10 Top Tips for Building a Network

Nikken business training with Ben Woodward and Dave Butler, Brighton, July 2018

Building a team in network marketing comes down to a simple equation: The reason for someone to be involved has to be greater than the inconvenience. It's easy to join, sure, but... it's also easy to get out. If the hassle begins to outweigh the benefit a team member will want to leave. Your job as a leader is to maintain the positive side of the equation, reducing reasons people have for leaving.

1. Define What You Want

People need internal motivation. External motivation is temporary. Do this by setting goals. They don't have to be crystal clear but there needs to be something. If you really think your goal is just money think again. Is the true goal what you can do with the money - a holiday, or the ability to go part time thus increasing your time freedom?

Is your goal really just money, or is it really what you can do with the money?

Goals need to be both results driven and activity driven. For example you should have a goal to sell a water filter for example by the end of the week, but also have a goal to make one phone call a day. By consistently focusing on daily and weekly goals your business will expand organically.

A useful technique in the pursuit of goals is to set 30 or 90 day challenges. This forces you into action even when you aren't feeling it. When working for yourself it is sometimes useful to have this routine you would have in a regular 9 to 5 job.

Take this blog for example. If you start a blog AND commit to writing a post once a week, after a year you'll have one of the best sources of information in your niche on the internet (and google will like you!).

Or how about a 10 year challenge!:

A common reason for people giving up any pursuit is the lack of clearly defined goals.

2. Make a Commitment

Develop a game plan and action plan. Like a Sat Nav in your car you have to know where you are coming from in order to get to your destination. If you don't know your start point you will find it hard to get to your desired end point.

Start right away. Don't get hung up on the detail. Don't wait for perfect conditions otherwise you'll never do it. You can always learn along the way (see tip 3).

3. Make a List of Names

You do need to meet people. Some people won't be interested but they may be "gateways" to other people. Network marketing is a numbers game. The more people you meet the more results you will get.

Learn from your mistakes as you go. Make mistakes by all means, but make new mistakes each time. "Black box thinking" - aeroplanes still tragically crash sometimes but it's a new reason each time...

4. Use the Products - Sell the Products

The first product sold doesn't count. It's the second, and the third that counts and on and on. Looking after your customers and following up enquiries is key in today's internet world. The competition is so intense you have to be the best... the best at everything. 

You could have the best product in the world but that's no longer enough. You have to seek out customers and retain them. If you aren't the best then someone will undercut your prices and improve upon your customer service. If you aren't the best customers can so easily go elsewhere. 

5. Learn to Approach People and Invite People

It does take effort and investment. You have to build relationships over time. But you will end up sponsoring more people. Don't dive in. People will make their own decision.

Take an interest in people and be a good listener. Be attractive.

But bear in mind where your audience is. Fish where the fish are. Contrary to popular belief not everybody can do this so be selective. People should need you more than you need them.

6. Have a Successful Meeting

Be professional. Dress well and maintain an image, but have an inner image too.

Be prepared with an efficient short portable business presentation that explains the business and leaves people wanting more thereby encouraging prospects to step up to the next stage. 

7. Follow Ups

Evidence shows that at any one time 1 in 20 people are looking for an opportunity, and this is a proportion that is likely to increase. But you have to work at it. Human nature is to say "No". You have to work with people and develop them. Ask positive questions such as "What did you like about it?" Many people will require multiple follow ups. A "No" may mean "Not now".  It can take 6 or 7 "Nos" before a "Yes"...

You've got to make "No" your vitamin

Les Brown

8. Check Progress

Check how things are doing. What is working, what isn't? Seek advice from your mentors and colleagues, and other experts.

9. Strive To Improve

Personal development is essential. The human mind is like a garden. It takes work otherwise the weeds will grow. Keep studying and learning.

Learn to take things on that are outside of your comfort zone. Keep practising.

10. Duplicate

Teach these 10 steps to your team and repeat.

The above notes were taken from a presentation made by direct marketing expert Dave Butler. Dave can be contacted via his website here.




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