If you have spent more than even a few months in network marketing or direct sales, you're sure to have heard of the concept of "leveraging." In this industry, leverage is a term used typically to describe how a network marketer can create repetitive income based on the sponsorship and sales efforts of others in their organization, most notably the people called "downline."
During the early stages of developing a business, enthusiasm is often at its highest and that is how momentum builds. You're busy telling everyone everywhere about the new product you have found and the opportunity to get it free and even make money! Then as time passes, the novelty may wear off a bit, unless you are the type of person with so much charisma that everyone you meet wants to join you.
For most of us, continuing to make cold calls regularly can become challenging. Or, some people are uncomfortable approaching every relative and friend. But they don’t want business to slow down and yet can’t step out of their comfort zones each and every day.
Here's where we can start thinking out of the box. Short of forcing ourselves to do something we're resisting every day, we can ask for help in the form of a virtual assistant.
A virtual assistant is known as such, because she/he is not actually present. The VA is a person we hire or ask to volunteer his/her services but not someone who actually comes to our home or place of work (unless you have a son or daughter who lives at home and is able to help). Contact is generally virtual, meaning via email, SKYPE or regular phone.
A virtual assistant frees up our time to do what is most important in a network marketing enterprise: follow up. Experts in network marketing generally allot 50 percent of the working day to doing follow up. The business builder should consistently devote time to following up with those who show a real interest in the products and/or the business opportunity. It is a crucial step to closing the sponsorship or sale.
Cold calling based on the list of contacts we have compiled could be delegated to the VA. For example, the VA can help screen prospects, send out information and take down contact information.
LifePharm Global Network business builders have the advantage of a well-designed Virtual Office that helps manage almost every aspect of being an Independent Business Owner. So why would an LPGN IBO require a virtual assistant? The answer is simple: the Virtual Office helps manage a business but does not replace the human who needs to take action every single day by sharing either the products or the opportunity.
Contact Manager in the VO provides a means to create contact lists, email and follow up with them. The IBO needs to create the lists, communicate with the people on those lists, and follow up with any leads. The VA can help keep momentum going by taking some pressure off the IBO and make the initial calls.
According to seasoned network marketers, beginners and veterans alike can benefit from a virtual assistant, because that forces the business builder to compile and delegate tasks that otherwise might never get done. By assigning less important chores to the VA, it establishes the IBO as someone who is successful and requires the services of an aide. On top of positive public perception, the IBO is relieved partially from doing everything herself/himself and may elevate self-esteem.
Because the VA is not emotionally attached to the outcome of the conversation with the prospect, they will not get bogged down with self-doubt and overthinking any rejections. Momentum will not come to a grinding halt.
Even if you don’t have the need to hire a Virtual Assistant, think of asking friends and family for assistance. You never know when a “helper” in your business-building efforts might turn into your new downline!