Motivation vs. Inspiration in MLM by Lisa Willard
Monday, Feb 9, 2009
How to motivate your MLM team is always a hot topic in network marketing. The question I’d like to pose though, is, “Can you actually motivate your organization?” Really think about it!
I think you may be able to motivate others on a short term basis. However, over the long term, eventually, it has to become an internal decision--a choice made by the individual. Motivation really comes from within and is something each individual has power to control.
I learned this the hard way. In my early years of network marketing, I tried to motivate others and pulled many people along with me. I wanted people to succeed more than they wanted to succeed. Talk about frustrating! That led to some difficult and very discouraging times in my MLM journey. But, it was a great lesson learned and one that changed the course of my network marketing business and team.
Today, I’m careful who I devote my time and energy to. I am not the type of person who writes people off, but I also do not waste time and energy on people who aren’t motivated to take action and move forward with their business. I spend time with my MLM team members who are hungry for knowledge and have a burning desire to succeed.
Now, even though I believe you can’t actually motivate others, I do believe you can inspire and empower them. There is a difference.
You inspire others when you rouse them to look at things in their life or business differently and it results in them making greater efforts. Inspiration is the fuel that propels people to action. Your goal should be to inspire, to empower others to achieve success.
Empowerment is fueled by an individual's belief in his/her capability to influence things. The process of empowerment gives individuals power by inspiring them with confidence. Here are some ways you can empower others:
- Promote decision-making power of one's own.
- Give them access to information and resources to help them make informed decisions.
- Help them formulate a range of options from which to make choices (not just yes/no, either/or.)
- Offer the opportunity for them to exercise assertiveness in collective decision making.
- Encourage positive thinking regarding the ability to make change.
- Convince them of their ability to learn skills for improving personal or group power.
- Inform them of their ability to change others’ perceptions by democratic means.
- Involve them in the business growth process and changes.
- Assist them in increasing their positive self-image and overcoming stigma.
- Help them increase their ability to think discreetly and sort out right and wrong.
In short, empowerment is the process that allows one to gain the knowledge, skill-sets and attitude needed to cope with the changing world and the circumstances in which one lives.
One of the most inspiring things you can do for your MLM team is to lead by example. Show others how. Don’t’ just talk about it, but show others by taking action yourself. Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk. If you are building a business or an organization of any sort, “inspire” others by living what you teach.
So the bottom line is, instead of trying to motivate others, inspire and empower them! Practice what you preach. Lead by example. Give value. And, you will be an inspiration to your MLM team!
