Written by Matt Zavadil
Updated April 8, 2024
What is network marketing?
This is a question that I’m asked all the time, and it’s a topic I’m passionate about.
Why am I passionate about the direct sales industry?
- I built a 9-levels deep international MLM downline organization…so I’ve got the experience you need to duplicate my success in this industry.
- I did it without bugging friends & family or doing the dreaded 3-foot rule.
- I see so many good folks struggling to earn money in MLM because they’re taught gimmicky & dumb ways to market.
- I can teach you how to become a professional network marketer.
In this article, I’ll give you a nice overview of the network marketing industry, and then point you over to other resources to help you in your journey.
I’ll explain what network marketing is, how it works, and why it offers a positive way to earn a steady pay.
If you’ve joined a network marketing organization and working to make money with it…
Or if you’re thinking of joining an MLM company, then you’re in the right place.
To be 100% clear about something:
As a whole, the network marketing industry has a bad reputation in the eyes of many.
100% Deserved.
My mission is to teach direct sellers that you don't need to operate in that ridiculous manner. The goal is to stop talking to friends & family and "hitting up" uninterested people.
Shoe companies don't sell to friends & family. Soda companies, your neighborhood bakery, a course creator, or an e-commerce store owner don't operate that way.
Business owners understand the needs of their customers and advertise/market.
So should network marketers. It's possible to be a professional who sells their product first, without letting the business opportunity get in the way of that problem-solving perspective.
Related Reading: How The Attraction Marketing Formula Will Build Your MLM Business My Review Of The Attraction Marketing Formula How To Buy Leads For Your Network Marketing Business
Feature Download (if you’re a struggling MLM rep): I’ve put together a free “MLM Quick-Start Video Guide” that shows you How To Attract 3-7 New MLM Customers & Team Members Per Week Without Prospecting A Single Person. In it, I show you how to intimately know the pains & goals of your prospects so that you attract the BEST leads for your business. You’ll never have to spam strangers scripted messages OR bug your friends and family ever again… Click here to grab it all.
What is Network Marketing and How Does It Work?
The network marketing business model, also known as direct selling or multi-level marketing, is a form of referral marketing where independent representatives sell the products and services of a company.
In multilevel marketing, you’ll earn commissions from your own sales, plus you can also earn commissions from the sales made by other independent agents you bring into your distribution-based marketing network.
As you can see, this form of consumer direct marketing is quite simple.
Network marketers are not paid a salary or wage by the company.
They’re paid commissions on their own sales. It means that network marketers can earn as much money as they want. There’s no limit to their income potential.
Successful network marketing is about how hard you work and how effective your business is.
The Benefits of Network Marketing
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of MLM.
You’re in Control Working One of the Many Network Marketing Programs
Direct sales give you the freedom and independence to be your own boss as you work to leave your 9-to-5 that you don’t enjoy.
You can make as many of your own sales as you want.
As well, you can recruit as many, or as few, independent agents as you desire.
Earn Money While Building Relationships
Multi-level marketing is great if you want to earn money while building relationships with other people.
MLM is different than traditional sales because networkers use what’s known as “relationship-based selling” based on person-to-person sales.
It means that you’ll build personal relationships with your customers and teammates by connecting on an emotional level.
You will NOT by using pressure or manipulation tactics as some traditional salespeople do.
You Can Work from Home
Direct sales give you the freedom to work from home.
It’s a quality option if you want to stay at home with your kids, or if you just don’t want to commute to an office every day.
How to Get Started in Network Marketing
If you haven’t yet joined one of the many available MLM companies, here are the steps to take.
Choose a Company and Product
If you’re going to be successful in network marketing, then you need to choose a company and product that you believe in.
- Look at several network marketing companies
- Do your research
- Make sure that the company is reputable
Set Up Your Business Systematically
Once you’ve chosen a company and product, it’s time to systemically perform your network marketing work.
This means that you’ll need to create a plan and put in place the systems and processes that will help you succeed.
Get Training and Support from the Company
Most network marketing companies offer training and support to their distributors.
Make sure that you take advantage of this valuable resource.
Start Marketing Your Business
Now it’s time to start marketing your business.
You can do this by talking to your friends and family, posting about your business on social media, or attending network marketing events.
I Bought This, Then Built a 9-Levels Deep Int’l Organization (click “play” to see details in Review Video below):
What to Expect in the Early Stages of Your Business
When you first start direct sales, you’ll probably feel excited and nervous at the same time.
It’s normal to have some doubts about whether or not MLM is for you.
However, if it’s something that interests you, then don’t let fear stop you.
In this section, I’ll talk about what you can expect in the early stages of your MLM business.
You Might Have Resistance From Your Friends and Family
When I joined my first direct sales company, I had some resistance from friends and family members who didn’t understand why I felt the attraction to the industry
They thought I was crazy.
However, over time they started seeing the results that I was getting and they changed their opinion of network marketing.
By the way, I wouldn’t have cared whether they did or not!
You shouldn’t care what others think either. If you do, look yourself in the mirror and figure it out before you let others dictate your future success.
You’ll Face Challenges but You Must Persevere
In the early stages of your business, you’ll face many challenges – such as rejection, lack of leads, no sales force yet, and frustration.
But you must persevere if you want to be successful.
You WILL Feel Like Giving Up
There will also be times when you feel like giving up.
However, don’t give up – just push through these tough times and keep moving forward.
Eventually, things will start to click and you’ll begin to see results.
The key to moving past these moments, by the way, is to develop productive habits.
You’ll Start Making Money In the Long-Term
In direct sales, it’s not uncommon to experience a “slow start.”
This simply means that it may take some time before you start making money.
But don’t worry – in the long-term, you will make money if you stick with it.
How to Grow Your Business Over Time
There are certain things you need to do to grow your business long-term.
Focus on Personal Development
To grow your network marketing business, you need to focus on personal development.
Read books, listen to podcasts, and attend seminars.
Learn Online Marketing Skills
You should also learn online marketing skills so that you can market your business effectively.
Start by reaching out to your warm market.
That market will dry up, however.
Learn how to attract qualified prospects by using the following as part of your marketing strategy.
- Blogging
- Social media marketing
- Paid advertising methods
Never Quit
One of the most important things you must remember is never to quit.
Many people give up too soon because they’re not seeing results fast enough.
As long as you keep moving forward and don’t give up, you’ll eventually be successful.
The Future of Network Marketing
MLM is a growing industry and there’s no doubt that it has a bright future.
As more and more people become aware of multi-level marketing MLM, the industry will continue to grow.
The industry is also becoming more advanced, with distributors using new online marketing methods to succeed.
Feature Download (if you’re a struggling MLM rep): I’ve put together a free “MLM Quick-Start Video Guide” that shows you How To Attract 3-7 New MLM Customers & Team Members Per Week Without Prospecting A Single Person. In it, I show you how to intimately know the pains & goals of your prospects so that you attract the BEST leads for your business. You’ll never have to spam strangers scripted messages OR bug your friends and family ever again… Click here to grab it all.
FAQs About Network Marketing
You probably still have a million questions about MLM and how to succeed with it. Let’s answer a few of the more common questions about direct sales.
Is network marketing a good business?
Yes, multi-level marketing organizations provide a good business opportunity. It’s an ethical industry that helps distributors earn money effectively and efficiently. The network marketing model is also sustainable for the long term because it allows people to build asset value over time through residual income streams.
Is MLM legal?
Direct selling has been around since the 1950s and is legal. Your question is probably based on people who go about it the wrong way and upset their family and friends. Your best bet is to learn online marketing so you can find people already interested in the solutions your product provides.
Can you make money in network marketing?
Yes, it’s an excellent way to make money. With direct selling, you can earn a good living by building a business that’s sustainable for the long term and helps your team build passive income.
Is network marketing a pyramid scheme?
No, network marketing isn’t one of those “pyramid schemes”. Pyramid schemes are illegal business models that involve paying people to recruit others into the scheme. Network marketing is a legitimate business model that allows people to earn money by selling products and services.
Is MLM a scam?
No, network marketing is not a scam. Many people make the mistake of thinking that multi-level marketing is a part of the discussion about pyramid schemes. Usually, it’s because they’ve heard bad things about it. But the truth is, network marketing is a legitimate business model that can be extremely profitable for those who are willing to work hard at it.
Is network marketing a good career?
Start slow. Work it part-time. Make it a career when you’re making enough to quit your job.
Is network marketing illegal?
No. It’s not a pyramid scheme.
What is the fastest way to succeed in network marketing?
There is no fast way to succeed in direct selling. The fastest way to make money in network marketing is by selling products and building a team, but it takes time and hard work for that to happen. If you’re looking for “get rich quick”, keep your job. “Get rich quick” doesn’t exist. People who think it does live in a fantasy world.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you understand what network marketing is and why it’s a great opportunity for people who want to achieve financial freedom. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below. I’d be happy to answer them.
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