On Not Becoming "That Guy"

A midterm soliloquy.

OK, here’s the straight skinny: at 50+ years of age, and after having been presented numerous times with money-making opportunities of a “Direct Sales Marketing”, or “Multi-level Marketing” perspective, my wife and I have decided to pursue an opportunity. Before I tell you what we’re doing–which will come in a later post–let me first tell you the two things that are important to me in reaching a decision of this nature.

First, the product that we sell must be one in which we fully believe; i.e., it must work, deliver results, and be a product I can wholeheartedly endorse. This has been a problem with some of the opportunities we’ve been approached about: the products offered either were not outstanding products, or they were great products, but not any better than alternative products (which often could be had at a cheaper price!). We have found such a product, one which we have personally tested on three family members, and our results have been pretty impressive. Suffice it to say that Practically-Perfect Daughter, soon to be 18, has decided that when she turns that age, she is going to become a part of our team, because of what this product has done for her. It works–and that’s critical.

But the second issue is equally as important, if not more so: I am not ever going to become “that guy”. You know who I’m talking about: he’s the guy that, when you see him coming, you find a way to turn around and walk the other way, or you duck for cover. Why? Because he sees you as a mark, as someone he will (in a fake-sincere way) try to bring around to buying his product. And he bugs you about it to the point that you just wish he’d go away. Now…it’s altogether possible that some of you wish I’d go away already, but that’s a different matter. I just will not become that guy. I may offer you an opportunity to get involved–and I may not. But I promise that I am going to be the same guy I’ve always been, and I will not treat anyone as a mark.

I will post more about this product later; we just signed up. When I say “I will post more”, that means, in all likelihood, one more post–because I’m not going to become “that guy”.

4 Comments

  1. pauloyler on November 15, 2012 at 12:24 am

    I thought you have ALWAYS been that guy…….

  2. Mark Merritt on November 20, 2012 at 8:16 am

    Is this about helping homeowners and businesses save money on their utility bills? The name of the company escapes me right now but if it’s the same thing, Rhonda and I are already being ‘recruited’. We watched the DVD and read some material and I’m quite impressed, actually.

    • Byron on November 22, 2012 at 11:54 am

      You’re might be thinking about Ignite, which really interested me, and still does in some ways. It’s a good outfit, from what I can tell. We are with Nerium. You talk about something impressive; go to http://www.karenharvey.nerium.com, and take a look at the before/after pics. I will be posting more on Nerium soon enough.

  3. Shane on December 6, 2012 at 7:20 pm

    I admire you not wanting to become that guy. When I was younger I always said I could never be a sales person unless I truly believed in the product. I am interested in seeing just what you guys are doing.

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