Offline Marketing

With so much focus on the Internet these days, it's easy to forget about other ways of marketing. Outdated, you say? Obsolete, even? Maybe. It depends on what methods you're talking about.

One method that's brought me consistent results is postcards. I think postcard marketing is so effective right now because not many people are doing it. I've found that if you send out high quality postcards, people respond.

I know what you're thinking: Yea, but who wants to take the time to write out all those cards? I've found a solution, and you can find out more about it here.

A Note on Rejection

I've been thinking a lot lately about rejection. I used to call it the "R" word, because I was so afraid of it. Not only that, I used to run from it. I would rather experience anything but rejection.

When I think about why most Network Marketers fear the phone, I realize that it's not really the phone they fear; it's the "R" word. Nobody likes the feeling of being rejected.

If you're a newbie, keep this in mind: It gets a lot easier. The nervousness, the butterflies, and the urge to procrastinate eventually subside. They never completely leave, but they get much easier to deal with.

The trick is to form a habit of consistent, daily action. Once you get into this habit, most of your fears vanish. It's not easy at first. Keep in mind, you're breaking out of your comfort zone. It's a very good thing, but it feels pretty bad when you first start.

By the way, these days I crave rejection. I've determined that the more I'm rejected, the more successful I'll become. Actually, I learned this from reading The Business School, by Robert Kiyosaki. This book is a must read for Network Marketers.

Network Marketing . . .Easy?

I've heard Network Marketing described as anything from easy to impossibly difficult. In my own experience, I've found it a little of both. I certainly wouldn't use the word "easy" to describe it. Simple maybe. The difficulty comes with maintaining consistency, and for long-term success, consistency is a must. Leaders Club talks a lot about consistent action. They've taught me a lot.

An Awesome Investment

I became familiar with affiliate marketing just a few months ago. Sure, I'd heard about it, read about it, even talked to some people involved in affiliate marketing programs. Last August, however, I became involved in a program myself. I couldn't believe it was so easy.

The program I became involved with was The Renegade Network Marketer. The one-time membership fee was $67.00. That's all I've paid. I doubled my money the first week, and continue making money with this system every day.

Not only do I earn money, but I also generate leads with this program. Add to that, all of the instruction and resources and you've got an unbeatable system for wealth-building. The Renegade System has helped me tremendously.

Channeling The Donald

Recently, I find myself channeling Donald Trump when making prospecting calls. In my experience, this either qualifies or disqualifies prospects much more quickly and effectively.

For instance, the very first question I ask is, "Are you still interested in starting a business?" If the prospect answers anything but a firm "Yes," the call is over. No waffling, haggling, or convincing. I thank them for their time and move on.

I call this channeling Mr. Trump because it feels like I'm saying what he would in a similar situation. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

"Hi John, this is Gregory McGuire. I'm just getting back to you because you had requested some information about a home-based, network marketing business. Are you still looking to start your own business?"

"Uh, well, I guess. What company did you say you were with?"

"I'm with Shaklee Corporation. John, you don't really sound too sure of yourself, so here's what I'd like to do: I'll email you a link to my website. You take a couple days to look it over, and if you're interested get back with me. Does that sound OK?"

"Yea, sure."

"Thanks, bye."

I'm not rude, but I don't waste any time, either. Either the person is interested or they're not. The prospecting phase is not the time to try to sell anything, including your opportunity.

How to Handle Voicemail

Your script lies on your desk in easy view, your list of prospects rests next to it. Phone in hand, you feel your confidence surge as you dial that first call of the evening. "Ring" once. "Ring" twice. Then the dreaded voicemail picks up. What to do?

Network Marketers have debated this, but I've always found it best to leave a message. My rationale is this: How many times do you answer the phone when your caller ID shows an unfamiliar number? If you're like me, not very often, if ever.

Statistics show that only about 20% of your prospecting calls will be answered by a human being the first time you try. If you leave a message and then try back in a few days, your number on the caller ID is no longer unfamiliar.

Leaving voicemail messages are like planting seeds. If you leave the right kind of message, it just might bring you what you want. Leave enough of them, and it's virtually assured.