Internetwork Marketing Training

"What if my spouse (or other family members) are not supportive of my involvement in mlm, how do I handle this?"

This question is a tough one for mlm success training, with no "cut & paste" answers since every home, marriage, and situation is different.  Having said that, there are some guiding principles that can help navigate these dangerous waters.

#1.  Always be totally honest.  Lies or deception about your involvement with network marketing will not help.  (Ex:  Telling your spouse you are going out with friends when it really is a meeting connected to your business.)  (Ethical side note:  If you have been building your MLM business by spreading the one or some of the 7 Lies Ann Sieg addresses, it is a slippery slope than, even for a sincere Christian, to be less than honest in other aspects of their business.)

#2.  Work your business "smart."  If your loved one(s) are extremely negative, try to work your business in such a way that it will not impact their lives.  (Ex:  Set up a desk in your bedroom instead of the TV room.)

#3.  Set goals and deadlines, and share them with your loved ones.  When they see you are taking your business seriously and are willing to be accountable, they may become more supportive. 

Ex:  When my first company started to head south and my income dropped a few years back, my wife wanted me to go out and get a "real job."  It was a stressful time for both of us.  With the help of some godly counselors (who were mostly on her side) I set some goals and promised her I would seek a job outside of network marketing if my goals were not being met.  yes - I made my goals - and now we are both happy I did!  (For more on the Renegade System principles I used to find success in two different companies, follow this link to Renegade System and Renedage University.)

#4.  Reward them.  Be creative in bringing them into the business.  This works especially well with children when you ALL share a reward when you achieve a certain goal, or get a specific bonus.  Let them be a part.  I have seen mlmers do this, and kids who were once opposed to their work, now happily provide time and even house work so Mom or Dad can work their business! Ex:  When you make the level of super-duper-manager you will all take the fun vacation you've wanted!

#5.  Follow your heart.  You probably noticed this advice applies to men or women.  I am not of the opinion that a spouse has to blindly "obey" their partner.  The overall scriptural exhortation in marriage is to be submissive to one another.  (If you are the wife of a controlling husband with a religious spirit - you are in a difficult place; BUT you should no more forsake the calling on your life than you should obey him if he wanted you to cheat on your taxes or lie to your parents.  Make sure you are called to what you are doing, and pray hard for wisdom.  One-on-One mlm coaching may help also.)

#6.  Retreat is not giving up.  Sometimes a retreat is the only logical step to preserve a potential win in a war.  Battles can be lost, with the war still winnable.  You may need to take a season to scale back your network marketing, or let it go completely for a season.    Don't toss in the towel though - set up some agreed upon parameters of what needs to happen in the family for you to pick the business back up or full steam ahead again in the future. 

#7.  Seek the Lord.  The Bible is very clear that we as Jesus' disciples can hear the voice of the Lord.  When you get clear direction from Him, it will come with the grace, wisdom, and love to see you through, and provide the confidence and posture needed to stand strong. 

Disharmony and lack of unity can be heart wrenching.  I remember going to a sales training seminar for network marketers years ago when I lived near Chicago.  Overall they had some good stuff, but when it came to spouses, it was horrible.  Basically they taught how to overcome the objection of someone saying they needed to talk to their spouse first before they could join your business.  In this case the trainers were promoting disunity with heavy handed sales techniques.  Deception and forcing yourself on your spouse or family is never the answer, either at the start or at any season in your business.

If you find your strife in your house over your network marketing business in the season, ask the Lord to examine YOUR heart, and how you can work your business and communicate with your family in more effective and loving way.  Seek godly counsel.  Pray hard.  God can and does change hearts - I've had it happen in my marriage, and have helped others see it through with theirs.

Blessings,

Coach Curt