General

This ad pulled hundreds of people…27 really good ones.

classified ad

Men wanted for hazardous journey
Small wages. Bitter cold.
Long months of complete darkness.
Constant danger
Safe return doubtful.
Honour and recognition in case of success

Hundreds of men showed up, and 27 accompanied British explorer Ernest Shackleton, who was leading an expedition to the South Pole – twice.

Most people, who could easily recognize from this ad that they were the wrong ones for his adventure, stayed home. Mr. Shackleton didn’t have to deal with any of them.

He asked for and got some very special people. With an ad that is the antithesis of probably every network marketing ad and pitch being used today.

Ladies: I know that honor and recognition may not be the biggest motivater – perhaps knowing we’re making a difference is more important…fill in the blank for that last line with what really really turns you on.

Challenge:

Using the above ad as a model, how would you write an ad seeking network marketing people for your team? Hint. It’s not as easy as it looks.

P.S. Thanks to my old friend Russ Johnson, 30 years in the business, for digging out this ad.


What if you could learn to tell your story so you can amaze and delight your niche: Here’s a book and CD program to help. And here’s help for talking in a human voice about your business – a CD set and cribsheet .

About the author

Kim Klaver

18 Comments

  • Great posting Kim!

    If we are up front and honest, i.e. No Hype, we make it much easier for ourselves in the long run.

    After all, we are building an organization of volunteers who have their own goals, dreams and aspirations.

    Typically people have those or don’t. The ones that do are the ones you want to be speaking to about your business. Let the others be.

    It’s a Good Life!
    Suzanne
    NetworkMarketingHotspot.com
    http://www.TheMLMmom.com

  • OK, here goes:

    People Wanted For Hazardous Journey

    Small income to start. Friends & family may turn bitter and cold. Long months of hard work. Constant rejection. Six-figure income doubtful. Know you are making a difference if successful.

  • Hazardous Business Journey
    Seeking a few rare people to train. Must have thick skin and good work ethic. You won’t get rich quick if at all. 95% drop out so are you up for a real challenge?

  • I read Shackleton’s book about his voyage to Antarctica. What an amazing feat of leadership!

    Leadership like that inspires the best in people, and believe me it was not an easy task for him to inspire his crew. He had his fair share of whiners, complainers and mutineers among those 27 who responded, and his fair share of doubt and despair.

    So yes, write ads that weed out the worst of the lot, but know that even then the sailing won’t be easy.

    Here’s my stab at it:

    EARLY ADOPTERS WANTED
    Start-up company seeks visionaries capable of keeping the faith in the face of long delays and missed deadlines. Saving the planet our goal. http://www.jointhesolution.com/rentsolarpanels

  • I really liked Marti’s ad! Well done.

    Peggy Bendell

    ps: if the original ad was written by someone from Britain, wouldn’t the last line read “Honour and recognition in case of success”

    lol

  • Experienced business builder wanted.

    Have you had business success and created an income stream of more than $5000 dollars a month? Wanna do it again? Nutritional company seeks experienced representative working for straight commission. Call: 1-123-456-7890

    Peter

  • It Ain’t Easy Being Green

    Ethical, mission oriented company with environmental platform seeks eco-preneurs to start home based business with our sustainable products. Must be willing to pour out heart to closed ears, pound the pavement, surf the net, and hug a few tress along the way. First year earning potential – lots of green on the planet, not much in your wallet.

    http://www.ONEwithEarth.biz

  • Call Your Own Shots

    Hard Knocks College School of Business seeks students committed to succeeding in real life. Dedicated mentors teach willing learners how to achieve long-term success through home-based network marketing business. Graduation comes with unstoppable residual income and personal freedom. No diploma. 95% drop out rate.

  • Okay, maybe I’m in a silly mood, but I couldn’t stop myself…

    SEEKING: FOOLS TO WORK FOR $000.00

    Don’t even bother answering this ad unless you–

    *Understand why Robert Kyosaki says working for nothing is good;
    *Enjoy swimming upstream from family & friends;
    *Are motivated by challenge, rejection and outright ridicule;
    *Relish working while everybody else plays…possibly for years;
    *Are rabid to prove friends & family wrong about what they ignorantly call your “scam;”
    *Agree to self-develop tirelessly to avoid self-destructing and acting like a jerk to your naysayers when you make it…IF you’re one of the 15% who do;
    *Learn now how to invest wisely–before you make a dime–in case you’re one of the 5% who do GREAT in this business.

    Those who’ve totally lost their minds, feel free to join me at barbaragarrett@prepaidlegal.com.

  • Wanted: Sales Commission Lovers
    Start Part-Time, Slow Beginning, Go Full-Time
    Not for everybody – Must be willing to learn!
    Must be people–growth–change oriented
    Beat the odds…..Maybe Make it Big
    Live and own your life in 4-5 years.

  • Your Heart Guides Your Passion to Expand
    You’re looking for a way to shine. No, to gleam.
    You want to die knowing your life’s work is meaningful
    to millions. Me too. Let’s talk.

    Tracy

    About me

  • hey Barbara…I’m playing around with some of your words…! I love all the posts!

    WANTED: Out of the Box people have lost their minds and are ready to swim UP stream:

    Probability of success is low Probability of rejection is high and constant
    Fear may be your constant companion
    A lifetime of unlimited joy, abundance and prosperity on the slight chance of your success.

    This is great fun! Refreshingly different approach..now, has anyone tried these ‘for real’…and what are the responses

    Jen
    http://www.bedebtfree.ownanewbusiness.com

  • Here is reality:

    Seeking independent-minded sales professional. Must be willing to accept rejection even when you have done everything right. Must not get discouraged when your start-up costs exceed your initial budget, and no income is coming in. Must have a financial safety net. Must have tenacity. Must be willing to spend time learning how to sell. Must be willing to work long hours, and make scarifices knowing in two to three years or more you will be enormously successful. Must recognize dream-stealers for who they are. Must demonstrate integrity as a professional sales person.

  • Thanks all for great suggestions.

    Now, take what you like best, and run some online and off-line ads. See WHAT kind of person responds.

    See if it’s someone more likely to be a match than before…and report back.

  • Independent Contractor with leading Cosmetic Co. seeks entrepreneurially minded potential Team members

    Skin Care and Cosmetic Sales

    100% commission Initial earnings may be small

    Challenges, rejection and personal doubts certain

    Long months of hard work as you work to build and service your skin care customer base.

    If successful, you’ll have financial peace, life balance & opportunities to serve others

  • Great Idea! If worded properly may attract those with daring entrepreneurial ambitions instead of those infected with the “employee” virus.
    Steve, The Pet Food Guy.

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