Business Builder Plan Blog

What is Multi-Level Marketing (MLM), or network marketing, as it is commonly known?

Some have heard of it, some have not. Why is it much feared by some and yet adored by others? This is because there are many misconceptions about it. The misconceptions arise mainly because the people who are involved in this business are a varied lot.

MLM is actually a profession, a very viable business and is a big industry. However, due to malpractices by some individuals (out of ignorance or greed), we hear unpleasant stories of people being conned to part with thousands of dollars buying worthless products and in order to recoup their losses, they in turn con their friends. This practice is definitely wrong.

How do you choose an MLM company? Obviously it is important to research a company before you decide to market for them. What most people don’t understand is what they call “analyzing” a company really is not adequate. Every major company out there on the market is well established, they’re successful, they have high number of sales, and have a lot of successful marketers in their company.

So then, what makes each company stand out differently from the other? Why would you not find the same amount of success in each company? The answer is that there’s much more going on here. There are many other factors to consider that shockingly, go unnoticed and silent by most people. Most people aren’t aware of the important information about the company they are marketing for. They know about the products, they know the sales numbers, and they’ve read about the comp plan. But they don’t really know about the company itself.

When I first got into network marketing I was always looking for “The How”. As a logical person I thought if I knew how that was how I would be successful. The problem I did have in the beginning was that I was told it’s not about the “how” its about the “why” By that I mean “your primary motivation factor” what really drives you to do this business. Well for me it was to earn enough money to get out of debit and replace my current income so I could give up my job.

I kept asking my upline what “what do I need to do next” I thought it strange that I was not given much help on this but I was constantly told to “find my why”.

Should you get anyone and everyone to join your mlm downline? Will it work out for you in the end by shear numbers that you will grow a massive business with residual income by signing up everybody and their cousin. The answer is emphatically NO, and not without the proper training.

Don’t just signup in your mlm anyone willing and able to join. This will eventually lead to a long list of signups, and a short list of active downline members. Remember, you only, repeat only want those that will duplicate your successful efforts.

Who should you be looking for to join your downline? Who really is your target audience? Let’s explore!

A few years ago my friend Stephanie wanted to lose about 75 pounds. She tried every diet out there, went to aerobics class 3 nights a week, and imagined how she would look minus the 75 pounds. Despite her enthusiasm, however, she failed every time.

She blamed the diets, the aerobics class, and her hectic work schedule. Worst of all, she blamed herself. I never saw a person’s self-esteem sink so low in such a short period of time. She cycled through periods of, “Yes, I can do this!” to “I’m such a loser,” every few months.

Stephanie overcomplicated things. She talked about portions, and after such-and-such week she could eat this, and then she would move on to the next step of the program which would open up a whole new set of possibilities, ad infinitum.

Never forget that network marketing is a people business.

That is, your success is dependent upon your ability to motivate and inform members of your organization. Human beings share information through communication, and as your organization grows, it will become more and more critical for you to adopt effective communication techniques.

One interesting and effective way to do this is through a newsletter–an organizational newsletter written, produced, and distributed by you. You can accomplish this seemingly Herculean task through the medium of an email opt-in list, blog, or even the old-fashioned print and handout method. Either way, don’t get hung up on the methodology, just do it.

Why a newsletter?

If you spend any amount of time surfing the internet, I am almost positive that you have seen countless number of ads claiming that for only 2-3 hours of work a day, you can start earning a full time income at home. These ads make home business seem so easy and most people jump in on many of these claims.

Think a home-based business is not for you? Think again, and consider these these compelling reasons we will discuss. Job security may be an oxymoron. Even if you are self-employed, you may have just bought a job but not security or even residual or passive income.

Compelling Reasons:

1. Getting Back Your Flexibility and Time

When can I go on vacation? Can I go to my kids soccer game? Can I only work until 2 PM and have the rest of the day to myself or pick up my kids at school. Having a home-based business can solve this problem. It doesn’t mean you won’t work hard, but if you are going to work hard, why not do it for yourself to build your own dream of being your own boss and owning your own business. A home business can give you back the precious commodity of Time.