There. I said it. This is what most people outside of network marketing (and even some inside) think of the industry.
The stigma that the industry has taken huge strides in disproving and changing over the past couple decades is, well, still there. Maybe not to the tune of what we saw in the ’80s, but network marketing still has a horrible reputation.
And this battle is showcased beautifully in an exchange recently from Mr. UnMarketing himself, Scott Stratten and a good friend of mine and social media expert for the direct sales industry, Jen Fong.
Seems I came across some great tips specifically for network marketers this week, and since that’s exactly what so many of you are, consider this an extra special collection of the good stuff. Obviously, if you’re not a network marketer, you’ll still probably enjoy most of these links.
Funny thing about network marketing: while many get involved to help gain some kind of freedom and gain some time and space in their lives, it can be a real time-suck at the beginning. Which is to be expected, right? The vast majority of direct sellers are fitting in their direct sales business “on the side” and “in their spare time” now so they can reach that goal of life on their terms.
So although the ends most certainly justifies the means, it doesn’t make things any easier. Your calendar was already booked solid before you started your network marketing business; how in the world are you going to find time to make it happen now?
Dave Sattler of Scentsy talks about what it means to have a democratized brand. His summary of what corporate and independent direct sellers should do is excellent.
Jen Fong, social media expert for the direct sales industry, thinks your social media efforts are doomed to fail. Check your social media strategy against these guidelines by Jen Fong.
Karen Orem, Direct Sales and Coaching Content Expert, offers up an interesting fear of social media: is all this connectedness really driving us apart?
The 10 best posts in 2009 for Marketing In Progress, a blog dedicated to making sense of marketing communications for small business and direct sellers.
This list highlighted in Direct Selling News lists the top direct sales companies with at least $100 million in revenue.
4 Amazing Fundamentals of Marketing for Direct Sellers, by Brett Duncan.
How do direct sellers use the Internet to succeed in the direct sales, multi-level marketing industry? Includes comments and feedback from successful network marketers, direct sellers, multi-level marketers and party planners on how they integrate Internet Marketing into their direct sales business.
