When built correctly, network marketing—through the power of duplication—is different from many jobs, professions, careers, or traditional businesses. Anyone looking for another way to build a business should understand the importance of duplication and the value of following a simple, consistent system. Most jobs and careers compensate you for the time and effort you personally contribute. Building a business, on the other hand, involves developing systems and helping others learn the same process. That’s where duplication becomes important. Now combine X39, its patented technology, and the support and training available through LifeWave and the THIS IS IT Team, and you have a simple system for introducing the products and business opportunity.

In the book The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, he explains how small, consistent actions performed over time can produce meaningful results. The same principle applies to the activities taught in the THIS IS IT 10-Step System. Duplication helps create consistency throughout your organization. As you teach others to follow the same simple system, training becomes easier and everyone benefits from working from the same process. No matter what you do, those you bring into your organization will often duplicate many of your habits and commitments—both the good habits and the not-so-good ones. You must understand the importance of duplication and the value of everyone in your organization following the same system as consistently as possible.

Understand that you are your team’s example and leader. If you choose to do something different from what is being taught through the THIS IS IT System, your team may naturally follow your example. Simply implement and teach the activities you want others to learn. Consistently leading by example and continuing your own personal development are important parts of building a strong organization.

Remember, your LifeWave business works in many ways like a franchise system because everyone benefits from following a consistent process. As successful franchise businesses operate using established systems, you want your organization to do the same. The better your team understands and duplicates the THIS IS IT 10-Step System, the easier it becomes to train new team members and maintain a consistent approach throughout your organization.

The power of duplication comes from keeping the process simple, plugging into the THIS IS IT System, and encouraging your team to do the same. As team members learn, grow, and begin teaching others the same process, the organization becomes stronger and more consistent. One of the advantages of duplication is that training and support can be shared throughout the organization rather than depending on one person to do everything. Over time, a well-trained team can continue introducing the products and business opportunity while supporting customers and new Brand Partners using the same simple system.

The difference between simply working by yourself and building a business based on duplication is that you are developing people and systems rather than relying solely on your own individual efforts. Building this type of organization requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to continue learning and helping others do the same. It all begins with the decision to stay committed to the process and finish what you started.

Many new people entering the network marketing industry overlook the importance of seeking guidance from experienced leaders. You’re encouraged to listen, learn, and ask questions of the THIS IS IT Team leadership, who have developed their knowledge and experience through building their LifeWave businesses. Taking the time to learn from what these leaders have done well, as well as the lessons they have learned along the way, can help you better understand the THIS IS IT System and avoid common mistakes.

One important point to consider is that your sponsor and upline leaders have an interest in helping you learn and develop your skills. For that reason, the training provided by the THIS IS IT Team is intended to help you better understand the products, the business opportunity, and the systems available to support your business. Although you are ultimately responsible for your own business decisions and activities, you are part of the THIS IS IT Team, which is committed to providing training, guidance, and support.

As you continue building your business, you’ll likely discover that helping customers and supporting other team members are important parts of long-term growth and development.

If a team member is doing something that is not part of the THIS IS IT 10 Step System, it may indicate they have not yet sought guidance from their sponsor or upline or have chosen a different approach. Following a consistent system can help simplify the learning process and provide a common framework for training and support. The following are common examples of situations where counseling with an upline leader first may have helped avoid unnecessary time, expense, or confusion.

Example #1

Set up a LifeWave booth at a medical, sporting, or local event.

This is a common idea for many people new to the industry. While it may seem like a good idea, it can require a significant investment of time and money and may not be consistent with the simple, duplicable approach taught by the THIS IS IT Team. If this person had counseled with their upline SPD, they may have been encouraged to focus first on the activities outlined in the THIS IS IT 10 Step System. There will always be some who choose not to take advantage of the mentorship offered by the THIS IS IT leaders. Unfortunately, some become discouraged when their own approach does not produce the experience they hoped for.

Example #2

Do not attend or skip a THIS IS IT Team Convention.

Just as many careers and professions require ongoing education and training, the same is true for network marketing. Doctors complete medical school, franchise owners attend company training, pilots complete flight training and required flight hours, and skilled tradespeople receive technical education and hands-on experience. Likewise, continuing education and training can play an important role in building a LifeWave business.

No matter what challenges you may have in attending a major team convention, many THIS IS IT Team leaders have had to overcome similar obstacles to participate. Team conventions provide opportunities to learn, ask questions, hear from experienced leaders, and connect with other team members. Regular participation in training events can help you better understand the products, the business opportunity, and the THIS IS IT System.

Example #3

Quit your job without counseling upline.

This is a situation that can sometimes occur in network marketing. THIS IS IT Team leaders generally encourage team members to approach major financial and career decisions carefully. For many people, the goal is to build an additional source of income while continuing their current job or profession.

Some people new to network marketing consider leaving their job before they have carefully evaluated their financial situation. A THIS IS IT Team leader would generally encourage someone to continue working while building their LifeWave business and to make career decisions only after carefully considering their personal circumstances and, when appropriate, consulting qualified financial or professional advisors.

Many people appreciate building their LifeWave business while maintaining their current employment because it allows them to continue earning income, reduce financial pressure, and meet new people in their daily activities. The THIS IS IT Team encourages each person to make decisions that are appropriate for their own goals, financial circumstances, and responsibilities rather than making changes too quickly.

These are just a few examples of people who chose not to counsel with their upline THIS IS IT Team leader before taking action. Your upline is there to offer guidance if you choose to seek it. Unlike a franchise opportunity, where procedures may be prescribed, network marketing allows you to receive guidance based on the experience of others while making your own business decisions. Decide to listen, learn, and implement the activities taught in the THIS IS IT System, and you’ll be better prepared to build your business consistently.

Having a built-in mentor who is dedicated to assisting you is another example of why many people value the support available in network marketing. When in doubt, ask questions of your upline THIS IS IT leader. Your active upline can help you determine how often to review your business activities, discuss your goals, and evaluate your progress. Remember, your upline has an interest in helping you learn and develop your skills, so respect their time and consider their guidance carefully. This team approach to learning and support can be a valuable part of your development.

It’s been said, “Experience is the best teacher, especially when you can learn from someone else’s experience.” Learning from the experience of others can help you avoid common mistakes, develop your skills, and build your LifeWave business over time.