The Right Choice, Part 4: Your Upline Coach and Support

When I began this series of articles four issues ago – Making the Right Choice in Network Marketing – it was because not only is this a crucial topic, but also because it is not a simple yes or no proposition.  The "right choice" as we explored is, in fact, dependent on many things not the least of which is who YOU are, and what YOU want.  The four separate articles:   (1) Compensation and Structure; (2) The Right Product Line; (3) Doing Your Due Diligence; and this month's (4) Your Upline Coach and Support may not cover every question that comes into play in your decision, but certainly should cover the major points that are critical to your success.

In the next segment as we continue looking at aspects of making the right choice, I plan to get into some detail about what good training and support look like from your upline mentor.   Then, as we continue with the column, I will move logically into the next phase.  You’ve chosen your company, done your due diligence, now – What are the Right First Steps.  This is a truly phenomenal industry with many rewards, but I know without a doubt that even the most well intentioned, skilled, intelligent and dedicated networker can fail to make a go of it without the right support and training.  As we discussed earlier, the track record of the company and the owners of the company are key components, but of greater importance is the track record of the individual(s) who are going to be giving you direct support.  This is literally where the road to success begins.

Again, it is okay that your friend does not have a track record IF, AND ONLY IF THEY ARE NOT GOING TO BE DOING YOUR TRAINING!  Your questioning here may cause a strain with your friend, but believe me, unless you get the right answers, you soon wouldn’t be friends anyway, so make sure of the answers you are getting.

First of all, INSIST on being introduced (before your sign) to the person(s) who will be your number one mentor.  Then ask the questions I gave you previously for the top leaders of that person.  Refer back to Segment III of this series for more details, but here were the essential questions:  How long have you seen in said company?  How many distributors are in your downline? (Look for at least 5,000 distributors within the first two years).   Don’t ask their income--ask: What is your monthly volume?  You can take the average commission of the compensation plan, say 5% if it is based on 100% of wholesale, apply it to the volume and come very close to the actual check.  Another key question for those who profess huge success: “Are you still working a job?”  Don’t make the mistake of feeling that these questions are “prying” or none of your business.  After all, this individual is claiming to be the expert, in charge of your support and training and you need to have full confidence.   You would ask the same of an employer!  Also, ask the following:

• I would like to see the training materials you use with new distributors; fax or email.
• I would like to listen in to a few of your conference calls or go to a distributor training you are doing in my area.
• How accessible will you be for me?  For how long?
• I will need you to be on 3-way calls with my top contacts.  Is that a normal part of your support and how would we set that up?  (Make sure this is clear and simple because this is an invaluable support and training tool!)
• I would like to speak to another person you have mentored (other than your friend) for validation.

I believe that the lack of good support and training is the number one reason new distributors fail – not their choice of the wrong company or their lack of commitment!

Another key ingredient of training is having access to the right materials both for training and for marketing AT A REASONABLE COST!  Make sure that there is a good library of CDs, DVDs, brochures, etc. wherein CDs cost no more than $2.00 and DVDs no more than $5-10.   Allow a little more for multi-CD training sets.  Make sure that the mentor explains the most productive marketing system and what tools are used.

One of the most valuable tools is a replicating website at a reasonable cost - $20-25 is good.   It should be highly versatile with excellent information about the product and the business.   You should be able to use your own URL.  The good ones frequently have audio/video components and also click-throughs so that people can sign up or ask you to contact them; and, of course, you should be notified when anyone goes to your site.  Also, many of the better programs allow you to pay a declining cost when others you refer sign up for their sites, so eventually it is virtually free!

As you are qualifying your coach, once you have assured yourself that they are indeed successful and that they also have the skill and temperament to help new people, make sure that they also have the time! And as with any business venture, different personalities meld and match in different ways, so be sure you are comfortable with the person’s affect and demeanor.   Ask yourself, “am I going to be comfortable introducing this person to my closest acquaintances, my top contacts?”  Because, that is exactly what you will need to be doing – in person and on the phone.

Often, this coach becomes your surrogate in conversations with your best leads; a high level of trust is a major plus.

Then, a final word to the wise – After you have selected the coach and agreed upon a course of action with that person, make sure that you are COACHABLE!  This is frequently a challenge for individuals who may be very successful in their own business, or have a high level of skill in a particular area, but are a novice in the world of network marketing.  I do believe that networking is extremely “do-able” by a wide range of people of varying backgrounds and levels of skill.  But, there is always a learning curve in any new endeavor, and if you have gone to the trouble to pick a good coach – do yourself a big favor and heed their advice!

As always, HAVE FUN, networking for me is more than a career, more than an avocation – it is a passion.  I know the huge rewards that can flow from success in this industry and I want you all to participate in that success if you choose this path.  I remain your Network Marketing Mentor.

 

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Contact Candy at 916 408-3637 or CandyW@TheNationalNetWorker.com or via TNNW Blog.