What I learned from an MLM

MLM's are predatory and a cult, right? Wellllll...........

Look, as with any business venture, you need to be smart and do your due diligence. Some MLM's bank on prospects not reading the fine lines in their contract. But not all MLM's are monsters.

I admit I was in the latter camp for many, many years. I detested going to direct sales parties and really didn't see the value in most of the products. Until my neighbor absolutely begged me to come to her house for her new venture. As I sat there daring the presenter to change my mind, a funny thing started to happen. I saw great value in the product, a high-end anti-aging and skin care line. I could really see myself selling this product, if for no other reason than to get a great discount on my own products. Sign me up!

I was lucky. I was introduced to a great company, with a great product, by a great "upline". Did I make a million dollars? No. Did I make enough to quit my day job? Also no. But what I gained was so much more. You see, this particular company had an amazing President with a high moral standard who was known for her motivational speaking. The company offered monthly audio personal growth & development trainings- what would now be known as podcasts. The things I learned from this company are the reason I have been in business for over 5 years with more than 25 contractors servicing the St. Louis and surrounding regions. Here are the most important points I learned about being a boss:

1. It is a virtual miracle that anyone shows up for work.

No one HAS to show up for work everyday. At any point, any person can say, "you know what? I'm outta here." I need to be thankful everyday that someone shows up to do their job. They could very well find a job anywhere else. But if I want them to stay with me, I need to have an "attitude of gratitude". And when I have that mindset, the worker feels it and WANTS to show up to work!

2. People work harder for praises than raises.

Sure people are motivated by money. But what really motivates people to go above and beyond is knowing they are appreciated. Acknowledging someone's efforts is a positive reinforcement. Our brains are wired to seek out positive reinforcement and avoid negative reinforcement. Many in a position of power believe that negative reinforcement will cause the recipient to avoid the behavior that caused the negative effect, when in actuality, it can cause the recipient to avoid the situation that caused the negative effect, like quitting their job. A positive reinforcement, something as simple as a "Thank You", will help to foster a feeling of loyalty from the worker.

3. People work hard for those that work hard for them.

Why do so many harbor resentment towards the boss? One reason could be the perception that the worker does all of the hard labor while the boss sits back and cashes a check. But if someone sees their boss working just as diligently as them and working to make their job easier, that worker WANTS to put in a greater effort. Maybe that means the boss rolling up their sleeves and stepping in to do the grunt work when the staff is shorthanded. Or advocating for their workers' safety and well being to a higher up or a customer. Or giving credit to an idea or action of a worker that made the boss or whole team look good.

So although my time as a consultant with an MLM was short (but I still use the products to this day. They're quality!) I value the trainings I received. And I hope that the day I do not display these kinds of qualities as a boss someone puts me in my place!