Today, I want to educate you about recruiting MLM Virgins into your network marketing business.
When I say the term “MLM Virgin” I am simply referring to people who have never done network marketing before.
Some of these folks might not have ever even heard of the concept of network marketing before, and know absolutely nothing about it. Others might have been approached before, but never joined.
Your prospects are basically broken down into three categories:
- People with prior MLM experience
- People currently involved in MLM
- People without MLM experience
I should start out by telling you that EVERYONE has the potential to be a good prospect.
You never know the desire the person has on the inside to change their life for the better.
Unfortunately, your prospects don’t walk around with a sticker on their head that tells you if they will be a good prospect or simply waste your time (I wish they did, LOL).
I’ve also learned that the people who NEED the business seldom get involved, and the people you think will do well in the business generally do nothing and quit.
I am NOT telling you not to approach or prospect people who have prior network marketing experience.
Instead, I’ve simply found that people with little to no network marketing experience are typically the best prospects.
Why?
I think MLM Virgins are the best prospects because they are coachable and teachable.
They have no bad habits to unlearn (MLM habits anyway).
They’re much easier to teach than someone who has been in the industry for a long time and thinks they know it all.
Unfortunately, most folks with network marketing experience have not been taught what right looks like.
They tend to do things in an amateurish or unprofessional way, sometimes intentionally, and sometimes because they simply don’t know what they don’t know.
Or, they think they know what they are doing, even if they have never achieved success before.
As a result, many “experienced network marketers” will join your team, do nothing, quit, and then switch to another company within a few months.
Trust me, I deal with a lot of these folks. They’re MLM Junkies looking to hit it big without doing the work! They aren’t the type of person you want on your team.
I think I can best illustrate my point by sharing a story with you.
I once heard about an airline (you know who they are but I won’t mention their name) that does not hire flight attendants with previous flight attendant experience.
Their claim is that people with flight attendant experience won’t be a good fit for their company, because they have preconceived notions, bad habits, and even a certain “paradigm” about what a flight attendant should and shouldn’t do.
This same company likes to hire people without flight attendant experience and teach them THEIR WAY of doing business.
It’s seems to work very well for them since this happens to be one of the most popular airlines in the world.
I think the same holds true in network marketing.
To put it bluntly, I’ve found that it is much easier to teach someone with no experience than it is to try and “re-teach” someone how to do something they already think they know how to do.
Does that make sense?
My advice to you is to always keep your eyes and ears open for sharp people.
Don’t pre-judge anyone, but always look for the overly ambitious person with a burning desire to change their life for the better.
Be cautious of the person who has extensive MLM experience, but has never accomplished much in the industry. These folks could become successful, but chances are they won’t!
I want to make one last key point.
Every single person in our industry was at one time a MLM Virgin. Everyone who is in our industry was initially approached by someone who first got them involved. This includes the heavy hitters and big dogs.
While the industry might be huge, there are over seven BILLION people in the world. There are plenty of MLM Virgins out there who would make great prospect for your business. All you have to do is keep your eyes and ears open and approach them!
What are your thoughts? What do you think about sponsoring MLM Virgins? Leave a comment below to let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.
Chuck Holmes
20+ Year Network Marketing Professional
Top Earner & Top Recruiter
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
P.S. Learn how to grow a successful network marketing business. Secret tips, training, and practical ideas. Free training delivered by email.
Very interesting post! I think that in this case, with network marketing, hiring someone without experience is a good idea. People with experience often tend to have their own way of doing things, whether it has been working or not, and are less likely to want to learn new ideas and practices. On the other hand, a “virgin” will want to be taught and want to learn as much as they can to succeed. However, like you said, there are exceptions to the rule. But I think for the most part, recruiting MLM virgins is the way to go.
Yes, there are always exceptions to every rule.
Personally, I agree that we should always attempt to get MLM virgins, but I disagree with that airlines idea that they should only hire unexperienced people. You hit the nail on the head when you said we should not prejudge. In many cases, the ones we didn’t think would do well turn out to be superstars and vice versa. We should always give any and everyone an opportunity if they show interest.
Interesting point of view, Greg. I’ve just found that people with “experience” typically have a lot of baggage and aren’t always as coachable as someone new. Just my own two cents. But yes, there are always exceptions to the rule.
And I cannot debate that fact Chuck.
I believe that when you do bring others in that have been involved with other network marketing business, it is very important that you have a friendly discussion with them that the way they were using before must not have worked, or they would still be doing it. Have them agree to throw all that in the trash and make themselves an MLM virgin again. I believe if you put it to them in a friendly and sensible way, they will understand and could turn out to be your next rock star.
Greg, I agree…
I believe you should have a good mixture of both. Either can be coachable or uncoachable. Many times you will find a prior person from an MLM and they are simply stuck on their way of doing things because it has worked for them. However you could be showing them a way that will work faster and better.
With someone who has never done the business they many be not coachable because they don’t want to get out of their comfort zone, or they fear the unknown. This person however could be the “Great one” because you can teach them the ropes (like Chuck said) and guide them to be great.