Who's That on the Phone?

I am not the world's best phone conversationalist, I am the first to admit it. In fact, you are far more likely to find me surfing the net, mumbling "gotta remember to bookmark that site..." than find me on the phone.

So why in the world would I want to go into network marketing? Isn't it the world of cold calls and phone rejections?

Well, maybe sometimes. But it doesn't have to be.

In my searches I have found many, many different kinds of business opportunities. From cosmetics to dish soap to nutritional supplements to telecommunications -- if there is a need, there's probably a business to fill it!

Are all network opportunities created equal? No. Can they all be marketed the same way? Yes and no. Let me explain.

Back in the olden days when I first dipped my toes into what was "MLM" at the time, you sold products and recruited people in person and by phone. You met with them, explained the products, offered solutions and then asked if they would be interested in getting their goods at a discount.

Classic examples of these are Avon and Mary Kay. Although recruiting was important, you usually had a pretty hefty monthly sales quota to reach, so you got out and sold!

The famous "opportunity meetings" was where you dragged your friends, family and any breathing individual to, hoping they would join up and earn you a nice little bonus.

The phone and address lists that you dialed and filled out endlessly. And the paperwork - ack!

Fast-forward to today.

Many network plans have either gone almost totally internet or at least have an internet presence. The phone and address lists have been augmented with "opt-in" email lists and survey lists.

Autoresponders and replicated websites abound! Many times you can order products online, or even recruit online.

The opportunity meetings are now conference calls, and most can be accessed via the internet. You don't have to incur humongous long-distance phone bills!

But in all this, one thing as remained the same. Network marketing isn't just about making money (although it is a big part of it). No, network marketing is also about connecting with people and teaching them how to replicate your success. Help them to reach their goals and that helps you reach yours.

That is ultimately really what it's all about.