Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 430 | Read Francis's 105 other Ask SC answers

I see three key words in your question: team, attitude and change.

Attitude is a direct product one’s belief or perception of something or a situation. A right attitude leads to good actions and equally a wrong attitude leads to bad actions.
Therefore to change from one attitude to another, one has to address the cause of the misconception or wrong belief.

I find it strange, that you are not just dealing with the attitude of one or two PSAs but your team. It is one thing to help change the attitude of one person and another to change that of hundreds or thousands of people, unless there is a unifying reason for the negative attitude.

To help overcome misconception of SFI by your team, give them an honest and forthright picture of what SFI is, right from the start. Tell them that it is not designed to enrich them overnight and that it requires commitment to learn and work. The beginning need not be complicated as every new team member should be encouraged to go through the process of START - SFI BASICS - LAUNCHPAD.

As I said earlier, the change of attitude will require a change of mindset by both the sponsor and the PSAs. It could be that as their sponsor, you may have to change one or two things in the way you communicate with your team. This in turn may help develop a better understanding of SFI by your team.

All in all, one cannot force anyone to do something, and so if you are doing everything right and still meeting a negative attitude, it is best to move on and focus on finding new team members. Bear in mind that out of even 100 new PSAs only a few will be active. This is not your fault; it is just the way it is.

As stated in the Rules of Success, work with the workers and do not let small problems upset you!


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I see three key words in your question: team, attitude and change.

Attitude is a direct product one’s belief or perception of something or a situation. A right attitude leads to good actions and equally a wrong attitude leads to bad actions.
Therefore to change from one attitude to another, one has to address the cause of the misconception or wrong belief.

I find it strange, that you are not just dealing with the attitude of one or two PSAs but your team. It is one thing
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Affiliate since: 05/06/2013, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Lawal's 156 other Ask SC answers

Its not far from the truth that some affiliates think negatively about SFI, Magdalene. I have tried advertising SFI to an old affiliate of SFI which I never knew was once a member and he said things which made me ask him, how much have you invested in the business? He couldn't go further. Only to find out he was expecting much income without doing his actions, without advertising and without investing.

When situations like this arises amongst my members, I begin to think of things I never promised which they are expecting. I literally state it clearly to my prospect that SFI is not MAKE QUICK RICHES porgram, it's a real business which requires your finances and time as well.

If I must correct this negative impression of theirs, I would begin with what they are expecting and noting getting. Higher incomes have been most affiliates aspiration but they always forget how much work is require to raise a child to adulthood. You must try to find out what they have been doing so far and how much they have spent which is not yielding, if that's the problem.

Its going to a bit difficult to change someone who has spend thousands in trying to build his/her SFI business and found out he lost it all. You must be very patient with such a member else you may totally lose him/her. You need to explain how SFI works, SFI has rules and if not duly followed, efforts may be wasted. You need to help such affiliate direct their efforts to the money making source. For such affiliate you can offer help to help her realize that all that is needed is patience.

Some affiliates have been making SO for products that only build their Versal Points and not their business, and now they are frustrated. I believe most have not carefully read through the SFI basic and Launch Pads but its never too late to do that. You can begin send them tips on what they could do. Some would need you to only reassure them they can make it, some would need you to help them start building first before they can reinvest in the business but all the same both parties needs to work together with patience directing their strength towards getting better result.

Now as a Sponsor, I must ensure I keep contacts with the affiliates, for the main time I have to do things that will put smiles on their faces and help them know SFI is just the best. If such affiliates have been making Standing Orders in time past, Reassigning active PSAs would be a great boost for them, a further encouragement by sending them the DD program invite which will boost them by $200 dollars and little incentives such as Gift Certificates, shares of Co-op and Tcredits which will strictly be used towards building their businesses.

Meanwhile, have it at the back of your mind, you can't force anyone to be great in life you can only encourage them by helping them with what you have. People would always describe things from the perspective they see it, help them try other views and methods. If any one of them decides quit because they feels noting can change their negative perpective, then you have to let go. Concentrate on those who would yield and build your team all the way to the top with Team members who has the Positive Attitude towards SFI.

I hope this helps. Aim High, Dream Big

Goodluck
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Its not far from the truth that some affiliates think negatively about SFI, Magdalene. I have tried advertising SFI to an old affiliate of SFI which I never knew was once a member and he said things which made me ask him, how much have you invested in the business? He couldn't go further. Only to find out he was expecting much income without doing his actions, without advertising and without investing.

When situations like this arises amongst my members, I begin to think of things I never
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Affiliate since: 12/26/2015, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Dannie's 5 other Ask SC answers

Changing negative attitudes is a very difficult task. However, not impossible. It will take patience on your part plus an understanding of basic psychology.

First, like I stated above, be patient and when you feel like giving up, be patient.

Second, At some point someone will give in and give you a clue as to why all the negativity exists. You're not asking the right questions just yet or not listening to them as actively as you could. Do not get me wrong, I am not placing all the blame on you, but as a leader there is always some to bear. Listen to what your team is telling you. What negative statements are they making? Ask yourself / them why do they feel or think that way? It could be as simple as not understanding one another or not understanding a guideline at SFI? Whatever it is, you, as their leader need to find a way to draw it out of them. Then promptly address it so it doesn't develop into a catastrophe that sinks your whole ship.

Third, you must find a way to simply boost morale. It's the same idea as making your staff want to come to work everyday. Start a contest, game, reward program among your team that makes them feel appreciated and get them excited. It doesn't even have to put you out of pocket either. Have them email you an SFI slogan for your team and reward them with reassignments!! It's fun, it's creative and gets them involved.

Lastly, remember when communicating with them it is ALL about them. If you try to get people to take action you MUST show them the benefit for them... period. Call them to action, excite them, tell them why it is good for them... more income, advancement, more income, more reassignments, advancement, more income, more shares, more matching VP, more income... it's circular, but it starts with the basics. The very first being a positive attitude.

I believe you can turn them around with all the new programs that have made advancement easier. Point those out as well. The very fact that you are concerned over their negative attitude shows caring for them as individuals, them as a team, their businesses and of course your own. Have faith in your own abilities as a leader and you can turn it around.

With faith and hope.
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Changing negative attitudes is a very difficult task. However, not impossible. It will take patience on your part plus an understanding of basic psychology.

First, like I stated above, be patient and when you feel like giving up, be patient.

Second, At some point someone will give in and give you a clue as to why all the negativity exists. You're not asking the right questions just yet or not listening to them as actively as you could. Do not get me wrong, I am not placing
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Affiliate since: 02/09/2012, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Gweneth's 17 other Ask SC answers

I would accept their comments since everyone has a right to their opinion. Just consider that their initial experience might have been overwhelming due to language barriers, information overload, their perception that SFI is a get rich quick scheme etc.
As a Team Leader:
1. Listen, and ask them questions about their negative comments.
2. Identify their objections, and deal with each accordingly explaining the plus side or agree with them
3. Share your good and bad experiences with them and how you overcame any negativity.
4. Let your enthusiasm why you are still in SFI come through in your communication to them.
5. Continue to lead by example.
As you know if anyone makes up their mind not to stay in SFI there is nothing else you can do but continue to send Weekly Newsletter if they have not opted out. Who knows if one day, the light will come on, and they may become active.
I hope you get some favorable results and I wish you continued success in your SFI Business.

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I would accept their comments since everyone has a right to their opinion. Just consider that their initial experience might have been overwhelming due to language barriers, information overload, their perception that SFI is a get rich quick scheme etc.
As a Team Leader:
1. Listen, and ask them questions about their negative comments.
2. Identify their objections, and deal with each accordingly explaining the plus side or agree with them
3. Share your good and bad experiences
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Affiliate since: 07/05/2024, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Nafisa's 286 other Ask SC answers

I strongly believe that everything in life has both a positive and negative and as such people have their strengths and weaknesses. Your team's attitude and how they perceive SFI starts with you. If you have an optimistic outlook about SFI, you will definitely pass this onto your team members. Having said that, we are without doubt faced with situations with prospects and team members when they do not see your viewpoint.

Take any business, the people who run the business are interested in the bottom line. What are the profits and SFI is no different. The team members are also looking at "what is in it" for them; what will income will they make in 1 year, 2 years and beyond. They have many questions, which even I had when I joined. It is not wrong to ask this because you are entitled to want to know what your future is because you will be investing your time, effort and finances. This is not being negative and therefore you need to be able to explain to your team members the concept of how affiliate marketing works.

People usually have negative perceptions about something that they do not understand and therefore they feel that the program is cheating them. You, as their sponsor will have to set the example. How you do it will depend on your ability to convince them with positive examples, your progress and how you will earn your targeted income in the coming months.

Keep in mind that it is going to be an uphill task. Changing attitudes is not easy unless the person is willing to adopt a different approach and willing to embrace this change but, it is possible to have someone think like you.

Get your product knowledge of SFI up to date and go for it. It is an art to be able to see something positive in everything negative!
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I strongly believe that everything in life has both a positive and negative and as such people have their strengths and weaknesses. Your team's attitude and how they perceive SFI starts with you. If you have an optimistic outlook about SFI, you will definitely pass this onto your team members. Having said that, we are without doubt faced with situations with prospects and team members when they do not see your viewpoint.

Take any business, the people who run the business are interested
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Affiliate since: 02/02/2015, Power Rank: 59 | Read Christine's 19 other Ask SC answers

In my experience lately, I am finding out that telling, PSA's that SFI is not for everyone, as it takes determination and a real desire to succeed, so if they feel they haven't got that desire then it is perfectly ok for them to leave no problem or shame in that.
As humans we do not like the idea of anyone thinking that we haven't got determination and desire.
But as I haven't said it in a derogative way, they automatically want to prove they are genuinely interested.

Next step is make sure you are there to help them with questions they might have and booster them up for the actions they take no matter how small....They are new and to them any progress is a big thing, so share in their excitement. Remember we have been there too.

I always tell them that the suggestions I make, I have done them myself first, then it is up to them to do the same or not...I will never ask them or suggest to them something that I am not willing to do myself.

Those that I see logging in daily and taking action, I will tell them that I see they are fast learners and very bright.
The more honest praise you give to your team the more their self esteem grows and the more they enjoy SFI.

When they tell me they have 10 or less PSA's but none is active, I explain that I felt the same at the beginning, until I realised that many join SFI for different reasons, curiosity is a main one and the idea that they can make money for doing nothing...
Only those like themselves who are seeing the big picture and enjoying with determination are the ones who make it....but like them and me there are others and slowly we will start seeing those serious ones.

They feel good because you are talking highly of them and still being honest..

Many people love window shopping but not everyone enters the shops and buys. It is the same with SFI. When those customers enter the shops, they might still not buy but if you treat them nicely and make them feel special...without being pushy and allowing them to have a look around they will start feeling more comfortable and visiting your shop more often and one day realise they would like to buy from you...
If we have patience and give people the treatment that makes them as individuals feel good good..the easier it becomes to get them attracted to SFI with enjoyment and no pressure.

Psychology works wonders if we use it in a genuine honest way.

Hope this is of some help



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In my experience lately, I am finding out that telling, PSA's that SFI is not for everyone, as it takes determination and a real desire to succeed, so if they feel they haven't got that desire then it is perfectly ok for them to leave no problem or shame in that.
As humans we do not like the idea of anyone thinking that we haven't got determination and desire.
But as I haven't said it in a derogative way, they automatically want to prove they are genuinely interested.

Next step
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Affiliate since: 03/14/2009, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Cal Warren's 108 other Ask SC answers

Hello, Magdalena!

Assuming that it is not you who is to blame for the "negative attitude" your Team now has, I suggest that you continue doing the following:

1. Lead by Example.

Don't ask your Team Members to do anything you aren't doing yourself. What you do shows up. If you want them to promote and sell more TripleClicks products.. then you should already be promoting and selling TripleClicks. If you want them to be a "Fast-Track'er" then you should be a Fast-Track Member yourself. The same goes for anything else you desire of them.

2. Communicate with your Team Members.

Communication is HIGHLY important.. because lack of communication with your Team shows a lack of caring for their overall success. In your communications, relay to them any important, SFI/TripleClicks Updates. In your email communications to them, always be supportive and interested in their overall success.

3. Support your Team as much as possible.

Pay close attention to Team Members' VP Ledgers, especially your MOVERS. If they require assistance towards reaching a specific goal.. and you are in a position to assist them in reaching it, help them as best you can.. TCedits, Certificates, etc. etc., while always keeping in mind that your success will MORE than likely depend on their success.

Point is, Magdalena.. if you're doing whatever you possibly can to keep your Team POSITIVE and focused.. then for sure, their negativity has nothing to do with you.. because you're doing what you should be doing.. which is being SUPPORTIVE in every possible way you can!

I hope this helps.
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Hello, Magdalena!

Assuming that it is not you who is to blame for the "negative attitude" your Team now has, I suggest that you continue doing the following:

1. Lead by Example.

Don't ask your Team Members to do anything you aren't doing yourself. What you do shows up. If you want them to promote and sell more TripleClicks products.. then you should already be promoting and selling TripleClicks. If you want them to be a "Fast-Track'er" then you
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Affiliate since: 07/05/2024, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Dušica's 11 other Ask SC answers

This is a very good question that heeds a serious consideration.

It is a common problem and I am sure every SFI member asked him/herself how can the negative attitude be changed to a positive one.

According to my opinion, you yourself should be a positive thinking person with strong enthusiasm. Your knowledge about the SFI business and the Rules of Success should be on a very high level. Only so you will be able to make your affiliates understand how SFI works and when they get a complete idea of the fact that the possibilities of reaching the top are great and depend only on their own activity, most probably they will change their negative attitude. They must be sure that only by own engagement they can create long term wealth.

Galileo Galilei said that we cannot teach people anything, we can only help them discover it within themselves. And therefore, our duty as sponsors/cosponsors is to help them find inner force to overpass the blocks and discover the positive side of learning and earning through SFI. Help them to be optimistic, creative and emphasize how important it is to treat SFI like a business that can make their life really prosperous. Wealth cannot be reached in few days, but step by step work helps everybody to prosper in due time.

I hope you like my answer.

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This is a very good question that heeds a serious consideration.

It is a common problem and I am sure every SFI member asked him/herself how can the negative attitude be changed to a positive one.

According to my opinion, you yourself should be a positive thinking person with strong enthusiasm. Your knowledge about the SFI business and the Rules of Success should be on a very high level. Only so you will be able to make your affiliates understand how SFI works and when they
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Affiliate since: 10/25/2010, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Laurie's 53 other Ask SC answers

Hi Magdalena,

Your question really intrigued me!

You say your team has a negative attitude about SFI but how can you be sure? Is your team sending you emails that lead you to believe this, or are they just unresponsive?

Maybe they only do a little bit on their SFI sites or aren’t doing any advertising or getting commissions?

Also, it is surprising that anyone with a negative attitude is here at all – after all, no one is forced to be in SFI and if they really feel negative toward SFI, why don’t they opt out?

Regardless, since you addressed your team as ‘negative’ I will assume that you are receiving some sort of communication or indication of a discouraged attitude. Perhaps they are making indifferent comments in the forum, in private emails or in Stream posts. However you have figured out that your team is not on-board it is great that you recognized this because now you can do something about it!

Most negative attitudes are often more about a lack of knowledge versus actually not wanting to participate or for some reason they are thinking that SFI is a scam. It is often intensified by a lack of communication which makes a vicious cycle of one team member saying a negative statement and others believing it because they don’t know any better.

As their Team Leader it will be up to you to change this whole scenario. You will first need to identify what the problem is – why is your team making negative statements and what are those negative statements? Or, if they aren’t making any statements, what are they doing to make you think they question the veracity of the program?

Once the problem has been identified, you will need to provide them with the actual answers – the truth- of the matter.

For instance, is the complaint that “Nobody” has made any money yet? You will need to point out that SFI is not a ‘get rich quick’ type of program. Provide them all with educational materials – i.e. send Team Mails or Newsletters – that address this issue. There are ample articles and massive numbers of trainings available on the SFI website that you can send them to or cut and paste from (always give credit where you get it from – do not say you wrote it if you didn’t!)

But it doesn’t stop there – you have to help to prove to them that SFI will work for them. You can guide them to step 1, step 2 and so on, until they start earning. Notice I said guide them, do not do it for them! You shouldn’t have to run their business for them! However, there are some folks who simply don’t know what to do first and they need a little more help than others. So guide and nudge them until they start to head in the right direction.

Once your team starts to move forward and see some results the negative attitude should start to evaporate. When the myths and rumors have been cleared up and you are providing them with ample help and communication they will start to realize that their feelings were groundless and a waste of time.

For those that refuse to change their attitude, you may want to offer to move them to a different team (maybe by using the reassigning tool) or have a new sponsor assigned if able.) Once there is even one team member who is filled with negativity, your entire team can become re-infected and you will end up right back where you began – and nobody wants to go backwards.

Of course none of these approaches will work if you aren’t exhibiting a positive, enthusiastic, attitude of your own. It is imperative that you demonstrate to your team what a great program SFI is and how excited you are to be working with both SFI and TripleClicks (and all the other income streams.)

Help members to solve their own issues while maintaining a confident manner that reassures them that all problems will be resolved and everyone will be satisfied. Once they consistently see this attitude from you they will start to copy it – and remember, duplication is the key to success!
I hope this helps and the best of luck to you!

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Hi Magdalena,

Your question really intrigued me!

You say your team has a negative attitude about SFI but how can you be sure? Is your team sending you emails that lead you to believe this, or are they just unresponsive?

Maybe they only do a little bit on their SFI sites or aren’t doing any advertising or getting commissions?

Also, it is surprising that anyone with a negative attitude is here at all – after all, no one is forced to be in SFI and
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Affiliate since: 10/26/2010, Power Rank: 350 | Read Kay's 289 other Ask SC answers

Because of human nature, we must do all we can do to fight negativity. Because most people on the outside do not have a true understanding of SFI, our new PSAs often are discouraged by their friends and loved ones to do this business. Because of what other companies have done, people suspect SFI of being crooked. Negativity abounds in the uninformed world around our PSAs.

Therefore it is necessary to prepare yourself as a sponsor and as a team leader to deal with negativity before you have sponsored even one affiliate. Oops, too late, you say? Then start right now.

Build a circle of positivity around yourself. Start with your profile photos both at SFI and at other web sites. Look at what you are using now. It should be a current photo of you, not your child, spouse or dog. Some photos are clear, have good lighting, and show your facial features like a passport ID. But there is no smile, friendliness, or personality showing. And some are so shaded that your face can not even be seen, or blurred because of bright sunshine. And look at your clothing. Are you dressed too formal or too informal? Do the colors grab attention?

You want their first impression of you to be as one they can trust, someone who will treat them in a friendly way, and someone who is comfortable with this business.

Next look at both of your welcome letters, the one they get VP for reading from the To Do List, and the one you personally send out as a separate personal email. If your routinely send out a follow-up to your private welcome, then look at that one, too. You are looking to edit these letters so they will be upbeat, full of hope but not promises, and generally leading them into a positive attitude. They will duplicate you. So always send positivity down to your team members. Take every opportunity to send praises down to your team.

Any negativity on your part must be sent only to your upline. There is a solution for every question and problem. Your upline will teach you how to find it.

Answer all questions that your team asks as quickly as possible. Don't let them have time to think negative thoughts about your leadership. Different words can say the same thing but show different emotions. Always use uplifting words that bring good feelings as they are read.

Eventually, those affiliates who persevere will take on positive attitudes and you will find that the team is easier to lead.
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Because of human nature, we must do all we can do to fight negativity. Because most people on the outside do not have a true understanding of SFI, our new PSAs often are discouraged by their friends and loved ones to do this business. Because of what other companies have done, people suspect SFI of being crooked. Negativity abounds in the uninformed world around our PSAs.

Therefore it is necessary to prepare yourself as a sponsor and as a team leader to deal with negativity before you
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