Archive for Network Marketing
News and Updates
Posted by: | CommentsI feel bad that I haven’t blogged in so long. I’ve been so incredibly busy. I started building again and I’m very psyched about it. In 45 days I hit the Regional Director title with over 20k in organizational sales volume in my group. That also qualifies me for a black BMW.
I’m very happy about my progress and I am very excited about helping others accomplish even more than I have. I don’t know how much blogging I’ll be doing this month since I’m shooting for a chance at being in Success From Home Magazine. All I have to do is help enough people hit the director level. That would mean helping them to find 3 promoters and a customer at the minimum. The cool thing is that this will also earn them over $500 in commissions.
I’m very excited about this, I’ve already been able to help others in my group do it, and I’m looking forward to stepping it up.
Facebook allows us to build MLM like we should
Posted by: | CommentsI’m extremely excited about Facebook and it’s ability to tap into our hot and warm market as well as generate leads from the cold market.
I first got involved in Network Marketing about 5 years ago. While I was able to recruit a few people, I quickly ran out of people to talk to. I turned to MySpace at the time and had some pretty impressive success, but still I was having trouble duplicating. Ultimately, I turned to Internet Marketing for just product sales only and got out of the recruiting.
Recently, I got involved again in the industry of Network Marketing. I was waiting for a system that was as easily duplicated as people claimed, and I carefully researched for almost 2 years. There are many people who claim that they have a system, but they are misleading people. What they call a system is simply a “presentation”. Furthermore, most people have no idea how to invite people to this “presentation” so they end up tricking them or using an incentive. Obviously, this is a major turn off and no one appreciates being misled.
The system is the HOW. It is how you introduce someone to the product/business. The words you use to introduce people to the tool that presents. The system does the work!
Now, in part, because of the opportunity that Facebook offers, combined with a system that does the work, I managed to close out March with over 10k in volume… Oh… and I started promoting on the 15th… The best thing is that every single distributor that made at least 5 calls has recruited at least one customer or distributor! 
Facebook offers an opportunity for your prospects to identify themselves to you. Think about how much easier it would be to make your outbound calls if the prospect is expecting your call and open, or even interested, in hearing your message. When you couple that with an actual system to recruit you will be unstoppable!
Why can’t we talk about money in MLM?
Posted by: | CommentsI started a discussion recently in an MLM forum that I participate on frequently. I wondered what the MLM veterans thought about check waving and making income claims. It all stemmed from an argument between two distributors.
Here’s a link to the thread.
MLM.com – Why can’t we talk about money
The answers for the most part were quite thought provoking and informative. We got into the legal aspects, ethical aspects as well as a discussion about what most people do. It was quite interesting.
First of all, I wonder why we don’t talk about money. For some reason, I’ve always been comfortable telling people how much money I earn. I guess I’ve always thought that if I never talk to anyone about money, then how was I going to learn how to get it! If I am ever coy about the income I earn it is just because society frowns on asking people what they make.
From time to time, there will be prospects that will want to know what you are making. Although it is rare, it is normal since some people are interested in joining because of the opportunity to make money. There is a right way and a wrong way to handle this question. If you become defensive or if you ignore the question, then it will appear that you are hiding something and it will turn your prospect off. It is best to recognize that there are laws in place that prevent income claims and most Network Marketing companies also have policies and procedures that prevent you from showing checks. However, there are many companies that do have published income statements that can give average incomes for the company.
In the end, I don’t really think that it is necesary to be showing checks. I think that between friends, it is exciting to celebrate success with each other, but when it comes to recruiting, it is unethical. It gives the prospect the wrong idea about what this industry is all about. Everyone has a choice on what they want to put into their business and what they want to get out of it.
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
Posted by: | Comments
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
Posted by: | Comments
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.
