The Internet has become a giant part of modern life. The primary use by most people so far: email and searching (Google) for stuff.
Internet consultants tell us everything is going Internet and if you don’t become Internet-savvy you will not succeed.
My question:
How much do you need the Internet to build a network marketing business?
Most network marketing fortunes so far have been made without the Internet.
They say it’s a people business don’t they? And relationship-driven.
So here comes Lulu, your new recruit, and she isn’t Internet-savvy. She asks: “Do I need to get Internet-savvy to build a successful network marketing business?”
What would you tell her?
Readers: If you say YES (she needs to get I-savvy), tell us what you think she might use it for that would help her business. If you say NO, tell us what she can do better in person.
My answer would be – no – you do not HAVE to use the internet to build your business. I provide my people with a buffet table of ideas to choose from. Everything from social networking sites on the internet to diet clubs in your local area. It is up to them to decide which one would be a fit for them.
It is nice if you at least know how to use email so you can email information to people who want that type of communication.
It’s always best to let your people decide what they are most comfortable with.
If you come across someone who isn’t comfortable working ANY of the methods you provide, maybe they aren’t the right person for your organization. That’s ok. Not everyone will fit with everyone else.
Roxanne Green
Mentor With A Servant’s Heart
I have always loved the computer so I use it for everything I do, both in my personal and business life, so my answer will be biased along those lines.
I have always believed that technology should be used for administrative tasks, training, information, etc. in order to save time for the more important things like building relationships and making money.
In my experience, I have found that people who are computer-savvy (or even computer-literate) have a definite advantage over those who do not since most people nowadays have computer access, at home and/or at work, and expect someone in business to be online and accessible via website and email.
I have to admit that if I meet a business person and they do not have a website or email, I tend to wonder how legitimate the business is since everyone I do business with has those basic basic business tools. Even if a business owner doesn’t know how to do it, there are many companies that will do it for them.
In network marketing, usually one of the first things a prospect asks is if we have a website. Do we really want to say “no”? Especially when most companies (and even some team leaders) provide one for little or nothing.
I have also found that team members who do not have computer access often feel isolated and in the dark, missing out on the day-to-day happenings of the company and the team. And it just isn’t practical for a leader to call everyone on the team with every new announcement. I tried to do that years ago and it was a never-ending task.
The internet is also a powerful marketing tool. It provides prospects with the information they want immediately rather than having to wait a week for a CD or brochure to arrive in the mail that only leaves them wanting to know more. They can watch a presentation online, browse around to get their questions answered, sign up and place an order in a matter of minutes. Meanwhile, you haven’t even gotten to the post office to mail that CD!
I also use email extensively for email blasts to my team regarding important information or events that affect their business. I also use it for managing my prospects and customers. I have templates set up for everything including responses to requests for more information, order confirmations, product usage tips, etc. I set it up once and use it over and over again, customizing it with just their name and maybe a sentence or two regarding our interaction.
I also use email and websites as powerful training and support tools for my team. I have team training websites for my businesses so that everything is automated and I do not have to spend time sending information/documents over and over again – or answering the same questions over and over again for every team member. The answer is always the same “It’s on the website.” Every ad I develop, every flyer I create, every script I write, every training I have ever done, is all posted on the website for everyone’s benefit. When a new team member signs up, they get a “welcome” email from me with all the instructions of what to do first, including a visit to the team training website.
The training website also ensures that everyone on the team has the same training, information and resources, whether they are on my first level or on my hundredth. It takes the burden and responsibility out of the hands of new or inexperienced networkers so they don’t have to become an expert before they can start building a success team. I want my team to benefit from my years of training and experience and that is the best way I have found to share that information with them.
The bottom line: All of this technology leaves time for building relationships and income-producing activities.
I know many people believe that you can only build relationships in person or over the phone, but if that were true, you wouldn’t see the enormous amount of chat rooms, instant messaging services, online dating sites, etc. online. I have built amazing business and personal relationships with people all over the world online, most of which I have never personally met, and may never have the opportunity to meet. So I really believe that is a myth.
So that is a long answer to a short question. I love the internet and I think it is a very useful and powerful tool to put us on the fast track to success.
Michelle Sanchez
Network Marketing Success Coach
http://itworksbodymakeover.networkmarketingcentral.com
http://nonigirl.networkmarketingcentral.com
http://dreamtrips.networkmarketingcentral.com
http://michelle.networkmarketingcentral.com
I would have to say yes. Like Roxanne I like to give them a buffet table of ideas onhow they can approach the business but a basic knowledge of the computer is essential in this day and age. Just for the business end like keeping track of customers, using quick books, networking with other NM, seeking information easily on google. I am not a genius at the computer but I am learning. When I started NM I didn’t know what a blog was or how to do that. Now I enjoy blogging here at Kim’s and on my own site.
Nancy Carlson
perfectmombusiness.com
I would say Yes, but only as another business tool not as the busines foundation itself.
Network Marketing is built around relationships and still requires one-on-one interaction.
Most all successful business owners have some internet exposure whether that’s just an email address, or a full blown e-commerce website.
The Internet is also a viable marketing tool (ROM) to build your all important customer base.
Since I am lookng for people “…like me…” I would say Internet access is required to join my organization. “Maybe you’ld like to start buy trying some xyz? Would you like that to be the 90 day or the 30 day option?”
Dave B.
Your question was, “How much do you need the internet to build a network marketing business?”
Is there a difference between build and maintain? As I see it, you can certainly meet people without using the internet. You can find many ways to network without social networking sites, including local networking groups, chambers of commerce, charity organizations, etc…
However, most businesses today will have an element that require the ability to have at least a moderate understanding of how to use the internet. Most likely, a little better than just checking email.
My company is internet based and, while you don’t need to be an internet wiz to use the system, having a basic understanding of how to save, store, and upload digital photos to a website is helpful when it comes to showing others how to use the system.
I think many companies have moved their “back office” information to the internet. While some still have ways to obtain this info offline, it’s much faster and easier to get it from a website.
Sure, you can still build a business without being internet savvy, people can do anything they set their minds to. But it sure does make life easier.
Nicole,
How to Effectively Use Social Networking to Build Business
My position on the internet is the same as it’s always been since I got in this business. The internet is only a tool for communication, like the telephone, mailing letters, or just shaking hands and saying hello. Too many people have come to rely on the internet as something essential for daily life. I had periods recently when I had no internet connection. I got by just fine.
I think anyone who says “yes” to this question is missing one important factor in success. Determination. If someone is determined to succeed, nothing will stop that person. A lack of money will not stop them. The lack of a car to get from place to place will not stop them. Certainly the lack of internet skills or the lack of internet conncection will not stop them.
Bill Gates and Steven Jobs both started their computer businesses in their garages. Did the lack of a fancy office stop them?
If someone cannot use the internet well, then they will just have to use more traditional forms of communication. They still can call people. The person who cannot use the computer well may need to connect their internet savvy prospects wtih someone upline who can point them in the right direction online.