In today’s post, I want to talk to you about the honeymoon stage in network marketing. This is something that everyone experiences, but few people really understand.
I compare the “honeymoon” phase of network marketing to LUST. Lust is when you first meet someone and become obsessed with them. They’re all you think about. You have to be with them. They occupy your mind 24/7. You only see the good in the person and think they are perfect, even if they aren’t.
At some point, the lust fades. It could turn into love, or in most cases, nothing at all. The duration of the “lust” phase might last a few hours, a few days, a few weeks, a few months, or even a couple years. It really depends on the two people involved.
The honeymoon phase in network marketing is very similar to lust. Most people who join our industry, join on raw emotion and excitement. They think about of all of the possibilities their company offers.
They think the company is their “meal ticket” to success. They think about their business 24/7. They dream about it. They think their business is perfect. They think about all of the money they can make from the work of others. They think everything will be perfect and easy.
For most people this “honeymoon phase” lasts about 30 to 60 days in their network marketing business. Once it disappears, most people either quit the business for good or jump to a different business opportunity.
I’ve found that most of the people who quit were never given realistic expectations or told the truth. Most people who quit were probably sponsored using hype and emotion. Or they were told it would be easy.
Most of the people who switch to a different opportunity every few months are what we call a MLM Junkie. They are excited by the thrill of something new, yet they never seem to do the work or commit to anything for any period of time. They can’t follow through.
I can speak from personal experience and tell you that for many years I was a MLM Junkie. No, I’m not proud of it, but it’s the truth. Finally, I came to my senses and learned that any business is hard work, takes time, and a big commitment.
So, what does all of this really mean? Here are a few takeaways you should think about.
# 1 The Honeymoon Phase is Normal
The honeymoon phase is normal in everything you do. It pertains to relationships, a new job, moving to a new town, vacations, and starting a new business. Typically, most people are very excited whenever they start or do something new. That excitement can last for hours to months, depending upon the person and situation. But at some point, the honeymoon phase disappears and reality sets in.
# 2 It’s What You Do After You Lose Your Initial Excitement That Matters Most
I tell all of my new team members that one day they will wake up and NOT be excited about the business anymore. That’s normal. It’s what you do when this happens that will ultimately determine whether or not you succeed in the business. Any relationship can succeed during the lust phase, yet most relationships fail! Anyone can work the business hard for the first month or two when they are really excited, but it takes a special person with a big commitment to follow it through for YEARS until they succeed.
# 3 Teach Your New Team Members About the Honey Moon Phase
As a sponsor, you have the responsibility to teach your new team members about the honeymoon phase in network marketing. You need to let them know that the initial excitement is normal, but it won’t last forever. You need to give them realistic expectations so they don’t fizzle out after their initial excitement disappears. That way, they can be “prepared” when it happens.
# 4 Actions and Emotions
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life that has helped me in my business is this: “let your actions control your emotions rather than letting your emotions control your actions.” I learned this in the book “The Magic of Thinking Big” and I can tell you from personal experience that it changed my life and business for the better.
If you only do the work, and build your business, when you “feel like it” get ready to eat a big lunch. We are emotional creatures and most days you won’t feel like doing the business. I’ve found that if you just stay persistent and consistent, you will eventually succeed. I stay excited about my business because I work my business every single day.
# 5 Motivation vs. Commitment
There will be many days in your business when you are not motivated to build your business. I have some days like that myself. Whether you are motivated or not, be committed to building your business.
That means that every day, no matter what, you are doing something to move your business forward. Anyone can build their business when they are temporarily motivated. However, it takes a committed person to keep build their business, even when the odds seems stacked against them. The top earners in your company are not always motivated, but I can assure you they are “all in” 100% committed.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the honeymoon phase in network marketing typically lasts 30 to 90 days (for most people). This is the period of time where new distributors are “most excited” about their new business venture and what it offers. They think about their business 24/7. They dream about it at night, and even “daydream” at work.
Just like “lust” the honeymoon phase won’t last forever in your business. At some point the initial excitement will disappear for good. Truthfully, it’s what you do after the initial excitement fades that will ultimately determine your success in the business, or not. Successful reps are committed, even when they aren’t excited.
What are your thoughts? What do you think about the honeymoon phase in network marketing? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts. 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.
This is so true. There IS a honeymoon phase in marketing and typically when it’s over, is usually when a lot of people give up. They’re not excited anymore. They’re not doing as well as they anticipated. What you said at the end sums it up perfectly, “Successful reps are committed, even when they aren’t excited”.
The honeymoon phase applies to all businesses and relationships and jobs, not just MLM.
I had never thought of the first days in network marketing in that fashion before. You used a good example with this article. I believe that this phase goes with almost everything new in life. It is what we do after the initial phase that counts.
It is my opinion that every network marketer should copy this post, or at least the main parts of it and show it to new prospects. It is much better if a person is prepared for that high to wear off, than to just give up when they see the low points.
I am happy that you covered this subject. Too many network marketers build people up with hype and articles such as this one can set them straight.
All businesses and relationships have a honey moon period. It’s easy to be excited during that time frame. It’s what you do after that wears off that really matters the most.
Yes, you are correct.
I love the scenario because we can actually base it on actual marriages. So many people are quick to file divorce papers after that initial lust wears off. It works the same in business, especially network marketing.
If people treated it in the same fashion as marriage itself should be, they would want to battle through the obstacles that are in front of them. They would always remember their original commitment and would be willing to not give up. This is why I say that prospects should be aware of the initial lust period before the commit.
I tell my people upfront that the honeymoon stage won’t last forever. It’s what you do after it wears off that matters most.