I see the eyes rolling…… you figure this is just another “pitch” to get you to join my team, right? The truth is, it doesn’t matter what direct sales company you are with – recruiting is a key to your success (and more money).
So, do you easily share your business with others or does the word “recruit” send you into a tailspin? I have to be honest, it has taken a long time to finally NOT be afraid of sharing the gift called Thirty One. So, if you are afraid of the word, I get it – you and about another 95% of direct sellers are in the same boat.
When we talk about the top reasons why direct sellers are afraid of recruiting, we usually hear…..
- I am afraid people will think I am pushy.
- I hate hearing “no”.
- I am afraid people won’t like me.
- I am afraid I don’t know enough about our business.
- I am afraid my new people won’t succeed.
- I am afraid I won’t find the “right” people.
- I am afraid that we will saturate our market.
- I am afraid I can’t convince people to join my team.
This is the biggest mistake in recruiting… it isn’t about you. Are you shocked? I know you are trying to promote, or earn a leadership incentive trip or maybe earn more money, right? So you HAVE to recruit.
You are not selling your business so you don’t have to convince anyone to sign up. You just need to talk to enough people to find the ones who are looking for what you have to offer. So, let’s bust some of the myths which come with the word recruiting:
#1 – I am afraid people will think I am pushy. Focus on how your company may help them. Share don’t sell! Being pushy is not taking a “no” as NO! Pushy is trying to get someone to do something they don’t want to do.
#2 – I hate hearing “no”. We all hate the word NO. What if everyone said yes, to everything? Can you imagine what things would be like. Stop making it all about you. Do you think the waitress who offers you dessert takes it personally when you say “no” to her offer? Do you think she stops offering dessert to everyone after dinner? People are not saying “no” to you, they are saying no to the offer. For those of us who are people pleaser, this is a tough one.
#3 – I am afraid people won’t like me. Again, take the focus off of you. People will still like you if you are sincere in sharing the opportunity. Remind them you will still like THEM if they say no. Ask them if it is just “no, not at this time” or just “no, never”? This way you won’t feel like you are being “pushy” if you make the offer again.
#4 – I am afraid I don’t know enough about our business. I hear this all the time from my newest team members. The law of ONE MORE says you have been in business one more week, month, or hour than the person you are recruiting. You will never know everything about the business but I am sure you know where to get the information to answer any questions, right?
#5 – I am afraid my new people won’t succeed. I’m guilty of this one! It has taken me a long time to understand I can’t want more for them then they want for themselves. This was always a struggle for me as a Social Worker too. It isn’t your responsibility to make someone succeed.
#6 – I am afraid I won’t find the “right” people. Is there really a “right” person? With over 15 million people in direct sales in the US alone, do you think one size fits everyone? There is not a “right” person. Who are you to judge or decide who the “right” person may be?
#7 – I am afraid that we will saturate our market. UGH! The “S” word – there is an unspoken rule about this word. If you haven’t asked everyone you have come in contact with to either book, buy or join your team – the “S” word does not exist. Do you really think you and your recruits will know all the same people and go all of the same places? It is so difficult to saturate a market regardless of how small a town you live in.
#8 – I am afraid I can’t convince people to join my team. This is the truth – you can’t. Enjoy sharing the gift and inviting people to take a look at your business to see if it is a good fit for them and if they are a good fit for your business.
Who is ready to recruit some team members? What are you best tips?
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 