Overcoming the Five Roadblocks to MLM Success

A brand new MLM distributor wants to get started right away and make some money. Unless they come in with a strong background of past success in MLM, you as their sponsor and upline leader need to help them get through the challenges that new networkers face.

If you are just beginning your MLM business, focus on these challenges and develop a plan for addressing each one now. Then, you will be prepared to help your new downline members as soon as you sponsor them.

These five roadblocks are discussed and rehashed a lot. However, they can’t be emphasized enough because of their impact on the success of your MLM business. If you are already okay in some of these areas, focus on those where you feel you need growth and improvement.

Is Your MLM Business Really a Business?

It’s very easy to get involved in MLM and network marketing. Startup costs range from $29 to $199 for most opportunities I’ve seen. This, plus a small investment in products for consumption or resale, and you’re in business.

Because of the ease of entry, some people come in with a “let’s try it out” attitude and not much resolve. It becomes easy to quit at the first sign of discouragement, since so little is invested. This is why it’s important to help your new downline associates start making some money right away.

In the very beginning, money will likely be made through sales of the product to consumers. Some opportunities have “fast start bonuses” which are paid when you sponsor someone who starts with a package that includes products. As soon as you see some money coming in from your efforts, it is much easier to hang in there for the long run.

Planning Your MLM Business is Hard Work

Starting your MLM business doesn’t require writing up an elaborate business plan. This is not a franchise nor a retail storefront – it is a home based business. Coming up with a business plan IS important, but keep it simple and practical.

Focus on determining what you want from your business (your goals), and what it will take to get there. Consult with your MLM upline leaders to help plan the best way for you to achieve this.

For example, if you want to make $2000 per month after one year in MLM, you need to plan how you’ll make that money. How many downline associates, doing an average of $100 a month in volume, will you need to achieve your $2000 per month figure? How much profit from personal sales, if any, will figure into this? Are there additional payouts available as you advance in the compensation plan? Consider all these things and get a clear picture. Help the people you sponsor do this too.

It Takes Money to Make Money

Talk about a cliche….but it’s true. There is one exception – if you work your MLM opportunity strictly locally while going about your everyday business, you can potentially build an income with minimal expense for advertising and promotion. It takes a serious effort and considerable time to do this, but some of the best in the business have started this way.

The bottom line is, understand that you will normally need to allocate money for advertising and promoting your MLM opportunity. It’s difficult to build a significant income without investing money for advertising and getting the word out. If you have a new prospect who wants to sign up, but tells you they have no money, please encourage them but be real. Make sure they understand the legwork and time it will take to build their business this way.

Get Some Prospects in the Pipeline

You’ll need prospects. When new networkers get started, the burning question is “how do I get people to sign up”? This is one of the top challenges in the beginning.

How are you going to work your business? If locally, are you prepared to meet people and present your business in person? Do you have business cards and materials that prospects can review?

Tip: print some business cards with a summary of the benefits of your business on the back. Your company or upline group may have these available for a reasonable cost.

If you are working online, advertise and attract people looking to make money with a home business. As soon as you sponsor someone, work with them and help them sponsor their first downline associate as well.

The key point here is to get into action quickly. It is SO easy to sign up and spend a lot of time planning and procrastinating. Don’t let that happen. Encourage and help the people you sponsor to start prospecting quickly.

Know Your Business Inside and Out

Don’t let lack of knowledge be a roadblock to your success. Study and learn all about your products. What is special about them? What makes them a unique value? If they are nutritional supplements, is there scientific research to back their effectiveness? What about testimonials? Why should someone try your products? What are the benefits?

Know your business. Understand how you make money and what it takes. You don’t have to know everything – some of the most successful network marketing pros have started up with just a basic knowledge and a LOT of enthusiasm. Just learn the basics and don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know, I will find out for you”.

If you plan for these challenges in the beginning, and help your downline team do the same, you are planning for success. This is what it takes.