"You, Inc.?"

It's been a popular idea lately among Network Marketing trainers to teach their students that they should be promoting THEMSELVES instead of their COMPANY.

I read about this in Blogs and articles all the time.

The underlying idea is that you can't trust your MLM company to stay in business or not "do you wrong," so don't put too much effort into promoting your company. That way if something happens and you want, or have, to move to another company your people will be loyal to you and follow.

I've been there ...

• I had several companies go out of business.
• I had one company hit by a hurricane.
• I had one company steal downline legs any time they became successful.

... so I understand their concerns and the intention for the teaching.

However, the approach has some SERIOUS problems.

1. If you are hesitant to promote your company with complete enthusiasm, your prospects will subconsciously pick up on your mistrust in your company ... and they will not join.
2. What are you doing in a company you don't trust?!

Yes, I made my mistakes. That was at a time when I was young and foolish in the industry. I chased whatever was new and exciting at the time.

But I've since learned my lessons.

Don't get entranced by the glitter and dazzle of the latest start-up or the company that has the most attention right now. That attention will fade ... and you'll still be wanting to build your business long after the hype has died down.

Choose your company for its long-term merits. Take your time and choose right the first time!

Look for a solid company that:

• Has already been in business for 5 years or more. Preferably 10 years or more.
• Has management you trust.
• Has reputable products (hype products don't have a long shelf-life).
• Doesn't make overly strong claims about their products (it's only a matter of time until the regulators come down on them in a big way).

If possible, get to know the ownership of the company. Rather than building your business on a foundation of mistrust that they may do something to hurt you, become partners with the owners. Better yet, become FRIENDS with them on a personal level.

If the owners are so distant that it isn't a possibility to interact with them personally, perhaps the company isn't focused on the right things (it's people). While you can't expect to call the CEO and chat with her or him at any time, the company should make opportunities available where you have access periodically to develop a social relationship.

An "us against them" attitude between you and your company is a lose/lose for you and them.

Take the opposite attitude. A "we're partners in this together" attitude will benefit you much more.