People are drawn to network marketing for many reasons. Some want to pursue a side hustle that allows them to earn more money to reach their financial goals. Others are drawn to the opportunity to grow their own businesses on their own terms. Many are also drawn to the fact they can set their own hours. Whatever your reasons for getting into network marketing, one thing is clear – if you want to succeed you have to build the foundation for a strong business. The good news is, we’ve got you covered. Through relationship marketing, you’ll be able to build a network marketing business that you love. 

How to use relationship marketing to build your network marketing business

Relationships are central to relationship marketing. What sets it apart from traditonal sales techniques is it puts the relationship ahead of the sale. Sure, making sales is important; however, it never comes at the cost of the relationship. Instead of making the sale the reason for reaching out to the people in your network, the focus is on building the relationship. If a sale comes from it, that’s great! However, if you don’t make the sale right then, you’ve planted the seed and improved the foundation of your relationship.

Build the foundation for strong relationships

Each and every time you reach out to someone in your network, you have the opportunity to grow and develop that relationship. Every check-in or short “hello” is another brick in the foundation of a lasting relationship. The more you connect with your network, the more trust you’ll build with them. And, the more they trust you, the more they’ll want to buy from you and introduce you to other people in their networks.

The stronger your relationships, the stronger the foundation for your business. One of the biggest mistakes many network marketers make is practicing traditional sales techniques, which can alienate people. These techniques encourage network marketers to pursue their network and strong-arm them into making sales aggressively. While someone may buy once, they’re not likely to buy from you again or introduce you to people they know. Instead of building a business based on your current relationships, you end up back at square one trying to get someone, anyone, to buy. 

Relationship marketing puts the focus on building the relationship before making the sale. The idea is that people are more likely to buy from – and continue to buy from – people they know and like. If they know you have their best interests at heart, they’re more likely to trust you. And, when they trust you, they’re more likely to want to support your business through sales and by helping you grow your network. 

Lean into service

Service is at the heart of relationship marketing. In order to build your relationships, you have to have the heart to serve. What does this mean?

It means you care enough about your network to want to help them, even if it doesn’t directly benefit you at the moment. You want to help them achieve their goals, solve their challenges, and more. Sometimes the products or services you’re selling will help those in your network; other times they won’t but you may know of a business that can. Service is being able to help, whether it’s your product or an introduction to someone who can help. 

Even checking in regularly is considered service in relationship marketing. So often, salespeople only connect with their networks when they want to sell something. Consumers are wise to this and will often act defensively. However, if you reach out regularly to check in and see how someone is doing, you’re building the relationship. They appreciate that you see them as more than a sale and trust that you care. 

Focus on helping

The desire to help is at the core of service. Often network marketers are so focused on the sale that they forget to look for ways to help and serve. In other words, they’re so focused on how they can make a sale that they don’t listen for the subtle clues the other person may be giving. As a result, they miss out on opportunities to further build the relationship.

Each time you listen for a need you may be able to fill, you’re given the opportunity to help and serve. These opportunities build trust. Since trust is the foundation of any relationship, the simple act of helping can do wonders to help build your relationships with your network. Whenever you connect with your network, ask yourself these questions:

• Has the person mentioned a challenge I can help with?
• How can I help them overcome the challenge or achieve their goal?

For example, if a person mentions they’re feeling tired all the time and your business is health and wellness, suggest a product or service that may help them feel more energized. If your business isn’t health and wellness, but you know another network marketer in that industry, ofter to introduce them. When you introduce someone in your network to someone else, you’re showing them the process of introducing people so that they’re more likely to return the favor to you in the future. Not only are you helping them, but you’re showing them how to help you. Which leads to…

Ask for introductions

Replicating your network is the best way to grow your network. That way, you have a network filled with people who not only appreciate what you do but are familiar with the services you provide. This is where introductions come in.

Although it’s great when people give you a list of names of people they know who may love your business, it’s better to take that extra step and ask them to introduce you. Why?

When you reach out to someone who was recommended to you, it’s like a warm call. Sure, you have a shared connection, but the other person doesn’t know how strong that connection is. Are you a mere acquaintance or a good friend? Did they pass on their name at random or do they think this is a good opportunity? 

However, having someone introduce you, regardless of whether it’s in person or over email or chat, creates that sense of intimacy that is important to building a relationship. It shows that you have their name intentionally because that person in common believes you can help them. The person sharing the connection is making the introduction because they believe in your business. As a result, the new connection is also more likely to believe in your business and trust you as well.

How to ask for an introduction

Many network marketers find it difficult to ask for an introduction. However, as with anything, it takes practice to feel totally comfortable. The more you do it, the easier it will be.

When you’re connecting with your network, especially your top advocates, ask them if there is anyone they know who would benefit from your business. Some advocates may have a name or two right away. Others may think about it over the following week and get back to you. The important part is planting the seed, which will get them thinking about who they can connect you with. Be sure to follow up to see if they’ve thought of a name, and when they have, ask them to make the introduction. Once they do, follow up with your advocate to thank them for the introduction, and be sure to offer the new customer the same high level of service your advocate has raved about. That’s what relationship marketing is all about!

Commit to creating a successful relationship marketing routine

Your routine will make or break your business. The better, more successful habits you cultivate now, the more likely you’ll be to achieve the success you aspire to. 

Make your relationship marketing business a priority

If you want to succeed and build a strong network marketing business, you have to make your business a priority. That means making sure to work on it daily, or nearly every day. Each day, when you create your to-do list, circle your top two priorities. One of these should be related to your business. Then be sure to do this activity no matter what.

Do your Power Hour

The Power Hour is intended to help you connect with your network in an hour or less. In fact, unless your network is huge, most network marketers can complete it in less than 30 minutes. Simply login to your Teamzy Dashboard and connect with the people on your list. That’s it. Teamzy uses an algorithm to ensure that you’re connecting with each person in your network on a regular basis. Just follow the list, and you’re all set.

Make it a habit to talk about your business

People won’t know they can buy from you or join your team if you don’t talk about your business. Share what you’re up to with others and explain relationship marketing and why you love it so much. Let your enthusiasm show! Excitement is contagious. The more excited you are, the more they’ll want to know. 

Teamzy can help you master relationship marketing

We created Teamzy to make it easier and more fun to build a network marketing business based on relationship marketing. Simply upload your network and set your goals and Teamzy will give you a list of people to connect with each day. Teamzy also offers training programs to help you master relationship marketing and offer your customers, prospects, and distributors the highest level of service. If you’re not using Teamzy, what are you waiting for? Click here to learn more.