My Dog Ate My Homework

Like teachers who receive excuses like, “My dog at my homework,” those of us in network marketing hear some pretty crazy reasons as to why people on our teams quit.

With my company, because we offer a 14-day trial, the majority of those who quit do so during the trial.  It makes it easier.  I never have charge backs.  But periodically some do quit at a later date.

I am extremely honest with prospective team members.  I make it very clear that they likely will not be making money for possibly the first few weeks, but the potential to earn a great deal is great if they work hard and persevere.  I also explain that a home business is work, real work.  I want people to understand exactly what to expect, so I explain it all very thoroughly before they join.

That said, even after years in network marketing, I am still amused when I see the silly excuses people give for why they are quitting.  

Recently I had a young lady quit, because she didn’t want to “work so hard.” 

Some people have worked with several different companies and they quit saying they could not earn enough money right away.  With each company they join, they expect too much too soon.

Of course, although each new team member knows before they join exactly how much their monthly fee will be after their trial period ends, and yet, there are still those who quit due to financial reasons.  Did they really not know before they joined that they wouldn’t be able to afford it?  So they waste their own time and mine in training.

A couple times I’ve had people tell me that they were offered a j-o-b they “couldn’t refuse.”  Both told me they weren’t even looking for a job, but the company approached them and begged them to work for them.  Of course, neither of them had done one bit of work with their business during their time with my company.

I know that life sometimes “gets in the way,” but many have quit my team saying there was just too much going on in their lives to work the business.  All of a sudden, during that brief 2 week trial, their entire life went into turmoil?  Hmm.

I cannot begin to count the number of people who have called me saying that, due to health issues, they cannot work a normal job outside their home.  So, they decided they want a home business.  During the “interview” process I always ask whether, with their health problems, they are certain they can handle work at home.  Of course, they answer “yes” and then days or weeks later, they quit because of health issues.

I have gotten much better at determining whether someone will be an asset to my team or not.  More often than not, I am right.  However, there are always those who deserve an Academy Award for their performance prior to joining.  They are enthusiastic and excited to get started, and they appear to have the experience and background it takes to be successful. 

One thing I have definitely learned is not to get too excited about anyone joining my team.  I no longer feel “sure” that anyone is going to be great.  It is unfortunate, but there is no crystal ball, so we can never be sure until they come on board and prove themselves.