. I’ve gathered many customers and many sellers this way. You just have to be willing to talk to every person you come within 3 feet of-with the sole expectation of adding value to their life. Not make a sale at the end. No one wants to be pitched to. But we all have a desire to feel loved, important, seen. I was once taught “Imagine that who you meet in every circumstance has a sign that says “Do I matter?” or “Am I important?” Make someone feel important wherever you go, and you gather new friends and leads authentically all the time!

Of course we all want our families and friends to support us from the get go. The reality is that while they may support us in heart, our products or business offers might not be for them, and that’s okay! Remember the tips I gave you, and go out there and be someone of value to others. The sales and leads will follow.