10 Keys to Online MLM
Success
The Internet is
definitely the wave of the future. Dot-com fever is every
where, and it seems that there is no cure. Fortunes are being
made online and you want to stake your claim.
Here are a few
key points to keep in mind as you develop and build your
business –
Focus on
the knowledge that you already have. Every web site,
newsletter and online venture needs to have a Unique Selling
Proposition or USP. This is something that sets you apart from
the rest. Everyone has knowledge between their ears that is
different and unique. Use it. Be willing to go the extra mile
to make your product stand out. To further develop this, find
other web sites and newsletters that are similar to yours.
Study these and brainstorm about what appeals to you, and what
you can do that is different.
Make
sure your site is not another copy-cat web site.
Nothing is worse than seeing the same information over and over
again on many web sites. If you are offering Affiliate
Programs, that’s great. But, develop your own sales letter and
testimonials. Don’t just slap up a banner and hope it will make
you millions.
Avoid
constantly comparing yourself to others. Everyone
comes to the table with different experiences, education,
ideas, etc. If you are just getting started, you must realize
that it will take time and many fine-tunings before you get
your site, newsletter and product line just the way you want
it. This is just part of the process.
View
everything you do through the eyes of your potential
customer. Make it about THEM, and not about you. Use
the word "you" at least three times more than you use the word
"I". Believe it or not, people don’t really care about you and
what you have done. Turn your knowledge and experience into
information that relates to them.
Tell
people who you are, provide them with contact information and
don’t be anonymous. Your picture should be on your web
site, as well as where you are located, a phone number and
valid email address. You don’t need to list your home address,
but give them an idea of where you live. There is nothing worse
than a web site promising you overnight riches with no contact
information. I don’t know about you, but to me, this screams
"SCAM" very loudly.
Automate
your business as much as possible from the very
beginning. Use autoresponders to provide highly
requested information about your product or service.
Autoresponders are also a great way to follow up and stay
current with people that have expressed an interest in your
offer. Most people do not buy on the first visit. Studies
show that it takes 7 to 9 exposures before most people buy.
If you give up too early, you’ll miss the pot of gold at the
end of the web!
Use
common business etiquette and manners. Avoid the use
of slang. Remember, the World Wide Web is just that – world
wide. You will never alienate an audience by using a
professional tone, but you might if you get too casual. Other
than blatant spam, answer emails, even if it is a brief
acknowledgment. You never know when you will interact with
someone again, so treat each person as your most valued
customer. They might be!
Ask
questions of others! Successful people love to offer
help and advice. There are bulletin boards all over the
Internet where you can post messages looking for help on a
particular topic whether it’s how to design something into your
site, where to get a merchant account or something else. If you
don’t ask, you’ll never know. I learned through my first
business project that people are successful for a reason. One
reason is that they didn’t try to re-invent the wheel. If I
can’t find the answer on my own, I’m the first one to post a
message or send an email to someone that I think might have the
answer. Try it! The responses and offers of help I have
received from Internet millionaires are amazing.
Online
marketing is great, but don’t forget to market your business
offline as well. Every time you give someone cash,
write a check or give your credit card, include a business card
with it. Tell people about your online business and ask them to
spread the word. Word of mouth advertising is better than any
other form. Press releases, offline classifieds and traditional
methods of advertising are important to your online
business.
Build
relationships and use networking skills online. Visit
social networking sites, groups, online bulletin boards and
newsgroups and offer real help and assistance. Don’t spam these
places, but use a signature line promoting your business, if it
is acceptable. If you are legitimate, people will remember you
and it could be worth gold to you in the future.
I hope these tips will help you. The most important thing is to
just get started. Don’t wait until you feel everything is
perfect. It won’t be. It never is. You will probably make
thousands of changes. Everyone does! When you are changing, you
are growing and your business will, too!
Jackie
Ulmer has worked from home for over fifteen years,
coaching and training thousands on the secrets to success
in a home business. Contact her through her website
at http://www.streetsmartwealth.com
and sign up for
her newsletter and learn what it takes to "Profit in Your
PJs, Online!"
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