The Spartan Secret Of Network Marketing Success…
Nobody really wants to know what it takes to succeed. That’s why I’ve been holding out on you.
Because the truth is, it’s not easy, it’s not fast, and it’s downright terrifying.
But if you really want to know what it takes,
ask the Spartans.
The Spartan’s didn’t make excuses when they faced Xerxes and the Persians at Thermopylae. There were 300 Spartans and scholars are still arguing about how many Persians. I’ve seen numbers cited online as high as the millions. The number is not important.
The point is, 300 men decided to “Do it or die”
They made up their minds and stood their ground while other Greeks retreated. They died but their last stand thwarted the advance of the massive Persian army. Possibly saving the whole mainland of Greece. Xerxes, was terrified of being caught on the mainland.
But what are you willing to give up for your goals, your ideals?
An hour, a week, a year?
Your right arm? Your left? Your life?
Would you let a fox eat your guts?
When I was a boy I read a story about a Spartan teenager. He stole a fox and, rather than admitting that he stole the fox, let the fox chew out his belly under his toga while he was being questioned. That was the Spartan way. He died.
Maybe, this is a little extreme, but if you really want to be remembered in 30 years, you’re going to have to develop that hard boiled attitude…
At some point you’re going to have to throw away your excuses and “Do it or die.”
The Spartans were a military state…
They sacrificed their own children for their ideals, bathing them in wine shortly after they were born to see if they were strong, leaving the weak on a mount Taygetos to die.
The survivors in their teenage years would be sent out into the countryside to survive with their brains and a knife.
Forget food, they had to kill or steal it…
They did it or they died…
Don’t forget the women…
Spartan women were some of the first women to have power in society. They were educated and athletic. They governed in the absence of their husbands. And when their husbands left for war, they would present them with shield saying: “With this, or on this.”
Meaning, “If you don’t come back a victorious, you loser, you better be dead!”
Okay, I took some liberty with that last translation…
But It Makes Network Marketing sound like a walk in the park doesn’t it?
Nevertheless, until you’re ready to make some sacrifices for you goals you will never succeed in Network Marketing or any other endeavor.
Until you’re ready to burn all your bridges, lock all the doors behind you, and risk everything you own in this world… you will never make a major breakthrough.
Success is about breaking out of your comfort zone…
In a lot of cases it’s about taking risks.
Investing in that expensive course.
Picking up that phone every day.
Whatever it takes.
Jason The “Better Networker”
The Jason Better Blog
P.S. Inspire More: If this post inspires you then share it with the world by “retweeting” it with the little green button on the top of this post. Inspire your followers to be more, do more, get more out of life. 
52 Comments
Chris Owen on February 26th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Great post. I love the story of the 300.
I totally agree with you here. It you stand back in fear, you will miss out on the greater things in life.
What’s that saying, “live out loud”.
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 11:09 am
It’s probably the most inspirational
story I’ve read about…
I mean, it’s always inspired me to be
more and do more… and the fact that it
actually happened…
Although, not like the Frank Miller movie. lol.
[Reply]
Dwayne Huggins on February 26th, 2010
Be successful or die trying!
I can live with that.
Nice tie in with the Spartans, I like the comparison.
My moto us go hard or don’t go at all.
As always thanks J
Dwayne
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Love it Dwayne,
You’re definitely packing a punch with
your articles these days. I see your
face popping up on the popular posts. 
[Reply]
Wayne Vassell on February 26th, 2010
Yeah, I agree it is definitely hard work alright.
It is interesting to hear peoples responses when you tell them how much they need to do just to get some leads.
Like anything in life you have to work hard and smart first to get the payback later on.
Thanks for the post J, and have a good weekend my friend.
Wayne Vassell, signing out…
[Reply]
Jerome Ratliff on February 26th, 2010
Hey there J-
We can certainly learn a lot from the Spartans.
One side note and to Steve’s comment, which is some great history about Nike.
Nike was a “goddess of triumph and victory.” I bet you can imagine why it was chosen for the name of the shoe.
Isn’t that what we are talking about here, J. Triumph and victory!
Great way to put it.
Jerome Ratliff
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Now it makes sense!
I actually didn’t know that.
Nice.
[Reply]
Richard Walsh on February 26th, 2010
You’ve stirred the Marine in me I live by the “do or die”. I just have been having an online discussion with some people regarding mediocrity, it has no place in my life! I just did 50 push ups you got me cranked, thanks Jason!
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Crazy!
I need to get back in the habit.
I used to be able to do pull-ups like
they were nothing back in the day.
[Reply]
Derek Alvarez on February 26th, 2010
Love this post, Jason!
We only get one shot at life — might as well give it your all to live the best way you can.
We all have greatness within us — it’s just a matter of bringing it out.
Sure, it’ll take some work…
Sure, it may not come “easy”…
But it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Chris Owen actually wrote a post yesterday about enjoying the journey, in the meantime.
People should go check it out.
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Thanks Derek,
Loved your post too btw.
[Reply]
February 27th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Thanks Jason,
Thanks for sharing it in your email, too — I’ll never get tired of seeing “my pretty mug” in a “Best of Better Networker” email!
[Reply]
March 1st, 2010 at 8:04 am
No prob,
Your article rocked.
I was a little bit worried about how the picture displayed though.
It’s really tough to start a post with a picture on the top
at BN because the social buttons displace it. I would consider moving
them into the body copy… set left or right align.
One of the limitations of having so much “awesome” packed into
a post.
Rose Mis on February 26th, 2010
What a great post Jason !!
It takes some serious guts to live life in the “no excuses allowed” zone !!
Uncomfortable as it is, who you have to become in order to live like that allows a person to KNOW on a cellular level that anything is possible if they “Just freakin’ DO IT”
The Spartans were tough people … it will take tough people to thrive in the New Economy !!
Thanks so much for sharing this !!
Wishing you an awesome weekend !!
Rose
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Hey Rose,
Definitely, this economy isn’t for whiners…
Only the “Spartan” will survive.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood on February 26th, 2010
Awesome comparison, Jason!
That’s why only about 2% ever make it in this industry.
Onward and upward!
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Oh no…
It’s shrinking now. I heard 3%
I guess we’d better ramp up our war efforts.
[Reply]
February 27th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Well, maybe you’re right and it’s 3%. In any case it’s very low.
So… to arms, Spartans!!
[Reply]
March 1st, 2010 at 8:02 am
Hey Ilka,
Hah, yep!
Either way it’s very low.
But it only takes a few more to raise that
number a percent or two… one step at a time.
Rhonda Miller on February 26th, 2010
Great post once again,
This falls right in line with what we’ve been learning in our leadership trainings.
If a person doesn’t like the direction their life is going, they’re going to have to change some things or keep the same life as per Jim Rohn.
I love when someone asks you what it takes to succeed, you tell them and they ignore you b/c American Idol is on. Hello???
Takes all kinds to make the world go round. I’m good with the 3% rule myself. Leaves more room at the top for ME and my fellow 3%ers:)
Have a great weekend everyone,
Rhonda
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Rhonda,
I had a similar experience on the phone
with somebody… ignoring me because of a rerun
sitcom TV show… after they said they had no time.
People are funny that way.
[Reply]
Peter Grimes on February 26th, 2010
Jason,
Was just listening to some training which major theme was “Be All In” and now this post I have a feeling that it is a timely reminder to live life to the full and be all we were created to be. To do or die, to be all in!
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
It’s weird how the universe conspires
like that…
Coincidences.
Gotta love them.
[Reply]
Dan on February 26th, 2010
Great post. It kinda informs as to why prospects opt onto your list, then find out there’s some work and investment to be made, and they fall by the wayside, willing to do neither. But they still want to be successful, just not willing to make the investment in themselves.
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Hey Dan,
They want the easy button but
they don’t want to push it themselves.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker on February 26th, 2010
Telling it like it is Jason! Anything worthwhile must include discomfort or else we would all have it already and it would a whole lot less value!
Marcus
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Hey Marcus,
Reminds me of ummm…
was it Aristotle?
“All that is worthwhile is difficult.”?
[Reply]
Michael Cole on February 26th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Do it or die trying, that’s what it takes to succeed in anything worthwhile.
Too many people fall prey to scammers telling them all they need to make money on-line is a website.
They’ll wait three maybe four months for the money to start rolling in, never really understanding how much work it takes to get that big ball rolling.
Once you step out of your comfort zone, and stay out for a while,there is really no going back. You find yourself compelled to get better at what you can do and find new skills to master.
And then there is Master Yoda “…..There is no Try”
Michael
[Reply]
March 1st, 2010 at 7:55 am
I love that Yoda quote.
Sometimes I wonder how
George Lucas came up with this
stuff…
Especially when you watch the
new/old trilogy.
[Reply]
Eric McMillan on February 27th, 2010
Jason,
Great analogy. I’ve been there and done a lot of things, but am laying it all on the line right now. You’ll either find me at the top or dead on the side.
Look forward to connecting,
Eric
[Reply]
March 1st, 2010 at 7:59 am
Awesome,
I think too many people underestimate
what it really takes to succeed.
I was worried about writing this, but it
seems to have gone over well.
[Reply]
Jose on February 28th, 2010
Do it or die trying, that is the question. And believe me Jason thanks to your comment I will chase some good prospects I do have, no more procastination, like the song says, It’s now or never.
Good advice and keep the good work,
Blessings.
[Reply]
February 28th, 2010 at 10:05 am
Hi Jose,
You really shouldn’t chase prospects down, it makes you look needy and desperate.
Look at it this way, run in the same direction as your good prospect, get in front and lead him where you want him to go.
He may follow or may not, but there more he thinks you need him the harder you will have to work.
You want your prospect to need you, as someone that can help him reach his goals.
Do it or die trying, but do it the right way.
Michael
[Reply]
March 1st, 2010 at 8:12 am
Procrastination…
What a terrible thing.
I often wonder if this is a modern
thing.
And thank you Jose.
Your blessings are appreciated.
[Reply]
Mitchell Dillman on February 28th, 2010
Well scalp all the prisoners, sacrifice the goats and burn the town church to the ground Jason…
I’m not much of a history buff and I never really had reason to study the Spartans or their battle tactics, but this has inspired me…(To do what, I’m still not sure.)
Lately I’ve been considering which of my many firearms to sell, but now that you’ve put it this way, I don’t think I sell a single one. Perhaps what I really need is more ammo…
I almost feel the need to go pillage the neighborhood and evict all the homeless from their cardboard shanties. They’ve recently been moving in down by the creek behind my house and there appears to be no end in sight to this new pattern.
I’m as willing as the next guy to make some sacrifices to succeed…but how many more will have to suffer, Jason, before they realize old school MLM is already dead?
Mitchell Dillman
[Reply]
March 1st, 2010 at 8:14 am
Mitchell,
Now, I’m getting worried.
My next article will be about bunnies,
unicorns, and peaceful things.
Happy to inspire, but drive that passion into
those nails.
[Reply]
5 Quick And Dirty Ways To Write Attractive HeadlinesNetwork Marketing Business Blog on March 5th, 2010
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John Rothstein on March 19th, 2010
Wow Jason,
I really like this one. I have been a fan of Greek history since I was a kid. This is a great.
John Rothstein
[Reply]
March 19th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
I was always fascinated by the Spartans.
Not the kind in the movie 300.
[Reply]
Jason Better Draws A Blank…Network Marketing Business Blog on March 25th, 2010
[...] The Spartan Secret Of Network Marketing Success… [...]
Hey Jason,
What an great way to put it! It takes a strong mindset to run a successful team. Here is a question how many people really would have survived those time with the excuses they use today to?
Have a great weekend…
Josh
[Reply]
February 26th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Probably not too many…
We have it all cushy now with
couches, chairs, and tvs…
Imagine trying to survive in a
Spartan state? Wow.
[Reply]
February 27th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Right On Jason!
[Reply]