Texas Holdem and The Strategies You Can Apply to Network Marketing

Playing Texas Holdem last night with my husband got the wheels turning on how what I was doing while playing the game kind of compares to the strategies you need to use as a network marketer. So I thought I would have a little fun and compare the two.

It is not about what cards you have but how you play them- Sometimes you have to play with the hands you are dealt even though you might have a bad hand. When I was playing with my husband last night it seemed like I kept getting one horrible hand after another. Even though I was getting bad hands I still had to play if I wanted to win so I had to play with the hands I was dealt. I feel like it is exactly the same with Network Marketing. In order to succeed you still have to work even when you are facing challenges. Sometimes it seems like you are getting lots of nos, sometimes you might feel like you are getting no support from your upline but even if that is the hand your are dealt you still need to play. You need to learn how to work and overcome obstacles and not give up no matter what comes your way.

Never, ever give up-I was pretty much down and out last night in the game with my husband. I was sitting with only a few chips in my stack while my husband sat slyly grinning on the other side of the table with a big stack. There was no way I was going down without a fight. Even though I seemed so close to defeat and it felt almost impossible to come back and win, that is exactly what I did. I did not give up when the chips were completely stacked against me. I did not give up when it got tough. This is the same in Network Marketing, you can’t give up. There will be times when it seems tough and it would be easy to just fold, give in and quit. I think that is why so many people fail in Network Marketing because they quit when times get tough. To be a success you have to know you will face challenges but learn how to navigate them, even when the chips are stacked against you.

Observe other players- In Texas Holdem like Network Marketing you have to watch who you are playing with. While I was playing with my husband I was trying to watch, observe and see how he was playing. By seeing how he was playing and watching his mannerisms I could gauge how I should play. In Network Marketing I think you need to observe not only people in your own company but other Network Marketers. That is the best way to learn both what to do and what not to do.

Don’t be afraid to take risks- I know that when I play Texas Holdem I can be pretty conservative in how I play but I know sometimes I need to take risks and that is what I had to do to win the game. I had to play a few hands that I was not sure of the outcome but it was the only way I could make any progress. Same with Network Marketing, you have to be willing to take risks. Sometimes you will take risks and fail and other times you will take risks and win.

Know when to fold em’- I am sure you are familiar with the line in the Kenny Rogers song that says, “you got to know when to hold em’, know when to fold em’, know when to walk away and know when to run.” I bet you are going to have that stuck in your head now Anyway, in Texas Holdem you definitely need to know when to fold your cards and when to walk away and I think the same is true in Network Marketing. I am not suggesting jumping from company to company because you haven’t gotten rich overnight or you don’t like your upline. I am not saying give up because you have found that Network Marketing takes work or you run into frustrations. This business does take work and I think everyone experiences frustrations from time to time. I do think you may want to fold em’ and get out if you have found yourself in a company that is participating in practices that are unethical or running their company without integrity. You see companies closing all the time so you just want to make sure to do your due diligence before you get started or walk away if you find the company is participating in sketchy activities.

I would love to hear your comments on this. What other things about Texas Holdem do you think compare to Network Marketing?

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Comments

Kerri Foster says:

03/08/2011 at 11:07 pm

Very good blog content keep up the good work. I agree to not give up to soon, but if you find out you are in a company with no integrety you might wish to examine it again.
Kerri Foster´s last [type] ..What is Affiliate Marketing

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George Tiganus says:

03/10/2011 at 2:33 am

Hi Angela,

That’s certainly very original
It proves that anything you do with passion and put in the necessary time to learn, you can achieve the success you’re looking for.
I would say that learning from personal experience and always getting better are the things that can improve the skills in any area, not only poker or network marketing.

All the best,
George
George Tiganus´s last [type] ..Traffic Geyser vs Tubemogul vs Content Buzz
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Janette Stoll says:

03/10/2011 at 10:16 am

Hi Angela,

I’ve only played poker a couple times and love the analogy. So true especially about know when to fold them. In any business, sometimes you gotta walk away and it’s okay. I was listening to the founders of Foursquare the other day and they said if only people knew the times they’ve failed in other projects. I think for some people, they’re so ingrained with the business they’ve chosen, that they can’t seem to “fold ‘em” and walk away.

Thanks for sharing.

Janette Stoll
Twitter: janettestoll

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Steve Nicholas says:

03/11/2011 at 3:42 pm

Great post, Angela! I think that it is important to watch other people, because if you do, it will reinforce why the hard sell approach is so wrong for our industry. I also like your point about the need to take risks. If we don’t take any risks at all, there is no reward, and we’re right back where we started or even worse.
Twitter: stevetheowl12

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Steve Shoemaker says:

03/11/2011 at 4:42 pm

Angela excellent analogy and you know it is a lot like texas holdem. You have to strategic or sometimes impulsive but at all times having the end game in mind winning.

Not talking about shortcuts or anything unethical but putting it out there and using your wits to survive.

I really enjoyed your post.

Steve
Steve Shoemaker´s last [type] ..Add Your YouTube RSS Feed To Your Facebook Like Page Or Profile
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Loren Greig says:

03/12/2011 at 12:56 am

This is a wonderful analogy that you used Angela. It IS all about what we do and how we play in life and business! It is so important in our industry, and in all that we do to be willing to take risks so that we can grow; not be afraid to step up to the challenges; and to never give up! Attributes of a true winner!
Loren Greig´s last [type] ..3 Important Elements Of A Lead Capture Page

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George Fourie says:

03/14/2011 at 12:43 am

Great analogy there Angela! Great post for several reasons beyond just excellent content!
George Fourie´s last [type] ..Top Five Communites for MLM Moms
Twitter: thatMLMbeat

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Ryan Biddulph says:

03/14/2011 at 11:04 pm

Hi Angela,

I dig the analogy. Knowing when to persist with a certain strategy is crucial, so is knowing when to fold and start something new. Whether it’s a new company, marketing strategy, whatever.

Thanks for sharing!

RB
Ryan Biddulph´s last [type] ..RyanBiddulph- RT @mrwadelljones Personal Development Is Definitely An On Going Process- But Is It Important http-nblogs-fob6g
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Larry Rivera says:

03/17/2011 at 1:02 pm

Hi Angela, I had a similar thought, though mine came to me through a song..

Kenny Rogers “The Gambler” I think the same concept thanks for sharing.
Larry Rivera´s last [type] ..Attraction Marketing – Careful You May Get What You Wish For

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Yo Le says:

03/22/2011 at 11:10 am

Angela,

This was a great analogy to use! You made a lot of great points in this post.

I’m not really a card player so I can’t exactly point out any other things that are similar… but I do understand a little about playing cards and how it can relate to Network Marketing.

Just wanted to add that I think finding the “right” Network Marketing company is kind of like dating… Very few people end up marrying the 1st person that they date (not saying that it doesn’t happen)… but the chances aren’t as high that it’ll happen.

So in Network Marketing… you’re not always going to stay with the same company throughout your whole career in the industry because if you really have nothing for a comparison. You may fall in love with the product originally… but maybe they change the comp plan down the road and you don’t agree with it. Over time your needs can change as well.

Thanks for putting out this Awesome post!

- Yo
Yo Le´s last [type] ..Shocking News- Network Marketing Company Jumpers Caught On Camera!
Twitter: yolebrandedmktg

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Kevin DeRoo says:

03/30/2011 at 7:40 pm

Hey Angela,

Loved your comparison between Network Marketing and Texas Holdem.

Two of the great loves of my life, Lol!

I agree with you that your chosen network marketing company may change over time the same way your poker hand will change as your hand progresses. The flop, turn, and river can make or break your hand the same way changes in ownership, products, and comp plans may cause the rise or fall of a network marketing company.

Thanks for sharing this fun analogy Angela … I’m All In!

Kevin
Twitter: kderoo

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Curt Bizelli says:

04/02/2011 at 5:45 am

Did you stop by my blog? I wrote about this same thing last year on the biz site. I’m an avid poker player (not a gambler). There is a difference. I’ve not only played but STUDIED the game for several years and yes, Poker very much applies to how you deal with people and so does any business. Great article, thanks for sharing!
Curt Bizelli´s last [type] ..Beneficial SEO Tool- Are you associating with Criminals
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Angela Reply:
April 2nd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Too funny, I guess great minds thing alike huh? I will have to come check out your post.

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John Leonard says:

04/02/2011 at 1:59 pm

I really enjoyed this…

My advice…

In your N.M. business… Play like a “Pro”!!

Don’t be afraid to go “All In” – there is a LOT of power in commitment!

Pro’s win… amatuers fall by the wayside
Twitter: deb_and_john

[Reply]
Leslie Watson Leake says:

04/21/2011 at 3:11 pm

Angela, great analogy I agree. It is easier to give up, thats for sure, easy to whine, easy to moan, hard to pick up, hard to keep going, but its WORTH IT if you Try! How many others will sit around and find ways and excuses to NOT take any action, taking action is the first step towards any goal!

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Justine Simard says:

05/03/2011 at 1:43 am

Great post Angela!

I love how you explain this valuable information here..

Very insightful indeed!

Justine
Twitter: justine_simard

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