This article was originally published in Networking Times in 2012 in concert with a presentation with the same name presented as Networking Times faculty with Judy O’Higgins and Kristi Lee. 

Network marketing is a powerful and rewarding venture that is the perfect vehicle for creating ongoing passive income and can change your life forever.  So why would anyone procrastinate in getting her business started, picking up the phone, or doing the daily activities that lead to success?  Many people who are avoiding these activities are actually facing hidden challenges with belief, time management, and systems that block their productivity.  We’d like to share some simple ideas that will help you create belief in your ability to succeed in network marketing, create a space in your life for doing the activities that will supercharge your business, and create confidence in your system of working with prospects.

THE ROLE OF BELIEF

To be successful in network marketing requires rock solid belief in 3 areas –

your product or service, your company leadership, and most important – in yourself.  For women, procrastination in working our business is often the result of negative, limiting beliefs that can ultimately lead to failure – which only serves to reinforce the lies we tell ourselves.  Some of these limiting beliefs may sound like the following:  “I have no sales or business experience;” “I’m too young, old, shy, dumb;” or “I have to be perfect to succeed.”

To change our minds about ourselves and our abilities requires hard work and persistence – it’s a process – but our success in network marketing and in life depends on it!  Here’s one idea to overcome these negative beliefs:

1. Write out your negative beliefs about yourself so you become more aware of them. Awareness is the first step to change!
2. For each negative statement, write out a positive, affirming statement in present tense:
   • Example: “I can’t succeed because I have no business/sales experience” becomes
   • Example: “I HAVE everything I need inside of me to be a huge success in my business!”

3. Make a list of these positive statements about yourself and read them out loud daily.
4. Read them out loud to someone who is supportive of you and your dreams. Then ask them to read them back to you – and take them to heart while listening.

Over time, these simple steps will give you the belief in yourself to havegt the success you deserve!

THE ROLE OF TIME MANAGEMENT

Another area that is essential to success in network marketing is time management.  However, many network marketers are, to paraphrase Jim Rohn, “working full-time on their job and part-time on their fortunes.”  We also have families and other activities that take our time.   Taking time to recognize hidden areas where you may be wasting time is an important way to create space for your business.

First, schedule your computer time.  If you find yourself constantly checking in to Facebook or e-mail, you may be wasting more time than you think!  Give yourself 30 minutes either in the morning or the evening to check your e-mail and Facebook.   You are more likely to find a new customer by doing your daily activities than from checking your e-mail a million times during the day!

Second, stop multi-tasking!  New studies show that multi-tasking actually takes more time than focusing on one task at a time.  When you divide your time between more than one activity, it not only takes more time to get both tasks done, but it makes it more difficult to refocus your attention.

A hidden benefit of implementing these two simple strategies is that you may actually find yourself better able to create real relationships and focus on the PEOPLE in your life.  Instead of looking at your smart phone, you can look in the eyes of the people you’re with and create real relationships.  That will ultimately bring you greater success.

THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE

One thing that prevents people from growing their business is the fear of not knowing what to say, or saying too much.  Here are some specific examples you can use and customize for your product or service so you can move from procrastination to productivity:

What to say when someone asks, “So…what do you do?”

• Have a concise 1-sentence statement such as, “I specialize in helping (state her profession or relevant title – Real Estate Agents, Stay-At-Home Moms, etc.) like you, (state benefit – ‘look and feel their best’), so that you can (create time and financial freedom).  NOTE:  This is not the time to go through your presentation, the impressive research & development done on your products, or the history of your company!

What to say when you call a prospect to schedule a visit:

• “Hi (your prospect), this is (your name) from (your company).  We met at (location/event).  The reason for my call is, I’d like to schedule a visit with you to better acquainted and perhaps see if we can help each other’s business.  NOTE:  Again, this is not the time to launch into your presentation!

What to say when you follow up:

• “Hi (your prospect), this is (your name) from (your company).  I am calling to see if you’ve had a chance to try our (your product/service).  It would take 5 minutes to get you started – what would you like to do next?”

For more ideas on overcoming negative beliefs , what to say to prospects, and time and business management for busy women  join us on January 25^th for a one hour webinar through the Networking Times University.  We look forward to connecting with you there.