After being introduced, Mr. Hughes asked for all of the past presidents of the group who were in attendance to please stand and be recognized. Seven past presidents, including myself, stood. As I stood there, I began thinking about how great it feels to be recognized. I thought about how it is often the little pat on the back or other form of appreciation that truly makes my day, whether it be in my personal or business life. Then, today, I came across an article on Forbes.com by Eric Mosley discussing the effects of Incentives Vs. Recognition in the workplace. In this article Mosley discusses the power of recognition and how it often gets more results than bonuses do: “Many CEOs I speak with believe cash is king, but that certainly isn’t always true. Yes, money is the currency of compensation, but it is typically far less effective as the currency of motivation or recognition.”

I did a bit more research on this topic and found through Workplace Magazine, a Canadian HR resource, that, “Most companies spend a large portion of their human resource budget on years of service programs because they want the reward to be valuable and well-received. What companies need to realize is that it’s not the amount of money that is spent but the recognition the employee receives. Recognition is what makes people feel valued, and an employee who feels valued is more likely to be motivated and become engaged.”

This need for recognition isn’t limited to the Canadian business world either. From allaboutbusiness.com: “According to the U.S. Bureau of labor Statistics, the number one reason people leave their jobs is that they ‘don’t feel appreciated.’ Numerous other studies have polled employees and found that recognition and ‘feeling valued’ often rank above pay.”

As amazing as it may seem, compensation isn’t always the best way to motivate people. The best motivator seems to be a little bit of appreciation and recognition (especially public). So, make sure that you are taking the time to recognize those around you who have given you a helping hand, referred business to you, said something that inspired you or are simply important to you. You may be surprised by the reciprocation and by the doors that it can open up for you.

Attraction is the Key to Success

If we apply the “opposites attract” theory to either a relationship or a business we’ll find that it isn’t exactly true in either case. Sure, you need to have your own identity in any relationship but there must be common ground to make it work. Attracting is a fine balance and should always be your key point in “selling”. With that in mind I think it’s time we all EVOLVe from selling to attracting!

When focusing on marketing your business it’s important to realize that it’s a whole different world out there these days. The days of pushy sales getting you ahead are over. Potential clients don’t want to hear a hard sale or what you can do for them. They want to SEE it! They are getting hundreds of marketing emails, calls, letters, etc. each day from salesmen who want to show them “how to make millions” or help them “create the best business ever”. What sets you apart from them? Why should you stand out?

The secret is all in the attraction. Don’t focus on selling them. Show them what you are capable of. Make YOU the best product you have and offer them something to earn their trust. Yes, offer them something! I know what you’re thinking – “My time is valuable. My information is valuable. Why should I give even a tiny part of it away?” The answer is, because it IS valuable! And, once they get a taste of that and realize just how valuable, they’ll be back for more!

Happy EVOLVing!

1. Low investment with minimal risk
2. Simplified business systems
3. High rewards using leverage concept
4. No overhead, warehousing, inventory
5. High tech products with R and D included
6. Online selling & online training
7. Deliver direct to consumer
8. No employees  
9. Tax benefits
10. Mutual benefits to the team
11. Hang out with positive people
12. Unlimited income
13. Worldwide opportunities
14. Success based on helping others be successful
15. Excellent personal and professional development
16. The list goes on!

1. The Power of Leverage – when it comes to time and money, would you rather be paid on 100% of one person’s efforts or 5% of the efforts of 100 people?  MLM businesses do not require a high investment of your time and money therefore, it is very attractive to many people in these economic times.  On average 10-15 hours/week with solid effort, can bring in a very significant 2^nd income.  As you enroll others into your organization, you are now leveraging their effort and time, giving you the opportunity to increase your income and create more time for yourself.  Your vested interest in helping others succeed rewards you amply based on your coaching and mentorship. This is truly the perfect example of a win-win situation. 
2. Residual Income – this portion of income is earnings (back end) after you have the done work upfront.  For example, it is very similar to the royalties that actors, musicians and authors receive.  Another example is earnings interest on your bank investments.   Consumables offered by a MLM company give you the opportunity to earn ongoing monthly income (residuals) with customers repeatedly purchasing the products on a monthly basis.  Many people in MLM give up too quickly because they want instant results and do not understand delayed gratification linked to residual income.  It is not ‘get rich quick’, but rather a steady and continuous income stream.  However, that being said, numerous people have reached ultimate financial freedom in a short period of time allowing them to live the life of their dreams.      
3. Growth based on Duplication – in the MLM industry, the principle of duplication is about repeating or carrying out the actions.  Massive income potential and long term success can only be achieved by this key point of duplication.   Coach and mentor others on this principle and you will be guaranteed outstanding results.   

Here is a great quote that I believe puts all three of these principles in perspective. 

“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

1. Certain people abused the business model over the years
2. Many people started this business based on money and greed
3. Misunderstanding of how the direct selling (MLM or network marketing) business model works
4. People were told what to do and thought it was the right thing, however, ended up being disappointed
5. New enrollees believed in the person who sponsored them, but found out they were inexperienced
6. The direct selling company was poorly managed and went bankrupt
7. The products were not unique enough
8. The systems were not turnkey enough
9. Promises were made, but not kept

I  am sure you know of many more reasons, however, if you do your due diligence, as you would for any other business venture, I am sure you will find the right MLM company that will provide you with a solid business and be worthy of your time.  See my next blog on 3 Great Reasons to Choose a MLM (Network Marketing) Business