Secrets of the Greatest Network Marketer

The greatest network marketer was born into extreme poverty. His parents were very young and had little in the way of material wealth. However, they were loving parents. His father was the carpenter in their small town and so as the greatest network marketer grew, he learned the trade. When his father died at a young age, the greatest network marketer took over the family business and excelled. He was very good with people and produced excellent work. People traveled from far and wide to see his work and to hear his great wisdom. This young man captured the hearts of many.

As time went on, he discovered another calling – networking. His Upline taught him the true art of networking and very quickly he had recruited twelve front line people. Most of them were truly diamonds in the rough, so the greatest network marketer had to spend many hours teaching them the fine art of networking that had been taught to him by his Upline. Each day he would go out to the common areas of town and conduct an opportunity meeting to attract new people. He was so on fire with enthusiasm that people came from miles around to learn from him. They loved to hear him speak and he loved to teach them about networking. Many joined his network and it began to explode into momentum.

The greatest network marketer understood that he could not possibly train all these new people, so he continued to meet with his twelve frontline people and taught them how to train the others and how to train them to build a network and train their people. By this time the greatest network marketer was traveling from town to town doing opportunity meetings and training those who joined. One of his greatest attributes was the ability to quickly develop leaders who could carry on the work when he was not there.

The greatest network marketer had achieved great success and was reaping the benefits. Unfortunately this attracted the regulators, who were very much like the regulators of today and did not understand networking. In today's world, the regulators just fine people and force them out of the networking business, but back then, if they didn't like what you were doing, you were jailed or executed.

The regulators were jealous of the greatest network marketer’s following and great wealth and so they sought ways to trap him into making income or product claims that were against the law. However, the greatest network marketer always operated with the highest level of integrity and never made any claims. This frustrated the regulators and so they plotted to sabotage his work through false testimony. They paid people in his downline to say bad things about him and claim that he was breaking the law. These false claims enabled the regulators to finally arrest and eventually execute him. They thought that with the greatest network marketer gone, his network would quickly fall apart and their worries would be over. However, the greatest network marketer had instilled a great sense of purpose in his leaders and so they continued on with the work. Today the greatest network marketer has millions of people in his worldwide network.

This fictional story is loosely based on the greatest network marketer ever, Jesus Christ. During this CHRISTmas season when we celebrate His birth, we should remember that we are celebrating the birth of the greatest network marketer ever. There is much we can learn from the way that He built his worldwide network - his loving nature, patience, persistence, focus, and ability to build strong leaders. I have built a couple of successful businesses based on the principles that Jesus teaches in the Bible. I encourage you to study the life of Jesus in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. If you don't have a Bible, pick one up at any Christian bookstore - I recommend that you start with either the New International Version or the New Living Translation, as they are easier to read. I know that you will be surprised at how much you can learn from studying Jesus. Your life (and business) will never be the same.

MLMIA

Having operated since 1985, MLMIA is the longest running association for professional network marketers. It is also the only association that includes all aspects of the network marketing industry - independent distributors, network marketing companies, and vendors to the industry. The Association’s mission is “To Strengthen Network Marketing Around the World” while bringing professionalism and credibility to the industry.

As a member of MLMIA, you receive a number of great benefits:

Advanced Industry Education - authoritative articles from industry experts, teleconferences with top leaders, extensive information on evaluating a company or sponsor, national/international conferences, industry trade shows, and more.

Group Health Insurance and Rx Health Card - medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and prescriptions.

Discounts - consulting, advertising, subscriptions, legal, and educational materials (books, CD's, sales aids, etc.)

Convention and Cruise - annual events that are a who's who of the network marketing industry.

Independent Distributors enjoy the following additional benefits:

• Listing in the MLMIA's online Distributor Member directory!
• Access through the Members Only area to many products and services at savings not available to others.
• Membership Certificate
• Code of Ethics
• A subscription to industry news publications
• Distributor Package, Download from Web
• Receive Discounts on books and tapes when ordering from the MLMIA Library
• The MLM Dictionary
• MLMIA Bylaws
• MLMIA Verifiable Standards
• A "Members-Only" newsletter
• Recommend those who receive MLMIA recognition awards each year
• Discounted rates to MLMIA workshops and executive conferences
• Virtual Office - e-mail account, contact management, calendar, and more!

Joining MLMIA is saying that you believe in the network marketing industry and want it to stay strong and continue to grow. Now is a great time to join, as MLMIA is offering a 25% discount until the end of the year (2009). Go to http://www.mlmia.com/join.aspx for more information or to join.

The Sprint and Recover Method for Building a Huge MLM Business

I'm always very interested in the training methods of elite athletes, as there are many comparisons to training for network marketing. One of those is the sprint and recover method used by athletes in many professions. In my earlier years I was a top baseball player - pitcher and third baseman. I also played quite a bit of football and some basketball. In all three sports we did wind sprints. Now I hated them back then, but over the years I've come to appreciate that method of training. Here's how it works. You run as fast as you can from one point to another and then walk back, giving you the opportunity to catch your breath. Once back, you do it again and again and again. This method quickly builds the leg muscles necessary for many sports and also the cardiovascular endurance to finish strong.

Okay, so what does all this have to do with network marketing? I've also used the sprint and recover method in my business and have taught it to many others. The biggest problem with network marketing is that most people cannot give their business much time, so the spread it out over each week and don't accomplish much. A better way to build is through the sprint and recover method. By working your business hard for a dedicated period of time and then resting.

Here's how to do this in your business:

1. Look at your weekly calendar and figure out where you can allot an hour or two to your business (evening between 7 and 9 pm is best).

2. During that time call as many people as you can and invite them to watch a webinar, listen to a teleconference, or view your web site. Also, schedule a time to follow-up and find out what they saw that they liked.

Here is some effective wording to use when you call: "Hey (their name), this is (your name) and I don't have much time, but what are you doing at (time) on (day)?" If they are busy, just say: "okay, no problem, I'll talk with you later" and move on. If they are available or they ask what it's all about, say: "I've got something that you've got to see. I'll call you at (5 to 10 minutes before the webinar or teleconference or when you are going to walk them through your web site). Make sure you're in front of your computer. Talk with you then."

Follow-up immediately after the webinar or teleconference or at least within 24 hours of the time they watched or listened. Ask them what they saw that they liked. If you are showing them a web site, then walk them through it while you are on the phone. As they hit new information, as questions like: "Isn't that interesting? What do you think of that? What are you seeing that you like? How do you think that would affect you and your family? How does that sound? Etc. DO NOT ask them what they think, because most people don't.

3. When you have someone who is excited and ready to go, get them enrolled right away. When you have people who are interested, but can't seem to make a decision, schedule some 3-way calls with upline leaders, so they can meet more of the team.

Devote a solid period of time calling to invite, following up, and doing 3-way calls every week and then rest for a few days. Each time you sprint, it will create a high level of interest, activity and results. The rest in between will enable you to push through each time you sprint. Teach this same method to your busy downline members and watch your business explode!

10 Minutes to Success

Are you serious about building a six figure income in network marketing? Can you commit to 10 minutes a day? Do you have available a web based business presentation? If your answers were "yes" then the information in this article could radically change your financial future!

The biggest key to success in network marketing is inviting new people to view your business. Here is an easy 4 step approach that anyone can master. Now, keep in mind that unless you have done a lot of prior phone work, you probably aren't going to be very good at first and that's okay. You may even be nervous and that's also okay. Work through that, continue making the calls and the nervousness will leave. The good news is that this 4 step approach will work even if you are nervous and bad; if you use it exactly as it is in this article.

So, here are the 4 steps with the exact words to use for best results:

1. Be in a hurry

"John, I don't have much time . . .

2. Confirm a time

"What are you doing at (time) on (day)?"

3. Create interest

"I've got something you've got to see, be by your computer and I'll call you at (time) on (day)."

4. Confirm the appointment

"Okay, I'll give you a call at (time) on (day). You've got that in your calendar, right? Make sure you're by your computer. Talk with you then."

Tips for the call:

If the prospect asks any questions, just let them know that you don't have time right then, but will answer all their questions when you call.

If they are not available at the time you've requested, move on. Here is what you say:

"No problem. I've got to run. I'll give you a call (later in the week or next week)."

This leaves them in suspense and curious, which is exactly where you want them. Never, never, never give them a second possible time.

Also, do not change the wording or the order. This is a proven method for inviting. If you change it, you change the results.

In the example above, when you call for appointment, you would show them an internet presentation or run through your web site. However, you could also use this to invite them to a webinar or teleconference.

This is a highly effective method for inviting people to look at your business. Each call should only take about 60 seconds, so in 10 minutes a day you could start the process with 10 new prospects. If you direct them into a solid business presentation and do a good job of follow-up, you should sponsor between 1 and 3 of those. If you did that every day (5 days a week) for a month, you would sponsor between 20 and 60 new people into your business. Imagine what would happen if you continued on and taught all of them to do the same thing. You would end up with a huge and prosperous business.

So, get started today and invest your 10 minutes toward the success of your business.

Troy Dooly on the Efusjon Lawsuit

4 Fuels for Your Network Marketing Rocket

As with any rocket, you need to give your network marketing business fuel. There are four fuels that will take to to the stars:

1. Purpose and Goals - the highest octane fuel is your purpose. It's the "why" for your business. First you must figure out why you are in network marketing, then you can determine the goals necessary to achieve your purpose. Your purpose will keep you going when the times get tough and the goals will keep you on track.

2. Faith - if you have done a good job of selecting the right company, then your belief should be strong and will grow over time. In the meantime, have faith that things are going to work out. You must eliminate any non-belief. Have faith in your company, products, upline, and most of all yourself. Faith will help you keep going when the naysayers start telling you that this won't work.

3. Education/Knowledge - if you want to achieve big success in network marketing, you must become a master network marketer. This requires you to read everything you can get a hold of - books, publications, newsletters, online forums and newsgroups, etc. Attend seminars put on by your company and those that are generic. Listen to tapes about your company, products and network marketing in general. Find a mentor within your company - someone who has already achieved a high level of success and is willing to work with you. The greater your knowledge and understanding of how to use that knowledge, the greater your success will be.

4. Action - this is where you put all the fuels together to produce an explosion. This is also the most important phase, as it's the one that will make you money. From your goals, set daily activities. Push yourself beyond your usual level of activity. Remember that all you have to do is build for 2 to 5 years and if you do it right, you'll never have to work again. Action is what ignites the fuels. You can have all the other's, but if you don't launch into action, nothing will happen. Do something every day to build your business and if you want massive results, you need massive action.

If you have found the right company, it's your rocket. Now you have the four necessary fuels. Now it's time to fuel your rocket and blastoff!

Can You Handle the Yoli Truth?

Even our Orange Juice Isn't Healthy or Safe!

Yoli Launched on the 6th

Yoli pre-launched on the 6th with over $1 million dollars in sales on day one. To my knowledge that's the biggest network marketing launch to date. They also launched with over 5,000 distributors and are anticipating that number doubling by the end fo the year. The official launch will occur on January 22-24 2010 in Las Vegas where the company will announce a new product and upcoming plans promotion and expansion.

Shift Into A.C.T.I.O.N.

Those who have built large networks don't just sit around waiting for it to happen. They also don't make up excuses for why it's not working - not enough time, no one is interested, don't know enough people, not a salesperson, not the right kind of person, etc. No, the leaders leave the excuses behind and shift into A.C.T.I.O.N.

A = ATTITUDE

Achievers all seem to have a common "can do" attitude. There is no question in their mind that this is going to work. It's just a matter of time and effort. They are positive and upbeat.

It's often difficult to tell whether they are having a good or bad day, because their attitude is always the same. What's your attitude like? This is the first step to shifting into action. Adjust your attitude and then move on.

C = Clarity

Achievers start with the end clearly in their mind. They have a clear vision of what their life is going to look like after all is said and done. They see their life in minute detail, with all the emotions included. When life is not going well for them, they just pull up their vision and revel in it until any negative feelings are gone. Do you have a clear vision of what your life is going to be like after you build a large and lucrative network? If not, then create your own vision.

It's like making a movie in your mind. You're the producer, director, editor, and the star of the show. You and only you decide what goes into your movie, so make it really good!

T = TIME

Once an achiever has a clear vision, they begin to use their time efficiently. Based on the vision, they set goals, objectives (steps to the goals), and daily activities. Then they figure out how to work these daily activities into their busy schedules by commiting a certain amount of time each week. They know how to prioritize effectively. They are working on A priorities (prospecting, presentations, sponsoring, training, supporting) most of the time. They typically can accomplish twice as much in the same amount of time as the average person who is not a good time planner. How are you using your time? Have you commited a minimum amount of time to your business each week?

Are you working on A priorities most of the time? If not, you better become a better time planner.

I = INITIATIVE

Achievers don't sit around wondering what to do or making excuses for why things can't be done that day. They have a vision and a plan of action, so each day they know exactly what they are going to do and they do it. You won't find achievers sleeping in.

They are typically up early reading and planning. They are constantly learning, so they can become better networkers. They attend seminars and all company functions. They get involved in Toastmasters, so they can become a better communicator. Are you up early each day, giving yourself extra hours to work your business or become a better networker? Do you know what you are going to do every day and get right to it, so you can gain the greatest benefit? If you want to be successful in network marketing or any type of business, you need to have a strong initiative.

O = ORGANIZE

Achievers are organized. They have systems for keeping track of information, prospects, and distributors. They don't have to spend hours looking for something important, thus they can use that time to build their business. Do you have systems in place to keep track of important company memos, testimonials, training information, prospects, distributors, etc? If not, talk with an upline leader and have them help you develop those systems.

N = NAVIGATE

The waters tend to get rough at times. Achievers have their sights on a goal. Because they never take their eyes away, they can navigate through the rough waters. Because they have a great attitude and a clear vision, even the huge waves of diversity will not disuade them from their path. Because of their constant dedication to their trade, they know how to build an effective business. Are you properly prepared to navigate through the rough waters? If not, you better get prepared because they are just around the bend.

Many people say they want the time freedom and financial security that network marketing, but most aren't willing to do what is necessary to make those dreams come true.

Want to be an achiever? Shift into A.C.T.I.O.N.

Motivating Your Downline

Do you have people in your downline who have the potential, but they aren't doing anything?

Unless you have no one in your downline, the answer is YES! This has been a long time struggle in network marketing. All of us face this problem on a daily basis. So, how do we motivate these people?

First, you can't motivate anyone through words alone. You can get them excited, but only they can motivate themselves. They must have a good reason or purpose for their business, then be willing to go out an do whatever is necessary to accomplish that purpose.

Second, people are not all motivated in the same way. Some get very excited about the big money potential in network marketing. Others like the idea of earning an extra couple hundred dollars a month. Many are looking for more time freedom and less stress. It is important to find out what your distributors want, so you can provide them with the most appropriate stimulation.

Here are some ideas for motivating your downline:

1. Within 48 hours of the time the sign up, help them develop a solid purpose, set of goals based on that purpose, and a schedule of activities for the first 30 days. This will give them direction and kick them into action immediately.

2. Provide a proven marketing system that anyone can do. One that has worked well for me is to help your new distributors make up a list of 30 people. Mail or e-mail an information packet to the first 10 and then do 3-way follow-up calls. This gives your new distributors the opportunity to learn by listening to an upline leader and also the chance that some of these people might be interested in either the products/services or business.

3. Keep them active by providing marketing programs such as e-mail marketing, advertising, post card mailings, telemarketing, conference calls, webinars, lead programs, etc. On-going marketing keeps them actively prospecting and then provides a program they can pass on to their new distributors to keep them active.

4. Prepare them for battle - let them know that there will be tough times and mean people. Family members and friends will be rude to them at times, because they don't understand the business. Prepare them for the down times. Building a network marketing business (like any other business) is like a roller coaster - there will be highs and lows. Let them know that when they are excited and up, they should call their downline and spread that enthusiasm. When they are depressed and down,they should call their upline for empathy.

5. Recognition is one of the best motivators.

Constantly recognize your distributors for what they are doing. If they make their first contact, let them know what an AWESOME job they are doing. When they make their first retail sale or recruit their first person, announce it to the world. As they achieve higher levels, give them the recognition they deserve.

6. Stay in touch with them regularly. In the beginning, when you only have a couple distributors, this is easy. As your network grows, it becomes more difficult. Contact your new distributors daily for the first 30 days (whenever possible). Others, you should contact at least once a month.

Some great ways to leverage your time are the use of e-mail and voice mail broadcast. Each allows you to reach groups of distributors with exciting new information, without a tremendous time or financial investment.

The key to motivating your downline is to show them you care about them. Stay focused on their purpose and goals. Work with them regularly to achieve those goals and you will achieve yours too!

I Hate to Sell

Have you ever heard this from a prospect? Maybe you've even said it yourself. It's funny that I've been in professional selling for 20 years and I still hate to sell.

Why do we all hate to sell so much?

I believe it has to do with our perceptions of selling. Most of us think of salespeople as pushy - selling people things they don't want or need. Who would feel good about doing that? Yet, sales is one of our most important occupations. Think of how difficult it would be for the surgeon to perform lifesaving surgery without instruments, pharmaceuticals, gowns, masks, and medical equipment.
Salespeople sold all of those things to the Dr., clinic or hospital.

Selling is nothing more that finding a need and filling it. You already know what needs your products/services fulfill, so your job is to ask questions and find people who have those needs.

Selling is sharing. If you believe in your products/services, you will want to tell everyone about them. You will share your success stories and those of other distributors and customers. No, not everyone is going to buy. Even though they need what you have, they may still say no. That's ok.

I would love to tell you that you can succeed in network marketing without selling. That the products sell themselves, but frankly my products have never jumped off the shelf and convinced a prospect of their value. You will need to sell people on the value of your products and opportunity. So, how do you learn to sell.

Well, actually we are all very natural salespeople. Think about the last time you really wanted to go to your favorite restaurant and your spouse or a friend wanted to go somewhere else. What did you do to convince him or her? You sold the benefits of the restaurant: the great environment, service and food, how much fun it would be, how excellent the food tastes, and so on.

There are many good books and tapes on selling. My favorite book is How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins.

Also, check your local paper and the internet for seminars on selling. If you have a community college in your town, they may also have classes on sales that you can take in the evening.

The key to sales is to find a need, explain the benefits of the products and how they will help your prospect fill his or her need. If you have built some solid trust and have successfully shown the benefits, the prospect will probably buy. If he or she doesn't, find out why. If they are still misinformed, find printed information that will educate them and ask them to try your products again. If they still don't buy, keep good records and contact them periodically with new information. Don't hassle them, educate them. Very soon you will have a good customer who will most likely turn into your best distributor.

Selling makes the world go round and makes your network marketing business grow.

The Importance of 3-Way Calls

In my 30+ years of network marketing, I've had the opportunity to work with and interview hundreds of the industries top money earners. They have all built their businesses at different paces and using different methods. However, the one thing I heard consistently was the importance of 3-way calls.

I know from experience that many new and even older (in time with the company) distributors are not doing 3-way calls. In a recent meeting of approximately 50 distributors, I asked how many were doing weekly 3-way calls with upline or downline and only one person put up his hand. I also know from talking with other leaders that their downline is not doing enough 3-way calls.

If the 3-way call is so important, why don't more distributors do them? I believe it is because they are afraid the prospect will feel "ganged up on" and will be offended. Since many of these calls are to friends and family members, this feeling overides the potential for success. The distributor would rather have the call fail, than to do a 3-way call with the upline.

Personally, I think that distributors are getting the wrong impression about 3-way calls, because we (upline) are not explaining the methodology and benefits properly. So, here goes.

First, let's talk about the best way to make a 3-way call. Now, for my disclaimer. I am not saying that this is the absolute best and only way to make a 3-way call. If your upline has a standard way of doing calls, than that's the way to go. If not, give this a try:

If you are making 3-way calls with your upline, the reason you have your upline on the phone is not to hammer on the prospect or as the heavy closer, but rather so between the two of you the prospect can get all of his/her questions answered. Also, so that your company can be presented in the best possible way and your prospect can make an educated decision.

Here's how the call might go:

The distributor calls upline and discusses the call prior to the appointed time. Distributor puts upline on hold by depressing the "flash" key or the "hook"

button (where the handset hangs up). The distributor should get a couple quick tones and then a regular dial tone, at which point he/she can dial the prospects number.

When it starts ringing, press the flash key or hook button again to re-connect the upline. Here is the dialog when the prospect answers:

Distributor: John, hi this is Rod. I'm calling to follow-up on that information that I (sent/dropped off to) you. I have on the phone with me one of my business partners (upline's name), who is here because I am relatively new and I thought you would have some great questions that I couldn't answer. John this is (upline).

At this point the upline will take over the call and your job is to listen, take notes, and learn. Here is what the upline might say:

Upline: Hi John. How are you this evening? Are we catching you at a good time? Great! We appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. First I want you to know that I am strictly here to answer questions, fill in the gaps, and help provide the information you need to make a good decision. This is a very important decision and our job is to provide you with sufficient information to make an educated decision. The one favor I need to ask you is that you not say yes or no until you have received enough information to thoroughly research this business and make a good decision. Will you do that for us? Thanks! Now, did you get some time to review the information that Bob sent you?

From here the upline is going to handle the call as he/she feels fit, but it will be a very comfortable call for all involved.

Now, if you are doing the calls with your downline, you should follow the script for the upline, which will help make them more comfortable with the calls.

We recommend that every new distributor do at least 30 3-way calls before they start talking with people on their own or doing 3-ways with their downline. After 30 calls the distributor will have heard all the main objections and questions, plus the answers. The best way to do these 30 calls is to have the upline do all of the call on the first 10. During the second 10, the distributor should do the first part of the call with the upline handling objections or answering questions. The new distributor should do all of the calls on the third 10 with the upline on for back-up.

Following you will find examples of how the 2nd and 3rd sets of calls might go.

2nd Set of 3-Way Calls:

Distributor: John, hi this is Rod. I'm calling to follow-up on that information that I (sent/dropped off to) you. I have on the phone with me one of my business partners (upline's name), who is here because I am relatively new and I thought you would have some great questions that I couldn't answer. John this is (upline). (upline and prospect say hi, then continue) John, did you receive the information we sent? (If yes, continue) That's great and did you get a chance to review it? (If no, set a time to call again) (If yes, continue) Excellent! What did you (see/hear) that you liked? What did you find most interesting?

What questions can we answer? (upline will now help with answers)

3rd Set of 3-Way Calls:

Use the same script as in the 2nd set, except that the distributor will answer questions and call in the upline only when he/she gets stuck.

3-way calls are not only effective for quick and efficient sponsoring, but it is also a great training tool. A new distributor will learn much more by listening in on some calls then by you telling them what to do.

Now for the benefits of 3-way calls:

• Distributor - fewer negative calls, better closing ratios, build network quicker.
• Upline - opportunity to train, help new distributor get checks quicker, build own network.
• Prospect - opportunity to hear different perspectives on the business, get all questions answered, make a good decision.

3-way calls are a win-win-win opportunity and a critical part of every success story in network marketing!

Dealing with Different People Differently

Have you ever had one of those presentations where you really hit it off with a prospect? It was like the two of you had known each other for twenty years. Then, in the same day you talk with a prospect and no matter what you say or do, you can't seem to make any progress.

Sound familiar? This is a common problem for network marketers. The reason for this is that every person has their own personality.

There are four distinct personalities, so if you are dealing with all people the same way, then you are only handling a quarter of the people correctly. No person is ever totally one personality. We are all mixtures, but you will discover that people operate primarily in one of the four types. Here are the four personality types you will encounter and the associated characteristics:

Analytical & Amiable:

Ask a lot of questions; speak softly; move slowly; very little eye contact; will lean back in chair; no hand gestures; patient; cooperative; calm.

Driver & Expressive:

Tells you things; speaks loudly; fast movements; direct eye contact; lean toward you; animated hand gestures; impatient; competitive; excitable; enthusiastic; outwardly; positive.

As you meet prospects, try to determine their personality type. Take notes and compare them to the characteristics listed in this section. The more you study personalities and the better you understand how to recognize them, the better you will do in business and in life. Next, you will want to know how to best handle each personality type.

Analytical:

Let them feel they are right; give them facts first; stress the rational and logical facts; observe time constraints; compliment them regularly; give quick, precise answers.

Driver:

Dress professionally; get right to the point; do not waste time; stress results; ask questions that force attention; change voice inflection to maintain interest; put everything in writing; let them feel they are in control; give them choices.

Amiable:

Be friendly and build rapport quickly; talk emotionally; don't pressure them; take your time; reassure them regularly; allow them to include others in decisions; give them one positive choice; help them justify their decision.

Expressive:

Present the "big picture"; talk emotionally; recognize them as being important; put details in writing and explain carefully; reassure them regularly.

Recognizing the different personality types and being capable of working with them at their level will make prospecting more fun and you will recruit more people with less effort.

Ten Keys to Success in Network Marketing

A high percentage of people fail to make a full-time income in network marketing, because they either don't know what to do or aren't willing to do what is necessary to achieve success. In this article, I'm going to eliminate the excuse of not knowing. Here are ten keys to achieving high success in network marketing:

1. Purpose - you must have a strong "why" for this business, otherwise the negativity from the dreamstealers (those people in your life who will try to save you from the pyramid scam). Are you interested in more time freedom? Extra money every month? Helping other people improve their lives? Financial freedom? A strong purpose will keep you focused and ensure your success in network marketing and all aspects of your life.

2. Goals - you must have written steps that will help you achieve your purpose. Set written goals for the next 5 years, 1 year, monthly, daily. Set goals for # of new contacts, # of retail customers, # of distributors, income, pin levels, etc. Make sure these goals are written. Read them daily.

3. Plan - you must have a written plan for achieving your goals. The great eastern philosopher, Yogi Berra, once said, "if you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up some place else." In other words, if you don't have a written plan to achieve your goals, you won't!

4. Belief - you must believe in network marketing, your company, the products, the compensation plan, the leadership, the marketing programs, your upline, and yourself. The stronger your belief, the greater your commitment.

5. Commitment - you must be committed to your company for life! Not, "I'll give this a try for 6 months and see how it works." I can guarantee you will fail! You must know that this is the best company, with the best products. You must believe that this opportunity is perfect for yourself and for others. If this is not the case, find another company where it is.

6. Positive Attitude - bad things will happen. The media will cover our industry, and your company negatively at times. Prospects will tell you you're crazy for being a part of one of those pyramid schemes. Even your family will think your nuts! Keep in mind that they are ignorant of the facts. You have the facts! This is a great industry.

It will revolutionize the way products and services are distributed throughout the world. You are a part of the greatest industry in the world and the greatest company in that industry. Be positive about the company, industry, products, upline, downline, etc. It's up to you to spread positive and hope everywhere you go.

7. Lead by Example - people will do what you do, not what you say to do. They will look to you to lead by example.

If things aren't going well, ask yourself this question, "how happy would I be if all my downline worked like me?"

Are you doing what's necessary to be successful? If you aren't, you can't expect your downline to. Keep prospecting and recruiting people. Give your downline leads and placements. Use the company training system and promote it's use to your downline. If you do the right things every day, your downline will do the right things every day, and good things will result.

8. Love People - in our harried world we forget to love people. I'm not talking about romantic love, but rather caring love. Love your sponsor for introducing you to this great company. Love your upline for helping you. Love your downline for committing to you. Love the company for providing these fantastic products and incredible financial opportunity.

Love your prospects, even those who are mean and nasty. In fact love them even more, because they probably need it more.

If you love people, they will love you back. Wow! What a feeling. It turns this from a business into a big loving family full of members who are willing to do anything for you.

9. Daily Action - this is a business, not a hobby. If you invested a half million dollars in a McDonalds franchise would you work it in your spare time - when you didn't have anything else to do - when there weren't any good T.V. shows on? Of course not. You'd be working 15 hours a day to get your money back. You probably didn't invest much to get into your business, but the commitment level should be the same, because the long-term benefits are much greater in network marketing than with McDonalds.

Work your business every day. Plan time into your daily schedule to prospect, contact, follow-up, work with your downline, conduct training meetings for your downline, conduct business briefings, work online, and study. Daily activity will produce daily results, which build into monthly results, which build into yearly results.

Do you know that if you made up a list of everyone you have ever known and started to contact them, you would recruit at least 10% of them without trying very hard. If you become proficient, you would probably close 30% or better. Just think, if you contacted one person every day, 7 days a week, you would contact 365 people each year. At a 10% close ratio you would have 36 new distributors every year. If they also duplicated, you would add another 1296 the second year, 46,656 the third year and so on. That is the power of 1 contact each day.

Plan it into your schedule to call or see one new prospect every day (and I mean every day, not just when you have a spare moment!) and commit to doing that for the next month. You'll be amazed at the results! Then teach your downline to do the same thing.

10. Cultivate leaders - find natural leaders in the warm and cold markets. Find leaders in your current networks. You will need to find and cultivate at least 3 leaders in each leg in order to secure them. A group of strong leaders under each leg will enable you to have more independence and eventually result in true walk-away income.

Network marketing is a great business. You have chosen a great company. You are a great person. Follow these 10 steps to further greatness!

Sixty-Four $100 Million Dollar Companies

The Direct Selling News just posted a list of sixty-four network marketing/direct sales companies that have annual revenues of $100 million or more. So, if there was ever a question in your mind about whether network marketing works or if it's a legal or ethical business, take a look at this list of successful companies. Particularly note how long some of these have been around. Here is the list from lowest to highest:

64. Southern Living at Home. $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue.
Founded in 2001, this company provides books, garden accessories and home decor. The company markets in the USA using a party plan style of marketing and a multi-level style compensation plan.

63. Golden Neo-Life Diamite (GNLD) International. $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1958, this company provides gourmet food items, nutritional supplements, health/wellness products.

62. Yanbal International. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1967, the Peruvian company markets personal care products, cosmetics, and jewelry thru Party Plan marketing and a single level comp plan.

61. Xango. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2002, this Utah-based company markets nutritional supplements and skin care products thru person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

60. Pampered Chef. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1980, this Illinois baed company markets kitchenware and cookware for cooking and entertaining thru party plans and a multi-level comp plan.

59. Neways. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this Utah based company markets cosmetics, aromatherapy and nutritional products thru a multi-level comp plan.

58. FreeLife International. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1995, this Arizona based company markets nutrional supplements, personal-care and weight management products using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

57. Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing (FHTM). More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2001, this company markets health and beauty products, services and communications using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

56. Agel. More than $100 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2005, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements via person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

55. Scentsy. $103 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2004, this Idaho based company markets wickless candles, ceramic warmers and fragrance products via party plan and a multi-level comp plan.

54. Keller Williams Realty. $107 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1983, this Texas based company markets real estate via person to person and franchises using a multi-level comp plan.

53. Chandeal. $125 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. This Japan based company markets ligerie.

52. Arsoa Honsha. $132 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1998, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements.

51. PM-International. $134 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1993, this Germany based company markets nutritional supplements and wellness products via party plan and person to person using a multi-level comp plan.

50. BearCere’Ju. $140 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this Japan company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements .

49. Tastefully Simple. $144 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1995, this Minnesota company marketings specialty food items using party plan and multi-level comp plan.

48. The Longaberger Company. $150 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1973, this Ohio based company provides handmade baskets, jewelry and home decor using party plan and multi-level comp plan.

47. Jewels by Park Lane. $150 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1955, this Illinois based company provides jewelry using party plan and person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

46. YTB International. $162.5 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2001, this Illinois based company markets travel services using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

45. Summit International. $180 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1985, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements.

44. Telecom Plus. $186.5 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in1998, this United Kingdom based company provides telephone, internet, electricity and gas services using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

43. Ambit Energy. $197 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2006, this Texas based company provides electricity and natural gas using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

42. CUTCO/Vector Marketing. $197 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1949, this New York based company provides cutlery and kitchen ware using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

41. Stampin’ Up! $200 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1988, this Utah based company provides scrapbooking products using party plan marketing and multi-level comp plan.

40. Nikken Global. $200 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1975, this California based company markets nutritional supplements, air and water products and therapeutic jewelry products using person to person marketing and a multi-level comp plan.

39. Team National. $210 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1997, this Florida based company markets memberships packages that include services, home furnishings, jewelry, nutritional supplements and more using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

38. Diana. $239 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1986, this Japan based company markets lingerie and nutritional supplements.

37. Isagenix International. $245 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2002, this Arizona based company markets nutritional cleansing, skincare and weight management products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

36. ERINA. $250 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1970, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements.
35. Tiens/Tianshi. $275 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1990, this China based company markets wellness and dietary products using person to person and retail marketing.

34. Market America. $282 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this North Carolina company markets personal-care, pet-care and auto-care products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

33. K.K.ASSURAN. $289 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1994, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and personal care products.

32. KOYO-SYA. $290 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1975, this Japan based company markets nutritional, cosmetic and personal-care produacts.

31. Aerus. $300 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1924 as Electrolux, this Texas based company markets vacuum cleaners, nutritional supplements and electronic equipment using a single-level hybrid and multi-level comp plan.

30. FORDAYS. $320 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1999, this Japan based company markets nutrition and cosmetics.

29. Naturally Plus. $330 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1999, this Japan based company markets nutrition and personal care products.

28. Mannatech. $332.7 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1994, this Texas based company markets dietary supplements, weight/fitness products and skin care using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

27. Expert Alliance. $360.2 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1997, this Japan based company markets mutual aid services/road service.

26. Nature’s Sunshine. $381.3 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1972, this Utah based company provides nutritional supplements, weight management, aromatherapy, water purification and cookware products using personal to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

25. Usana. $429 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements, personal care, energy and weight management products via person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

24. Tahitian Noni. $450 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1996, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements, juices, skincare and hair care products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

23. Arbonne International. $450 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1980, this California based company markets aromatherapy, cosmetics, nutritional supplements and skin care products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

22. Charle Corporation. $463.6 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1993, this Japan based company markets lingerie and cosmetics.

21. Pre-Paid Legal Services. $464.5 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1972, this Oklahoma based company markets legal consultation services using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

20. Shaklee. $500 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1956, this California based company markets air filter systems, household cleaners, nutritional supplements, water treatment, skincare and weight management products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

19. ACN. More than $500 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1993, this North Carolina based company markets telecommunication, satellite TV and home security systems using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

18. Noevir Co. $586.7 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1964, this Japan based company markets cosmetics and nutritional supplements.

17. Partylite. $650 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1973, this Massachusetts based company markets candles, home accents, personal care and food products using party plan marketing and multi-level comp plan.

16. Omnilife Manfactura. $750 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1992, this Mexico based company markets nutritional supplements, weight management, beauty products, beverages and cosmetics using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

15. Belcorp. More than $750 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1949, this Peru based company markets cosmetics and skincare products using person to person marketing and mult-level comp plan.

14. Ignite. $825 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2004, this Texas based company markets electricity and natural gas using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

13. MonaVie. $854.9 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 2005, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements and functional beverages using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

12. Melaleuca. $887 million in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1985, this Idaho based company markets personal care products, cosmetics, household cleaning products and vitamins using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

11. Nu Skin. $1.2 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1984, this Utah based company markets nutritional supplements, personal-care and technology products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

10. Forever Living. $1.7 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1978, this Arizona based company markets nutritional supplements, skincare, cosmetics and weight loss products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

9. Oriflame. $1.9 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1967, this Sweden based company markets beauty products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

8. Natura Cosmeticos. $1.9 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1969, this Brazil based company markets cosmetics, personal care and fragrance products using person to person marketing.

7. Tupperware. $2.2 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1946, this Florida based company markets storage and serving products, beauty and personal care products using party plan and person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

6. Primerica Financial Services. $2.2 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1977, this Georgia based company markets financial services using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

5. Herbalife. $2.4 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1980, this California based company markets nutritional supplements, wellness, personal care, skincare and weight management products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

4. Mary Kay. $2.6 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1963, this Texas based company markets skincare and color cosmetics using party plan and person to person marketing and multi-level and single level comp plan.

3. Vorwerk (JAFRA). $3.4 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1883, this Germany based company markets cosmetics and home appliance products using using party plan and person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

2. Alticor (Amway). $8.2 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1959, this Michigan based company markets health/fitness/wellness products, home technology, home care, nutritional supplements and personal care products using person to person marketing and multi-level comp plan.

1. Avon. $10.7 billion in estimated wholesale corporate revenue. Founded in 1886, this New York based company markets beauty products, jewelry and apparel using person to person marketing and multi-level and single level comp plan.

The Big Hairy Arm

Let's say you loved to plant and grow beautiful flowers.

You separated a part of your backyard and through many hours of hard work, prepared it for your flower garden. You then carefully planted rows of different flowers. Over the next couple months you spent time every day in your garden, watering, fertilizing, and weeding.

Finally, one day the first fruits of your labor, a sprout. Then another and another. Soon, you have a beautiful flower garden. You love them all, but there is one particular flower that is unique. You have never seen anything like it. Your special flower. So, you pay extra special attention to that flower. One day, you are gazing out your window, admiring your special flower, when suddenly a big, ugly, hairy arm reaches through the fence and rips your special flower out by the roots. To your shock, your special flower is gone, leaving only a hole.

So, what does this have to do with network marketing?

It illustrates what happens in peoples lives every day.

You see, we all have people in our lives that we are afraid to contact. We think that they won't be interested - they are too busy, make too much money, or wouldn't be interested in "this type of business." Those people are represented by the special flower in the story above. Those people may turn out to be very special distributors, but if you don't make contact with them, the big, ugly, hairy arm will come in a rip them out of your network marketing life. The big, hairy arm represents a distributor from another company or even a distributor from your own company.

Now let me tell you a true story. Many years ago, I was just getting started building a network with a very prominent company. I had made up my list and was actively contacting them. Then I arrived at a particular name. This person owned 7 Domino's franchises and was pretty well to do. I was consulting for him and we had become casual friends. We also had a high level of respect for each other.

I kept looking at his name and thinking, he's not going to be interested - he's too busy, makes too much money and wouldn't be interested in "this type of business." Then one day I saw him at the athletic club. He told me that we needed to meet to go over something new. I thought it was a new marketing project, but was shocked to find out that he had sold all 7 of his franchises to do network marketing full-time!!! He was furious with me that I had not told him about my network marketing business, as he would have joined me instead. I've kicked myself ever since! But I did learn a lesson that contributed to my tremendous success in network marketing - never make the decision for someone else!

Now, you can learn from the big, hairy arm story, and from my experience. Don't preclude people. Contact everyone. Even if you don't think they will be interested, let them make that choice. You don't know who will and who won't. You definitely don't want to find out that your brother or sister are in another network marketing company or worse yet, that they are in your company, but under someone else. So, tell everyone about your business and then let them decide if they are interested or not.

How to Convert Leads in a Funded Business Proposal

The whole idea of a funded business system is to generate leads for your network marketing business. Each person who fills out the contact information on your capture page is a potential lead. In the following training, you will learn how to contact, qualify, and convert those people.

Those who complete your contact form will fall into three categories:

1. Looking for a network marketing business.
2. Already with a network marketing company, but not happy.
3. Already with a network marketing company and happy.

Categories 1 and 2 are great prospects for your network marketing company right now. Category 3 may take some time, but odds are that if you do a good job of relationship building, they will join you within a year.

Here are some methods of approaching these people and building relationships.

Phone:

When a person fills out the contact form on your capture page, you will receive it by e-mail. The information includes their name, e-mail address, and phone number. The best way to begin the lead conversion process is to call them.

When you call, introduce yourself, remind them of the site they visited, and find out if they are already in a network marketing company or not. If they are, find out if they’re completely happy. If they are looking for not happy with their current company, you’ve got a prospect for your network marketing business. Ask if you can provide information and then do a good job of following-up (see below).

Make sure that you take good notes during the phone calls, so that as you follow-up, you can show them how much you care, by remembering things about their lives. People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care about them. Remembering details shows them that you are paying attention and care.

E-Mail:

If you are either not comfortable on the phone or you don’t have the time to do it, you can follow-up by e-mail, however you drop the odds of success quite a few percentages this way. E-mails have a way of disappearing or being filtered and it’s much easier to ignore an e-mail than a person on the phone. So, if you are serious about success in network marketing, you should work through the fear of the telephone or re-arrange your schedule so you have dedicated phone time for your business. However, if you’re not ready to do either of those, here are some ideas for creating an e-mail message.

First, keep the message short. Mention the site they visited and then ask if they are looking for a network marketing company or already with one. Don’t try to sell them on anything in this message. If they don’t respond, e-mail them again. I e-mail 3 times without response before I move on.

Follow-Up:

Ineffective follow-up is one of the primary reasons why people don’t succeed in network marketing. Quite often you will have a prospect who seems interested, so you provide them with some information, but they don’t return your calls or e-mails, so you assume that they aren’t interested. In most cases that is a bad assumption, because in most cases, when you speak with them, they’ll show a high level of interest. So, the key is effective follow-up.

You will have over a third of the people who fill out your contact form who will already be with a company, so this step is critical in bringing them into your company sometime in the near future.

You can purchase database software like ACT! or you can develop something in Excel or use the contact management portion of Outlook, or you can use a professionally designed system like Oprius. Which is my preference. Click HERE for information and a free trial.

However you do it is fine, but make sure you have an effective database in which you can store pertinent information about prospects and then easily find that information at a later date. It’s great if the system also reminds you to follow-up.

Once you have a database, the next step is to develop a series of e-mails that you either manually send or use an autoresponder service like Get Response. You’ll want to mix some phone calls in with the e-mails, with the purpose of building relationship. In your e-mails and calls you can recommend free (and paid) resources, social networks, articles, blogs, etc. This will help you show that you care about the person and not just getting them into your business (even though that is also your intention). People will join you because they trust and respect you. Also, because you can offer them a marketing system that will help them build a successful business.

If you do a good job with all of this, you’ll add new people to your network marketing business every month.

*Note: If you don't have a funded business proposal system, I highly recommend Magnetic Sponsoring.

F.O.R.M Your Network Marketing Success

Most network marketers talk too much and don't listen enough, which is why so many don't succeed. Here is a proven method that will produce great success in both the warm and cold markets. The key is to ask questions about areas of life using the acronym FORM (easy to remember):

The "F" is for Family. Ask your prospect about his/her family. Talk about the kids. Discuss family goals. Ask about time with the family. Talk about vacations, their home, vehicles, college, etc. Anything negative indicates a pain area.

The "O" is for Occupation. Ask about their job or business - downsizing, merger, buyout, new boss, business down, long term viability, pay? Any negative comments indicates a possible pain area.

The "R" is for Recreation. Ask about vacations, hobbies, golf, boating, bowling, etc. If your prospect complains about lack of vacation time at work, lack of money to take a vacation or lack of time to really enjoy any outside activities, then you've got a good hot button.

The "M" is for Money. Talk about the insecurity of the economy and social security. Ask what they are doing to prepare for future retirement - investments. If they complain about not enough money or concern over their ability to retire some day, then you have a pain area.

By asking questions, you uncover needs and wants. Once you have uncovered your prospect's pain areas, you can then present information about your company, products and opportunity that will eliminate the pain. You will be amazed at how receptive they will be to what you have to say when you are delivering a solution rather than a sales pitch.