Build A Business By Building Relationships First

Copyright © Lawren Smith

Generate Success Online
Guide 2 Marketing Success

Today, I had a very interesting conversation with someone online. I would like to share with you the topic of our conversation and what one should learn from this conversation.

I met this person through a social networking site, which will remain nameless. This individual, I shall refer to as “Bob”, is involved with a MLM. He is very passionate about his business, which I believe one must be if he or she is to be successful in any business. I like this person’s mindset because he is very personable, but also a go-getter, which is another necessary characteristic for someone who is trying to establish a home business for himself or herself.

Apparently, Bob had a conversation with a woman who has expressed a strong dislike for MLM’s. Now, in the various conversations I have had with Bob, he has never tried to recruit me into his business. This is not his style, nor is it mine, which is probably why we get along. He told me that he did not try to recruit her but he mentioned to this woman that he is involved in an MLM and I assume she figured this was the basis of their conversation.

In response to Bob’s business and his honesty about his association with an MLM, she shared her story about why she did not like MLM’s. Apparently, in the past, she has been involved in various MLM companies, but she became disenchanted with MLM’s, network marketing companies because of the way in which many members of MLM’s tend to promote their business.

She said that many people in MLM are all about selling their products and promoting their business opportunity without any adherence to the individual with whom they are speaking. Many members of MLM’s spend very little time listening to their prospects. Instead, they spend much of the time talking and trying to sell the prospect on the products, services, or business opportunity of their respective MLM, or network marketing company.

It was based on her experiences with MLM’s that she has decided to never venture back into the world of MLM’s or network marketing and I can vehemently understand her objections and perception about many MLM’s.

She, unfortunately, has had the displeasure of dealing with individuals who use the wrong approach in trying to build a business. The first thing one should learn, once he or she has made the decision to start a home business, is that building relationships with your prospects should come first. Why? Most people prefer to associate with people whom they trust. Building trust with people takes time. It is ok to let them know that you are involved in an MLM, but it is not ok to then go in for the kill; meaning start bombarding the prospect with your business opportunity or the products and services it has to offer. Keep in mind, most people, especially those on the internet, are constantly being bombarded with messages from people who want to sell them on a business opportunity or have them purchase the products and services. It is then, not a surprise, why most people do not like to be sold to.

By focusing on the relationship and learning more about the prospect and what their interests are makes them feel as if you care about who they are and about what they think. This also sets you apart from most other people on the internet whose actions display otherwise. By building trust and building a relationship, you also earn their respect. One example I can share with you is when I send messages to members in my FaceBook group, rarely do I talk about my business. Most times I share information, or a personal development message or something other than my business. I have had a number of responses from people telling me that they would feel more comfortable joining my business than anyone else’s because I don’t just talk about my business.

Building relationships and establishing a reputation as someone who genuinely cares about the other person will, indirectly, help you with your business. Because then you are giving people an opportunity to get to know who you are. Most people find other people far more interesting than the business itself. Thus, once they get to know who you are and what you are about, they will more than likely want to know more about your other interests, such as, your business opportunity.

In the end, both Bob and the woman came to an understanding. Bob, has accepted the fact that this woman is not interested in his business and never will be, but this does not deter Bob from wanting to talk to her. He still wants to remain friends with this person because he genuinely cares about who she is and her interests. The woman in turn also accepts the fact that Bob is involved in an MLM but she also has learned that Bob is not interested in selling her his business opportunity. He just wants to be her friend. Thus, the relationship building continues and even if it Bob does get her to join him in his business opportunity, he now has made a new friend and, to Bob, this is what having a business is all about, building positive relationships with people you encounter along the way during the business building process.

In conclusion, and I will often say this, people will only stay around when they feel that their needs are being met. Your business is not about you, but about those you serve.

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Lawren Smith is a member of MLMLeadSystemPro and CarbonCopyPro. She writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about this topic, Lawren recommends you visit:

Automated Marketing System

A Business For The Serious Entrepreneur

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