Linda Locke, Editor MLM Woman
The
Biggest MLM Problem
and How to Solve it!
By Paul Williams
Have you ever been in this situation? You've just seen
an awesome presentation about a well established MLM opportunity and
are pumped up like a balloon. You can hardly sleep that night as your
mind races, adding up the dollars that you are sure you'll make. You
even
flick on the light at 1 am in the morning and get up and grab a pen
to write down the name of a prospect in case you forget their name
in the morning.
You can hardly contain yourself the next day as you
sit down with your spouse (if you have one), and contemplate this
awesome opportunity. The "prospect list" continues to grow:
Uncle Bill, brother Jack, sister Betty, cousin Fred, neighbor Nigel
and church member Charlotte.
You can't wait for the next meeting for another pump-up.
Your plans and goals are set and the prospect list filled as you contemplate
your launch date the following Monday evening when you'll become active
and pick up the phone. Monday night is finally here and so are the
butterflies. Your heart beats as you procrastinate for 15 minutes
but finally pick up
the phone.
"Hi Uncle Bill, blah, blah, blah. I hope you are
well. Ah, I just wondered if you could spare a couple of hours this
Thursday evening?" "What for?" "I'd like to show
you a great new way to make an income working your own business."
"Sorry, I haven't got the time for that I'm busy enough as it
is, thanks anyway, bye." "Okay, bye Uncle Bill."
Down but not out, you go through the list. Finally,
after twenty names (and yourself) has been exhausted, you have two
appointments. But the first one is canceled until next week, but they're
not really interested anyway, just polite. The other one goes better.
The excited couple join but eight weeks later have still done nothing.
Your prospect list is now exhausted so where are the
next leads coming from? Feeling down, you stroll off to the next training
meeting with a fake grin and a firm handshake.
What you need is to attend a conference by the superstar
of MLM who's done it all and knows how you feel. That's it, he's done
it! You even stand up boldly at the meeting when those who want to
reach "level X" by this time next year are invited to make
it public.
But still, that motivation hasn't added any more names
to the prospect list. Two months later you drop out or remain inactive
until someone else convinces you that their MLM business is like the
one you were in but better. Ever heard that one? So you join it and
try again. But the same problem keeps rearing it's ugly head: How
do you find and recruit new people into your business?
The number one reason people drop out of good MLM programs
is because of a lack of success in recruiting new members into their
downline, AND not enough focus on the actual product. A big downline
will never compensate for lack of retail sales. But building a solid
group is where it needs to start. Meetings won't recruit for you,
they can inspire, but you must do the work. When all the initial excitement
and hype from meetings is gone, the reality check is that succeeding
in MLM takes work, hard work!
But take heart, there is a proven way to recruit new
members into your downline from all five continents. Older recruiting
methods usually limit you to business prospects in your own local
neighborhood, or areas of personal influence. But now, thanks to the
Internet, new downline
members can be reached worldwide. The purpose of this article is to
focus and look at just ONE way that you can use the internet to build
a powerful downline.
Sure it seems that almost everyone in MLM has a home
page on the net so recruiting will be even harder. Not so if you apply
this Internet marketing strategy: Learn how to write ezine articles
for specific target markets. Simple as that. Here's the details:
An ezine is a newsletter sent to the email box of subscribing
members. You are reading one now. People subscribe because the information
addresses issues or subjects they are interested in. A person who
subscribes to an ezine about cats is obviously interested in cats.
There are ezines about everything: Food, dogs, MLM, marketing, gardening,
e-commerce etc. You name it, it's there.
Many ezines include articles from guest writers. And
no, you don't have to be a great writer to have ezine articles published
in MLM and related ezines. You do have to have some knowledge about
MLM, business, Internet, writing, team work, training techniques,
management etc, anything to do with MLM, Internet marketing or business
in general. If
you don't know much, read the countless buckets of information available
for free on the net so you do have some knowledge to help others.
But best of all, DO IT, and share your success principles with others.
To build your MLM downline, submit your articles to
ezines that address issues that will interest MLMers. Ezines about:
Home-based business opportunities, business, writing, marketing tips,
e-commerce etc. People who receive those type of ezines are in business
and are often open to new opportunities, maybe yours! There are limitless
possibilities and many ezine publishers are looking for quality articles
to print.
You are giving quality information to people who are
targeted and have an interest in MLM or are looking for good income
opportunities. The main benefit to you is that you receive a 4 or
5 line "byline" for your efforts. It's simply a "commercial"
at the end of the article as a thank-you from the editor for writing
good content for their newsletter.
That commercial is powerful. It contains a link to your
website and email. An ezine article gives you credibility. Being published
by others shows that you know what you are talking about, and your
readers will be interested in clicking on the link to see what else
you have to offer.
Don't submit articles to ezines that are not related
to MLM or business. Business articles don't get printed in dog ezines!
You can write a good ezine article. Anyone can do it, and that's no
exaggeration. This technique is being used by many to build huge MLM
downlines and will work for you no matter what MLM business you are
in.
About the Author
For free details on every aspect of how to write
ezine articles to help you build a powerful downline, click here:
http://cybertonix.com/catalog.html.
Paul Williams is an advertising copywriter and marketing consultant.
Email: paul@cybertonix.com
25 Ways
to Deliver Your Message to Your Target Audience
By
Joe Gracia
In order for your prospects and customers to respond to your marketing
propositions, you must have a way of delivering your messages to
them. Here are 25 ways to do that . . .
1. In-Person -- One-on-One Presentations
While face-to-face with your prospects or customers you can instantly
build rapport and gain trust -- plus you have their direct attention.
2. In-Person -- Group Presentations
This can be a sales presentation, a free seminar or a workshop.
Your attendees can get to know, like and trust you quickly.
3. In-Person -- Networking
Everyone knows about 250 other people. The potential contacts for
direct business or referrals is enormous.
4. Telephone
You can use the phone to call a current customer for a re-order
or to let them know about a special offer on a new product or service.
You can also use the phone to build your prospect list. It's the
next best thing to being there.
5. Mail
It's only 'junk mail' to the people who don't want it. Chocolate
lovers, love getting chocolate catalogs and offers in the mail.
We just went to see a play by one of our local theater groups because
of a post card we received in the mail. By mailing your message,
you have the opportunity to provide as little or as much detail
as you like.
6. Signs
Everywhere you look there's a sign! Billboards, store front signs,
in-store signs, wall signs, even magnetic car signs. Signs are an
excellent vehicle for delivering your marketing messages.
7. Ads -- Newspapers/Magazines
You can use classifieds, small display ads or full page ads. Make
sure you choose the section that targets your prospects, and include
a strong offer and call to action. Test small.
8. Ads -- Calendars, Bulletins, etc.
Other publications for displaying your ads, are church or community
calendars and bulletins, ceremonial or theater programs, even place
mats.
9. Ads -- Newsletters
Newsletters--either hard copy or electronic--are terrific vehicles
for delivering your messages. Just make sure the newsletter targets
your primary prospects and you have a strong offer.
10. Ads -- Yellow Pages
If you have the type of product or service that people find by
turning to the yellow pages, this may be the perfect vehicle for
you. Keep accurate track of your responses so you'll know whether
it's worth the investment.
11. TV -- Commercial
The expense can be cost-prohibitive for many businesses, but for
some it is the ideal method for communicating to the masses. If
your product or service has a broad target and your budget allows,
it could be worth testing.
12. TV -- Cable
More cost-effective and better targeted. You can either run ads,
or, if you're really ambitious, host your own tips program.
13. Radio
Can be great for building awareness or supplementing other vehicles.
Can be expensive, but worth it for many established businesses.
14. Trade Shows
Excellent way to meet your prospects face-to-face. Very targeted.
Make sure you're not just handing out literature that will get dumped
in the trash as they leave. Make contacts and follow up.
15. Door Hangers
Can be effective for home oriented products and services, like
pest control, lawn care, etc.
16. Flyers - Handed Out
Create your flyer with a strong benefit-focused message, strong
offer and call to action, and then get it into the hands of your
best prospects.
17. Flyers - Posted
Post your flyers in high traffic areas on bulletin and display
boards, shop windows, etc.
18. Flyers - Inserted
You can have your flyers inserted in your local community newspaper.
Some of the smaller weekly shopper newspapers will insert them for
a very reasonable price. Have your flyer copied on brightly colored
paper and it will not be missed. You can also insert your flyer
in with your current orders, or arrange for another business to
insert them into their orders.
19. Flyers - Displayed
Displaying your flyer at the point of sale, the checkout counter,
for instance, can be a very nice way of getting people to see your
message.
20. Fax
We wouldn't recommend faxing your message to strangers. It can
be an intrusion. However, you certainly can let your current prospects
or customers know about a new offer you have by faxing it to them
directly, or providing them with information they need.
21. E-mail
Sending unsolicited e-mails to strangers is a taboo on the Internet.
It's called spam--and most people don't appreciate it. But, using
e-mail to follow up with prospects or customers who have agreed
to receive your messages can be very effective.
22. Web Site
More and more people are turning to the Internet for information
about products and services. The time is rapidly approaching when
all businesses will need to have a presence on the Web or they'll
be left behind. Excellent vehicle for delivering information and
your
marketing messages.
23. News Releases
The media is always looking for items of interest for their readers/viewers/listeners.
By making effective and consistent use of News Releases you can
get your message out for little or no cost.
24. Publicity/Interviews
Is your product/service or business newsworthy? With the right
slant, every business can be interesting. You may offer your expertise
to the media and find yourself being interviewed on the evening
news, or on a radio broadcast. Many successful marketers make excellent
use of publicity and interviews to help deliver their message to
their market.
25. Articles
How's your writing? One of the best and least expensive ways to
deliver your message is by writing tips articles related to your
products/services--like this one--and offering it to the media for
free. The media gets content that will interest their audience,
and you get exposure for you and your company.
-----------------
Copyright (c) 2000, Joe Gracia - Give to Get Marketing
About the Author
Visit Joe's Give to Get Marketing Web site, to receive a free
Marketing Idea-Kit, plus hundreds of marketing tips and real-world
marketing examples. Discover the simple techniques Joe used to generate
from $10,000 to $15,000 a month with his first Web site, on a shoestring
budget, in less than 18 months. http://www.givetogetmarketing.com
Top 10 Ways
to Coach
Yourself to Total Success!
Copyright 2000 by Philip E. Humbert. All Rights Reserved.
Coaching is about being your best. It’s about performance,
about “staying the course” and, in the end, about creating
and living the life you really want. Many people use coaches to
make more money, win the gold prize or do something dramatic. That’s
fun, and when it’s right, it’s wonderful!
But most importantly, coaching is about living up to your own standards.
It is, in Henry Thoreau’s famous words, about “marching
to the beat of your own drum, no matter how faint or far away.”
So, do I recommend you have a personal coach? Well, duh!
But if you can’t afford one, or aren’t ready for one,
why not be your own coach? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Write down your goals. Review and re-write them once a week.
This is old advice, but there is power and magic in writing your
goals on paper! Write them down, then review them, think about them
and up-date them every week. It may only take 20 minutes, but it
will double your rate of success, I guarantee it!
2. Show up! Many of life’s most important achievements simply
require that we show up, pay attention, tell the truth, work hard,
go the extra mile, and do our best! Superior performance is not
about the future, or the past. It’s about doing a superior
job right now, on the work that lies right in front of you.
3. Eliminate Distractions. Keep your eye on the ball. Life is full
of frustrations and distractions. Successful people do NOT tolerate
the things that drive most of crazy – they take the time to
stop, solve the problem and eliminate the distraction once and for
all. Stay focused!
4. Manage your environment. Top performers know that space management
is more important than time management, and they have neat offices,
clean cars, orderly appointment books, and they keep an extra suit
at the office, just in case. Make your office (and your home) a
space where you can do your very best work.
5. Read every day. Read something useful, challenging or fun every
day. If you only spend 20 minutes with a book that motivates, excites
and educates you, it will make a world of difference. I promise!
Aim to read at least one book every month!
6. Attend a “University on Wheels”. Listen to educational,
motivational and fun tapes while you drive. At least listen to soothing,
appropriate music, rather than the “terror of the day”
on talk radio! Fill your mind with the BEST information you can
find!
7. Use a Master-Mind group. The term refers to a group of people
who are committed to helping you be successful. Often, they meet
once a week. Think of them as your “Advisory Committee”.
Bounce ideas off them, ask them for advice, let them coach you!
8. Focus on values. Take time every week to review your values,
the things that cost you nothing, but make life worth living. Write
them down, share them with a friend, and remind yourself of what’s
most important to you. Remembering your values will get you back
on course!
9. Play more! Play a game of tennis, wrestle with the dog, shoot
hoops with the kid next door. Laugh, get sweaty, have fun. It doesn’t
cost; it pays!
10. Practice Gratitude! Periodically, ask yourself how many “good”
days you’ve had this week. Notice what made the good ones good,
and do more of the good stuff! And, be grateful. "I was angry
that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet."
Even the most sophisticated modern cruise ships must constantly
monitor their course. On our last cruise, Mary and I took a tour
of the bridge, and were told the ship had no less than 5 automatic
navigation computers, and that at least 2 officers were on duty
at all times. Why the redundancy? Because having a cruise ship get
lost, even briefly, is a very bad thing!
How many navigation systems do you use to guide your path? Having
a handful of books, journals, friends and daily routines to “coach”
you is not expensive, it’s the best investment you’ll
ever make! Set up routines and use the best resources you can find
to stay on course. Coach yourself to the top!
About the Author
Dr Philip E. Humbert is an author, speaker and personal success
coach. Dr Humbert has hundreds of tips, tools and articles on his
website that you can use for your own success! It's a great resource!
Visit him on the web at: www.philiphumbert.com
And, be sure to sign up for his great newsletter!
Kick the Procrastination
Habit
By Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!
I'll get to it -- when I get a chance.
You know what that means, don't you? You'll never
get to it! Here are 8 simple ways to kick the procrastination habit
and start getting things done.
1. BREAK IT DOWN. Seem overwhelming? Don't
look at your goals as one big project. Break them down into small
parts. Assign a specific deadline (date and time) to each part.
2. WRITE IT DOWN. Make it official by writing
your goals (mini and ultimate) on paper.
3. SHOUT IT OUT. Tell people what your goals
are. Ask a friend or associate for some ongoing motivation.
4. CONSISTENCY. Establish a regular time each
day to work towards your goal.
5. ORGANIZED SURROUNDINGS. Organize your environment,
complete with the tools you need, so it is conducive to working
efficiently.
6. VISIBLE GOALS. Keep your goals in front
of you. Post reminders of your goals and deadlines where you can
constantly see them. Post your pending rewards along with
them.
7. BUSINESS BEFORE PLEASURE. Make something
you normally do and enjoy contingent upon doing the avoided task.
For example: I will not go to my favorite lunch spot until I complete
Part A of my project. By the way, no fair cheating!!
8. SET PENDING REWARDS. Set rewards for your
ultimate goal and mini-goals. You'll constantly have something enjoyable
to look forward to.
About the Author
FREE Idea-Pak and E-zine filled with tips, ideas,
articles and more to help you organize your home, your office and
your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site! http://www.getorganizednow.com
From
the Desk of the Editor 
