Archive for Network Marketing
Are you REALLY helping people? Find out
Posted by: | CommentsMy best friend is personal trainer… actually, he’s one of the top rated personal trainers in the country. He’s incredible at what he does and his clients get serious results. So one day I asked him to show me a few things. Here is roughly how that conversation went;
I said: “Hey bud… I’d like to buff up a bit, why don’t you show me a thing or two?”
He said: “sure, come on in to the gym and we’ll get you set up on a program.”
I said: “No no… I mean right now… just show me a few exercises.”
He said: “didn’t you say that you want to buff up?”
I said: “yes”
He sail: “well, in order for you to reach your goal, we need to set you up on a program”
Of course at the time I was a little annoyed, but I understand now. If he were to show me a couple exercises and I did not get any results, I may be tempted to say that “It doesn’t work“. Or even worse, someone could be watching and ask me where I learned my poor technique and that would be very poor advertising for my friend.
What I mean is that when we are helping our customers use our products to achieve results or when we are helping our new distributors to build a business, it is a package deal. We are selling a solution to their problem. We need to find out what their goal is and help them reach it by following the system that works! Just as it is not enough to go to the gym once and claim that it “doesn’t work”, we do not make one phone call to promote our business and then quit when we get a no. It is not fair to anyone.
In order to succeed, you need to set expectations properly and get commitment to following a plan.
Does Momentum exist in Network Marketing?
Posted by: | CommentsWhen I first became involved in Network Marketing, there was a lot of hype about “timing”. I remember being shown graphs and slides depicting the growth of “every company in Network Marketing” and being told that our company was “pre-momentum”. They went on to tell us that now is the best time go get it since we would all benefit from the global growth of the company. All we needed to do was hang on to our autoship until momentum hits and we’d all be rich.
What a load of crap.
Do not be fooled. Momentum is a marketing tool used in order to recruit distributors. People need to know that it is risky to join an MLM in the beginning stages since there are always growing pains. Compensation plans often change affecting paychecks and downlines. Products are often unproven and untested. Upline systems are fluctuating and sometimes they haven’t even been established. Lawsuits may arise and can devastate a growing company. There are even problems with a company growing too fast and not keeping up with demand as well as expanding into different countries without proper approval and being shutdown and dismantled.
Let me be clear.
You can start a Network Marketing business at ANY time and build it successfully.
It is far more important to research and find a company that is doing well and growing at a reasonable rate. The products should virtually sell themselves. Your upline support team should be in line with your morals and business practices. They also need to be responsive and supportive.
Network Marketing is a sales and marketing business. It is about moving product through your organization.
As long as there is demand for your product you can be successful. You simply have to learn how to continue to attract new customers.
If you’d done your job and you’ve been marketing and promoting, then you will have a constant stream of people that are interested in purchasing your product. This is your system. If you can keep track of your sales statistics as well as your marketing programs, then you can teach these sales and marketing strategies to others. As long as supply (salespeople promoting the same product) doesn’t overtake the demand (people who are purchasing your product) then you can continue to recruit and earn an income.
Something to think about.
How to pick an MLM
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One of the ways that I attract leads for my Network Marketing company is through participating in online forums. Yesterday someone asked why those of us in the forum chose the companies that we are in. There were a number of answers on this topic. I wasn’t surprised that most people said that they needed the product and started there. There are obviously people that joined because they were looking for an extra income stream, but I didn’t hear any real details about why they specifically chose their company. While it is true that if you work hard enough, you can earn income in any MLM or Network Marketing company, but I don’t understand why anyone would just join the first one that they encounter. Furthermore, I really don’t understand why someone would make a decision under pressure from a salesperson.
For me the answer is quite simple. I want to know that people are searching for the products AND purchasing them. There are so many reasons why people buy products. Some products are purchased because people need them, and some are wants. Some people like to buy brands and some don’t. However, it is important to do the market research to find out who your target market is, and what their purchasing habits are.
I admit, I’m a little bit demanding when it comes to evaluating an MLM. I want the proof that it is profitable. I asked my sponsor to see her marketing results. I want to know how many leads she is generating, how many of those are converting and what kind of income that is generating. Then I can estimate how much time and effort it would take to set up a lead generation campaign and that tells me an “hourly” rate. If the math works out, then I join. In this case, it did… so I did.
I don’t think it is enough to have a “good” product. I don’t even think it’s enough to have the “best” product. If you are looking to earn an income in MLM what is important is that people are willing to buy you product!
Why does Network Marketing (MLM) have such a bad reputation?
Posted by: | CommentsNetwork Marketing(MLM) has an awful reputation for most people. I remember before I was even introduced to Network Marketing, I had this negative impression of what it was. Of course, once I learned a little more, I relaxed my opinion. There is definitely a lot of pluses to MLM, but on the other hand, there are reasons for the bad reputation.
Maybe I can shed some light on why people think so poorly of it.
1. They think they have to bug family and friends
One of the first things that most people hear when they first get started in their Network Marketing business is “make a warm market list” of friends and family. Although your friends and family are going to be your most local customers and they are an excellent referral source, you should NOT be recruiting them. However, traditionally, new distributors are encouraged to set up 3-way calls with their sponsor and each person on the list. If you’ve been on one of these calls, you know how awkward it is. Some high pressure sales guy trying to get your friends and family to join your business. You might as well just subscribe your friends and family to a bunch of telemarketing lists… it feels the same way to them. There are much better ways to find people to talk to.
2. They think it is an illegal pyramid
There are definitely illegal pyramids that exist. A pyramid scheme has no product/service involved or the product/service is bogus. MLM is not a pyramid. MLM is legal all over the world and there are extremely strict guidelines to keep things ethical, fair and legal. All you need to do is consult the Direct Sellers Association (DSA) for a list of legitimate MLM businesses.
3. Overpriced/Scam Products
There are scams out there that have a bogus product in order to attempt to appear legal and legitimate. However, this should be obvious by just looking at the product. On the other hand, the MLM companies that thrive have extremely high quality products. Otherwise, people wouldn’t be able to refer them. The idea is to have a product that is so good that you just have to tell someone.
4. Spamming
There are tons of people who spam their opportunity. Sometimes this is lack of knowledge, but I think most of the time it’s people hiding behind their computers trying to be “anonymous”. They post junk in all the forums under some profile that doesn’t even contain their name. They aren’t really serious about running a business, they just throw their money at something and then take the “easy way” of spamming forums hoping to get something for nothing.
5. The general closed mindedness of some people
There is not much that people hate more than stepping out of their comfort zones and admitting defeat. When they realize that this business takes work and you really have to change as a person, instead they quit and blame their sponsor, or company or whoever they can lash out at. This of course, adds to the list of people bashing MLM.
I can go on and on, but these are the big ones that I can think of. The key is to get informed and treat your evaluation carefully. MLM can definitely be your way to get ahead if you work hard at it.
Recruiting on Social Networks
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When I was initially recruited into Network Marketing, my expectations weren’t all that high. I had been exposed to MLM many times before, and although I couldn’t put my finger on the reason, I had negative views on the industry. Once I had my first “goal setting/training” session, I realized why I felt negatively. It was in part because step one was make a list of everyone you know and put them on a 3-way call with my upline.
This was DEFINITELY something I was not interested in doing. I ended up taking it slow and introducing the industry to a few select friends and was able to see some moderate success, but in the end, like the rest of us, I ran out of people to talk to.
After spending several months prospecting in public, I turned to the Internet. First I looked at MySpace. After a month of “spying” and figuring out what to do, I unleashed myself into the forums. Within 2 months I had recruited over 20 people all from online prospecting.
Here are some tips that you can use in your Online efforts.
- Do not promote your “opportunity” directly! Definitely DO NOT set up a profile for your business or your product. Set up a profile for YOU and tell the world your story. Make sure you set up a signature for the forums with a link to your blog.
- If you are a seasoned professional, get into the forums and start sharing your experiences and answering questions. This is how I recruited so many people.
- If you are a newbie… You can still recruit, but don’t pretend you are someone you are not. Ask questions and generate conversation. You will find people who are interested in YOU and what you are doing.
- Do NOT present your business by email and DEFINITELY do not just send someone to your replicated business site or lead capture page. GET A PHONE NUMBER!!! Then start building a relationship.
- Try not to argue, but post questions and comments that will generate discussion. Post comments about the ethics in MLM or about what compensation plan is better, etc. Try to get people talking about YOUR forum topic. Your name will be at the top and everyone will see it.
There are many other strategies that you can use to see online success, but I think this will get you off on the right foot.
Best of luck!
Stick your nose in my business.
Posted by: | CommentsWhen I first became involved in Network Marketing five years ago, I never imagined how much it would change my life. Like so many others, I was attracted to the lifestyle and the people and like so many others, I was discouraged when I realized how hard it was to achieve these things. However, I didn’t give up. I attended the regular meetings and training, I worked my way up the ladder and I got to know those who were making things happen.
Once I got into the “inner circle” of my first company, I started learning that a lot of the “bling” that people were flaunting was smoke and mirrors. Many of those who were actually “making money” weren’t actually earning money from the company but instead were earning money from the sale of training materials or even from other businesses. Furthermore, many of the so called “average Joe millionaires” made their money by being propped up by a real MLM big hitter in order to create a story. The income is neither stable nor earned, and it is very unlikely that anyone else will duplicate that success.
Even after learning all of that, I also learned that there is a lot of good. By plugging in and focusing on the basics I learned sales and communication skills. I learned how to motivate myself. I learned that if I focus, I can achieve just about anything. I recruited with integrity and honesty, and I’m happy to say that I’ve taught the business skills that I’ve learned, and a few of those I’ve recruited that have left the Network Marketing industry have actually gone on to create very successful traditional businesses. Turns out the skills are transferable.
I remember reading a book by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki called “Why We Want You to be Rich: Two Men – One Message”. In it they endorse the Network Marketing industry, not for the money that you can make, but for the training that you will receive if you choose to listen.
Today, things are different. The economy is the worst I’ve seen and there are more people looking for new opportunities than ever. With the Internet and Attraction Marketing strategies, it is easier than ever to find people to talk to. Using Internet Marketing you can actually build a business at home if you can find the right team with the right training. If that’s what YOU want, then stick your nose in MY business and I can help you.
What is your “Exit Strategy”
Posted by: | CommentsI should warn you that this post may make some people feel uncomfortable, but I feel that it is important to be said. Network Marketing/MLM definitely has it’s share of negativity and bad press. Some of it is completely uncalled for and untrue. However, there is a fair bit of it that is true.
Although I do concede that there are many people who run MLM businesses at a loss to take advantage of the tax write offs against their income, most people do not do it on purpose. Instead, they are brainwashed by their upline/company into thinking that all you need to do is attend regular “meetings” and purchase their monthly autoship and eventually they will recruit that big hitter.
Let’s get real for a second!
You will NOT recruit a big hitter, until you BECOME a big hitter! That is just the reality. Those who have been “around the block” so to speak, know that positioning is of utmost importance. There is no way that they are going to enroll under just anyone. They can usually network and jockey their way into a lucrative position. That is what big hitting Network Marketers do. What’s more important to keep in mind is that there are only about 2-5% of those who enter the industry that really hit it hard and earn the big bucks. The odds of recruiting that big shot by luck are not looking good.
Instead of being one of the statistics in this industry that lose more than they earn, we all need to set our goals upfront and work the plan. How long will it take to earn your initial investment back? What work will you do in order to achieve that? Of course, I understand that depending on your experience and talent, some people will take longer. However, you NEED a plan.
Once you’ve figured out your roadmap to success and you’ve reviewed it with your upline sponsor and even a few other mentors that have been through it before, work the plan. You also need an exit strategy if you cannot follow the plan. If you don’t hit your sales and recruiting goals and therefore, you don’t hit your income goals, you need to get out. Either your upline support system is not a fit for your style and philosophy or your company, compensation plan or product is not a fit for your personality. Please stop beating a dead horse. You should know based on the roadmap that you’ve set out if you are on track or not.
MLM Lead Generation
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MLM lead generation is the lifeblood of a Network Marketing business. If you cannot find people to talk to then how can you recruit for your business? In the past, you could find MLMers out on the streets with T-Shirts, pins, panphlets, etc. trying their best to generate leads for their business. MLM lead generation was more likely referred to as “prospecting”. In today’s high-tech world things can be a little easier.
Social Networks such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are making MLM lead generation much more accessible to those who actually want to “work from home”. However, it can be tricky. There is so much spam out there, that people online have become very desensitized to the messages out there and MLM lead generation campaigns run into a lot of competition and negativity.
Not to worry! There are so many companies that have gone through the groundwork to find out what MLM lead generation is all about and how to accomplish your recruiting goals with streamlined systems.
There are many tools out there and MLM lead generation training programs range from free to thousands of dollars. Of course, the more money you pay the less of the actual work you need to do. However, just because you pay more money, it doesn’t mean that the MLM lead campaign will be more successful. Oftentimes the opposite is true. I think that it is very important to learn the basics of MLM lead generation in order to ascertain whether you are being ripped off or not.
Out of the MLM lead generation training programs that I’ve seen out there, the most bang for your buck is with a company called Prospex. This community is free to join and there is so much free training available from live/recorded conference calls, a training article library and complete step-by-step videos to get traffic to your site and to start collecting qualified leads for your business.
Are you really “Open Minded”? I guess NOT
Posted by: | CommentsI was having a conversation the other day with a friend who is in the industry. He was trying to get me on a conference call with his upline. I ended up listening to his upline’s recorded training call. This is a friend of mine and I suspect that he is probably struggling but I’m sure he’s making a little bit of money.
I listened to the first half of the call, and there was no training whatsoever, it was all about “how to choose a company”. I pinged him and asked him if this was just about picking a company. He said “yes, it’s the most important step”. I respectfully dissagreed.
These programs are not new… It’s an apparent “training” call supposedly designed for people in the industry, but really it is just a “bait and switch” designed to lure a prospect with the promise of “help with their business” and then bash their companies to convince them to join yours. This was a fantastic idea a few years back when it was new, but now it is old and overdone. I suggested he look at the Prospex program, since it is actual real training that could actually help him grow his business. Not surprisingly, he declined and told me that he’s already in the “best deal”. Too bad. However, I understand why he declined. It’s because he’s already in a “bait and switch” training program, he just thinks I’m doing the same thing.
I’ll never quite get used to the hypocrasy in this industry. Here we have a guy who want’s to “help me” build my business by putting me on a call that is NOT designed to teach me useful training like; 3-Way Calls, Effective Prospecting, or Branding Strategies (which are all prospex training articles). Instead it just tells me how bad all other companies are and why I should join his company. Then when I try to use this same approach with a REAL training company, he rejects it.
Maybe people should look in the mirror. If someone rejects your own sales lines, what does that say about the validity of what you are doing? Let me tell you a little bit about a better way.
Firstly, offer real training. Do not offer anything designed to make a person switch companies. That will only put them on the defensive. Instead, if you offer something that can actually help them, then they feel as though you actually care about their success. If they believe that you care, then they will care about what YOU are doing. Guess what! This is relationship building! Once you have a FRIEND then you have a hot prospect. The rest of the equation is simple.
Think about it!
Could Home Business be the way to navigate a difficult economy?
Posted by: | CommentsMany of us are feeling the pressure of this economy. Unemployment is up and there are still layoffs. We are either looking for work, or we are worried that we may not have a job by the end of the month.
During these times the Direct Sales industry has always flourished. Home businesses give people a chance to build something on the side, or to operate a business out of their home to generate a full time income. However, how do you choose the right business for you?
This is always a challenge. While MLMs are flourishing it gets harder and harder to distinguish fact from fiction, scam from legitimate business. Consider the following two points;
Is the product something that you would buy even if you weren’t earning income?
This is probably the most important aspect. Just to clarify, YOU don’t necessarily need to buy it, but there MUST be a market for the product. If you wouldn’t buy the product then how can you expect someone else to?
Is your sponsor someone that you trust and respect?
Let me make this crystal clear. YOU are responsible for choosing your sponsor! Many people will have you believe that you must join the first person who introduces you to a company. This is NOT true. Your sponsor is the person who benefits most from your enrollment and your success, and therefore, has the most vested interest to help you. This is the person who will get you where you need to go. Choose someone who is already there so that you can follow in their footsteps.
There are people that want you to believe that things like “timing”, “momentum”, “compensation plan”, etc matter. They do not. What matters is you. You are responsible for your success or failure. If you can’t sell the product then who cares what your “compensation plan” is? You will not make a dime.
Find a product (or a line of products) that you can promote and find someone that will help you promote it. It is not easy, but it is simple. Work hard and prosper.
I wish you the best of luck!
