Want to succeed in network marketing? The key is to build a strong network of loyal advocates. However, the traditional method of network marketing – that is, pushy, aggressive sales tactics – only serve to diminish and demolish relationships, not build them up. Many network marketers have found it difficult to build a business when it seems they’re always starting back at square one with new people instead of building upon established relationships. 

The good news is you don’t have to follow traditional sales methods in your network marketing business. Instead, you can value and respect your network enough not to push them to buy from you or join your team at the expense of the relationship. That’s where relationship marketing comes in.

What is relationship marketing?

Relationship marketing is a sales approach premised on the fact that relationships build business. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re starting their business from scratch each month when they have new sales goals to meet. When you treat your relationships like a regular translation, that’s what happens. 

Relationship marketing treats your network of relationships like people. These are the people who know you and know that your heart is in the right place. They know that you have their best interests in mind when you approach them about your business. You come from a place of service instead of a place of greed. You appreciate them as people instead of just as a potential sale or prospect. 

Why relationships matter

It’s impossible to build a successful business without the foundation of strong, loyal relationships. And, those relationships are built on trust.

As consumers, we tend to buy from people and companies we know and trust. Additionally, we rely on the recommendations of others when we’re thinking of purchasing something, especially for the first time. We place our trust in the businesses where we choose to spend money and in the opinions of their loyal customers. 

The same is true for the people in our networks. They trust us, which is why they continue to buy and otherwise support our businesses. Perhaps they haven’t purchased anything, but they recommend our businesses to people they know, and those people then become customers or potential team members of ours. It’s so much easier to generate business and expand your network when you know and like the people currently in it. Lead generation, which takes the form of connecting with people daily during your Power Hour, is far more enjoyable when you’re checking in with people you like connecting with. 

Why relationship marketing works

At Teamzy, we’re huge proponents of relationship marketing because we’ve seen it work. We understand that the best way to build a business you love is to work with people you love connecting with and serving. 

In relationship marketing, service plays a major role. You focus your attention on your customers and relationships, not just on making the sale. To do so, you approach your network from a place of service; that is, thinking, “how can I serve/help this person with a challenge or to achieve a goal?” instead of “I’ve really got to close this sale.” Do sales matter? Yes. Is it your sole purpose for checking in with people in your network? No. 

Consumers are savvy and know when they’re being sold to. No one wants to feel like a mark. How would you feel if you knew that someone was only contacting you whenever they needed to meet their sales quota for their business and you didn’t hear from them otherwise. You’d be pretty annoyed, right? That’s how many customers feel about network marketing; they’ve been burned before. Your challenge is to show them that you operate much differently than that – you truly care!

Relationship marketing is built upon consistent contact with your network. Instead of contacting them whenever you need to make a sale, Teamzy prompts you to contact them on a consistent basis based on the level of relationship you have with them. This means you’ll contact your biggest advocates more often than you will a casual acquaintance who has expressed interest in your business. Since the majority of business comes from that small percentage of strong advocates (and this is true for any business), you’ll focus the majority of your time developing your relationships with these valuable members of your network, instead of giving equal attention to everyone. This is important – although you’ll contact everyone in your network at some point, you’ll contact your biggest advocates the most. 

How to make relationship marketing work for you in 2021 and beyond

Whether you’re new to relationship marketing or you’ve done it for years, there’s always something new to practice and master. Here are some tips to help you make relationship marketing work in the year ahead.

Focus on relationships

Relationships are at the core of your business. The goal is to grow and multiply them throughout the year. To do that, you must make them your focus. This doesn’t mean you have to be in the faces of your biggest advocates all the time – that would be weird and annoying! You just have to make consistent contact with them. 

Luckily, Teamzy makes it super easy to stay in touch with your best people. Once you import your database and sort your network, Teamzy will let you know who to contact and when. Simply sign into your Dashboard every day and you’ll see a list of people to contact. All you have to do is messaging them, using the scripts if you need them. Isn’t that simple?

Do your Power Hour daily

Although Teamzy makes it easy for you to know who to contact, it’s up to you to develop the habit of doing your Power Hour every day. 

The good news is, it often doesn’t take the full hour, at least at first. As your network grows and grows, it may begin to take the full hour to connect with everyone you need to that day. In the beginning, though, you may be able to get it done in 30 minutes or less.

If dedicating a full hour block of time is too much, commit to 15-minute or 30-minute blocks instead. The point is developing the habit of making time for your business. 

Understand the impact of “hello”

Connecting with your network is the most important thing you’ll do to build your business. Each time you get in touch and connect with them, you’re building your relationships. It may not seem like much; however, the impact of a simple “hello” is huge.

Social media makes it easy to connect with one another; however, how many of us do regularly? Sure, we may “like” a photo or status or comment on a post, but how often do we send a message just to say “hi”? 

Teamzy encourages that interaction.  A simple “hello” is so powerful. When’s the last time someone said “hello” to you and wished you a good day out of the blue? How did it make you feel? I bet you were walking on air when it happened. 

That’s how the people in your network feel when you message them a simple “hello” and wish them a great day. It’s such a small act that only takes a minute; however, the impact is lasting. Not only does it show that you care, but it also shows that you’re thinking of them and appreciated them as more than a potential customer or prospect. 

Share relationship marketing with your team

Practice what you preach! The best way to encourage your team to use relationship marketing is to model the behavior yourself.Consistently message your team members and prospects and use the scripts. This will help them craft their messaging to their networks as well. The more they see you practicing relationship marketing, the more likely they’ll catch on to it and begin practicing it as well. Before you know it, not only is your business thriving, but your team members’ businesses are thriving as well!

Teamzy was built for relationship marketing

We created Teamzy specifically to help network marketers and small business owners practice relationship marketing. Once you’ve uploaded your database and set your goals, simply login to your Teamzy Dashboard to see who to contact each day. If you’re not sure what to say, look at the scripts to find the perfect one to use. Additionally, get more out of your Power Hour with a bit of professional development. Teamzy University is loaded with videos and trainings to help you get more out of relationship marketing. Click here to learn more.