How to Handle Negative People in Network Marketing

When you start in network marketing or even after you’ve been in the industry for a while, dealing with negative people can be a significant challenge. The emotional ups and downs you experience often stem from the opinions of people you care about, such as family and friends. While you’re excited about your new business opportunity, not everyone around you will share your enthusiasm. Learning how to handle negativity is crucial for maintaining your motivation and achieving success.

The Emotional Roller Coaster of Network Marketing

Starting a network marketing business is exciting. You’re eager to share the opportunity with your parents, family, and friends because you don’t want to keep this fantastic chance to yourself. However, you’ll quickly realize that not everyone is ready to embrace this type of work. In fact, many will be skeptical or even openly negative about it.

You’ll encounter a mix of reactions. Some people will be interested in buying products or even joining your business. But others may feel that you’re involved in something shady, or they might label your business as a “pyramid scheme.” These negative responses can be disheartening, especially when they come from people you respect.

Recognizing Who to Spend Your Time On

It’s tempting to argue with the skeptics and try to convince them that network marketing is a legitimate opportunity. However, this approach is usually counterproductive. If you have to persuade someone to join, you’ll likely have to keep convincing them to stay involved and take action. This is not the type of team member you want.

Consider how you react when someone tries to force you into doing something you don’t believe in. You resist, right? The same will happen with the people you try to convince. They might join with unrealistic expectations, thinking they’ll get rich quickly. But without the necessary belief and effort, they’ll likely drop out, leaving you with wasted time and energy.

The Apple Analogy: Where to Focus Your Energy

A helpful way to think about the people you encounter in network marketing is to compare them to apples:

• Red Apples: These are the people who are enthusiastic and eager to join the opportunity. They see the potential and are ready to take action.
• Green Apples: These individuals are skeptical and have lots of questions. They might be on the fence but are open to learning more.
• Rotten Apples: These are the people who are firmly against the opportunity. They don’t believe in it and may even discourage others from getting involved.

Your focus should be on the red apples—they deserve 90% of your time because they are already excited and ready to move forward. Green apples deserve about 10% of your time as you answer their questions and help them see the potential. Rotten apples? They should get zero of your business time.

This doesn’t mean you should cut off personal relationships with people who are skeptical. You can still enjoy family dinners or social events with them. But when it comes to business, your time is too valuable to spend on people who aren’t interested.

An Example of Handling Different Reactions

Let’s consider an example: A new representative invites his older brother to learn about the opportunity. The older brother is enthusiastic because he respects his younger sibling’s business acumen and has seen him succeed before. Without hesitation, he decides to join—he’s a red apple.

Next, the brother asks a friend, who responds with skepticism. The friend has many questions, like whether the business is legal or if it’s a pyramid scheme. After getting his questions answered, he starts to see the potential—this friend was a green apple who turned red.

However, when this friend tells his wife about the opportunity, she’s immediately against it. She insists that no one in their circle has ever made money from network marketing and that her husband shouldn’t get involved. She even advises him to ask for a raise at work instead. This wife is a rotten apple, actively discouraging her husband from participating.

The Feel, Felt, Found Method

When dealing with negative people, it’s important not to argue directly. Instead, use the Feel, Felt, Found method to address their concerns:

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings: “I understand how you feel. I had similar concerns at first.”
2. Share Your Experience: “I felt the same way until I looked into it further.”
3. Present What You Discovered: “What I found is that network marketing is a legitimate and proven business model that’s been around for decades.”

If the person remains unconvinced, don’t push it. Shift the conversation to something else or suggest catching up over coffee without discussing the business. Your network marketing time is better spent on people who are open to the opportunity.

Managing Your Emotional Roller Coaster

Your ability to handle the emotional highs and lows of network marketing depends largely on your mindset. Focus on what you can control—your actions, your attitude, and your response to negativity. By concentrating your energy on the people who are genuinely interested, you’ll build a stronger, more motivated team.

Conclusion: Stay Focused and Positive

Negative people are an inevitable part of any network marketing journey. However, by learning to recognize where to invest your time and using strategies like the Feel, Felt, Found method, you can maintain your motivation and continue to grow your business. Remember, your success in network marketing is determined by your ability to stay focused, positive, and resilient in the face of skepticism. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll find the right people who share your vision and enthusiasm.