Any of these excuses look familiar? Now, let me be the first to say, I have used every one of these, so I’m not picking on you. My goal is to help you see that excuses will get you no where, and the sooner you let go of them, the faster your business will move forward.
Excuse #1 – I Don’t Know What to Do. Now, this could be a viable excuse if your sponsor signed you up and never trained you, or directed you to training. However, if you’ve been trained, or know where to find training for your business, then this is a bogus excuse. We do two things in Direct Sales, whether it is Network Marketing or Party Plan – we get a few loyal retail customers; we find others who want a business and who will do what we do. That means making your list; opening your mouth; using the tools; and follow the age old, time proven techniques. Whether you are working offline, or online, this does not change. You must be talking to people – every day – at least 2.
Excuse #2 – I’ve Talked to Everyone, No One is Interested. Now, there is just no way possible you have talked to everyone. Most of the time, when people use this excuse, they’ve talked to 10 or less people and they’ve gotten discouraged. Here’s the thing – for everyone who tells you NO at first, some of them will come back later and get involved. I did. I certainly didn’t sign up right off the bat. In fact, it was 15 months before I got started. My sponsor didn’t let my NO discourage him. Instead, he kept on talking to people and had promoted to a higher level when I came in, which meant my delay was worth more money to him. So, how many people have you really talked to?
Excuse #3 – Real Life Got in the Way. We all have 24 hours in the day and we all have a real life. We can either choose to manage that 24 hours and real life, or it can manage us. If it manages us, we will likely never achieve what we want. Everyone has challenges. Deal with it. Learn to make adjustments and give up less important things when “real life comes calling.” I used my children as an excuse not to work my business for way too long, even though they were ultimately my reason why. Next time you feel inclined to use the “real life” excuse, take a solid look and see it is just that – an excuse. And if so, how is that ever going to change?
Excuse #4 – The Products Are Too Expensive. Ask yourself if this is someone else’s objections, or in fact your own? Are there people now buying the product? Are there people having success retailing the product? Is there a demand for the product? Do you believe in your product? I know for me, the times I have used this excuse came down to my own personal feelings regarding the products and my opportunity. When you are sold, this “objection” can’t get you down because you know it’s just an excuse. So evaluate closely where you are with things and move forward accordingly.
Excuse #5 – People Are Different in My Town, State, Country. This is a doozy, really. C’mon – people are people and town are towns. In every town, there are high end houses and lower priced houses; people driving expensive cars and people driving a Ford Focus. People are people and it has nothing to do with where you live. It has to do with you, and your mindset. After all, you live in your town and you saw the opportunity, right? Do you honestly believe you are the only one in your town like you?
What you have to do is decide if you want to keep placing blame and finding excuses, or if you want to start taking responsibility and achieving success. The two go together and you won’t have one without the other.
So, cast aside those excuses and define what you are willing to do to have what you want. Then pursue it relentlessly! See you at the top!
I would love to hear your feedback and comments. Let’s exchange ideas
below. Just leave your thoughts/questions.
And, if you would like to learn the methods, tips and secrets I have used, please get my report below!
Good article…I personally jumped in with both feet right away. I feel like i pretty much felt my own way, until I got to the page where i could get advice and support and I feel like i’m getting a little better at making it work. I did a vendor event for a whole weekend, the first day we were rained out so i basically just lost $50 for that day and the second day had zero sales so another $50 gone but i was determined not to give up. Did another event the following weekend with over $250 in sales. I just sent out text messages to ask people if they would be willing to do parties and figured worse thing they can do is say no – i got 4 that said yes. I already have an event lined up for october and i am stocking up and looking forward to it. I think if you are doing DS – you have to do it with a company that you believe in and you will have greater success. You get out of it what you put into it.
Thanks Jessie! And you are right – belief is EVERYTHING!
Jackie,
I was talking to someone last night who used the children an excuse. When I showed her how to use that as an advantage things changed.
I love your quick, direct, do it or get off the pot attitude. I have a long list of excuses I get. Some of them are some of the elementary school excuses like the dog ate my homework! Really, If someone wants to succeed, the excuses have to stop. Results count and they do not come from excuses.
Heshie Segal
Sometimes I think “wanting it to be perfect” is just a stall tactic, at least for me. I know once I let go of procrastinating and perfection, and just jumped in, things REALLY took off!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Wow, Jackie! You have hit the nail right on the head! I have been in the trap at times of wanting to do things PERFECTLY and that can also delay action. I have decided that is better to proceed with alittle direction and forego the perfection…..because with each attempt, I get better and better. If I waited until everything was perfect, nothing would happen…which leads me to one of my favorite quotes..”If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got”…and doing nothing brings nothing. If you wish you had done something slightly different with a sale or client, do it better the next time….But DO SOMETHING. Besides being imperfect is so much more duplicatable!
Thank you Jacki, this is awesome! I have already shared this with my team!
Thanks ladies! It does come down to what is MOST important to you – your WHY or your comfort zone. You can’t have both, although you can MOVE the comfort zone and ultimately fit within both!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Excellent motivational article! Thank you Jackie!
Greetings Jackie,
As I read these I find they are the same Top 5 that I get from people as well! It is amazing how many things people will come up with… A little change in words ny changing “I can’t” to “I won’t” can put a lot in perspective…
It boils down to you will do it or you won’t do it, because I can’t do it is just an excuse to NOT do it…
It is a choice, do or do not, there is no ‘try’ in this industry!
Alethea Anderson
Great article. You really found most of the good excuses, and solved them. I think I’ll keep a copy of this article. I might have to read it over again sometime, and add and solve another couple excuses that come up. Procrastination is bad, and lack of energy is another that I continually have to struggle with. Hoping to OVERCOME! and as the old saying goes, moving on up, like the jeffersons!