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"How do I become an effective Network Marketing professional, and instead of going aimlessly in circles, never really going anywhere, get on a path aimed at expanding my own awareness so that I really CAN be in a position to help others in the way I say I want to?"
Great question…
I have been re-reading an excellent book by Stephen R. Covey entitled "The 7 Habits of the Highly Effective Network Marketing Professional", and I really wanted to share his thoughts with you. Covey makes the point (after 40 years as an respected educator around the world) that effectiveness in our industry is summed up in the 7 habits, and the fundamental shift in thinking that is required to live by them. He explains that habits are patterns of behavior composed of 3 overlapping components – KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND SKILL - and that these components are learned rather than inherited. This is the GOOD NEWS! Since they can be learned, they can also be unlearned. But here is the golden nugget … to be truly effective, you must have a character-based, inside-out approach. You have to start with YOU. Techniques, tactics, skills and tools are fine, but they ultimately won't work without one important ingredient – HEART.
So what are the 7 Habits?
1. Be Pro-Active (Demonstrate initiative, since we are responsible for the results we get in life. Have the resourcefulness AND responsibility to make things happen. Understand that there are things over which you have no control, and things that you can do something about)
2. Begin with the End in Mind (Developing a clear sense and a clear vision of where you are and where you are going. Recognizing that you must have a "definiteness of purpose", and that your vision is an intellectual creation that you have to SEE before you can experience it – write it down! Writing is a psycho-neuromuscular activity, and it BRIDGES the subconscious and conscious mind)
3. First Things First (Recognize that you cannot do everything, but you CAN prioritize and execute, and you can have control over your emotions. Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least. He explains that discipline is nothing more that being a disciple to a vision or overriding purpose, and that we can subordinate our mood or our feelings to that vision)
4. Think Win-Win (Courage balanced with consideration, the essence of effective leadership. Cultivate an abundance mentality – there is enough for everyone! – an follow this with a culture of accountability with rewards and consequences)
5. Seek First to Understand, Then To Be Understood (Cultivate the habit of effective listening to understand, without the intent to reply; truly seeing another's perspective without solving their predicament. True connection can only occur when someone feels understood and heard. Once this person feels understood, ideas must be presented contextually, with a deep understanding of their paradigms and their perspectives)
6. Synergy (All former habits lead to Synergy! Creative cooperation; overcoming weaknesses through the combined strengths of others, this will evolve in a trust-based environment)
7. Sharpen the Saw (Continually working on yourself in all areas – mental, social-emotional, physical and spiritual – not just business. And once we are self-aware, we feel compelled to continue – there is no other alternative!)
So the real point is this….
We all want to be part of something larger, and to contribute in a meaningful way. Our relationships, our communities, our shared world.
We want to be lifted, inspired, empowered and encouraged to be our best selves. And it begins with a commitment to progress, not perfection. Preserve and enhance your greatest asset – YOU! Start from the INSIDE OUT, live the 7 Habits, and experience your own powerful growth and ability to enhance the lives of all you come in contact with.
