Being an observer (and participant) of the home business community for the past few years, I've noticed something amusing (and a tad disturbing). This being the tendency of representatives to diminish and slam competing companies in an effort to make their own company look better. We see it all the time, big "flame wars" erupting on message forums, with everyone arguing that this company is better than that one. Even worse is when a new person poses a question about a particular company, and reps from competing companies chime in with negative comments and try to cajole the new person to join THEM instead.



Does that really project the right professional image? Don't we all end up looking like a bunch of squawking crows?

The truth is, every company is the best, for certain individuals. We can't all be in the same business, because each of us has our own preferences, goals and dreams. Imagine if there was only ONE company that offered a home business opportunity. Perish the thought! We need all these great companies, and they need individuals that are passionate about their products and services. Thank goodness we have so many choices in this wonderful age of technology.

When we find the company that suits us best and become representatives, we don't have to cajole, beg or plead with anyone to join us or buy our products. In fact, doing so is a big turn-off to our potential recruits and customers. Most of us don't realize we're being pushy, and we certainly don't intend to be. Often, our enthusiasm and excitement gets the best of us and we oversell or try to convince others that what we have to offer is the best. We can also fall into a "lack mentality" and think that there are only so many recruits to go around, so we'd better hurry and "get ours" while we can.

With the growing popularity of home business, we are likely to have a never-ending supply of potential business partners for many, many years to come.

So, what DOES make a business person attractive to potential customers and partners?

Build up, don't tear down. Speak positively about yourself, your company, as well as other reps and other companies. You don't have to sugarcoat everything, but remember the old adage: If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Offer help and share information. Be knowledgeable about your products and your industry, and share that knowledge freely. Be interested in other industries also. Learn as much as you can and share the knowledge with others.

Be available for inquiries. Offer to answer questions or share information without being pushy, and without groveling or begging. Refusing to "waste time" on people who you think might not buy or sign up will earn you a reputation for being greedy or stingy.

Put yourself "out there." Don't wait for a potential customer or partner to peek out and then pounce on them like prey. Stay visible. Get active in communities related to your industry. Write informative articles about your industry and distribute them freely. Then your customers and partners will be seeking YOU out!