by André Vatke

Network marketing, just like any other sales oriented business, requires certain skills and attitudes.  I have listed key elements found in all successful network marketing leaders.  Many of these elements may not be new to you, but I challenge you to read them in a new way by asking: "How good am I at that?" instead of the old way by saying: "I know that."  When you read the elements and evaluate yourself (one to five on each one), you will hold an individualized game plan that will make you a true leader.

Here's how to rate yourself: 1=never  2=hardly ever  3=sometimes  4=frequently  5=always

If you are serious about achieving success in network marketing, create an action plan for each element that you rate a 4 or below.  Work on two of your strengths and one of your weaknesses every day.  You don't become a leader overnight — you become a leader one step at a time.
Establish and maintain a positive attitude.  This is the first rule of life – an "I can do it" state of mind.  A happiness that makes others want to spend time with you.  Your commitment to a positive attitude will put you on a path to success.

Set and exceed goals.  The true professional is dedicated, well-disciplined, and a self-directed person.

Take pride in what you do.  Pride shows.  It has an enthusiasm that attracts people to your business.

Listen.  Your prospects want to tell you what they need.  Just ask the right questions and listen to understand.

Show confidence.  Confidence in what you do and who you are encourages your prospects and your downline.

Maintain personal ethics. Work hard, maintain truthfulness, be sincere, and live up to your commitments…every day.

Know the science of selling.  Even though most new recruits (sales) are driven by the quality of your relationship with your prospect, you must understand the science of selling.

Know your product, business, and industry. A given for any professional in any field.

Know your desired objective (of the meeting or phone call) before you begin.  On a piece of paper, write a one-sentence objective for that meeting or phone call before you begin.  Don't leave the meeting until the goal (objective) is achieved.

Feel and transfer personal success experiences. Your ability to feel success and transfer that success to your prospects and downline builds your character.  If your belt is notched with success, you give your prospect more confidence in you.

Have a strong desire to help others.  This is a rule of life and business success. 

Strive for excellent communication skills.  Delivering and receiving a clear message is at the heart of the selling process.

Have a great sense of humor. Humor is tacit approval.  Humor is also a quick way to build rapport. 

Stay physically fit.  There is a delicate balance between physical and mental fitness.  There is also a relationship between the personal self-discipline of health, exercise, and diet and the self-discipline of being a leader.

Establish and build long-term relationships. The true leader will make short-term sacrifice for long-term gain…every time. 

Think and act like a partner.  Having a partnership philosophy means working in everyone's behalf.

Cultivate downline leaders.  True leaders develop leaders in their organization.  Stay in touch with your key people.  Motivate them and help them become leaders.

How have you dedicated and utilized your capabilities?  To the best of your ability?  All the time?  Desire is one element that binds us all together.

Do it with passion. Love what you do.  When you love what you do, it shows—and it's as contagious as attitude.  Find that passion in network marketing, and you can succeed beyond your dreams.

My Score:
84-95 - Congratulations, Mr./Ms. Leader.  You're in the big time.
76-83 - You can taste it.  You're on the right track.  Keep it up every day and you'll break new ground.
57-75 - You're in the big group of networkers who think of themselves as leaders but aren't.  Make a personal game plan in each weak area, and execute it day by day.
42-56 - Whatever type of selling you do, it's just a sale, not a commitment to leadership.  You need to make a conversion  plan.
19-41 - Why did you get into network marketing?

About the author:
André Vatke is the president of Target Media Group, Inc. and the founder of Leaders Club.  He is a master marketer and a life member of the national registry of Who's Who in business. 

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