posted April 02, 2002 05:53 PM
My husband and I were just discussing different ways to be successful in MLM. Of course, there are the usual methods that we hear about regularly but there is one we thought of that I have rarely heard mentioned. That is, supporting your industry. When is the last time you supported another Network Marketer in a DIFFERENT company? Where do you go shopping for items you need first? A local store? An on-line store? Or do you try to find out if another company in your industry carries the item that your own company doesn’t sell? I’ve recently began compiling a list of companies I buy from or would like to buy from and if I don’t know a Rep. from that company I begin to seek one... preferable a WAHM from this forum... or someone from our church or a person referred to me by a friend or family member. I strongly believe “You reap what you sow”. Even those of us who focus more on recruiting than actual *selling* would benefit greatly from supporting other Network Marketers. Not only does it help the person you buy from but it gives credibility to an industry that is misunderstood by a lot of people. If your home is filled with products from your own industry it shows your belief in the MLM industry. Plus as we all know, in this kind of business it is not *what* you know but *who* you know in many cases. Word of mouth is THE best way to gain new customers as well as new downline members. Just because my friend is not interested in joining my company (maybe the products are not what gets her excited) does not mean she will not find your company is exactly what she’s looking for. So the next time you get ready to buy any product or service find out if there is *someone* you can buy it from rather than *somewhere* you can buy it from.
posted April 03, 2002 02:36 AM
I think this is very true. I have bought items from moms on this forum, and moms I have met through my own business. I think it is very important to support fellow moms in their ventures ~ after all, you want them to support you back.
I just wish some more would ship to me in Canada... There are several businesses I have looked seriously into buying from, only to discover they will not ship to Canada. Both Towel Buddies & Country Bunny come to mind, as I was interested in purchasing from both in the past week, but they only have shipping to the US.
Jen @ MyMommyBiz.com
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posted April 03, 2002 03:24 AM
My businesses are party plan, but I wanted to respond to this. Hope you all don't mind.
Regardless,if a customer is looking for another type of product, because I don't carry it, or whatever reason, I ALWAYS refer them to someone that can help them, if I can.
If you just plain don't carry that particular product, I have found that your customers will always return, because they appreciate your knowledge and willingness to help them find/get what they want. Helping them find what they want, in turn, helps you get what you want, which is what helps build your business. I recently took some heat on referring a competing co., but quite honestly, we couldn't meet this woman's needs, and they could. There comes a time when it is necessary to "put yourself in the customer's shoes.", rather than worry about the pocketbook.
If I can purchase a product from a wahm, rather than the super marts, I do it. Ask hubby-I "drove him nuts" at xmas time, making him wait until I could contact a wahm.
MyMommyBiz-Towel Buddies may not ship to Canada, but maybe your individual consultant would. Have you tried? I sell Towel Buddies. Things are more expensive to send, but I would do it, if the customer paid the shipping. The only thing is, is that the consultant would have shipping costs twice, once to her house, and once to the customer. That is where it gets expensive.
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posted April 03, 2002 01:04 PM
I support other network marketers all the time - whenever I can. One thing I am trying to get started is a local networking group, but I also have traded parties, and bought and sold to many other company consultants online too...and I've referred customers and recruits to my other network mktg buddies. You are right - what goes around, comes around - I've also had people referred to me!
Nancy Johnson DTNancy@aol.com Discovery Toys - playing for a living for 14 years!!
posted April 03, 2002 08:47 PM
This is sooo true! I too believe that when we help others it somehow comes back to us. I love buying from other network marketers. If you can find what you are looking for from a networker, why not support your fellow networker instead of buying elsewhere. I enjoy purchasing from what our team calls, "the family store!" I would love to swap catelogs/websites with fellow networkers out there! Feel free to email me personally: dhaight@cox.net
posted April 06, 2002 01:25 PM
I agree! I recently started an online group for network marketers in my area and I already have 4 memebers--DT, Tupp, Pamp Chef, and Arbonne (mine). I'm really excited about arranging a holiday open house for all of us! I buy from NM whenever I get the chance. Most of the time, the products are better quality than you find in stores. It's also a great way to network. I think the best way to be successful is to maintain your enthusiasm. If you aren't fired up about your product or service, you certainly won't be able to instill any fire into your customers. Before you get started in any NM venture, have a few parties and try out the merchandise and the service. If you find one product you would feel really proud to endorse, then make it your business. I would also suggest avoiding companies that have a high saturation of reps in your area. Chances are your potential customers already have a rep if there are 4-5 in the area. I learned my lesson the hard way when I sold Avon...way too many reps in one area to reap any rewards.
------------------ Jennifer Arbonne International Consultant ID 10413876 http://www.arbonne.com
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posted April 02, 2002 05:53 PM
There are several businesses I have looked seriously into buying from, only to discover they will not ship to Canada. Both Towel Buddies & Country Bunny come to mind, as I was interested in purchasing from both in the past week, but they only have shipping to the US.
