Prospecting is the #1 activity you want to be engaged in for about 80% of your day.
There are different tools you can leverage in order to fulfill that.
Social media, telephone, blogging, networking events, forums, seminars, etc. Each of these are a great way to get out there and spread the word about your business.
What may seem as a very easy process to adhere to, actually has a majority of network marketers baffled.
Network marketers do know that prospecting is the only way to acquire new clients. So, why is that we see so many prospecting getting ZERO results?
We talked a little about this in our posture post, and you can read that here. Posture is everything when it comes to leading the field.
So when someone does develop posture, how do they integrate this into their prospecting efforts?
Rather than focus on what you should be doing, let’s take a look into how some of the habits are going against having good posture.
6 Prospecting Habits You Never Want to Have
1. Never let your prospect take over control of the conversation.
When I first started prospecting and calling leads, I found myself letting the other person take control of the conversation letting me know what they were going to do. ERRRR! Wrong way to do it. Every time I approached it this way, I was setting myself up for failure.
Don’t set yourself up failure, have control of the conversation and direct your prospect in what you need them to do and how you have the solution for them.
2. Never assume your prospect is doing you a favor.
In my early prospecting days, I use to think my prospect was doing me a favor by letting me talk to them. ERRRR! The only thing that ever became of these situations were very unproductive conversations that had no call to action.
Remember your prospect was meant for you to contact them. Have the mindset of what you have is what they have been looking for.
3. Never overly agree with everything your prospect says.
Early this week I was speaking with a prospect and I made a big mistake. I was overly agreeing with them. I asked them what they had done for a living, I’d answer, “Oh yes, that’s great.” I then asked them what they wanted to earn in the next 12 months, I’d answer, “Oh yes, that’s great.” ERRRR! Overly agreeing and repeating the same exact thing does not show you are interested in them. If anything, it shows that you talk too much and never truly listen.
Instead of always agreeing, ask them questions that will uncover more about them. After they tell you what they do, rather then say, “Oh that’s interesting”, why not say, “Now, what does a xyz really do?”
That shows you’re more interested in them and you’re listening to them.
4. Never connect with a prospect if you don’t have your positive cap on.
A few months ago, I just came in from a long car ride and I was severely annoyed with the amount of traffic I had to deal with. I immediately began calling my leads and found out that every single one of them were hanging up on me. ERRRR! Whatever issues you have, when you sit down to work on your business, leave those at the door.
Clear your mind before you prospect. If you don’t, it will show in your voice, your shortness, and disinterest in them.
5. Never forget to follow up.
If you set an appointment with your prospect to follow up after you send them to your presentation, follow up just as you said you would. Don’t tell them you will call them and never do. ERRRR! Having posture also means to stay true to your commitments.
This is a commitment you should stick to. If you don’t, you will never add any new team members to your team.
6. Never be rude and defensive.
I once had a prospect yell at me on the call and I immediately yelled back, “I don’t want anyone like you in my team anyhow.” ERRRR! Having posture is about being direct, firm and discreet. A better response would have been, “I’m sorry Bob, but you’re not someone I’m looking for. Have a good day, bye.”
See how that’s not rude in any fashion. It’s letting them know you basically disqualified them. And hey, if they were having a bad day and realized it later, they just might call you back and explain their situation to you and they are interested.
You will earn far more respect if you can avoid these bad prospecting habits and I assure you, your will results will show for it.
The more you portray that image, the more like minded people you will attract to you.
You will be well respected and liked by others. However, some will not like you because they will feel threatened by your demeanor as it’s unusual for them.
That is okay. You want to be unusual, you want to be the best prospector you possibly can be and that means not being like the 98% of people who do it the same exact way which leads to failure.
Are you someone who wants to become very good with prospecting? If so, I’m going to help you.
All you need to do to let us know is to click on the Contact page and tell us what you need help with.
What will you do???
Jerome Ratliff
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Hey Jerome,
This is awesome. I see you took notes from my webinar last night. Awesome title! It pulled me in quickly.
Love the list you put together. This is one of those list that you have to read it more than once to really get into your subconscious mind.
Chat with you later…
Josh
BTW…How was the webinar last night?
Josh Garcia´s last [type] ..5 Steps You Should Take When Utilizing Article Marketing
Thanks buddy.
Thankfully I had my “swipe file” handy for an idea for today’s post title.
Jerome Ratliff
P.S. You rocked the webinar man. You need to do more of those. It was killer.
Jerome is ERRRR! some super high powered keyword?
Thought I would ask lol.
No seriously I like all your points especially the one if your aggravated DON’T call prospects.
If you can’t take a deep breath and feel better go for a walk or something then come back to the desk when you do.
I have blown it with prospects not following that advice to.
ERRRR!,
Steve Shoemaker
Steve Shoemaker´s last [type] ..Ten Twitter Tools I Twuly Love
hey Steve,
It’s a very sneaky keyword. LOL
It’s really important that people do know this, because having a home business people need to be aware of this.
Chat with you later,
ERRR!
I mean Jerome Ratliff
Hi Jerome,
Great points you are sharing here. Prospecting is a key component of your business, so it’s important to get it right to see great results.
Thanks for sharing this.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Mavis Nong´s last [type] ..How To Build Your Network Marketing Business On AutoPilot
Hi Mavis,
It’s definitely the master key to unlocking higher enrollments.
Have a great night,
Jerome Ratliff
Hey Jerome,
You made some great valid points here! I really like number 3. I have been prospected and when people agree with me all the time, I do feel that their not listening. It’s almost like they’re “buttering me up” before they exposed me to their opportunity. thanks for sharing these tips!
Sherman
Sherman Smith´s last [type] ..THE POWER QUESTIONS EQUALS SPONSORING
Hey Sherman,
Nobody likes to sound like a broken record, it’s just doesn’t make sense.
Chat with you later,
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome,
Great list! I had a very visual image of every situation you mentioned and think that you should shoot a video and act out all these scenarios. I think it would be hilarious and would get a lot of views!
Karen Newman´s last [type] ..New Career Mindset
Hi Karen,
That’s a great idea. I might do just that.
Thanks for that.
Jerome Ratliff
Hi Jerome,
I really love the list, and your experiences.
You yelled at a prospect??? LOL That’s so funny. I laughed at one once… She was not a fit, and said something I thought was so stupid but typical. I burst out laughing… you know the kind when you just heard the most ridiculous thing ever, and you can’t believe the other person just said that.
There was silence on the other end as I tried to quickly recover and tell her this wasn’t for her.
I like the attitude one too. I always smile before answering, or dialing a number. It really helps put me in the right frame of mind.
Awesome post! Totally loved it.
Susanna
Susanna Hess´s last [type] ..Todd Falcone’s 16 Action Steps For Success
Hi Susanna,
Yeah, I did. Looking back on it, it’s so funny. Boy did I learn from that one.
I can’t believe you laughed at a prospect. That’s so funny too.
I guess that happens when we really know that we are working with someone that is NOT a fit.
Glad you loved this post.
Jerome Ratliff
Love it, love it, love it…
I used to do everything wrong when I started in my business.
Now I interview my prospects. Not the other way around. I can’t afford to let just anyone into my business; in the end, it will cost me more money and time.
I wish more MLMers took your post to heart, Jerome!
Best,
Ana Hoffman
Ana | Traffic Generation Cafe´s last [type] ..Bloggers Get on Board – Or Else…
Hi Ana,
Only the best who are willing to work on themselves and accept the challenge – completely agree.
Although, I didn’t originally think this way. That’s probably why I struggled in the beginning.
Also – thanks for your kind words.
Jerome Ratliff
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ana Hoffman, Ana Hoffman and Ana Hoffman, Ana Hoffman. Ana Hoffman said: 6 Prospecting Habits You Never Want to Have | Maverick Business Builders http://bit.ly/d8LblF [...]
Hi Jerome,
These are all such important points. I especially think No2 is important. We are doing them a favor and we want them to know that so that they can’t wait to join us.
I laughed at your story about yelling at a prospect. I have to say I have done it in the past too although these days I don’t allow people to have that effect on me
~Marcus
Marcus Baker´s last [type] ..See How Easily you can Encourage Conversations via Your MLM Blog
Hi Marcus,
It was a good lesson, and like I was saying to Susanna, I laugh at it now.
It’s good to know that we all faced similar situations and we eventually recognized our weaknesses and strengthened them.
Have an awesome day,
Jerome Ratliff
I love the “negative” twist on your headline Jerome, it works to pull the reader in – very clever!
The key word in this whole thing is “habits”. If you get into the groove of using bad habits to drive your business, you’re going to be going in reverse.
Thanks for reminding us of these again, we are inclined to forget sometimes.
Stay inspired!
Michael
Michael B Wilbraham´s last [type] ..105 Spam Trigger Words & Phrases That Will Kill Your E-Mail Campaign
Thanks Michael.
I’m glad I was able to contribute to what bad habits to avoid.
Check you later,
Jerome Ratliff
Hi Jerome,
cool items, thanks for sharing. Once we are able to turn them around into something positive, we have a very good chance to be extremely successful in our business. I agree with Michael that it is about creating new successful “habits”.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend´s last [type] ..The Anatomy Of Quitting – Would You Like To Change Places With Another Person
Hi Oliver,
Being aware of that and taking action on it, is a breathe of fresh air that good things are indeed in-store for them.
Take care too,
Jerome Ratliff
Hey Jerome,
I used to make calls to potential clients,and heard someone suggest that you should stand up while making the calls.
Well I tried it, so instead of slouching in my chair, my posture was a lot better, combined with a PMA #4, it worked wonders. I felt better about making the calls, and I got better responses.
Neil
Neil´s last [type] ..Keywords for Beginners
Hey Neil,
I’ve done that and I can also contest that it works. GREAT point.
Thanks for that.
Jerome Ratliff
Hey Jerome
Thanks for reminding me to never be rude, because sometimes I have really felt like it
But that first suggestion, never let a prospects take control of the converstion is so important.
Thanks for the great list Jerome.
Peter Fuller MBA´s last [type] ..Attention this book will make you MONEY
Hey Peter,
The #1 on the list is certainly one that will show them you’re a leader. I didn’t think of it, but I guess that’s why I put it as #1.
Glad you liked the list…
Jerome Ratliff
Nicely communicated Jerome- it’s kind of all summed up under the label posture- which can be practiced with NLP type skills but comes naturally when you’re authentic feel great about yourself and have utter belief in that which you’re communicating
thanks for sharing
Cheers kiaran
Hi Kiaran,
It’s when that natural flow occurs when it all becomes so much easier. Very good point.
Jerome Ratliff
Hi Jerome,
I’m liking the tips, and your ERRRRRs
I too used to make the mistake of allowing the prospect to take control of the conversation. Being on the defensive – or at least not being on the offensive – is not an attractive quality.
Thanks for sharing your insight.
Ryan Biddulph
Hey Ryan,
It happens to the best of us, and it helps us all grow.
Catch you later,
Jerome Ratliff
Hey Jerome,
Those were all very good tips, it would be fair to say that there have been times that we have all fallen victim to one or more than one of those mistakes. When I started out my business I was like trying and willing to recruit anyone with a pulse….don’t laugh, we have all been there. Now I filter through the people that want to join my business and what I can offer them. There is an actual application process and screening that they have to go through, this filters the daydreamers and tire kickers.
Great post and thank you ! Great work!
Hey Robert,
I would agree with that, we all have experienced our share, that’s for sure.
Thanks much for the kind words,
Jerome Ratliff
Follow up is something that a lot of network marketers struggle with and is something that I’m actively working on. Thanks for the great information.
Wayne Woodworth´s last [type] ..Network Marketing Doesn’t Make Money
Hi Wayne,
It sure is.
I happened to me where I thought “they” would do it themselves.
That was a great lesson because they never did.
Have a great day,
Jerome Ratliff
Great points Jerome! Never forget to follow up is so key. The money is truly in the list AND the follow up! Have a great day.
Hi Keysha,
The fortune really is in the follow up. I know it’s cliche but it’s very true.
Have a great day too and thanks for stopping by.
Jerome Ratliff
Hey Jerome,
Fantastic post! You really outline your the 6 points of prospecting you never want to have
I also think it is essential to have control of the conversation. It is OK for them to talk a lot, but you need to be the one asking the questions and feeling out their needs so you can offer a solution.
Lastly, I want to add that the follow is perhaps one of the most common things network marketers fail in. This is a very important process in building your business, and you should ALWAYS do it.
Josh@Network Marketing Consultant´s last [type] ..Top Network Marketing Companies
Hey Josh,
Thanks buddy…
Correct, discretely asking questions to guide them and for you to determine if there is a fit is a much forgotten approach.
Glad you had a chance to stop by and shared your insightful comment.
Catch you later,
Jerome Ratliff
Hi Jerome,
This is 6 great tips but number 6 stands out. It’s amazing how people can pick up on your bad vibes. You do tend to rush, be short with people when not in the right frame of mind. Thanks for sharing.
Tristram Lodge
Tristram Lodge´s last [type] ..5 Tips For Your WordPress Post
Hi Tristram,
It’s those things we all need to be aware because the can impact us, and not in our favor.
Jerome Ratliff
Hi Jerome, cool stuff, and so true, today I am so lucky – or said ind a other way – I have try everything you talk about, ohhh and it hurts – really bad, but I have learned.
Soren
Soren Egstrup´s last [type] ..Extract from “AS A MAN THINKETH”
Isnt’ that the truth Soren.
You’re not alone. But hey, at least we are growing. That’s what this is all about.
Have a great day,
Jerome Ratliff
Listening to your prospects is important Jerome.
“No-body joins you unless they know how much you care”
When you ask the question and they answer, mirror back exactly what was said so you understand and know you heard it correctly and then ask another question. Stay in control!
It really interprets that you are listening!
maria eves´s last [type] ..Take 14 Months Off Your Internet Learning Curve
Hi Maria,
So very true. I appreciate you sharing that, because a lot of people mistakenly confuse what good communication skills really consists of.
Have a splendid weekend,
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome,
I wish someone gave me these tips when I first ventured into MLM. I must of broken every single one.
I even yelled at someone for being rude to me. What a mistake that was!
You live and learn and now I have improved my skills and really follow all of your steps. That has made me a better business coach.
I think one of the biggest mistakes we make is forgetting to follow up. I make that next appointment and it goes into my scheduler right away.
Thanks for the value Jerome!
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Prospecting Hero´s last [type] ..Five Ways To SEO My MLM Sales Strategies for the Home Business Owner WordPress Blog Part 1
Jerome,
I probably broke all these rules when I first ventured into MLM. I even yelled at a rude prospect. You live and learn and now I am good at most of them.
One of the mistakes that I see often is not following up. Make that next appointment and write it down.
Thanks for the great tips Jerome!
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Prospecting Hero´s last [type] ..Five Ways To SEO My MLM Sales Strategies for the Home Business Owner WordPress Blog Part 1
Hey Tommy,
That’s funny that you too yelled at a prospect. Thankfully we learned from that.
Check you later,
Jerome Ratliff
i’ve never heard about not overly agreeing with everything your prospect says. that makes so much sense… it also will appear that i’m not listening that well if i’m just echoing everything they are saying! thanks for this great post jerome.
Melissa McCloud´s last [type] ..Riddle Me This
Hi Melissa,
OMG – I use to do this one all the time. I didn’t even know it until someone told me. LOL
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your experience with us.
Have a great and productive day,
Jerome Ratliff
These are all great points! I especially agree with the positive hat point. It can be tempting to get something done just to get it done but it really is so much more important to do it *right*!
Sometimes it can take as little as a few minutes to refocus and get the happy helmet on. Simple steps like deep breathing, thinking of a favorite joke, putting a fake smile on your face to get your brain thinking that you are happy are all ways to improve your mood quickly.
Stacy´s last [type] ..How Do You Deal With Grief
Hi Stacy,
I can’t tell you how many times I experienced this, until one day I was just like you and thought the same thing, “If we are going to do it, then it should be done right.”
I just love what you said about refocusing, that’s extremely powerful.
Thanks much for sharing your take on this and visiting us.
Have a great day,
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome,
Never allowing the prospect to gain control of the conversation is absolutely the most critical tip here. I think it separates the professionals from the armatures when you get this right.
A good tip is to mimic the pace of the conversation and continue asking questions and stay on task. Meaning stick to the “script” figuratively and literally.
Talk to you soon,
Mark
Mark Gubuan | Online Network Marketing´s last [type] ..5 Reasons Why the Wibiya Toolbar will Help You Recruit More Reps
Hey Mark,
I like that tip, I do that one often. They can literally feel the energy when you’re doing that.
Thanks bud.
Talk to you soon too.
Jerome Ratliff
Thanks, this is very true and something that had cost me dearly until I learnt some of these principle. This is a must read by any aspiring marketer.
Mark Meir´s last [type] ..Youtube Call To Action Overlay
Hi Mark,
Thanks for dropping by and visiting us. Because you learned from that, that shows a lot about your character. Way to go.
Have a great day,
Jerome Ratliff
Hey Jerome,
You made some valid points here. I particularly like number one which was me when I first called my leads. I use to let the prospects control the conversation which really didn’t get me anywhere, but now it’s a whole different story.
I believe, if you’re not a natural, but learning to control the conversation is the first thing everyone should do when they first start calling their prospects. Thanks for the shared value!
Sherman
Sherman Smith´s last [type] ..You Want The Feeling That Money Gives You- Right