MLM doesn’t work anymore? That’s a lie. MLM (i.e. Multi-Level or Network Marketing) is a wonderful business model and it works just fine.
Anyone who tells you that MLM doesn’t work has an agenda, they’re trying to sell you something else, or they tried and failed. That last one is the most likely – by far.
When people fail at something, they typically want to blame someone else. And there’s a saying, ‘Misery loves company’. That’s very true.
When you failed with MLM, or are failing now, it probably wasn’t even your fault. There’s really only a few basic things that everyone seems to be doing wrong.
If you’d like to know what I’m talking about (and get better), then read on.
Check it out!
1) You’re Not Doing It Online
Obviously, this blog is all about Online MLM. But think about what Network Marketing is. It’s networking. That means talking to people. And you can’t just talk to a few. Once you burn through your friends, family and co-workers (especially more than once) you’re out of business.
You have to share what you’re doing with hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands and so on.
You can only do that online. Realistically, TV, radio and billboards are out of the question.
The reason so many fail at Network Marketing is because of this very problem. They didn’t talk to enough people. It’s as simple as that.
2) You’re Not Doing Email Marketing Properly
Even worse, you might not be doing it at all (see above).
There are different kinds of email marketing, by the way, and each one is done differently. But basically, your goal is to build up a list of biz-opp seekers and communicate with them regularly.
This does take time, but there are ways to speed it up. They say, ‘The Money’s in The List’ (and that’s true). And, ‘If you don’t have at least 25,000 subscribers, you don’t have a list.’
That, I don’t believe. Besides, you have to start somewhere.
And I’ll take a warm and engaged list of 1,000 subscribers over an unresponsive list of 10,000 any day.
Also, you need to get familiar with autoresponders and how to use them. Otherwise, you can’t build your list at all! In fact, your autoresponder is the foundation for everything you’ll do with online business. It’s your essential tool for creating value, building relationships, follow-ups and mass communication.
This is non-negotiable.
3) You’re Not Using Social Media Correctly
Social media is similar to email marketing in a way, because you’re wanting to gain a large group of followers. That’s a science in itself but remember what social media is. It’s for socializing.
People want to know about you, your stories, your achievements, etc.. Pictures, short videos (especially) and funny stuff are very popular and work well.
For example, if your Network Marketing company is weight-loss products then show short reels or pics of you losing weight, shopping for new clothes and so on. The benefits of whatever it is you’re doing will create curiosity.
You want people asking you how you’re doing this. If you just throw up posts with images of the products and the company name, that creates resistance – the opposite of curiosity.
And if you’re going to go with a social media strategy, then you really need to be more business-like. Create a professional but subtle profile, and delete goofy stuff from your history.
If it doesn’t jive with the mission you’re on, get rid of it. And whatever you do, don’t post stupid crap about anything controversial – i.e. ‘the news’, politics, religion, etc. Don’t even comment on it.
Other mistakes are: using too many social media channels (and mastering none), not being active and consistent, and pitching instead of building relationships.
There’s plenty of social media training out there (as there is for everything I’m describing here). If this 21st century route sounds attractive, then look into it.
4) You’re Going In With the Wrong Mindset
Again, this might not be your fault. One knock against Network Marketing is how persuasive the best recruiters can be. That’s the case with any good salesperson, actually.
What happens is that (once you’re sold) you go in with unrealistic expectations. ‘This is going to be easy and you’re going to make so much money so fast!’ That just ain’t true.
If you saw Forrest Gump, you’ll remember what he said when he tried the shrimping business for the first time: “Shrimpin’ is Tough!” Every business is, and MLM is no different – with one exception: you don’t need a TON of money to get started.
That’s the only difference.
People quit when they find out that it takes patience and WORK. They weren’t ready to treat this like the business it actually is – just like any other.
And yes, this ‘can’ be very difficult to do when you’re working full-time, caring for kids, a family member, or just struggling to get by. It’s also why ‘easy money with no work’ sounds so good.
5) You’re Making This Too Complicated
Have you ever heard the term ‘elevator pitch’? That’s the classic MLM concept.
It means that you have to be able to sum up the product and the opportunity very quickly – in an alluring and persuasive way, with as few words as possible.
Personally, I believe that you have to be able to quickly explain/sell it to a 12-year old in order to have an effective pitch.
Random example: “This card will help you save at the grocery store. Tell others about it and get paid. Want one?” That’s it. More than that and you’ve already lost them.
If you have to answer too many questions (especially about the comp plan), you’re doing it wrong. Conversely, if you have a prospect that never stops asking questions then you didn’t do it right in the beginning.
Yeah, you can tag someone in the checkout line at Target and get them to meet you and your upline at Panera bread. The thing is, if you need a 3-way sit-down (or 3-way call) to ‘close’ somebody, then the program is too hard to explain.
Even worse is when you never stop talking about this thing to everyone.
You’re ruining events like office parties, wedding receptions, holiday gatherings and so on.
You’re expending so much effort trying to explain this thing to everyone that nobody wants to be around you anymore. In fact, you could be endangering your job if you don’t shut up.
Not good.
6) You Chose the Wrong Company
This happens a lot. Spoiler alert: it’s happened to me.
What do I mean by the ‘wrong company’? It’s more than one thing, it can also be the product itself.
If your MLM company is all about a product that nobody wants or needs, you’re doomed to fail. Most Network Marketing companies want you to sell some variation of ‘pills, potions and lotions’ – most of which you can get cheaper at GNC or elsewhere.
What’s worse, is that you have to convince people that they need them. If it’s a weight-loss thing, then that actually does have some appeal to the right audience. Just say ‘Hey fat boy, come here, I wanna’ talk to you.’ That makes it easier.
Still, physical products generally don’t ship all over the planet and it can get complicated when they do.
Another problem is that your company is too old and everyone’s heard of it. Let’s face it. Recruiting for Amway can be a real challenge.
The opposite is also true. You can be promoting something brand new with no history – and MLM companies (like any business) can go belly up.
People want to see a track record.
Another common problem is the comp plan. It’s either not very good, too complicated or (worse) you can’t explain it to a stranger.
Are You Ready to Try Again?
Network Marketing is a wonderful business model.
You start with basically nothing and (yes) you can create a real, sustainable income. That hasn’t changed. If you haven’t had any luck, then all that means is that you need a different approach.
Times have changed. You need to learn some new stuff (like how to do this online) and learn how to be consistent, persistent and patient.
It doesn’t happen overnight.
If you get the knowledge, stick with it and don’t quit, then there’s nothing stopping you.
I say go for it. Don’t wait, whatever you do. Time is passing faster than you think!
Why not start right now, today?
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