I hope this term scares you to death… because it should. The phrase “Management Mode” is absolutely the kiss of death in network marketing. It’s the beginning of the end for your business. Don’t do it!
I could have softened the language to make it more pleasant, but that wouldn’t convey the severity of this mistake. Falling into management mode is one of the most detrimental and costly errors in our profession. Unfortunately, it happens all the time.
What exactly IS management mode? It’s when you shift from personally recruiting new reps and acquiring customers to only working with your team. The moment you move away from personal production to overseeing your team’s activities, your business is in jeopardy.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t work with your team. Providing support, guidance, mentoring, and assistance is a crucial part of your role as a leader. In fact, your Policies and Procedures likely outline this responsibility in your Independent Distributor Agreement.
However, network marketing boils down to two essential activities:
1. Get People In
Your primary role is to acquire customers and find distributors. Seek out individuals who genuinely want to use your products and those who want to build a business. Recruit people who are eager to make money by marketing your company’s offerings.
2. Keep Them In
Ensure your customers have positive product experiences so they continue to purchase from you. Stay connected, help them get the most from your products, and work with your recruits to help them achieve success. It’s about both acquisition and retention.
We don’t just sign up customers and hope for the best. We don’t recruit people and leave them to figure things out on their own. You need to work with your team, investing time in new reps and others to foster their growth and success.
Consider this common scenario: You start strong, recruiting people and acquiring customers. Your team grows, and so do your earnings. The demands on your time increase as your organization grows, pulling you toward support activities. This is normal.
You’re likely fielding calls, hosting events, and providing guidance. These are essential tasks. But…
Many network marketers fall into the trap of shifting entirely to team support. They stop recruiting, stop sponsoring, and stop acquiring new customers. This is the kiss of death.
No matter how big your team gets, never stop recruiting. No matter how much you’re earning, always seek new people. No matter how solid your business seems, keep growing it from the top down.
Even in the most successful companies, people leave. The person you think is a lifelong partner could be gone tomorrow. Your reliable team members may lose interest. That team generating $40,000 a month could vanish in an instant.
Never stop recruiting. Never stop acquiring customers. It’s your job.
How can you expect your team to stay in personal production if you’re not doing it yourself? Your team is watching you. They will follow your lead. People do some of what you say, but more of what you do. If you want to demonstrate real leadership, set the pace. Show them through your actions what they should be doing.
If you want your team to recruit more, you need to recruit more. If you want your team to acquire customers, you need to acquire customers. If you want your team on the leaderboard, you need to be on the leaderboard. If you want your team to attend events, you need to be at those events.
I’ve seen countless network marketers fall into management mode and watch their organizations crumble. They reach a level of success and think, “I’ve made it! It’s time to relax and let the team handle everything.”
You can enjoy your success, but don’t make the mistake of stopping the activities that build your business. Always stay in personal production while supporting your team. Reserve time for your own efforts, no matter how demanding team support becomes. Don’t micro-manage; empower your team to figure things out.
If you ignore this warning and fall into management mode, your business will suffer. Your income may decline, and your volume may dwindle. If you don’t return to personal production quickly, your entire group could fall apart.
It’s simple.
Keep acquiring new customers and help them have positive experiences. Keep recruiting and developing new reps. By staying in personal production, you’ll build a successful and reliable income in network marketing.
One Response
Thank you Todd… My Upline/Mentor Mark Yarnell from the 1980’s Preached this non-management sermon often.