
The opportunity in a direct selling business is about building relationships with people both within the organization and outside it. Let’s talk about one of the most basic but crucial parts of relationship selling: your contacts. Giving the right kind of attention to this aspect of your business is how it will grow
Start by creating your contact list. Here are some ways to manage and grow your initial list.
Pen and paper
You can hand-write your contact list. This old school option may not be for everyone, but for some, it’s just right.
Pros
|
Cons
|
Spreadsheet
You might create and manage your contact list in a computer spreadsheet.
Pros
|
Cons
|
Google Contacts in Gmail
Have you used your Google Contacts (in your Gmail) to track groups? This is a great way to move contacts from stage to stage. For example, you can create the groups Not Contacted, Not Interested, Customers, and Downline, and move individuals from one group to another based on the way your relationship evolves over time.
Pros
|
Con
|
Some direct selling companies invest heavily to supply you with MLM back-office software to help you run your business. Many companies offer Evo, a web-based application from InfoTrax Systems (our sponsor) that lets you organize and maintain your downline and contacts, as well as check the progress of your business, track your volume, receive messages from the company and other associates, run reports, place orders and autoships, and receive notifications about important events like new sign-ups and orders placed. It helps a lot to have this kind of time-sensitive information right when you need it for communication and follow-up. Many companies invest heavily in these critical tools for you to be successful. If you have access to them, become an expert on them and train your downline to do the same.
Your corporate direct selling company is on your side and they depend on you to succeed and grow as an independent business owner. Have you already begun to build an active team or downline? Congratulations! When you have your team in place, you begin to see your company’s compensation plan in action, benefiting you and those you work with. Focus on their success and watch your business grow.