Is Online MLM the Way to Go?
July 26, 2009
Is online MLM a viable option for you to consider? I’m assuming you’re someone looking for a home business opportunity, or some way to make money from home. Entering the world of online MLM (multilevel marketing, also called network marketing) can be very profitable for you, so long as you understand a few basic principles going in.
When thinking about starting an MLM business online, know that MLM is a people business, and you’ll need to enjoy working with others and helping them start their own successful venture.
Contrary to what some say, online MLM is not an answer for people who want to make money without talking to anyone. Many have tried that, and numerous online recruiting systems have been created with the goal of letting the system do all the work, and nobody has to talk to anybody. These deals don’t last, because ultimately you still need the “human touch” in this business.
Think of it this way – working your business online helps you generate a lot more leads, and attract a lot more serious prospects than you usually can otherwise. However, you still must take time and contact your prospects and help them decide if your business is right for them. If they do sign up, you are obligated to do your best to help them get off to a good start. Don’t be deceived about this.
Another thing to consider – online MLM will require an investment of time and money for you to be successful. With so much competition out there, you simply have to find a way to get the word out about your opportunity. Paid advertising is the quickest option, although it can become quite expensive if you’re not careful.
If you have time, you can promote your business through participation in public message boards and forums, but this requires time and a good dose of patience. Your success won’t happen overnight. You’ll be engaged in a process where you are building your reputation online and showing potential prospects that you’re the “real deal” and not some scammer passing through looking for fast money.
All in all, choosing an online MLM opportunity is a very popular option these days. If you want to be successful (and who doesn’t), remember these things.
- you need to like people and enjoy working with them
- you will have to have money and time to invest in your business – no way around this
- you will need to choose your opportunity very carefully, there are far too many scams out there
- depending on your income goals, you’ll need to focus on your business 1-5 years to achieve ongoing part-time or full-time income
Since the Internet has changed the way we work our MLM and network marketing businesses for the better, I believe that online MLM is the way to go.
I’m a huge fan of building my MLM opportunity online, but at the same time, I do not completely discount word-of-mouth or warm market approaches. I believe when you have a good online marketing system that can be taught and duplicated, it is easier to approach friends, family, co-workers, etc. You now have more value to offer them than just the business opportunity.
I agree with the above comment. Using a combination of offline and online recruiting methods is a killer.
I have been online only for about three months now and it has been great. There are so many people online today that you could easily contact 1,000 prospects per day online. You realize that your world is bigger than what is around you.
You just need to learn how to market your business correctly online.
.-= Ryan Shaw´s last blog ..MLM Lead Generation Today =-.
I agree with what you are saying. I think its important for newbies(and veterans) to remember
that there isnt a conflict between online or offline, its doing one to help the other.
I believe that #1 key to success in any network marketing is having a “passion” for what you
are involved in. Its the “cause” and the “why” that gets people involved in something and keeps
them. The “messenger” and the delivery system are not as important as the “Message”.
#2 key to success is having an online “system” that is duplicatable by your network.
How strong can your network be if they are not able to duplicate the same results as you did
in recruiting them?
My company Ad2action.com is a software program designed to help network marketers, professionals
and others to create and promote their own landing pages for their businesses. even with a
program like this and the ability to have very impressive “web presence” These tools need to be
available, affordable and usable by anyone in order to duplicate massively. Once recruited
people still need (and Want) that personal attention and the Feeling they “Belong”.
This is where the face to face must be included! Love your Blog, Take care Richard
.-= Richard ´s last blog ..Start Generating Leads Today =-.
It’s very important to use all the tools at your disposal in any business both online and offline. Even more so in the MLM industry, because we have such a large community to connect with, which makes the internet an extremely valuable tool to fuel your growth! Awesome post. Please keep me in the loop.
Best regards,
Lee Hale (aka The Sale)
.-= Lee Hale ´s last blog ..Don’t like writing? Then don’t “write!” =-.
Internet Network Marketing gives you the freedom of studying the business principals without attending a single hotel meeting, if you happen to hate them.
This is still -people´s business- , just like you posted and because most in MLM are baby boomers, the idea of working full-time with computer is… a nightmare. Find click-by-click video tutorials that teach you who to do -things- and you´re on your way to generate high quality leads for free online.
.-= Pekka Hannonen´s last blog ..Old school Network Marketing vs. Attracting your own Leads =-.
Great post Stone. I’m glad I took my MLM online myself, although it’s not for everyone…. You laid it all out there plain and simple.
Thanks for the post,
Garrett
.-= Garrett Miller´s last blog ..Twitter – Autoresponder (Web) 2.0 =-.
Agree that online MLM only another way to getting more leads but finally you still have to approach those prospect. Money won’t rolling to your pocket if you just sit in front of computer, that’s not how network marketing works.
Thanks for sharing your thought anyway.
.-= Peter Chan´s last blog ..How to Write a Good Resume that Win a Job Like Champion? =-.
[...] well thought out post from Stone Evans of Network Marketing Now. He points exactly what is needed to be successful in a network marketing or MLM business if that [...]