ConnectingWAHMs

First off, I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted.  I’ve been busy on a strategic SEO product for small business owners that no one has ever taught before and that’s taking up a lot of my time.  However, that’s not what this post is about.

What I wanted to write about today is how you can take advantage of all of the economic issues by getting your name out there in front of people to see.

I don’t know what it’s like for you locally, but here where I live we’re having layoffs almost weekly.  And these are large companies, not just small Mom-and-Pop places who are laying off workers.  Businesses you never would have dreamed in a million years would lay off hundreds of people are doing so today, as we speak.

But this does not have to be a time of concern for you if you’re in a Network Marketing company and here’s why.

First of all, these workers need to bring in cash NOW.  They have been side-swiped with the fact that they’re now out of a job.  And I guarantee you that they’re frantic.  Worrying about how they’re going to pay their bills, their mortgage, keep their kids in sports, and even just feed the family.

It’s these same people who are now looking to their local market trying to find some kind of work to bring in that much needed cash that used to be so *guaranteed* from their employer.

As a network marketer, regardless of what business you’re in, you can reach out and help these people who are now in a state of chaos.

Here are some ways you can approach people who might be looking for ways to bring in some much-needed extra cash now:

1. Take an ad out in your local paper.  Perhaps the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to not word your ad like everyone else.  You know those ads that constantly scream of hype like “Make $3,000 a Month Starting Today!”  or “Guaranteed Income in 30-days or Less!”.  These are sure-fire ways to NOT get a phone call.  Instead, approach it with an air of authority and facts.  Give out your phone number, a local number will end up getting more phone calls than an 800 number, since it’s more personal.
2. Post flyers at your local stores in the location of the layoffs.  If a business was located in a certain part of the city, create a flyer to hang in that area that let’s people know you are available to help them start up their own business.
3. Hold a business meeting in your home.  Depending upon your location to where the layoffs occurred, you most certainly either know a friend or a friend of a friend who knows someone affected by the recent round of layoffs.  Using fliers or ads in the newspaper, allow people to attend a meeting about starting a home based business with no strings attached.  This makes it more comfortable for people to attend.  Remember, you’re just giving them the facts.

There are countless ways to reach out to people who need some extra cash rolling in.  And it doesn’t even have to be due to a layoff.

The Fall season is notorious for new sign-ups in home based businesses because people need that extra money for Christmas gifts, etc.  And with gas prices the way that they are, food prices going up and the economy slowing down in general, more people than ever will be on the lookout for a great opportunity for themselves.

So take this time to advertise like crazy for your home based business.  And whatever you do, do it honestly and ethically.  Remember, the folks who have been laid off are in a very serious situation right now.  Don’t take advantage of them simply because they’re currently down-and-out.  If you truly have a superior product and a way that you truly can help them rise above all of the chaos, then get your name out there today and help the people who want to be helped.

- Kristine

Tags: MLM & Network Marketing, Marketing, Work From Home by Kristine
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I recently read a comment by someone who said:

“I have a home “business”. These are the ones that make you pay a fee. It’s worth it if you really want to make money though.”

The word “fee” tends to put people immediately on the defense since we’ve always been told to never, ever pay a fee to join a business. And this is true…kind of…

There are multiple different kinds of fees when it comes to a work at home business - it’s a matter of deciphering what the fee is used for and why.

It’s not unusual for a home based business or network marketing company to charge a fee to get you started in the business. Typically this fee is for some initial products and advertising pieces to help get you started. This kind of fee is completely acceptable provided that you aren’t being overcharged for the products and you aren’t “required” to pay a fee each and every month to the company to remain in business.

Let’s address each one of those:

A) Being overcharged for the products. If you have decided to sign up with a Network Marketing company, you already know about their products (or at least you should - if you don’t I don’t suggest you sign with the company). When you sign up with a legitimate network marketing company, generally you have to pay a start-up fee that gets you some products you can begin to show your customers. These products are usually priced at a wholesale cost - not retail. This way, when you sell a product at the retail price, you make a profit.

B) A monthly fee. Some companies have what they call an “auto-ship” program. What this means is that for a set price each month, the company will send you a set amount of products related to the fee you pay each month. For the most part, auto-ship programs are great if you sell a lot of products. For example, one company I know of will auto-ship you the newest fragranced candle each month along with votives and a few extras for a set price. This way you receive a product well below retail that you can turn around and sell for a profit.

If however you are just beginning your business, it might be rather difficult to turn these items around into profit. I personally don’t suggest an auto-ship program until you’ve built up a steady clientele…many network marketing leaders may tell you different but also keep in mind their intentions.

If you sign up for an auto-ship program, not only are you paying a fee each month but your upline or leader also gets a portion of that fee. So before you sign up, be sure it’s in YOUR best interest to do so and not someone else’s.

If you have any comments or suggestions to this post, I welcome you to let me know by posting a comment below

Tags: Uncategorized by Kristine
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