Customers Are People Too

For 15 years I've purchased nutrition products from my first MLM company. How would you like to have a customer like me? Yet the last time I received a postcard or holiday card from my sponsor was 1997. Cathy and I got along great and she helped me sign a few distributors. Then she moved on to another MLM company and I decided to stay. I got a 9-5 job to pay off my maxed-out credit cards, but continued to order product to this day. Now I've decided to build a business of my own.

Every day I am exposed to dynamic leaders in the MLM industry, through training courses, attending webinars and teleseminars, downloading ebooks, watching videos, reading books and emails, and the Better Networker community. And I wonder, do top leaders acknowledge loyal customers who are not business builders?

For example, every year I receive a birthday card and holiday card from a realtor who sold my house back in 2004, and I still get a birthday card from an attorney I saw only once in 2007. Big companies like Barnes & Noble, Coldwater Creek, Pier I and L.L.Bean make special offers to their loyal customers throughout the year. Even furniture stores keep in touch with past customers! It is just smart business to acknowledge and appreciate your customers. Your customers can always choose to do business elsewhere.

Yes, of course I'll spend most of my time with business partners. However, you never know when a customer may decide years later they want to build a business. The leader sets the tone for the entire organization. If I haven't taken the time to show appreciation with greeting cards, postcards or a phone call to loyal customers, there is a good chance that my business partners won't either. Will your customers stay with you, especially with so many highly visible leaders to choose from?

As I build my downline, I know how it feels to be taken for granted and I'm keenly aware of the value of loyal repeat customers. Sponsorship is a responsibility and your downline needs to feel connected. Technology makes it possible to connect with hundreds of prospects.  But once they join your opportunity, people need that personal touch offline.  Often, a simple phone call can make all the difference between feeling like a valued team member or becoming just another number.