You are a Champion!
Sometimes we are very proud of labels like Network Marketing, MLM, Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative, etc. but often these labels serve no useful purpose.
For example, I’ve found myself lately when asked if I’m a Democrat or Republican saying, “I am an American.”
Labels are defining but they are also confining. In business why would we bring up the fact that we are in Network Marketing or MLM? Even saying, “I am in Direct Sales” is often too confining and not often necessary.
Does taking on a particular label or idea or direction accomplish our purpose or goals? I became amused listening to the answers given by Sarah Palin in the Katie Couric interview (currently being made famous by SNL). If she wasn’t tied to particular “Key Words” and “Phrases” (had more experience) when asked about John McCain’s track record she could have easily sidestepped the traps. In fact, she could have been much more honest. Katie Couric asked her to give examples where McCain has supported more oversight or regulation of Banking Institutions over his term in office (however Couric worded the question). Palin could have easily said (instead of a mental block and I’ll get back to you), “I don’t think you will find a voting record in favor of this because John believes in free market capitalism and not meaningless and counterproductive legislation.” This is exactly what I would have told Couric when I listened to the interview.
Had John McCain been thinking at all about the environment surrounding the bailout vote he would have realized that Republicans (Americans in general) don’t support it and when asked about it in the debate could have said, “I’m with my fellow Americans on this and can’t support it in it’s present form. I believe in free market capitalism but we will do those things necessary to return liquidity or credit to the market.” Frankly, I was very shocked he didn’t do this in the debate and come out a strong winner on that issue. He missed a golden opportunity in my opinion. He was locked into a mind set or course of direction he calls leadership that didn’t allow him to see this golden opportunity. And so, now he’s living with the consequences of that initial failure.
This article is not saying, “Test the direction of the wind and have no direction.” This is about painting ourselves into unnecessary boxes (no win situations) because we haven’t done our homework and understand fully the environment we are working in. We may lock ourselves into unnecessary labels, words, techniques, or even strategies that are not good. Why? Because they will never work and won’t accomplish our objectives when we look at the opposition. Also, these directions are shallow and not necessary. I never cease to be amazed at how often all of us do just that. In fact, many industries have purposely put themselves into an industry box to avoid competition. Perhaps a good short-term strategy but in the long run we have painted ourselves into a corner. If we find that to be the case we need to backup and say, “I’m wrong about that direction and I intend to take this direction.”
Avoid unnecessary and meaningless conversation in order to obtain our real objectives. A phrase we often use is, “If it’s not necessary to say it is necessary not to say.”
Also, I always remember comments made by a strong leader (My wife and I learned the business under) about keeping on subject and “keeping the main thing the main thing.” Todd Cash told us when he saw people in the halls at a convention saying things like, “I’ve heard that message or story before.” He would tell them, “You’re on your way out of the business.” Our key message is about doing and saying those things that win (over and over and over).
Keep a very open mind when it comes to winning!



