I really believe that black women are "nurturers" or caregivers by nature. Many of us have grown up in single family homes headed by the ultimate caregiver, family pillar or even neighborhood "savior"....our mothers. Some of us were fortunate enough to grow up with not only a caring mother, but also a supportive father in the house. Either way, the blessing of having a parent or parents to nurture us and "take care of everything" when we were children, helped us become the loving and supportive parent, wife, girlfriend or best friend we are today.

The problem only comes when we bring the attitude and behavior of "savior" or "ultimate caregiver” into how we build our Direct Sales team. Have you ever felt like many of your team members expect you to make them successful in network marketing? Or that you were responsible for what happened or did not happen in their business? Have you ever felt guilty if someone you sponsored, despite your constant support, decided to just quit? The truth is you are not alone, I have talked to several leaders in this business and they all felt this way at some point in their careers. I believe that black women are particularly prone to experience these emotions as we build our network marketing teams. So many of us grew up being responsible for our sisters and brothers behaviors, so it is natural to feel responsible for our new recruits and downline. Sadly, the truth is also that you may have set yourself up to have your recruits and organization depend on you just way too much. Many leaders and consultants make the mistake of recruiting and filling their teams with people who depend on them, and even expect them to build their businesses instead of filling a team with self-motivated and self-directing people.

So, if this sounds like you or someone else you know, don't worry. The good news is this problem can be repaired by simply making a change in the way you view and lead your team! It's time to stop building an orphanage full of people that will resent you in the end (remember, you were suppose to build their business for them!!) and start building a team of self motivated professionals that take responsibility for their own success or failure.

Your role as a leader is to provide an environment in which those that want to succeed have the tools and support to do it...period. If you are ready to bring true leadership to your team and train them to do the same once their team starts to grow, check out the following suggestions:

• Listen to what people say, but what really matters is what they do!

The true essence of a person is always revealed in their actions and behaviors, the words are secondary. Hear what a person says, but really pay attention to what they do. In network marketing it shows up clearly in what we call "activity".

•  Don't tie yourself up in the outcome of your team members results

It is ok to guide and coach her during the journey, even support her by conducting her first few parties or meetings. However, do not attach yourself to whether she achieves are goals. Ultimately, what your team member does with her business is out of your control.

• Make sure your leadership skills and experiences are sharp!

You can't lead another person beyond where you are. You need to make sure your have your team member’s respect by "walking the talk". In other words, make sure you are out there leading the way in sales, presentations, parties, recruiting, one on one meeting with prospects, attending all the company trainings, etc. Make sure you are sharpening your skills daily by reading at least 30 minutes of a good direct sales or network marketing book. Join on-line groups and blogs designed to educate black women and all women in the field of direct sales and network marketing. Let you team "see" you in the trenches, show them the "scar tissue" from all the rejections and no shows you've experienced on your journey. People will follow you and respect you more if they feel you can relate to what they are going through as they build their business.

• Tell the Truth always

I believe in being professional, fair and diplomatic at all times, but I don't believe in "sugar coating" or playing games. Your team needs you to be honest and upfront on topics that can determine their success or failure. For example, if you have a consultant that always talks about being a high income earner in the company but never has sales volume or consistent activity in her business, it does her no good if you "sugar coat" or avoid the truth by saying things like, "Oh, don't worry, you will make it" or "I know you will do better, just try harder". Your team member would be better served by you if you tell her honestly what kind of sales volume or activity it takes for her to reach her goals...period. Let her know if she is failing because of her lack of effort or determination. In the end, she will respect you more and respond accordingly.

• Don't drag people to the "promise land", develop them

This is the most important suggestion I have for you. DO NOT spend time with people that you have to beg to do this business. My best advice is to let them go and spend your time developing and working with people that are committed to achieving their dreams. Keep the other people on your email list if you like, but spend your time with those that are willing to make "it happen".

Building your business is not about finding a whole lot of people to join your team, it is more about finding the right people that are willing to learn, commit and be responsible for their own success. There is a reason it's called "prospecting". Just like the old gold miners of the California gold rush days, you will find lots of "rocks", but it only takes a few nuggets of "gold" to have an amazing and productive team. It is worth the "weight" in gold when you find them.  Good luck to you and much success!!

See YOU at the TOP!! 

British Hill

Director, Presidential Founder

Seriesse International