MLM has evolved enormously over the last few decades and the methods of prospecting have changed considerably. In the 21st century things are completely different, particularly since the internet changed advertising methods and ways of contacting new prospects.

There are a number of prospecting techniques that have been rendered virtually obsolete thanks to the internet:

(1) Cold calling. There was a time when people weren't bombarded with constant calls from insurance agents, banks and mobile phone companies. People hate cold calling now - and sales people hate having to make them. Nowadays, we have access to the internet and ways to find anything we need at the tips of our fingers. We don't need the intrusiveness of having our phones ringing and having to listen to a sales pitch.

(2) Newspaper advertising. Newspaper adverts have also lost their effectiveness. Most people gaze across the adverts and don't take them in, even the really striking ones. Plus, advertising space is increasingly expensive because everyone wants the premium spot.

(3) Referrals. People aren't as willing to give referrals anymore. There simply is no incentive in it. Another reason people are so cautious is that they are aware that there are so many scams out there. They won't be thanked for giving out names and getting their friends introduced to a dubious opportunity.

(4) Calling warm or hot leads. One can still buy lists of leads from defunct MLM companies or other sources but these leads are outdated or of poor quality. You will merely be wasting your time and your phone bill by calling any of these leads.

(5) Talking it up. There was a time when if you told your friend you had a great opportunity and he could get involved he would have been excited and wanted to hear more. Nowadays, people think they are wise to it all. They will say, 'Oh, it's another MLM scheme' as if it this a bad thing. Trying to cover this up or do it by stealth only makes you look desperate and never works

(6) Pressured closing. There are still network marketing companies who consider this kind of hard closing a skill. They attempt to hard sell or strong-arm a prospect into signing up, even before explaining all the aspects of the business or giving the prospect time to do their homework. This never works - even if they do sign up you will not have made a successful connection with them. You want them to work hard for you and then to develop their own downline. If they felt tricked into the opportunity then they are hardly likely to want to repeat this!
Don't use these outdated techniques for developing prospects and growing your business. You will be wasting your time and efforts.