This is the first post in a four-part series. It’s all about the basics of network marketing and building a distribution network. An entrepreneur has a lot on her plate. She is the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer although sometimes she calls herself a CEO. She does it all–in the beginning. It is best to keep a short list of the BIG to-do tasks and then BUILD systems to streamline and help keep the main thing the main thing.

There are four basic things network marketers get paid to do.

1. Talk to new people
2. Follow-up with new people
3. Follow-up with existing people
4. Coach and develop leaders

Talk to New People

In network marketing, how you get new people is left up to your creativity. You can. . .

• contact people in your world, that is, friends, family and neighbors and set up a time to have a cup of coffee
• get out in the community and deliver workshops, support causes, network, hold fund raisers, sponsor a 5k race, sponsor a family fun night and silent auction
• run advertisements in the local paper, on Facebook
• send flyers or post cards inviting people to a special event
• host a lunch and learn or a evening home presentation
  • get really creative and host a dance and learn
  • teach a class online or at your community center
• start your own networking or meetup group
• join a virtual networking meeting

There are many ways to reach out and talk to people in your community. More and more savvy network marketers are teaming up with other network marketers and party plan direct sales entrepreneurs and holding workshops, networking luncheons, and regular chapter meetings at Direct Selling Women’s Alliance.

Build up to 2-4 marketing activities a day. Watch the momentum build in your business! Remember that the marketing activities lead to an appointment, presentation, or cup of coffee. Track how many you do in a month and adjust according to your own goals, and how quickly you want to build your business.

Seventy to eighty percent of your business is generally devoted to sponsoring new people. Therefore, it is important to find new people online and offline who have similar goals. Since you’re going in the same direction, why not go together.

Very Cool Point to Remember

Before you wear yourself out running all over the world talk, talk, talking, figure out who your ideal customer or business partner is. Describe this person as if she is the only one in the world. What does she look like? Does she work or is she a stay-at-home mom? What does she like to do, spend her money on? Does she like to travel, read, work in the community, host parties, paint the town fantastic? What does she worry about?

My customer is a successful business woman who strives to balance work and family. She is passionate about being there for her family, her team at work, and cares about others in her neighborhood, community and church. She is active too. Keeping in shape and being a healthy, active role model for her children is important. She is the home on the block were people like to hang out–kids and adults alike. She wants to maintain a  high energy level, and is looking for a simple, healthy solution. She wants something that fits into her busy lifestyle. She wants long-lasting results that are safe and healthy.

Now you’ll know her when you see her. You’ll know who to avoid too.

Sometimes you won’t know your ideal customer until a few months into your business. That’s okay. See who is successful on your products and who isn’t. Give each person the same outstanding customer service so you can see the big differences between those who keep buying and those who drop off.

My ideal business partner is a successful business woman who is ready for a change. She wants to do something with a purpose. The corporate job has treated her well, but now she wants to give back, help others. She is not ready to retire, but she may be at retirement age.   She knows people, and has helped so many people over the years succeed in their line of work–she is good at coaching and connecting. She is the go to person. She yearns for something bigger. She has an entrepreneurial spirit and is ready to build a team of like-minded individuals who can go out in the world and make a difference. She wants to build a legacy for her family.

Another Very Cool Point to Remember

Know your why. Why are you in business for yourself instead of working a 9-5 retail, corporate, or hospital type job? What appeals to you about Network Marketing? What are your hopes and dreams (what do you want your new business to do for you). What does it look like if you are successful (money, time, resources)? Who will be happy for you when you reach the level you want? What will be different in your life? What will you be able to do when you reach your goals that you couldn’t do before?

You can get fancy and make a vision board or you can just think it though and write key points on a 3×5 card or several 3×5 cards and post them where you can remind yourself why you do what you do everyday.

Feel free to comment below and tell us all your why, your ideal customer or business partner. Tell us what you want Network Marketing to do for you. Can’t wait to hear from you.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Follow-up With New People