The Myth of the Dreaded Summer Slow Down

There is a myth in Network Marketing that summer is a bad time to do business.  The assumption is that business just isn’t there.  So many networkers slow down and take it easy during the ‘Lazy Days of Summer.’  Many rationalize that they’ll just get back up to speed when fall hits.

Why do they believe that business slows down in the summer?
You hear these reasons:

• The kids are out of school and parents are focused on them and not starting a home business




• People are outside much more and thus spend less time indoors on the computer looking for a home business




• People are in a more relaxed, carefree mood and aren’t serious about making changes in their lives right now




• Summer activities, camps, and vacations leave little time for thoroughly researching a home business




• Depending upon the product you represent, your product line maybe out of season

So IS summer just useless and a waste of your time?  It is if you THINK it is. Once again, I’ll ask you to examine your mindset and beliefs.  Is summer slow based upon fact or are you creating self-limiting thoughts? Is it easier to make excuses and blame the season than to actually look at your own motivation and level of activity?  Your success is based upon your expectations and beliefs about yourself, your business, and the industry.  If you expect your summer volume to go down, if you expect your commission checks to go down, then guess what, chances are much better that they WILL.

So maybe it is more accurate to say that people slow down, and as a result, business slows down?

But what does a Network Marketer need?  We need people to talk to.  Here in Minnesota people hide away all winter long protecting themselves from the awful elements.  But when summer hits, we go outside and spend lots of time outside.  We don’t spend as much time on the computer.  So as an Internet Network Marketer you must make a shift in your marketing / networking efforts from being computer based to being face to face based.  You must go where the people are.  Where are the people?  They are at the same neighborhood parks, family picnics, beaches, amusement parks, and tourist spots that you are.

Summer provides so many opportunities not found during any other season.  This is PRIME season – no matter what your product line.  My personal volume is the highest during the summer, when I do the Farmer’s Market.  Every community has outdoor festivals – Crazy Days, Nickle Dickle Days, Art on the Lake, and Raspberry Festival are just a few events in my area.  Even if not working these festivals as a vendor, take the opportunity to talk to the visitors at these events.  Hundreds, if not thousands, of people can be found enjoying these summertime happenings.

People are everywhere. And remember people ARE our business.  Don’t be afraid to engage in casual conversations and just see where it leads you.  You never know when you’ll have the chance to mention your business opportunity or your product.  People are more social and relaxed during the summer, more willing to take the time to chat with you.  Be prepared; expect to be able to mention something about your business to the people that you naturally meet in these circumstances.

Doug Firebaugh says, “The greatest recruiting secret is people sensing that you are going somewhere and that THEY can go with you.” Show them how business can be fun.  Demonstrate how business can be done on the go, while you are enjoying summer.

One of my business partners, Susan Martin, shared with me this awesome example of how to combine business and summertime fun.
“My husband and I recently returned from a three day trip and he "allowed" me to incorporate business with pleasure.  For him, any time he's away from his job, he's on vacation, but for me it’s an opportunity to meet new people.  While standing in lines, I had scent sample cards stuffed in my fanny pack and a lady in front of me turned around and asked me what perfume I was wearing!! The really funny thing is I don't wear perfume!  Well, this just opened that door WIDE and I unzipped the pack and passed out 25 business cards to everyone close by.  Now, you can be impatient while waiting in line or you can DO BUSINESS!!”

Stop the limiting belief that your business will slow down during the summer!  Imagine what you can do when you have the EXPECTATION and confidence that summer is a great time to do business.  Go out and explode your business this summer.