First we need to realize that we are ultimately the one who is responsible if we ‘make it or break it’. Either way we could use some help along the way and will definitely have an opportunity to ‘give something back’ if we stick with it long enough to actually develop a successful business online.
In the Home Business/Internet marketing industry we are blessed with the theory that ‘you must give to receive’. People know that, and as they say, ‘we succeed only if you succeed’. It’s just a matter of professional courtesy to be helpful, supportive and affirming, because ‘what goes around comes around’. This is very different from the ‘dog-eat-dog’ competition tactics people may think of as doing ‘business’.
That’s why Network marketing and Internet marketing go hand-in-hand. It’s about knowing and being known and trusted; …and one way to get known is to share information and value with others. It helps, if this is a ‘foreign’ concept, to see our ‘competitors’ as our ‘peers’, rather than in some sort of contest. What you tell them might help them to win, and that does not mean you lose. It can be what they call a ‘win/win’ situation, particularly when you enjoy sharing and helping others.
The key here though is that we can’t feel entitled to anything – giving and sharing is voluntary and to what degree is up to each individual. Having the benefit of a coach does not mean ‘passing the buck’ and making your coach responsible. You are responsible for your business and what you need to learn to succeed with it. Coaches are there to advise and instruct you but it is ultimately you, if you are starting your own business, that will have to take control and make decisions as to what you will do with the information they have shared with you.
We also must realize that the coach or mentor needs to earn a living just like we do. Always putting ourselves in someone else’s place, if we are realistic we should know that nobody can give us 100% of their time — at least for long – they do have a life apart from trying to help us and we shouldn’t begrudge them that. This is why a real professional mentor or coach may charge hundreds of dollars per hour for their time.
We really need to remember that those who do not charge at least that much, deserve, at the very least our respect, appreciation and consideration. To be real, it would only be fair that you could help them back by doing business with them, referring others to them, or anything else you can to reciprocate for the kindness they have showed you. Maybe that will be merely that someday you are able to share as much with someone coming up behind you. When you have received, you can often see the beauty of giving and you will keep the cycle of good going.
