How To Find Home Business Prospects LOCALLY

If you do not know how to Listen this will not help

You just become a Salesman and you better expect alot of rejection. And It is not duplicatable. You may not like what I am saying Mark but 95% of all people can not do that. Why not teach them how to get free quality leads from the internet instead of failing at Belly to Belly and Calling Paid for Leads? Juanita

I agree

I agree with Mark.I believe that as a networker you should have a 'sixth sense' for potential leaders who you may meet on a daily basis. Not every successful technique will be 'duplicatable'. No matter how effective a system may be the 'human factor' will always come into play especially in a people business like network marketing. However, this method is not the only way to find new leaders. You must have a leveraged system that generates quality leads on a continuous basis like Juanita suggests. My suggestion is to use all the methods that work and not rely on one method whether it is online or offline

Thank you for telling us what to say

Hi Mark,
I would like to thank you for your article as I know it helps me to talk more to people around me. Sometimes I'd like to say something but I just don't know where to start.
Your article tells exactly what we need to say and it does make sense. It's simple, direct and clear.
Thanks a lot,
Anne

Thank you Mark

I agree with Mark also. Old school network marketing tends to be ridiculed now in some places, but the fact it is still works for many. And its easier to duplicate than some other methods.

What matters the most regardless of how people build is to take ACTION.

Interesting article...but I agree with Juanita, I joined BNI & after 9 months of ardent networking didn't make enough money to cover the joining fee...unless you possess very good sales skills, networking meetings become very hard work. It doesn't help that most people can't seem to differentiate between MLM and Pyramids, despite my efforts

you have to learn before you can do or listen to other people an

that is not the way to get leads or buy leads the just waist your money more and more......you have to meet and become friends and see if they are into what you are offreing them,,
been there done all that mark and still learnng more and more..

welcome to north carolina.........

Mark,
My family and I also relocated to NC from Orange County, Ca. I hope you like it here! I think what you're saying to do is a tactic that should still be used. Some of us are a little older than the average network marketer, and we simply didn't know anything about it when we were growing up or even going to college...did I just age myself :o. I think a natural born salesperson (personality speaking) would benefit from this method. Average Joe, who is working as a waiter might be just as interested in changing his life and future as anyone searching the internet for it. I say, whatever you're comfortable with and whatever works. I, for one, would not rule it out.

Mark is fully aware of the superiority of attraction marketing over local, warm or cold marketing. He is afterall one of Mike's mentors, as I understand it.

He is not suggesting that you can build a business with local people only. What he's saying is you can pick up an associate now and then if you just keep your eyes open for good prospects and then offer them the opportunity to look at their options. SWSWSWN.

Don't forget if it weren't for all the old traditional methods of prospecting for MLM recruits there wouldn't be 20 million or more people out there on genaology lists for us to attract.

The key is not to rely on local market prospects, but not to withhold the opportunity for someone to look at their options either. Someone gave that opportunity to every single MLMer and Ex-MLMer out there, at least for their first attempt at success.

Spence Gruendler

...another way to get local leads

Awesome post Mark...I believe as networkers we need to work in all markets not just cold leads.
Another way to get hot local leads is by posting on Craigslist to your area and driving the traffic to your website. You can also create a generic business card that you drop in various places that will attract attention and get people to opt-in at your website.

Jason DeMars

Sales Associate

Mark,

I just joined Magnetic Sponsoring through a friend of mine who is in a different MLM altogether. He told me about how his organization grew and how the resources through this site has helped him. After reading your article about local leads, I can understand how he felt. You definetly helped me create a new way of getting someone's attention to the business opportunity that I offer here on the Central Coast of California.

Thanks,

Richard

Building Locally

Hey Mark it is great to see that some people still believe in practicing some of the basics of the industry. In my 13 years as a top income earner in the industry I can say with certainty that working with a new business partner face to face will out produce long distance communication hands down. This is still after all a business of relationships and there is no way to build solid relationships faster than in person. Keep up the good work. Robert Ford Internet Marketing Training

My Comments... part 1

WOW... when I wrote this article, I hardly expected it to be
controversial.

How interesting...

All I was really advocating here is to practice alert living,
and to not close yourself off to sponsoring opportunities -
and for those who want to sponsor more, give a few tips on
how to mine your local market for some potentially great
business partners.

Todd Falcone (another trainer on this site) has on more
than one occasion prospected people at gas stations while
filling up his car and I've personally observed him prospect
in restaurants, in tax cabs and a variety of other places
we've been to. Now, why do you suppose that someone like
Todd or I teach this - not to mention do it ourselves?

Hmmm... something to think about.

And please... don't say - well, you guys might be able to
do it "at your level" but most people can't - or - that's
not duplicatable or "I could never do that."

Listen. If that's what's running through your head - time to
break out of that kind of thinking.

Todd Falcone was not always "TODD FALCONE" - he was a regular
guy (still is by the way) who had the same fears and anxieties
that we all struggle with when first starting out. Same for me.
When I met Todd - I was afraid to talk to people I didn't know.
So I grew a little (OK, a lot - LOL).. I learned to step outside
my comfort zone and not embrace limiting thinking about what I
could or could not achieve.

Anyway, as the comments started coming in on this article, I
wanted to stay "on the sidelines" a while, just to watch how
this unfolded before posting any follow-up remarks...

Now, I'm gonna kick in.

So... here goes: (some of you MAY not like what I have to
say) -- oh well. ;-)

Taking 'em in order...

Juanita: You may not like what I am saying either, but:
97% of all people can not do network marketing period.
This is a business of "3 percenters". This is why we need
to be sorting for and sponsoring into our business. There are
MANY "three percenters" right here on Magnetic - proof -
that there are still many great prospects out there.

And NO, you do not "just become a Salesman and you better
expect alot of rejection" if you prospect locally like I'm
teaching - wrong. Not by a long shot. In fact, if you
practice what I teach you experience virtually no rejection -
because WE are the ones who should be saying NO first!
(more on this in another post).

Chanoya: well said - I agree. And Jaunita is on to something when she says:
"Why not teach them how to get free quality leads from the
internet" - which is why I released my MLM Lead Factory System - (there's a
video on it in the fourth link in my profile).

Anne: you're welcome. Thank you!

... to be continued just below in "part 2"

part 2

Joanne: you are correct, action is key. And what I'm promoting here
is not so much "old school network marketing" so much as "alert living" and taking
a multi-faceted approach to building your business.

Chris: thanks. You are correct, "most people can't seem to differentiate between
MLM and Pyramids" - fortunately... we don't have to invest much time in people
like that. We're looking for open-minded people with desire. BNI prospects are
best worked from an attraction model, rather than a sales model. I'll cover this
some time in another training.

Teresa - sorry, but that's wrong. We learn by doing. You do not have to become
friends with a prospect before sponsoring them. In fact, you shouldn't. You're there
first and foremost to be a coach - and help them get to where they want to be - not
their friend.

Mary - THANK YOU! I love it here!! And I used to work in Orange County when
I was stuck in corporate America - I know it well. We took our convertible last
night, (early evening) put the top down, and drove through the country to go
to dinner, listening to Elvis on satellite radio. The whole time, we just
COULDN'T BELIEVE the scenery! A huge change from the concrete jungles
& freeways of Southern California. It was a fun time.

As for your other comments, yep, keep an open mind. You never know - "Joe"
your waiter may not have much ambition to be an entrepreneur - OR - they
might be like another waiter I once sponsored (Mike Dillard - who was a waiter
in PF Changs). Keep your eyes open, you never know what future super- star
might be waiting your table! ;-)

Spence - yep. I am a big fan of attraction marketing. I'm also aware that most
of the people who earn at my level in this industry got there through meetings
and more belly to belly approaches. Sorry, those are the facts. For myself,
I love working the cold market. That's my forte AND I think what Mike teaches
in Magnetic is awesome. I am not suggesting people go out and build there
whole business through the local market - but - I AM suggesting you keep
your eyes open for talent out there! Especially when you have someone
literally auditioning for you (as in the case of a waiter or waitress in a
restaurant you're in). I mean, that's kind of common sense, isn't it?

Jason - thank you! Well said.

Richard - glad it helped. :-)

Robert - yep, the basics of this industry are too important to ignore.
They're simply too well proven. Congratulations on all your success! It is hard to beat face - to - face.

Robert is correct, there is no way to build solid relationships faster. That being said, don't let anyone tell you it can't be done long-distance. (I had plenty of people criticize my cold-market long distance approach years ago). I proved for myself (and to others) that you CAN form solid business relationships (and even friendships) long distance.

I remember working with people for years (never having met them personally) and
then meeting them for the first time! It's pretty cool... it's how I met Todd Falcone,
Mike Dillard and many others over the years. That being said, I know an amazing
gal who built an incredibly strong multiple-six-figure income in her opportunity
with three people she sponsored who all live within 6 blocks of her home - now
how cool is that!?! It's not about how close (or far away) your prospect is - it's
about their desire, their mindset, their work ethic, & the commitment you make
with one another to take your business to the top!!

I want to thank everyone who's responded to this post - including those of you who
I've disagreed with (or who disagree with me). I try & learn something from everyone
I meet and appreciate each one of you taking the time to post your honest thoughts
and opinions... this kind of discussion only enriches the Magnetic Sponsoring community.

Wishing everyone the very best,
Mark Wieser

Great Article, but Juanita has a point. Why not go Kim Klaver?

I don't think that its a matter of choosing whether to do belly to belly OR do the internet and generate free leads OR do direct mail, etc. The fact of the matter is that each individual has a unique skill set and unique talents, abilities, and aptitudes. As PROFESSIONAL network marketers, I feel that it is our duty to learn as many proven prospecting methods as possible (and recruit others who know what we may not know how to do yet), and then offer a buffet of options to our downline and let THEM choose which method of methods make them the most comfortable and that they can get more excited about (Kim Klaver teaches this vehemently and I LOVE her for it!)

The internet might be newer and sexier, but it causes lots of people just as much if not more frustration than belly-to-belly prospecting because there are a lot of charlatans out there selling advice and a person is likely to spend lots of money and time before they realize they've been  had. And even if you use GREAT products (like Mike Dillard's), you still need to learn the skill set of an internet marketer, which can be a nightmare for those who aren't good at or don't like to write or do a lot with computers.

I think magnetic sponsoring and using internet marketing to build a network is the best thing since the protein shake. But then again, I'm a professional sales person (from Fortune 500 to boiler room) and I built a profitable online business BEFORE I tried building a downline with those skills.

So my main point here is that the internet is WONDERFUL, but let's not shun the tried and true methods so quickly. First off, they WORK if you do them correctly. Second of all, keeping them around ads a new depth and breadth to our skill set that makes us more versatile, enhances our chances of success, makes us better coaches and mentors, and truly defines us as professionals in this biz.

There are lots of fish in the sea & lots of bait to catch them!

The great thing about networking is the opportunity to be your own boss.  And being your own boss means you get to choose how you work.  Obviously, not all methods work for all people.  So, pick and choose the way you want to work, the methods you want to use.  Do what works for you, and take the money to the bank!

I love it that there are so

I love it that there are so many responses to this  blog!

I think most people feel what worked for them is the best way!

I have been exposed to different methods of generating leads my business.

I know which on I prefer, but I think I still use them all.

Marketing is Marketing.

I like personal interaction in my community just as much as I do with a person in Canada.

Thanks for all the responses to Mark's blog!

I love it!

Billy Anne Crews

re: marks post!

hi mark my name is yvonne holmes, and i just joined betternetworkers.com  i to am in the

marketing-field and i have (mike dillards) books- but i wanna get his new one next-month! but

my point is i fully agree with you, i would love to hear more on your -teachings!!!!!!! as well as

mikes you also have some good -insite, as well. also you said you relocated to northcarolina?

may i ask -where @? i use to live there-when i was around 16-yrs-old in (winston-salem)

oh man it is so beautifull -there just going -out for a drive, in the evening as the sun goes-down,

i would love to move back there again- but when winter-comes -oh "boy"   especialy- the -

thunder-storms, i remember- the lighting-stricking and the  recever-of the phone jumping off

of the phone, lighting coming down right in front of your front-door. but the best -part was

after it was all over-the beautifull-rainbow it would make!!!!!!!!!:)     i miss those-days in a way

unlike out here in california where you got -humitity-of 100-degrees or higher!!!!!!

but you got a swimming -pool- you can-jump in to.(lol) but nothing compares to being

in nortthcarolina!!!!!!!!!!  i was back there in the early (80"s)  well im gonna -go to your

site-and check-it-out! i need some tips for my e-books i have master-resell -rights to.

if you can e-mail me @ yvonneholmes66@gmail.com

i will be in here more offten- im glad -mike- sent me an e-mail this morning- about

betternetworker.com

cause untill this morning i didnt no about it!  i hope to meet a lot of friend in here.

thank-you

yvonne holmes

Great

Hi Lawrence

My two thumb up for you!

Btw what is Kim Klaver?

Who is Kim Klaver & Thoughts On This Article

Hello,

Ryan, Kim Klaver is a network marketing trainer and a very successful distributor that built a huge organization back in the mid 90's.  She was in NSA and ripped through the compensation plan faster than anyone ever did in that company at that time.

Regarding this article, Mark I think the article is excellent.  I'm sick and tired of all these networkers spouting that their specific way of building the business is the "only" way or the "best" way.  It's ridiculous. 

Lawrence hit the nail right on the head when he said "The fact of the matter is that each individual has a unique skill set and unique talents, abilities, and aptitudes."  To assume that one method of building is the "best" method for everyone is a guaranteed way to limit your income in this industry.

I personally know people who have built six figure incomes using EXCLUSIVELY the approaches that Mark shares in this article.  I'm not talking about people who did this in the 80s and the 90s.  I'm talking about people who did this between 2004 and 2008.  I have another friend who earns over $700,000 a year.  He build his business with some of these approaches as well but primarily by using business opportunity leads.  You know, the same type of leads that everybody says "doesn't work."  I know someone who built a six figure income in 18 months advertising on Google Adwords and sending them directly to their corporate replicated web site.  Then of course there are people like Mike and others who have built incredible businesses using the attraction marketing business model.

The "best" way to build the business is to use the prospecting strategies that work best for you.  However, I add with a caveat that you shouldn't limit your prospecting to only strategies that you feel comfortable using.  I got a guy on my team now that build his business primarly using social networking web sites.  However, he recently decided to get out of his comfort zone and try some of the strategies that Mark has on this article.  He just recently recruited a waiter interestingly enough and she is KILLING it right now.  He's already made over $2000 off that organization in less than 60 days.

Roosevelt Cooper

631-615-4541

http://www.Web204MLM.com

http://Web204MLM.Blogspot.Com

Great Article!

First off  I have built my business through the methods that Mark is talking about. Am just starting to learn about the internet, my thinking is the internet is just another media ( albeit more powerful than most others) to reach people.

We need to start thinking "and" as opposed to "either or". Life is not about absolute choices between methods or systems, one needs to be open minded enough to test out other methods and use the ones that work for them. The fact that you can get free leads in the internet does not mean you should not network with your next door neighbour.

Thanks All

Old vs New

Belly to belly still works in this industry.  For many many years before computers MLMers relied on talking directly with other people.  Obviously, it worked then and it still works today.  You have to be savvy when identifying potential prospects.  Example:  when you see a good movie, what do you do?  Answer:  you tell friends, co-workers etc about the movie, right?  Its the same with your product or service.  Just keep it simple.  KISS

Now with the advent of the internet we have the most powerful medium to reach other potential clients.  Guess what it works.  Social Networking sites, blogs, sites like this one to name a few.

In a nutshell, use both!!  Both are proven, both work, just find your comfort zone and go for it!

EVERYTHING WORKS!

It would be foolish to say that "only this way works"!!  Everything works some of the time.  I have been doing cold calls for over 10 years now and I have had success ... but it's not the only way.  I am learning how to use the internet now and that's exciting.  I am reading everything I can that relates to network marketing and online networking.  I am 'hungry' to succeed at this and that's the most important ingredient.  When we are willing to put our actions where our mouth is, then we see results.  I have just one thing to say on behalf of the "old way" ... meeting someone face-to-face vs. just a name or website can't be beat.  Relationships are the key and I like to make them personal.  But I'll try the 'new way', too! 

Louise

Viist:  www.youravon.com/louisesmith

Most people are sales resistant

I agree with Mark that we should not buy leads.
Buying leads does not work.

On the other hand, I disagree with approaching the local market.
95% of people are sales resistant.
They don't like to sell and they don't like to be sold.
That means that about 95% of my team are not sales people.
I don't think that they have to change who they are to be successful.
Even if I talked to strangers and I was good at it,
the vast majority of my team would not be able to duplicate what I'm doing.
It's great if some of us can start a conversation with a stranger easily.
However, the other 95% of people cannot do that.
I believe that this is one thing that has almost nothing to do with skill,
it has almost everything to do with who you are as a person.
People CAN be successful without buying leads and without talking to strangers.

There are different personality types and different ways to do business.
Just be who you are, don't change. You'll find something that works for YOU,
because you are perfect just the way you are.
People are not duplicatable, but systems are !

Daniela Riess
 

let's wake up and smell the coffee

 MLM is hard. Most of those who try the warm market fail, most who try local prospecting fail, most who try working with leads fail and most who try internet marketing fail.

The key thing is to have the right attitiude and keep trying different approaches until you find the one that works for your personality.

Magnetic sponsoring does my head in. I get frustrated by trying to 'attract' mlmers who all believe their deal is the best deal. But I have poeple in my teams when I was active who use the funded proposal approach and it worked for them. There is no such thing as a duplicatable system. I have never seen an organisation where all the 'leaders' are using the same approach.

What leaders have in common is not a system but an attitude. A leader will always find their way. What marketeres do is they 'sell' their approach and downplay other approaches. 

MLM success is not about having a great system it's about having a bunch of leaders. They will create their own path, you just need to give them the numerous options.

Thats my tupence.

DJ Sobanjo

Networking

After 6 months of reading and listening....a goal followed as if you were on a job 9-5. Consistency pays. Mike D is not one of those cunning gurus. He doesn't sell information that will bankrupt you. He is my mentor. As far as the comments about purchasing leads.....meet and greet at the places we travel daily. Compliments and asking for referrals=word of mouth.....=time spent only..

When you get a rejection, go on and say "next." One option to prevent failure. When a stumbling block appear use it as a steppingstone.

What works for Jon might not work for Bett. Every person is a different individual.

I'm one of the people who

I'm one of the people who isn't too comfortable striking up conversations with strangers although if they strike up a conversation with me I'm fine lol :)

What Mark is advocating though is a great way to initiate a contact with someone. You're offering them a valid compliment which even makes me comfortable, I'm simply saying thank you for the service someone has given and making their day / evening as pleasant as they made mine.

Moving on to the next level of Marks suggested approach, you are still not having to sell anything to the person you are prospecting. When you tell them that you are a local business owner and that you are looking for people who impress you the way that they have, you are still complimenting them, not selling anything.

If they are willing to give you their details at that point to find out more about what you do (and I would bet that most are) you are still not selling to them. It's only at the point where you drop them a line later that you begin to do that in terms of generating enough interest to get them to contact you for more.

This means that if you follow Marks outline you are still attracting and interviewing them rather than selling your business to them. I think even I can do that and I've avoided this kind of approach previously for just some of the reasons that people have previously outlined here.

Thanks Mark for the Gestalt moment. I look forward to learning more.

Warmest Regards

Debs

Great Message

 Great message Mark. I look forward to more.

Eddie Holford

Business Networking International (BNI)

I agree that BNI can be useful but let it be known that you can attend twice without joining by paying a small fee. My area it is about $10-15...they usually serve breakfast and then they go around the table and everyone gives their 30 sec commercial. Make sure you have your 30 second commercial ready!

To join, it cost about $350/year. That was a couple years ago so it may have gone up. I did not really get a lot o QUALITY leads from BNI but I did form some friendships, but I like friends that I can find for free. This was an expensive investment for the return. I suggest going to meetings...if you are a good networker and stay up with the contacts you make in 2 weeks of meetings...you will get yourself invited to other FREE networking events in your area and you won't have to spend a lot of money.

About approaching people in the restaurant...don't do this unless you are already making it, please. Haven't we learned that ATTRACTION marketing is most successful? Unless you really hit it off with your waitress, she is probably not thinking on your terms and you may appear desparate.

Last thing I have to say on this...for those of you that are still working a regular job, be careful who you share things with. If you are in a position of power, you should NOT be trying to recruit your staff! After my first failed network marketing experience, I applied for a job with a Fortune 100 company. The hiring manager was a Primerica rep on the side. He hired me under false pretenses of what the job would entail and then became hostile toward me when I would not join his opportunity...which let me back to Network Marketing but NOT with his opportunity!

Have a great day!

Lisa Landry

Have you fired your boss? Are you paying for private insurance or Cobra? Start saving money on your healthcare today! www.BestHealthPlanToday.com

great article. I agree. Thanks!

I agree with Mark on a lot of what he says. Though I use the internet, I am also using the other side of prospecting. I only had a hard time of duplication because of lack of skills, lack of self image.

Both come hand in hand when you reach a higher level. Don't make the internet as a crutch but a tool. You will still need to call people, meet people time to time.

It doesn't take much to say hello, strike a conversation but it's just some people are not confident to do so. I understand that and it's ok. But people shouldn't say its not duplicatable just because some won't put time to learn people skills, and step out of the comfort zone.

I go to BNI, I go to many meetings such as Chambers as well. It's been fruitful. People there are looking for business. They are into making money. It's not like you're in street.

Just don't start talking about your business in your job. And Hoo Haa about millionnaires while you're using a bus. Be sensible. This has not helped MLM because some join and start talking as if they are millionnaires and they are not. Then they quit and make industry look bad. Get to the top stage first and then approach people in places out in world.

So for me, its a great article and important one. I will be using the internet, and also prospecting out in world. But I love more the attraction marketing using magnetic sponsouring but won't eliminate what I did do before magnetic sponsouring. Cause it worked for me but this time, I am more wiser. I invested in knowlege and skills.

Thanks for sharing Mark.

Great Article

I completely agree with Mark on this article. What some are forgetting is that this is just one of many methods you can employ to grow your business. It also goes back to the thought of building your business locally first. With the internet many people will just build, build, build which is fine.

However, I've seen it in two different companies firsthand that those leaders who had organizations that were on fire had PBR's and local, regional meetings going on constantly and they were huge in their local area!

I saw Randy Gage do this and now I've watched Barry Donalson and others in my upline do this so to me it's a proven method. Mark calls it "Alert Living" and Barry calls it "LIfestyling" but to me it's the same thing. Don't go out to prospect, prospect while you're out, right?! I love doing it too! People who have an aversion to this, in my opinion, have a belief level challenge.

Either in the industry or their company or both. I don't have one, this is a legitimate $100+ Billion dollar industry and I am completely smitten about my company and opportunity because it's technology and when I demo out my products people get flat out excited. That's why it's easy for me to do alert living because of my belief level and I imagine that's the same for Mark and anyone else. It's your belief level. So get your BLT today... get your Belief Level Together! :)

As a matter of fact, just last week I talked to a security guard I met in a store who was sharp, a salesman at Mercedes Benz who's about to join my team, two sales people at Comcast who I met while they were prospecting for Comcast, a Cafe business owner and a Property Management business owner.

Mike D's MS was the first system I ever bought for networking! Hey Mike, did you ever read anything by John Kalench and Dan Kennedy? :) I applaud your business acumen Mike and Mark you were sharp to recognize the potential in Mike at PF Chang's... more proof to me this stuff works people!

I've attended a workshop by Big Al Schreiter, I've learned things from Tim Sales, Randy Gage, Mark Weiser, Todd Falcone (professional scripts), Dr. Joe Rubino (esteem building), Daegan Smith, Barry Donalson and C. Anthony Harris, John Kalench and other MLM authors as well as Dale Calvert and Randy Schroeder... the point is these are all champions for the industry who have had major success in it.

Dale Calvert calls these activities like alert living "games" and if you're not playing  a certain amout of lead generation games a week then you're just interested in this business, you're not involved. Over time consistent right actions and the law of large numbers will never fail you. If the internet is what you prefer great but a 7,000 or 8,000 member organization built  solely by online methods is respectable but it pales in comparison to 150,000 member organization built primarily by belly to belly. Given the choice to overide the two residually and through bonuses I choose the latter!

Keep moving upward and onward everybody!!!

Continued Success,

Richard L. Turner Jr.

510-917-0153

globaltalk247@gmail.com