Profiting From Online Social Networking

This is the second in a series of articles we will be publishing relaying thoughts and ideas from the Internet Retailer Conference in Chicago, which occurred June 5th through June 7th. Peter Kosciewicz, Director of E-Commerce for the Eastwood Company, and Chris Saito, Senior Director, Shopping Products for Yahoo! Shopping, delivered a presentation entitled "Social Networking: The Peer Pursuasion Marketing Tool."

According to Kosciewicz, the Web today has grown into an "architecture of participation" that facilitates social networking through devices such as blogs, wikis, RSS, podcasts, and more. Forrester Research has published studies that show that traditional marketing is continuing to lose credibility. For example, in 2002, 78% of respondents in a survey said that ads are a good way to learn about a new product. In 2004, that number had dropped to 46%. In 2002, 14% of respondents agrees that companies generally tell the trust. As pathetic as 14% is, in 2004, it had declined even further - down to 7%. Social networking as a means of marketing overcomes this lack of consumer trust because it relies on the word of the consumer rather than the word of the producer. Research from Datamonitor reported that 85% of repondents in a survey indicated that word-of-mouth from friends, family, or colleagues is more trustworthy than corporate-generated content.

So how do you take advantage of social networking to sell more product? Simple - you open yourself up. You plant the seeds of a community to grow up around your site by using devices such as blogs, customer reviews, and forums to give a voice to your customers or prospective customers. The caveat is that you must be high quality. You must have high quality service and a high quality product. If not, avoid this marketing method.

Kosciewicz outlined four important rules for using social networking on your web site:

1. Guide but don't control.
2. Never censor.
3. Don't be afraid of the negative.
4. Don't be paranoid.

If you open up a forum on your site but then restrict what people are allowed to say, such as removing posts that are negative toward your company or that mention your competitors, then you will do more damage than good to your reputation. Use negativity as a way to improve your business. If people are negative, look at that as feedback and act on it. Make changes, and then let your community know about it. Don't worry about your community talking about your competition. Your attitude has to be that you are the best, so why worry about it?

As a community develops around your web site, certain members will establish themselves as more influential than others. They will be more outspoken, and will be the ones who often respond to others. Cultivate these members, because they can be powerful allies. Once you have identified the more influential members of your community, contact them regularly, give them free product, become their friend. Feed your influencers information, and they will distribute it for you. But do not make it appear that you are only interested in them because they can help you sell stuff. You need to be genuine.

Measuring the impact of social networking is difficult. Unlike other forms of marketing, there is no direct connect between social networking activity and sells. What you will want to do is track traffic to pages such as customer reviews, referral links, etc.

Social networking can be a powerful marketing tool, if you have a high quality product and are not afraid of an open dialogue with your customers.

Networking with previous customers

Your previous customers are going to be valuable to your future business. As you get each new customer you want to network with that customer again in the future, to keep your business in their mind, and to keep them on as a walking and talking billboard for your business. The future of your business is going to evolve to include repeat customers, and referral customers, both of which are vital to the ongoing relationship of your business, the consumer, and the local surroundings of your business.

How can you network with your previous customers?
Even if your customers are online – or if they are offline, you can network with your customers. A simple note, or email is going to do the trick. Ask about their day; talk with them by name, and offer advice or to continue with the conversation when they have time to chat with you. Talk with your customers about what they have purchased, or what work you have done for them. Ask if there is anything that can be done to improve the process, they went through while dealing with your business.

Network with your largest clients by taking them to lunch, or ordering them something special and having it delivered to their home. As you continue to acknowledge your largest clients, they will keep you fresh in their minds. They will tell others about what you have sent to them, and how they feel about your business. Of course, this is not done with every type of business, but with the largest buyers who are spending thousands of dollars with a particular business perhaps.

The online business is going to use newsletters, ezines, emails and coupons sent to previous customers as a method of networking and keeping in contact with previous customers. Keeping the lines of communication open with a customer, and with a previous customer is going to increase awareness of your products, and what you have for sale. This in turn is going to increase sales, one repeat customer at a time.

Never forget about your previous customers. In the offline business, and in online business you can network with your previous customers by creating mailing lists and using these mailing lists. State something along the lines of – because we have done business in the past, we find that now is the time to offer you this great advantage in Networking we have, and would like to give you a special price. Yes this is still advertising, but networking at the same time because you have established a relationship with that customer already.

Networking while traveling

Networking is more than just putting your business name out there for people to find you, but it is also a part of getting to know people, who are going to spread the word about what you do, what you sell, and that are going to support you in all that you do. Networking is going to involve getting to know as many people in life as you can, and putting your business in front of those people, so they will represent your name, your business, and will tell others about what you have to offer.

If your business requires that you travel often, or perhaps you travel often to find supplies, visit relatives or just because you like it. You should make it a point to get to know those who you are sitting beside, those who are surrounding you on the plane, even those who are sitting on the bench while waiting in the airport. Make it a point to meet and greet at least one new person a day.

How are you going to get started on this?

Start the conversation by saying hello, how are you today?
Ask questions. The best way to get to know someone is to ask questions. Without asking questions, it can be difficult to carry on a conversation. Asking questions is a good icebreaker, in turn, the person is going to want to talk about their self, and where they are traveling too. You can then lead into something like, is this business trip or a personal trip? As you go on with the conversation, the person is going to ask you questions, which is where you will be able to talk about your business and what you do.

As you make it a point to get to know at least one new person a day- you are going to increase your network, which means you will increase the people that you know in life. Increasing your business network is going to be dependent on your abilities to carry on a conversation and to talk with others. Force yourself to do this. Force yourself to stick to your habit of meeting at least one new person a day. As you make this a point, you will make this a habit and in the long run, your business will thrive for it.

Local networking events

Have you ever been invited to a networking breakfast? Or a networking lunch? These may should sort of strange to the person who has never been to one before, but these types of situations are key to moving yourself to talk with others about what you do, how you do it, and what you provide in the form of services and products.

Many areas have their own type of networking events
These include business meetings to talk about the economy, or business meetings to set new ordinances for the local surroundings – everywhere you have people; you have the opportunity to ‘do` additional networking. The more people you know and talk with the stronger your network of business contacts and customer contact is going to become.

The first step to successful local networking is going to involve doing it
You need to get out there, and be where other business owners are, or at least where large groups of people are going to be found. Next, you need a good opening question. The best question you can ask a person when you are networking is, what do you do? This is not only going to open the door to talking with another person, but also it is going to open the door for that person in turn to ask you what you do – which is just what you want them to ask you!

Networking should be done in conversation when you are in situations where you don`t know someone all that well. Business cards are often given out, and passed around. If you are heading off to a club meeting, or a networking business affair, you should also have marketing materials with you, such as a brochure or some type of printed matter to show and tell others what you do. As others find your materials handed to them, or presented on a table of information, they have something tangible to take with them, read later, and to think about later.

Collect phone number, emails and information about other businesses. As you collect information about others, you will soon learn that you can use this information after you are back at the office, back at your own business. Create a marketing package for each individual that you have met. Mail out the information with a personal note from you, that it was great talking with you, and you just wanted to share some additional information about your business with them, in case they ever have a need for a product or service that you provide. This is very straight marketing, after the initial networking event, make it work for you!

Learning How To Get Free New And Existing Mls Home Listings In Your Area

When you are in the market for a new home, the key is to be able to see as many available homes as possible. However, driving up and down the streets is not an efficient way to gauge the housing market in your area. A better way to do it would be access the MLS listing sites that many realtors use. Knowing how to get free new and existing MLS home listings in your area can be incredibly valuable in helping look at a large number of homes and narrow the market down to the ones most suited to your wants and needs.

Though you may be able to find homes by using an internet search engine or directory, your best bet is always going to be to get access to the multiple listing service (MLS) that realtors often use. One suggestion as to how to get free new and existing MLS home listings in your area is to check your local newspaper`s website. There, they will often have a link to real-estate where you will have access to homes that are listed on MLS. Using this method to get access will generally allow you to see homes that are for sale by owner as well, which rarely get into MLS at all (due to high listing costs on for sale by owner).

Another piece of advice on how to get free new and existing MLS home listings in your area is to use realtor.com. This website actually is made up of all the board listings from the local MLS. The virtual tours, pictures, and listings are all there for you to see. You also know the best listings are there because realtors pay to get listed on the site. It is an incredibly popular site that gets such traffic that realtors consider it a must to be listed there. The only real problem is that while you do have access to the MLS listings, they are often 3 to 5 days behind the MLS listing date.

Another method for how to get free new and existing MLS home listings in your area is a little bit of a cheat. If you know someone, have a family member, or are acquitted with a realtor, they can get you on to the site. The problem is that if you are not using them to shop for or buy your new home, they may not be as willing. However, if you can call in a favor you can see all of the listening in your area and detailed information about all of them. That is, you can do it all without actually becoming a realtor or finding backdoor websites.

Finding how to get free new and exiting MLS home listings in your area is a challenge, but oh so worth it in the end. By knowing everything listed, you give yourself a larger pool to start with when you narrow down to the homes you want to actually see in person. The more options you have the more quality you will end up with.

Job Hunting: Networking With Others is the Keys to Success

You can never underestimate the power of networking. Often success is directly proportional to the size of the social circle.
Whether you are looking for an entry level job or wanting to climb the career ladder you will need some kind of networking savvy in order to survive in the business world.

If you are looking for an entry level job your networking skills might be more important than the quality of your CV. Research shows that most jobs are obtained through contacts before the jobs even become open to the general public. In the established business world strong networking skills are shown to be one of the most powerful predictors in success. If you struggle with people skills and need some help expanding your network read on.

You will need to collect up all the business cards and contact numbers of the people you already know. Make one central place where you keep all your contacts' information.

The Internet opens up a myriad of opportunities for those nervous about networking and interpersonal skills. With email and web sites you can reach a wider network than you ever could the 'old fashioned way'. Even building a simple website could open up many new (international) contacts and opportunities. If you are able to effectively network online can be one of the most effective tools for those seeking jobs. Discussion forums, newsgroups, discussion groups and exchange ideas - and most importantly contact details.

There is no substitute for good old fashioned networking. You cannot replace the value of a first impression or underestimate the importance of really meeting people vs meeting online (although online meetings can reduce the stress and pressure associated with the first meeting).

If you are hesitant about networking because you lack confidence, then perhaps consider joining an organization such as Toastmasters. This is a public speaking organization which will help you build confidence and you can join from anywhere in the world. An added bonus - you will meet many new contacts and expand your circles.

Get creative with your networking. Look for opportunities to meet people and widen your social and business circles. If you are new to the job market, here are some networking strategies for first time job seekers. If you are looking for a job you need to keep expanding your network continually.

1. Make sure you understand how to use the internet to search effectively. Use all ways you can think of to come across new opportunities as they arrive

2. Create a spreadsheet or table, of all your contacts. Add as much information as you can: things like company names, titles, names of key contacts, phone numbers, and emails - any information you can. Leave space for notes and keep your table as organized and up to date as possible.

3. Regular contact: this is vital to the success of your network. Use any opportunity to connect. Ask advice, offer information you think will be useful to them - find reasons to communicate. When they respond make sure to thank them. It's important not to take your network for granted.

4. Initiate face to face contact whenever possible.

5. Never pass up an opportunity to get out there and network. If you are in an industry that requires more networking and socializing then limit the amount of times you may say 'no'. For example for every 2 invitations you turn down you must attend one.

6. Collect your contacts and feel free to call on them should the need arise.

7. Thank your contacts whenever they do something for you. Always be polite and courteous and do your best to respond to them timorously too. You want to come across as professional.

How To Skyrocket Your Business With a Nework Marketing Builder

A Networkmarketing Builder? Yes, I will outline now step by step how you and your downline can use a "Networkmarketing Builder", to create excitement and explode your easy home business, fast. Consider for a moment, the perfect automated recruiting and training system, that will work for you promoting any Network Marketing business or Ordinary Business.

A"Networkmarketing Builder" is a user friendly software for your PC that makes it simple and automatic for any network marketing business(es) you're involved in.

You need a completely automated duplicable system anyone can use...

  * A free E-mail Marketing Course that you can download from here: newsletter.easy-home-business EMS.pdf (This file is in PDF format (Acrobat Reader). Acrobat Reader: adobe.com
  * A Free Networkmarketing Newsletter that you can obtain here: newsletter.easy-home-business.com
  * A Networkmarketing Builder

Let me first explain exactly why a "Networkmarketing Builder" is the perfect tool for you and your downline to build your business fast. Then I'll get right to the strategies for success using less time and effort. I'll insure you're maximizing your efforts using the "complete" system for your PC while saving you valuable time. Time you need to "get away," knowing your PC is hard at work for you. Spend this "time" with family, friends and for yourself.

Let me tell you the "Secret of Networkmarketing Success":

                           "The fortune is in the follow up!"

Did you know that you can automate the "Key" aspect of successful Network Marketing Online and GROW YOUR NETWORK, STARTING TODAY!

A "Networkmarketing Builder" can insure your success, as well as your organization, by providing the tool that will automate the "Secret of Networkmarketing Success":

                            YOUR FOLLOW UP!

**Plus, you can provide this tool to your organization that will generate excitement, growth and cash! Not only for sales made through your own "Networkmarketing Builder" Web Store as a reseller, but cash from ALL orders your Associates and contacts make as well.**
**All while you and your downline are exploding your organization!**

And there's a brand new Web based version of "The Networkmarketing Builder" called "The Online Networkmarketing Builder". If you would rather manage your contact base and automated marketing from a Web based interface, and not use PC based software, click here: newsletter.easy-home-business hts/postmasterol.html

More about "The Networkmarketing Builder"...

A "Networkmarketing Builder" can help you manage your contact database and keep in touch with automatic, personal and consistent follow up, because was originally designed specifically for the Network Marketing Industry.

The biggest problem we see in the Network Marketing Industry is people just don't have enough TIME each day to build their business. So, they soon get frustrated and quit or move on to the next opportunity promising wealth and freedom, only to find out they have the same problem.

Not enough TIME to build their business!

There are a few keys to the beginning of a successful Network Marketing business.

  * First, above ALL else, you must get started right away. Procrastinating this step will nearly insure failure.

  * Second, realize people DO procrastinate and put decisions off. The first few times you contact a prospect the timing just might not be right. You simply MUST follow up and keep in touch consistently. This will insure when they're ready you get in touch with them. Don't miss the opportunity to recruit a player that decided to go with another company because he or she hasn't heard from you.

This is where the problem comes in. People don't have the time to follow up with prospects and their downline near enough to be REALLY successful. You must make it easy for a new member to get started and duplicate your system!

E-mail and the Web are the answers! It costs you about $20 a month to send as much mail as you want; And $300 a year to host an entire web site The cost of phone calls and the postal service can be hundreds of dollars a month. Now, I would never recommend to forget the phone, fax, voice mail or snail mail. These are all part of building any successful business online and off-line and simply must be used.

  * The third is a good consistent supply of pre-qualified leads for you and your downline.

This is a Networker's dream come true! Because you can do it all with less than 15 minutes a day!

  * Copy your sales and training follow ups into "The Networkmarketing Builder"
  * Import your prospects and downline members
  * Then "The Networkmarketing Builder" does the rest for you, following up and keeping in touch for as long and as often as you want.

INFORMING, SELLING, EDUCATING AND TRAINING AUTOMATICALLY

Imagine an automated system that delivers information to your potential customers and then follows up with them automatically over a preset number of days, weeks, and months. An automated system that nudges, inquires, follows up, reminds and answers questions for each and every contact in due course, over and over...

Having an automated system to send e-mail communication and follow up to your potential and existing customers will save you time and money. Maximize your marketing efforts, stay organized, and make more MONEY in less time.

Systematic follow up will insure all your prospects are walked step by step through your opportunity and your product line. They will receive the whole story a little bit at a time taking them by the hand right to the sign up. Keep telling them about the features and benefits you and your network marketing company can offer them until the time is right for them to join or you strike a chord.

What if you could AUTOMATICALLY...

  * Help train and motivate your downline members?
  * Follow up and keep in touch with your prospect ?
  * Contact your customer to remind them of their reorder cycles?
  * Get new recruits started off fast and started off right?
  * Import your coop leads and begin to further qualify immediately?
  * Make one file of your prospecting letters to send to your members so they can import it into "The Networkmarketing Builder" to begin building their business immediately?

Sounds great, but where will you get the sales letters to follow up with?

This is a fair question. But there are many resources to depend on. This is one reason you decided on network marketing in the first place right? The support of a company and your organization!

  * Contact your upline (often the letters you need are ready)
  * Find all your old sales letters and applicable outgoing mail
  * Work together with your upline and downline to assemble a series
  * Be sure to share your series with your members
  * Subscribe to our free Easy Home Business Newsletter, going to the following web address: newsletter.easy-home-business index.html

                               "The fortune is in the Follow up"

You can use a "Networkmarketing Builder" to expand your organization, then resell it to your downline creating excitement and results right away. Encourage them to resell it to their new recruits as well and earn second level commissions.

Another important benefit is you can send new members one file to import into their "Networkmarketing Builder" that includes prospecting and training message series for your Networkmarketing all ready to go! This way, your Associates can simply plug new and old prospects or import leads directly into their "Networkmarketing Builder". Then they automatically start sending sound consistent follow up in a timely manner. This will boost their sponsoring efforts and build excitement immediately!!

This is a powerful Networkmarketing tool. When a NEW Networkmarketing member joins, you can mail them a file to import into their new "Networkmarketing Builder" program that contains tons of sales letters, follow ups, training and more. They can customize them; then import their own contacts and new prospects into the "Networkmarketing Builder", and start sending messages that sell the plan and your products. They can now keep in close contact with all their prospects and organization, automatically!

If you have an existing organization that's even better, you have a built in prospect list and reseller force. Since it will be in their best interest, and yours, this is a win-win situation! Tell them how a "Networkmarketing Builder" can help build their business and organization while saving valuable time and money.

Even beginners can simply plug people into the "Networkmarketing Builder" and let their computer do the lion's share of the work following up.

This would be perfect for your network marketing business!

Do you see the power with your own personal "Networkmarketing Builder" for your networking business and Associates?

Another very successful strategy is to coop your lead generation and put a system in place to divide up your leads into files and send them to your associates. Using the "Networkmarketing Builder" and participating in your coop lead generation system your downline has access to the perfect downline building system. They import their leads and start building their business right away.

The Industry is growing faster than any other time in our history but competition is fierce....

YOU NEED TO LAYOUT A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE RECRUITING SYSTEM THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN GET RESULTS WITH. COMBINING A LEAD GENERATION SYSTEM WITH THE POWER OF THE "Networkmarketing Builder" IS THE SOLUTION NO MATTER WHAT NETWORK MARKETING COMPANIES YOU REPRESENT!

Imagine providing the marketing tool that almost guarantees your new and existing Networkmarketing recruit's success. You can help them automate their follow up and lead management. This insures you and your downline are doing a TON of work, in just minutes a day.

They can import yours or the company's pre selected messages right into the "Networkmarketing Builder" to grow their new business and yours. The "Networkmarketing Builder" automatically gets your new partner started off right and started off fast!

Don't forget you earn commission on every order your downline and customers sell as well. The power of duplication at your fingertips. Your new recruits just plug their new and old prospects into their software and off they go sponsoring faster than ever.
Not only can it follow up with hundreds, even thousands of your prospects in a few minutes per day, but you can also ...

  <1> Send a training series over 12 months or more keeping your downline informed and motivated
  <2>Advertise and mail a free "Networkmarketing training series." Of course your information covers the benefits of your products and opportunity all right in the same series.
  <3> Mail a "getting started fast" training series to all your new recruits.

Let's review how much time you're spending on your mail communication. Use minutes or hours in each blank.

  1) Keeping customers posted on specials and new products per day_________
  2) Following up with prospects requesting more information per day_________
  3) Keeping track of your contacts and e-mail communication per day_________
  4) Introducing a new product to your contact database per day_________
  5) Motivating and training your employees and associates per day_________
  6) Educating your customers and prospects per day_________

Total hours spent per day on these activities? >>>__________
Your cost ($$$$) ? _________

A "Networkmarketing Builder" affords you the opportunity to do much of this communication in minutes, not hours.

                              WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER!

Four Ways to Boost Your Online Business Through Networking

When you think about networking, do you visualize a bunch of people standing around schmoozing, trying to pitch their services to each other while exchanging business cards and "elevator speeches"?

You know, some people actually enjoy that sort of thing. And when they do it right (which is a rare talent), they reap genuine rewards. Rewards such as new clients, joint venture partners, knowledgeable advisors, helpful friendsЕ in other words, mutually beneficial relationships.

But for many of us, the idea of going to a networking event ranks right up there with bathing an angry cat. Even if we think it ought to be done, we`d rather be flea food.

Don`t worry. There`s much more Ц and less Ц to networking than you think! You can reap the same wonderful rewards without having to mingle with a bunch of strangers.

Important: With any kind of networking, the key is to build powerful relationships by giving. Give your attention, advice, ideas, suggestions, support, compliments, referrals Ц and maybe even your business Ц to others. Give, give, giveЕ then receive more than you can imagine!

There are many ways you can get freelance work by networking, even if you hate schmoozing. Below are four powerful examples.

1. Tell your family and friends about your online business.

This seems like a no-brainer, but you`d be amazed at how many people fail to do this.

You don`t have to pitch your services/products to your family and friends, but you certainly should not be keeping them secret! You`ll have many opportunities during normal conversations to mention that you enjoy internet marketing and earning money with your online activities. Just plant the seed and eventually it can grow into unexpected business.

And remember, even if your family and friends have no need for the products/services you offer, it`s very likely that they know someone who does.

Key: Every person has connections to an average of 250 other people. When you decide not to mention your services to cousin Annie and neighbor Tom, you`re missing an opportunity to offer your services to hundreds of people they know!

2. Engage in virtual networking.

You do this online, from the comfort of your home office. Besides the benefits of not having to deal with people face-to-face, virtual networking allows you to create contact lists and join online communities comprised of people from all over the world. Most of these people you would probably never meet in any other way. Your virtual network can grow larger and faster than any form of traditional network.

Are you on someone`s email list? (Of course you are!) When they ask for opinions, give yours. When they raise an issue that`s of interest to you, send them a response about it. If they`re selling something you can benefit from (and it fits your budget), buy it Ц then give them positive feedback about it.

Key: Become someone they know and enjoy hearing from, rather than just one of the many anonymous names on their mailing list.

Participate in online discussion forums, especially those where your ideal clients hang out. Lurk before you leap so you don`t jump in and accidentally make a fool of yourself (not good for winning clients). Read the posts, get a feel for the ambiance. When you have something worthwhile to contribute, start participating. If the forum rules allow it, include a signature block that has a link to your website. But do NOT sell your services! Give valuable advice freely. The idea is to show your knowledge, expertise and desire to help others.

Key: Eventually the forum members will get to know you, like you and trust you. The next natural step for them is to think of you when they (or people in their network) need the products/services you provide!

3. Show off your talent.

Write, write, write! Submit articles to online article directories, write reports and/or ebooks, create your own website and e-zine Ц put yourself and your knowledge/skills on display, always including your contact information. When appropriate, offer to provide free special reports or articles for people with whom you`re building connections through your virtual networking activities.

Consider giving free workshops related to your niche through your local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club or other groups. If you have a job, check into offering "brownbag" (lunchtime) sessions on topics such as "10 Tips for More Earning Money Online in Your Spare Time" for your coworkers.

Key: You want to become the obvious person people will think of when they need your expertise, or the products/services you provide.

4. Attend seminars.

What types of seminars, workshops, conferences or meetings do your customers attend? Go to those events. They are networking goldmines and offer many opportunities to engage in natural conversations with people you want to meet. You don`t have to schmooze or pitch your services. Just be friendly, ask questions, participate in discussions, and be yourself.

Key: You`ll not only learn about the specific issues and topics your target customers are interested in, you`ll build relationships with them at the same time!

Business networking locally

Owning your own business of any type is going to require some amount of networking. Networking is a method of building awareness of your business, among people who may be likely at one time or another to use your products, your services or to refer someone else to your business. Networking is all about getting to know other people, and locally your best bet in finding additional network contacts is going to be with other business owners.

You can find many types of networking opportunities around you. Every club and every association that you belong too is going to be a part of your network. From there, every person you come into contact with and every person you talk with is going to be part of your network.

Make a lasting impression
You can make a lasting impression on the people that you meet by talking about what you know best, and by talking about topics that are vital to your business. If you are not sure about a topic that is being approached during a conversation, ask questions. This will show you are part of the conversation and that you still want to know more. Just listening is going to keep you out of the conversation and will not make a lasting impression of you on any one.

Make your voice known
Join local chambers of commerce; join local men and women`s associations. Join the local PTA, the sports boards, and join clubs that interest you. If you don`t find a club locally that does interest you, create one and build your local network from that point. The more people that you can put yourself into contact with is going to increase awareness of yourself, of your business and what you have to offer. Even if you are selling online, you have to be proud of what you are doing, and talk about it as often as possible to build a network of people that will call on you when they need your products or services.

Once you have built a good network it is important that you maintain and set goals for yourself. As you have set goals, you need to keep them. This means, that if you strive to meet one new person a week, or to make it a point to call one person you know each week that is not a current customer, you are going to increase your business. Think about this, for every five calls you make, and only one turns into a sale, that is one more sale than what you had. Increase exposure for your business, and use this for your personal success.

7 Traffic Techniques for Network Marketers

Network marketing is a numbers game. The more people you introduce to your opportunity, the more money you`ll make. To start generating a steady stream of traffic to your site, try these 7 creative techniques:


1. Write and Distribute Articles, Reports and Ebooks. Internet users are all interested in one thing – information. Use this to promote your business by creating high quality content and allowing others to reprint it for you. One great way to do this is to distribute a brandable ebook or special report. This is one that a website or list owner can change to include a reference to their website. This doesn`t mean that it looks like they are the publisher, it`s just a way for them to include information on where the ebook was downloaded from and (if applicable) to include their affiliate link for your products and services.

2. Participate in Newsgroups, Forums, and Mailing Lists. There are hundreds of forums online and you can find one for almost any topic imaginable. Most allow you to include a signature line that will be attached to every message. This is a chance for you to advertise your site. Visiting these forums to post thoughtful questions and offer your expertise will mean your signature is viewed by others and will bring you free, targeted traffic. Of course how much traffic you get depends on how often you post and whether your signature makes people want to visit your site. A good approach is to use an ad you`ve had success with elsewhere as your signature.

3. Join Networking Sites to Build your Personal Network. Networking sites are designed to make it easy for people to meet others in their industry and to advertise their products and service. Similar to offline networking events where lots of people come together for the sole purpose of meeting people, online networking sites work the same way.

4. Use Classified Sites and Traffic Exchanges. Classified ad sites and traffic exchanges have gotten a bad reputation, but they really do work if you know how to use them. If you`re promoting a product or service that advertisers can benefit from then they`re a great place to get traffic. Although not very many consumers visit this type of advertising sites, lots of website owners do in order to make sure their ad appears on the site. While there they can`t help but notice other ads and if one catches their attention you`re likely to get a visitor.

5. Run a Contest. People love the prospect of winning something – that`s why a contest can be a great traffic generator. The key is to choose a prize that will attract people from your target audience. If you make the grand prize a new laptop you`ll get entries from everyone who would like to win a new laptop (which is basically every computer user in the world!). Get more targeted traffic by choosing something that your target audience is interested in but wouldn`t mean much to other people. To start promoting your contest do a search in Google for "Contest Directories" and you`ll find lots of places to list your contest for free.

6. Include a Powerful Signature on all Outgoing Email. Every time you send a piece of mail you have the potential to get a visitor to your site. Simply create a "signature" that is automatically added to every outgoing message. Use the signature to briefly explain what you do, give your USP or slogan and add a hyperlink to your site. Once it`s set up you don`t have to think about it again!

7. Try Newsletter Classified Ads. There are lots of newsletter publishers who give classified ads to new subscribers. Although these don`t typically bring a huge response, they can generate some traffic if you offer something with a high perceived value but low price tag. They`re also a great way to test new ads to see which ones get the best response. Once you`ve found a winner use it in a PPC campaign, make it your new email signature, run it as a top sponsor newsletter ad or use it as your forum signature.