Kathleen Deggelman on being a Powerful Woman in Network Marketing
Kathleen Deggelman has been full time in network marketing since 2006. Here’s our interview where she reveals her formula for success.
Kathleen, I am truly honored that you agreed to do this interview with me! It has been over a year since I spotlighted you and your blog in the Top 80 MLM Bloggers, and I welcome you back!
So, you went from Corporate America to Real Estate to Network Marketing in 2006. How were you approached about network marketing and what did you think about it?
It was at a time in my life when I was looking for a change. I had over-invested in residential real estate and when the market crashed, I knew I had to do something and fast.
I thought about starting my own business or buying a franchise and I am so glad I didn’t get that far. When a girlfriend told me about my first network marketing company, I saw the opportunity right away and said yes, let’s get started. So you never know who you are talking to – it may just be your next rockstar!
You were the first woman to reach the top ranks in your primary network marketing company. How long did it take you from joining your MLM business to getting to the top ranks, and what do you think contributed to that ascension up the ranks?
I reached one of the top ranks in my network marketing company as a single woman (though I am not single now, thanks to network marketing too) in just under two years.
I think why that happened was because I put my head down and I did the work of talking to a lot of people over that time period.
I also had the good fortune of several entrepreneurs saying yes to me early on and together we created a great business and livelihood for many people. We had a lot of fun and we didn’t know that it couldn’t be done fast.
I was ready for this in terms of the personal development I had done along the way leading up to this venture. I spent about 25 years in corporate America and I can say, that I haven’t looked back!
You’ve shared the stage with Tony Robbins, among other powerful leaders today. Did you spend much time with Tony and what was your impression of him?
I have spent a lot of time with Tony over the years because I have participated in many of his programs including an exclusive one week retreat at his island in Fiji.
I think Tony is an amazing individual. I have learned a lot from Tony about happiness, achievement, success and how to give back.
Watching Tony is like watching a master at his craft. He is that good! I am looking forward to seeing him again at the Go Pro event in December. I am a big fan!
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You went on to build an organization of over 70,000 distributors. What made your team grow when other teams in MLM tend to crumble?
Staying with it. I never quit and I have always worked my business consistently. There are always ups and downs in every business. You have to ride the waves. We are too quick to move.
I have spent 10 years in just two companies. A mentor told me years ago that the best way to succeed is to put in your time, not to quit and to stay excited.
It is the consistency of the action that makes the difference. I believe that and it has certainly played out well for me!
I always loved your blog/website. How old is it, how many posts, and how effective is it in attracting and generating Leads?
That is a good question.
I started blogging about 6 years ago and I have over 100 posts.
Yes, it definitely is a great way to attract leads. Blogging isn’t for everyone and not necessary to succeed in our business but I have found that any way we can set ourselves apart, any way we can brand ourselves is a good thing.
What I love about blogging is I can share tips and techniques to a much larger audience, not just my team. It is a chance to be personal and to give back to our community. I think people worry that they will run out of things to say and there is always more to say and more to teach!
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You mention on your blog that you hired a team to help you with Attraction Marketing and Internet Marketing. What has been the most important aspect of switching from “old school” MLM to internet attraction marketing and network marketing?
I still love “old school” and think that home parties, one on ones, 3 way calls and hotel events are all still fantastic ways to build your business and connect with your prospects and teammates. And it has been a lot of fun to add the new ways of building too.
I think they are all tools in the toolbox and all have their place. I don’t think we need to make one way outdated or one way THE way. They are all great tools.
Facebook and all the social media sites have forever changed how we can reach out to people. We can never again say we have run out of people.
It is so much easier to be connected with your team now. It is so much easier to reach out to prospects and your teammates through Facebook messages, texts, online webinars, hangouts, skype calls….
I can’t imagine going back to before we had all these great tools! It is more fun and more social to build now and easier for the new person too.
If someone is new to network marketing and they want to do everything with a blog. What would you tell them?
Blogs are great but you will still need to talk to people. This is a relationship business and always will be no matter what tools we are using.
People still join because they want to connect and do something with you and your company. New people want to be careful not to fall into the trap of getting ready to get ready or when their website is perfect, then they will get started.
It is best to just jump in and start talking to people. Care about them and what you can do for them. It is still true that if you help them, you will get what you want too.
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I notice that you have wealth affirmations on your blog. How important is positive mindset, and are there any more techniques that can speed up the success of an individual?
A positive mindset is actually – EVERYTHING. From moment to moment we get to choose how we are going to be in the world no matter what is coming our way. Your business will grow as you grow.
Taking time to listen to a positive and inspiring speaker, coach, author or mentor every day can be the difference you are looking for – not just in your business but in your life.
Sometimes I just go to youtube and search on motivation and choose one of the videos that pop up. I have stacks of books around my house and I randomly choose a few pages here and there.
I have a better life today because of this habit. We all have ups and downs in our lives and this one daily practice can make all the difference in how you react to the ups and downs.
People will notice the difference in you. You will become more interesting and more compassionate by working on your mindset. Developing this muscle will also help you stay in the game and keep going for what you want.
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What inspires you most about Network Marketing, Kathleen?
The lives we get to live and the lives we get to impact. We really do help people live better and happier lives. It is so much more than the financial aspect. We get to help people make choices in their everyday lives.
I live an extraordinary life and I love that over the years I have helped others to do so also. I am inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit that you have to have to be successful in our profession.
I love that we inspire people to get out of things they don’t like and to make choices that give them more freedom and more options.
The time freedom part of this is the most important and life-changing part for me. You can make a lot of money but if you are tied to a desk and don’t have the time you want to enjoy your life, then what is the point?
With our profession, we have the opportunity to help shape the individual so that they can make the choices in their life that will make the difference!
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What are your plans for 2017 and beyond?
To keep on keeping on! I am loving where I am and who I get to work with. I want to continue to be of service and to develop my own leadership skills.
I am excited about opening some new markets in 2017. One of the best things about network marketing is you never know from one day to the next what is going to happen. I find that exciting and promising.
I am looking forward to teaching our children more about entrepreneurship too! And 2017 will be a great year to give back in even more significant ways.
If someone wants training from you, what can they do?
I love to help our community. That is a big part of why I write the regular blogs, post tips on Facebook and continue to provide training videos on my youtube channel, KathleenTV.
Thanks for all the great questions!
Wow! Kathleen, this is amazing! You have so much wisdom and knowledge and you’re truly a selfless leader who wants to provide value and give back!
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