MLM People, Financial Planners and Life Coaches Are Taking Over the World of Networking

A lot of people that know me know that I am an avid networker and go to between 2-3 events a week.  Why do I network?  It is because you have to in today's professional world.  Considering I am in transition and have a couple of businesses, networking is the lifeblood of my professional career.    I recently went to an event in Boston this past week and looking around, you can clearly distinguish the different breeds of entrepreneurs enjoying the free food and working their elevator pitches.

First, you have the financial planners/ advisers.   They are the ones wearing full suits and ties despite the fact it was 95 degrees out.  Clearly, you can see them sweat not just from the weather but also knowing five of their competitors are in the room.   You had MetLife, Mass Mutual, New York Life and Wells Fargo in the room.  My advice to a financial person.... wear a Hawaiian shirt and rent a BMW for the next networking event.  Personally, I did not select my financial advisor because they wore a suit in 95 degree weather.

Second, you got those Multi-Level-Marketers.  At this event, you had Adzzoo, Trump Network, Avon, Arbonne and Tuppleware.  BTW, Market America is NOT multi-level-marketing for the thousandth time!!!  They all claim their company has the best products & services, provide the best compensation plan, have meetings in exotic places... but meanwhile they are wearing Walmart specials driving off in their beat up Saturns... My advice to MLM networkers.... treat your business as a business not not some spectacular money making machine and listen to people.  Personally, I did not start my business with Market America because Donald Trump owns it and sends me to Key Largo for $1000 to look at his hair.  FYI, Donald Trump doesn't own Market America.  He wished he did!

Finally, ah yes, the life coaches.  The ones that teach business people to transition their life, to discover holistic health, and pay them thousands for advice that you can also get on Google.  I honestly always wonder how these fine folks make any money.  They must do a wonderful job showing how their clients get their best return on investment.  Really, go into real business, you would do wonders!   The Life Coaches dress a little better since they are setting an example to their clients.  My advice, get a Plan B.  This business is very cyclical.

So I am hoping at the next event, I meet some restaurant owners, car dealers, social media people, cigar shop owners, just to mix it up a bit.  I guess that is why BNI is successful at what they do.  They only allow one of two professionals from each line of work. 

Ok, time to go to the dry cleaners to go get my suits for the next event.... a wedding, not a networking event!!