In the movie "Field of Dreams", Kevin Costner's character famously quotes "If you build it, they will come." That may have worked in the movie (there were also baseball players coming out of the corn fields), but not so much in real life. You need to get the word out about what you are passionate about, whether that is a cause, a product, an idea, a service or a theology. Everyone is assaulted every day by ads to "buy this", "do this", "join this", so what makes you stand out? You! Your passion, your personality, but mostly, your personal relationship with your audience is what brings your message to the forefront. So often, we spend so much time "building" that we forget to invite others to join in. It's like planning a great party and not calling anyone to come and join the fun! Then you're stuck sitting at the party alone. Talk to people - personally. E-mail blasts, form letters and generic Facebook invites don't count. Be sincere. Build it - but spend at least as much time inviting them to come.
As I read several blogs and forums relating to direct sales, I'm fascinated by those who complain, complain, complain. They want something, they get it, but they want it different. They sign on to a company, but don't like how the company dictates this or that. Direct sellers - imagine you owned a franchise... let's say "Subway" (Subway is a registered trademark & only being used as an example). You have your location with the pretty sign, all of your food is purchased through your company, you have a fairly standard menu and you get to choose to participte in national advertising and pricing. And, you have to sell a significant number of sandwiches to retain your franchise. As a customer, I know that I can walk into any Subway and get a BMT that tastes almost identical to any BMT I purchase at any other location. I know what I'm getting. So what if Subway franchise owners put the name on the door but didn't follow franchise rules? As a custom...
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