Paradigm is a Word Often Used in Network Marketing

by Tom Corbett

Paradigm is a word often used in network marketing. For example, you may have read that your particular MLM represents a "new paradigm" for whatever. Strictly speaking, it is a systematic inflection of a verb or noun showing a complete conjugation or declension. It is an example or pattern.

Recently, it has taken on a new connotation meaning a way of thinking. Usually it is used as a five-dollar college word meaning an unconscious belief that organizes the perception of reality. A paradigm is such a deeply held belief that it is unexamined by the person holding to a particular paradigm or world view.

So what does this have to do with network marketing? Let me give you a seemingly unrelated example of a paradigm at work that will be

sure to offend many and then relate that to why referral or network marketing can be so difficult.

This was such a radical paradigm shift in thinking that at first most people could not even accept it. I'm sure you are familiar with the famous Scopes Monkey Trial in which a biology teacher was prosecuted for teaching the Theory of Evolution.

So now the Theory of Evolution has become a new paradigm that when the theory is challenged by Creationists, people refuse to examine the arguments that plainly refute the Theory of Evolution. Really the best that can truthfully be said about the Theory of Evolution is that it is just bad science. It defies probability theory, number theory, radiation theory, evidence of a young earth, etc., etc. Even Darwin admitted in The Origin of Species that the best evidence against his theory is the fossil record because there is no evidence of transitional forms. All so-called transitional forms have been proved to be fully animal, fully human, or frauds. In the annals of scientific history, the Theory of Evolution will rate right up there with the Theory of Spontaneous Generation.

Do I need to go on with this? Volumes have been written, but I suppose I have managed to offend or rather challenged your commonly held and unexamined belief that I have hopefully made my point.

If you ever engage in a debate of Evolution vs. Creation, you can actually feel the defense mechanism of the opposing side - no matter which side you debate.

I give you another example that may relate more directly to network marketing. Most networkers, by nature I guess, are somewhat evangelistic. We have the "answer" and want to go out and share it with everyone we know.

Well have you ever actually stood on a street corner and passed out religious literature? Try it if you haven't and you'll see what I'm talking about. I don't care what you pass out. Find that one little religious tract that you firmly believe in and stand on a street corner and pass them out. Observe the reactions of most people.

Most will not even accept what you are offering. They will ignore you. Many will take what you offer them and without even looking at it will throw it on the ground or if they are polite in the nearest trash can. This is known as the sin of Willful Ignorance. Others will glance at it. And then there are the others who will verbally abuse you. Often times they will ask the constable on patrol to politely remove you from the sidewalk. And then there are the very few who will read what you have given them and then come to you with a very polite and greatly appreciated, "Thank you."

Is network marketing all that different from evangelizing? That is why it is so difficult, sometimes, to just share your opportunity and/or products. By doing so, you are challenging peoples thinking and behavior. And, it is why you may encounter such negative reaction from fiends and family.

Let's face it. If this were easy we all could quickly "get three people who will in turn get three people..." and we can all retire from our real jobs and enjoy ...

Perhaps these few examples will help you to understand why people react they way they do when you try to share with them your networking opportunity or products. By doing so you are challenging their paradigm or deeply held albeit unconscious beliefs.

Nevertheless, go out and evangelize. You'll find those few people who will come back to you and say, "Thank you."