We are in Public Relations

Set an example YOU would be proud to follow

Why do network marketers and internet marketers, and, well, many sales people in general, receive SUCH a negative reaction from some people? I have been puzzling over this all day.

Is it possible that I, and my industry, have been "painted with the same brush"?

Isn't it true, that in every walk of life, there are people you would associate with and people you wouldn't. Isn't it true that in every business, there are people who "give the organization a bad name"?
Of course it is!

I do not believe that the sales industry has more than it's share of "bad apples". In fact, I have met some of the kindest, most giving people through networking. True service oriented individuals who care very much about their clients, their team members, their company, are becoming the standard!

So, what do you when confronted with stereotyping? HMMM Good question!

I believe, first and foremost, my role is to educate. I believe people mistrust that which they do not understand, therefore, if I can provide information in a non-threatening manner, I may be able to change the misconception, one person at a time.

Let's face it. The world has changed since network marketing became prevalent in the 60's. The sales industry has changed along with it. You see less of the "pomp and circus act" sales presentation, and more solutions oriented meetings. Customers demand knowledge and professionalism, and the best in the field can provide that.

Let me share with you a funny anecdote. I attended a retirement dinner for one of the nurses that I worked with back when I was "still" a nurse. I spent the most enjoyable evening catching up with friends, laughing, sharing stories and "remember when's". When it was time to go, I realized that there were a couple of women at one end of the table that I hadn't had a chance to speak to. As I headed to that end of the table, one of the nurses, that had been a friend and co-worker said, "Oh, HERE she comes ! Don't sit down here and try to sell us something! "
That's like telling a mother not to lick her kleenex and wipe chocolate sauce off my chin! I have just spent 2 hours in a social situation, with people I knew very well at one time, and liked very much. Some of them asked me what I was doing now and I told them, and then I asked them the same question. We had conversation. NOWHERE in that conversation did I try to "sell" something. Oh, OK, I am ranting a bit, but I really do not understand people that think it is OK to be rude because of my occupation.

I work hard at my career. I am focussed on people, sometimes to a fault. When I am with a customer or a team member, I put all of my needs aside and concentrate on the person in front of me. I teach my contacts to do the same. I am constantly helping the people on my team understand that it is not right to "prejudge" the people that they meet. I truly believe that we ALL deserve the same courtesy.

I suffer the insults because I realize that many people have been slighted or run over by an overzealous network marketer in the past. It is hard to change a deep set belief, but we do need to try.

We are all public relations officers for the companies we represent, and the Direct Sales industry as a whole. How we conduct ourselves, and handle situations, for right or wrong, reflects on everybody across the board. It's an unfortunate fact of the career choice we have made. So, when you are conducting business, wear a suit, smile, be professional, and do not engage in the lack of knowledge of others. Show them that things are different now.

Be proud of what you do ! Let's face it, if nobody sold anything then nobody would have anything! Selling, whether direct or indirect, is an honorable, and vital industry. Let's work on keeping it ethical as well!

Shelley Penney is a network marketing and internet marketing specialist with 7 years in the field. She is currently mentoring a small group of people to achieve financial freedom from home.