How to Deal with “I Don’t Have the Time” Without Losing Posture or
Pushing People Away

If you’ve been in network marketing longer than five minutes, you’ve heard this one:

“I don’t have the time.”

And for most people, this objection feels like a brick wall.
They either freeze… back off… or start pushing too hard.

But here’s the truth:

Time is rarely the real issue.
It’s almost always a priority issue.

People always make time for what matters.
People always reorganize their life for something they believe will create change.
People always find time when the pain of staying the same becomes too much.

Your job is not to convince them they have time.
Your job is to help them see what their life looks like if nothing changes.

Here’s exactly how to handle this objection like a professional.

Step 1: Agree First and Remove All Resistance

Never argue with this objection.
Never say things like, “Everyone has the same 24 hours” or “You can make time if you really want it.”

That kills the conversation instantly.

Instead say:

“I get it. Most people feel stretched thin.”

Agreement lowers defenses.
It keeps the conversation open.
It shows respect instead of pressure.

Step 2: Ask the Question That Opens the Truth

Now you gently turn the conversation toward clarity:

“What’s taking most of your time right now?”

This does three things:

1. Gets them talking

2. Reveals their real schedule

3. Helps them self-identify what’s draining them

Most people will list responsibilities they don’t even enjoy.
This is where you begin to help them see the bigger picture.

Step 3: Use the Reframe That Changes Everything

Once they share what’s consuming their life, ask:

“Let me ask you something. If nothing changes in the next 6 to 12 months, do things get better or stay the same?”

This hits hard because it forces them to confront reality.

People do not change because they see the opportunity.
People change because they finally get honest about their current direction.

Step 4: Show Them How Success Happens in Small Pockets of Time

This removes overwhelm and makes the business feel realistic.

Say:

“Most people I work with build this in small pockets of time. Ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there. It’s not about having hours. It’s about consistency.”

This gives them hope.
It makes the business feel doable.
It reframes possibility.

Network marketing is built in minutes, not marathons.

Step 5: Share a Simple, Relatable Story

Stories open the heart and remove fear.

Share something like:

“I worked with a dad working two jobs who barely had time to breathe. He started with five minutes here, ten minutes there. Over time it added up and changed everything for him.”

No hype.
Just possibility.

Stories bypass resistance more than logic ever will.

Step 6: Release All Pressure and Maintain Posture

Confidence closes.
Pressure kills.

Say:

“If the timing isn’t right, that’s totally fine. If it is, I can help you fit this into your life in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming.”

This keeps the door wide open.

People decide when they feel safe.
Not when they feel cornered.

The Big Takeaway

Time is not the real objection.
Clarity and priorities are.

Your prospect is not saying they don’t have time.
They’re saying they’re unsure if the business is worth reorganizing for.

Handle this conversation calmly and confidently, and you’ll see people open up fast.

Your Call to Action

Use this line today:

“If nothing changes in the next year, does your situation get better or stay the same?”

This question sparks clarity and shifts the entire conversation.