How Do You Find Prospects Without Being Pushy?
Stop Trying to Convince Everyone — Start Finding People Who Are Already Open
WEALTHNETWORK MARKETINGINCOMEMONEYFINANCES
Coach Marcus Jones
9/16/202619 min read
How Do You Find Prospects Without Being Pushy?
Stop Trying to Convince Everyone — Start Finding People Who Are Already Open
By Coach Marcus Jones
One of the biggest fears new network marketers have is:
“I DON’T WANT TO BOTHER PEOPLE.”
Good.
You shouldn’t.
That fear can actually protect you from becoming:
Pushy.
Spammy.
Aggressive.
And desperate.
But there’s another problem.
Some people become so afraid of being pushy that they:
NEVER TALK TO ANYONE.
That doesn’t work either.
You do not build a business by:
Pressuring everybody.
But you also do not build one by:
Hiding what you do.
The answer is somewhere in the middle.
You need to learn how to:
FIND PEOPLE WHO ARE OPEN.
Not:
Convince people who are closed.
That is the difference.
And once you understand that, prospecting becomes:
More respectful.
More natural.
More professional.
And a lot less stressful.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What a prospect really is
Why prospecting does not have to be pushy
Why you should not look at everyone as a prospect
How to recognize openness
How to use curiosity
Why permission matters
How to ask better questions
How to lead with outcomes instead of company names
How to talk about an additional stream of income
How to use your own story
How social media can create inbound prospects
How to use content instead of constant outreach
How to follow up without pressure
How to respect no
How to qualify prospects instead of chasing them
Why timing matters
How to build a simple prospecting pipeline
What not to say
A simple daily prospecting approach
QUICK ANSWER: HOW DO YOU FIND PROSPECTS WITHOUT BEING PUSHY?
You do it by looking for:
OPENNESS.
Not by trying to create:
COMPLIANCE.
A good prospect is someone who is already open to:
A second income.
Entrepreneurship.
Flexible work.
Health and wellness.
Personal development.
A new product.
A business opportunity.
Or another financial option.
Your job is not:
“MAKE THEM WANT IT.”
Your job is:
“FIND OUT IF THEY ARE OPEN.”
That is professional prospecting.
A PROSPECT IS NOT JUST A NAME
This is where people get confused.
A contact is:
Someone you know.
A prospect is:
Someone who may have:
RELEVANCE + INTEREST + OPENNESS.
Those are different things.
Your cousin is not automatically:
A prospect.
Your coworker is not automatically:
A prospect.
Your Facebook friend is not automatically:
A prospect.
A prospect becomes a prospect when:
THERE IS SOME REASON TO BELIEVE THE CONVERSATION IS RELEVANT.
That distinction helps you protect:
Relationships.
STOP LOOKING AT EVERYONE AS A TARGET
When you walk into:
Church.
The gym.
A family gathering.
A networking event.
The grocery store.
Your neighborhood.
Don’t immediately think:
“WHO CAN I RECRUIT?”
That mindset changes:
How you talk.
How you listen.
How you relate.
People can feel when:
YOU WANT SOMETHING FROM THEM.
Be a person first.
Then let business conversations develop:
Naturally.
PROSPECTING IS NOT CONVINCING
This may be the most important principle in this article.
Prospecting is not:
Talking someone into something.
It is:
IDENTIFYING INTEREST.
Think about fishing.
You don’t jump into the lake and:
Chase every fish.
You place:
Something relevant
in the right environment
and see:
WHAT RESPONDS.
That is much closer to professional prospecting.
YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SIGNALS
A prospect may reveal openness by saying things like:
“I need another stream of income.”
“I’m tired of working overtime.”
“I want something flexible.”
“I’d like to build something on the side.”
“I want to retire earlier.”
“I’m looking for something I can do from home.”
“I’d like to earn extra money without another job.”
“I’ve thought about starting a business.”
Those are:
SIGNALS.
That is when you can say:
“I MAY HAVE SOMETHING YOU’D BE OPEN TO LOOKING AT.”
Simple.
LISTEN MORE THAN YOU TALK
If your prospecting strategy is:
You talk for 10 minutes
and they listen...
you may be doing too much.
Try this instead:
Ask:
What are they working on?
What are their goals?
What are they trying to change?
What would extra income do for them?
Now you can understand:
WHETHER YOUR OPPORTUNITY IS EVEN RELEVANT.
ASK QUESTIONS THAT CREATE CLARITY
Some good questions are:
“What would an additional stream of income ideally do for you?”
“Are you open to earning outside your job?”
“Have you ever thought about building something part-time?”
“Would you prefer extra monthly cash flow or something you could potentially scale?”
“What kind of flexibility would matter most to you?”
These are not:
CLOSING QUESTIONS.
They are:
DISCOVERY QUESTIONS.
OUTCOME-BASED QUESTIONS WORK WELL
People may not care about:
They care about:
OUTCOMES.
Maybe they want:
$500 extra monthly.
Travel money.
Debt reduction.
Retirement savings.
More flexibility.
Less overtime.
A business they can grow part-time.
So instead of asking:
“ARE YOU INTERESTED IN NETWORK MARKETING?”
ask something like:
“WOULD YOU BE OPEN TO AN ADDITIONAL STREAM OF INCOME IF IT DIDN’T REQUIRE YOU TO QUIT WHAT YOU’RE ALREADY DOING?”
That’s a different conversation.
DON’T LEAD WITH THE COMPANY NAME
This is not about hiding anything.
It is about:
CONTEXT.
If you say:
“Are you interested in Company XYZ?”
they may immediately respond based on:
A name.
A rumor.
A past experience.
Instead, first understand:
WHAT THEY WANT.
Then share the relevant information.
BUT DON’T BE VAGUE FOREVER
Curiosity is useful.
Deception is not.
Once someone is:
Open...
be clear.
Tell them:
What it is.
How it works.
What it costs.
What it requires.
Transparency matters.
Curiosity should:
OPEN THE CONVERSATION.
Not:
HIDE THE TRUTH.
PERMISSION CHANGES EVERYTHING
Compare these two approaches.
PUSHY:
“You need to look at this.”
PERMISSION-BASED:
“Would you be open to taking a quick look?”
Big difference.
Permission tells the prospect:
“YOU ARE IN CONTROL.”
And that reduces:
Resistance.
ASK BEFORE YOU SEND INFORMATION
Don’t just drop:
Links.
Videos.
PDFs.
Presentations.
Into someone’s inbox.
Ask:
“Would you be open to seeing a short overview?”
If yes:
Send it.
If no:
Respect it.
That is:
PROFESSIONAL.
DON’T SEND A 40-MINUTE VIDEO WITHOUT WARNING
If the tool is:
40 minutes...
say so.
Better yet:
Use shorter tools.
People are busy.
The easier it is to:
Consume.
The easier it is to:
FOLLOW UP.
INVITE MORE. EXPLAIN LESS.
This principle matters.
Your job is not to explain:
Every rank.
Every bonus.
Every product.
Every feature.
Every qualification.
Your job is:
GET THEM TO THE NEXT STEP.
Invite:
A look.
A call.
A short video.
A presentation.
Then:
Follow up.
OVEREXPLAINING CREATES CONFUSION
A prospect asks:
“How does it work?”
You explain:
Binary.
Matrix.
Unilevel.
Retail.
Matching bonus.
Customer volume.
Rank.
Depth.
Leadership pool.
Now they are:
LOST.
Start with:
The big picture.
Then go deeper if:
They want to.
LEAD WITH WHAT MATTERS TO THEM
If they want:
Extra money...
talk about:
Income potential and work required.
If they want:
Flexibility...
talk about:
Part-time structure.
If they want:
Products...
talk about:
Products.
If they want:
A full business...
talk about:
Scale and leadership.
Don’t use:
ONE SCRIPT FOR EVERYONE.
YOUR STORY CAN CREATE CURIOSITY
Stories are powerful because they are:
Human.
You might say:
“I wanted another stream of income without giving up what I was already doing.”
Or:
“I became an entrepreneur while still working in corporate America.”
Or:
“I liked the idea of building something part-time.”
That creates:
RELATABILITY.
But again:
Share your story.
Don’t turn it into:
A promise.
YOUR STORY IS NOT THEIR GUARANTEE
This is important.
You may say:
“This helped me create another stream of income.”
Good.
Do not say:
“This will do the same for you.”
Results vary.
FTC guidance makes clear that earnings representations need to reflect what typical participants are likely to achieve and should not rely on extraordinary anecdotes alone. (ftc.gov)
USE YOUR CREDIBILITY — NOT YOUR EGO
If you have:
Business experience.
Sales experience.
Leadership experience.
Years in the industry.
That can create:
Trust.
But don’t make the conversation about:
HOW IMPORTANT YOU ARE.
Make it about:
WHETHER THIS FITS THEM.
CURIOSITY POSTS CAN CREATE INBOUND PROSPECTS
Instead of messaging:
100 people...
you can create content that causes:
Interested people
to:
RAISE THEIR HAND.
For example:
“Would an extra $500–$1,000 a month make a meaningful difference for you?”
Or:
“Would you rather work overtime forever or build another stream of income?”
Or:
“I’m looking for a few people who are open to learning how to create additional income part-time.”
Those posts can start:
CONVERSATIONS.
But be careful with:
Earnings claims.
Don't imply:
Guaranteed results.
SOCIAL MEDIA CAN FILTER FOR INTEREST
People who:
Comment.
Message.
Ask questions.
React repeatedly.
Watch your content.
Are giving you:
SIGNALS.
Those are warmer prospects than:
Random cold outreach.
That is why content can create:
LEVERAGE.
CONTENT SHOULD ATTRACT THE RIGHT PERSON
Not everyone.
The right person.
Someone who thinks:
“That sounds like me.”
That is:
POSITIONING.
SHARE BUSINESS EDUCATION, NOT JUST OPPORTUNITY POSTS
Teach:
How multiple income streams work.
Why one income source can be risky.
How side businesses work.
The difference between active and leveraged income.
How recurring revenue works.
Now people begin to think:
“THIS PERSON UNDERSTANDS BUSINESS.”
That creates:
Trust.
EDUCATION MAKES THE BUSINESS CONVERSATION EASIER
If someone has read:
Your posts.
Watched your videos.
Seen your business philosophy.
You don’t have to start from:
ZERO.
They already know:
What you believe.
That is:
PRE-FRAMING.
YOUR BRAND SHOULD DO SOME OF THE PROSPECTING FOR YOU
This is powerful.
When people know you for:
Faith.
Health.
Wealth.
Business education.
Leadership.
Then when you mention:
A business opportunity...
it fits:
WHO YOU ALREADY ARE.
That is stronger than suddenly becoming:
“BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GUY.”
DON’T POST ONLY WHEN YOU NEED PEOPLE
If your business content disappears for:
Three weeks...
then suddenly:
“WHO WANTS TO MAKE MONEY?”
it feels:
Transactional.
Be consistent.
Teach.
Share.
Build authority.
Then:
Opportunity conversations feel:
Natural.
THE BEST PROSPECTING IS OFTEN INBOUND
Inbound means:
They come to you.
They ask:
“What are you doing?”
“How does that work?”
“Can you send me info?”
That is powerful because the prospect has already demonstrated:
CURIOSITY.
BUT YOU STILL NEED OUTBOUND ACTIVITY
Don’t hide behind:
Content.
Sometimes you need to:
Start conversations.
The key is:
Relevance.
Not:
RANDOM SPAM.
WARM-MARKET PROSPECTING CAN BE NATURAL
Think of people who have:
Asked about side income.
Talked about retirement.
Mentioned business.
Expressed frustration with work.
Said they need extra money.
Now you have:
A reason.
You might say:
“You mentioned wanting an extra income stream. Would you be open to taking a look at something I’m working on?”
That is:
RELEVANT.
COLD PROSPECTING NEEDS EVEN MORE RESPECT
If you do not know someone:
Don’t send:
“Hey girl! I have the perfect opportunity for you!”
No.
Start with:
Context.
Maybe you genuinely connect around:
Business.
Entrepreneurship.
Wellness.
Content.
Then:
Build rapport.
Cold outreach should still feel:
HUMAN.
PERSONALIZATION MATTERS
If your message could be sent to:
10,000 people
without changing one word...
it probably feels:
GENERIC.
Use:
Their name.
Their context.
A real reason for reaching out.
DON’T FAKE CONNECTION
Don’t say:
“I love your page!”
if you’ve never looked at it.
Don’t pretend:
Interest
just to:
Pitch.
People recognize:
FAKE RAPPORT.
BUILD A REAL NETWORK
The word is:
NETWORK.
Not:
CONTACT LIST.
Build relationships:
Professionally.
Genuinely.
Consistently.
That makes prospecting:
Much easier over time.
NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED SOMETHING
The worst time to build relationships is:
When you suddenly need:
10 NEW PEOPLE.
Be useful before:
You need an enrollment.
That creates:
Social capital.
ASK ABOUT GOALS BEFORE SHARING THE BUSINESS
If someone says:
“I’d like extra income.”
Ask:
“How much would actually make a difference?”
Maybe:
$300.
$500.
$2,000.
Now you understand:
THE GOAL.
And you can discuss the business more honestly.
DON’T ASSUME EVERYONE WANTS TO QUIT THEIR JOB
This is a big mistake.
Some people:
Love their career.
They just want:
Another stream.
Great.
Don't say:
“FIRE YOUR BOSS.”
That can feel:
Immature.
Help them build around:
Their life.
PART-TIME CAN BE THE RIGHT POSITIONING
For many people:
Part-time
is much more realistic than:
“QUIT YOUR JOB.”
Especially when they are:
Testing the business.
Learning skills.
Building customers.
That protects:
Their finances.
DON’T USE FINANCIAL PAIN AS A WEAPON
Someone says:
“I’m struggling.”
Do not say:
“THAT’S WHY YOU NEED TO JOIN.”
That can be manipulative.
Instead:
Listen.
If relevant, say:
“I may have something you’d be open to learning about.”
Then let them:
Decide.
EMPATHY SHOULD NOT BECOME PRESSURE
People in financial stress may be:
More vulnerable.
Be especially careful with:
Big income promises.
Urgency.
Pressure.
Upfront spending.
The FTC warns against deceptive or unsubstantiated earnings claims in MLM and other money-making opportunities. (ftc.gov)
DON’T PROMISE AN INCOME RESULT
Do not say:
“You’ll make $500 your first month.”
“You’ll replace your income in a year.”
“You’ll retire in three years.”
Unless you have a legally supportable basis for a claim about typical results, those statements can be misleading.
Better:
“THERE IS INCOME POTENTIAL, BUT RESULTS VARY.”
Then show:
The official disclosure.
QUALIFY YOUR PROSPECT
This is one of the biggest differences between:
Professional prospecting
and:
Chasing.
Ask:
Are they:
Open?
Interested?
Able to invest the required time?
Comfortable with selling?
Willing to learn?
Do they like the products?
Do they have a realistic goal?
You are not just asking:
“WILL THEY JOIN?”
You are asking:
“IS THIS A FIT?”
NOT EVERY YES IS A GOOD YES
Someone says:
“Yes!”
But they:
Have no time.
Don't want to sell.
Don't want to learn.
Can't afford required expenses.
Expect instant money.
That person may not be:
A GOOD BUSINESS FIT.
More enrollments do not automatically mean:
Better business.
SET EXPECTATIONS BEFORE THEY JOIN
Tell them:
This requires:
Learning.
Customer acquisition.
Follow-up.
Consistency.
Skills.
Time.
That may scare away:
Some people.
Good.
You want:
INFORMED PEOPLE.
THE RIGHT PROSPECT SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE WORK
A person who thinks:
“This is automatic money”
may quit quickly.
A person who understands:
“This is a part-time business I need to build”
has:
BETTER EXPECTATIONS.
TIMING MATTERS
Someone may love:
The idea.
But:
Wrong month.
Wrong finances.
Wrong family situation.
Wrong schedule.
Don’t force:
NOW.
Respect timing.
“NOT NOW” CAN BE A REAL ANSWER
If someone says:
“Check back in January.”
Great.
Ask permission.
Then:
CHECK BACK IN JANUARY.
That is professional follow-up.
YOUR DATABASE SHOULD TRACK TIMING
Use:
A CRM.
Spreadsheet.
Notes.
Track:
Name.
Interest.
Goal.
Date.
Next follow-up.
Status.
This keeps you from:
REPEATEDLY BOTHERING PEOPLE.
DON’T MESSAGE SOMEONE EVERY THREE DAYS FOREVER
If they are:
Not responding...
read the signal.
Maybe one more polite follow-up.
Then:
Move on.
Your business has:
MORE PEOPLE.
NO RESPONSE IS SOMETIMES A RESPONSE
You don't need:
A courtroom verdict.
Respect:
Silence.
Protect:
Your dignity.
And theirs.
FOLLOW-UP SHOULD BE LIGHT
Something like:
“Just circling back. If the timing isn’t right, no problem at all.”
That gives:
An exit.
People appreciate:
LOW PRESSURE.
THE GOAL OF FOLLOW-UP IS CLARITY
You want:
Yes.
No.
Maybe later.
Not:
ENDLESS LIMBO.
That helps you:
Manage your pipeline.
DON’T ARGUE WITH OBJECTIONS
Someone says:
“I’m not interested in network marketing.”
Don't:
Debate.
Say:
“No problem.”
Maybe ask once:
“What specifically turns you off about it?”
if the relationship supports that.
Then listen.
You may learn:
Something.
But don't try to:
WIN.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DEFEND THE INDUSTRY TO EVERYONE
Some people have:
Strong opinions.
Bad experiences.
No interest.
Fine.
Your job is:
FIND THE OPEN.
Not:
Convert the closed.
SORT, DON’T CONVINCE
This principle will save you:
Time.
Emotion.
Relationships.
Your job is to sort:
Open.
Not open.
Now.
Later.
Customer.
Business builder.
No fit.
That’s:
PROFESSIONAL PROSPECTING.
THINK LIKE A RECRUITER, NOT A CHASER
Professional recruiters know:
Not every candidate fits.
They identify:
People with:
Interest.
Skills.
Goals.
Availability.
Your business should be similar.
USE TOOLS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO EXPLAIN EVERYTHING
A short overview.
A video.
A website.
A presentation.
A webinar.
These let the prospect:
Learn.
Then you follow up.
That keeps conversations:
CONSISTENT.
And makes duplication:
Easier.
THE TOOL SHOULD DO THE EXPLAINING
Your job:
Invite.
Tool:
Explain.
You:
Follow up.
That is simpler than:
BECOMING A WALKING PRESENTATION.
THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION CAN LOWER RESISTANCE
Sometimes people trust:
A video.
Company page.
Independent documentation.
More than:
Your explanation.
Use:
Reliable resources.
But never use tools to:
HIDE MATERIAL INFORMATION.
SOCIAL PROOF CAN HELP — IF IT IS RESPONSIBLE
Customer stories.
Business stories.
Recognition.
Can help.
But don't use:
Top-earner testimonials
as if they represent:
NORMAL RESULTS.
Context matters.
DON’T LEAD WITH THE BIGGEST CHECK
That may create:
Excitement.
But it can also create:
Unrealistic expectations.
Better to say:
“LET’S LOOK AT HOW THE BUSINESS ACTUALLY WORKS.”
That is more sustainable.
YOUR CALMNESS IS AN ADVANTAGE
Desperate people:
Chase.
Confident people:
Invite.
That difference is:
FELT.
You do not need:
This one person.
You need:
The right people.
That creates:
Better energy.
DETACH FROM THE OUTCOME
This is one of the healthiest things you can learn.
Invite.
Share.
Follow up.
Then:
Let them choose.
Your job is:
THE PROCESS.
Their job is:
THE DECISION.
DON’T COUNT THEIR MONEY
You think:
“They make good money. They should join.”
No.
Maybe they don't want:
Another business.
Respect:
Their priorities.
DON’T ASSUME SOMEONE NEEDS MONEY BECAUSE YOU THINK THEY DO
Same principle.
Your perception is not:
Their reality.
Ask:
QUESTIONS.
PROSPECT FOR PROBLEMS, NOT POCKETBOOKS
This is a better lens.
Are they looking for:
More flexibility?
More income?
A business?
A product solution?
That is:
RELEVANCE.
YOUR BEST PROSPECT MAY ALREADY BE A CUSTOMER
A happy customer understands:
The product.
The value.
The experience.
If they ask:
“How do you earn with this?”
now you have:
A natural transition.
But again:
LET THE INTEREST COME FIRST.
CUSTOMER-TO-BUILDER CAN BE A STRONG PATH
Why?
They already have:
Product belief.
Personal experience.
Maybe referrals.
That can reduce:
The learning curve.
But don't pressure:
Happy customers
to become:
BUSINESS BUILDERS.
REFERRALS WORK FOR PROSPECTING TOO
Someone may say:
“I’m not interested.”
Fine.
You might ask:
“Do you know someone who's actively looking for a side income?”
Only if:
It feels appropriate.
Don't turn every no into:
ANOTHER ASK.
Use judgment.
NETWORKING EVENTS CAN CREATE PROSPECTS
Professional events.
Business groups.
Entrepreneur meetups.
Community organizations.
These spaces already contain people interested in:
CONNECTION.
But remember:
Network.
Don't:
POUNCE.
ASK WHAT THEY DO FIRST
Be interested.
Then share:
What you do.
That creates:
A normal business conversation.
YOUR ELEVATOR ANSWER SHOULD BE SIMPLE
Someone asks:
“What do you do?”
Don't deliver:
A compensation-plan presentation.
You might say:
“I HELP PEOPLE IMPROVE THEIR WELLNESS AND, FOR THOSE WHO ARE OPEN, I ALSO SHOW THEM HOW TO CREATE AN ADDITIONAL STREAM OF INCOME.”
That's enough to create:
Curiosity.
IF THEY ASK MORE, SHARE MORE
Let:
Their curiosity
control:
The depth.
That keeps the conversation:
NATURAL.
DON’T DUMP EVERYTHING ON THEM
Curiosity is like:
A door.
If they open it:
Step through.
Don't:
KICK IT DOWN.
YOUR PROSPECTING SHOULD FIT YOUR PERSONALITY
You don't need to copy:
The loudest leader.
If you're:
Reserved.
Educational.
Relationship-driven.
Build that way.
Authenticity makes:
CONSISTENCY EASIER.
YOU CAN PROSPECT WITHOUT COLD MESSAGING 100 PEOPLE A DAY
There are many methods:
Content.
Referrals.
Networking.
Lives.
Email.
Events.
Search.
Community.
Direct outreach.
You need:
A METHOD YOU CAN SUSTAIN.
BUT YOU DO NEED CONSISTENT EXPOSURE
People cannot say:
Yes
to something they:
NEVER SEE.
So don't confuse:
“not being pushy”
with:
“never sharing.”
There is a difference.
SHARE REGULARLY WITHOUT SHARING AGGRESSIVELY
That is the balance.
Visible.
Not desperate.
Consistent.
Not annoying.
Educational.
Not hype-driven.
BUILD A SIMPLE PROSPECTING PIPELINE
Use five stages:
1. IDENTIFY
Who may be open?
2. CONNECT
Start a genuine conversation.
3. DISCOVER
What do they want?
4. INVITE
Would they like to look?
5. FOLLOW UP
What did they think?
That's:
SIMPLE.
TRACK THE PIPELINE
If you talked to:
20 people...
How many were:
Open?
How many looked?
How many followed up?
How many joined?
That tells you:
Where you need improvement.
DON’T JUDGE YOUR BUSINESS BY ONE CONVERSATION
You talk to:
One person.
They say:
No.
That is:
ONE DATA POINT.
Keep going.
REJECTION IS PART OF PROSPECTING
No.
Not now.
Not interested.
That's normal.
The key is:
DON’T PERSONALIZE IT.
They are rejecting:
The offer.
The timing.
The model.
Not:
Your worth.
BUT DON’T GLORIFY REJECTION EITHER
Some leaders say:
“Collect 100 no’s!”
I understand the mindset.
But I prefer:
COLLECT 100 QUALITY CONVERSATIONS.
Focus on:
People.
Not:
No-counting.
THE BETTER YOUR TARGETING, THE FEWER RANDOM NO’S YOU MAY NEED
If you talk only to:
Relevant people...
you improve:
Efficiency.
That is:
SMART PROSPECTING.
PROSPECTING IS A SKILL
You will get better at:
Starting conversations.
Asking questions.
Listening.
Inviting.
Following up.
Sorting.
Don't judge yourself based on:
WEEK ONE.
REVIEW YOUR CONVERSATIONS
Ask:
Did I talk too much?
Did I ask enough questions?
Did I pressure?
Did I explain too much?
Did I ask for permission?
Did I follow up?
That creates:
IMPROVEMENT.
AVOID THESE PHRASES
Be careful with:
“YOU’D BE CRAZY NOT TO DO THIS.”
“THIS IS A NO-BRAINER.”
“EVERYONE NEEDS THIS.”
“YOU CAN’T LOSE.”
“YOU’LL MAKE YOUR MONEY BACK FAST.”
“THIS IS YOUR TICKET TO FREEDOM.”
These can create:
Pressure.
And unrealistic expectations.
USE MORE GROUNDED LANGUAGE
Say:
“This may or may not fit you.”
“Take a look and decide.”
“Income varies.”
“There is work involved.”
“You can start part-time.”
“Let’s see if it matches your goals.”
That communicates:
CONFIDENCE WITHOUT HYPE.
YOUR GOAL IS NOT TO CREATE FOMO
Fear of missing out can produce:
Fast decisions.
And:
Fast cancellations.
You want:
INFORMED DECISIONS.
A SLOWER YES CAN BE BETTER THAN A FAST YES
A person who:
Understands.
Asks questions.
Thinks.
Decides.
May become:
A stronger builder
than someone who joined during:
AN EMOTIONAL HIGH.
DON’T USE PRESSURE TO HIT YOUR OWN RANK
Your deadline is:
YOUR DEADLINE.
Don't transfer your urgency to:
The prospect.
If you're one person away from:
A bonus...
that is not their problem.
YOUR BUSINESS GOALS SHOULD NEVER OVERRIDE THEIR RIGHT TO DECIDE
That is:
Integrity.
HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOULD YOU PROSPECT?
We'll go deeper into daily activity on:
Day 56.
But today, think:
QUALITY + CONSISTENCY.
Maybe:
2 genuine conversations daily.
Maybe:
Maybe:
The number matters less than:
ACTUALLY DOING IT.
START WITH TWO
Two business conversations per day.
That's:
14 per week.
Approximately:
60 per month.
Now you have:
ACTIVITY.
Later, on Day 56, we're going to connect this idea to a simple daily system.
SOCIAL MEDIA CAN SUPPORT THOSE CONVERSATIONS
Maybe your posts generate:
Replies.
Comments.
DMs.
Now some of your prospecting becomes:
INBOUND.
That is leverage.
BUILD A CONTENT BRIDGE
Your content can move people through:
Awareness.
Interest.
Curiosity.
Conversation.
Information.
Decision.
That is:
A PROSPECTING FUNNEL WITHOUT FEELING LIKE A FUNNEL.
LEAD WITH QUESTIONS PEOPLE ALREADY HAVE
“What are realistic ways to create a second income?”
“Can you build a business while working full-time?”
“What should you look for in a side business?”
That content attracts:
OPPORTUNITY-SEEKERS.
DON’T MAKE EVERY POST ABOUT YOUR COMPANY
Teach:
The category.
Then:
Your business becomes one:
POSSIBLE SOLUTION.
That is stronger.
TRUST IS A PROSPECTING ASSET
If people trust:
You...
they are more willing to:
Look.
That is why your brand matters.
Your reputation compounds.
ONE BAD MESSAGE CAN DAMAGE THAT TRUST
Spam:
500 people.
Get reported.
Lose relationships.
Not worth it.
Build:
LONG-TERM.
PROFESSIONAL PROSPECTING FEELS LIKE SORTING
Open?
Not open.
Now?
Later.
Product?
Business?
No fit?
That is all.
No drama.
YOUR PIPELINE SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON
Desperation usually happens when:
You need:
THIS ONE PERSON.
Build a pipeline.
Then one no becomes:
Normal.
MORE PROSPECTS CREATES LESS PRESSURE ON EACH PROSPECT
This is a powerful principle.
When you have:
10 people in your pipeline...
you don't need:
Person #1
to say yes.
That makes you:
CALMER.
And calmer prospecting is:
Better prospecting.
FOLLOW UP, DON’T HOVER
Give people:
Space.
They have:
Lives.
Respect:
Their timeline.
SOME PEOPLE WILL WATCH YOU FOR MONTHS
They may not respond now.
But they see:
Your consistency.
Your growth.
Your posts.
Your leadership.
Then later:
THEY ASK YOU.
That is why:
Long-term visibility matters.
YOUR BUSINESS IS ALWAYS BEING OBSERVED
Even people who never:
Like.
Comment.
Message.
may be watching.
Build like:
SOMEONE IS PAYING ATTENTION.
Because they probably are.
BE THE KIND OF PERSON SOMEONE WOULD WANT TO WORK WITH
Before asking:
“Who should join me?”
ask:
“AM I BECOMING SOMEONE PEOPLE WOULD WANT TO PARTNER WITH?”
Leadership starts:
Before enrollment.
PEOPLE JOIN PEOPLE
The company matters.
Products matter.
Compensation matters.
But people also ask:
“DO I TRUST YOU?”
That’s huge.
CHARACTER IS PART OF YOUR BUSINESS MODEL
Keep your word.
Follow up.
Be honest.
Do not exaggerate.
That becomes:
YOUR BRAND.
A SIMPLE NON-PUSHY PROSPECTING FORMULA
Try this:
CONNECT
Have a real conversation.
DISCOVER
Ask about goals.
IDENTIFY
Is there relevance?
ASK PERMISSION
“Would you be open to taking a look?”
SHARE
Use a simple tool.
FOLLOW UP
“What did you like best?”
SORT
Yes.
No.
Later.
That's it.
MYTHS VS. FACTS
Myth: Prospecting means pitching everyone you know.
Fact: Professional prospecting is about identifying people with relevant goals, needs or openness.
Myth: You have to be aggressive to build fast.
Fact: Clear invitations, consistent activity, good follow-up and strong targeting can produce results without pressure.
Myth: If someone says no, you need to overcome the objection.
Fact: Sometimes no simply means no. Respecting the decision protects relationships.
Myth: You should send information to everyone and let them sort themselves.
Fact: Permission-based sharing is more respectful and often more effective.
Myth: You need to explain the entire business yourself.
Fact: Simple tools can explain the basics, allowing you to focus on inviting, listening and following up.
Myth: Everyone wants to replace their job.
Fact: Many people simply want an additional stream of income or more flexibility.
Myth: A prospect who doesn't join today is lost forever.
Fact: Timing changes. Professional follow-up and long-term visibility can create future conversations.
COACH MARCUS TAKEAWAYS
Here's what I want you to remember.
1. DON'T LOOK AT EVERYONE AS A PROSPECT.
Look for:
OPENNESS.
2. PROSPECTING IS NOT CONVINCING.
It is:
SORTING.
3. ASK QUESTIONS.
Find out what:
They want.
4. LEAD WITH OUTCOMES.
Not:
Compensation-plan jargon.
5. ASK PERMISSION.
“Would you be open to taking a look?”
6. INVITE MORE. EXPLAIN LESS.
Use:
Simple tools.
7. RESPECT NO.
Protect:
Relationships.
8. USE CONTENT TO CREATE INBOUND INTEREST.
Let people:
Raise their hands.
9. BUILD A PIPELINE.
More prospects means:
Less pressure on each person.
10. REMEMBER:
THE GOAL IS NOT TO CONVINCE CLOSED PEOPLE.
It is:
FIND OPEN PEOPLE.
MY FINAL THOUGHT
One of the best things I ever learned in network marketing is:
I DO NOT NEED EVERYBODY.
That takes:
Pressure
off:
Me.
And:
The prospect.
I don't need my:
Friend.
Coworker.
Cousin.
Neighbor.
Gym partner.
Facebook follower.
to say:
YES.
I only need to find:
THE PEOPLE WHO ARE OPEN.
Open to:
Another income stream.
Open to:
Learning.
Open to:
Business.
Open to:
Products.
Open to:
Possibility.
Then:
I give them information.
I answer questions.
I tell the truth.
I follow up.
And:
THEY DECIDE.
That is a much healthier way to build.
I don't want to:
Convince.
Manipulate.
Pressure.
Chase.
I want to:
SORT.
Because the right person does not need:
A wrestling match.
They need:
Clarity.
And if they say:
No?
Good.
We still have:
THE RELATIONSHIP.
That matters to me.
I've built this business without looking at:
EVERYONE AS A PROSPECT.
And I believe more people would enjoy network marketing if they stopped:
Seeing targets
and started:
SEEING PEOPLE.
Talk to people.
Listen.
Pay attention to goals.
Ask permission.
Share when it's relevant.
Follow up.
Then:
Move on.
That is:
Simple.
Professional.
Sustainable.
And scalable.
Tomorrow we're moving into one of the most practical questions in this entire series:
“WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY WHEN SOMEONE ASKS ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?”
Because this is where people often:
TALK TOO MUCH.
We're going to build simple answers for:
“What do you do?”
“What is it?”
“How does it work?”
“Is it network marketing?”
“How much does it cost?”
“How much can I make?”
And we'll talk about why:
THE BEST ANSWER USUALLY CREATES ANOTHER QUESTION.
Not:
A 20-minute speech.
Getting older is automatic.
Building relationships with wisdom takes intention.
DON'T JUST GET OLDER. GET BETTER AT IT.
Faith. Health. Wealth. Build All Three.
— Coach Marcus Jones
BUSINESS, MARKETING & INCOME DISCLAIMER
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered individualized business, legal, financial, marketing, tax, employment, direct-selling or income advice. Network marketing results vary widely, and no income, customer growth, team growth, rank advancement, residual income or business outcome is guaranteed. Earnings representations should be truthful, substantiated and consistent with official company disclosures and applicable law. Prospects should be given accurate information about costs, requirements, typical results and the work involved, and should be allowed to make informed decisions without high-pressure tactics.
SOURCE ANNOTATIONS & FURTHER READING
[Source 1] Federal Trade Commission — Business Guidance Concerning Multi-Level Marketing
FTC guidance explains that earnings representations should reflect what typical participants are likely to achieve and should not rely on extraordinary anecdotes or unsupported claims. It also emphasizes looking at how MLM companies and participants market the opportunity in practice. (ftc.gov)
[Source 2] Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice — Multi-Level Marketing Businesses and Pyramid Schemes
FTC consumer guidance warns about high-pressure recruiting, unrealistic income promises and pressure to act immediately, while encouraging consumers to take time to research an MLM opportunity before joining. (consumer.ftc.gov)
[Source 3] Federal Trade Commission — Earnings Claims Guidance, 2026
The FTC reiterated in 2026 that companies and individual recruiters making earnings or lifestyle claims need support for what typical participants are likely to achieve and should not use exceptional results to imply ordinary outcomes. (ftc.gov)
PHASE 2 — WEEK 8: HOW TO BUILD NETWORK MARKETING
Day 52: How Do You Find Customers in Network Marketing?
Day 53: How Do You Find Prospects Without Being Pushy? — Current Article
Day 54: What Should You Say When Someone Asks About Your Business?
Day 55: How Do You Follow Up With a Network Marketing Prospect?
Day 56: How Many People Should You Talk to Every Day?
Day 57: Why Do Most People Fail in Network Marketing?
Day 58: How Long Does It Take to Build a Successful Network Marketing Business?
Day 59: What Is Duplication in Network Marketing?
Day 60: What Are the Most Important Skills to Learn in Network Marketing?
NEXT: DAY 54
What Should You Say When Someone Asks About Your Business?
Tomorrow we're going to simplify one of the most important conversations in network marketing.
We'll cover:
How to answer:
“WHAT DO YOU DO?”
without giving:
A speech.
How to explain the business in:
30 seconds.
How to lead with:
Outcomes.
How to create curiosity without:
Being vague.
How to answer:
“Is it MLM?”
without getting defensive.
How to explain:
Costs.
Income.
Products.
And the compensation model.
And one principle I want you to remember:
THE GOAL IS NOT TO TELL THEM EVERYTHING.
The goal is: