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A while ago I heard someone talking about the power of words and how using words like upline and downline are not really a nice way to call the people you work with.
Upline – as they are “above” you. Even though physically they are in the heirarchy of your business, it just implies that they are superior.
Downline – as they are “below” you. These are the people that make you a success. It just sounds so degrading.
Success Team & Support Team Instead
I heard someone once say that instead of calling their associates upline/downline, instead they chose to call them their Success Team and Support Team.
Success Team – aka “downline”. They are the ones that make you successful.
Support Team – aka “upline”. These are the ones that support your success and those in your success team.
I love this idea and will no longer be using those derogatory words. Instead I’ll be referring to my Success Team first (as they are my #1 priority) and my Support Team (those I look to for guidance and mentoring).
Hi, good post. I have been wondering about this issue,so thanks for posting.
A very good issue and one I’ve been wondering about for ages also. It seems like a kind of put down to those who are working hard in your team to be referred to as “downline” In the MLM world, everyone knows what it means but subconsciously it’s not a good message. Neither do I want to be thought as a up on a pedestal just because I happen to be further up in the hierarchy than my loyal team members. Let’s work at changing the terminology. Anna
Hi Tracy,
I like this post — it’s short and sweet. AND, very accurate! I remember reading a book several years ago when I first started in NWM, and the author had a section devoted to this very topic. She refused to use the traditional NWM lingo because she felt it was disrespectful. As she said, “No one is under or above me. We are all moving together, just at different speeds.”
I have always remembered that and as a result, have avoided using the terms “downline” and “upline” as best I can.
Thanks for writing about this!
Mary Lou Kayser
Mary Lou Kayser´s last blog ..From Success to Significance (aka S-2-S)