Most network marketing companies include personal development as part of their business training. From motivational calls to practical training on goal setting, self-confidence and perseverance, the companies’ claims often go as far as ‘creating entrepreneurs’.
But are network marketing companies really entrepreneur factories?
I don’t think so. In fact, there are only 2 kinds of people who join network marketing companies:
- Those who are already entrepreneurial (whether they know it or not).
- Those who are not… and who are only representatives looking for an easy way to make money.
Let’s compare the two, and let’s assume that the desire factor is equal (i.e. both the entrepreneur and the representative want to achieve their goals just as much).
It actually all comes down to business planning, management and marketing.
Those who aren’t entrepreneurial are likely to simply follow the leader. They use the ‘system’ provided, as it is, without creative or forward thinking. Sadly, they often keep using strategies even if they don’t work, for the sake of ‘following the system’, ‘doing more of it’ and ‘playing the numbers’ game’. Their job description is closer to that of a business representative than a business owner.
The result: While they may make money, they are completely reliant on the system and the company. They blend in and fail to attract customers to their unique skills and traits, and to their personal brand. They have a business that is limited for growth, and is not sustainable. Should they fail at generating results with the company’s system, they have nowhere to go.
Those who are entrepreneurial make it work. They adapt the system to make it work for them. While they use the elements of the system that create results, they inject their unique skills and interests in their online marketing strategies. They attract people to their personal brand, not merely to the company products or online business opportunity.
The result: Entrepreneurs build their businesses from the inside out. They apply their existing skills and talents, and they develop some more to become exceptional. They refuse to conform to systems that don’t serve their ambitious goals. They build their personal brand by sharing their unique value, by creating their own products and services, by strengthening their personal networks and by building a list of followers. They rely on themselves to be successful and to create a sustainable, evolving business.
Does that mean network marketing is bad for the not-so-entrepreneurial?
Yes and no. It means that joining a network marketing company and starting “your own” business won’t turn you into an entrepreneur. You can develop your entrepreneurship and leadership, but this will be a result of your own vision and dedication, rather than a result of the company’s system. While your company and mentors can help you with the motivational and personal development training, what you do with it and how you take action is always up to you.
It also means that unless you take full responsibility for your business success, you won’t build a meaningful, unique and sustainable business online, with your own identity, purpose, passions and skills for its foundations. If you want your business to be “your business”, your company products and opportunity should only be one out of many vehicles you use to make money and market your personal brand online for long-term success.
Get the Definitive Guide to Personal Branding for Network Marketers here!
