Pessimists prefer to describe themselves as “pragmatists”.  However, this is neither actually true nor accurate.  A pragmatist will typically evaluate a situation based on success or failure.  Pessimists focus only on the failure and avoid the possible success altogether.  To achieve success in nearly any business but especially in MLM, one must not only see the possibility of success but envision oneself experiencing it.

Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “Pessimism never won any battle.”  Although Network Marketing may not necessarily be a battle, it will present numerous struggles that must be dealt with and overcome.  If there is an actual battle, it most often is the fight that occurs within oneself between doubt and confidence that success can and will be achieved.  This is an internal battle and one that pessimists may completely avoid.  Pessimists usually do not even consider the possibility of success and rather focus on the likelihood of failure and defeat.

Here is one of my favorite stories and it involves identical twins.  One was viewed as a hope-filled optimist. He would often say positive things such as, “Everything is coming up roses!”

His brother was a sad and hopeless pessimist. In fact, this brother viewed Murphy, as in Murphy’s Law, as an optimist.  The parents of the boys were rightfully concerned and brought them to a highly respected psychologist.

The psychologist suggested a plan to the parents that might balance the twins’ personalities.  “When their next birthday arrives, place them in separate rooms to open birthday presents.  Purchase the best toys you can afford and give them to the pessimist.  And for the optimist – give him a box of manure.”  After carefully following these strange instructions, with some anxiety the parents carefully observed the results.

From the room of the pessimist, they heard him audibly complaining, “The color of this computer is wrong. This calculator is cheap and will break.  Nobody likes this game.  I know lots of kids who have a bigger toy car than this one.”

Quietly walking across the hallway, mom and dad peeked in and viewed their little optimist gleefully tossing the manure up into the air.  While doing so he was giggling, “You can’t fool me!  Where there’s this much manure, there’s got to be a pony!”

In that story, we do not know what the future holds for each boy but we can easily see which one is enjoying life more.  So is there any guarantee that an optimist will succeed in any or every endeavor?  No, but there is much more certainty that an optimist will have fun, relish the journey and attract more friends along the way.  So for me, I make the decision to be an optimist!

A REAL PERSON!

This sounds so obvious to some but let’s really analyze what I see happening all too often.  As I stated in my first sentence, the internet is amazing and an incredible tool for marketing.  Along with that though comes the ability for people to create websites and capture pages and fancy ads that may attract thousands of interested persons hoping for the “holy grail” of home businesses.  I will discuss the “search for the holy grail” in a future article but for this one, let’s focus on what people often fall for when they are attracted via the internet.

Many attractive websites and pages promote results that are just not realistic for most people and others suggest that this home business is simple and easy.  I hope that anyone reading this knows by now that Network Marketing is not easy and only simple in that most people can learn the skills to succeed if they are willing to focus, learn and work.

Other websites give very accurate information and do not attempt to mislead the readers.  This is fantastic and appreciated by people like me who are sick and tired of “snake oil salespersons” promoting and promising things that are just not true or real.

Here is the key point.  Make sure you have direct access to a real person!  Do not agree to join anything until you have spoken to someone with whom you can connect.  You must have confidence that this person is knowledgeable and wants to assist you.  Does the person answer the phone or at least get back to you promptly?  MLM Success does not typically occur quickly so you must have a coach and mentor that you can speak with frequently.  I speak with my top new people daily or even several times per day for the first few weeks or longer.  Make sure that the person you choose to work with has proven to you without a doubt that he or she is available and anxious to assist you.

The internet is NOT a business partner, mentor, or coach.  It can be extremely helpful with training and marketing but nothing replaces the need for personal assistance and friendship.  I still like the term, “Relationship Marketing”.  I believe it is an important part of a business.  As in any business, there will be times when challenges arise.  It is at these times that strong friendships and relationships prove more important than any website, internet marketing or training, or webinar.

Search out a “REAL PERSON”, and start building a strong business and relationship.  Then, become a leader and build strong relationships yourself.  Remember…No one cares what you know until one knows that you care!

As always, enjoy the journey!

Brian