Most Networkers know there are many ways to go about Prospecting people for your business. Some tactics are offensive and downright spammy. Other ways are more subtle.
Some use untruthful tactics to get their foot in the door, like the lady who called me on the phone saying so-n-so gave me your name and said you were an excellent experienced Networker. I did not even know so-n-so. The more I listened to her, the more I began to see how slick she really was. Too much buttering me up. I didn’t even believe it. lol
On another occasion I was minding my own business when:
A Skype message popped up, “Have a great Sunday”.
Hmmm, Who is this person? I did not know her. I am wondering how she found me, so I responded with, “You too! Are you in TSA? or BWB?” (Those are the two avenues whereby people would get my skype name.) TSA is Tribal Syndication Association and BWB is Better Web Builder.
Yes, she was in BWB. However, she told me her business was taking off with (her company) and the fact that she was seeing peoples results was incredible. She made it to manager in 1 month and now shares a 1% global bonus pool. She said they were rockin.
Genuinely happy for her and displaying some L-factor, I responded politely. “Cool, I am happy for you. I do have a company, so don’t need another one. BWB rocks for me right now. By the way, who is your BWB sponsor?
Somebody from the UK, she said. For her, many have signed up for free in BWB, but she said she was making more money in her (company) than she was in BWB. She said many people are into health.
I replied with “I agree, many people are into health. That is why I am in a company that has awesome health and anti-aging products.
She responded with: “We help many to reduce their medications and some of them can eliminate them completely. Staying healthy is phenomenal. Plus even kids love some of the products. It makes you feel great all over.”
I responded with: “That’s awesome. I am into health too. But I am not a prospect for you, since I am very happy where I am. Thanks anyway! 
Her comeback: “Oh, I was not prospecting you, I was just making a statement.” Then she proceeded to share another product testimony with me!
What do you think? Would you have felt like she was prospecting you?
I did not ask for any information about her company. I did not even know her.
You know the saying: People will join those they Know, Like and Trust.
It’s not about the Company, the products, the founders, the P&P’s or the comp plan, (but that helps a great deal!) It usually boils down to the one you Know, Like and Trust.
First off, I did not know her, so I didn’t even have a chance to determine whether I liked her and would want to work with her, let alone trust her. You know what I mean, right?
I guess her style is just not my style. It is not comfortable to be aggressive like that. I prefer to lead with something Free, like a Generic Lead Generation Recruiting system, rather than leading with my company or product. After all every Networker needs tools if they are in Online Networking and want to grow their business.
If they accept free recruiting tools to help them in their business, then I will get to know them, help them, but not push my company or products on them. If they decide not to take my offer of Free tools, that is okay too. It’s quite possible they have some other way of Recruiting or Prospecting.
I just prefer the gentle approach.
Does this mean I will never share my wonderful company or products with people? Not at all. I just prefer it to unfold naturally in the course of the conversation without being pushy.
I trust that those people I am meant to work….well, we will find each other, and it will all be good!
How do you prefer? Prospecting or Recruiting? What is working for you? I would love to hear how your methods are working.
Your Networking Friend,
