Successfully Building Your Dream Business

I recently attended two very powerful events with Mike Klingler called Marketing Funnel Mastery. He presented things from the Winner’s Perspective – How to Always Be Winning! And, he broke things down into how to realistically and effectively draw out a plan to take your business from concept, to launch to success!

At the November event, in Los Angeles, I was honored to share a few minutes of my story with the audience. Here is the video -

One thing I am most proud of with my story is that I truly did build a successful business online in Network Marketing; not just selling “tools and secrets” to Network Marketers.

Now don’t get me wrong, a person needs a road map and some education on how to succeed, and you can speed up the process by carefully selecting training tools and resources.

Just be sure to choose a mentor and tools developed by someone who has really “walked the walk” and isn’t just talking the talk.

What does your business look like? I would love to hear.

If you think this would be helpful to others, “Tweet It” or “Like It” at the top of the page or “Share It” right below!

I would love to hear your feedback and comments. Let’s exchange ideas below. Just leave your thoughts/questions.

And, if you would like to learn the methods, tips and secrets I have used, please get my report below!

Is Now a Good Time to Start an Online Business of Your Own?

The economy is bad, and most of us aren’t convinced it’s getting better. So how can now possibly be the right time to start your own business?

You may have a “good, secure job”, right? (Oxymoron, today!) Or maybe you’ve been downsized, and now you are debating – look for another job; go back to school to improve your resume; or strike out on your own and hang your shingle in your own business.

Do you really want another job? A new boss? Another cubicle? Another treadmill to toil away time on?

There is never a “perfect” or good time to start a business if you analyze it too much. Just like there is no perfect time to start a family. There will always be something that gets in the way, if you let it.

Read Seth Godin’s Blog on Starting a Business Now

So the question is – when are YOU going to begin pursuing your passion? Your Dream? Take control of your destiny and future?

The Internet is still in its infancy and provides you with an amazing platform to start and run a business. I’ve run a successful, multi-million dollar business online for over 11 years. Did I have overnight success? No! Did I make my first million the first year? No! (But I know others who did!) Has it been worth every second? YES!!!

Gary Vaynerchuk, author of the outstanding book “Crush It“ shares this short checklist that you may want to consider. I’ve picked the primary ones.

• Identify your passion.
• Name your personal brand. You don’t have to refer to it; just have a clear idea of what it is.
• Buy your domain name – GoDaddy.com
• Start a WordPress Blog.
• Create a Facebook Business Page.
• Start creating Content
• Start Building a Community; leave comments on other people’s blogs, forums and pages. Learn more on how.
• Join as many active Facebook Pages and Groups as possible.
• Repeat the 3 previous steps over and over.
• Enjoy the ride.

There is more, but you must start somewhere. The time really is now. What’s stopping you?

And if you need help getting your site/blog set up, let my team assist you!

If you think this would be helpful to others, “Tweet It” or “Like It” at the top of the page or “Share It” right below!

And, if you would like to learn the methods, tips and secrets I have used, please get my report below!

Affiliate Program Marketing

One beautiful thing about the internet is that it is made up of affiliate programs. Seems everyone wants to pay you for marketing their “stuff.”

This is a great way to create multiple streams of income, and I am a huge fan of this, especially in economic times like these, when there seems to be no security anymore. I have replaced my career income in Airline Sales and Marketing with just my affiliate program pay checks alone.

Affiliate Programs are, without a doubt, one of the easiest and fastest ways to build your Internet business and begin earning a great income from home!

Now, before you get too excited or go overboard with visions of firing your boss, I want to make a serious point –

Success online REQUIRES patience, dedication and commitment to learning, GETTING STARTED (as I actually DOING something besides reading), and consistency in your efforts. I now earn thousands of dollars each month just with affiliate program marketing, but it didn’t happen overnight.

If you think this is something where you can throw up a “freebie” site somewhere and begin rolling on the dough – think again and keep your day job.

Having said that, here are some exciting things you should know:

Thousands of ordinary people are profiting from Affiliate Programs. These are people who are no brighter, no more experienced and have no more technical knowledge than you!

The secret to their success is that they are copying something that is already working and putting it into action for themselves. The great news is that you can do this too!!!

Affiliate Programs are simply “revenue sharing programs” where you align yourself with other companies, marketing their products and services and you are paid a referral fee on each purchase made.

A well known company who offers an Affiliate Program (although an extremely low paying one, I might add) is Internet giant Amazon.com, and there are literally thousands out there. Most will sign you up, create an affiliate web site for you and offer you marketing tips for free!! That’s totally without risk!

Imagine if you had products to sell, but didn’t have to worry about inventory, credit card processing, customer service or order fulfillment. All you have to do is market your products. That’s the beauty of Affiliate Programs.

There are a few models to consider if you are going to pursue affiliate marketing.

One, is that you select and market programs and tools that you already use in your business (specifically a Network Marketing or Direct Sales business) and that you would recommend even if there was not an income stream offered for it. This makes for a natural referral from you and you’ll develop a more solid recommendation when you use it yourself.

As you sponsor others who use Online Marketing Tools, they will sign up for these programs from your link; create their own link and then share that as they sponsor others.

Some people who are not interested in joining your business will be interested in some of the tools you are using, especially as your success story develops.

Don’t plan to spend too much time marketing affiliate programs. This is not meant to take you away from building your primary business and income source. They do create cash flow but your Network Marketing program will most likely always be your most significant income source.

Some examples of affiliate programs I have used and done extremely well with that you might want to include in your business plan are -

• Website Design Programs
• Website Hosting
• WordPress Site and Blogging Set Up
• Auto responders to automate your lead capture and message delivery
• Customer Care and Retention Program
• Online Training and Education
• MLM Education and Resources

The second business model for marketing affiliate programs is to build targeted websites geared toward each specific product or selection of products. For instance, let’s say you wanted to build a business around “weight loss” and offer a variety of items that one might need who is focused on weight loss. You might choose products such as weight loss supplements; exercise books and equipment; nutrition and cooking books and related items, etc. Do you see the theme?

So, the question for you is – are you ready to get started and cash in? Are you committed to taking action to make your own success online a reality? If I can assist, use the contact for at the top to get in touch!

If you think this would be helpful to others, “Tweet It” or “Like It” at the top of the page or “Share It” right below!

I would love to hear your feedback and comments. Let’s exchange ideas
below. Just leave your thoughts/questions.

And, if you would like to learn the methods, tips and secrets I have used, please get my report below!

Can I REALLY build a successful Network Marketing business online? Can the internet really work for me?

Absolutely, but it is critical that you become a good student and understand the entire process of creating your message and attracting others to you online.

Attraction Marketing and Social Media Marketing are extremely powerful ways to bring in highly qualified prospects who are interested in what you are offering, be it product or opportunity. Web 2.0 has made it easier than ever. YouTube; Twitter; Facebook and more – these are all great places to create content; to contribute to the community; to build relationships.

Be a good student and master the skills to be successful. It’s not about ADVERTISING in Social Media Marketing; it’s about making contacts and building relationship.

Besides the obvious question – can one really build a successful MLM online, there are 5 other questions that I hear alot -

1. I have a website/blog; how come it’s not getting any traffic.

2. I posted information about my product and my website on Facebook and no one bought anything. Why not?

3. There are so many people online already; how to I stand apart from the crowd?

And two other questions that you may be wondering.

Anything I missed?

I would love to hear your feedback and comments. Let’s exchange ideas
below. Just leave your thoughts/questions.

And, if you would like to learn the methods, tips and secrets I have used, please get my report below!

UPDATE: Let’s Do This Again!

We did this last year, let’s do it again! You’ll see below some of the questions that have been asked, but what is missing for you? Let’s get those questions answered and get you on your way!

Do you have questions about Online Business Building that you are struggling with?

What’s going on in your business that you want some help and clarity on?

Social Media? Branding? Blogging? Building a List? Getting your Blog or Site up? Driving Traffic?

I’m excited to offer some free coaching to help move you forward. I have had some amazing mentors who assisted me on my journey and I want to give back!

See the video for details.

So, what is your biggest challenge or question? Just leave your thoughts/questions below and I’ll choose the most relevant 5 or so and get them answered. And, this can help a lot of people who probably have the same challenge!

Update – July 8, 2010 – Answers Part 1 – Blogging Tips, Tricks and Concepts Here

Update – July 12, 2010 – Answers Part 2 – How do I get started with Social Media Marketing; How do I develop an online business system and more can be found Here

And, if you would like to learn the methods, tips and secrets I have used, please get my report below!

Would you believe that there’s a guy who has made himself billions selling information and education…that you’ve probably NEVER heard of?

Go watch this free video to see how he did it (and how you can ride the same trend that he’s riding to create income for yourself):

http://www.JackieUlmer.com/OBBlueprint

***DISCLAIMER – This is not for everyone. If you are just getting started in an Online Business; or you’ve been guilty of intending to move forward in your business and then not actually taking action, this is probably not for you!

I took a Home Study Course created by the guy who created this video last summer, actually, one year ago and it was one of the best investments of time and money I have ever spent. I took the course; attended his live event in Los Angeles; and took a follow up Business Development Course through the Fall.

Here’s the key, though – I did put what I learned into action. I created 2 additional information products and made back my investment plus profit. If you are ready to take a new step forward in harnessing the power of online business possibilities, then you may want to consider it. Watch the video and then decide for yourself. I don’t promote anyone I don’t believe in; or anything I haven’t actually used to move my business forward and make money. This guy is the real deal.

You’ll also learn a time when money can NEVER be made – and how to make sure you avoid the mistake of trying when it’s literally impossible.

As you’ve probably seen, most of the big money that’s being made online right now by “regular people” who are working from home in the “Information Products” and coaching business. I do quite a bit of this currently.

In this video, you’ll learn why this is, how the trends are changing, and what to do NOW so you can capitalize on what’s coming (and why home-based businesses have a higher chance of success than businesses that are NOT run from home).

You’ll also learn why so many more people are heading for tough financial times because they aren’t creating their own online “Information Businesses.”

This video is taught by a guy who has sold a hundred MILLION dollars worth of Information Products, by the way.

Here’s the link again, watch this video NOW if you want to take full financial advantage of this little-known information:

http://www.JackieUlmer.com/OBBlueprint

This video will only be online for another couple of days, so watch it right now.

Enjoy!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Am I Normal, Building an Online Business?

Started a Home Business and now you are wondering if you’ve lost your mind? Your friends think you are nuts? You think of nothing else? Guess what – You ARE Normal!

It’s 3:00AM and instead of sleeping, I’m trying to figure out how to get listed near the top of the search engines. Am I normal?

Am I normal? I pondered that question this morning while I quickly checked email one last time before shuffling the kids in the car and off to school.

Am I normal? It crossed my mind again while racing back toward my home office as I watched a group of moms head to the bagel shop for coffee and a chat.

Am I normal? This afternoon, as my neighbors talked intensely about the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy, my mind kept wandering back to my web site, and I wondered if that was normal.

Those around me tell me I should quit thinking about business so much and just enjoy my children, which I do, but I still wonder, am I normal? Is it wrong to want more?

Am I normal? My friends look at me as if they’ve seen an alien when I tell them that I’m never going back to my corporate marketing career. I’m building an Internet empire from my home, would they like one too?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love life and live it to the fullest, with lots of playtime. But, ambition and the challenge of “building the perfect beast” push me relentlessly sometimes. I figure you can relate if you are reading this article. You are looking to create something bigger than yourself, too!

But, it’s a crazy world we live in. A world where people have learned to stifle their dreams, their desires, their creativity. We are taught to “settle” for what we are dealt in life. All too often, when we try to move beyond that, those closest to us try to hold us back, save us from ourselves.

“Consider yourself lucky for what you have.”

“It’s a good job and the benefits are great.”

“The average American family has thousands of dollars in credit card debt.”

“It’s too risky.”

I don’t know how you feel, but I want to LIVE my dreams, have my heart’s desires and allow my creativity to blossom. I want to be my own boss, work in my PJs if I choose, take a four hour lunch to go shopping and fire myself when I’m not measuring up. (Of course, I’m eligible for rehire tomorrow!)

Normal SHOULD be waking up when your body is rested, not when the alarm clock rings. Normal SHOULD be taking a vacation when it fits your family’s schedule, not when your seniority allows. It SHOULD be having a parent at home when a child comes home from school.

To me, normal ISN’T sitting in rush hour traffic twice a day. It ISN’T working fifty weeks in exchange for two weeks off a year, or five days on for two days off a week. It ISN’T wearing my name and picture attached to my clothing.

Everyone must determine their own definition of what “normal” is and isn’t. For those of us who have decided to step outside the box, take control of our lives and build our own business, normal is anything BUT normal!

Life is full of risks, it’s true. But, everything great that has EVER happened has done so with some degree of risk. I don’t want to get to the end and WISH I had taken just a few risks.

I’m urging you to take some risks with me! Step up to the plate! Decide what it is you want out of your life and your business and GO FOR IT! FORGET ABOUT NORMAL!

Create your own “normal!”

We are at the very beginning of the new millennium!

The Internet is overflowing with possibilities, as it breaks all growth records ever set by anything, and it is just not NORMAL!

As I lay in bed, building my empire (business) on my laptop, I realize just how much I love my other-than-normal life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

The clock says 10:07 PM.

Ahhh, lunch break!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

I would love to hear your feedback and comments. Let’s exchange ideas
below. Just leave your thoughts/questions.

And, if you would like to learn the methods, tips and secrets I have used, please get my report below!

Video Marketing can be a very effective way to build credibility; connect with and engage your audience and target market online.

It is simple to do. With just a little practice, you can add video marketing to your “toolbox” in no time. And, you’ll love how it can attract a hungry crowd!

Here are some quick, simple Tips for getting started. And don’t worry, you don’t need to be a professional speaker. Just act as if you are engaged in conversation with someone sitting right across from you. Because, actually, that is what is happening.

Well, are you ready to get started? I welcome your feedback below and please share some of your videos with me.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

And, if you want to receive more update, drop your name and email in the box below.

Ah, the Internet. Ready to cash in on all of the promises of how it is going to make your business so much more simple? Attract an endless supply of leads to you; put everything on autopilot and just relax, right?

What, it’s not that simple? Here’s why it may be working better for me than you, and what you can do to take advantage of this powerful tool -

Make sure you watch Part 2 of this series >>>>>

I would love to hear your feedback and comments. Let’s exchange ideas
below. Just leave your thoughts/questions.

And, if you would like to learn the methods, tips and secrets I have used, please get my report below!

Get “Profit in Your PJs” and Learn the Secrets to Building a Million Dollar Business Online.

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Are you ready to tap into the power of an Online Business? Want to take your Direct Sales business further by using this powerful tool called the Internet?

Success in network marketing happens when target markets and opportunity come together. The target market would be someone who is actually interested and looking for a business opportunity. We know that the internet is the greatest “self help” tool out there, so it makes sense that people looking for a home based business; a network marketing opportunity; or even products distributed by network marketers would turn to the internet as a resource to find answers.

Imagine if you could learn and develop a method of having people find you, who are already looking for what you offer. How different might your business be? Imagine if this were to take place while you are sleeping; golfing; boating; or doing anything but sitting at your computer, working on your business. How would that change things?

Statistics in network marketing show that the top income earners are the ones who are presenting their opportunity three to six times per day. Most people who start in network marketing are part time, already working a full time job. How would one possibly have time for anything but work and building a second business?

With the internet, you can have your business presented to three to six people at one time, or even hundreds. And, you don’t have to be physically present to do it!

So, how do you do this, you may be asking. It starts with your personal website or BLOG; a defined target market: a follow up system to capture leads; and your marketing funnels and efforts that you build online.

It takes time; it takes commitment and it takes a solid investment in yourself and the process of learning the skills to master the Internet. After all, when you think about it, the Internet is just one big party. You want to party with those who are your target audience; develop a relationship and watch your business begin to grow as those who are interested raise their hand.

Avoid falling into the trap of buying every program promising you riches through some new hot shot tool. It requires old fashioned “elbow grease” and action. I’ve detailed the exact steps I’ve used over the past ten years in my book – MLM, the Internet and You; How to Build a Successful Network Marketing Business Online.

It can be done, I’ve sponsored well over 1500 people personally and grown a downline of over 16,000. And, guess what? It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen!

People are doing it every day. Why not you?

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Recently, while coaching a new team member, some interesting questions came up and I thought it might make for a good discussion. Maybe this might assist you as well.

1. When speaking with a prospect that answered an ad or came in through your website, there are many questions that can be asked. What question would you consider to be the very most important?

My Answer – It depends on where the prospect comes from, but two I ask most frequently are – “What did you see about our business (or ad) that made you want to talk personally (or know more, etc) Again, that will vary depending on the lead. If they come into my website directly, I know they previewed some info to get to the contact page. If it’s an ad, something there got their attention. There are scripts available that have these questions in them! Remember, our goal is to be relationship based and asking questions, listening and then responding make that happen.

2. It seems to me like your entire focus on the business has been recruiting. I am under the impression, that you have never done a lot of retailing, very few shows and parties and you have primarily sold products as a result of prospecting. How then can you successfully sponsor and talk with people about these areas when you have very little experience yourself with them?

My Answer – Well, first impressions aren’t always accurate, ha! I have and still do retail. I don’t seek out these opportunities as much anymore, but living in a small town and having worked that avenue a little more in the beginning, some of them find me now. And, my best customers give me customer referrals now! One of my very first action steps was doing a home party for a friend, before I held my own open house. I even went to Phoenix to do it! My first summer I did Farmer’s Markets and Market Nights every week with my kids, and spent that time “trying to find myself” as o what all areas of the business would be a fit for me.

All along, I was recruiting and using the Internet skills I had developed over the past few years. At that time, I was still unsure that my company was a fit and sorting out what direction this industry was going to take me. Due to an odd circumstance, the answer came to me that this was THE business for me, and I jumped into recruiting at that point full bore because I was trained in this industry as a recruiter. Hard to teach an old dog new tricks. The bottom line is, experience each area of building the business to some extent so you can coach others. This has served me well; strengthening my weaknesses as well as my strong points. Now, I have the resources to train others on each area of the business, and this frees up my time to do what I love – recruit and coach others! Find your niche and then work it!

I’ve learned to recognize what my gifts are and where my passions lie, and coaching a team and exposing opportunities to others is my TRUE passion. I proudly claim that I am a focused RECRUITER and COACH! In sports, there is a recruiter and there is a coach. In network marketing, we scout out the talent and work to assist in that development, too!

3. I noticed that you have purchased generic leads from other sources, as well as developed your own online. Are they worth the time and money? Or is it better to spend all my efforts to get myself out there online via articles, blogs, e-courses, social media marketing, etc. and let people come to me even though it may be a slower process.

I believe that the BEST lead is the one that comes to you personally. I LOVE working the internet and I see the time I spend out there as equivalent to doing a Farmer’s Market or a show, etc. I can hang in my work out clothes, though!! The BEST way to work this business is the way you are most passionate about. When I work leads, I lean more toward my target market categories, or VERY fresh MOM leads, since I am one and can relate! My thought is that a combination of working both leads AND the internet process, along with notifying your warm market can be very effective in exposing your business and developing your business skill set. My primary methods get leads coming to me, and that is always my desire!

4. What is the number one thing that you think anyone in this business who wants to succeed at a high level should know?

Know that it is a process. Know that there are times of feeling unbalanced; times of feeling inadequate; times of wanting to quit; times of feeling it will never happen for you; times of feeling that EVERYONE else is better at this than you are. Know that these feelings will pass.

Know also that there are times of IMMENSE joy. Watching someone you’ve sponsored sign up their first person; watching someone earn $1000 at a show; watching someone’s children get involved; having your (my) son tell me he appreciates my business; having my daughter come up to my office and ask what she can help out with, and working TOGETHER, talking and bonding; having your husband tell you he’s starting to feel like a kept man (and he is grinning from ear to ear when he says it!); watching leaders develop, shine and lead their own teams; winning an award; having MANY on your team win MANY awards; learning from the powerful people who have shown up in your group; believing every day that today is fabulous and tomorrow will be even BETTER!

Know that the only way you experience ALL of this is by staying in the game; learning; growing and developing!

You are a winner! Let that winner shine!!

Thanks for asking!

Expect Success!

Jackie Ulmer

I’ve got to confess to my internet marketing friends. I did something VERY old school this past weekend. Don’t shudder or gasp when you read this, but I actually had a HOME PARTY with my 14 year old daughter. Yes, you know the kind, where you showcase your product; talk about your opportunity and put cash in your pocket right then. Of, course, I had to split the profits with my daughter, but it was great!

She wants more money to spend; I don’t want to taxi her to a job; she loves our product line, so we made a deal. She made about $40 an hour so needless to say, she is hooked! Yes, we put over $150 in our pockets for two hours and created some lifelong customers.

And, I got a real bonus – I watched my daughter develop her speaking skills (she ran most of the party!!); interact with others and learn some definite business skills at such a young age. Priceless for me, really. It really speaks to the power of a “family business.” We spent very quality time together; had fun; developed ourselves; stepped outside of our comfort zones; and modeled something for others.

More importantly, we had fun. We had a LOT of fun. And, we offered some great products to our friends; created some ongoing customers and booked another party. Yes, we created another opportunity to get in front of others who might also be looking for some way to put fast cash in their pockets quickly.

We are all going to have preferences for how we do things; that’s just the way it is. While I “prefer” to be online, socializing and developing my warm market in that way; the fact remains that great people for our opportunity are out there all of the time.

What opportunities might you be missing by not notifying your warm market? By not getting your message and products in front of those who know you; like you and will listen to your recommendation?

Today, I’m back at the internet game and loving it. But, there will be times you’ll catch me offline, fine tuning my communication and speaking skills!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

It sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Using the internet to build a hugely successful business; having your dream prospects find you and contact you about your business; the sweet sound of “cha-ching” as your cyberspace cash register tallies sales for you 24/7; whether you are sleeping; golfing; sailing or just enjoying life.

I know it sure appealed to me when I ventured into the world of the Internet and pondered building a business through this outlet.

Ten years later, I can report that it has been great; has provided an amazing lifestyle and income; and some hair raising moments as well. It’s important to know what really goes into it so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is really right for you.

Attraction Marketing is quite the buzz word these days, but what does it REALLY mean? This short video explains Attraction Marketing and the key components it takes to make this concept work for you.

So, what do you need to know? What will it take? First, it takes time and commitment. These two components are critical because without them, you won’t be successful.

Time, because it takes a while to be “known” and found online. Just like moving to a new city, when you walk into the movie theater for the first time, and look around, no one really recognizes or acknowledges you, right? Same online. You are just another name and face in a sea of others until you give it time and a reason for people to remember your name and begin to “listen” for you.

Commitment is the piece that goes with time because it takes a commitment to “showing up” to get your name out there. You have to be willing to find communities where your target audience will be; and you must be willing to be the new kid on the block as you work to get to know people and establish relationships.

And, you must also be willing to commit to the technical side of things. For many people, it’s a snap to put up a blog; do some key word strategy; develop and autoresponder campaign, etc.

For many others, it’s like scratching nails down a chalkboard. Please, let me do anything but that!

And, yet, it must be done. It’s going to require some tenacity and a willingness to figure some things out for yourself. You’ll want to have a blog; you’ll want to ultimately have a personal site you bring people back to; an automated lead capture campaign; and you must develop content.

Beyond that, as new technologies come along, take an inventory on your willingness to try; learn and embrace the unknown.

I never thought I’d be making videos and slapping them up on YouTube, but I sponsor new people into my Direct Sales business every month through this lead generation method. Can you do it, too? Absolutely. It’s not difficult nor expensive. It does, however, require getting out of your comfort zone a little.

And, you will find that there is a whole new world outside your comfort zone.

So, do a personal inventory and decide if Internet Marketing is going to be a fit for you in your business model. Are you willing to make the commitment? Are you willing to be consistent in showing up so that your target audience can learn your name; get to know you; and then seek out your content?

I hope you’ll embrace this amazing technology. It is still very much in its infancy and yet has the potential already to create an amazing business success story for you.

At the top of the page, I have some Tools and Resources  to help you develop some of your strategy. Please let me know if I might assist at all.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Building Relationships/Partnerships Online With Message Forums and Social Networking Sites

Is it truly possible to meet people, share a business concept and sponsor others into your business without that face to face, “belly to belly” experience that we have been taught about our Network Marketing business? Can a person really build strong relationships using the internet?

The answer is absolutely yes, and my goal is to offer you some thoughts and ideas about using one of the most popular online methods –Social Media/Networking Sites, Message Boards and Forums.

Social Media/Networking Sites are the interactive communities online where you can interact with friends from high school; college; a former job; current job; local community where you live; work, clubs to which you belong, etc.

A discussion or message forum is like a bulletin board online. It’s the “water cooler” of the Internet. It’s where people go to research, express and share ideas, share needs, etc. There are online message boards and forums for virtually anything you can think of. No need to limit yourself to just “Network Marketing” or “Home Business” forums.

To be effective online, there are a few areas you’ll want to define for yourself. These include:

What is your goal?
Who is your target market?
How will you add value?
How will you develop an action plan within each group and be consistent?

When I set about defining goals around my participation in social groups and online forums it always starts with creating relationships. Meeting people online follows the same basic principles as meeting people offline. Say hello; ask questions and get your new acquaintance talking about him or herself; find common interests.

I like to picture myself as walking into a party when I enter a social site or online forum. I may know one or two people, but that is about it. So, I walk in with the intention of meeting lots of new people and expanding my horizons.

Just as you would not walk into a party flashing a neon sign that says “Ask me about my business,” you don’t want to do this online either. Leave your business in the background in the beginning.

Here is a short tutorial on Attraction Marketing online -

One incredible tool with online forums and social sites is that most allow you to create a profile about yourself. With one click, your new friend can visit your profile page and learn more about all aspects of you, including your business. Make your profile very broad; and keyword rich. Make it about more than just your business and you’ll attract people of many interests.

What do you like to do? Do you travel? Have children? Homeschool? Enjoy Cooking? Gardening? Belong to a wine club? Share much about yourself so your prospect can get to know you in short order. Always include some information about your business and keep it as just another part of the “conversations.” Always include a picture.

You can quickly develop a network of contacts online through the “friend” and “network/groups” features offered by most social and forum sites. As you seek out people with whom you share common interests, you can network with their contacts by viewing and connecting with their database of contacts. This is similar to the “who do you know” concept networkers have used offline for years.

As you develop your profile, you’ll define your answers to who your target market will be in each site you are on. Certainly, you are looking for people who share a common interest in home business and network marketing. You are also looking to connect with others who share your interests outside of business because you never know who is also interested in a business.

Don’t hesitate to make contacts with people in other companies. You never know who might be looking for a change, or who you can develop a referral relationship with. Each person you connect with has the potential to put you in contact with hundreds and even thousands of others. Some of my strongest business builders have come from seasoned network marketers who I have connected with online even though they weren’t looking for a business at the time.

Now, the idea is NOT to blast into an online community, wowing everyone with your product and your opportunity. Just like offline, that’s a fast ticket to nowhere. Many people on these forums are turned off by Network Marketing because of unscrupulous “posters” who do nothing but blast their opportunity. The time to tell someone about your business is when they ask you about what you do; where you work, etc. Or, if they visit your profile, they can learn more and again, it’s their choice to do so.

When you enter into a community or a friendship online always be thinking about how you can add value; resist the temptation to think about yourself or what might be in it for you. Ask questions; offer ideas and advice if people are asking; share your personal stories and what has helped you. Did you read a great article online? Post the link so others can also learn. Saw a great motivational quote? Pass it on. In most cases, the link to your profile or personal website is included so people always have the opportunity to learn more about you and as you become known and consistent, more people will click to your page.

Gain trust with the other readers and visitors by being authentic, honest and transparent. Build a presence and through that presence, you will build a following. Be consistent and be a contributor. Set yourself apart from many of the others who show up.

Building a successful business of any kind takes time, commitment and patience. Developing a following of potential friendships, prospects and partnerships online requires consistency. Have a daily and weekly action plan for visiting and contributing to each social network and forum you belong to and stick to it. As your name becomes seen and known people will began to seek out more information about you. You will establish yourself as credible and knowledgeable. People then begin visiting your website, requesting more information and gathering data. This is your goal.

Here are some guidelines to follow -

Always use your full, real name.
Never bash or trash another company.
Offer valuable ideas and suggestions.
Don’t advertise, be subtle.
Be a consistent visitor, and establish yourself.
Always be honest, ethical and have integrity.
Give up your need to be right when a topic comes up that you disagree with.

The only secret to mastering this form of recruiting is to “show up” regularly and have integrity. This is one method of getting people coming to YOU, and that’s the goal, right? Get out online and have some fun; meet some people; and watch your business take off by creating relationships. It’s a happening party out there and you want to be there!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

A timely debate has been going on online over the past few years about “Old School and New School” techniques to build a successful Network Marketing business. Lately, it’s been spinning a little out of control with sides lining up over who is right and building a better business/

The question is asked “Can’t we all just get along?”

Here are some of my thoughts on why these two concepts SHOULD get along, and how we can all come together to stop the perceived “fight.”

First, it’s crazy not to let people know what you are doing in your business. If you opened an ice cream store, you would let your warm market know. You wouldn’t beg them to buy from you, and you probably wouldn’t offer them a job (unless they ask.) Simply notifying them is all you need to do.

My friends and family are some of my best customers. None of them are my business partners. That is fine with me. It keeps personal and business connected but not uncomfortable.

They know that I am in Network Marketing and they know that it has provided a nice income; lifestyle and most recently, a beach home for our family. And, they are happy in their own careers, and maybe not all are, but they are not interested in finding out more about what I do. Again, that is fine with me.

Now, part of the problem in what I see bantered about on the internet is this assumption that there is only one way to contact your warm market; and that involves bugging, badgering and begging. Very often, there is success in warm market contacting/notifying. And, when it works out, it can be a great thing. So, our job as sponsors is to teach our team how to contact responsibly, be it warm market or cold market.

Success in Network Marketing is all about relationships. The internet proves that every day as more and more people begin to “Sponsor Shop” and make a business decision about who they are going to join forces with. If one thinks that letting a capture page and series of auto-responders is all it takes to build that relationship, they are crazy.

Yes, fortunes are being made by people who never set a finger on a keypad and get into the online world. And, yes, fortunes are being made by those who are online, “doing” network marketing with integrity and professionalism.

Why not allow the two to co-exist in peace? I’m not sure I would ever be where I am today if I had not first started with offline “Old School” methods. The business skills and knowledge I developed is priceless. And, I never chased my family and friends. I simply notified. I learned to get myself and my personal feelings out of the agenda. I learned that a “no” was not a direct assault on my business decision. And, it in no way determined the legitimacy of Network Marketing.

After 10 years of building my business almost exclusively online, I am taking steps again into the offline world, and having some great results. For me, it’s been about timing. The internet offered a solution to me as a mother of pre-school children married to an airline pilot, gone half the month. I needed a way to work my business in a “full time” way without being gone from my home. 9pm to midnight became the perfect business hours for me. I could put in a “full time” day online, with no distraction.

And, those efforts created a viral marketing effort that still creates prospects for me today. Yes, I also pre-date the concepts of “Attraction Marketing” and “Web 2.0.” Social Media for me, a decade ago, was about forums and groups online; writing articles and getting involved in “communities.” Really, we’ve changed the platforms, but the concept is still the same. Connect with people; respect people; be authentically involved with people.

Do these things, whether offline or online, and you’ll experience huge success!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer