More From Joyce

Apathy.  We Canadians are known for it although some call it a social conscious, peacekeepers versus fighters or how about the “we’re just nice people” label?

You know the type.  It’s pretty rampant in the United States too.  Don’t rock the boat.  Don’t question other people.  Above all things encourage and support people.  If the truth hurts, don’t say it.  Be nice, don’t say anything that’s going to hurt someone else’s feelings.  Pass laws that force people to be nice, that allows everyone to feel better about themselves, that takes God out of schools and Christ out of Christmas so nobody feels uncomfortable.

Well OK, I have to admit we didn’t discuss all of those topics but my point was, there are times when you just have to stand up and because we care say “That’s enough!”

I have this friendship that is older than dirt (I’m blessed although she would disagree with me).  We are polar opposites in our opinions and it doesn’t take much to find something we can “discuss”.  Today, I brought up how apathetic people can be when they just accept what they read and hear as the truth.  Innocent topic I thought.  Not so, she thinks and proceeds to expound on how people are more aware now than they have every been, la de da and the debate was on !

People buy with emotion ….

My feeble (in comparison) attempts to explain to her that most people function off of the feel good, this is exciting emotional rollercoaster when they make their decisions went in one ear and out the other.  I’m getting a bit more forceful here but I told her very few people, people who were online, (and therefore in her opinion more knowledgeable) really questioned what they were told.  My network marketer readers will understand this example:  “Warm market is dead – Oh Yah, yes, yes that’s true” when in truth there are millionaires still being made in the warm market today.

I wanted to share with her (couldn’t, no computer handy) a comment posted by Andrea Felder on a Betternetworker forum topic I had written about people not realizing how they are being manipulated.  Andrea’s quote:  Whenever any of my marketing friends ( enthusiastic about a new program, venture, or service ) ask me whether I think they should buy or join I always ask them one simple question: “What are you going to do with it?” I want to take them off the emotional rollercoaster and really just think for a minute, because truthfully at the end of the day everything starts and ends in thought. (Emphasis mine)

Where was Andrea when I needed her?  She obviously understands the buy with emotion and then regret the amount of money they’ve spent later syndrome.

She didn’t say it and maybe wouldn’t agree with me either but there are a lot of people who tap into that syndrome then search for someone to blame – you know the “gurus” are at fault type of thing.  “I spent a gazillion dollars with those gurus and they weren’t there to mentor me” Sob.

There should be a law ….

Back to my older than dirt friend who has a weird view of the world and the people contained within it.  I threw up my hands (literally) when she said “Yes, there should be laws to protect people who don’t read the fine print.”  Oh boy.  But what do you expect from someone who still thinks network marketing is a scam?

What a great discussion.  She was dead wrong (although she would disagree).  We shared a hug, exchanged one of those “I love you” smiles and departed, both knowing tomorrow would bring another topic.  Another problem to discuss.

I still believe (despite her opposing opinion), that people should do some thinking for themselves before they accept, believe and/or buy into something.  There is nothing wrong with questioning, taking time to think, balancing out the truth of what you are hearing or reading against the facts.  Personally being aware of the manipulations you are susceptible to.

That is our duty to ourselves.  That is our responsibility as business owners.  That is what should be expected from our team, downline, friends and mentors.

“Caring means you don’t tell someone they’re wrong” I heard today (which was funny because we must have told each other numerous times how wrong the other was).  Caring to me has always meant that you speak the truth.  You don’t bury, you don’t pretend it’s not there, you don’t look away and then speak only positive, reinforcing words.  Sometimes it hurts to care and it takes guts to have those honest discussions.

Do you care enough to speak the truth?

I think I just might care enough to speak the truth when it needs to be spoken.  In my house it’s called tough love and the kids hate it but they know that it’s invoked only because I care.  In my business, it’s called honesty and some may hate it but you won’t get a lot of sympathy if you want to blame anyone other than the one you see in the mirror for your lack of success.  Or if you fell for some manipulation tactics.  Or if you haven’t questioned enough.

“If you aren’t big enough to stand criticism, you are too small to be praised.” – Earl Deason

Because, I care or I wouldn’t question you nor provide the solutions that I think would work for you.  Really it’s easier not to care.  Caring gets uncomfortable at times.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Joyce Penner is an entrepreneur and author. Her latest ebook “You’ve Started A Business” was written specifically for those who have started a business working from home.  Making the transition from “working at home” to being an entrepreneur is a mental adjustment with very few books, mentors or guidance on what needs to be done to accomplish the change.  The free ebook is available only for a limited time by signing up for it on her blog at http://joycepenner.info

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