Sometimes we get too close to our problems and challenges and can't see the easy solutions.

In network marketing, we try to solve simple problems with complex and confusing solutions. If the solution is complicated, we feel that it must be good.

For example, let's imagine that a prospect tells me that he doesn't want to join my business after a personal one-on-one presentation.

To solve this problem, I devise a plan:

First, I'll need to contact a lot of prospects to get more appointments. This means a $500 advertising and mailing campaign. I'll need to hire a good copywriter, a printer, a mailing list specialist and personally coordinate the campaign.

Second, if too many prospects respond, I'll need to hire a telephone answering service with 24-hour operators. Better start working on their scripted replies now.

Third, to follow up the additional prospects, I'll need to form a co-op of leaders in my downline. We'll need a voice mail with automatic lead assignment, a follow-up mailing package, and of course, an all-day training program so our team will be ready. Better book that hotel training room now.

Fourth . . . well, you get the picture.

I'm getting carried away with all these grandiose plans and campaigns just because my prospect didn't join.

Now, there is nothing wrong with all these plans. They're good. They're effective. And they work.

But what could be a simpler solution to my problem?

Let's look at a few obvious simple solutions.

1. Maybe I could contact and qualify better prospects. Instead of forcing a presentation on an unwilling prospect, maybe I could ask some qualifying questions such as:

Have you ever thought about changing careers?
Did you ever consider starting your own business?
Would you like to be your own boss?
Would you like to be able to set your own pay raise?
What would you do with an extra $500 a month?

2. Maybe I could improve my presentation. It's amazing. Most prospects respond to a better presentation. If our presentations relate to them and their problems, they're on our side.

3. Maybe I shouldn't panic at the first "No" from the prospect. Possibly he'll want to join after a bit more information or relationship-building.

4. Maybe I should realize that prospects have good times and bad times in their lives. Maybe I'm talking to a prospect during a particularly bad time or busy time in his life. I could contact the prospect later when the timing would be better.

You see, the obvious, simple solutions are usually avoided by us because we think complicated solutions are better. We don't take the time to see . . . the obvious.

I recently read the following story:

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. As they lay down for the night, their conversation drifted to:

Holmes: "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."

Watson: "I see millions and millions of stars."

Holmes: "And what does that tell you?"

Watson: "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Theologically, it tells me that God is great and that we are small. Meteorologically, it tells me that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?"

Holmes: "Watson, you bonehead. Somebody stole our tent."

Am I the only one who sees distributors making network marketing more complicated than it should be?

Great post :)

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I love this post Rudi! I think most of us have done at least some of these things at one time or another. Hopefully, we've discovered more streamlined and productive ways to work.

If anyone is going to the extremes listed in the first example above, I feel sorry for them. how duplicatable could that possibly be?

I observe the same Rudi. I learned many things from last four months.As a fresher to this online world. Got to know many possible opportunities and the same time realized that we should be conscious at every step.where we will end up in trapped by some hypes. Last day i was reading a book with title " RICH DAD and POOR DAD" . This book reveals so much information for me as i don't have knowledge on financial matters