Dad owned a roofing and siding company. I used to think that he practiced the ultimate in hard-core selling; knocking on doors trying to sell his products. Then I realized that those in MLM attempt a much more difficult sell. At least my Dad knocked on the doors of qualified prospects; people who had old, worn down roofing and siding (a lot of which I tore off in my younger days).

Network marketers call on their warm market of friends, acquaintances and friends of friends. In what way is anyone’s warm market qualified or even remotely interested in starting a new business where they will have to call their friends and acquaintances too? They are no more likely than any guy on the street. We’d have far better odds at a roulette table! If we’re going to attempt marketing, we should target qualified prospects.

An MLM friend of mine reminded me that if we want to start a baseball team, we don’t ask plumbers for a try-out. Who is the most qualified group of people to market our MLM? Of course, it’s folks who are already doing MLM or have done it. Don’t worry; there are plenty in MLM open to a new opportunity. Whether it’s IBM, Toyota or Super-Duper Vitamins MLM, there’s always someone open and looking to change his situation.

Network marketers have pitched countless numbers of people, trying to overcome their objections. They have heard and said it all. Even if they are not happy with their company, most will psychologically resist our efforts (if we pitch our business opportunity), since seriously listening to us means that they must admit their own failings. I’ve heard some say that when we “lead” with our company, we give them the objection!

Why not circle right around the resistance that they are poised to bring and not say a single word about our own MLM (Was that rumbling thunder I just heard the collective groan from my upline)? We need to develop trust and credibility with other marketers long before we begin to discuss our own company.

Now we know the target. Let’s keep our current MLM to ourselves and work on developing respect, credibility and trust. This is done by giving away what they need. For details, see my article: Internet Network Marketing - You Only get What You Give.