Build Your Downline Strong for Success
You don’t have to be a natural born leader to lead a successful downline. It’s the most challenging aspects of any MLM or network marketing business, but you can do it well if you remember just a few fine points.
First, establish a strong relationship and make sure you get off to a good start with new recruits. Try preparing a series of emails to send once a week or once a month, depending on how much material you want to cover. Think about the things you wanted to know when you first got started and offer tips accordingly. Maybe ideas on how to host your first party or how to get your first customer will be helpful.
Don’t throw your recruits into the wild without all of the contact information they need. They should have your phone number and email, your upline’s phone number and email and phone numbers to various departments in your company. Recruits should also have a list of links to the company, where to order, where to view downline information, where to view personal monthly sales and where to read about the compensation plan.
Follow up with new recruits each week during their first month of work with a phone call. These conversations will help make them feel part of a team and let them know you’re available to help.
Another good idea to help keep your downline connected is to create a space online where you can communicate via message boards. Yahoo offers groups or you can build a web site for this purpose. Foster open, honest discussion among your team and initiate idea and solution sharing to help everyone feel connected.
When someone does a really great job, make sure it’s recognized. You can offer incentives or just send an email around to your team highlighting the do-gooder. You can even offer a prize – give something that will help grow the business like a needed office supply or a business book.
Keep your team updated and in the loop by sending articles relevant to your MLM company or product. Find articles that relate to your work and take the time to write a short e-mail explaining what you think are the key points of the article.
Finally, make sure you’re always asking questions. Don’t just tell your downline what they’re supposed to do – help them discover it for themselves through thoughtful conversation. Asking, “how would you do that next time,” or “what would you do in this situation” can help them find their confidence and boost everyone’s sales. Think of yourself as a parent and your downline as your most beloved child…patience, perseverance and dedication will prove to be the defining characteristics to a successful home based business.