Many times we’ve all heard this before… Network Marketing is all about building relationships!

How many times have you heard that one?

It really is about PEOPLE and what they WANT! When you stop seeing it as a cash machine and
instead start to of the PEOPLE… something remarkable begins to happen.

People begin to seek you out. In other words being a giver not a taker. Think about what you can do to help other people. Believe it or not this is also a smart way to really find out if they are the RIGHT ones you are looking for to partner up with in your business!

Sometimes it seems all you do is give, give, give and nothing is coming back. But with patience, persistence, consistent efforts and genuine caring for people… all of a sudden… people start to contact you and you begin to build relationships which eventually form into a very solid foundation in which you can build on!

Building strong relationships is also possible to do on the internet. I know because I’ve done this very effectively in the last five years I’ve marketed online.

What I’ve seen many people do is sign a lot of people up in their programs online and then never really have any other form of contact with them.

What I mean is no one ever speaks with them on the phone or meets them in person. I have been able to form relationships online because I stay in constant contact via email, the phone and have even met people in my network at business conferences. This really helps people get to know you when they meet you in person.

Networking can be a lot of fun when you’re genuine purpose is to get to know people.

When meeting people on the internet or off the internet, find out what they are interested in before
you go babbling on about you and your company, products, etc.

After all, some people believe it or not, may not be interested in your fabulous company or your
great products until you show them that you genuinely care about them and what’s interesting
to them. They might be in the middle of a huge crisis in their life and the timing just may not be right for them and they may really need a shoulder to lean on and someone who really cares for them at this time to understand.

Now don’t get me wrong here….I’m not talking about getting into the Mother Teresa syndrome or becoming a Social Worker! I’ve done that enough times! It will get you know where! Trust me I’ve been there done that many times….I’ve learned my lesson!

Listen very carefully and find out where a person is in their life and then see how you can be of help to them. Sometimes they could be having so many personal problems that you just have to move away from them. So listen carefully and try not to get stuck in the above scenarios!!

No matter what a person’s situation though they still may not be interested in what you’re
doing. But that’s ok, it’s nothing personal! The important thing is to be respectful of their
decision and where they are in their life right now.

Remember that timing thing! Just stay focused on them, find out what they want
and stay in touch periodically to see how they are doing and how things have changed for them.

Also remember too that owning a business isn’t for everyone. Let’s just cut to the chase here…..
Not everyone has what it takes to be in business for themselves.

If someone gives any indication that they think they will get rich very quickly or that you are going to do all the work for them then they just may not be cut out for the hard work and dedication that owning your own business really does take.

Focus on finding the RIGHT ONES, positive people not whiners and complainers. Spend
your time and energy on them! Trust me folks, this is the better way!

My grandma used to say “You would complain if you were hung with a new rope”! My grandma was a very wise woman!

So how do you find out if what you’re doing is right for someone you meet on or offline?

You ASK them questions! Ask what you can do for THEM and then really listen to see if they are
the RIGHT one and find out what they’re gonna DO! Asking questions also leads to the next
question and the next. It’s sort of like being a detective. Remember Colombo?

Find out what they do for a living. What are their hobbies? Are they satisfied with their life as it is?

What would they like to do? How would they like to change their life?

What’s important to them? Where do they want to be in the next 5 years?

What have they done so far to move closer to their dreams and goals? Do they have a vision?
What is there vision?

If they do great, if not help them put their vision down on paper. If they keep doing what they are now will they reach their goals?

Are they coachable? Are they positive about life? Do they want to do good things to help others too?

Do they want to learn and grow or just stay where they are? Are they willing to do what it takes no matter what?

Find out if they have experience in Network Marketing and if so find out all about it. Ask them what their thoughts are about the industry. Were they successful before and why or why not? What do they need to succeed? How can you help? Are they willing to help you too?

Here are some other questions to ask:

What attracted them to this opportunity? What sort of business are they looking for? Are they
interested in financial or legal services, taxes, nutrition, health, fitness, telecom, computers, Internet, E-Commerce?

Let them know you’re looking for ambitious, outgoing, friendly, positive people who want to earn a serious stream of long term income. Does that describe them?

Do they have experience in direct sales, network marketing, or have they ever owned a business?

Ask them if training and support are important to them Are they a team player?

What is their time table for taking action? Do they have a budget in mind to start their business?

How much time are they willing to commit to their business during the week? Are they coachable? How do see themselves building their network marketing business? WHY do they want to do this?

Sometimes people may not show an interest in your company or products but they may just be interested in YOU when you show a genuine interest in THEM by asking not what Network Marketing can do for YOU but what can YOU do for Network Marketing!

Sue Seward

Copyright 2001 by Sue Seward. All Rights Reserved. (***You may copy this article using the attached bio below)

Sue is a wife, mom, entrepreneur, top income earner with her company, who has been working from home online since 1996. She encourages millionaire mind thinking and shows people how to develop valuable connections online and turn them into lasting relationships for long term business profits. She is also a public speaker and published author of numerous print and electronic articles as well as coauthor of the book ‘Build It Big: 101 Insider Secrets From Top Direct Selling Experts’. To find out more about how Sue builds her business online visit http://www.eCommerceHomeBiz.com