MLM Tools: The Best and WorstIt's inevitable that you'll come across a "slew" of MLM Tools as you build your business. Because the internet (and business is general) is such a "noisy" place, sometimes it's frustrating to know what to focus on, and what to ignore. MLM tools by themselves, are only TOOLS. They will need your brains and motivation to turn into anything significant. I've spend countless hours reading, researching, and testing a number of tools and systems. Rather than me reviewing specific websites, books,or software, I chose to dedicate this page to reviewing the best and worst "categories." Here are my picks for the WORST categories. Worst MLM Tools (1) Automated MLM Business Building Tools If you do a search for MLM tools on the internet, you'll find an endless supply of "fully automated recruiting systems." This certainly is an appealing idea even though is in an outright lie. For starters, anything that is "fully automated" and claims to make you a BUNCH of money (without any work on your part) is just like any other get rich quick scheme out there. (I'm embarrassed to admit I've fallen for these before). They do not work so don't fall for the trap. If a system truly is "automatic" with little or no work required, why in the world would it need YOU? A system like this can function on its own and doesn't need a human being. As network marketers, we want to "insert" ourselves into the sales and marketing process as much as we can. We WANT our prospects to get to know us. Removing the human element from your business is a big mistake and should be avoided at all costs. Remember, If it doesn't need YOU, you don't need it. Does this mean automation is bad? Automation is an integral part of any business and should be used as an MLM tool. Just like anything else, use it appropriately and in moderation. (2) Personal Development Materials Particularly those focusing TOO MUCH on "mindset" and/or "leadership skills" I know what you're thinking.... But before you get defensive, hear me out on this one. By now we ALL know that having the proper mindset IS important to our business success. But... Would you agree that most self-help material puts too much attention on this? In fact, oftentimes when we haven't seen the results we want, we are told its' because we don't have enough "belief" or "faith." You're also told that if you haven't achieved what you desire its because you don't WANT it bad enough. I disagree... Because "mindset," "communication skills," and "leadership abilities" are VERY hard (if not impossible) to measure, let alone develop in the first place. In other words, they are INTANGIBLE things. You cannot measure how much "belief" you have or how "good" your leadership ability is. You can, however, measure how much traffic is coming to your website, how big your email list is, and how many videos you have on Youtube. (3) Other People's Content I list this MLM tool as one of the "best" and "worst" tools. Let me explain.. Many MLM "gurus" allow you to give away their content to people for FREE. At first glance this may seem like a great idea (and it can be). You give something of value to people, which helps you gain the trust of people, and the "guru" gains extra "popularity" if people read and like what he/she has to offer. There's a problem though.... Using other peoples' content as an MLM tool to grow YOUR business can be a "bad" thing even if the content is SUPERB. Particularly, if this is ALL you're using. Recycling someone else's "stuff" in any format does nothing to boost YOU or your credibility (which is what we're ultimately trying to accomplish). This is similar to only using your company's brochures, websites, and/or CD's. These tools are engineered to promote everything and everyone but YOU. This leads me to... (4) Your Company's Marketing Materials There is a time and place to introduce your company "stuff" to your prospects (particularly, AFTER they're pre-sold and have contacted you). However, company marketing materials are generally all the same with no "differentiation" whatsoever. Once again, great for promoting the company, not so great for promoting YOU. These four kinds of MLM tools are the worst I have found. Reading about, studying, or buying these are a complete waste time and money in my opinion. Be wary of anyone trying to sell or market these to you. Best MLM Tools (1) Your Own Value-Based Content The more content you have...the better. Write articles, make videos, create podcasts...anything you can to put yourself and your VALUE out there. (Online, that is). The more value you give, the more you will receive in the form of website traffic, word-of-mouth advertising (the best kind), and signups. (2) MLM Affiliate Programs Affiliate programs give you the opportunity to monetize while you build your business. By referring others to an affiliate program (there's hundreds of them) you'll earn a commission. This allows you to stay "afloat" in your business as you build your downline. It keeps you motivated because you'll have immediate cash-flow while you wait for the residual income to "kick-in." Be sure to pick a good affiliate product to promote so you don't jeopardize your relationship with your people. Research a few different affiliate programs first and choose those that suit your business plan. Tip: A good affiliate product should OVER-deliver to it's customers. In addition, many MLM affiliate products have lead generation programs included that you can plug into while you're learning (3) Your Own Website or Blog This is a content tool where most of your "stuff" can be found in one place. Your videos, articles, and social media can link to your website. Owning your own website also does ALOT to boost your credibility while at the same time provide value to your prospects. (4) Other People's Content I know this sounds contradictory but remember, if ALL you do is use other people's content, you're missing the bigger picture. When you're first starting out, it's helpful to be able to "piggyback" off someone else's credibly and/or system. I do suggest you bring people through YOUR content first before you link them to someone else's stuff, rather than sending them straight there. This gives people a chance to get to know you first. As you advance, I guarantee you'll want to create your own system. These are the four that I have researched and found to be the best use of your time. Once again, be wary of any MLM tools that fall within the first 4 categories. Marketers do a phenomenal job of telling you how great their stuff is. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The greatest MLM Tool you can develop and use is you! YOU ultimately will be the reason for your success or failure in any business venture. That being said, having the right "tools" won't hurt and they WILL dramatically accelerate your MLM success. Want More Advice on Network Marketing Tools For Your Business?... You can receive updated and exclusive information business building tools in my Smart MLM Business Tips Newsletter. It's free to join and you can unsubscribe at any time... Related Articles
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