I would like to have you think for a moment about a situation. Pretend you are sitting inside of Burger King eating some food that you think is quite delicious. Lets say a burger and french fries. You are 1/2 way through your meal when a complete stranger walks up to you and tells you that you are eating the WORST burger out there. She then quotes statistics and tells you how much better tasting the food is over at Arbys. It is a better quality meat she says. Besides, the people over there wear snazzy red hats instead of the brown ones that they are wearing at BK.

What would be your thoughts? Would you be offended? Hurt? Or would you just thing they were ridiculous?

Most of us would never, ever consider doing that to another person. First because we assume that they are eating where they want to and that they are smart enough to KNOW that’s what they want. And second because if you were to say that to someone (especially a hungry someone) you would most likely be told to buzz off.

Here is a thought to top that one. You say to the person, “I can see that you are enjoying that meal, but over at Arby’s the food could compliment this meal so well, so lets head over there and you can eat BOTH.”

Again, why would you do something like that? I honestly can’t think of anyone who would.

(sorry this is in all CAPS, but it is kind of the important part…)

SO THEN WHY DO PEOPLE DO THIS IN THEIR BUSINESS???!!!!

If I am IN a direct sales business, I know how to start a direct sales business (like walking into the restaurant). We are all aware that there are other direct selling business out there and if we wanted to, we know we could ask any representative of that company if we could join them. The burger analogy also points out that people are in their particular restaurant, or rather company, for a REASON. They didn’t just wake up one morning and think, “Hey, I feel like joining a direct sales company. I wonder what is the worst one I could join would be.” There was/is a reason why they made the choice to join their particular company and you saying “You would be so good at doing what I do.” is not going to change those reasons.

Honor their decision to be a part of the company they have chosen. If they loose faith or if it turns out to not be a great fit, they know there are other options out there and that you could be one of them. Get to know them. Be their FRIEND. ASK if you can add them to your customer mailing list. (actually ask, don’t assume). And then leave them alone. The same goes for your non-direct selling friends. No one wants to be badgered into joining something. If they want to know more, they will know to ask you.

NEVER insult their choice of what company to be a part of. The message that this is sending is “You are not smart enough to choose a good company on your own” or even “You have bad judgement or business sense.” Either way- not a good message to be sending to someone you want to have as a part of your business.

And finally, please don’t EVER try to pull the line of “you can do both! I know plenty of people who do this and that and are successful at both.” Again, the message you are sending is “you don’t know what you want.” or “I want people on my team who are too busy to really produce great results.” I would much rather have 5 tremendously focused individuals than 30 people who are just trying to do everything (and therefore doing almost nothing).

The bottom line for me is the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you want them to do to you”. If you want other “leaders” trying to poach your people, the do the opposite of everything in this article. if not, please take my advise!

It is our job to raise the direct selling profession UP, not to pull it down. Common courtesy and respect is the way to do that. Keep in mind that others are whole and complete and not something that is broken and needs fixing. Yes, we can (and do) help others, but not by attacking their choices, decisions and intelligence.

www.Time4Felt.com