Core Concepts for Network Marketing and Direct Sales
Whether it is extra income every month you seek or a chance to see how far you can grow as an entrepreneur, becoming a distributor for a network marketing company is a great option. Network marketing or direct sales promises a proven product, marketing plan, mentorship, and training and support. It’s a business in a box that supplies everything you need to get started right away. And like any business, one should start with the core concepts.
Then why is this always forgotten?!
Many network marketers mistake not treating their venture as a business. Or, they suddenly turn into a robot versus a human being. One thing I want to stress before we go further is this ….
We are in the people business.
Not the product or opportunity business.
That will come.
Being patient is essential.
Building a solid foundation requires relationships. Relationships are the bread + butter of retention, growth and sustainability in your business. So, let’s talk about core concepts in this post.
In fact, in my opinion, the core concepts, otherwise known as ‘basics,’ should be implemented consistently in 85% of the network marketing population’.
Of course, we will cover the other 15% of that group, but in this post, let’s roll with the majority.
6 Core Concepts for 85% (or more!) of Network Marketers
The following core concepts are geared towards those earning less than six figures yearly in their network marketing business. This is not in any way a bad thing either; it simply is a point of reference for where the transition occurs in the business phases.
- Core Concepts — 85%
- Intermediate to Advanced (earning 6+ figures) — 10%
- Super Advanced (earning multiple 6+ figures) — 5%
Core Concept #1 — Creating Content
People use Facebook and other social media platforms to express who they are, build their brand and connect with others. Because of this, the content people share on social networks gives us an idea of what is important to them.
Unfortunately, most people will not be passionate about the product you are selling. Or the service you are offering. However, they may be passionate about your product or service’s results or how your product or service may help them. But, of course, they may be interested in you before this happens!
And, since we are a people business, connecting with who you are is optimal.
Core Concept #2 — Genuine Conversations
One of the top network marketers’ main qualities or attributes is their authenticity. This means that they are accurate to the saying by Maya Angelou;
“At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did; they will remember how you made them feel.”
Keep this as a focal point during your conversation with them. People will always feel the energy of a hidden agenda. And, it simply isn’t what the actual model of building relationships looks like. Pretending to enjoy someone’s company only to sell them a product or join your business later will not serve you in the long run.
Please do yourself a favor, and be genuinely interested in the other person. Be it their family, hobby, a favorite television show — whatever it is. Just smiling and nodding (its ideology) isn’t a good look in person, right? — the same applies to a meaningful conversation on social media.
Core Concept #3 — Building New Relationships
Every.
Single.
Day.
Relationship building takes time. And, too often, we see network marketers put all their eggs in one basket when it comes to a prospect and then feel completely let down when the ‘sale’ doesn’t convert. My recommendation is you should be connecting with 3-5 new people at a minimum every day.
Initiating that relationship can be as simple as commenting on a post or video with which you have never interacted. Alternatively, it may mean connecting with someone new on Facebook messenger.
One way to help you keep track of new conversations is to visit the Birthday section on your profile daily. See the last time you spoke to that person. An excellent conversation opener is a private Happy Birthday message—primarily ones that utilize the voice message option.
You’ve heard this before, so consider it a friendly reminder!
Core Concept #4 — Provide Value
This core concept may feel redundant — but let us qualify why it is a concept on its own. Sure, having a content strategy is critical, without question. However, as an 80/20 rule … 80% being personally related and 20% being business-related — value should be evident in at least 50% of those posts.
Think of when you share a picture of spending time with your family — what narrative can you include with that image? How fortunate are you to have extra time to spend with them? Or, think about when you are hitting the late-night hours working your business and share something valuable about that—working hard now to reap the benefits later.
Whichever way you spin’ it — add value to someone’s life. They will appreciate it. Potentially, in more ways than a simple thank you.
Core Concept #5 — Asking the Audience, ‘How can you help or serve them best?’
Let’s be honest here; they will know that answer better than anyone. Have you ever noticed which posts specifically on Facebook the most engagement receive? They often ask an opinion, a question, a perspective, or advice.
Audience-generated content is top-notch.
It is as though they are helping you create your content strategy.
After all, we are in the people business — and people love helping people. So by them helping you with your content ‘need,’ you will return the favor with valuable content and/or answers to their questions.
Everyone wins.
Core Concept #6 — Videos are Powerful
If you didn’t know this last of the core concepts we are mentioning today — you have been under a rock, my friend! Videos lead the way in attraction and engagement on all social media platforms. Have you noticed most platforms have adapted video into their platforms somehow?
And, let’s not forget YouTube or TikTok, whose entire platforms are based on videos.
Videos help your audience know you. It is the closest thing to being in the same room as you. They have an opportunity to hear and see you speak. They may pick up on mannerisms or quirky words and habits you use. These are all great things.
They make you a real person.
Videos also solidify a layer of trust. People will feel like they know you via video more than any other medium. So get acquainted with video (including reels)— the more you do, the easier it becomes.
I promise.
So, what do you think?
Are you applying these core concepts to your business every day?
You should be. Even those in the remaining 15% we would bet continue to use these concepts. However, as we mentioned above, the remaining 15% tend to fall into a different category of intermediate/advanced to super advanced. And what we mean by these groups is they are in a position to add various tools to their arsenal.
These might include;
- Facebook Business Page
- Website or Blog
- Paid Advertising
- Funnels
And, guess what? Even then, they don’t necessarily add on these various components—especially those who have built massive businesses without them. Our point in mentioning this is that until you have established a large team and are earning upwards of 6+ figures in your business, relax.
There is plenty of time to add these things — and I don’t recommend you jump into those tools too soon. Otherwise, it is overwhelming, and more importantly, your team will not be able to duplicate that.
Your strategy must be duplicatable – duplication is imperative to massive team growth.
How many of these core concepts are you working with consistently?
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