When most people join the network marketing industry, they make a very subtle mistake that has very negative consequences. They see things from a hunter’s perspective and treat each prospect like a target, shooting one and moving on to the next. Unless you get lucky, there are really only two results you can expect from this: a dead recruit or a missed shot altogether.

It takes some network marketers years to figure out the simple truth that the ‘hunter’ method doesn’t produce the results they want. You might be recruiting left and right but your business will never grow to be self-sufficient. As soon as you stop shooting the checks will stop too.

The answer is to become a farmer instead of a hunter. What do farmers do? They prepare their fields, plant seeds, and nurture and grow their crops.

The most important thing is to develop yourself constantly because people are drawn to those they see as leaders or experts. If you are a network marketing professional, you are selling yourself more than your company or your product by offering prospects a benefit to working with you. If you plan to sponsor quality people into your organization you have to become of value to them, not just be another opportunity.

Don’t just shoot your opportunity at everyone you meet. To become a network marketing professional, you need to build relationships first by becoming a friend and a mentor, and offering your knowledge and support.

When you sponsor someone into your organization, don’t leave them to fend for themselves. Teach them how to be a ‘farmer’ like you and how to pass on that knowledge to people they sponsor.

Don’t be a predator searching for prey! The prey always knows what it is.

Ask yourself these questions: Have I been a hunter? What can I do to become more like a farmer?