The Internet Biz Can be Tough

Do you know what I think the Internet is? It's only a tool that we can use to get in contact with other people! It's not a money machine, it's not a fast path to millions and it's not an easy way to earn money!

That's my opinion.

Don't get me wrong I think the Internet is a great invention and I love it, but I just don't like the new trends that marketers are starting to create.

I'm getting sick of SPAM and all the new "make a million overnight" programs that pop up everywhere! So many are marketing the "Get rich quick dream" and leading even more people into false hopes and dreams!

I have been marketing my share of programs online, and I see the same thing taking place over and over again!

You get an "early notification" in your email so you immediately send it to your list that joins under you. In your first month you are doing pretty good and roughly earning say $400 a month!

Then what happens?

Next month commission is down to $350 and the next month $300 then $250 until your check is dead and gone!

People online today sometimes completely lose focus in all the hype, smoke and mirrors and it's not even their fault! Also sometimes people tend to jump from opportunity to opportunity the second something new comes along.

I really miss a program or company one can focus on and build for years and years to come! I thought I could find it on the internet but now I have serious doubts! When dealing with electronic goods or info-products the competition is just overwhelming! Every day something new comes along and if you want to stay in the game ahead of the crowd you need to be reviewing and looking at most of these things to keep up.

Maybe that's what Internet Marketing is all about? Learning about new products and services before the crowd and then promote the heck out of it. Once that's done, you start looking for the next thing and start again?

It's a tough business.

After spending nearly 4 years doing Internet Marketing I am finding myself on a road that's splitting up in two directions. One way is going back to work and doing the same things over and over and the other way is a different way that is new and different.

WWW.Portlandsuccess.com

Traveling Across the United States

So I recently spent 12 days traveling across the US I went from Washington state to Houston Texas and back. My travels took me from Texas to New Mexico, into Arizona and Utah then back through Oregon and finally Washington. Wow what a trip!

If you have not seen the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley Arizona you are missing out! So many people travel outside of our country to see amazing sights but never take the time or energy to look at what we have right here, just outside our back door! 

Flagstaff Arizona offers an amazing nightlife, my favorite place was Collins Irish Pub, (http://www.collinsirishpub.com)with almost an artsy or New Orleans feel, Moab in Utah has some amazing food, jeep adventures, hiking, and sights to see and do. What would a trip be with out a good beer? So enter a great brewery Moab Brewery (http://www.themoabbrewery.com )  It is also a short jaunt to Canyonland (yes were they filmed the John Franco movie) and Four Corners, which is not much to see...but really a must do.

The point being...get in a car and drive across the US, learn what wonders we possess and support your local culture!

http://www.portlandsuccess.com 

Be a Better Mentor

Very often in direct sales, folks will ask "how can I help my downline?" Here are ten suggestions of ways to support your downline:

1. Prepare a series of emails that you'll send to the new person, either one per day, or one per week, depending on how much material you cover. These emails can contain any combination of the information below, or they can contain information on how to host your first party or how to get your first customer.

2. Send a list of phone numbers. Include your phone number, your uplines phone number and the phone numbers to the various departments at your company.

3. Send a list of links to the company, where to order, where to view downline information, where to view personal monthly sales, and where to read about the compensation plan.

4. In addition to all of the prepared emails and prepared literature, either call or email your new recruit at least once a week for the first month.

5. Most companies offer many support materials. Send a list of what is available and what each of the products are.

6. Create a Yahoo Group, or a team website with message boards where you can communicate with your group on a regular basis. This website or group will be available to not only those you sponsor, but also the folks they in turn sponsor. This creates an overall strong group connection with everyone learning and sharing together.

7. Make sure you establish a relationship with the downline of your first level recruits. You never know when your first level person might quit, or might become inactive and you don't want to lose their downline as well. Establishing a relationship with those in your 2nd level, 3rd level etc, helps to ensure everyone's overall success.

8. Offer incentives to your entire group. One time offer a prize to the top seller. Another time offer a prize to the person who sponsors the most during the contest time. I know some folks who have offered prizes like a fax machine. Other prizes might be sample products, or full size demo products. You might offer a business book, or any other tools that will help your downline increase and build their business. Incentives can be a month long or even a quarter long. I know a few times, I've received plaques and awards for year long overall sales or sponsoring.

9. Either through a newsletter or through your team website or Yahoo Group, offer articles relevant to your company or product line. Invest the time to find articles that will be beneficial to your team members.

10. Recognize birthdays. Everyone loves to be told "Happy Birthday". Make a point of sending a card or small gift to your downline on their birthday. Small gifts would be more appropriate for top achievers, while cards are more appropriate for the rest of your group.

By following these suggestions, you'll contribute to building a strong, solid team.

www.TheAmericanElite.com