In relationship marketing, regular communication is essential. Not only does it help you improve your relationship with the other person and build trust, it also provides the opportunity to listen for a challenge or a need that you and/or your business can help with. Additionally, you have the opportunity to learn more about the other person so you can serve them better. The more you connect with your network, especially your top advocates, the stronger the foundation for your business will be. 

Are you ready to connect with your network on a deeper level? 

How to improve communication with your network

Connect consistently

Regular, consistent communication is important. It builds trust and encourages your network to rely on you. This is especially true of your top advocates, who are the biggest supporters of your business!

Unfortunately, many network marketers let these relationships fall by the wayside. They forget to check in with their networks or they worry that they’re bugging them by connecting with them too much. There is a balance between connecting regularly and too frequently. Teamzy was created to make it easier to connect with your network on a regular basis, without seeming salesly. Once you’ve uploaded your network’s information and set your goals, Teamzy uses an algorithm to create a list of people to contact each day. All you have to do is reach out and log that communication. You’ll connect with everyone in your network consistently based on your relationship with them. That is, you’ll connect with your advocates more often than you’ll connect with others in your network. Since they provide you with most of your business, it’s only fair that you connect with them more often. Over the course of a year, or shorter, you’ll connect with everyone in your network. No more forgetting to reach out or follow up – Teamzy will remind you to do so.

Remember the details for better communication

We all like to feel heard. Part of communication and connection is sharing information about ourselves with others. When we share something, it’s something that is important to us – something we want the other person to know, even if it’s a remark made in passing. How great do you feel when someone remembers something you mentioned in a previous conversation? You feel pretty great, right? Like the other person cared enough not only to listen but also to remember that information and follow up to ask about it later. We feel cared for and honored, especially in our busy day and age when it seems like most people have the attention span of a fly. 

When the people in your network tell you something, even if it’s just in passing, jot it down. Whether it’s an anniversary, a promotion, or a new pet, make note of it. Later on, use it as an opportunity to follow up with them. Ask about how the new job is going or how their kids like their new pet. It not only shows that you listened to them, it also shows that you care. Both of these do wonders to build trust and boost the relationship.

What if they don’t mention anything directly? Ask about their lives. If they have kids, ask how they are and if they’re excited to start school. If the kids are older, ask what their plans are for after graduation. Ask about their hobbies or any upcoming events in town. Be sure to ask open-ended questions, which prompt the other person to respond with more than ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Then be sure to write down what they mention (if you’re speaking to them in person, you may want to wait until you get home to do this. Otherwise you’ll look like a reporter). The more you know about your network, the better equipped you’ll be to serve them.

Show interest in their lives online

Social media is a great tool for connecting with your network. Whenever someone in your network shares something online, “like” their post and even comment on it. The information they share on social media provides insight into their lives and can help you figure out how to help them. 

How much should you engage with your network? Hitting the “like” button shows support and it shows that you saw the post. Commenting on it takes engagement to the next level. You don’t have to comment with anything groundbreaking. A simple “Looks like fun!” comment for a photo of a family game night is perfect. However, the image itself provides a ton of information, such as what games they enjoy playing as a family, if they invite their friends or neighbors to join in, etc.

Remember to keep it positive. Although social media is a great tool for connecting, it can also, in some circumstances, lead to division. Everyone has different viewpoints and opinions and we don’t always have to agree. You don’t have to comment on every post the people in your network make; only the ones that you’re comfortable with. 

Remember special occasions

Communication is more than conversation. It’s reaching out to connect when there are special occasions as well. Although it’s tempting to just wish someone a happy birthday or anniversary on social media, it means more to send a card in the mail. Why? Typing well wishes only takes a few seconds of your time. However, writing a heart-felt email to wish a person a happy birthday or congratulations or wish a couple a happy anniversary takes time and planning. There’s a higher level of care and concern associated with it. In addition to taking the time to writing out the card, you also have to write out the envelope, find and affix a stamp, put it in the postbox or drop it off at the post office, etc. It’s more of a process – one that not many people outside of our immediate families will do. By sending a card, you’re showing that you care about the other person enough to take time out of your day to wish them well. They’ll appreciate that you care and it is sure to help build your relationship with them. 

How do you find out if someone is celebrating a special occasion? If you’re close with them – they’re family or a top advocate – you may already know their birthdays or anniversaries. If you’re not sure, you can consult social media – many people list it on their profiles – or just ask. People will often share this with you. Once you know, set up a reminder to let you know when to send the card.

Get the skills you need to boost communication with anyone

Communication is a skill that can always be improved. Whether you’re a novice or a pro at great communication, Teamzy has you covered with trainings developed to help you become a better communicator and a more efficient network marketer. We developed our 6-week Bootcamp 2 program to help network marketers hone their skills so they can build thriving network marketing businesses. In addition to learning to connect better with your customers, prospects, and team, you’ll learn the skills you need to develop the foundation for a strong business, from staying organized to talking about your business. 

If you’d like to hone your leadership skills, Teamzy Lead is a 4-week leadership training program intended to help you build your dream team and serve your team better. Get the skills and expertise you need to develop a thriving and successful team. 

Teamzy has a variety of training programs intended to help you develop the skills to thrive in network marketing. If you want to take your business to the next level, click here to learn more.