May

Mike Klingler on Duplication

I thought this piece by Mike Klingler was very insightful:

mike-klingler1

I have a question for you. If you can answer it correctly you’ve impressed me.

What REALLY creates duplication and success in business?

Is it:

A. a simple system, or

B. your ability to influence people

Think about the most successful people you know.

In your networking company, think about the most successful people ‘under’ the most successful people.

They all have the same system everyone else uses and yet their results are significantly different. Why?

What’s the difference? What do they have that others don’t?

It’s called Influence.

Now think about someone else–you’ve heard a lot about this ole’ chap: Ray Kroc (founder of McDonald’s franchise).

It’s often said that McDonald’s is successful because it has a simple system. Now that makes for a simple sales pitch but it won’t help you much if you put the shovel down here.

If it were actually true that McDonald’s system is the key to its success, why do they change the menu so often?

And if were true, wouldn’t all duplicatable systems be successful? Of course they can’t all be successful, just because they’re a system that was built for Your Success!

There are lots of failed franchises. In fact, after the franchise model took off in the 1970s, the FTC almost shut the entire industry down because so many of them were purchased with the belief that ‘it’s a system, its going to make me money,’ when in fact they lost their house, car, and shirt.

It took Ray more than a system to make McDonald’s successful, just as it takes McDonald’s corporate leaders more than its system to keep McDonald’s on top. Notice how they took the ‘Super Size It’ option away and added a salad menu. Why would they change the system?! Because they have to. Because the answer is not in the system, but in their ability to Influence us to buy. Having a system in place is a small part of the equation. .

It was Ray’s influence that allowed him to inspire others to buy his franchises. It was influence that allowed people to sell unsuccessful franchises (and networking opportunities).

It takes influence to lead people to do anything. Don’t be fooled.

“The System Pitch” is Like Fools Gold… Looks Shiny But It’s a Waste of Time to Mine.

A system is only a part of a process, and not the most important part. It’s like a tool (like having a computer). It’s important, but pales in comparison to what you should be focused on and talking about.

So What REALLY Counts? What Should You Be Focused On?

Whether you’re in a networking business or a more traditional business (as a coach, service provider or consultant, etc) your “Influence Factor” will determine whether you’re scratching and clawing for every dollar and sell, vs. making more than you need, with ease.

Are you on the right track? Are you paying attention to what REALLY counts–your “Influence Factor?”

I’ve written a very in-depth article on the topic. What’s sad is the people who need it most often resist it. They just want a simple system, when what they need is to be looking at their Influence Factor.