Upline, Downline or a Circle of Collaboration and Creativity

Since becoming involved with iJango these past few weeks I've been wondering about how a networking marketing enterprise might be 'reshaped' as a Business On Purpose.

Today, I began to see an image of a circle in my mind.  If you've ever been involved with a MLM you are probably familiar with the upline/downline concept.  The person who sponsors you is your upline and the folks you sponsor are in your downline.

Okay, that's one possible arrangement and one that doubtless has worked well. And now let's play with it a bit.  What happens if you connect the two ends of the 'line'?  Well, you get a circle right?

You see, for me, I don't see myself in a position of knowing more about the business (or anything else for that matter) than those I've invited to join my team. (Notice, 'invited' rather than 'recruited.' I'll shave that for another day.)  We all have something to offer, and in a circle I think we're more likely to hold each other in the spirit of collaboration, cooperation and creativity.

It's no longer a 'command and control' type of world, least not in a life or business on purpose.  As much as it pains for little IP to say it, I'm not really the head of my family, though Ann is good at letting me have that illusion from time to time.  We're in a purposeful partnership and as Amber continues to grow and develop into womanhood, she is joining us in that family partnership.

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A Circle of Mutual Empowerment
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In a circular team structure, we're there to empower each other, to learn from each other, to collaborate and create with each other.  There's really no one 'team leader' or boss, or upline, just fellow collaborators committed to supporting each other and service the greater good of all.

I know in the old paradigm of the boss at the top model, it can be real lonely at the top, and there's a lot of pressure to be the leader and to know what's best for everyone below.  And often from this comes the mindset of 'command and control.' Ugh!

Here's a real life example.  I'm going through some of my own stuff right now regarding iJango.  I notice I'm doubting myself just a bit, and I can feel a little of the initial excitement waning just a bit, not a lot, but I know where this can lead if I let it. (Fortunately, I also identify it a my little ol' Inherited Purpose trying to keep me safe and secure, so that help too.)

If I hold to the up/down -- command and control model, then I've got to be strong and probably silent and work it all out myself. But if I place myself in the circle with the rest of my team, then I can request support and encouragement. I don't know about you, but the second one feels much better to me.

As I imagine sitting in the circle with my fellow teammates, I look to see what would empower me that would also empower the rest of the team.  Being willing to be authentic and share what's been going on with me is a start. I next recognize that hearing from the other team member, especially reminding ourselves why we're together as a team and what we're building -- now that's empowering.

So will 'circle of collaboration and creativity' replace uplines and downlines in network marketing?  I don't know, but I offer it as a possibility and that the IJ Business On Purpose Team is the first one to give it a go.

Let me know what you think of this idea.

Comments

[Kathy Wigley]

I am an Ijango Rep., waiting to invite others to Ijango until I see for myself the Oct. 2009 improvements on the Ijango Homepage. Everything in life involves some kind of risk and with Ijango, I willing took the risk to have a web portal. I like what I see so far and again am patiently waiting for the expected improvements. I am also a massage therapist who moved to another state working hard to obtain my licenses in Arkansas and going through the same game of having to wait for the system to approve or not approve my application. With that application I have had to put out around $300 on tests required by this State...regardless of the fact I have already taken and passed required tests in another state...all with the same questions! I have to risk $$$$ to get the license to have a career. IJANGO is a risk financially as well...but I have taken many risks involving $$$, to improve myself career wise, buying real estate, creating income as an independent contractor and learning how create diversity in income with my passions and interests...the doubts have always found their way in and I have had to push them aside. With all the risks I have taken since 2001...when I set out on my own and found the courage to take risks in order to achieve great things...I have learned what great achievers know, without risks there is no growth or rewards.