In this piece we extract some of the enduring wisdom and quotes from Jim Rohn’s classic book: “Building Your Network Marketing Business.” In his book he explains his own career challenges and eventual success in addition to some of the magic behind the industry.
When he started in network marketing, Jim’s only skill was that he knew how to milk cows. He was fortunate to find a good network marketing company and soon learned that “profits are better than wages.” There is nothing in schools that teaches this lesson in our educational system.
During the course of his career learned how to sell, how to recruit, good communications, and training others in his business. How did he do that? Each step of the way in learning a new skill he would try it, fail, and then do it again. Finally, through hard work, persistence and 35-40 years of experience he reached a position many aspire to achieve.
Jim Rohn changed his life by learning some basic philosophies. One crucial expression: “If you do something often enough, a ratio will appear.” When you talk to 10 and get 1 to join your business, it is probable that engaging 20 will produce 2. With this mindset your won’t care that any specific person join you, but you still care that they hear your message. There is nothing worse several years into your career, having a friend or relative ask after understanding your success why you didn’t tell them about your opportunity earlier.
Another great philosophy he learned was from the story of the sower from the Bible. Some seed falls by the wayside where birds get it. Some falls on rocky ground where it sprouts up but then withers and dies. Some falls on thorny ground and begins to grow but thorns choke it out and it dies. Finally, some seed reaches fertile ground (and you finally have recruited someone who is successful in your business). The important thing is the underlying philosophy that you have absolutely no control in these situations. Don’t go bird hunting or try to eliminate all the rocks and thorns. You can’t do it and will get frustrated trying to take that on. Just keep sowing until some falls on fertile ground.
According to Jim, “Everything magic is challenging.” How magic? According the the Bible: “If two or three agree on a common purpose, nothing is impossible.” How would that change your network marketing, affiliate, franchise business or family life?
How challenging? According to Jim, getting people to work together is like “herding cats.” However, with just some ingenuity anyone can work this “magic.” Just figure out a way to get it done and your business will very suddenly be worth a fortune.
He also learned the skill of teaching…how life works. In the 21st century what is needed most are not just business skills, but life skills. Life skills are leadership skills and learning how to set goals. The greatest life skill is the talent to inspire, which is needed in order to help people believe in themselves enough to achieve their dreams.
Honesty is important. When mistakes are made, be truthful with people, but help them correct or repair the mess they’ve created. Then help them to believe in themselves in order to reach their potential. Although Jim didn’t believe it, his mentor told him someday he’d come into a room and people would say “That’s him. That’s the famous man.”
Jim learned to work with people who “deserve it” vs. those who “need it.”. Be like “life itself,” being of service to deserve and not to need. Rather than “need and you shall reap,” Scripture says “sow and you shall reap.” He also learned the lesson of a sponsor and working with groups. “You can help 1,000, but you can’t carry 3 on your back.”