Gamesmanship in Network Marketing can be high risk or even deadly.
Why is gamesmanship a high risk? Because we are pushing the limits to gain control (gain an objective) and we are “doing it to people.” Any business person is familiar with management games. A company may be groomed to be sold and management will cut cost in areas that would be a mistake if the company didn’t sell. For example, equipment maintenance can be a big issue for some capital-intensive companies. Capital-intensive businesses not maintaining the equipment can add significant profit to the bottom line in the short-run. However, in the long-run it is often a serious mistake not to properly maintain the equipment (Just ask BP executives).
Because Network Marketing is a people business gamesmanship can be a huge mistake even in the short-run. Why? Because people quickly get a reputation for being a butt. On the surface everything may look solid and just fall apart overnight. Many have observed such events and some have been shaken by what they thought was solid leadership. For example, we have observed people move to a new area and take over the control to such a degree they are hated by the local established leadership (stories are abundant regarding their heavy-handed ways). In the short-run the fix may be in but the game isn’t over. And so, you think that using your power to run over people or end run them is the way to go?
Perhaps you think you are the only one noticing the gamesmanship and then your people start bringing it up. They are unhappy enough to start talking to you about it so you become aware that it is obvious to everyone (not just you).
I can’t think of another business where it is so easy to gain a bad reputation.
How would you know if a contest is rigged?
Good question George. In a large contest lawsuits are often brought and the lawyers use the legal discovery process to obtain evidence. People don’t often realize the legal consequences of running a contest.
In a small contest a lawsuit would probably not be worth the effort. Patterns develop and Distributors often say things that clue others in. For example, just a few people are promoted at an event and others are ignored. This “lucky person” is being promoted by those in control and somehow they just happen to win. I won’t go in to all the possibilities for how that is created–use your imagination (buying the contest or trip, selling products on eBay at cost, etc.).
Hope that helps.