It's all about connections

My partner received a message out of the blue from someone she worked with about four years ago. The conversation started with pleasantries, and she enjoyed hearing from someone she hadn't talked with in a while. The conversation quickly pivoted to her colleague asking for a reference, and my partner realized that the reach-out was simply because the gal wanted something.

I've had the same thing happen to me, usually when somebody is looking for a job. Some people will at least pretend with pleasantries. Others will just come straight out with the ask. I find it very off-putting and "cringe," as the kids say. Then again, when I first started in network marketing, I did the same thing.

I was enthusiastic and excited, and I followed what the "experts" said to do. Make a list. Reach out to people. Invite them to a presentation. Let's just say it didn't work out because I wasn't familiar with the nuances of making real connections. I started with what I wanted and not what they wanted. 

I've learned my lesson and now follow a completely different approach. My goal in reaching out now is to start a conversation. I have no expectations and don't want anything from anyone. If anything, I'm looking for ways to help people. If that fits with the primary opportunity I offer, great. If not, I'll direct them to something else or just be happy to keep the connection going. It's all part of the job for a network marketer.