A Lesson on Social Networking

I see people join social networks with the thought that they will build a huge business by promoting their product and service in the community.  I hate to break the news, but if you are looking to promote YOUR stuff on social networks; you will be disappointed with the results. 

Social network (especially mlm or business based ones) communities are for building friendships and contributing to the general good of our fellow network marketers.  If you are perceived as an expert and offer something of value to the community then you may have people coming to you for advice and help.  Through relationship building you may even build your business.  However, if you are just here to promote YOUR thing, you won't have much success because most of the people here are in THEIR thing and want the same thing you do: Build THEIR businesses.

I suggest that you offer something that will educate, encourage, and help others.  I write lots of articles (blog posts), offer videos, and free mentoring.  You can do the same.  As you are educated and grow and share what you have learned with others, your business will grow along with you.  Just remember; your success starts from within. 

Another thing I have noticed is that people sign up for too many things and get good at NONE of them.  They then wonder why they are failing.  Focus is important in social networking.  Pick one or two communities, learn, and get good at using them effectively before moving on.  Stop joining everything you are offered; it's a big waste of time.  Focus, learn, become a pro and then move on.  Too many folks are scattered and think that if they throw enough mud at the wall something will stick.  Rather I propose that you strive for excellence and stand out from the "mud-slingers."  Your success rate will be much better.  Yes, it's WORK, but it's worth it. 

I hope this helps.  May God bless you in your endeavors!

How to Use Social Network Sites

Social Networks for network marketers are great places to make friends plus share and receive information. Some things I have noticed in the communities I am in is that some people are using "code names" with no pictures. Social networks are just that, social. It is very hard to socialize with "mlmheavyhitter, or "workingmom" or "mentorman." I would suggest that you use your name. It's difficult to write a welcome to "mlmheavyhitter." It just plain feels funny. If you want to hide your identity, maybe you should forget social networking. It's very hard to network with people who "don't have names." If you are human, you have a name, please use it!  

Also, if possible, post a picture. Your picture adds a lot to your profile and it helps in the whole socializing thing. It's the next best thing to being with the person. Video's are great too. They help people get to know you even better. Remember, network marketing is not about products and services. It's about people helping people. People join people not companies. So be as personable as possible and you will go much farther.  

Also, greet new arrivals, make friends, offer assistance; that will just add to the whole community and make this a great place to be. It does you NO GOOD just to join social networks. It's like joining a health club and never going to exercise; what a waste. I don't mean to be offensive, but I am telling the truth. Sometimes I wonder why so many join social networks and do nothing to contribute.

Another IMPORTANT thing NOT TO DO is DON'T promote your business on social networks. Especially if they are geared toward network marketers. People do not like to be pitched or sold. They don't want to be pitched on another business when they are trying to promote their own. Keep it social. Offer help and assistance; you will be received and go much farther. And just maybe you will gain a business partner down the road, but don't push it!  

One more suggestion. Don't spread yourself so thin. Don't join thing after thing and be good at nothing. Join a couple of social networks and WORK THEM. Miracles will happen! I want everyone reading this blog to succeed. The more people who succeed; the better our economy and the better the world we live in will become. May God bless you all!

The Scam of Buying Leads

If you are buying leads; STOP IT!  Buying leads is one of the biggest scams perpetrated on the internet.  I have purchased leads and they ended up being worthless.  I also think that Solo Ads and such are a waste of money as well.  These ads go out to the same people who, quite frankly, are tired of all the offers dumped in their email inboxes on a daily basis.

I know a lady in Florida that spend over $25,000 buying leads and never received one once of residual income from doing so.  If your upline is instructing you to buy leads; maybe it's time to fire them and find someone who will show you how to advertise for free.

Frankly, network marketing is simple.  Build relationships and they will come.  I am not talking about making lists of family or friends; I am talking about building relationships online for FREE!  Nothing tops a relationship, period!

If you are interested, I will teach you, for free, how to build relationships online through social networking.  It's time consuming, but well worth it.  I have met some awesome people doing this and it just plain works.

But the point of this post is to get you to STOP BUYING LEADS.  Save your money and the frustration of going nowhere fast.  There are some links on this blog to some great social network sites for network marketers.  Also you can use Face Book, You Tube, and My Space to build awesome relationships.  More about this in a future post.