Are you a member of the NFL?

There's an old joke among us network marketers that we're members of the NFL - No Friends Left. We laugh, but most of us have experienced the reality of it at some point in our careers.

It gets worse every time we join a new company and try to bring our friends and family aboard, or at least, it can seem that way.

The problem really stems from our whole approach.

Let me use a little story to illustrate.

Suppose you just opened a new store to sell shoes. Would you call all your friends and family and try to convince them each to buy a pair of shoes that you recommend to them? Of course not! Most of them don't need or want a pair of shoes today. They might buy a pair just because you have a relationship, but they are likely to feel used because of it. If you persisted in calling them, they could get tired of hearing from you and refuse to answer the phone.

A much better approach would be to simply notify your friends that you have opened a new shoe store, tell them you would be honored to have them as a customer, and give offer a "friends" discount if they stop by your store. Tell them you would be appreciative if they referred anyone to you and offer a referral incentive if you like.
Now your friends are under no pressure to buy from you, but they will think of you next time they need a pair of shoes.

The same holds true for network marketing. are you trying to "sell" your friends & family, or are you just notifying them you are now in business and you would be happy to tell them more some time if they ask?

Try this low key approach and see if you can avoid joining the NFL!