Many business professionals out there think that the best place leadership can be taught is in the corporate environment.
But is this really true?
John Maxwell said, “If you are a businessperson and you really want to find out whether your people are capable of leading, send them out to volunteer their time in the community. If they can get people to follow them while serving […] then you know that they really do have influence – and leadership.”
The reason Maxwell says this is because in a volunteer environment, you don’t have pay or rank leverage to make people do what you want.
Instead, people have to want to follow you and do what you ask of them because if they don’t want to, they don’t have to. They are there on their own accord and can leave on their own accord as well.
But, I think there is an even better place to train up new leaders and that is …
The direct sales and network marketing industries!
“Holy Crap! Did he just say what I think he said?!”
I sure did.
Those industries are all about leadership. People flock to those who have shown themselves to be leaders. That’s why the leaders can continue to recruit new distributors and sell more products.
And when someone joins network marketing for the first time and joins under someone who isn’t a leader, they quickly start the infamous “musical companies” searching for the leadership they need to succeed.
There is nothing that will help you retain your downline except leadership, because you have no other leverage use.
In fact, you not only have to show you can lead, like in a volunteer organization, but you have to attract people to you and convince them to let you lead them!
So, in essence, those who are good leaders in those industries, attract, retain, and train up new successful leaders and thus become more successful themselves.
So in order to be successful you have to become a leader.
And since you have money on the line, that is pretty good encouragement to become a leader.
But, so many people in those industries lack that understanding even though they intuitively follow it. And thus they fail.
That reminds me of another Maxwell quote, “everything rises and falls on leadership.”
Anyways …
If you really want to see if you have the leadership skills you think you have, or want to learn how to be a better leader, get involved with one of these companies.
Who knows; in the process you might end up becoming a full-time superstar in the industry 
– See You At The Top
– Michael “Your Internet Marketing Trail Guide”
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{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Michael,
Right on target, Network marketing is all about being a leader, and helping other to develope their leadership skills.
Remember that bumper sticker “Lead, Follow, or get out of the way!”
Great Post,
Mike
Thanks.
I honestly believe that it is the lack of leadership that leads to the poor reputation and high failure rates in this industry.
If you learn to be a leader you can make make a fortune!
Michael, leadership is something that can be learned even though some folks are natural leaders. I’m still working on it. Network Marketing is an industry that either builds leaders or failures. There don’t seem to be any inbetweeners (new word).
Thanks for the insight,
John
Thank you John for the input. I agree some have a natural inclination to be great leaders and other have to learn it.
In order to be successful in network marketing, you need to be a leader. Some will figure that out and will learn the necessary skills, and others will just stay with what they know. But I don’t think the industry creates failures, they just didn’t want to change and adapt.
Michael,
I found a link to your post from Ty Tribble’s blog. The graphics and your tagline are congruent and effective.
I love the way you start out this article with the Maxwell quote and about how to identify a true leader. I never thought of it that way, but it is so true.
Thank you Carla,
It took quite a while to put the site together (I have experience in that area so I decided to go for it), so it makes me smile when I get complements on the design.
I think as a whole, the world needs more leaders. So we as network marketers need to grow our businesses and train more leaders. It’s a Win-Win-Win situation in my opinion!
Direct sales is a solid foundation for any sales organization that are looking for rain makers.
It always been my opinion that direct sales is the best personal development training in the world.
I definitely agree Jerry. Thank you for visiting the site and commenting!
Hi Michael,
I like your blog. Incidentally, I too stumbled your way via Ty Tribble’s sensational blog. What I like most is the way I can see his Blogging strategy actually in action and most importantly, working.
On the matter of leadership, I like the way you describe the journey from follower and student, to leader. How true is that and it inspires me to keep going even when feeling overwhelmed. Thanks!
Hi Francine,
Thank you for stopping by. I am glad you like the blog. I am getting ready to implement some design changes so I hope it adds to it. More content is definitely on the way as well!
Leadership is definitely a journey. Some people are born with the innate senses required to be a superb leader but most have to to systematically learn how to lead. I also think, that in the end, it is the difference between success and failure, especially in the network marketing business.
Thank you again for visiting.
Hey Michael,
I love the personable look and feel to your site!
You are spot on here regarding the Network Marketing industry. I’ve always said our industry is a self development University in disguise. For those that want to make it, it accelerates personal growth and literally forces leadership development at lightening speed.
Loved your reference to John Maxwell talking about sending people out into the community to volunteer. A couple of years back I did Landmark Education’s leadership course and that is exactly what they made us do. We were sent out into the community as volunteers to get people enrolled in the idea of the project we had chosen.
Great work on your blog
Michaelé
Thank you Michaelé. I spent a lot of time designing it. In fact, I am currently working on some changes to make the navigation easier and lighten up the page a bit; I feel like it’s too dark. So it is nice to have the work appreciated
Volunteering is a great way to grow your leadership capabilities. I think that is one of the benefits of this industry as well. It frees up time so that we can go out and volunteer our time.
Then we learn more leadership…
Come back and apply it to the business…
Looks like a great cycle of personal growth to me
Thank you for the well written post. I actually talk about this a lot in my circle, how the hidden value of network marketing is that it makes me a better person. A few years back Mike Dillard talked about going from a beta person to pre-alpha to alpha person in order to be successful in network marketing as people follow leaders not companies.
Dillard’s products are amazing!
It is entirely true that we need to grow from “betas” into “alphas.” I.E. increase our leadership and thus our influence. Only then will we see true success in this industry, or anywhere else for that matter.
Thank you for the comment.
Hey Michael,
Insightful post my friend! The best way to learn leadership is to be in a position where others dont need to follow you. Where there’s no fear of no pay.
Network Marketing is the way to go.
Keep up your efforts!
~~~
Tosin
You are spot on. When there is no leverage (i.e. pay) people have to follow you because they want to.
Heck, people like Mike Dillard, Mark Hoverson, etc. have people paying to follow them. Now that is leadership!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hey Michael,
What a great post! I love John Maxwell…
You hit the nail on the head when you said “There is nothing that will help you retain your downline except leadership, because you have no other leverage use.”
Great stuff!
Susanna
If your a great leader, your downline will see results, if your not they won’t.
Now, granted you can’t force people to do stuff. But if you are a great leader you will inspire most, so hopefully people stick around long enough to see success.
Thanks for the comment
Hello Michael
How true of a test, go out and do some volunteer work and see who follows you. I think some corporate leaders would be shocked at the results.
Nothing better than owning your own business in developing your leadership skills.
Thanks for the great read Michael.
Even though I own my own business I still volunteer. I think both are great ways to build your leadership. Plus, volunteering can be a blast and can be great place to network too.
I do agree with you, I think most corporations would be shocked at the results of their teams volunteering. It would probably change the way they do business.
Thanks for the post Peter.
Hello Michael,
Like the quote to start really sets the tone of the post and your explanation is perfect if you ask me.
Leadership is all about having others follow you because they want to not out fear, intimidation or just some cult of personality.
It should be win-win you are provided a great living and love what you do.
The people that your are RESPONSIBLE for receive great value and true leadership by example.
Good stuff,
Steve Shoemaker
Thank you Steve!
I love using quotes. Little snippets of wisdom that you can learn a ton from
You are absolutely correct about the win-win too. If it isn’t win-win you probably shouldn’t be doing it.
A really insightful post Michael. Leadership can take on many forms – autocratic, democratic & laissez-faire for example. I believe leaders can be made or molded into good or bad, depending on how they accept what they encounter on their leadership journey.
Leadership is a complex subject, but if we are to become successful at ANYTHING we do in life, we have to embrace it fully.
Stay inspired!
Michael
Absolutely! Leaders can be good or bad.
A great example of a bad leader would be Hitler! Great leader, horrible mission!
And you are absolutely correct about it being complex. I think it is one of the subject that few people ever master. Many are great, few are masters!
Hi Michael,
Absolutely true! In this industry you will find out very quickly if you’ve got it or need to get it. Leadership skills are key to make it.
Great article!
Ilka
Absolutely true! You either develope leadership or you fail.
Thank you for the comment.
Hi Michael, thanks for the great Post…
i hope can read your next article
I hope you can too
Hey Michael,
You absolutely right about this. If you want to learn how to be a great leader, network marketing is a great choice. I myself have learned a lot from this industry and it has made me a better person. Thanks for sharing this insight!
Sherman
Glad to share it Sherman!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Hi Michael!
Leaders are what people are looking for and need to succeed in this industry. Everything you said about being a leader to retain you downline, recruit new people, etc.. holds true!
I love what you said in one of your comments about the industry not creating failures itself, but that people don’t want to change and adapt. That is truly what creates the failures.
Love your site!
Twila
Yeah. People get up in arms about the 97% failure rate in this industry, a large reason is because they refuse to better themselves, and in turn, others. So failures happen (they would probably fail at any business venture though).
Thank you for reading and commenting Twila.
Hi Michael,
I’m sure I’ve told you before but just in case I didn’t I want to endorse Michaelé’s feedback about your blog. Excellent branding and very comfortable feel to it my friend, well done!
As for the post… awesome thoughts. Robert Kiyosaki has said that joining a network marketing company is the best training ground for any leader. In fact when people ask him what he recommends as the best business education, it’s exactly this.
~Marcus
I appreciate it Marcus. I spent a lot of time working on it so I love the positive feedback.
I am actually working on some modifications right now (thus the reason I have been neglecting my comments for the last week). It will lighten it up a bit and make it a bit wider too. Once those changes are made I would love your feedback again.
As for your comment, I love Robert Kiyosaki and I couldn’t agree more. I think all CEO’s should go run their own network marketing business before they are allowed to run huge corporations
I think a lot would change in the operations of those companies 
Thanks for reading and commenting Marcus.
Hey Michael,
A lot of people wonder about this and which is the best. I am bias and prefer the same thing. There are so many pluses like flexibility or unlimited success.
It just comes down what’s important to you and going forward with it.
Thanks for this…
Jerome Ratliff
Very true Jerome!
Thanks for the comment!
Hey Michael,
This is why I believe network marketing is the best business school. It’s because of it’s natural volunteer environment. I can’t think of any other business model that fosters leadership and personal growth like MLM, and that’s why I think its such a beautiful business model.
Great post,
Wayne
Thank you Wayne for stopping by and commenting. I am glad that you liked the post.
Network marketing really is the best business school like you said!
Hey Michael,
First off, sharp looking blog. I can tell you take what you do seriously.
As for the post, spot on man. Everyone who wants to succeed in business NEEDS to develop leadership and business skills. I can’t imagine an easier and less expensive way then through network marketing.
Keep up the great work!!
Andre
Thank you Andre for the complement on my blog. I spent a lot of time on it
Leadership is definitely the key to success at anything. What a better way to learn it, then learning while making some money.
Thanks for commenting Andre.
I agree that leadership is key and that is what I work to develop in my team. New distributors need taking by the hand at first. But when they start to work from their own initiative and develop and inspire their own downlines, then I know I have someone who is strong.
Actually I work as a volunteer which gives some good extra training!
best wishes
Charlie Holles
It is great to hear that you are actively looking for key leaders in your organization. That is key to carrying on the vision!
And I want to point out to the other readers your volunteering! That is a great way to help get more training in leadership.
Thank you Charlie for your comment.
Hi Michael,
Clicked on your Blog through Ty’s… I am going through Ty Tribble’s course which is amazing for newbies like myself on blogging.
I am trusting I will develop the skills as well as the correct mindset to put together a blog that will present itself well such as yours!
would love to know how you designed yours and through what company?
It is AWESOME with lots of great material that I am anxious to delve into!
Thank you!
I am glad you like my blog Rhonda!
I actually designed the layout myself. I used Thesis with significant modifications.
I am sure that, given the time and effort, you can develop everything necessary to develop a blog like this
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I really appreciate it.
Hi Michael
I came across your Blog by way of Ty Tribbles aswell.. Very good Value your giving! I’m very new to this Industry, and it’s very nerve racking at times. However, it’s times like this when I run across great value that I’m pumped up again.. I was blown away with what you had to say about people going from company to company, in search of Leaders.. I’ve noticed that alot in this Industry.. I never want to be one of those people. I Love the copany I’m with, but as you said it’s the lack of Leadership that has me at a cross road.. It’s either go at it on my own, or search for leadership outside my company. Whichever the case, I have a very strong desire to Succeed! I’m working on this Blog thing, and from what I see here yours is a good place to learn. With that being said, Thanks for the great Value!
Sincerely, Willie Dunham
Well Willie, I am glad that you found my blog.
I remember when I was new, not knowing what i was going to do next. It can be very nerve racking, so I can definitely relate.
I know if you stick with it you will succeed at it. Put forth effort, and don’t give up, and you will make it.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting Willie!
Hi Michael,
I take great value at what I do and that is what helps me develop my leadership skills.
I am never afraid to ask for help. I don’t mind listening to suggestions. When I know the answer, I know when to speak up and express my opinion.
A leader is more than someone that leads, he is someone that sets the example and from this, the others want to follow.
Have a great day,
Tommy D.
Hi Michael!
I totally agree with you that Network Marketing and Direct Sales are both incredible places to learn leadership!
I love and hate network marketing because it has such low risk and investment to get involved. On one side it’s great because everyone can get started and everyone has the same potential to create a significant income from it. But on the other side, because the requirements to get started are so minimal, a lot of people who join don’t take it seriously, and therefore do not put forth the effort it requires to be successful and become a leader.
Your post reminded me of the quote by Brian Tracy, “Become the kind of leader people would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title or position.”
Thanks for the awesome and thought provoking post!
Heather
Michael, nicely pointed out.
Leadership has nothing to do with money or rank (to a lesser extent).
Getting people to follow you (buy into you) of their on free will is true leadership.
Many “leaders” use hype and “marketing tricks” to appear as leaders when in reality they are just sheep following the poor example of a poor leader.
(look on Facebook, they are easy to spot).
Great post
Chat soon
Dwayne Huggins
Very good point. I spent several years in school getting an MBA degree while I worked my way up the corporate ladder and I learned very few leadership skills. I did learn a whole lot of what not to do but had very few what to do lessons.
You are absolutely right, Michael. You cannot make it in the network marketing industry if you don’t possess good leadership skills. This is the best place to learn leadership indeed!
Thanks for sharing your insights.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Aloha Michael,
and thank you for your congrats on Marcus’ blog. I’m progressively coming back to participate to the tribes this week, I’ve been absent too long! So it’s very nice to reconnect with you this way today!
Your post today is quite helpful to me, stimulative to keep the mindset! And I like your blog settings. May I suggest that you add a complementary “warm” color to the only “cold” ones you have there so far? I love the design of your pages, but it misses something warm and more welcoming.
Talk soon!