We were having a discussion in the Direct Sales Institute group about the hazards of the use of the {R} word, RECRUIT used as a noun to describe a new Consultant.

Verbiage is everything in our business.  We use great verbiage to describe our product, we build desire for our show experience… yet, we drop the ball when it come to team building?  Instead of painting a picture for that new team member of potential, worth, belonging, friendships and joy… we say “YAY, I got a new RECRUIT!”   We say things like,  “This is Sarah, one of my new RECRUITS.”  Or perhaps worst of all, we post things like “I am looking for a 3 RECRUITS by the end of the month.”  This kind of verbiage seems so impersonal and…well, selfish.  It isn’t about the opportunity or what we can do for them.  It is all about us.  It sounds like a numbers game.

I cringe when I hear it or see it on Facebook.  I want to go to that new person and tell her that she IS more than a number. I want to refocus her on her dreams and why she began this incredible journey. I can see the discomfort in her eyes as she wonders where that {warm} company she thought she was joining has disappeared to.

Why do we use this word?  I am not sure.  Are we too lazy to form the 3 syllables that make up the word Con-sul-tant?  Is it just a case of bad behavior being modeled for us? Have we become deaf to the empty sound of the word? Or, are we truly just playing a numbers game and a “Recruit” is all she is to us?

No, I don’t think that is it.  I think we just don’t think about it.  I think it is so common place that it has become normal.  And I think far too few people model good behavior for us. So let’s turn it around.  If it’s to be, its up to {YOU} and {ME}.  Just for the rest of September, let’s use good, descriptive verbiage.  Let’s give people the title that they deserve instead of slapping a generic label on them.  Let’s  use words to build desire, value and a sense of community.  Team member, Consultant, Sister Designer, Brand Ambassador, Business Partner.  I know its extra syllables but we CAN DO IT!

———————————————- Michelle Archer is a certified coach with nearly 25 years experience in direct sales. Michelle works with companies and individuals to explode their business potential. Connect with her on Facebook Learn more at http://directsalesinstitute.com/