Building a thriving network marketing business isn’t just about having a great product or service. It’s about people. People you know, people you meet, and people who know other people. Leveraging your network to introduce you to new customers can be a game-changer. But how do you go about it without seeming pushy or insincere? Here’s how to build trust and your network through introductions. 

Serve 

Your primary focus should be on serving your network’s needs. When they feel genuinely cared for, they become your biggest advocates. If you make someone feel valued and understood, they’re naturally going to talk about you and the great products and services you provide.

So, how do you serve them effectively? Start by listening. What are their pain points? What are they looking to achieve? Often people won’t say anything specific but you can gather many things in what is unsaid and their tone of voice. Once you have this insight, go above and beyond to provide solutions, whether it’s a product or service you offer or an introduction to someone in your network. Your care and concern will not go unnoticed. This is also a great way to earn their trust. 

Next, maintain a connection with them. Look for ways to make their days. Sometimes just a brief message to make their day is all that is needed to make them feel cared for and place you top of mind. Everyone wants to feel appreciated and seen – a short message via text or other messaging platform is a great, low-stress way to do so. And, when you’re comfortable, ask for introductions to other great people like them.

Look for ways to help

Helping your customers shouldn’t stop at just what your product or service offers. Look for other ways you can assist them. Maybe you have expertise that could solve another problem they’re facing, or you know someone in your network who could help them. Be that go-to person who provides value in various ways, whether it is industry-related or a connection to someone else. You have a huge database to draw from. If you want them to introduce you to people in theirs, start by introducing them to people in yours.

Focus on building the relationship 

Relationships are the backbone of any business. Building a strong, genuine relationship with your customers can lead to more opportunities than any sales pitch ever could.

How do you build these relationships? Start with consistent, meaningful communication. Follow-up, make their day, and share relevant industry news. The key is consistency. Don’t let the relationship fizzle out after the initial sale or introduction. 

Work on building the relationship. Engage with them on social media, comment on their posts, and celebrate their wins. When you show that you’re genuinely interested in their success, not just your own, they’ll be more inclined to introduce you to their networks. Just ask for those introductions.

Follow up

Following up is crucial. It’s about continuous engagement. Follow up after the sale to ensure everything is going well with your product or service or just to check in.

Additionally, keep them updated with any new developments or services that could benefit them. Got a new product or service you’re excited about? Share it and give the scoop to your top advocates first. This keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re committed to their long-term success.

Follow-ups keep the relationship alive and flourishing. And, they’re also the key to introductions. When your network feels that they’re important to you beyond the initial transaction, they’re more likely to introduce you to others.

Ask for an introduction

This is the part that many network marketers find scary: asking for an introduction. It doesn’t have to be awkward or uncomfortable. It doesn’t have to lead to anxiety. If you’ve done all the previous steps—served their needs, helped them in various ways, built a strong relationship, and followed up consistently—you’ve already laid a solid foundation. They’re probably eager to introduce you anyway!

When asking for an introduction, be straightforward and honest. You could say something like, “I’ve really enjoyed working with you. If you know anyone who could benefit from my services, I would love for you to introduce me.” The key is to grow your network with great people just like them. Since birds of a feather flock together, ask for introductions from the people in your network that you enjoy the most.

Most people are happy to help, especially if they’ve had a positive experience with you. It’s all about timing and how you frame the request. Don’t rush it; wait until the right moment and always start with your biggest advocates first.

Show them how to introduce you

Make it easy for your customers to introduce you. Be clear about what you do and the type of clients you’re looking for. Explain that you’re always looking to grow your business and ask if they know anyone like them who you could serve. Many may think of a name and will pass it along. However, you will want them to make the introduction by including you both in the same email or text message, for example. 

You can also convey this when introducing them to others in your network. They’re more likely to follow an exam0le when they have seen it done. 

What now? Put it into action!

Getting your network to introduce you isn’t about making a single request. It’s about approaching it with a heart for service that centers on genuine relationships. To recap:

1. Always go the extra mile to provide value.

2. Be a valuable resource they can rely on to help them solve other problems whenever possible.

3. Commit to consistent contact.

4. Follow up!

5. When the time is right, ask for an introduction.

6. Make it easy for them to introduce you by providing a clear, concise introduction.

Focus on building real relationships and providing value, and the introductions will naturally follow. All you have to do is ask! Remember, it can take some practice to overcome the anxiety of asking for the introduction so practice often, even if it’s just in front of a mirror.

Teamzy can help you ask for introductions from your network

We developed Teamzy to make it easier and more fun to build relationships while building the foundation for a network marketing business. Teamzy is more than a CRM; it has the tools you need to connect consistently with your network, especially your top advocates. From tracking goals to scripts to help you connect with your network, Teamzy has what you need at your fingertips. Grow your network today with the tools provided by Teamzy. Click here to learn more.