Anjin-san Posted November 6, 2013 Posted November 6, 2013 Hi, everyone, A customer for whom I've done a fair amount of work (IT support) recently asked me to come to a presentation about a multilevel marketing-based company he's become involved in. He's a small business owner, and I was already approached by one of his employees about this, but I turned down the invitation - not strongly enough, it seems. When he called a couple days ago, I reluctantly said that I'd be willing to go to the presentation, but that the odds of my becoming involved were low, especially since the product of the company is self-help, "leadership," "life-coaching" materials, and so forth (link: http://www.life-leadership-home.com/ ), and that because of my intense interest in philosophy, I would have to be very, very certain that the products were in line with that. I did quite a bit of thinking about this over the weekend, as well as perusing some of their offerings, a came to the conclusion that it wasn't for me, even if I could "get behind" the products (I couldn't). This type of marketing doesn't fit my personality, and that I know I would never enjoy it. The presentation was scheduled for the evening, and I called in the morning and told him that I had thought about it, but had decided to pass, because it wasn't my kind of thing. He told me "You don't know that, because you haven't heard what it's about. You're not making an informed decision, but if you want to make an uninformed decision, that's fine." (old-time aggressive sales-pitchy language and tone, which puts me off). I said that regardless of the information in the presentation, I knew myself and my personality, and that it wouldn't be a good fit. He said again that I didn't know that (as if he knew more about me than I do.) I said thanks, but I'll pass on the presentation, but he's welcome to talk to me in private about it sometime if he'd like. I've been to a couple of seminars for MLM companies before, and do not like the high-pressure closing techniques they use - reminds me of an initial Landmark Forum presentation, which I'd also been to once, years ago. How would others have handled this? I should probably have been more assertive and refused the initial invitation. I should probably also not have left the door open to discussing it in private. I don't want to jeopardize future business with him, but I also didn't appreciate the pressure to become involved in something having nothing to do with my area of expertise. I don't know for certain, but I get the impression that he's pressuring his employees to join this as well, which I think is unwise. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!
wdiaz03 Posted November 10, 2013 Posted November 10, 2013 Hi, everyone, ... He told me "You don't know that, because you haven't heard what it's about. You're not making an informed decision, but if you want to make an uninformed decision, that's fine." (old-time aggressive sales-pitchy language and tone, which puts me off). I said that regardless of the information in the presentation, I knew myself and my personality, and that it wouldn't be a good fit. He said again that I didn't know that (as if he knew more about me than I do.) I said thanks, but I'll pass on the presentation, but he's welcome to talk to me in private about it sometime if he'd like. I've been to a couple of seminars for MLM companies before, and do not like the high-pressure closing techniques they use - reminds me of an initial Landmark Forum presentation, which I'd also been to once, years ago. How would others have handled this? ... Hi there, I've had a few people approach me with similar stuff over the years (buyers club, traveling clubs...etc) but never that aggressive. I just dismiss them with your same arguments. What I think happened is that your client must have acquired those pressuring skills during his lifetime or more likely during being part of the group. A friend once told me he was approached at the university by a similar scam and another person, casually passing by joined them, and showed interest. he said he was not interested and and went on his way to later find the two people who pretended to be strangers to each other comparing notes on how to do it better next time. All these techniques are as old as mankind and I don't doubt that they make their way into these marketing schemes. Your best bet is to remain calm regardless of what they say and be firm on "I'm not interested" I always deffer making a decision in the moment with the "I'll think about it". I find that that defuses the citation. Also the "how do you know" comment can be turned around as well. You don't have to go to find out if this is for you or not, because you are not sure you refuse to go until you are sure. You can claim that your time is so valuable that you want to make sure this is something you want before spending time on it. Just remember that they have heard every excuse in the book by now and most likely will have a response. Hope this helps.
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