Network marketing is about making contact and one way to start off is by creating a list of contacts whom you already know. The problem with these types of lists is that you can end up losing friends if you begin to make the wrong contacts. A common method of getting new leads is by creating a list of at least 100 people - even if you are only acquaintances. You are then supposed to contact everyone on your list and let them know about your great business opportunity.
Where Prospect Lists Go Wrong
Creating a long list of people you may know well or barely know is not a bad idea. The issue comes in when you try to pitch them about your business. Your good friends will probably not mind so much but they will get annoyed with you if you continue to push. Some people actually become annoyed because they have heard it all before.
The other day, I saw a comment on my Facebook stream in which someone said they hate when their friends sign-up to a network marketing program and try to get them to do the same. You see, you may think your business is the best and can truly help people, but some people get pitched all the time about some "amazing" opportunity and they don't want to hear it.
How to Make a Prospect List Count
A more helpful prospect list is one in which you know people who are positive, goal oriented, and highly motivated with their careers, family life, and life in general. Start off making your list of 100 or so people. Then remove the people on the list who you know are not go-getters. You want to work with people with good attitudes; people who want more out of life.
As new marketers, we often make the mistake of presenting our business to folks who could care less about making a change in their lives. They are happy where they are and don't feel the need to grow or try anything new.
The good thing about network marketing is that you get to pick and choose who you would like to work with. Why wouldn't you want a highly motivated person in your network? Seek out these individuals and continue to add them to your prospect list.
It's All in the Attitude
You can quickly tell positive people from negative people. I meet people with poor attitudes all the time. They make excuses for everything! I know that we are not all positive 100% of the time, but you can tell who is negative 90% of the time. A good attitude will take you a long way in network marketing. Choose to network with people who have an overall positive attitude and you will save yourself a lot of time and hopefully build a strong network in the process.