Today effective network marketing includes a heavy dose of social networking. The numbers are staggering:
Facebook has over 500,000,000 registered users.
In 2010 Generation Y out numbered Baby Boomers.
The fastest growing user on Facebook are women between the age of 55 – 65.
78% of consumers trust peer recommendations.
14% of consumers trust advertising.
So what do these numbers say about effective network marketing online? That the generations are now meeting on social media platforms and the majority of the users are listening to what their peers recommend. As network marketers it is becoming imperative that we learn how to meet and interact with our online prospective business partners.
As you delve into the social media world you will note that buzzwords such as “transparency” and “authenticity” are a part of everyday jargon. In the social media world these are not just buzzwards. Online people expect you to be transparent and authentic.
Transparency is no problem. You can’t hide online, they will find you. Authenticity is also not a problem because it doesn’t take long for the people to determine if you’re for real or not. Online effective network marketing requires that you be transparent and authentic because people are one Google search away from finding out the truth.
The Network Marketing industry is a legitimate multi billion dollar industry that provides home based businesses for millions of independent representatives. You should be proud to be a part of this industry. I’ll give you a network marketing tip, if you’re not proud of the industry, don’t try to use the Internet as a part of your business, they will see through you in a heartbeat.
However, for those of us who love our industry and online social network, it is fantastic. Many of us remember the days of the HUGE networking parties where you would go and talk with someone only long enough to receive their business cards. The “game” seemed to be whoever had the most cards at the end of the evening “won.” In actuality, a pile of business cards does not do all that much to build a relationship or a business. It’s the same with online social media. It doesn’t make much sense to have thousands of “friends” or “followers” if you have no clue how to convert them to business partners or customers.
Here are 5 social media networking tips that will help you with effective network marketing online:
1. Think, “how can I help you?” This sure beats the old way of “what’s in it for me.” If someone believes you have a genuine or “authentic” interest in helping them, they will be much more receptive to what you have to say which leads to building a relationship.
2. Think, “who do I know that I can connect you with?” While two heads are better than one, three are even better than two. If you know that someone you know would make a difference for someone, make the connection without expecting anything in return. This is about them; not about who you might receive as a referral.
3. Be open to, “what can I learn from you?” If we listen to people, we learn. If we learn, we can help them. If we help them, we both benefit. Learn and offer value rather than trying to “convince” them that what you have is what they need – especially since you have not even taken the time to learn what they need/want.
4. Give without expectation. Share, connect and offer value to others without worrying about what you will receive in return.
5. Remember, what you send out in the world will come back to you many times over AND when you least expect it. Even though we used to say “what goes around comes around,” unfortunately, that did not stop people from doing things they would not want to come back to them. Give freely and you will be richly rewarded.
How do you like the New Networking? While most people are resistant to change of any type, when you understand the reason for the changes and see the long term value, I think you will agree with me Hooray for New Networking!
