I have been in the network marketing industry for almost 6 years and since day one I have been told that the network marketing industry is just a "numbers game". If we talked to enough people, if we showed our company to enough people we would become successful. I would hear..." go talk to 100 people and get as many "no's" as you can and you will find the "yeses" among them.

I was told over and over again that the more people we talked to , the bigger my business would become. Get as many people in your business as you can stuff in there”.

I disagree and here's why.

How impersonal can you get? Numbers? Are people "numbers" and is that truly the best example to set for others in my team? It took me a little while, but I eventually realized that network marketing is not a "numbers game", but instead it is a relationship-building business.

It is also a personal growth program disguised as a business because to be truly successful, we must grow spiritually, emotionally and personally.

It isn't about just “snagging” people into my business like fish in a boat. It is about creating lifelong friendships and relationships and working with those people to help THEM become successful. Then, by helping others become successful, we become successful.

The " numbers game" treats people terribly and most often those "numbers" become statistics of failure because they are never given the support or training they need. No genuine friendships or relationships are created that way. Any wonder why this industry carries with it a " bad rap"? There are far too many people walking away from our industry with unfulfilled dreams.

Instead, we must learn to grow our business with quality in mind. We must develop relationships. We must allow a trust to build between us all. In fact, I don't think any relationship should be built with a slam dunk mentality. These are people we're talking about. People who are looking for ways to increase their income, relieve stress and live their lives with freedom. We can't just go trampling people down and throwing them into a business just so we earn bonus points. I can't live my life treating people like that.

When you shovel “ numbers” into your business there is far too much attrition. People that should have never joined that business leave when they finally realize it is just not for them. To me that is a waste of precious time and energy for both parties. Take the time to build your business right the first time.

I always tell my team members that we must take time to build a relationship right from the first chat. Take the time to learn their likes and dislikes and if your business will actually be a good fit for them. Not every business is good for everyone. Not everyone is going to love your company and fit right in, so why would you want to push anyone to join when you don't have their best interests in mind?

Remember, this is your business. In order to love what you do, you want to fill it with sharp, happy people that you will enjoy working with. When you love what you do, it shows in your face, your voice and your attitude. It comes out in your posture and your tone. As Ellie Drake says, “you must work your business with ease”. So, be patient, work with ease and it will all fall into place as it should.