Several years ago, my daughter's school choir toured the United Kingdom. She brought me back a coffee (tea) mug. The mug had a map of the London underground system. The London Underground, known as "The Tube, "is the oldest rapid transit system globally. The slogan "Mind The Gap" was emblazoned across the mug.

The Transport for London Company (T.F.L.) had developed an automated warning in 1968 to spare conductors the chore of announcing "Mind The Gap" endlessly. A digital system is now used for the 1.8 million passengers who use" The Tube" daily. "Mind The Gap" was meant to remind travelers to step up from the stationary platform across the open space, The Gap, to enter the train and move on their way forward safely. "Mind The Gap" is a world-famous slogan, with The London, Underground Sign and are registered trademark owned by Transport for London (T.F.L.).

This is an especially relevant model as network marketers and their teams enter a new business quarter and plan a successful end of the sales/and team building.

The main point of this story is that to move from a stationary place, your goals, and plan, you have to "Mind The Gap" to move forward. In network marketing, most sellers are solo entrepreneurs or possibly team or unit members or leaders. Remember at seminar, Jamboree, or annual conference at the start of this business year? Many set their goals individually or with their team leader, sales director, or possibly a peer.

I have noticed over the years that my wife's sales unit met after the annual sales seminar and at the mid-year meeting. Many make lofty sales, sharing, and trip goals. At the end of the year, I also observed that many reach or exceed their goals. I also notice several who seem to fall off and don't reach their goals.

One wonders what the difference is between the two groups. Indeed life can intervene at times, yet I notice many thrive with the challenge. Think of those around who excelled in a virtual marketplace in the last two years and those who didn't. The reason was not different products or training or opportunity. Those were all available. It is possible those who fell off their goals were not practicing an accountability system. They didn't "Mind The Gap."

Leadership expert John Maxwell often says there is a gap between good intentions and achievement for everyone.

That Gap has a deliberate systemic accountability plan. Learning to "Mind the Gap" and creating a deliberate accountability model is a learnable skill. This learning process requires awareness, commitment, and hard work. This type of plan will be individually designed and implemented by the individual network marketer or team. Deliberate systemic practice of accountability must include these five key components below.

1. Develop a deliberate, systematic practice of writing your goals and plan and definite times for intentional reflection and review.

2. Develop a non-aggression pact with yourself regarding blame and judgment on goals and progress.

Please keep in mind this is information.

3. Develop a learner's perspective on your goals and progress.

Remember to ask "What have I learned?"

4. Seek out a person or persons to be an accountability partner or partners.

These individuals can be friends or even personal coaches. These people must genuinely care for and be brutally honest with you to review your plan and progress and agree to meet with you systematically. "Your accountability partner keeps you on track and moving forward in all aspects of your development."  Mike Staver

5. Practice, Practice, Practice.

Nicki Keohohou, the Direct Selling World Alliance co-founder, often says, "Practice makes permanent. Perfection is probably unreachable; success, progress, and sustainability will grow you and your network marketing business and team

The deliberate design of an accountability plan will look different for different people and situations. The individual plan is based on a commitment to systematic hard work using the five components above. The design and practice of an accountability plan will yield significant benefits such as;

"Accountability breeds response-ability." Stephan Covey

1. A deliberate practice of accountability releases you from self-blaming and shaming.

Accountability is not a personal judgment. It is information to use in your business.

2. A deliberate practice of accountability creates ownership.

Stephan Covey often said "accountability breeds response-ability "for actions and ownership for completing goals

3. A deliberate practice of accountability brings focus to reflect on your purpose in network marketing and actions  to meet goals to lead to accomplishment

4. A practice of deliberate accountability creates a model for all they serve.

A network marketer deliberately practicing accountability sets a model for team members and clients. This model can expand beyond your business to your family, your church any other organizations

5. A deliberate practice of accountability will move you to reach your goals and give you a sustainable, repeatable model for success.

Network marketing success in sales and sharing can be significantly enhanced by deliberately practicing systematic accountability. The network marketer who can develop a deliberate accountability practice will "Mind The Gap" and move you and your business down the road to success.

Remember to "Mind The Gap"