In our business, we hold up others who have been successful and announce to the audience, “See her? She used to clean houses! And now look at her. She has people cleaning HER big house. You can do it too! So sign up and get your initial big banana package and get started.”
It’s the “If they can, you can,” or “If I can, you can,” syndrome.
However, the drop out rate of 102% tells us this is not quite how things turn out.
2500 years ago, the Buddha also wanted to get others into his fold. He had a VERY BIG and wonderful life experience that people strive to get all over the world – a feeling of enlightenment and inner peace, free from suffering.
That was his personal success and he wanted to build a big organization of people who could benefit from it too. Of course he needed followers, and especially, teachers, just like we do. However, he did something very different to get his followers. It was just the opposite of the “If I can you can” syndrome.
He told them in effect, “(After 7 years), I have found enlightnment and I think I understand everything now.” He then astonished them all and said, “But don’t take my word for it. Don’t believe what anybody says, including me. Test it for yourself first. Then decide.” – Thurman, On Buddhism. 1999)
Nearly every historian has commented on this bold approach:
“Oh monks, just like examining gold in order to know its quality, you should put my words to the test.” – Wise, Blessings of the Wind. 2002.
He believed that someone’s own, personal experience (versus promises or experiences of others) is what creates a long term believer and ultimately, what will lead to success. Because they tend to stick if they believe based on personal experience.
Do you agree with that?
Can you imagine what would happen if we practiced network marketing like that?
Imagine hearing these bold words from the front of the room:
“Don’t take our word for it. Put our words to the test.” Who dares to be first?
Suddenly people try the product or business, without relying on ANY promises or half-truths, and they get to see for themselves (with 2-by-2 instruction) whether it’s going to be a good thing for them or not.
Yes, there would be many drop outs. But no broken promises and resultant bad taste and bad rep. And those who make it will believe and stick, like the Buddha’s followers did, because of the strength of their OWN experience and the unwavering belief that came from it.
2500 years of success. Versus a 102% drop out rate.
Shall we implement the Buddha method in our practice of NM?
Yes, your business might not survive for 2500 years. But what if your good prospect tries it, with the Buddha method introduction, experiences the benefits personally, and sticks beyond those first 90 days and maybe much more, finally?
Kim Klaver | Klaver | marketing |
direct marketing|networkmarketing|sales training |motivation| self improvement
