Is it really such an impossible headline to believe? It shouldn’t be when one considers that many homeless people, have probably already got the one quality that every succesful network marketing Internet business owner is striving to develop.
Today I was sitting on a bench in a local park. It wasn’t long before I recognised a familiar figure moving towards me. I knew exactly what she was going to say…
“You got two dollars for me?”
I don’t always give her what she asks for, but today I did.
“You’re a darling.” she says and moves off straight away.
I smiled.
I have watched her “work” the park and surrounds for years and apart from the above two lines, the only other words I have ever heard her say is, “Bless you anyway.”
That’s what you get if you don’t give her anything.
Today as I watched her do what she always does, I realized that she’d actually be great in business.
Here’s why:
She turns up every day. She’s self-disciplined and committed to her mission
She always says the same things. She’s consistent with her habits and ‘brand’.
She knows what she wants, two dollars, and she’s not afraid to ask for it.
She’s not emotionally attached to the outcome. Whatever happens she moves on to the next person.
She always acknowledges her prospect’s response appropriately. She understands good customer service.
If you say “No” today, she’ll ask you again tomorrow. She never gives up.
Most importantly she achieves her goal – not to get $2 from every person but to make as much as she can.
This is why she follows the same routine every day, in the same way. It’s uncomplicated and it works.
She’s not concerned about the money she doesn’t receive, only about moving on so that she can get what she wants.
In the hour I observed her, most people turned her down of course, but she still managed to make $12! This would be more than some business owners made today.
As I was walking back home I wondered…..
What if you could round up a few homeless people who displayed the same qualities as she has, financed them and taught them business skills?
Wouldn’t it make for an interesting experiment? Great reality television perhaps?
Ironically, it’s obvious that many homeless people aren’t afraid of rejection, whether they’re aware of this or not.
Many have in fact mastered one of the most important mindset requirements to be successful in business – belief in themselves.
What do you think? The comments section is all yours….
Be Happy!
Post Image:(representing homeless women) http://www.sxc.hu/profile/leroys
Hey Marcus,
While others will simply be disgusted at her action, you took note of her and brought out an invaluable lesson. Kudos! That’s what champs do. I am learning to take lessons from every aspect of life too. So far so good!
I have seen many people quit this wonderful industry because they take it like a hobby. No consistency! They do not have the drive, and slowly their dreams went with them.
If only we can keep in mind the area of consistency and take consistent efforts in the right direction, we’d be the better for it.
What an invaluable lesson from this Homeless woman! Thanks for sharing, MArcus!
Tosin
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 9:58 am
Hi Tosin,
We are easy to judge others or guilty of not looking for the good that is in everybody. If only we will look for it! Goodness is all around us.
Lessons can be learned in so many areas that have nothing to do with business. I love it when this happens.
Thanks for opening up the comments Tosin.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
Wow, what a great post and what fabulous lesson within.
When my husband and I worked a nutritional company together the thought of helping a homeless person get started in the business crossed our minds several times. But we never did. It would be an interesting experience though I think.
You are absolutely right, they do posses some of the key factors it takes to be successful in this industry.
“Consistent effort over an extended period of time = results.”
Great stuff! Loved it!
Ilka
Ilka Flood recently posted..Social Monkee – Create Quality Backlinks with the Push of a Button
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 7:00 am
Hi Ilka,
Darn so I’m not the first to think of that idea… ha ha. Great minds think alike eh Ilka?
Love that quote… can’t argue with that. Works for anything we do.
Thanks for your comment.)
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
This is such a great story and I appreciate how you looked beyond her consequence and saw what she really did have. You are right about their relentless pursuit of getting what they want, more people should take their advice to heart and perhaps they may get what they want in life. Not to mention, they’ll probably realize how blessed they truly are.
Thanks for sharing this and have a SUPER day,
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff recently posted..For the Love of the Game
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 6:58 am
Hi Jerome,
I guess when your survival depends on your actions one behaves differently which is why I think there is a certain amount of merit not having a back up when it comes to being in business.
Thanks for your positive input here.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Ditto to Tosin’s comment. Good call, finding something beneficial and educational. And thanks for giving her $2 today – your own interaction in the metaphor adds another level of meaning, I think.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 6:53 am
Hey Rick, appreciate the comment and didn’t think about my role in the mataphor like that. I like it though.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Wonderful observation Marcus. Wise people sit back and take note of what most others miss. Many who are struggling are quite tenacious, because they had no other choice. During some pretty lean months I created like mad….because I had, I had cut all other options of retreat and I had to either move forward or quit. Thanks for sharing!
RB
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..5 Things to Toss in the Trash if you Have No Money to Start an Online Business
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 6:03 am
Hey Ryan…
Hmmm I am sitting back and onserving a lot more these days so do you think my wisdom is on the increase??
You make an important point about doing what we have to sometimes and that is as powerful a WHY as any.
Appreciate you adding to the discussion Ryan.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Dude! Awesome story!
I suppose that’s one of the reasons why Zen Buddhist monks give a poverty vow…
Cheers and Bless you anyway. lol
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 6:00 am
Hey Adam,
Appreciate the feedback.
You make a good point about Buddhist monks and I guess ‘Ask and ye shall receive’ is why the Catholic church is as wealthy as they they are?
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus, aloha. This is positively brilliant! She indeed has the success mindset.
Though I am “jealous” that I did not think of this terrific analogy first, nevertheless I am going to share it far and wide. This is a powerful message that people have to “get.”
WOW! What a way to start the week. Thx so much for the inspiration, my friend.
Look forward to reading your insights after your next walk in the park. Take care, Marcus. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Janet recently posted..5 Leadership Lessons from Geese By Janet Callaway The Natural Networker
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 5:55 am
Aloha Janet,
Looking at the title of your post featured by Comment Luv I can tell that you found another excellent analogy anyway.
I’ll be over there to read that shortly…
Thank you for sharing my post Janet and for the uplifting comment as always.
Have a wonderful new week.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus:
Your observation came at a very important crossroad on my journey back to financial freedom.
This post burned into my brain the reality of the Word that says, “You have not because you ask not.”
That’s why I have been struggling. Selling and asking are the exact opposite, to me, in network marketing.
Selling is closing. Asking is inviting.
I will stop selling and start asking bearing your post in mind.
Kevin Maher invited me into the Tribe Family and now I know why.
I am glad to be here and hope to contribute some words of value based on my first 67 years here on earth. We are promised 120 and I promised God I would not cause Him to be a liar.
I am living proof that pride cometh before the fall. The unwillingness to recruit daily is an outward expression of inner pride, and has stymied my growth.
Daily recruiting is a lifestyle, not a tactic or strategy.
I am printing this post and framing it. That’s how much of an impact it has made on me.
Thanks for sharing this blog.
Yours in Christ
Sears
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 3:25 am
Hi Sears,
Welcome to the tribe and also to my blog.
Thank you for your comment which I can tell is written from the heart.
Isn’t it wonderful when we attract something into our lives, even a humble blog post, that can help us to realize our own learning. I am pleased my words have been a part of this for you.
The reasons why we do and don’t do things is often as a result of pride and ego.
You are to be commended for acknowledging this here and for accepting it as your own temporary obstacle to be removed.
The best advice I was ever given about inviting people to change their lives was to focus on them first, sure in the belief that what I have can help them if they are ready. If they aren’t then that’s fine too but I will have extended the invitation nonetheless.
Yes indeed…. “Ask and ye shall receive.” The instruction could not be any clearer. All we must do is believe and allow.
I look forward to reading your words of wisdom going forward Sears and thank you again for your comment.
I will be keeping it in my own “Treasure file”. It’s comments like yours that make what I do worthwhile.
Blessings,
Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
Well that is indeed a good observation that they are not afraid of rejection. And you never know that you might find a star in any one of them. They only thing that might concern me would be they ask too less from life I think. But if you train them and finance them you never know. Ideas are made this way.
Lali
P.S – I have to admit this is most interesting post I have read in recent times. Can’t wait for the reality television:)
Lali Sandhu recently posted..How To Write Killer Reviews!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 3:01 am
Hi Lali,
I reckon it’s a great idea for a reality televison program. Peoplewho could finance something like this and who have a direct interest in network marketing are people like Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki.
It could be a different kind fo version of “The Apprentice”. It would be interesting to see like you say whether they actaully had the desire for that kind of success though.
Appreciate you comment. Thank you.
~Marcus
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Discipline is required in any field, and if done properly eventual it will bring you near to success.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 7:02 am
Too right Dan which is exaclty what she demonstrated.
Thanks for sharing your insights here.
~Marcus
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Anther awesome post with interesting headline and so many words of wisdom.
I like your learning habit. It will be great social service, if you managed to do something for these needy people.
nazimwarriach recently posted..AtHisBest Coupon Codes
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:32 am
Hi Nazim,
Thank you for your positive feedback. You are right it would be great to help those that wanted to be helped to use their skills in a different way.
~Marcus
[Reply]
She sounds like a smart businesswomen to me. Persistent and focused on her outcome.
9 to 5 jobs are not for everyone though.
Justin | Mazzastick recently posted..Trusting What Is
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:17 am
Hey Justin,
I think you summed her up perfectly.
As long as people are happy doing what they are, then I guess that’s all that matters.
~Marcus
[Reply]
That lady how beautiful what a great analogy Marcus. Yes i guess the mindset of her asking the right question and getting her answer is a no.s game daily routine daily habit it works for her.But for her to give back blessings is the key. “To receive is to give”.
What an amazing experience Marcus. I appreciate that you shared this…
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:14 am
Hi Maria,
Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
You picked up on something very important; the fact that she still gives back in her own small way.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus!
This post is a stroke of genius. What a perfect illustration of the qualities of persistence, determination and focus in action.
Despite the excellent traits displayed by the homeless woman in question, I think you’d have a job turning her into a successful marketer. (But I’d happily be proved wrong!)
My thought is that it’s the necessity to succeed in one’s goal which drives someone in this position to be able to bypass fear of rejection, or keep at their pitch all day no matter what responses may come.
Those network marketers who push forward in this way are all hungry in some similar way – not to eat a basic meal probably, but to reach some kind of freedom for themselves or their family (usually).
Like the army who’s general made them burn their boats upon arrival on enemy beaches, this woman has no choice but to succeed.
Nonetheless we can learn so much from such a clear example. Not to mention the branding, and perhaps even the duplicable nature of her script – for the right person of course…
Thanks Marcus – enjoyable and poignant as ever.
Jym
Jym recently posted..How to Use Attraction Marketing in Your Business part 2 – 7 Easy Steps To More Leads and More Money
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:07 am
Hey Jym,
I agree with you, I think it would be quite a challenge to turn her into a successful marketer.
She is committed to what drives her and that’s her survival.
I guess the lesson for us is to infuse what drives us with the same tenacity and determination to succeed.
Just as she is probably unlikely to be successful in business, I am guessing most successful business people would not be very good at being homeless.
Thank you for your insights and complimentary comments Jym. I always enjoy reading what you have to say.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
Candid observation and a great lesson to be learned here. Isn’t it interesting that we can learn invaluable lessons from different aspects of life?
She is a persistent woman, focused on achieving her goals, day in and day out.
Thanks for sharing this powerful analogy, Marcus.
All the best,
Mavis
Mavis Nong recently posted..Blog Post Promotion – How I Got Over 400 Comments on My Contest Post!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:56 am
Hi Mavis,
I agree Mavis which is why I think it’s so important to slow down in our busy days. When we do lessons pop up out of nowhere.
Thanks you for adding to the discussion here Mavis. Much appreciated.
~Marcus
[Reply]
That’s marvellous, Marcus!
What a great inspiration a walk in the park has… Heard that many famous people had in the past and still have today great inspiration in parks. And I’m sure your additional idea about the reality show will make you money as well!!! You are right, when people reach a point where they have to believe in themselves then the response the outside world throws back to them is secondary. They will enjoy the successes and get over the rejection as mentioned: emotionless. The group of people you compare here with people who strive for results in network marketing have learned a lesson in life to get on. Some people in our industry have still to get that.
Now it’s time for me to have a walk in the park… the weather here in the UK is marvellous and let’s see what comes out of it! LOL
All the best,
Alex
Alexander Paul recently posted..How to create a Movement – A simple lesson about Leadership!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
Hi Alexander,
You know come to think of it I have learned many lessons in parks and also had great ideas come to mind so I think it is well worth spending more time there! LOL
I guess when we finally understand that other people’s opinions,including rejection are not important then we free ourselves to be who we really are no matter what it is we are doing.
Hope you enjoyed your walk Alex and that you are enjoying your wonderful Spring weather every day!
Take care,
Marcus
[Reply]
This one really caught my attention Marcus… What if ??!! This is actually a great example of seeing the beauty in everybody – not just the exterior but also noticing the potential on the inside.
Love it !
Katri
Katri Remes recently posted..TAPPING – Another Way Of Helping
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Hi Katri,
So lovely to have you visit and leave such a wonderful comment. Thank you.
Isn’t that just the best gift one can give oneself…. to see the beauty in everyone? When I started to do this, my life changed completely.
Now whenever I meet people face to face I always make it a habit to look deeply into their eyes, past everything physical and the beauty is always the same. Perfect!
~Marcus
[Reply]
I really echo everyone’s thoughts here about how this lady is an inspiration! To me, this is also a reminder that there is value to be found in and something to be learned from every single human being if we’re able to get past our stereotypes. How easy it is to skim over certain groups of people because of those metaphorical visors we have that automatically categorizes others.
This has me thinking about phobia therapy. If we consider rejection a type of fear that we always try to avoid — maybe if we were consistently exposed to rejection (like this homeless lady), we’d be better fit to deal with rejection in our businesses. =)
I always enjoy reading your thoughts in Janet Callaway’s comment section and I’m so glad I’m here to gain wisdom from the master himself. =) Thanks, Marcus!
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..Rediscovering the Value of Hidden Treasures
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Hello Samantha,
Welcome to my blog and thank you so much for your kind words and for leaving such an uplifting comment.
You are right it is too easy to take note of what differentiates us from others rather than celebrate everything that unites us
I really do believe that when we judge and criticize others that we separate ourselves from the “oneness” that is all of us.
Everybody brings value that we encounter and all come for a reason. Either to teach us something or us them and sometimes both but we have to be still long enough to know what this is.
I like your thoughts about phobia therapy. She obviously has no fear of rejection and is not attached to it at all which is why she is so free, probably without knowing too.
Thanks so much Samantha. I am pleased that we have met via the wonderful Janet’s blog. She is such an inspiration!
I will be off soon to find out more about you from your blog and look forward to mnay more chats!
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
Interesting analogy. We can learn a lot from the homeless.
It’s funny, I don’t know what city you live in but you describe the homeless exactly as I’ve experienced them.
Certainly the homeless aren’t afraid of rejection but then again they don’t have much choice. It’s survive or die. That’s something we could definitely learn from.
Take care, Liz
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 16th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Hi Liz,
Have missed seeing your smiling face around here but great to have you come back again!
I am in Sydney by the way which is just about a whole world away no doubt!
I think the homeless are the same the world over but then I guess all people who express the same values no matter where they are will be the same.
You are right they have a lot of leverage to make them do what they do. So that’s all we need to do too, create enough reason to have to do what we must.
Thanks for leaving your comment.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
This is my first comment on your blog (although I’m not new to your site and we’ve connected through various social networks too!) I am glad to finally get to interact with you. A good friend and mentor; Oliver, has referred me to your blog several times, during our calls. I know I’ll be learning heaps from you and your blog.
What a clever way to present business insights from your experience with a homeless lady. I am amazed by how many important points you’ve listed, and those points are definitely what every network marketer has to have. It seems to me that this homeless lady has the skill of picking up great qualities from the different personality colors!
I love how you pointed out she doesn’t fear rejection and that she believes in the power of staying consistent, and repetition. Thanks for sharing with us the lessons you took away from being observant.
- Rowena
Rowena Bolo recently posted..Meet the Youngest “Enlightened Warrior”
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 16th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Hi Rowena,
Yes I do know you from around the cyber world and it’s lovely to have you visit here too! You are most welcome and I look forward to interacting with you in the blogosphere too now.
Oliver is a wonderful leader and I appreciate that he has recommended my blog to you too.
She certainly does have some great qualities considering the personality colors.
I have never asked her whether she wants something more out of life. It may be that she is quite happy doing what she does and being good at it.
In fact next time I see her I’m going to have that conversation…. Could be very enlightening.
Thank you for adding your response here Rowena.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
interesting analogy. Most people have the quality to be a successful network marketer. In fact, most people already do it: Promoting and sharing products and services they love and use. Most people however don’t pick up a check. That’s the only difference.
When it comes to persistence, I have another image in my mind. That of chickens, normally the best animal analogy I know (poor chickens). We were in France on holiday and our hosts had dozens of chicken and they let them stroll around on the property. So they also would come to our verande when we had breakfast or dinner, which is a bit inappropriate of course. So we chased them away and they ran away like chickens always do. But they came back, no matter how often we chased them away. They didn’t develop that deadly fear of rejection and fear of criticism although they had every reason to do so. So they didn’t chicken out. Aren’t we unfair to chickens ?
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..The Millionaire Mind Intensive Seminar – Undo The Brainwashing To Poverty Pt 1
[Reply]
Hi Marcus, I had a great time reading this post which I thought was brilliant! It’s amazing how you were able to see how the basic skills of a homeless person can take them far. Personally I like the point, they know what they want in details.
When we are asked what we want, some days we want one thing and the other day another. This comes to being consistent and this person is day in and day out. Consistency in our habits is key and when we learn something, make sure we have got a good grip of it before we jump on to something else. This homeless woman uses the same techniques which helps build her brand.
It would make a great TV show and also one where the homeless can make a life for themselves if they wish.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Hi Diana,
Yes wouldn’t it be so fantastic to empower those homeless people who truly wanted to change their circumstances.
The more I write and discuss this with others, the more I am encouraged to make it a goal.
Now I just need to find some financial backers and a TV nertwork who will buy the concept!
I agree with you, our inablity to focus does not serve us well and yet we all can if we just put our minds to it.
Focus comes when we have a strong enough reason to do what it takes to succeed.
Thank you for your wonderful comment. Have a great weekend.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus, I really love how you’ve related the skills we all need (regardless if what we’re trying to do in life and intertwined the homeless scenario with it.
As a matter of fact, most people are one paycheck away from being homeless and will have to learn these skills pretty quickly in order to survive but that’s another story!
I tell ya, everytime I go to Chicago (Mag Mile downtown), I see this one guy EVERYTIME – it never fails and I only go to Chicago a couple times a year.
I mostly think that because of his persistence, he’s got a boatload of money stashed away somewhere but since his business model is working for him, why change it? LOL
Seriously, great post and love the analogous scenario
Kesha recently posted..Three Important Keys to Writing Engaging Website Content
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 10:02 am
Hi Kesha,
Thank you for your positive feedback!
I loved having you visit and enjoyed reading your personal insights on this topic.
I guess a point of difference between someone homeless and an entrepreneur is the specifc goal of each, but the resolve and character required by each to achieve these is maybe not that different…
I laughed at your Chicago story…. I have heard that some of the homeless in this city (Sydney) have accumulated such great wealth that we would be shocked if we knew the extent of it.
Well you know what they say….. it’s not how much money you make but how much you keep that defines true wealth.
They are certainly well positioned to keep their expenses down aren’t they? LOL
I am sure the homeless are the same the world over as are entrepreneurs. We are all far more alike than we care to acknowledge.
Have an awesome weekend!
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus!
This is such an amazing post! The way you have intertwined the qualities of a homeless person and that of a good businessperson is superb! I will never look at homeless persons the same way again after reading this post of yours. Learned a lot about consistency and perseverance.
Elmar Sandyck recently posted..What’s Google 1
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 9:20 am
Hi Elmar,
Thank you for your great comment and for sharing in the learning here too.
It’s a funny thing but when it comes to perseverance and consistency I have often learned my biggest lessons from animals and people I never expected would be my teachers.
Just shows one how everybody is a teacher if we will look.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
I have to say this is definitely different. If you do try this experiment please let me know how it goes. In the meantime, I’ll continue going after the No’s.
Have a great day…
Josh
Josh Garcia recently posted..Secrets of Saving Money When Buying Orlando Foreclosures
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 9:16 am
Hi Josh,
I think it would make for an interesting social experment if nothing else.
Appreciate your comment Josh.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
Wow, I actually know someone like this who succeeded in the business. Christy Dreiling who is a top earner in our company grew up living in her car with her sister and her mom and now is a network marketing top earner.
Her story is very inspiration and she gone on to inspire other women to shine through speaking engagements and such.
I’m sure you’ve read Chicken Soup for the Network Marketer’s soul. There are so many powerful and inspiring stories in that book that continue to leave me with goose bumps when I consider the challenges and hardships people have faced and risen above.
This woman may be a fantastic network marketer if given a chance.
Thanks for inspiring me and helping me to reconnect with the passion I feel about this industry! Your post was very meaningful!
Heather
Heather C Stephens recently posted..Beginner Blogger- Free Resources to Launch Your Blog
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 16th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Hi Heather,
Wow that’s amazing to hear!
In light of Danny’s awesome guest post on your blog re interviewing, Christy Dreiling seems like someone worth your interviewing Heather….
I have to agree with you on the stories in Chicken Soup for the Network Marketer’s Soul. I often turn to this when I need some inspiration.
The great thing about network marketing is that anybody can actually rise to the top if they truly want to. It all deopends on how much one wants to change one’s circumstances.
Like you I love this industry because of it’s transformational nature.
Thanks for adding more value here Heather.
~Marcus
[Reply]