We’re well into the last quarter of the year. As many network marketers continue to plug away and get closer to their annual goals, next year seems like too far away to begin planning for it. However, now is the perfect time to begin planning for 2021. In fact, just as now is a great time in most parts of the country to plant spring bulbs to enjoy in March, it’s also a great time to plant the seeds to grow your network and your business in the coming year. 

If you want to lead a thriving business in the year ahead, the time to plant the seeds for it is now.

Why now is the best time to grow your network

Connecting with your network is a continuous process

In network marketing, there’s never a time when you’re done connecting with your database. You don’t just say, “Yep, I’ve contacted everyone. Now it’s time for the results to roll in.” 

Once you’ve contacted everyone you need to, it’s time to start the process over. Although Teamzy ensures that you contact your best customers, prospects, and distributors every 30 days, you’ll cycle through the rest of your network every 60 to 90 days, depending on how you’ve categorized them. This ensures that you reach out and make the days of everyone in your network – no one falls through the cracks. 

But that’s only part of the story. The other part is making these connections count. Sure, it’s important to make their day and stay top of mind, but it’s also important to build the relationship as well. Every time you have a conversation with someone in your network, whether it’s in person or online, try to listen for a need that you can fill. 

In the best-case scenario, your business has a product or service that could fill this need. However, that doesn’t always happen. If they express a need and you know someone who can help them, then take the opportunity to connect them. Of course, it’s great to make a sale. However, by connecting the people in your network with one another, you’re cementing your role as the hub of your network. 

Plant now – harvest next year – grow your business along the way

In October and November, gardeners around the country are busy planting spring bulbs, garlic, and other bulbs in the garden. Over the winter months, while temperatures drop and rain and snow cover the ground, those bulbs are slowly setting roots. Fast-forward five months and the gardeners begin to see green sprouts emerging from the surface, ready to create a dazzling array of color after a long winter. Gardeners don’t plant tulips and garlic for the immediate gratification. It’s fair to say that gardeners don’t plant anything for immediate gratification. It takes time for the roots to form and the sprout to emerge. From there, it takes many more weeks until anything is ready to harvest. Gardening is a practice in hope.

Similarly, in business, it takes time to build a network of customers, prospects, and distributors who are strong advocates for your business. Each time you connect with someone in your network, the seed grows little by little. Not every seed will become a healthy plant from which you can harvest, and that’s okay. The seeds that do mature will often more than make up for the ones that don’t.

The connections you make now, especially to new people, may come to fruition in the years ahead. It’s all about timing. For those who feel the time is right now, they’ll blossom sooner than those who wish to take advantage of the opportunity at a later time. Not everyone is ready at the same time. However, if you continue to nurture your relationships – make their days, follow up, check in – you’ll continue to deepen the relationship. In time, when they’re ready, they’ll be eager to buy from you, join your team, or introduce you to people in their networks who would benefit from your business. 

“Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been, and look at what can be.” – Marsha Petrie Sue

How to connect with current clients and grow your network

Say hello

The first step is to simply say hello. Reaching out to the people in your network may not seem like much, but it has a big impact on your business. That simple, thoughtful gesture is enough to put you top of mind of the person receiving it. They’ll be honored that you reached out to them to express care and concern. It builds trust and helps reinforce your relationship with them. 

Follow up

Next, follow up, especially if you say you’re going to. Following up is how trust is built. How disappointed are you when someone says they’re going to do something and then they don’t? That’s how customers, prospects, and distributors feel when a network marketer says they’ll do something and then don’t follow through with it. However, so many network marketers don’t follow up. They don’t want to annoy the other person or feel like they’re being pressured into buying something. In reality, your network wants to hear from you and are disappointed when you don’t care enough to follow up. Following up is an act of love; one that shows your clients that you care for them and appreciate their business and introductions. 

Ask for introductions

It’s easier and more enjoyable to build a business when your network is filled with wonderful people who are advocates of your business. The best way to do this is to ask your top advocates to introduce you to other great people like them. Chances are good that they’ve already talked up your business; now is your opportunity to follow up with the people who have already heard all about you. 

Often, your best folks are super excited to recommend you and your business to the people they know, but they don’t know how. By asking for an introduction, you have the opportunity to establish a relationship and show the person first-hand the high level of service you offer. It also puts the ball in your court to start the relationship, unlike a referral where it’s up to the other person to get in touch with you. 

Present the opportunity, if possible

In these uncertain times, many people are turning to network marketing to earn extra money. They may even have had thoughts of starting their own business, but aren’t sure how to get started. When you present them with the opportunity to get into network marketing, you’re giving them the chance to pursue these two options. 

Although some people may jump at the opportunity, others need time to think about it and that’s fine. Give them the time and space to think about it; however, also remember to follow up. They may need several follow ups before they take you up on the offer. They need time to discuss it with their family and truly see themselves as the leader of a network marketing business. This may take several months, but don’t worry, they’re still thinking about the opportunity. Be sure to follow up with them. Each time you follow up, it nurtures the seed you’ve planted. After all, you wouldn’t want another network marketer to swoop in and reap the benefit of the work you put in. 

What if they decide it’s not for them? If they do pass on it, ask if there’s anyone else they know who would like the opportunity to become a network marketer, and be sure to follow up with them if you’re given a name. Continue to keep in touch with them and contact them according to their category in Teamzy. 

The more seeds you plant, the larger the harvest (and the more you’ll grow your business!)

If you want a bumper crop of squash, you have to plant a lot of seeds. The same is true for your business. If you want a growing business, you have to make a lot of connections. Consistently connect with your network every day by logging into Teamzy and reaching out to everyone on your list for the day. And, don’t forget to follow up with the folks on your follow up list as well. Then, ask your best people for introductions to other great people like them. Get it all done during your Power Hour and commit to doing it daily. Over time, you’ll find that you’re not only on your way to reaching your 2020 goals, you’re also well on your way to reaching your 2021 ones as well. 

Do you use Teamzy?

Teamzy was developed with network marketers in mind. Never let another contact fall through the cracks again! Teamzy imports your database and manages their information. Using the goals you’ve set for your business, Teamzy lets you know who to contact each day. No more having to plan out who to call or wonder what to say. Teamzy has you covered. Click here to see how Teamzy can help you build a strong, lasting business.