Network marketers are always on a hunt for people like themselves – business builders, believers, business “engineers,” leaders.
Case in point, I had a brief chat with a lady on Facebook and she asked me if I was having any success being a member of a group there. I told her that it was too early to tell and I asked what she was looking for in the group. She responded, without hesitation, – leaders.
Now, in the network marketing business that is absolutely the correct business builder’s quarry, searching for leaders. Leaders will help you build a sustainable residual business, help your business to grow. Leaders will bring other leaders to the party. True leaders are a rare commodity, highly sought after and a prized catch.
How will she know what to look for? Where to look? What does a leader look like? What does a leader smell like? Does one leader look like another? Can you go to a store and buy a leader, rent or lease one? What is the cost of getting a leader?
Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, colors, flavors and styles. One could assert that there are certain common traits that make up a good leader. Fundamentally their honesty and ethics have earned your trust and devotion. They embrace all to align with an outcome. Things get done; spirit is high; a purpose is set and everyone finds joy and satisfaction in the accomplishment. The majority prosper in mind, body and soul.
“A leader is most effective when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, his troops will feel they did it themselves.” ~Lao Tzu
Leadership begins with mindset. So, she must discover the true disposition of those she interviews.
Do they know how to listen?
Do they love what they do?
Do they care about people?
Are they willing to give power away?
Are they out to help others get what they want?
Do they have fun?
Can they delegate?
Do they learn from their mistakes?
Do they naturally attract others to them?
Do they have a firm vision?
Do they offer and value loyalty?
Are they naturally curious?
Can they determine when to listen, when to speak, and when to act?
She must question her prospects and then listen to their answer. Questions and listening is the only way to find her next best leader.
Since leaders attract leaders, how about looking for a network marketing leader in the mirror? Are you a leader? Start with yourself? Ask yourself the questions above. It will give you a good indication where you might want to focus your attention to better your leadership skills. 
For next week:
What happens if she doesn’t find any natural born leaders? What then? Is she out of business? Is she going to have to resort to another means to build her business? Next week we’ll look at whether leaders are born or leaders can be trained.
Fascinating topic Rick. I’ve known a lot of leaders in direct sales and here’s what I’ve observed. The most ‘popular’ among the masses are those leaders who ‘do’ for their people and are there for them 24/7. On the other hand, the most ‘effective’ leaders are those who teach their people how to become leaders themselves. There is a huge difference.
marquita herald recently posted..Inspirational Words of Wisdom
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Rick Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Marty,
Kind of like teaching them to fish rather than giving them fish? Effective sounds away more appealing than being popular. And, popular can be so tempting for some. I think we must be ever vigilant.
Appreciate your thoughts, Marty,
RICK
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Great check list on leaders Rick. I find that working with people I need to have a check list also. I have a pretty extensive one when I bring someone in for coaching. I don’t want to waste peoples time and money and energy unless they meet certain requirements that I can help them with.
Are they natural born leaders? Hmmm….I don’t think so. I think it is a matter of what that person is willing to do to become one. I also think that if you are taking someone under your wing in business, it is your responsibility to be a strong leader and teach them how to be one.
I’m not a Network Marketer, but I do coach some. I find that if they don’t have someone above them that is constantly nudging them, they start to lose interest.
Leaders beget leaders!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Fear – Don’t Let It Stop You
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Rick Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Donna,
Interesting observation about downline people needing to be nudged by their upline. I think it would make a huge difference for them to revisit their passion and their WHY. Without a definite WHY in place their upline can expect more of the same.
I like your criteria to screen people before coaching them. It’s the right thing to do. If you’re not a match for them then you can’t really help them. Better to refer them to someone you think can assist.
Glad you stopped by,
RICK
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I agree with Donna that this is a great list. However, it’s been my experience that this ladies question will often lead her right to failure. It’s not that we shouldn’t look to leaders… but that leaders are often really easy to find when they are busy LEADING. This woman should not, however, rule out the prime individuals with leadership skills that have not yet stepped up into roles of leadership. Often networking groups contain a large number of individuals with leadership skills that are not YET “leading outright”. These are individuals that help sustain a group and help assist and can go on to eventually take the reins of any organization. Often those already leading are “married” to their plans… while the up and comers are still just looking for the thing they will invest their energies in!
Kim
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Rick Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Kimberly,
I think there is always room for training and she would be best off finding those who have potential and nurture them. Kind of what my next post is about. You’re way ahead of me. LOL!
RICK
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I think the most significant observation here, Rick, is that “leaders attract leaders”.
It reminds me of the quip that “You know you’re a leader when you decide to be”.
If you want to recruit leaders, the best thing you can do is to develop your own leadership skills and ACT like a leader at all times. Even when nobody’s looking
David Merrill recently posted..Leverage | Stealth Internet Marketing
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Rick Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 7:51 pm
David,
That’s the best part, acting like a leader, having integrity, being honest when no one is looking. I think we need so much more of that. I was in the car today and happen to hear a couple of minutes of Glenn Beck. He spoke of the principles this country was founded on and the fact that so many are just ignored today. Where has the honor gone? Good to know I hang with people who have that kind of honor.
RICK
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Hi Rick,
Thanks for a wonderful conversation yesterday. I love getting to know people better via the phone. Remember to let me know more about your plans so I can help where I can.
Leaders lead and that is the simplest way I can put it. When I decided to lead others, my results immediately changed for the better.
Leadership means serving and helping others with no agenda in my opinion.
Thanks
Clare
Clare@Holisitic Health recently posted..April is Autism Awareness Month
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Rick Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Clare,
Enjoyed our conversation too.
So, for you leadership is a choice. That is very cool. Thanks for that perspective.
RICK
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Rick,
A leader in our industry is one who also understand they will learn with each person they agree to support for a lifetime. Your not just getting people to join this or that. You are coaching people to find their passion and then how to create a real foundation off of that. Their business is not the platform with all the lovely tools and stuff.
I believe in sharing and empowering them to want more and think of no limitations in everything they desire to accomplish. If you get people who have a hunger to better their lives and everyone around them. Then your on a great path to keeping them in your group.
I can be whatever I will to be…
Rick, your a great coach in our industry and It has been too long since I dwell in your presents. It feels good to gain such wisdom and then put in to action. Thank you for caring.
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Rick Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Hey William,
Anyone in business with you is blessed to have such a great example. Helping people find their passion and their why is vitally important. I’ll be delving into this very thing in the post after next.
Appreciate you words!
RICK
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This is interesting write up on leadership. But I’m realizing I’m a little confused about what network marketing is. It seems that everyone is supposed to look outside for a leader to build their business,which is helpful. I’m no network marketing expert by any means but instinct tells me you should build up a business before looking to add help,but again maybe I’m not clear on the essence of network marketing. How will you guide other leaders if you are not leading yourself?
I agree that leaders should be busy leading. Looking for leaders can be difficult because you are looking for a leader that’s going to follow you. But if you find them and they do follow, are they really a leader?
Kathryn Joseph recently posted..How to Get a Celebrity Interview
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Rick Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Hi Kathryn,
You are absolutely right about leading yourself first in anything that one undertakes. In network marketing you’re always looking for people who are more skilled than you, able to take direction and run with it. It’s not your typical corporate business model. You actually want people you bring into the business to be and do better than you. It’s a complete empowerment model.
Many thanks for stopping by.
RICK
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This is great, we all need leaders, without leaders we might as well be going down hill, and it only takes one to stand up to be that good leader…
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