April 12, 2008
How to build a strong ‘network’ in your internet network marketing business? Part 1 of 2
A moment ago, I chanced upon Daegan Smit’s article, “Should You Give Up On An Online MLM Business?” and I quote below part of his last sentence regarding how Internet network marketing can help build your network:
“… It can also open numerous doors of opportunity for you, allowing you to build contacts, establish strong networks, provide valuable products to your consumers and earn the kind of income that would not be possible with your regular 9-to-5 job.”
I can’t agree more with him to the fact that one of the main benefits of Internet network marketing help one establish a strong network of contacts, not just prospects over a period of time…
… it’s kind of similar to what T. Harv Eker defined as millionaires should have a TOTAL VISION, instead of a TUNNEL VISION.
Why do I mean by that?
You see, when a newbie is introduced to network marketing, be it online or offline, he or she is trained by the typical upline to go prospecting but not networking. If that’s the case, shouldn’t network marketing be called prospect marketing?
I hope that didn’t sound too absurd to you - it’s not meant to be that way 
Alright, let me get straight to the point: it would be a pity for one to spend 3 to 5 years just prospecting and not networking. Yes, of course, as a network marketer, we go look for prospects - that’s our core business. But what’s amiss is that network marketers were never taught the concept of ‘targeted traffic’
That means… many network marketers will just go out there and ’spam’ the heck out of the everyone!
Want proof? Haven’t you heard of the 3-foot rule?
It might appear awesome at first glance but if you look at it closely, that’s what I call awful - trying to tell everyone within 3 feet to become your business partners…
To put it bluntly, that’s downright insane!
Would you ever walk down the street and grab any stranger to become your business partner if you’re planning to start a traditional business?
My bet is you won’t. I don’t need to tell you the reasons… you know too well why that won’t work.
Then, why the heck do we do that in network marketing? Do we really want anyone and everyone to become our business partners? Of course, NOT!
Plus… let me tell you this: not everyone is your targeted prospect for network marketing.
Can you think of any one who is a trader in options or forex or something like that? That kind of profile, I can bet you, is most likely not interested in your network marketing business.
Here’s another example: I ever spoke to an ex-classmate about my network marketing business when I was a green horn and she told me her factory is making $6 million in profit annually. Well… I still insisted she hear me out - how naive I was at that time.
So, I hope you get the point…
Having said that, when you come across someone who has no interest in your business opportunity, what should you do? My advice to you is to make a friend, especially if you have chemistry.
By doing that, you will begin to build your network of contacts as you begin to build your network marketing business. With a strong network, you will begin to have many other opportunities in addition to your network marketing business.
Recently, I met someone at a seminar who’s a financial planner. She knows about network marketing but it’s clear that she’s not the right prospect. And after meeting twice, we began to exchange a lot of information on financial planning and marketing - which I’ll share in Part 2 that will help you explode your network marketing business. So, stay tuned…
