Does Social Networking Really Work?

There is a lot of talk these days about Web 2.0 and Social Networking.  Some say it is the only way to go.  I've heard that the "three foot rule" is out.  Many are advising us to give up lead calling.  There are about as many opinions as there are people.

So, who do you listen to?  What is the right way to build your MLM business?

In my opinion, it depends on a lot of things.

I am involved in several MLM companies because I believe in multiple streams of income and all of my businesses complement each other without competing against each other.

In each of these companies there are top income earners using very different methods.  One person does booths and classes.  Another has home presentations.  Still another does only lead calling.  All of these people are making a very significant monthly income.  Do I need to re-invent the wheel?

I have done all of these things myself, and for me, it depends on the time of year.

For example.  Last summer I basically took 2 months off to spend time with my family and work around the house.  I kept my google adwords account active and because people are naturally attracted to my opportunity, I only talked to the people who called me.  Since I also had a full pipeline, in spite of the time off, I still managed to bring in 3-5 people a month in the top entry level of my main MLM.

In the fall, I began to prospect locally.  The weather was beautiful and I attended some local meetings at the Chamber of Commerce and business lunches as well as talking to businesses in my area. I gained some great referrals as well as business partners.

In both the summer and fall I also did one or two shows so I could meet new people.  It's always fun to have some extra pocket money from retailing and I got more referrals.

In fact, almost every time I'm out, I talk to a lot of people about my products or business, share samples and get their contact information. 

Finally, in the winter, I have been dialing for dollars. The entire year I keep some type of leads coming in, whether it's from a genealogy list, company specific leads or my generic mlm lead source.  But in the winter I usually buckle down and call a lot of them.  I believe that having a full pipeline is essential for building your business and this is an area that I excel at.  

Calling leads really isn't something I like to do, but since I believe in the numbers game, and because I have great products, unique opportunities, amazing pay plans, good posture and great results, I do it anyway. 

However, since I began social networking in November, I am finding that is not only my favorite, but also the most effective form of building my business.  Often I will put off calling leads because I don't want to shut the door to my office and leave my 5 children "unattended" in the main part of the house.  But when I am social networking, I can blog, make videos, utter, twitter and stumble to my hearts content ~ after everyone else is in bed.

In addition to that ~ I am connecting with amazing people and gaining referrals, trading information and finding new business partners...    

Yes, it really does work! 

So it all comes down to this.  There are many ways you can successfully build your business.  Just follow someone in your company who is highly successful and do what they do.  But no matter what else you do, I encourage you to make social networking a major part of your plan. 

Thanks to Mike Dillard and all the amazing leaders at Magnetic Sponsoring who provide us with so much helpful information here.  This is definitely one of my favorite social networking sites.

Sincerely,

Karilee Valeriano