how to start mlm business

A direct sales company is very similar to a network marketing company in that you are still working as an "Independent Associate" for a larger company. With direct sales however, you are not required to develop a "downline" or recruit other members. All you really have to do to make any money is sell whatever the product or service is that the company offers. It's really no different that being one of those Avon ladies. Or selling cars. Or selling real estate.

Yes, the company will likely encourage you to recruit other associates and there are two reasons for this. One, it provides the comapny with more sales people, giving them greater exposure and making more money. Two, they will pay you better if you recruit other associates and YOU will make more money.

Once again, like network marketing, there is a system already in place for you to duplicate. This is why direct sales organizations and network marketing companies are so appealing. You don't have to do any of the trial and error stuff to get your business going. It's already been done for you. All you have to do is follow the system in place and you are on your way to making money.

A legitimate direct sales organization will tell you up front that you might not even make any money whatsoever. Should that put you off? No. It shows integrity in their business. They understand that some people will not follow the system, try to change the system, or simply quit the system. They also understand that some people will make money faster than others because some people will have a shorter learning curve than others.

There are numerous other reasons direct sales is more appealing than direct marekting, but we'll get into that in more deatil later. But there are numerous other similarities and understanding them will assist you in figuring out which is better for you. Or if you should look for another opportunity altogether.

About the Author:

Dylan White has run three different and successful home based businesses and now operates the Home Business Headquarters which is updated regularly with information and links for home based business entrepreneurs at http://homebusinesshq.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dylan_White

I have compiled a list of MLM Tips & hints to help you with your Multi Level Marketing Business. They have divided them into 3 different sections, depending on your own level of knowledge in the subject:

First advice for people who are either new to Network Marketing and have recently joined a Network, or may be considering getting involved in a network in the near future.
Second hints, tips & advice to help you with the retailing side of your business.
Third tips and advice that will help you to sponsor new people into your network and boost the numbers in your downline.

Advice for beginners in Network Marketing.

1. If you're going to do it, then really GO FOR IT!. Don't join a network and then make a half hearted attempt at it! Work the business & be committed, as it takes real DEDICATION to succeed!

2. Set yourself targets and write them down. By making them REALISTIC you will reach your goals quicker. Break up larger goals into smaller easily attainable targets, this is the key to success.

3. Be prepared to be told many times that it won't work. Its up to you to prove people wrong. Remember MLM is not a get rich quick scheme it's a business, and it will only be a success if you Work at it.

4. Expect to work for at least two years before you can even consider quitting your job, some networks may take longer. But remember its up to you how many hours you put into it.

5. Constantly seek advise. Your Upline are there to guide you and remember that it is in their best interest to help you become successful. Thats the beauty of MLM - you work for yourself but never by yourself.

6. If you join a Product based MLM, use the products, if you do not believe in the products how can you expect to SELL THEM.

7. Be upfront with people. If they ask is it MLM, tell them emphatically YES!! If they ask for the name of the company that makes the products, do NOT give them your *company name*, tell them the name of the company you are a distributor for. Some people will instantly want to learn more while others will be turned off. Don't be disheartened if some people say no; not everyone is turned onto MLM and you may have to get a few no's before you get a YES!

Retailing

1. Create a large customer base. This is a very important part of Network Marketing that is often ignored. Many people spend so much time trying to build their downline, that they forget how much profit they can actually make from retailing. Although building your Downline is important retailing should not be overlooked especially in the early stages of the business. You can use your retail profit to finance your business, this can save you dipping into your savings to pay for extra catalogues and advertising etc.

2. Focus on your customers needs. You must give customers more than they expect, and always look after your customers if they have a complaint. Listening 80% of the time and talking 20% will help you to become successful in Network Marketing. Remember, anyone who is a customer may pass you referrals and they are also a future candidate for your Downline.

Sponsoring

1. When someone says no, there can be a ton of reasons they said no. Politely and carefully feel them out as to the why they said no. Sometimes, it is simply a question that they have not understood the marketing plan, and need some questions answered.

2. Educate yourself constantly. This is very important! You must rid yourself of negative ideas, sometimes referred to as "stinkin thinkin". This can be done in a variety of ways. I recommend reading at least 15 minutes a day, but try to shoot for 30. Business and self-help books are a great way to start. Don't forget your Multi-level marketing magazines, as they are full of MLM tips and advice. Lastly, listen to cassette tapes on multi-level tips from top earners in your business.

3. Spend as much time as possible with your upline. Your upline should have only one goal in mind, To Help You Succeed! They are a vast source of knowledge and information. Mingle with top distributors in your group, or other groups, and ask how they made it, some will be more than happy to provide you with excellent tips and advice.

4. Present your products and marketing plan personally to at least one person daily. Remember above when I said you are going to have to work, well here it is. Now here is the key, the prospects to whom you present your plan, do not have to be yours personally. Show the plan for your downline, and not only will you create "security" by placing members in your downlines' downline, it will also give you a boost in your personal income! I can guarantee if you were to follow this rule for 6 months, you would create a downline with enough width and depth to create an income to sustain you and your family for life.

5. Care for your downline and pass on your own tips. An entire book can be written on this topic. Usually, it's the little things that show you really care. Try to maintain regular contact, and always praise your distributor's accomplishments. You can even offer incentives for specific achievements, such as money, travel, recognition, or other rewards, to help motivate your group.

6. Duplicate yourself by making distributors independent of you. This will help to multiply your time, thus making you and your group more effective. Always lead by example. Never stop recruiting, training and retailing. Remember always keep it simple, and teach your downline the same.

Newsletters

Send out a weekly newsletter with a brief MLM tip. Let your members know you care. It has been said they don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Use your newsletter to acknowledge and praise key team members, give tips and advice etc.

Find your Leaders

It seems to be a common known fact that 20% of the people get 80% of the results. Find and motivate your 20%. Setup a time where you meet with your leaders, Seek your leaders advice and keep your leaders motivated. Let your leaders know they you will be their for them. Encourage your leaders to develop and help their leaders.


About the Author
Jason Smart writes MLM Tips and comments on UK business opportunities for the Network Marketing Business website.

Don't get me wrong. Network marketing is great. Even Robert Kiyosaki, in his Rich Dad book series, recommends getting involved in a network marketing company as a means to earn money and learn how to run a business. (And if you haven't read Robert Kiyosaki, put him on your must list, NOW) But network marketing is only great IF you find the right company and the company is right for you.

Isn't Network Marketing a Pyramid Scheme?

Let's get one thing straight. A legitimate network marketing company is NOT a "pyramid scheme." A pyramid scheme is designed to allow only those at the top to make all the money and those poor suckers who bought in at the bottom to do all the work and pass their money up. Pyramids like this are illegal. Network marketing is not. "But wait," I hear you protest. "Network marketing has a pyramid structure. Doesn't that make it a pyramid scheme?" No. EVERY company has a pyramid structure.

Take a look at a grocery store, for example. The one person who owns the store is at the top and makes the most money, yes? And the numerous employees who actually work in the stores working the registers, bagging the groceries, and collecting the carts from the parking lot don't make nearly as much money, right? Pyramid. Period.

How Do I Know If It's Legit?

A legitimate network marketing company has a compensation plan that guarantees that anyone working the business can make money. It doesn't guarantee that they will, just that they can. Making money is up to you. Also, if they're legit, they have an actual product or service to market.

If you get the vague sense that you're handing over your money and you're not sure why - run away. You should see a tangible product or service being offered for you to market. Their business records will also be available for you to look up.

What's So Great About It?

The greatest thing is that the business system is already in place. All you have to do is duplicate the system. You might have to carry some inventory, depending on the company, but all of the gnarly business-y sides of things are usually handled by the company. You just have to market the product or service. And if you work the system, there really is the potential to earn some substantial money. I know. I've done it.

What's Not So Great About It?

Well, it's the nature of the Network Marketing beast. You have to recruit other people to become "Independent Associates." And often that means going after your "warm market" - your friends and family. And, let's be honest, most of them will look at you like you're crazy and you should get a "real job." But let's be honest - your real job is what led you to look into network marketing and a home based business to begin with!!

While many companies tell you to go after your warm market, I recommend otherwise. It may seem more difficult to recruit people you don't know, but really, if they don't know you, you have the power. You have the authority to show them a business opportunity and it lends you credibility if they don't know up front that you're also working at the mall and living in a studio apartment with a mattress and a jar of mustard in the fridge. "Isn't that lying?" Nope. That's selling, baby.

The other downside is the meetings. They don't like to call them "meetings." They prefer the term "Open House" or some such thing. Either way, you have to dress up and go to a hotel ballroom once, twice, three times a week and play excited to hear the same presentation over and over again until you are successful at the business yourself. Then you can call the shots.

So Is It Right For Me?

Ultimately, that's up to you. Go with your gut. Do you trust the company? Do you like the people who are already involved? Do you believe in the product or service you'll be offering? That's the biggie. If you don't believe in it, you won't be able to sell it. You might, but not as well. Do you have the time to devote to a home business? And are you willing to commit and withstand that negative berating you're likely to get? Don't let that put you off, though. People berated Bill Gates, too. Now look.

If you decide to join a network marketing company, good for you. Give it all you got and you can be a huge success.

About the Author:

Dylan White has run three different and successful home based businesses and now operates the Home Business Headquarters which is updated regularly with information and links for home based business entrepreneurs at http://homebusinesshq.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dylan_White