Negative Internet Content Hurting Your MLM Business?
Read More: You complete a great presentation for your opportunity; your prospect is absolutely excited about the possibilities and has a few more questions that you promptly handle. After taking each concern apart one by one, the prospect may say something to the affect of “I’m in, but I just need to (______) first and then I will enroll.
At this point we are taught to handle several objections, pursue closing, have them continue to fill out the contact information of the application regardless, etc. The fact of the matter is, in many cases, the prospect will not be enrolling at that moment and even to the best ‘closers’ this is just a part of the business.
What happens next?
The next day, this prospect of yours, whom was absolutely excited and on the verge of joining you in your business has a change of heart, or in many cases avoids any further contact with you.
What happened within 24 hours that completely changed the landscape of this agreement? How does volcano chill into an iceberg in such a short amount of time?
Two words: GOOGLE Search.
- A "Researcher's" (AKA: Skeptics) Best Friend
When one develops a strange rash on their arm, you can Google several articles and be connected with people that have shared similar incidents. When one is interested in purchasing a new car, Google is the answer to be directly connected with reviews and ratings of a particular model.
I’m a huge fan of movies, I love going to the theatre. However, (and my friends know this about me) I'll only spend money on those films that receive decent reviews and ratings… why? Because movies are getting more expensive and after a diet soda, popcorn and a few tickets, I’m now looking at a $30 evening and a 2-3 hour commitment, so needless to say, I value my time!
You now have a prospect on the verge of investing $200-$2000, a lifelong commitment of intention and belief, their personal integrity of their name, and the most important commodity of all: time. What do you think they are going to do? Not to mention they may have never experienced the idea of independent business or having to “pay” to begin a “job” or “opportunity.”
Your damn right they’re going to Google it and what are they going to find!?
Well, they'll most likely find the corporate site, some extended Press Releases and commercials, and what else? This will also be joined by a variety of negative headlines dealing with terms such as “scam,” “pyramid,” “fraud,” “lawsuit,” etc.
Like a lighter to the wick of a skeptic-bomb, this will typically infuse a wild goose-chase of one article or blog to the next, sometimes coming in contact with court documents, to explicit forum posts and arguments, to those whom dedicated a website / hub with the main purpose is blogging about “fraud discovery” etc.
By now the inundation of all this negativity has your prospects heart racing and at that moment may consider you a “scam artist” and or even “fooled” yourself.
- With A Few Simple Searches You Can Go From A Potential Business Partner To A Scam Artist In The Mind Of A Prospect
...The last thing on their mind is filling out an application with their social security number and credit card information.
Does this resonate with you? Can you relate to this situation? Have you sometimes wondered why a prospect gives you objections such as, " I just don't think this is for me," or "I need to do some more research." What they're really saying is, "leave me the heck alone, I've found some shady stuff on the net about your "opportunity"!
Friends, if you've been in this business long enough, you will inevitably deal with this situation. Or worse, you will have new downline that have never dealt personally with (NIAS) Negative Internet Article Syndrome, but due to one of their prospects dealing with it, they too are now affected and come crying to you or questioning you. I know I did.
(By the way, yes I tend to make up my own acronyms (NIAS), bare with me.)
Friends, the Internet is our best friend, and in many ways our worst enemy. I’m not here to defend every company, I really can't. However, I know that there is no such thing as a perfect company and no industry is perfect.
We must be mindful that popular corporations such as Macintosh, Ford, TWA, McDonald's, etc. deal with lawsuits on a daily basis… even more for publicly-traded companies whom are forced to deal with public interests in the profit success / failure game. People are trying to make money with the rise and fall of any company on the New York Stock Exchange and many of these companies deal with short sellers (those that invest and make money when a stock plunges). Network Marketing companies make great targets for these crooks.
Make no mistake, we are in an industry that has very little, if any, public relations department. In other words, it is up the individual network marketer, the independent distributor to be equipped to handle these situations.
When negative articles and lawsuits are birthed, if the allegations are serious enough, a good company should always address their distributorship with email from a high level representative and/or through select leaders and onto their downline, eventually getting to everyone.
If your company does not, call them and ask to speak with someone in a position of information, after all, your name is on the line as much as theirs.
Moving ahead, the best way to handle these types of situations is to understand them yourself. Here is a list that may help you to better understand, thus be able to communicate to your own downline regarding this subject and situation.
- There is little to no protection for MLM companies to the public. Only a select amount of MLM companies use traditional advertising, thus media outlets don’t feel obligated to protect them once something negative arises to the surface.
Example:If there is a product review for a new cell phones in a magazine and it requires the publication to review a Samsung product, if Samsung happens to advertise in the issue, most likely the editor will avoid an unfavorable product conclusion as Samsung is a paying advertiser. This means when your MLM company is faced with a negative article, lawsuit, etc. the media has no obligation to protect it, thus they not only will publish the negative news, they'll share the news with other outlets.
Remember that your commissions are taking the place of the any budget that the company would utilize in traditional means of advertising such as television commercials, billboards, celebrities, magazines, etc. Hence the term "word-of-mouth" distribution, get it?
-Understand that the term Pyramid is a perception and not information.
Example: In other words, when trying to identify a brand new color, one may use other colors to help describe what one is looking at. “It looks a little bluish, green, etc.” When a compensation plan is explained, the form of leverage is very unique and unfamiliar with many, so they will perceive it as, “it looks a little like a pyramid, or scam etc.” Again when it comes to this subject the media is as guilty as a non-journalist. Truth is very few people can explain what a 'pyramid scheme' actually is.
-AVOID searching these allegations on your own!
Trying to dive into negative articles on your own for “research” is a waste of time and will give relevance to many of those negative articles. Thus, search engines will begin to place that information closer to the front pages of Google. Involving yourselves in forum discussion(s) is all the same and produces relevance to the subject. This is what these publishers want you to do! Talk about shooting yourself in the foot! Ignore it, focus on building your business and move on!
-The majority of the negative article publishers and form administrators are just another form of a “disgruntled employee.” This is their way of going “postal.”
They didn't find their own success, they've become jealous of others, and have many of their own personal insecurities, this actually leads to many of them attacking health product companies.
These “authors” will use many "half-truths" and circumvent their own propaganda with their writings.
Example:XYZ company claims to produce high quality nutritional products and uses “Dr. Steve’s” journal to substantiate their claims of potency (true), however it is known that Dr. Steve is a secret employee of XYZ (false). But the beginning knowledge of this journal, makes people believe the entire statement to be true. Half-truth philosophy is incredibly persuasive to the recreational prospect.
-Remember that people make emotional decisions and justify them with logic.
In other words, it’s much easier to explain this information with an enrolled distributor whom will fight to understand than an uncommitted prospect whose skepticism will typically always win. So yes, I'm saying it ... get better at closing on the spot!
Friends, having to deal with these types of objections can be tiresome and fighting the World Wide Web can be a real drag in this business. This is all the more reasons why I do utilize the Internet to market my business as these “skeptics” and “weak” prospects are not worth my time.
I recommend utilizing Tim Sales’ “First Class MLM” which is considered our industry’s closest thing to a Public Relations firm. Mr. Sales was recently interviewed by Larry King regarding MLM at a private convention. http://firstclassmlm.com I have sent many confused prospects to his site.
- MLM Public Relations Expert Tim Sales Explaining To Larry King The Misconceptions Of Network Marketing
I’m realizing I've only skimmed the surface on this issue of negative Internet article searches and how it affects your business. This issue is ongoing and it is absolutely important for you to understand, in order to negate its effect on you and your business.
I will have to return with a Part II on this very subject.
In order to supplement your prospecting and business growth, you must utilize the Internet to generate quality leads for you. If you're like me, you may begin to feel how much time you have wasted in prospecting and presenting to those whom ultimately let the Internet and their own skepticism rob you of your valuable time, not to mention the emotional set back each situation creates.
I'd like to hear from you on how and your business may have been affected by negative search results regarding your opportunity. Please comment below to share your own stories and how it has may have affected your business.
To Your Success,
About the Author: Soomin Kim
Company: Soomin-Kim
I'm a Distributor For:: None
Industry: MLM
Primary Web Site: http://www.soomin-kim.com
First Class Network Marketers
It's a great help to post a link to firstclassmlm.com. I have checked it out and it's a great resource to send prospects to if they want to learn what network marketing is really all about.
That's the kind of people we look for, people who understand where network marketing is going. There are so many people looking to join MLM and network marketing that they are tapping into the information age before they buy into a home business.
Negativity will never stop the flow of new network marketers who want to learn more about a home business and that is our target market. That's the way attraction marketing works...attract our target market with information and proven ways to build a better life for people looking for it.
Great article Soomin!
Rick Salas
really nice post, just wish
really nice post, just wish you to check out timberland boots uk, like timberlands uk.
Thanks Rick
Yes, I believe Tim Sales is someone that really understands his role in this industry. He is needed for the traditional as well as the internet marketer as well. I believe that many prospects will deal with the influx of negative articles online and to have articles that discuss them will only help neutralize their negative influence.
With that being said you are right... esecially today, more and more people can't AFFORD to be skeptical any longer!
Stay connected Rick!
-Soomin
Thanks
Yes I am sure we have all been in the position you describe ...and do not enjoy it ...we allways use the attraction process when we can
Thank you for your tips and for sharing ...will use them
Have also connected with Tim Sales
Have a great day
The SCAM SCAM
Thanks for your article - it is very important as so many people believe that anything on Google is the truth. It is unfortunate that some MLM'ers build their business on tearing down other's. Most of us are working hard to build our businesses on a strong foundation and with integrity. We need to educate people considering a business that many of those SCAM articles are SCAM's themselves.
Very good advise
What is so frustrating is when people who have NO connection to a company or its product tell people to stay away from it simply because it sounds like a scam even though they have done no research and they are talking in complete ignorance.
An interesting marketing idea has come from this though. Some people create scam alert type of web sites to draw people in but then end up trying to sell them what they were investigating as a scam. A particular berry comes to mind. Does this type of advertising work?
... so true Anne
Thanks Anne... one could look at using the word "SCAM" as a great business move in order to feed off the natural skepticsm of prospects, but it really is a selfish act as it ultimately hurts the industry rather than help. There's nothing worse than having your prospect excited at one point, only to be utterly confused off someone else's chap campaign...
I believe you and everyone on this B.N. network are interested in helping the cause for the greater good, I'm happy to be a part of the solution.
thanks
Hi Adrienne-
Tim Sales is a an Excellent tool for all of us. But you are also correct that it's these obstacles why Attraction Marketing is so ...well... "Attractive!"
Thank Steve...
Steve I agree completely ... it is frustrating but the majority of people that are "E" Employee-minded have been that way for years... so when their friend approaches them to discuss an "alternative" means to make extra money etc... they not only label it a scam (without any knowledge or research) they hope it is. There is no worse feeling than knowing that others are making it happen outside of a 9-5... here is the were it gets worse... they go online to do some "research" to prove thier theory true and see several negative articles that they immediately forward to your interested prosepct... You see how this issue continues to be very perpetual?
As far as using "SCAM" as a means of advertising an opportunity, I believe that many online marketers use it for almost every company...and it may work, but it does not last. You see EVERYTHING in MLM is duplication really... and imagine enrolling into an opportunity through a "scam" ad... you think to yourself... "we'll it worked on me, so does that mean I need a scam ad as well?" It never sets up the new associate or individual for proper success and just adds to the confusion of what they are trying to do... there may be some sign-ups but duplication? Forget it... it's really not right and again leads to a very negative perception of how this business should be run.
really boots?
?
Some Companies Are On Top of the Situation
Obviously, this has been a big concern for most people involved. My upline took the matter up with corporate and found that they were handling the matter proactively. Here is the response she got from one of the VPs (I took out references to the company, but you can contact me via my profile if you are interested in finding out more):
We agree with the search engine issues and have been working diligently to try and fix it. This time last year [the corporate website] was not included in the search results. Since that time we have raised it to number one no matter the search engine. And our social media campaign has had several sites that have been making there way towards the first page and we are confident that we will get there.
Of the 10 Spots on Google Page one when you search for “[name of company]”
· The Top 2 items are [the corporate website]
· The top advertising position is ours (we are only allowed one advertising spot and cannot do anything about the other advertisers)
· 3 Sites are unrelated to our company
· 3 websites provide a forum for people to discuss their options and both positive and negative opinions exist on these pages
· The remaining 2 sites are blogs that states opinions but have an area for comments where there are positive comments about the company
Of the 10 Spots on Bing Page one when you search for “[name of company]”
· We control 4 of the 10 pages
· We have number one spot
· 2 sites are unrelated to our company
· 2 provide a forum for people to discuss their options and both positive and negative opinions exist on these pages
· 1 site is a blog that states opinions but have an area for comments where there are positive comments about the company
· 1 site is using the [company] name to sell their own product.
Please be assured our strategy is working as you can see. Thanks for your concern!
great background - now what to do?
soomin,
this is a great background piece. as a leader, it seems the next step is to go on offense instead of playing defense.
rana's company gets it. we need to start making an effort to put out positive information and start cross linking each other to get our information ranked. if we don't, we all suffer.
Positive Information Will Lead The Way...
Great information Soomin!! Let's continue to educate the public and ourselves POSITIVELY....there is no better defense!
It's Like Cancer
Soomin, I know exactly what you are talking about. Having been in this industry for more than 10 years now I've had my share of negativity from both prospects and team members.
Skeptic prospects are one thing, but when your own team members are starting to feed you negative info about your company that is like cancer. It eats away on your believes, your trust, your dreams, and eventually your spirit dies and you can't build a business with that company anymore.
It's About Credibility and Trust
Great article, Soomin. I usually Google everything before making an on-line purchase. If I already know the company is reputable, a few negative responses won't deter me.
This issue confirms the importance of getting educated and learning effective attraction marketing skills. When your potential customer works their way through your marketing funnel and finally gets to the consultation offer, you have already built credibility and trust, otherwise they wouldn't still be on your site. When the consultation is requested, you now have a qualified prospect - the best kind!
Great Article, Thanks Soomin
I see this everyday, and these "half truths" are really start to agrivate me. What is even more bothersome to me is the fact that other MLM'ers are writing articles about other companies only to promote themselves. There are days when I feel like just letting them have a piece of my mind, but you are right, we need to try and ignore this as if we engage them, we are drawing more attention to it. Thanks for reminding me of this fact. I look forward to reading part two.
Cheers, Mark
More Negative People .. It's Part Of The Business!
Negativity among people will always be abounding no matter what business. In MLM, it exists a great deal! That's why, networkers have to develop great skills that allows them to earn the credibility of their contacts. Certainly, being able to close them at the first point of contact is a great help. And if contacts are more resourceful, they'll know the big difference between a real scam versus a manufactured scam!
Thanks for your post!
Negative Articles are often "Scams" themselves
Great article which covers the subject very well.
Just like how in the past, people have believed everything they read in the newspaper, people have begun to believe everything that comes up in a Google Search. And when there is conflicting information, they believe the negative stuff first. Human nature.
It is important to be cognizant of the fact that a small minority of network marketers "can" one opportunity to build up their own competitive opportunity. The large majority of us are authentic and do not engage in this deceit, however the small minority make a loud noise. Somehow, we need to find a way to let it be known to prospects that most posts they find on a Google Search, labeling something as flawed, are indeed flawed themselves, being based on untruths.
Rana- That is great that
Rana-
That is great that companies such as the one you disucssed above are pro active. You know a few years ago at a International Convention for the company that I am a part of (200K+ distributor company) I actually walked to the president while he was taking pictures with people and asked him "what are you going to do about the first page of Google!" haha... he looked me in the face and told me he understood my concern and that they are working 24/7 on that! Thanks for your insight!
In response to Scott
Scott you have the right attitude... but here again is the issue... you can have 100 positive articles of an opportunity or company and that is great... but a prospect is usually drawn to that ONE negative article and that is where the "goosechase" begins, especially if it is a message board that he/she comes across. as mentioned in the my article the best thing to do is to NOT CLICK on any of that info. or try and rebuttel posts on a message board... it will only gain more relevance. I realize I'm not necessarily giving a solution at the moment, but maybe professional content might be in order... because many skeptics will claim "cult-like" mentality when content is strictly in celebration... so yes absolutley positive, but back it up with statistics, facts, etc. I love statistics on retirement, and percentage of people not happy at work in their jobs, % of students that use their degree etc. those are all pro-independent home business. I hope that makes sense!
Education is Key! thanks Nicole
Right on! I always tell my skeptical prospects that "Pyramid" is mainly used as a "description" to something that people don't understand rather than "information." So I love informing them the what it really is and why THIS is not it! Informaion and education will open eyes always!
IIka - I completely understand.
Cancer is a perfect description of what we are dealing with regarding this issue. As far as your team members go, (if you're in the position to do so) or have an upline, but isolate them and have a discussion/meeting. That is the LAST thing you want happening because your team is your main powersource...nothing will kill the spirit like negativity within an organization. Thanks for sharing! My advice is that if it gets difficult, DON'T QUIT... always look for options, even if it means looking into different opportunities.
Nancy... Attraction Marketing Is A Safe Route
One of the many draws of Attraction Marketing and learning the internet forms of MLM is that you don't really deal with the normal objections... because most of the time you are dealing with networkers that have already concluded the potential of network marketing.... come to think about it... i have never gotten a scam or pyramid objection from my funnel systems and contacts!
Mark: Half Truths are most Dangerous!
Mark... half truths are dangerous in the fact that the reader thinks in their mind "well i know that to be true" and then immediately accepts the writer as fair and balanced and then wham they slip in their false content and it's readily accepted! Sneaky and Dangerous... many of the worlds powerful religious cults started by this very method of message!
Thanks Dolores
Hi Dolores... your post shares the sentiment that people are really buying YOU above anything else... TRUE. Also, its so important to close the deal when you can... a great quote from Mike Dillard: "People make emotional decisions and justify them with logic." ... if you can close someone right away.. regardless of what they read they will naturally justify their decision!
great Insight Ian
You know what do is that when I discuss an opportunity with someone, I do mention the fact that these companies are saving their money to essentially pay YOU and not spend it on advertising or PR, etc. So that makes us the P.R for the company and there is always some obstacles in that,(i mention that they'll be some online as well) but there is also great reward....$$$. So I like to almost prep them for that so when they do see something it isn't a shock... its almost like... "oh here it is, Soomin mentioned I'd see something like this haha!" But yes it just goes back on how WE as networkers decide to communicate with our prospects... it seems like you are very intelligent on how you handle yours Ian, thanks for commenting.
This shines the light why excited prospects go awall
This was a great post, and it really explained why so many prospects that seem excited about your opportunity suddenly become unreachable or just change their minds. The funny thing is that a lot of the content out there is by other marketers with competing products are writing these types of articles because they want to get the business. Its something that goes on a lot in politics and even in traditional advertising.
Unfortunately for the honest marketer negative advertising can be lethal tactics because people by nature are drawn to negative new and believe it.
I guess the only way to guard yourself if to get yourself heard without hype and with full blunt honesty when marketing. That way you'll attract the right type of prospects that respect the honesty....now that's a quality prospect!
Thanks again its a great article :)
Your Right Justyna
It's unfortunate that many other marketers are able to gain a prospects attention with "scam-paigning," however I believe the most quality of prospects will (hopefully)be able to move past that. You're right that is a QUALITY prospect. I am on the same page as you... No-Hype + Blunt Honesty! Thanks Justyna.