Have you been thinking about getting into network marketing, but aren’t sure where to start? Do you like the idea of making money on your own terms, but are nervous about sounding salesy? Are you interested but think, “Oh, I’m just not a salesperson”?

Many people are interested in network marketing now more than ever, especially if they or a family member has been impacted economically by COVID-19. Why? Network marketing offers people an opportunity to earn money by working for themselves. They can create a business – whether full time or on the side – that helps them achieve their financial goals. If you’ve been hesitating to get into the industry, now is the time to explore your possibilities.

What’s so great about network marketing?

Have you ever tried a product or service that you just loved? Chances are, you shouted the company’s praises from the rooftops and told everyone you knew about the results you experienced. The people you told picked up on your enthusiasm and may have looked into the products themselves. They may have even purchased the product or service based on your recommendation! If that’s happened to you, you’re perfect for network marketing.

When people think of network marketing, they often think of high-pressure sales by distant relatives and acquaintances. Too many people have been burned by the traditional sales tactic of focusing on the sale over the relationship. Have you ever purchased something from someone just to get them to stop bugging you to purchase it in the first place? It’s super annoying, isn’t it?

Although there are people in the industry who still sell this way, the better way to build a network marketing business is to work on your relationships first. After all, the better your relationships are, the more likely they’ll be to either purchase from you or recommend you to their friends and family. What better way to build a business than by showing the people you care about how much you appreciate them?

Why do people love network marketing?

For many, network marketing gives them freedom – the freedom to earn extra money to help them achieve their financial dreams. The freedom from having a boss on your back for eight hours a day. Or, the freedom to make your own hours instead of having to clock in and clock out. 

Building a successful network marketing business takes time, patience, and training. It takes a commitment to stay in touch with your network and build a relationship, even if the touch doesn’t lead to a sale every time. Instead of focusing solely on making a sale, you focus on helping the other person and building trust. 

Common misconceptions network marketers have when starting out

Most of us came into this industry with preconceived notions of what network marketing is like. Here are a few of the most common. 

“I only know a finite amount of people.”

One of the most common mistakes people make when starting out in network marketing is thinking that their network is limited. Most people think that they only know a finite amount of people and once they’ve reached out to all of them, that’s it. The good news is, your network is truly unlimited. The people in your network know other great people who would love to learn more about your product or service and the opportunities you can offer. As you nurture your relationships with the people in your network, ask them to introduce you to the people they know who may be interested in what you have to offer. Sure, it may feel strange the first time you ask, but your biggest advocates would be honored to share your products and services with their favorite people. Many are likely already singing your praises to their networks anyway. All you have to do is ask.

“I don’t have to set aside time to work on my business.”

As a business owner, your business is always on your mind, specifically, thinking of ways to increase your network. Lead generation is essential to growing any type of business. In network marketing, lead generation occurs during a Power Hour. A Power Hour is an hour you set aside each day to check-in and follow up with your network. It’s all about making someone’s day – not making a sale or pushing new products or services. It’s reaching out, checking in, and wishing them a wonderful day. That’s it. There’s no hard sales push or expectation of a sale – just friendly well wishes. If you happen to make a sale, that’s great! However, it’s important to remember that this time is set aside for building trust, connecting with customers, prospects, and distributors, and seeing how you can help them. 

What if you don’t have a full hour to commit? That’s okay. Just break it up into smaller segments of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or whatever you have time for throughout the day. The point is taking some time out of your day to commit to your business. 

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. Strength comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn’t.”

Not committing to professional growth

As your mind grows, so does your business. If you want to achieve all of the goals you’ve created for your business, it’s essential to commit to professional growth. Read books about successful people (or listen to the audiobook) to learn and adapt their habits of success. Listen to motivational podcasts and music that encourage you to succeed. Commit to training and courses that keep you on the cutting edge of your industry and business. When you commit to growth, you’ll gain the important skills and tools you need to prepare to grow your business. When you apply these skills, you’ll be amazed by how much you’re able to grow your business. 

Lean into your relationships

If you want your network marketing business to grow, you have to build your network. That means building trust and deepening your relationships with the people currently in your network and adding more people to it. 

As stated above, your network is limitless. You can add people to your network by meeting new people, either at church, your children’s school, at the gym, etc. Another way is to ask for introductions by the people in your network who are your biggest advocates. It’s no secret that these are the people who are also likely to become advocates as well. First, if their friend already knows and trusts you, they’re more likely to do so themselves. Second, they are already familiar with you and your business and may have been curious about giving a try anyway. Although they may not be top advocates now, they’re sure to become advocates over time, especially if you continue to keep in touch with them. 

Consistent Communication

In order to build trust (and, eventually, loyal advocates) you have to maintain consistent communication with the people in your network. That doesn’t mean you have to call, text, or email them all the time. It just means you connect with them on a regular basis at a level appropriate to your relationship. For example, you wouldn’t text or message someone you just met every week (unless, of course, they’re super interested). 

The issue is that we often get so busy that we forget to contact them at all. We may make a mental note to contact someone in a month or two and then completely forget about it. Life gets crazy and often it’s these little communication “touches” that are the first things to go. However, it’s these small connects that are so important. 

Teamzy makes it easy to stay connected with your customers, prospects, and team members. Simply load in your network and Teamzy will remind you when to contact them. If you’re not sure what to say, Teamzy has scripts to use to help you get the conversation started. Set aside an hour each day to make the day of lucky people in your network or do it as you can throughout the day. Connecting with your network has never been easier or more fun.