Alright, I’m probably going to offend some people with this post, but we’ll see if you agree or walk away 
offended…
I don’t mean for this post to offend, but I do intend it to prove a point.
Being in Network Marketing these past few years has been a great growing experience, even the hard times. Through my experiences and people I have met, I have learned a LOT. I have seen there are three main classes in MLM. The first category is what we will call “the majority”. The majority are followers, they do what they have been told to do. If they are told to make cold calls they do and most build their business the “traditional way”(cold calls, home meetings, 3-foot rule, etc.).
The second class is made up of those who have been in MLM a while and are learning a new way to doing things. For example, they are learning the power of the Internet to grow their business; they are using social networking sites and tools like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
I have to give this class props for learning how to do things a new way and dare I say a better way. The only problems I see in this class is, they are using all the right tools, but they still have the “traditional” mindset. I’ll explain more in a little bit.
The third class is a smaller class of a rare breed of entrepreneur. These guys and girls are the ones that set the standard of the Industry. The thing that separates the second class and the third class is their mindset. . .
Now’s it time to offend 
Here is an example of the difference of the third class compared to the second class:
Both classes are using the Internet to promote their business, both are using different Social Media sites. But there is a big difference between the two.
Let’s take Twitter for instance, the third class Tweet about quality content, they Tweet about things that add value to their followers. The second class Tweets, but usually it is always about THEIR business opportunity. They are not out to add value or help people, unless something is in it for them. (Am I offending anyone yet?)
Let’s talk about MySpace, again, one class will have a page that offers value and good content, while the other class’s page is all about the business opportunity, and they usually don’t even have a pic of themselves I might add!
See what I mean? The mindset it totally different and to be really honest with you, I am really getting tired of these “marketers” who offer no value to the Industry. Why am I tired of it? Because they are giving the rest of us a bad name, they are giving the Industry a bad name. If you are using Social Networking sites and tools for spamming, then you need to get out of the club! If you can’t take your business seriously and act like a professional, go find a hobby.
I’m not trying to be mean, but I am trying to prove a point. The goal for all Network Marketers should be, to be the best of the best, to be the Elite in their Industry and make an impact and help others succeed.
Let’s all step it up a notch and show everyone that you are an Elite Marketer, that MLM is a respectable business and that you will bring value to every social networking site that you go to.
Let’s show the world that there is a New Breed of MLM that is here to stay!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Paul,
Maybe if we all start offending enough network marketers and social spammers the message will become clear.
Strangely enough though…
I met one of my top team members on Facebook about 5 months ago who spammed my wall with his opportunity link.
Initially I was annoyed, but decided to swallow my anger and frustration and start a conversation.
His abrupt style of communication was due to a language barrier as he is from Israel. Turns out, he is the most humble, genuine, sincere guy I know.
It made me realize that you can’t always judge a person by his social presence…
Like so many others, he simply didn’t know and was purely following the masses as you describe above.
While sharing your frustration with being spammed opportunity links, blatant self promotion and having friend requests from people whose profile pics are company logo’s and nutritional supplements, I have to wonder…
Isn’t it maybe a cry for help from a struggling marketer?
Should we see this as a opportunity to guide a marketer by the hand and show them the right way, or rather turn our backs and focus on what we are doing?
Would love to hear what you think..
George
Hi George, Thanks for stopping by and sharing! You bring up an excellent question, that should very much be addressed.
I have run across both kinds of people, those who don’t know any better and do want help and those who don’t care as long as they are making money.
I believe we should be there to help others to lead them to greatness. We do however need to be careful that we aren’t getting distracted with all the spamming going on at the same time.
I have to look back when I was just starting out and was doing everything my up line and company told me to do. I needed someone to show me the way and I was willing to do what it takes to do things the right way.
One idea that we could do is have a special little message typed up to send to those whom we are getting the messages from to let them know there are better ways in doing business. Maybe make some pretty cool friends and business partners doing that, like the one from Israel you mentioned.
So you are right, we can’t let anger get in the way and not help anyone. It’s our job as leaders to help those who want to be helped.
Keep leading the way George!
Hey Paul,
I like your idea of typing up a “spam response”.
I guess this is such a catchy scenario with many points of view.
One being generous and taking the time to help others who need the guidance and build key relationships.
Or
stick with the laws of attraction, ignore all spam (what most do) and focus on attracting quality people with clear intentions.
I will admit that my team member in Israel was a real one time scenario for me.
I guess the lesson learned is not be to quick to judge on face value, try to read between the lines, spot the opportunity and put your best foot forward!
George
Hey George,
Yeah, I guess there is always a balance to it. There are so many “tire kickers” out there, it makes it hard to reach out to everyone.
I have noticed, it’s pretty easy to tell if someone really wants to do things right or just wants a quick buck.
Keep up the good work George!