If you're new here, please subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

If I were to come up with a list of MLM tips for beginners at the top of my list would be to learn public speaking.

An often sited survey states that the number one fear people have is a fear of public speaking.  Public speaking is a fear that is listed more often than a fear of any animal or even death.

Think about it.

Some people would rather die than face an audience.

Now I’m not saying that everyone in network marketing needs to go out and become a professional speaker but being able to speak in front of people is an essential skill for success.  Yesterday I was reading an article from the August issue of “Toast Masters” magazine.  In it they listed several ways everyone can become better conversationalists.

Conversationalist Skills – By Patricia Frys, ATMS

1. Express a sincere interest in the other person.

If it is possible, find out a little about the person before you get into a conversation with them.  Ask around and see if you can find out what they do or like.  If you’re online, check out their profile before you initiate a conversation.

2. Ask meaningful questions.

Ask open ended questions to keep the conversation going and lead into follow-up questions.

3. Give compliments.

4. Listen.

Give your undivided attention instead of waiting for your turn to speak.  If you are busy thinking about what you may say then you will miss important information the other person is saying.

5. Avoid debates

The classic topics to avoid still apply.  Don’t talk about religion, politics or any other emotionally charged issue.

6. Keep up to date on current events.

If you have a broad range of interest and knowledge it will be easier to talk about several topics of conversation instead of being stuck on one area of expertise.

7. Use humor.

8. Model someone whose communication skills you admire.

Talk to people that you notice are easy to talk to.  Observe their conversation styles and see if  you can pick up some tips.

Practice this MLM tip in your next casual conversation and see if the experience flows more easily.  Toastmasters is a nonprofit group that I highly recommend.  It will help with confidence and improve your communication skills.

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!

Most people working a regular J.O.B. do not have the freedom to take off whenever they want.  If you know the true power of a network marketing program, and I’m sure most of you do, you understand what true freedom is.

This point really struck home with me when I was called in for jury duty.  There were about 70+ people in a room waiting around to see it they were needed on a jury.  I actually don’t mind jury duty because it allows me time off from my regular job and gives me a chance to catch up on some reading.

A group of us at a time were called into the court room to go through the jury selection process.  It was at that time we were informed that the case would last two MONTHS.  Most employers do not pay more than a week for jury duty.  For instance my employer only pays for three days.

But don’t worry, the court will pay you $15 per day for jury duty.  Can you imagine living on $15 per day for two months?  I know I can’t!  It was not surprising that a lot of us were excused from the trial because the length of the case would cause us financial hardship.

That’s when it struck me!

When I reach my “Freedom Day” I will actually have a choice to serve on a jury and not have to worry about finances!   It may not be the most glamorous decision people that have unlimited income choose to do but the point is that it would be MY CHOICE!

I actually like the idea of a jury.  I have to admit that I’m a crime show lover and used to enjoy reading John Grisham novels.  I think I would enjoy evaluating the facts of a trial.

What fun things will you do on your “Freedom Day?”

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!

A few months back I met a wonderful young woman.  She is energetic, fun and loves her mlm opportunity.  In fact she loves it so much that she can’t stop telling people about it.  Her attitude is so infectious that she has become very successful in recruiting people and has over 100 people that she has personally sponsored.

When some people hear that number, they may think, “WOW, that’s impressive.”  I agree!  To be able to connect with that many people on such a personal level is amazing.  I want to share one of the MLM Secrets that can show you how to build a network effectively.

Everyone has probably been shown the power of compounding in network marketing.  If you start out by recruiting just two people, and they recruit two, your business will grow.

2 x 2 = 4  4 x 2 = 8  8 x 2 = 16

But if you increase the original recruiting to 5, your results will compound at a much faster rate.

5 x 5 = 25  25 x 5 = 125  125 x 5 = 625

When some people are first introduced to network marketing, they are very excited and rightfully so.  They realize that they get PAID for everyone that they bring into their business to they go out and RECRUIT, RECRUIT and RECRUIT!  Months go by and they keep on doing the same thing but now they notice that some people are starting to fall off.

What is missing? According to the equation, their business should be blowing up by now.

An often overlooked MLM secret can turn out to be the biggest key to their success; education!

You need to teach people how to do what you’re doing!

It is great to sponsor people into your business but if you do not give them the support, tools and education to duplicate your results, then you will NOT have a NETWORK!  After a while, the people that you sponsored will give up and try something else.

And what about you?  How would you feel after months of connecting with people to have them take off because they aren’t making any money?  Guess what?  Now you aren’t making money either!

The power of compounding is extremely powerful if applied the way it is intended.  Sponsor a few people, no more than five, and then show them how to sponsor for themselves.  Now take that original group of five and show them how to teach it to their team!  Once you go three levels deep, you have made your system duplicatable.  The great news about that is now you don’t have to personally sponsor 100 people to be successful!

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!

Having a millionaire mindset is an essential skill to develop if you want to be a successful entrepreneur.  Changing your thought patterns and getting rid of stinking thinking can be easier said than done.

Picture your brain as a mountain and the electrical synapses from our thoughts are hikers walking up the side of the mountain.  After a while a clear and deep path gets carved into the mountainside.  The path gets so deep that it is hard to stray off the path and find a new way.

Our thoughts result in action so quickly that it is more of a reaction than conscious thought.

Programming

Thoughts

Feelings

Actions

Results

If we make a conscious effort, we can slow down long enough to be aware of the thoughts and actions that are not serving us. When you think of a thought that makes you feel bad, STOP.  Ask yourself if you know where this is coming from.  Is this thought true or something you have been told and is now part of your programming?  If this thought does not serve you, then replace it with one that does.

Although our past has influenced our programming extensively, the good news is that it can be changed!  At first it is going to be difficult to forge a new path on the mountainside.  The brush may be thick, but with determination, you will have an alternate path to choose.

New habits often take about 30 days to take hold.  The electronic synapses in your brain are literally changing and this process takes time.  Do not give up half way through your 30 day challenge.

I challenge you to develop new habits and get rid of your stinkin’ thinkin’.  Please share the breakthroughs you have had.

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!

Making good eye contact is an essential skill network marketers need in order to connect with MLM prospects in person.

When I was younger my teachers told me to make “good eye contact.” I wasn’t really sure how to make it “good” so I did the best I could.  Whenever someone spoke, I intently stared into both of their eyes.  Sometimes if I really wanted to understand what they were saying, I would concentrate on their lips for a while but then go back to staring into their eyes.

At the end of the a lecture I would notice how fatigued my eyes were and I gave myself a headache.  I thought , wow “good eye contact” is too hard and I must look like an idiot staring at people.

Recently I was reminded that there is a method of eye contact that can help connect with the speaker more effectively without all of the staring.  When you are talking to someone look into their left eye.

You may wonder why the left eye is important.  The left eye is controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain.  This hemisphere also is responsible for creativity, intuition, and facial perception.  It helps people think about the present and future.  It also appears that the right hemisphere has to do with emotion.

When you look into a person’s left eye, you are seeking to activate their emotions and hopes for the future.  If the person you are talking to can connect with you on a personal and emotional level, they are more likely to buy from you.

Give it a try and see if your interactions with mlm prospects go more smoothly.  At least my headaches have gone away!

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!

Every day I see different marketing methods to incorporate into your network marketing system.  There are webinars about navigating social media, mastering Facebook PPC, and even starting a PPC campaign for Twitter.

There are so many possibilities that it is tempting to add everything into your system.  But is more really the best?

I am reminded of this when I was out shopping for running shoes.  I came across a pair of shoes that advertised “The most cushion money can buy.”  Is that what I need, more?  Will more cushion make me run  longer and faster?  Will it help me prevent reoccurring  injuries?

There is a movement that is continuing to grow and recently has taken off.  It is called barefoot running.   The idea behind running barefoot is that you get back to running the way nature intended people to run.  This method allows you to strengthen the muscles in your feet and have better balance because you can feel the earth.

When I think about applying this principal to network marketing, I wonder how I can make sure my network marketing system is based on fundamental principles and not forced.  I striped off all of the fancy tools and systems and examined my connection with people.  When it comes down to it, connection is the fundamental skill a successful network marketer must have.   Pick one method and master it before adding more methods to your toolbox.

I chose blogging as my main method of connecting to people.  When you pick a marketing strategy, make sure that it is a natural fit and not forced just because everyone else is doing it. What method is your favorite and why?

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!

There are many criteria to determining the best MLM company for you but I want to stick to just the MLM products.  The reason why I chose to focus on the products is because the use of a quality product can quickly build your belief in network marketing as well as in the company you chose.  If you do not believe in the product, it will be very difficult to share it with others.

Here is a list that I give to people that are interested in finding a network marketing company.

1.  Visual – The product must create a visual impact or change.  Why do I think this is important?  We all know that people are very visual creatures and one of the quickest  ways to make an impact is to SHOW IT!

2. Emotional - People buy with emotions and justify with logic!  If you can get your prospects to react to your product on a emotional level, the connection will be significantly more powerful.

3. Consumable – I like to choose MLM Products that are consumable so they will NEED to buy more of it when they run out.

4. Essential – Choose an mlm product that, after your prospects use it, they can’t live without it!

5. Affordable- If the product is affordable, it is more likely that it will be re-ordered each month and if you can actually save money with the product it is even better in today’s economy.

What is your favorite criteria to judge MLM products?

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!

There are many marketing techniques that network marketers use to brand mlm products.

Today my co-worker and I were talking about her beautiful wedding in Hawaii.  She describe the plush hotel in great detail and one thing that stuck in her mind; the smell.  The beautiful honeymoon suite had a soft and inviting fragrance of white tea.  The fragrance was in all products; the shampoo, lotion, on the towels and even in the air.

This hotel was employing a unique marketing technique; scent marketing.

Studies have shown that when a fragrance is present, the memory of that product is measurably increased than if there wasn’t a fragrance present.

It is no surprise that a familiar smell can trigger a pleasant memory from the past.  In fact the area of the brain responsible for identifying smells is the same area that is involved with memory.  What is an interesting development is that actual details of the product can be recalled in addition to the feelings that are evoked.

So what does this tell us that we can apply to our network marketing business?

This tells us that humans are incredibly sensory and emotional beings and how we connect to our prospects is very important.

In online marketing hours are spend split testing EVERYTHING down to the color of the header.  This is because certain colors can attract attention more.  In one-on-one connections, multiple senses are involved and if activated positively, can help the person connect to your product.

One of the easiest ways is to connect is on a tactile level. Have the product with you and let your prospect hold it.  Whether it be a health product, educational product, or precious metal, if they can hold it they can picture themselves owning it.  You may even want to ask them how they would feel if they could take it home today.

Now all we have to do is come up with scratch and sniff monitors and we can add scent marketing to our repertoire!  Until then we will just have to connect on a personal level.

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!

Today a fellow network marketer said something that I think is very important to network marketing success.

She said,

“Don’t let age be your cage.”

We were talking about self imposed limitations when it comes to our own success.   My friend, Angela is training two of her team members how to use the internet and use it with their primary business.  What is amazing about this is that both of the team members are in their sixties.

A few months ago, Amber gave a laptop to her mother so she could start learning how to send emails and do research.  Her mother grudgingly accepted the gift but said that she didn’t see why she needed to learn something new at her age.   Recently Angela’s mother showed interest in her primary business and now wants to learn all she can about internet marketing.

When Angela’s mother thought it wasn’t important to learn more about computers, she had a difficult time remembering and catching on.  Now that she sees the value in it, she is online more and embracing technology for the advantages it can add to her business.

The same goes for all of us as well.  What are you telling yourself that you can’t do because of your age or lack of experience?  What excuses do you need to overcome to breakthrough to your success?

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!

Chances are if you are in network marketing one of your main focuses is mlm recruiting.  There are tons of mlm products out there; from health products, to technical services, to household goods, the list can seem endless.  However, the most important aspect of your business is not what you think it is.  The true product in mlm is people!

Network marketing is the business of selling and connecting PEOPLE and without people, your business would never get off the ground.

Whether you have heard them describe as animals, elements, or colors personality types are a great way to identify with people and connect with them on their level.

For me using personalities as elements is more sensory and helps me remember them.

Fire

Strengths

Fire personalities are independent and risk-takers.  They are go-getters and like to take charge.  Fire personalities are very competitive,  enjoy the challenge and are persistent.

Weaknesses

Fire personalities are IMPATIENT.  They are poor listeners and will talk over others if you are not talking fast enough.

Motivations

Fire is motivated by money and results.  You can talk to Fire personalities about your compensation plan as long as you get to the point quickly.  Give them a challenge and they will rise to the occasion.

Appearance

Fire are clean cut and confident.  They are people-watchers and like to wear name brand or expensive things.

Wind

Strengths

Wind personalities are optimistic.  They have a lot of friends and just want to have fun.  Wind has the ability to inspire and attract people through their upbeat attitude and electric energy.

Weaknesses

Wind tend to be unrealistic.  They have the tendency to set huge goals that are probably out of reach.  They are focused on today and do not pay attention to details.  They are concerned about RIGHT NOW.

Motivations

Wind personalities are motivated by recognition and are drawn to popularity rather than results.  Life is a party with Winds so tell them about your fun company conventions and all the cool business partners you know.  They are followers and want to be part of the in crowd.

Appearance

Wind personalities are flashy and loud dressers.  They like to stand out and are very personable.  Often times Wind’s touch others more often than other signs.

Water

Strengths

Water personalities are patient and easy going.  They are very compassionate and once they are in your business they are very loyal.  Waters are very good listeners.

Weaknesses

Waters are very indecisive and can be easily influenced by the opinions of others.  They are slow-paced and fear change.  They are people pleasing personalities and will put the needs of others above themselves even if it is detrimental to them.

Motivation

Water personalities value good relationships above all else.   They have a desire to be needed and valued by others.  If they have families talk about how they will have more freedom and will be able to help people.  Water is influenced by opinions of others  so show them testimonials.  They DO NOT like materialistic and loud people so don’t talk about money!

“They don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care,” says Cedric Harris.

Appearance

Water personalities are casual in appearance. Water women do not wear a lot of makeup.  They are friendly with a soft handshake and voice.

Ice

Strengths

Ice personalities are analytical, controlled and pay attention to details.  They are cautious and need facts to make a decision.  They are very organized, punctual and reliable.

Weaknesses

Ice personalities can suffer from paralysis of analysis and have a hard time making decisions.  They are very critical of self and others.

Motivation

Be organized when you present the details of your primary business.  If you can show them savings of your primary business you will have an in.  Give them the facts and not hype and then leave them alone to make their own decision.

Appearance

Ice personalities have controlled emotions and handshake.  They are very conservative, clean-cut and reserved.

No matter how you learn personality types, using this information is essential to your mlm recruiting.  Recognizing the personality of your lead helps you focus on THEM and take YOU out of the equation.  People will not do business with people they do not like so use these techniques to put them at ease.

If you liked this post, please take a moment to share and re-tweet it. Leave your comments below!