I received an email from Theresa Carter, a contact on the networking site "Linked In" in regards to our experience on the recent MLM Cruise hosted by Big Al. Theresa asked,
"How was the cruise? Care to share anything that specifically resonated with you?"
What a great question! As I reflect on the entire ten day trip, I can think of dozens and dozens of things that resonated with me. In fact, if it's possible, I'd have to say, I was resonating the entire time!
As it is every year, the best part of the cruise is connecting with networkers form all over the world. From brand new distributors, to company owners, to top money earners, there is absolutely every personality type aboard. We all learn so much from each other in a very relaxed and non-competitive environment. While we do have scheduled meetings during the days at sea, the best learnings come from just hanging out by the pool, at dinner, on the excursions, or over cocktails.
Here is a small sampling of the wisdom shared from my fellow networkers:
Jordan Adler (USA)- Most networkers who fail do so because they start and stop/start and stop their businesses. To win BIG you must be consistent. You don't "do" your business, you "live" your business!
Big Al (USA) - Shared a great ice breaker/pique interest - "I've got a good story. Takes about two minutes. Might make you a lot of money, might not. Want to hear it?" When they say "yes, sure," share your 2 min. presentation.
James Blakemore (USA) - It's true, you must help people find their big WHY but you must also help them name and get something they want immediately like new carpet, new furniture, a trip, etc. They need to focus on short term goals as well as the long term WHY.
Nikita Gromyko (Ukraine) - Wears a 'T' shirt to the gym that says Certified Retired MLM. People ask him all the time, "what is MLM?" Great ice breaker!
Michael Hoffer (Denmark) - Joined toastmasters and gives all of his talks on his business and products. The other participants naturally want to know more!
Big Al - talked about ways to freeze people's brains so they hypnotically give you 100% of their attention. One brain freeze is, "There's 2 types of people in the world...once you have their attention you can tell them anything related to your business. For example, There's two types of people in this world, those who live paycheck to paycheck and those who get an extra paycheck every week" Or, "There's two types of people in this world, those who struggle to lose weight and those who lose weight eating delicious cookies." Try coming up with your own brain freeze!
Todd Falcone (USA) -Talked about "Recruiting Up". Todd seeks out professionals for his business that already do what we do... like sales professionals. The criteria he looks for are:
- They are paid on commissions and production
- They have a moderate to high tolerance for risk
- They are success minded
When he drives by a realtor's sign, he writes down the contact information and calls them. He simply asks, "Do you keep your options open for generating income outside of what you're currently doing?"
Anders Karlsson (Sweden) - Anders focuses on building relationships with people first and once they are in a "listening mode" he shares his business with them. Anders also shared some very funny stories. You had to be there!
Dakota Rea (USA) - shared how he builds a team of energetic young people by finding one motivated, influential Gen 'Y' person and they will bring in all of their friends. If you're not sure where to start, think of your own friends and their children. Who do you know that has a Gen Y child in college?
Sandy Elsberg (USA) - Reminded us that while our businesses are enjoyable, they are still work. To build a large organization you must have a system and you must work it consistently and you must teach your team to do the same. That's why we call it netWORK Marketing and not netPLAY Marketing!
Tracy Monteforte (Redwood Curtain) - Yes, I shared too. I encouraged people to position themselves as an expert by submitting articles to ezines, or starting their own newsletter or blog, or hosting teleseminars, or interviewing other experts. I emphasized that you don't have to be perfect to start. Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly AT FIRST. To grow you need to be willing to try new stuff!
If you haven't yet seen our newest Marketing Metaphor called EscarGROW it's about just this. It's at http://www.marketingmetaphors.com (we made many more metaphors on the cruise...coming to a blog near you soon!)
I could go on; there were so many more great tips shared by amazing people. Like I said, the best learnings came from just hanging out and playing with these folks for a week in some of the worlds lushest environments (Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Cozumel).
If I could package up the experience and give it to you for the holidays, I gladly would. But this is one gift you simply have to go out and discover for yourself. I sincerely hope you will join us next year. The places you'll experience, the people you'll meet and learn from, the ideas you'll take home and implement all add a richness to your life and have the power to energize your business in a profound and powerful way. But for now...please enjoy the slide show below!
Wishing you a very warm & wonderful holiday
and an AWESOMELY Abundant & Joyful New Year!
Peace Out,
Power Gal
P.S. If you want information on next year's cruise and special discount rates, please let me know in the comments section below and I'll be in touch with details!
Hi,
Do you have the itinerary for this just so I can see the discussions and events on board?
Thank you,
John
Posted by: John Denton | October 01, 2008 at 03:18 PM