“We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are
placed here for each other. If you are always there
for others, then in time of need, someone will be
there for you.” ~ Jeff Warner
My intent with this post is to speak from the heart.
This post is not meant to garner a lot of traffic, or a lot of hits on google, and I focused on absolutely NO keywords here.
It is just my thoughts on a page for you to understand how I think attraction marketing should work.
Have you thought about it? What does attraction marketing mean to YOU?
Seriously – have you really thought about it?
And I mean specifically to YOU – not what your upline taught you, not what you read about in some article, not what you saw on someone else’s profile on Facebook on what THEY thought attraction marketing meant to them.
This last week I’ve taken some time to do some reading and reflecting on my own life and business.
Now, I originally I hesitated to even mention this because it would scare some people off, and I will probably even catch some flack for posting this – but I’m o.k. with that, because the message here is bigger than that. And that is why I decided to keep writing and posting what I feel is necessary.
The last 4 Sundays in church, we have discussed a topic called “Just Walk Across The Room.” Not going into too many details, the basics are that when you encounter someone that is asking about God, Jesus, Heaven, the Holy Spirit – you simply provide them an ear to listen to their questions and comments, and are receptive to your inner voice saying “This person needs you to listen and interact,” or “Be a friend, not a religious converter.”
It’s NOT about pitching a sermon on them, preaching to them about religion, or dropping a bible in their lap and telling them to read it so they will join your church. WOW – talk about scaring someone away!!
As the lessons continued over the last few weeks, we discovered that as time goes by, those people will learn to see you for who you are as someone who cares, is a “REAL” person, is willing to listen, is NOT pushy, is not religious, or a bible thumper. And in turn, they will start asking more questions and dig deeper into who they are and what they really want from you – because they see your love for them shine through.
The final lesson this week talked about the “Big Picture” of Just Walk Across The Room and it was GLARING at me from the video screen. The #1 Priority for ANYONE – no matter their religion, skin color, age, gender, nationality, etc. – should always be people, and more specifically relationships with people.
It REALLY is the #1 key to life – people and your relationships with them – period!
So isn’t that exactly the same thing we as network marketers should be doing? Working on our relationships with people?
Stop our pitching and spamming, stop our “Great New MLM Start up – Join Now” messages, stop hitting up friends and family to join us in our businesses, stop throwing comp plans and testimonials in their faces!
Isn’t that the same thing as what a judgemental, “hollier-than-thou,” religiously pious person would do?
How would that make you feel if someone came to you and was preaching and screaming about the bible to your face?
Have you stopped to think that maybe that’s what you’re doing with your MLM business?
One Final Piece
So at the beginning of this post, I told you that I had read a book. That book is called “The Shack”. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t worry, I won’t pitch it in your face. But I will say that it is something that have found to not only be important, but has completely changed my life, turned it upside down, and inside out – but in good way.
I don’t want to give anything away if you haven’t read it yet, and plan on reading it. So I will keep this simple. It is not religious, but it is about a relationship with God. Throughout this book our main character re-establishes his relationship with God is a VERY unique and thought provoking way. Nothing I would have EVER expected.
Personally, I find it to be honest, filling, and what I believe as God speaking thorough the author. On a basic level, I find it being JUST what I needed in my life to answer some of my own questions. But that is me. You may get something COMPLETELY different from it.
What Do You Want In Return?
The key point of what I am trying to make here is that God wants us to not only have a close relationship with Him, but with everyone else as well. You, me, him, her, them, they, us. And the best way to do that is with love. Love without a plan!! No agenda, no goal, no motive, no conditions. Simply love.
Couldn’t that possibly be the answer to all of this? Couldn’t this be the ultimate in attraction marketing? Loving human kind with no expectancies in return?
Again, I state the quote from the top of this post:
“We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are always there for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you.”
I know that I will most likely catch some flack for this – but you know what – I took a vow to be honest, forthcoming, and stick to my core values starting this year and moving forward. And so far, I think I’ve done a good job with it.
It is not my intention to hurt anyone with this post, but rather bring some light to something that I see HARDLY ANYONE else talking about in this industry – and is dear to my heart.
This is how I view attraction marketing. This is what I have determined that it means to me.
I’m sure I don’t have to ask given how we “shouldn’t mix business and God”, but I welcome your thoughts and comments here on this post because I think it’s a topic worth discussing and bringing to light. Lets see how far this goes!
God Bless You,
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I sat here for about 3 minutes with my hands on the keyboard just reflecting on what attraction marketing means to me. I believe you have truly shared a really heartfelt messages here Linus.
The story about walking across the room, or letting you discover for yourself what others messages are all about is a glaring reality, but only after we sit back and think about what you wrote for us above.
Thank you for your blessings and God Bless You! Namaste ==>Zack
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 4:41 PM
Zack,
Awesome Zack! I appreciate you taking the time to comment and let me know your thoughts as well.
My hope is that people simply take a look at themselves, understand where they’re coming from, and how they’re applying it to their business.
This whole big picture is SO much more than just ourselves and “what am I getting out of this?”.
God Bless You,
Linus
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My latest blog post was along the same lines, without the religious part. I belong to a mastermind group that offers free training and mentoring for MLMers. We teach people about the industry and show them a way to build relationships and thus their business without directly pitching their business to anyone AND without “monetizing’ people. That’s what I dislike about the “attraction marketing” programs. They start by offering something free, but it isn’t enough to really help anyone. If you want more, you have to pay for it, and every time you turn around they are offering to sell you something else.
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 4:45 PM
Dale,
While I understand what you’re saying, I truly hope you’re not using this venue to promote your mastermind training – because that is the vibe I’m getting from your post. Nor, am i going to use this venue to argue the merits or lack-there-of for any attraction marketing program. It sucks that you’ve been burnt in the past, but lets save that for another time and place.
~ Linus
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Linus, You are so right. I know I have struggled with this because I get so focused on what I want to accomplish that I often run past people and miss out on what God wanted me to do at that moment.
Good food for thought here. Thanks for writing it.
Bob
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 5:10 PM
Bob,
I know what you mean. And reading “The Shack” helped bring that into light. I hope that others picked up on that and just how important all of our relationships really are to one another and with God.
This shouldn’t be a one time event – but an ongoing process.
God Bless You Bob,
Linus
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Linus,
The ultimate leader, Jesus, taught us to study, practice and teach. He was the basis for attraction marketing. He showed unconditional love and the people followed. The only thing he asked was to love each other and believe in him. When you talked about spamming and throwing comp plans in the peoples face, it is much like turning someone to Christ. Feed them bread because they are babes in Christ. As they mature and can handle it then feed them meat. Excellent post Linus.
John
Google
Buzz
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 11:07 PM
John,
“The only thing he asked was to love each other and believe in him.”
Exactly! But not just Jesus the entire Trinity – God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Thanks for such a thoughtful comment John!
God Bless,
Linus
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WOW…. first of all I have read the Shack TWICE and have bought several copies to give to my friends. The author did such a good job of “walking across the room”.
Secondly there is no need to excuse yourself for mixing “God and work”. God is involved whether we are aware of it or not!! So there is no purposeful mixing, it is already there.
Lastly, there are so many correlations between how we show our spirituality and how we market our online companies. I have never thought of it before I read your blog, but as I was reading it that is exactly what I was thinking about. As the saying goes spread the gospel use words when necessary.
Thanks for being my friend and helping me foster relationships with others in our organization. Also thanks for bringing this topic to the table. It is funny, I have been thinking along the same lines for awhile, maybe it is the book… LOL
Peace…
Kathy Sammons
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 11:16 PM
Kathy,
I have ordered 5 copies of “The Shack” on ebay to give as gifts. I think it was THAT important of a book – fiction or not.
When I referred to “God and Work” – i was referring to some professionals that I hear stating that business should be kept business. Don’t mix God or politics into business. I had a problem with that issue from the get-go. But exactly like you, I wonder how you CAN NOT keep them separate. they are really so intricately entwined.
I guess the whole world has access to what our thoughts are now huh?
I appreciate your thoughts and honesty and consider it an honor to be working with you Kathy!
God Bless You,
Linus
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Hey Linus,
Ok.. wow.. this really makes me think about how I have been marketing my business.. and you are completely right.. I do send out my opportunity stats hoping someone will be interested.. I believe in my opportunity, but that is besides the point..I think it just feels non productive to connect with people on a friendly personal basis.. when what we are all trying to do is make a living for ourselves..I guess this goes along with..”Let Go.. and Let God”.. we are afraid to let go of the outcome of things.. especially when it concerns our finances.. thank you Linus for reminding me that God will take care of all of my needs and wants when I put him first.. which in my mind means putting LOVE first in all things.. Linda
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 12:27 AM
Linda,
You nailed it. It is hard to let go of the practice of pitching (especially when that is what you’re trained to do) and focus on relationships instead. Another example I like to use is think back to how our grandfathers did business – it wasn’t because of pitching their opportunities, it was based on relationships and a deal “completed” with a handshake instead of a pen and paper.
God will take care of you when you let him and put him NOT first, but in the center of YOU and all that you do. We just need to listen and believe.
God Bless You,
Linus
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Linus,
Your heart comes thru loud & clear. That, to me, is the main thing that attraction marketing means to me, being who I am and shining in this world and some will be attracted (and some not lol).
Your site here is lovely and you are someone that I would think has no problem with attraction mkting—-because you are real.
Best to you,
Dee
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 12:48 AM
Dee,
Thanks for stopping by to comment.
And you are correct – some will be attracted, and some will not. But I’m o.k. with that. Once you compromise your core values and what you believe in – what’s the point of doing this in the first place?
I thank you for your input and being real as well!
God Bless You,
Linus
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Well, your message got my interest! I can only reply by relating a true story that hapened to me…. I became a christian about 22 years ago, I straight away found a church to go to and it was great, about 500 people went there…. as time went on the church badly needed funds to knock back the huge mortgage to a better level, so they made a plea to everybody to give give to the offering… I STRUGGLED WITH THIS.. money going to a good cause but not THE CAUSE… I had a $1000 to give, but I was torn, then I made a decision, I sent it to Romania(the country was breaking up then) AND IT WENT ON BLANKETS, MEDICAL STUFF, FOOD… I cried when I got the thankyou note telling me what it went on…
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Peter,
thanks for relaying your testimony! Awesome to see the internal struggle because of the decisions you had to make, but you came through it. ANd for a great cause as well. Good for you brother!
God Bless You,
Linus
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Linus,
Your points are very valid. You have come to this conclusion through your religion, which is great. Others have reached a similar conclusion in a different way.
I believe that social media has taken such a flight because it builds relationships rather than selling. Those that use social media with the purpose of selling are being perceived as spammers. A great development!
Social media has shown me that if you provide a helping hand and quality content, you will build meaningful relationships. It is rewarding to be a part of such a sharing community.
Thanks for your post.
Karin.
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 1:45 AM
karin,
Awesome that you stopped by and commented. Yes, social media has BLOWN up. And that leads me back to my topic – attraction marketing. Building relationships with people is the key to success. YES – there is the business portion which we are all in it for – but to help build that retention and team building we do need to focus out attention and efforts on personal relationships as well.
God Bless,
Linus
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Nice change of pace Linus,
Enjoyed the post as it reminds of our purpose on this Earth and in life.
The type of person offended by your post is probably someone who needs to follow the Jeff Warner quote anyway, so I would never worry about that.
As you said, it’s hard to separate “Attraction Marketing” and helping others without an agenda, they do go hand in hand.
God bless,
~Bert
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 1:58 AM
Bert,
Change of pace – yes! It’s always nice to change things up a bit.
glad that you pointed out the quote. I think it sums up exactly what we should all be focusing on with building our businesses.
It’s just too bad that some people still don’t get it, and that is one of the reasons I created this post. Mix things up, shake off the rust, and get people thinking.
It looks as though it worked.
God Bless You Bert,
Linus
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Linus,
No Flack here…You are always on top of your game..Nicely done
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 2:03 AM
Carlos,
Thanks brother. I’m not going to have to put on a flack jacket now
God Bless,
Linus
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Linus, What a Beautiful Post …. Amazing job writing it.
It actually reminded me of something cool I heard yesterday….. “God gave us 2 ears and 1 Mouth… what do you think we should be doing more of?”
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Cassie,
Thank you! My words and thoughts came easily for me when writing this post. It’s funny how easy it is when writing from the heart.
And you’re right – listening is a much better way to help yourself and your team advance and grow. Too bad that not everyone listens.
God Bless You,
Linus
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Linus,
For a guy who does not spend nearly the time that he needs to on religeous inclusion, this post was enlightening and brought forth some great thoughts.
Thanks
Jeff Mitchell
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Hey Linus,
Great post. Isn’t it amazing how everything in life is truly interconnected….if you connect the dots. You point about being connected shows that you do indeed understand how we connect. Unfortunately, too many people are all about “what’s in is for me” rather than how everything fits into the “big” picture.
Great thought provoking post. That’s why I keep coming back.
To Your Continued Success,
Bill
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 5:28 PM
Bill,
I think it’s easy to slide into that mindset of “what’s in it for me” because we are truly focused on ourselves.
But when we step back, and look at the relationship that God wants us to have, not only with him, but with one another, you can see things a little more clearly.
Glad to have you stopping by and interacting.
God Bless You,
Linus
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Linus,
I could really FEEL how heartfelt this post was. You really dug down to the core and reminded everyone what our TRUE purpose here on earth is.
Another great book is “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
I haven’t read “The Shack” yet, but I can assure you that I will be picking it up.
Thanks for writing this post.
- Yo
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
February 26th, 2010 at 7:04 PM
Yo,
It was a fun post to write. I just sort of let it all spill out and amazingly enough, it all made sense at the end.
“The Purpose Driven Life” is a book that I’ve heard of before – and obviously I need to get some time to read that one as well.
I appreciate your honesty and for commenting brother!
God Bless You,
Linus
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