I’m sure you will say ‘yes of course’ and for most of you that will be true. But let me share something that happened to me once.
I previously worked with an old, established MLM company and in the business presentation much was made of the integrity and moral values of the founder etc. One would have expected these values to be the norm within the distributor network. Well there were things that I heard about that didn’t seem quite right but I brushed them under the carpet.
Then one day my sponsor knowingly prospected someone who was on my list. ‘Well, you’ve got to be quick’ was the response I got. Contrast that attitude with my present team where, for example, if one of us gets a lead with whom it is really difficult to work – perhaps we don’t speak the same language – we will give that lead to another distributor. And that other distributor may be cross line, so we do not personally benefit. The concern is for the prospect and the good of the team.
What is a culture and why is it so important? All the great leaders in network marketing are notable for building a very strong team culture. Art Jonak, Orrin Woodward, Randy Gage, Orjan Saele and others build their success and greatness on a culture of solid moral values:
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Mutual support
- Trust
- True comradeship
- Moral values
When their team members gather, everybody feels equally valued. There are no attempts to ‘outdo’ others. Private confidences are never breached. Even the raw newbie feels supported and respected as much as the successful ‘diamond’ distributor. There is complete loyalty within the team.
I believe that such a culture creates a very strong foundation for individual success and the long term stability of the team. After all, this business is all about team work. A team meeting should be like the gathering of a warm and closely knit family. Everyone cares for one another.
Being part of such a team has contributed in large measure to my success. It is something you should all foster if it is not yet the norm in the organisation that you are part of. If it is already there, validate it constantly and encourage new team members to embrace it.
Remember the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. To live by this means we have to put aside our individual ego and embrace something bigger. Yet, in doing that, we also become stronger. We become part of a system and that will endure.
Leave a comment. What do you think and what has been your experience?
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Charlie,
“The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
A wonderful piece of wisdom that sums up the perfect mindset for a network marketing team. Honesty, integrity and support form the foundation of a successful team. By thinking Big Picture you automatically put your ego aside and do what’s best for the individual prospect.
What we fail to realize sometimes is that the universal bank records all of our kind acts and repays us in full.
Thanks for sharing!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..How This Former Shy Guy Became a Network Marketing Coach
hi Ryan
That is a good way to put it – the universal bank repaying all our kind acts. So true and we have to continue to trust in that at times when we feel we are giving without getting much return.
thanks for that
Charlie Holles
Hi Charlie,
I recently heard a different from a prospect. Someone from her upline called her prospects, not in order to help her, but to recruit them. Such a behaviour seems to be more common than we might think, regardless of the “Sunday speeches” (German expression, sorry) that are delivered.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Oliver Tausend’s Blog- Thanks To Top Commentators In October
hi Oliver
it is shattering when that happens. The whole foundation of trust which should underpin the business is destroyed.
all the best
Charlie Holles
Hello Charlie,
I am absolutely video. I believe on how essential to build and maintain a culture that everyone in a team must share so that they can work together effectively and have a harmonious relationship. This will create unity among all the members,
All the best,
Ana
Ana/Traffic generation Cafe recently posted..Content Recycling- How to Turn Articles into Videos in 5 Minutes
hi Ana
there is real strength in unity.
I appreciate you commenting
Charlie Holles
Hi Charlie,
You’re right, these values are important and play a huge part in building a strong culture with a favourable atmosphere.
Thanks for sharing this.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Mavis Nong recently posted..Is Your Blog Plagued By Spam Comments
Good to hear from you Mavis
I truly believe these values must underpin all else. Without that foundation we build a hollow shell with no substance.
all the best
Charlie Holles
Hey Charlie,
I know exactly what you mean. In my past MLM opportunity, people weren’t treated equally. People who had reached the top where like gods, and everybody else was to bask in their glory. You were made to feel inadequate, and people did try to recruit other people’s lists too.
As Art Jonak says, a rising tide lifts all ships. When we build a business with good values and principles is when we elevate our profession and attract good people to it.
Take care,
Wayne
Wayne Wu recently posted..Two Irrefutable Laws of Network Marketing
hi Wayne
that kind of behaviour leaves such a bad taste in the mouth. There is no secure foundation to the business and it is likely to fall apart.
best wishes
Charlie Holles
Well said Charlie!
I have received a number of calls from people who wanted to ask me questions about a busienss I am in, but they had already spoken to some one else and they were just looking for a second opinion or clarifications.
I answer their questions and then refer them back to their original contact.
I could not imagine operating any other way.
Peter
Peter Fuller MBa recently posted..Long Term Unemployed on 60 Minutes – Are you feeling desperate
hello Peter
that is the only way for sure
all the best
Charlie Holles
Great post Charlie…
This one line sums it all up pretty well.. “Remember the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” – there’s no I in team, and I completely agree that a strong team is one that works together..
thanks for sharing
Hector
hi Hector
In the end every team member will be more successful for having plugged in to the group energy.
best regards
Charlie Holles
Hi Charlie, great post.
I think a good team starts with the players at the top. I like to think of trees.
A tree with good roots will be strong, healthy and happy. A tree with bad roots will wither and die.
Thanks for sharing,
Larry
Larry Rivera recently posted..Network Marketing Blog – How To Get Your Post Read!
that is a great word picture Larry.
Yes the ones at the top must lead by example and though we all make mistakes, they should set very high standards and admit mistakes if they make them.
thanks for commenting
Charlie Holles
Charlie,
“You must be quick” must of been a real slap in the face.
Many people say they do but don’t follow the values you posted. Some do not realize it, some people are just caught up with doing what every they can to keep their heads above water and many as just dishonest.
The cool thing is that there are people like us trying to do things the right way and the values you listed are very important to us.
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Sales recently posted..Social Media Superstar Strategy Magically Invite All Your Facebook Friends With A Click Of A Button
hi Tommy
it was indeed a slap and destroyed my confidence in that person.
No matter how tough things are; or not going to plan; sticking to those principles is essential:
A) we sleep well at night
B) the universe pays us back over time
I really appreciate your comment
thanks
Charlie Holles