Twitter — If Everyone is Following, Then Who is Leading?
I finally have to admit it.
I just don’t get Twitter.
There, I said it. And you know what?
I feel better.
It’s not that I don’t understand what Twitter is.
I just don’t get the point.
I consider myself a fairly bright guy. I graduated from college with a 3.8 cumulative average. I received a Ph.D. in Physiology at age 23. I’ve done a postdoctoral appointment at Harvard Medical School and I’ve worked at some of the best hospitals on the East Coast.
But the real purpose of Twitter? Nope, don’t get it.
Maybe its because I’ve watched all my Network Marketing friends spend hours upon hours following anyone and everyone they can find that may even remotely be interested in what they have to sell, hoping they will follow them back and then unfollowing them if they don’t. I hear these major proclamations of having reached 500, 1000, and even 1,000,000 followers.
I guess that’s good, but how can anyone listen to anything if they are following so many people?
I know I can’t, and I only follow 200 people. Even that is a challenge to me.
I know, I know… I can use Tweet Deck to segment my followers. I can use Tweet Later to automate my tweets. But why?
What’s the purpose?
I don’t go on Twitter with the purpose of buying something or joining another home business opportunity. I’m perfectly happy with the one I have. I don’t go on Twitter to hear the next best inspirational or motivational quote that is copied off the Internet. I am pretty motivated already.
Should I really be honest?
I go on Twitter for only a couple of reasons.
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First, to see what guys like Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki, and Mike Dillard (yes, Mike I am a follower) do on a daily basis. I’m curious.
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Second, I follow established people in my industry who I respect, not because I think they’ll be handing out any unique tidbits of knowledge (although they might), but more because I want to see what they consider important to post on Twitter.
So if the idea is to follow as many people on Twitter as possible, so they will follow you back, then it seems to me that everyone is following and no one is actually leading.
But I’ve discovered that I’m wrong. I think I’ve figured out who the leaders are on Twitter.
The leaders are the ones who follow the LEAST number of people. Check this out –
- The “real” Donald Trump — 2549 followers…. Following 2.
- Robert Kiyosaki — 10, 148 followers…. Following 9
- My favorite example…. Al Gore — 1,015,073 followers …. Following 8!
- And we all remember how Mike Dillard “purged” his follower list (a move I strongly agreed with).
The ultimate leader on Twitter? It must be Jay Kubassek.
Jay had to actually APPROVE me before I could follow him. Now he must be THE LEADER! (I say this tongue in cheek. Jay is, in fact, one of the strongest leaders I have had the pleasure of knowing).
In all seriousness folks, what’s the damn point!
Someone straighten me out here. Help me understand the real meaning and purpose of Twitter.
Where Do You Rank as a Network Marketing Leader?
Over the past years, I’ve had the opportunity to observe leadership, particularly as it pertains to the Network Marketing industry. And the more I observed these people, those who are a cut above the rest, those 3 Percenters that I so often talk about on this blog, several characteristics or “methods of doing business” have stood out.
What do guys like Mike Dillard, Jay Kubassek, Aaron Parkinson, and Mark Weiser all have in common? Besides being pretty damn wealthy, I mean! 
Today I would like to share some of the leadership traits that I find particularly important.
As you’re reading through this list, compare yourself and where you are in your life and your business.
How do you measure up?
I would venture to say that the more traits you share with the top leaders in the industry, the closer you are to becoming the LEADER that others will follow.
After all, it’s not about who is selling the best products or which company has the most lucarative compensation plan… it’s ALL ABOUT LEADERSHIP.
People join leaders in Network Marketing, not companies.
Without further adieu,
These are the Top 10 Leadership Traits Commonly Found in Those That Dominate Network Marketing:
- Leaders hold themselves ACCOUNTABLE. They set daily, weekly, and monthly goals and hold themselves accountable to these goals. They do not require others to keep them on task. Leaders are SELF-MOTIVATED
- Leaders are SELF-DISCIPLINED. Almost all leaders I have ever met have a “daily method of operation” and are disciplined about completing each task.
- Leaders are VISIONARY. Leaders have a clear vision of why their business enterprise is important to them. Possibly even more importantly, leaders see possibilities that others may not. They are extremely open to exploring new ideas.
- Leaders are RISK TAKERS. They are not afraid to risk a lot to potentially gain even more. They are courageous in their dreams.
- Leaders do NOT RECOGNIZE FAILURE. Rather, they see each “failure” as important information for their next attempt, which they’re sure will be successful.
- Leaders OVERCOME OBSTACLES. They do not let setbacks stop them, but move around them and find alternative ways to achieve their goals.
- Leaders are CONFIDENT and SELF-ASSURED. They do not seek nor do they need the approval of others. Leaders are confident of their skills and their ability to help others attain a high level of success.
- Leaders DO NOT WORK HARD, they WORK SMART. Leaders understand the 80/20 rule — that 80% of their results will come from 20% of their efforts (income producing activities), and they adjust their work emphasis accordingly. Leaders are not afraid to OUTSOURCE or DELEGATE less important activities.
- Leaders continually STRIVE TO LEARN new things. They are always striving to improve their lives in any way possible through knowledge. Leaders never stop learning.
- Leaders are HUMBLE. True leaders never forget what is was like when they were not initially successful. Leaders are GRACIOUS for their success and THANKFUL for the opportunity to truly help others.
How do you stack up? Give yourself 1 point for each other the above traits that you feel you display.
Most people probably rank about a 2-3 on this scale if they’re very honest with themselves. I think if you rank 5 or above, you are well on your way to becoming the leader others will follow.
Rank an 8-9?
Give me a call so we can work together.
To your success!
Jay Kubassek’s Simple Secret To Success in Network Marketing
I just came across this video from a great friend and hugely successful network marketer that I want to share with you.
Jay Kubassek is the CEO of the company I chose for my primary income source on the Internet, but his wise words apply to all network marketers in any opportunity.
Truer words have never been spoken. It’s a problem we all face daily and one that needs to be overcome if you want to be successful.
Enjoy folks.
Have a great and productive day!
Bob’s Primary Income Opportunity
Are You Getting Social Networking All Wrong?
Welcome to Day 12 of the ‘30 TIps in 30 Days’ Blog special — one Business or Marketing Tip for each day of the month of December. Today we turn our focus squarely on Marketing.
Sidenote: I am spending the day at a special workshop with Jay Kubassek, Aaron Parkinson, Dennis Karganilla, Jimmy Davis, and Howie Schwartz who will be doing one-on-one coaching with Rosemary and I. Yes, it WAS expensive, but we know that any money we spend taking advantage of this offer will be DWARFED by the financial returns we will see because of what we learn.
It’s all about INVESTING IN YOUR BUSINESS, guys.
Because we will be at this event all day (and then to the Carbon Copy Pro Holiday Party later tonight), I am going to make this short and sweet….
Are you getting Social Networking all WRONG?
Why do I ask this? Because I am amazed when I go to social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter how many people I see blasting broadcasts about their business. Just amazing.
You see, these people don’t get the point of Social Networking.
It’s NOT about selling your business products or opportunity.
It’s about BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS and developing TRUST.
So here is my Marketing Tip for the Day:
When using Social Networking sites, NEVER lead with your business. In fact, don’t even mention it. Start getting to know people on a personal basis. Develop a relationship OVER TIME, and the rest will follow. Don’t force things.
Everyone on these sites who are interested in “networking” have their own agenda with their own opportunity. Trying to force your opportunity down their throats will strictly result in regurgitation.
And you’ll generally have nothing to show for your efforts.
Here is the BEST VIDEO I have ever seen that explains how to market on Social Networking sites.
Check it out:
Until tomorrow, be healthy and happy… the weekend is almost here!
Bob
Take a look at my newest blog!
30 Tips in 30 Days: Day 7 — Do This One Thing and Your Chances of Making Significant Money Triples
If you may remember, back on Day 3 of our 30 Tips on 30 Days Series, I talked about the importance of training and allocating a significant part of your initial marketing budget to laying your marketing foundation with education.
You see, you can buy leads, but once they’re gone, they’re gone. But once you learn HOW TO MARKET, you can easily generate an unlimited number of leads…. sometimes free or at very low cost.
But today, I want you to consider something that you may not have thought important:
ATTENDING YOUR COMPANY’S LIVE EVENT
Statistics have shown that people who attend their company’s live events, especially within the first 6 months of joining the opportunity, almost triple their chance at being successful.
Bob and Rosemary Clarke with our friend Jay Kubassek, CEO of Carbon Copy PRO
It may seem weird that the simple act of attending a conference or live event will have such an effect. It was not until we attended our first live event with our current company that we discovered why it’s so important.
Let’s take a closer look….
Here are some of the advantages of attending a LIVE EVENT:
- You get to meet the leaders of your company, the people who started the company and run it on a day-to-day basis. You get an idea of their vision.
- You come to really understand the value of the products you are marketing, by seeing how they have positively affected the lives of others. Most people who market products use them routinely and can have some terrific testimonials.
- You get to see people who are making REAL money in your business. This no longer is a hypothetical possibility of making money… now you see it first hand. You can talk to these people and find out what THEY did to get to where they are today.
- You can meet people who work in the offices of your company, like customer service reps. These are the people in the trenches every day, and it is strategically very advantageous to befriend one or more of these key people. When you have an issue with your back office, need a product returned, have problems with a customer’s order, now you have someone REAL to turn to.
- You can network with others who are just starting out, get their contact information, and provide support for each other as you struggle to make a name for yourself. Some of my best marketing ideas were borne out of conversations I had in just such circumstances.
- You can LEARN new marketing strategies. I am lucky enough to have joined a company that holds an actual Live Marketing Event twice a year where they teach the latest and hottest marketing techniques. If your company provides such training at their live events, take advantage of it.
So lets get in to the nitty gritty….
6 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Live Event:
- Dress professionally. Business casual is the norm, so there’s no need to dress in suits, but don’t look sloppy! You are beginning to project your image, so look the part!
- Be a sponge! Listen to everything and take a lot of notes.
- Don’t be a wallflower! Even if you are an introvert like me, FORCE YOURSELF to be bold. Introduce yourself as a new member of the company, and more than likely you will get a very warm reception. If you find yourself at a lunch or dinner table knowing nobody, take advantage of it and meet EVERYONE at your table.
- Get business cards prior to the event so you can give them out to people you meet at the Conference. The purpose? People will now have your contact information, and you can ask for theirs in return. Ask them if it’s okay if you call them with questions. Most will readily agree.
- Watch for special discounts. Many companies offer special deals or discounts on such things as trainings, stepping up to the next compensation level, and products. Be willing to consider any that interest you. Rosemary and I have used several of these discount deals at our Live Events to get specialized training that would otherwise be cost prohibitive.
- Bring your camera!
Why bring your camera?
Us with our mentor Dennis Karganilla, co-creator of MLM Goldmine and Web 2.0 guru
Well, you need to start building your credibility with your prospects, right? When you are first getting started or don’t yet have a lot of success, you might feel like you don’t have any credibility.
So you have to BORROW some!
When my wife Rosemary and I were just starting out, we went to our company’s live event and took pictures with every leader we could find. These were people who were making REAL MONEY. These were people who had made a name for themselves.
Why would we do this?
First take a look at the pictures throughout this blog post. What do you see?
You see Rosemary and I with some very influential and successful people in our primary business and throughout the Network Marketing industry.
You get the picture. IT IS CREDIBILITY THROUGH ASSOCIATION.
People look at these pictures, and say….
“Hey, look who Bob and Rosemary know! They must be in the “inner circle” to have such friends.”
Whether you are just starting out or have been in the industry for years, pictures at live events give you INSTANT CREDIBILITY in the eyes of your prospects.
Bob and Rosemary with Mr. Andrew Cass, top earner and Exec VP of Wealth Masters International
Put them on your blog, your web page, or anywhere else to build your credibility over night.
Take home lesson for today?
GET TO A LIVE EVENT! Do whatever it takes, but if you’re serious at making it in network marketing, get there. I’ve never talked with anyone who later regretted it.
To your happiness,
Bob
August 7, 2008; Cresskill, NJCarbon Copy PRO Marketing Event — New Strategies, Inspiration, and a New Porsche
Wow! I just got back from a live training event and here are the details….
That’s all I can say. I have been in the Network Marketing industry for quite a few years now, and I have never been to company live events that actually TEACH people HOW TO MARKET. Until now.
Carbon Copy PRO’s Second Live Marketing Event in Dallas was held on Saturday and it was an amazing mix of new strategies, tips, and great discounts on coaching from experts in the world of marketing.
And they even gave away a new Porsche!
Here’s a glimpse at the schedule of events (non-inclusive):
- M.J. Durkin of Sales Judo Academy started things off with terrific tips on how to prospect, build your list, and secrets of leaving great voice mails. Many nuggets here, folks.
- Jimmy Davis and Dennis Karganilla of MLM Goldmine, the masters of Web 2.0 provided their own gold nuggets for the audience with their tips on making MySpace and YouTube work.
- Howie Schwartz of Conversation Domination continued the Web 2.0 theme and showed everyone how he routinely ranks on the first page of Google using Web 2.0 methodologies.
- Cherie Yvette, the Urban Cowgirl, unveiled for the first time her new Pay Per Click software that will revolutionize the way everyone optimizes their PPC campaigns. Amazing stuff at an amazing price.
- Natalie Stahl of Platinum 7 Consulting presented her Weekly Action Plan, providing consultants with a formal plan that will turbo charge their online businesses. Natalie also outlined the outsourcing services available exclusively for Carbon Copy PRO members.
- Kep Herriage and Karl Bessey, co-founders of Wealth Masters International, provided an overview of WMI’s unbelievable financial education and wealth creation products available to Carbon Copy PRO members. Given the current financial climate, these products and strategies couldn’t be more important.
My point is two fold, here:
- If you are a member of Carbon Copy PRO or Wealth Masters International, you missed something HUGE here. You missed a chance to pick the brains of some of the absolute experts in online marketing, providing THE MOST CUTTING EDGE STRATEGIES.
- If you are a member of other network marketing opportunities, think very strongly about attending a live event. Statistics show that new members of an opportunity that attend a live event within the first few months of joining have a much higher chance of success than those that do not attend a live event.
Oh yea, I almost forgot. The leaders at Carbon Copy gave away a prize for the person who sold the most Business in a Box product since it’s introduction a few months ago. The winner got…. well, you can see it. Again, WOW. Lucky guy!
Glad to be back, guys. And ready to roll.
To your success!
Bob Clarke
October 19, 2008, Cresskill, NJ
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