Business Building Corner

Network marketing stimulates fast action compared to traditional retail outlets in terms of product introductions, sales, after-sales service, and prompt delivery of goods and services. Another pertinent strategy focuses on open, direct, communication between distributors and customers who help one another share more information about the products and company.

In network marketing, the company provides platforms for their distributors and customers to interact, discuss, listen and talk with one another — this approach enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, especially as all or most of this communication often is free, current, updated, and available online.

Successful network marketers not only practice what they preach but also preach what they practice. They communicate to their loyal customers what they personally are loyal to: core values, principles, mission and vision. They run their business according to what they have stated as their guiding principles.

At LPGN, there are basically two types of Independent Business Owners (IBOs). There are product consumers and business builders. The primary difference between the two is that business builders not only consume the products, they also share them and enroll others.

Business builders not only reap the health benefits that LPGN products provide, but also earn money. To seize the business opportunity and make increasing amounts of money, business builders need to focus on the “promoter” type of person. Promoters are the loyal consumers who are enthusiastic, consistent in product usage and want to share the wealth with others. In other words, promoters are the ones who are most likely to become business builders. In addition, the more long-term repeat customers a business builder can attract, the higher their sales volume, revenue, profits and growth.

While it is crucial to spend time to prospect and convince others to join their organization, the most successful IBOs create a healthy balance by regularly attending to those already in their group. Focusing on retention ensures stability and growth in the downline organization. Constantly staying in touch with downline members and cultivating the relationship is the key to retention.

How does an IBO ensure that downline members feel cared for? Here are five tips for maintaining a great upline/downline relationship and tracking the needs of downline and customers:

1. Begin the upline/downline relationship with some fanfare. When a new recruit first signs up, make her/him feel important. Pay close attention to her/him and communicate often. Develop a series of emails to send to new downline that addresses their first days as a brand new IBO. It will help them feel like they are connected to the company and to you.
2. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes of each workday for downline phone calls. Call one to five members of your group for a quick "just checking in" call. Leave a message if you get voicemail. There’s no need for a long conversation unless the downline has specific questions. The point is to let them know that you're thinking of them and taking the time to connect. Ask how they're doing with their non-business life to establish a well-rounded relationship, not just a business connection.
3. Use social media to connect, whether it is through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Post discussions, contests, “insider” messages and just have fun with the whole group. Social media is an easy way for members of your organization to “meet” each other and develop a sense of connectedness.
4. Have meetings and/or conference calls. This is another great way to foster unity and strong relationships within your group. There are many free teleconference services via the Internet that make it very easy to do. If possible, have a face-to-face meeting once in a while, so your team can get together and socialize. Some business leaders have meetings monthly or quarterly. Others do a once a year get together with everyone. Encourage downline to attend conference calls LPGN holds every week.
5. Send ecards to celebrate birthdays, achievements, anniversaries and whenever you want to recognize your downline or customer. Once a month, go through the upcoming month and set up the ecard deliveries for the next month or more. You can set these up to deliver up to a year in advance!

Communicate in any and every way that you can. You will find that your downline and customers will stay with you and your company much longer when you've fostered a strong relationship by keeping in touch!