Lead Generation beyond our current circle of influence can be very limited for the average Joe. In this article, network marketer Maybelle Campo, gives an overview of how to focus on a specific target market and then the keys to generating new leads through friendship farming.
Much has been written on the internet about how we should refrain from harassing our friends and family members into joining our MLM opportunity. With the proliferation of network marketing companies and the average networker’s failed track record, relying on our current relations would be an exercise in futility. Our credibility can already be shot and it is a waste of energy to try and pressure our current audience into believing that this time it is going to be different. It is necessary therefore that we look for other sources of prospecting leads. Since there are constraints on our choice of who can be our family members, the field is wide open for developing new friends.
Target Market
I have found it very important at the outset of my recruiting campaign to first of all define your target market. Strange as it may seem to many people, it does work to have in your mind a clear picture of the kind of recruits you want to bring into your organization. For example, my ideal recruit would be a center of influence type of person, be self motivated and ambitious, highly principled and already has some degree of success in whatever field he or she is in right now. That is not to say the we qualify some of our connections out of our list because they do not fit in to our Target Market. As they say, it is not who you know, it is who they know.
Plan of Action
Once a vivid picture of our Dream Recruit has been etched into our minds, it is now time to set an Action Plan in written form on how we are to conduct our lead generation blitz. For my recruit who is on a tight budget and very little time, I recommend a. the classic prospect list of family, friends and foe, b. the three way call with the sponsor or trainer, c. video drop, d. a private business launch which brings us to my favorite and least expensive form of lead generation e. Friendship Farming.
Friendship Farming
Based on the typical weekly activity of my new recruit, we try to build a program of activity that will generate at least 5 new names a week. Here are two of the most important and effective tips in developing spontaneous friendships in the field.
Make it a habit to look discretely at a person’s name tag if any and mention it when you say please or thank you. Try it. It never fails to elicit a smile and or some form of appreciation. You have 25% better chance of gaining a friend if you speak his or her name.
Networkers who are passionate about their new opportunity get so excited to tell their prospect about it. But remember, your goal is to make a new friend and the recruit will follow. Keep in mind that the most important subject for a prospect is his own story not yours. If the prospect has time, try to engage him or her in a light conversation about his/her family, his/her interest and finally, my favorite step is commenting how lucky they are that they are working in their particular jobs. Inevitably, they end up giving you a sob story of how they either hate their jobs or they are not making enough money on it. There is your cue. Make sure you get their names, contact info and thank them sincerely for taking time to converse with you. You now have a friend possibly for life.
