Network Marketing, also known as Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) is one of
the most misunderstood industries in Nigeria and in the world as a
whole. The mere mention of Network marketing is enough to send some
people scurrying away as they recall someone who might have gotten
involved and not made anything significant.
But is Network Marketing that bad? Forbes magazine stated how most
Americans are not turning to Network Marketing as a way to start up a
business part time, and earn a side income. People like Robert
Kiyosaki, Author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” and “Business Of the 21st
Century” have touted Network Marketing as a way to get real life
business skills and training. Almost every major thought leader from
Les Brown, to Brian Tracy has endorsed the Network Marketing industry,
and companies like Amway are listed on the USA stock exchange and do
billions of dollars in revenue.
So why is Network Marketing In Nigeria not getting the respect and
credibility it deserves? I believe it’s a lack of education and open
mindedness. So in this article, I will be sharing 5 key secrets, which
can help you succeed in Network Marketing In Nigeria.
1) Learn To Differentiate A Legitimate Network Marketing Company vs a Pyramid Scheme-
The reason most Nigerians do not succeed in MLM is they do not make this
important distinction between Legit Network Marketing company and a
pyramid scheme. Network Marketing is designed to move products and
services directly from the parent company to the end user, and that is
why it is also known as direct sales.
In a pyramid scheme, no product or service is moved. Money that flows
in a pyramid is based on just recruiting alone. So if you see a program
where they say, bring one person and you earn X amount, and there’s no
tangible product, I suggest you run. For more information on how to
identify Pyramid Schemes, click here.
2) Join a solid company that has been around for at least 2 years plus, has a solid product and physical offices in Nigeria
It is risky joining a company when it is just starting because most
start up companies fail within their first 1-2 years. A company that
has in business for 2 years plus is likely to be around more. Also,
make sure the company has a tangible product, which is consumable (so
reorders can come in, which will give you residual income), and they
have offices in Nigeria where you can meet actual people.
I heard a funny story about some people who were supposedly doing a
“Network Marketing” business online. They were told it was a pyramid
and not a legit MLM company, but refused to listen. One day, they went
to the site and it was shut down. No way to hold the company
accountable. So do not make the same mistake. Join an MLM that has a
physical product and offices you can visit in Nigeria.
3) Get A Good Mentor
Find a good mentor who has either gotten the results you want in Network
Marketing, or who has a vision and is working towards it, and work with
that person.
The mentor might not necessarily be who brought you into the business,
but your success in your business is not dependent on your sponsor. If
you want success, find people who have gotten what you want and model
their actions, beliefs and mindset.
4) Set The Right Expectations And Do The Work
Another reason Network Marketing In Nigeria has gotten a bad name is due
to the fact that some people have unrealistic expectations. A lot of
people believe that the MLM industry is a get rich quick scheme, where
you can become an overnight millionaire.
The thing is that MLM is a 3-5 year career with skills to learn. Some of
you will have to learn how to be leaders and how to switch from the
employee mindset to that of an entrepreneur, which might take time.
Since some are too used to having instant gratification or “quick”
money, they quit at the first sign of hardness and claim MLM in Nigeria
does not work. A mentor of mine would say, its Net-Work marketing, not
Net-Wish or Net-Hope Marketing. Work is required to be done and this
business works if you work it.
5) Embrace Knowledge and personal development.
When I am in the field, I come across Nigerians and people who want to
experience success in Network Marketing without doing any form of
personal development. It won’t work. They somehow believe that they
can success without books, or any form of training.
Every top earner in Network Marketing worked on themselves and invested
in themselves by buying books, audio programs and even coaching, in
other to become better people and leaders.
Only leaders make big money in Network Marketing, and if you do not
develop yourself and do the personal development needed, you will not
attract the right people to you who will help you build a business.
I am sure if you embrace these 5 keys that you will be well on your way to becoming successful in Network Marketing in Nigeria.
