Why do so many women feel uncomfortable approaching others about their network marketing or direct sales business? They believe in their product, they believe in themselves, they know their business opportunity can literally change lives, yet they hesitate. Can you relate? If so, it’s likely that you’ve been taught a way to recruit others that feels a bit “unnatural.” You may have been instructed to use a cheesy script or “old school” technique that can leave you feeling like a bad used car salesperson.

Does It Have to Be This Way? – Absolutely not! Fortunately, there is a different approach to sponsoring that will make this experience so much easier for you (and believe it or not – you’ll even come to enjoy it!) Women who use this approach feel so much more comfortable and confident when talking about their opportunity (and therefore take more action and get much better results than ever before).

By following this simple five-step process you’ll engage people in meaningful conversations. They’ll trust you, be a lot more open-minded, and seriously consider whether your business opportunity can help them achieve their goals. The best part? You don’t have to leave your integrity at the door.

Five Steps to Elegantly Recruit New Business Builders

Step 1: Serve, Don’t Sell – “Recruiting with integrity” is about service, not about selling. You’re not out to convince people to join your business, but to see if you can make a positive difference in their lives.

Before approaching anyone about your business, decide to come from a place of curiosity and non-attachment. Check your agenda at the door and put other people’s needs and desires first. Your prospects will pick up on your sincerity, and be more open to your questions and suggestions.

Step 2: Listen More, Talk Less – Many women (blame it on our enthusiasm) talk too much when sharing about the business. We can go into (overwhelming) detail about the compensation plan, the history of the company, or the science behind our products. We can unintentionally hijack the conversation (and leave our poor prospects staring blankly at us with that “deer in the headlights” look)!

When you are recruiting someone, spend the majority of your time listening. Ask questions to find out what is meaningful to them. Ask about their job, income, family life and kids. What are their goals? What is their ideal lifestyle? Aim to spend 80 percent of your time listening and only 20 percent talking.

By listening and asking questions you’ll learn key information about your prospect’s main problems, concerns or dreams, and how your business could possibly help them in these areas. Without uncovering and connecting to their most important problems or desires, any information you share about your business won’t carry much weight.

Step 3: Have Nothing to Hide – Many of us have been taught ways to snag prospects into discussing the business (without being completely upfront about our intentions). Ultimately, this approach just doesn’t work. People can smell your insincerity a mile away. You may get them to agree to a meeting, but they won’t be truly interested in what you have to say (and chances are, will make a last minute excuse and now even show up).

It’s better to be direct and sincere. Tell people you have a business opportunity that could possibly be very helpful to them. Point out the benefits that are relevant to them (and you know what’s important to them because you’ve listened, asked questions, and uncovered their motivation). Share how you think your business can help them reach their goals, then ask if they’d be willing to sit down over lunch or coffee to learn more.

Step 4: Take the Pressure Off – When you meet over coffee, start by taking off the pressure. People will fear that you’re going to try to sell them something they don’t want. Tell them upfront: you’re not there to convince them of anything-you just want to educate them about your business so they can make an informed decision. Let them know you only want them to join the business if it’s an absolute fit (and mean this!) and there are no hard feelings if they say “no.”

By being completely honest and up front, people will trust you more. They’ll feel more comfortable answering your questions, and you’ll be more “attractive,” especially to the more polished professionals or business people in your warm market.

Step 5: Be Willing to Not Sponsor People – So you’ve come from a place of integrity, listened, asked questions and removed any pressure. You’ve finished your coffee, but your prospect seems only mildly interested-what now?

You’re far better off sponsoring a few people who are serious about your business than many people who are not. Trust your gut (as hard as that may be!). Don’t waste time and energy trying to recruit someone who’s just not a fit – it won’t be a workable situation for either one of you.

Knowing when to let go of a prospect (and move on to someone more qualified) will give you the confidence to act with integrity. There are plenty of people who want what you have. Be brave enough (and picky enough) to find them-then everyone wins.

Sonia Stringer is a professional speaker, coach and popular mentor to women in the network marketing/direct selling profession. Known as “The Women’s Business Coach,” she is fast becoming the “go to expert” for women who want to build a 6-7 figure business from home. Sonia’s unique approach can help you earn a great income AND set up your business so you have more time (to spend with your family or doing what you love). Visit her website and to grab a free copy of her audio CD, “Six Figure Success Secrets for Network Marketing Women”. http://www.SavvyNetworkMarketingWomen.com

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