Network Marketing:
"Think Globally, Act Locally"
by Jack Hayford

You may have seen this slogan stuck to the bumper of some air-brushed van or stenciled on a green canvas "earth bag." It's a popular theme of the environmental movement and has been adopted by other political action groups as well. It expresses the dynamics of change. You've got to see the big picture but be willing to paint it one stroke at a time. You've got to hear the whole song but write it measure by measure. You've got to keep the ultimate goal in sight while taking tiny, sometimes inconspicuous steps to get there.

The saying also sums up the process by which you can transform your little home-based retail sales operation into true financial freedom. Naive MLMers think that if they could just be at the right place at the right time and sponsor that one "heavy hitter," then they could make it big. But it's not the big hitter that makes the little guy successful. It's just the opposite. True marketing gurus know this and teach it.

Starting from scratch, having never sponsored your first "downline recruit," you must first find customers for your products - locally. You do this by:

1) Using the products yourself, getting results, and telling your story to others. Remember, if it's not true and you don't believe it yourself, neither will your prospects. You'll be stopped dead in your tracks.

2) Advertising your business - locally. If you can't afford print advertising, use flyers. Remember, one or two here and there won't work. Be prepared to put out as many as 100 business cards or flyers to get one new customer. Use testimonials in your ads. Tell your prospects what your product will do for them. Talking to people is free advertising. Wear a provocative button, hat, T-shirt or simply carry your products around with you - any of these techniques will prompt people to ask what you do. Make it a daily practice to promote your business and you will make sales.

From your customer base you then glean the leaders necessary to build your business globally. First, you show your best customers how they can save and/or earn money by distributing the products they love. If they are serious, they will introduce your products and opportunity to their contacts (who you don't know), some of whom may live far away from you. Second, you and your recruits should reward all customers for giving you referrals, people who might be interested in your products or in earning extra money. This reward might be in the form of a discount, freebies, an occasional lunch out, or any meaningful gift. Be sure to contact those referrals, by phone or mail if necessary. Send them a free sample or recruiting pack and follow-up after a few days. Keep sifting and you'll find people who share your vision and want to work with you.

These small steps, taken consistently, will get you where you want to go. Over time, you'll build a network of consumers and distributors scattered throughout the country, and even the world, producing a regular monthly income for you and your family. The key is to stick with it until you can see the forest and the trees.

Jack Hayford has been a professional network marketer and MLM consultant for over twelve years.