Dive Right In: 10 Things To Avoid In Network/Referral Marketing

In any entrepreneurial pursuit, there will always be things that can easily knock the wind out of your sails.  Even the most resilient and passionate business tycoons may be discouraged by certain challenges and obstacles.  The best thing to do is be prepared.

Understanding and dealing with rejection and objections is a big part of bulletproofing your motivation.  Naysayers are very good at making excuses and creating doubt.  They will find ways to discourage themselves and others from trying something new.  These toxic relationships can paralyze us..  But they're not the only things to watch out for!

Here are 10 things to avoid in Network Marketing/MLMs and Affiliate/Referral Programs alike (in no particular order):
 

1.  Focus On The Money And Material Things

Network marketers have the rep of being materialistic, greedy, and perhaps predatory.  The main reason for this perception is that they always focus on the income potential rather than the quality of the products.  These same people will post photos of their big paycheck, impressive bank statement, new motorcycle, lavish home, and so forth, as if that will motivate people to make a change in their lives (it won't).  People get excited about stories and dreams they can relate to, as well as products and services they feel truly enrich lives.

2.  Question: "How Much Have You Made?"


Beware of this question!  I've learned that this question is usually a mark of laziness.  Whether you make $200 a month or $4000 a month from home (and have proof of it), the people who ask this will likely still quit if they do decide to try out your system or program.  Personally, I have worked 100% from home for years now and the bills stay paid.  It is a struggle at times but you *DO* get out what you put in.

3.  Spam Affiliate Or Self-Promotion Links All Day

It does not matter if you are sharing the miracle drug that cures every ailment in the world or a product that is guaranteed to boost your energy and grow your hair back (where you want it).  If all you do is share your personal links all day long, people will start to unsubscribe or just ignore you.  Even worse, more and more social networks (especially Facebook) are viewing excessive links as spam, even if they point to different domains, and will suspend or ban you without warning.  Share some unlinked content like quotes, funny images, and family photos in between links (the ideal ratio of unliked:linked should be around 5:1 or higher).




4.  Rely On Facebook  To Build Your Audience


The writing was on the wall well before they went IPO so I warned friends a while back on Y3B (a.k.a. http://yomar.me) that Facebook is becoming a less viable social network for online marketers and small businesses.  Facebook's new timeline format is too cluttered and favors paid advertisements above natural placement.  Us little guys don't have much of a chance to compete and the restrictions keep getting piled on.  Don't rely on Facebook to build your audience, though it is still a useful platform in some aspects.  Groups are still viable for now, fan pages, not so much.

5.  Believe It "Costs You Nothing"

I have yet to find any business where there is no investment to be made.  There are always startup and hidden costs for any business endeavor, if you are truly committed to success.  I shake my head a bit when people say "well, I will try it out if it doesn't cost anything" because I know they are not committed to transforming their lives and making real money.  Such individuals rather flip burgers for a living than put in the effort that any online business will require.  That's right - I said it!  LOL

6.  Focus Strictly On Students

Students would seem like the perfect target audience for business opportunities and referral/affiliate marketing but that's not always the case.  Young college students are usually concerned with partying or getting field experience relevant to their major or concentrations, which is understandable.  That said, college communities can be a great place to spend most of your time because young studends are not as jaded as us older folks.  Ideally, you want to find prospects that are open-minded, malleable, and outgoing, people that will take risks and understand that the rewards outweigh the risks.  It may be worth noting that there is also a lot of paranoia and fear mongering to contend with on Facebook...

7.  Talk To Pukies Often (If At All)

Kim Klaver of Banana Marketing has over 20+ years of experience in sales and marketing.  One of my favorite Klaver concepts is the notion of pukies.  Pukies are people that will consume your free time, energy, attention, and motivation if you allow them to.  You can' miss 'em: they are the long-winded people who over-think things or get distracted by the most minute of details or pointless things.  Often, pukies are experts in excuse making, dream stealing, negativity, and procrastination.  What's worse is that their behaviors can be contagious.  If you know a pukie, you may have to cut them off or at least lovingly let them know, "I need the short version..  I really have lots I must tend to!"  Pukies are often great conversationalists and rationalizers, to a fault, so be wary  of them and remind them that your time is valuable and accounted for!

8.  Share A Product You Don't Really Believe In Or Trust

If you don't believe in the product, the income potential will be severely limited.  Personally, I find the best way to get others excited about something is to get excited about it yourself.  People can see through forced behaviors and empty sales pitches.  Be authentic and get passionate!

9.  Believe The System Will Do It All For You

Okay, I have to burst some bubbles here:

There is NO automated/turn-key system for building an audience or residual income out there.

Many will promise this but the truth is that, if the income potential was that great, the originators would not need to share it.; furthermore, all systems lose effectiveness when they are widely adopted.  That said, using a system does help but our focus should always be on building up our audience and staying consistent/persistent.

10.  Give Up Before You Really Give It A Try

While it may seem a bit cliche, it really is true that self-employment as a whole is one of those "you get out of it what you put in" kind of deals.  Sadly, few have the mindset or the willingness to develop it.  This leads to preemptive quitting, which is a shame because there are some brilliant, well-connected people out there that would be massive successes if they stopped making excuses or stepped out of their comfort zones.  The stronger your network, the better your income potential so keep at it and remember that the sacrifices now are leading up to a better tomorrow!