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).

Dive Right In: Building An Audience From Zero - For Newbies

If you are an affiliate marketer, a blogger selling ad space, an aspiring author, or a network marketer, everything starts with building an audience or community.  Without a large or at least highly-engaged audience, the quality of your content and offerings do not really matter.  Chances are you may be new to this online marketing stuff, or new enough that your efforts still seem futile at times.  It's easy to get started when you already have strong social circles or a personal network to leverage but if you don't...

How can you build an audience from zero?

I will tell you that I am still working on it today and building an audience is no easy feat.  I love people but I am not particularly into networking and, with my family and Faith at the forefront, I have little time for social outings.  My Facebook network may be like yours: lots of friends that are willing to play games and occasionally like something but the engagement stops there.  I don't use other social networks much and I find LinkedIn intrusive so I passed on that, even though some swear it's where all business people "need" to be.  Can you relate to my zero audience?

The reality is that we all have a network to leverage, regardless of how outgoing or isolated we may be, but that does not equate audience.  A real audience takes action, pays attention, and comes back routinely.  Anything short of that is lurker territory.  So the better question here may be...

How do you convert lurkers into a real audience that interacts and engages in deep, meaningful ways?

Rockin' Wellness: A Life Renewed After Cancer

In December of 2012 I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.  I was scared out of my damned mind.  There's just no other way to describe it.

So many questions coursed through my frantic mind...

• Would they be able to get it all?
• Would I be a survivor or another tragic story?
• Would I have to undergo chemotherapy?
• What would I say to my kids if these are my final days?
• If they get it all, How do I live a normal life after cancer?

The news could not have come at a worse time and yet it came at the right time.  I found myself closer to God and to my family.  We prayed on it and we accepted that whatever was to come was part of God's Plan.

Fortunately, after having an emergency hysterectomy, my doctor confirmed that they were able to remove it all.  A few follow-ups since then and everything looks good but my journey did not end there.  The weeks after the procedure were rough...

Introducing The "Dive Right In" Series

We have gotten a tremendously positive response on the new MSNM blog.  Everyone has been great and we are glad our insights have proven useful.  We do recognize three major opportunities for blogging and content development in general:

• Keep It Short - Kelli and I are both guilty of being long-winded, we know. People don't like to read as much these days, either, so we will go be more concise going forward.  If it doesn't add value to the main topic at hand, it won't be there.
• Make It Actionable - Every post will have at least one CTA (Call To Action) and a few tactics and strategies to try out.  We'll try to close off every article with something actionable and relevant to your needs.  CTAs are a great way to convert your audience from casual followers to brand loyalists.
• Mix Media - Plain text can be drab so we will mix in more types of media and maybe even release original podcasts and videos.  Visual aides always seem to have the greatest impact and images are particularly effective for SEO (Search Engine Optimization).  Please let us know what you have enjoyed most by commenting and using social buttons.

No matter how long you blog or produce any type of content, there is always room for growth.  The needs of our audiences are constantly shifting so we must always adapt and improve.  Your feedback is helping us share more value and have more fun while doing it, too!  The long-winded aspect is one I find I have the toughest time with and I know some folks are like this girl here, just zoning out after a while...

Understanding Rejection And Objections In Your Online Business

Recently, my biggest supporter and best friend, Yomar, posted a sort of manifesto in response to people that treat online entrepreneurs and WFHers (those that work from home) as if they do not have a "real" job (you can read it here).  The main take-aways for me were this:

• A traditional job will never provide us the financial freedom and fulfillment that self-employment will.
• A so-called real job rarely provides security - we can be easily replaced or down-sized at any time.
• Working for someone else rarely affords us the opportunity to do something meaningful or be masters of our own destiny (or at least our schedule).
• How we each define a "real job" all depends on what we place the most importance on (status, income, purpose, etc.).

In short, a "real" job can be a real pain in the butt.  The elusive dream job seems to only exist in the movies.  I believe it's out there but not working for someone else..  But, hey, that's just my opinion.  I have yet to find anyone that can honestly say they love everything about their job and it is their true calling.  If you found a job you love, KUDOS - you are in a very rare class!

One thing I have learned is that dealing with rejection in the job search/interview processes is hard enough, but objections are even tougher when you take on a performance-driven role or become self-employed in any capacity.  I would venture to say that maybe one in ten entrepreneurs, self-employed, or WFHers stick with their pursuits.  After several objections, it is easy to just give up and blame the system.

No one is completely resilient to objections and rejection but, with the right personal development and a focus on the things that really matter, we can respond in ways that are productive, if not positive.  Now, since you are here, chances are you did one of the bravest and smartest moves you could make: you became self-employed.  Let's discuss some of the types of rejection you will face as your own boss, particularly in the MLM/network marketing industry.  I've touched upon quite a few of these already but now we'll delve into suggested responses to help you be better prepared for the proverbial "thumbs down"!

The Power Of Storytelling - Share *Your* Story!

Stories are the most powerful way we communicate in any language, medium, or social circle.  Stories can teach important lessons, groom good habits/values, or simply entertain.  They can inspire action or reaction.  They often unite people, regardless of their backgrounds.

Throughout the ages, history has shown has great storytellers in every culture from ancient Egypt to the Mayans to the Native Americans of our great country.  Every great era has great story tellers.  I want you to be one of our time!

Will you share your story with our growing community?

Stories build family and community.

I want Money Slave No More (MSNM for short), to be a blog where we can share stories about financial struggles, personal victories, overcoming fear/failure, family, online business, and everything in between.  MSNM needs to be a collective of our real stories, things that the average person can identify with.  This can't happen without your support so read on, please!

My MCA (Motor Club of America) Experience Thus Far!

I'd like to briefly share the good, the bad, and the ugly of Motor Club of America, popularly known as MCA and sometimes TVC Marketing.  Mind you, I am still very new but the experience has been mostly positive.  I hope these thoughts will help other fledgling MCA associates and those still considering if they should take the leap of faith.

First and foremost, the Motor Club of America suite of benefits is very much worth it.  I believe in the product and that is almost the sole reason I did it.  Sure, my sponsor's [initial] responsiveness and enthusiasm helped but I knew I wanted to share something I truly believed in.  The marketplace is vast since everyone owns/rents cars or uses prescription meds at some point in their lives.  The easiest "sell" here is for drivers looking for more peace of mind at a greater value.

It is unfortunate that there is a significant majority of referral agents/associates that misrepresent MCA.  They focus too much on the money and not enough on the benefits.  We all like to have a little extra spending cash and of course it would be great to end the corporate rat race, spend more time with our loved ones, and be financially free..  But those points are beaten to death, in my humble opinion.

Everyone sets their own pace..  just don't overthink it to the point of missing out! ;)

This image is cute and perhaps effective for sparking impulsive decisions but it focuses on material things and money, not the dreams, vision, and the benefits that keep people engaged in entrepreneurial pursuits.  Sadly, you see a lot of what I like to call hip-hop mentality (mind you, I love all types of music, including hip-hop and R&B so please do not take any offense) in home-based business groups.  Hey, for some, all you need to hear about is bling and "mad money" (yo) but, for those of us that are seeking to truly change the world or at least the lives of our loved ones, there's got to be more than that.

You will see that we (co-author/admin Yomar Lopez and I) will revisit the topics of empowerment, enchantment, and excellence through it's many facets.  Often what you will see in the entrepreneurial community in general, not just work-from-home or MLM organizations, is that there is a great degree of negativity, dishonesty, and selfishness.  Some of these so-called gurus are just plain nasty!  The qualities these less-than-wonderful people display stand in stark contrast with what good personal development will teach you.

I have only start to really scrape the surface but I agree with a lot of what thought leaders like Guy Kawasaki, the Empower Network team, Jim Rohn, Paul J Meyer, and Kim Klaver share.  The common threads seem to revolve around inspiring and helping others, being likeable or enchanting.   Seems like some of my fellows in MCA missed the memo: they are far from it..  For now.  I do believe everyone has good in them and the potential to be great but it takes a conscious effort to get there.