Have you noticed that almost nobody asks for one anymore?
Those were once the first step in the direct sales dance. The brochure was the intro. Or more pricey varieties like a CD or DVD. In the really old days, there were videos we sent around. (Brilliant Compensation, anyone?)
But no more. First, nobody good has time to be pitched anymore. Nor any interest. Second, the entire buying process has changed, thanks to the Internet and Google.
In the old days, advertisers hit us up whenever. During a good moment of a TV show or right in the middle of a good part in a radio program. Or they'd call us at home (which got so intolerable that 2/3 of Americans are on the do Not Call Registry). All stuff we didn't ask for and mostly have zero interest in.
Those days are gone. Today the consumer rules, not the advertiser/promoter. You ready to get in step with what they're doing?
People do two things when they want to buy something they're not familiar with yet. (which includes all networked products and services)
1) search Google for the thing they want (e.g. a non-toxic cleaner) or, they check out a specific promo (like yours) online...then perhaps talk with a friend who's tried it and finally...
2) initiate contact through links on the site (if they're interested).The process starts with the consumer - the buyer. NOT with the seller (us) pitching them something they didn't ask for.
To play in this new marketing world, you need two things right off:
1) a website presence and1) is much easier than 2). But many network marketers don't even have a personal website or personal profile online yet (!!) How will anyone looking ever find them?
2) to get found (when the right people come looking for what you market).
In an informative video interview yesterday, an IBM senior engineer says:
"People don't understand that the early part of every sales cycle has moved to the web. You have to be there. You have to be found. And not just found for the words that describe your product or your product category, but for the problem that you solve." - Robert Scoble interviews Mike MoranNext: How to do 1) and 2).
6 comments :
Kim, that's exactly what I did almost 4 years ago when I was looking for a liquid substitute for taking pills. I went on the internet and typed in "liquid nutritional supplement".
I found exactly what I was looking for, but I still researched it on the net for about 4 months before deciding to buy and joining the company as a rep.
With so much to choose from people are getting confused these days and turn to the web to do their own research about products and companies. By the time they come to you, most of the time the do have a pretty good understanding of what they want...and what they don't want.
That does make our job a lot easier. All my sponsor had to do was point me in the right direction to enroll in the company with the right package for me.
Have a great week!
Ilka Flood
www.JustDoItWithBooks.com
Thanks for the article, Kim. I too go straight to Google when researching something new. Looking forward to tomorrow's article!
Marla
It is very important topic. Thank you, Kim.
I’ve just finished my search on Google for the best Co Q-10 available and placed 3 month supply order. In the process I’ve became almost expert on Q-10…
But first of all I’ve tried to find this product on NMC. No success. I realized that, probably we are missing something… I am going to mention or describe more detailed all my favorites products that I am using and market in my Profile. I have to get people know that my company have the best Whey Protein, new Omega – 3 and Vitamin and Mineral Supplements, Calcium from milk, Natural Sleep Aids etc…
Am I wrong, Kim?
And yes, we have to market problem solving information first. That’s why my husband is working very hard on his book. People who are interested to read such book (“How to Live to the Age of 120, Stay Healthy, and Keep a Sense of Humor?”) will do their own decision about Health Supplements.
People who can not or don’t want to understand New School Marketing have very little chance for success.
Tatiana.
http://www.success.networkmarketingcentral.com/
www.immunotec.com/tatiana
Wow! Kim is sooo right! Once in a "blue moon" I get a request for a catalog. Most folks ask for a business card or simply write down my site address. I can order a pack of 50 catalogs and they last a long time! Believe it or not they ARE still good for any events with large crowds of people so they don't get wasted. Have a PROFITABLE & PROSPEROUS business everybody! Diane in NYC.
I couldn't agree more with this. I have been doing internet marketing for over 12 years myself and I have proven it time and time again if you will make yourself "found" in search, you at least are being considered every time someone reads your page or site. I would much rather talk with people who contact me for more information than the other way around and in this day and age it seems like the smartest way to do business with people you haven't met yet.
And we can feel good about saving some trees by using the internet for both our own marketing and researching our future purchases. One great place that I found to shop and/or advertise is www.allgreendirectory.com
Pretty much anything people want can be found online now, I can't imagine life without google!
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