Online Business Know-How Has Grown Up! Have you? by Bobbette Madonna copyright 2003 The roots of multilevel marketing are intertwined with those of the Amway Corporation and its Nutrilite product line. The Nutrilite concept is said to have originated during the early 1930s in the mind of Carl Rehnborg, an American businessman who lived in China from 1917 to 1927. Read more about this here: http://www.mlmwatch.org/01General/mlmstart.html Are you getting tons of biz ops promising tons of money in a short time with little effort? Me, too. When you get that "gut" feeling that something just isn't right with a biz op, what do you usually do? *Think about it for a second and with visions of dollars - sign up anyway. *Get really curious and fret all day and wonder if you should get in "that one". *Shoot off an email and ask about what it is all about. *Think you are nuts and it's all in your head. Won't work anyway. *Decide you don't want to spend any more money and let it nag in the back of your mind. *Figure you need the money so you can forgo a few principles and join yet another one. I know tons of people and the above scenarios fit one or the other of them. I'll tell you what I do at the end of this article. You've heard the expression - different strokes for different folks. Well, yes, but what happens when you get struck with the stroke? Who's principles are you living by, anyway? What is your "principled standard of business conduct?" In your hometown, how many brick and mortar business owners would stay in business if they practiced shoddy, dishonest and scam tactics to sell products and services? Right, none! Think about this! When you join an online business opportunity - would you join it if it didn't have the "money making plan" attached? Would you WANT that product or service? Right, no! Don't take this wrong. I know there are products and services you would want and buy and I'm sure you do, we all do. My question was - would you sign up for the program and buy the product and/or service IF there was not a money making opportunity involved? Think about it. Is that why you joined - the money - not the "thing" they are pushing. What are you REALLY joining and buying? How many programs have you joined in the last 6 months trying to make money? How many of those ventures failed? How much money have you lost? How many more will you try? Are you getting the picture here? How many programs have you investigated? Who owns that program? What the heck are you doing? Are you practicing "Business Ethics and Principles?" Isn't it about time you do? You need to get it together. If you can't come up with your own business and must try an affiliate program, investigate it thoroughly and devise a plan with an advertising budget. Spend a set amount of time working your business without interruptions. Use the phone and call your contacts. Ask questions of those you trust. Collect your intellect and work smart. Here are some proven habits, goals and guides for success. I agree with what Bill Thomas has to say in this no nonsense article - Responsiveness - located here: http://www.howtoadvice.com/Responsiveness - No one likes to be ignored, especially your customers. If your business principles are lacking in customer service and all you are looking for is the ring of the cash register (or the filling of your bank PayPal account) You're not going to make it. Responsiveness is critical in any business and especially in your online business. We get that telling "gut" feeling ... *When we receive an email guaranteeing quick financial success. *When we only have to recruit 3 people to get an income for life. *Getting an automated system that will make us millions without doing anything. *When in just a few hours a week will bring us a fantastic amount of money. *When this "guru" and that "guru" "guarantee" us that they can show us how to do what they have done. *When they guarantee us a downline as soon as we sign up for just $39.95 a month and do it NOW. Important distinctions in MLM: Multilevel companies that are based on profits from recruiting rather than retailing should be regarded as pyramid schemes or "recruiting MLMs." This writer describes five ways to distinguish them from "retail MLMs" in which the company pays generously for retailing products without recruiting a large downline. "Recruiting MLMs" typically display five features - read them here: http://www.mlmwatch.org/01General/recruiting.html Here's a few good business practices that will make for continued success: *Keep in touch with past customers, they are gold. *Avoid cutting prices. If you can charge $25 one month, would they pay $45 the next. *When budget cutting, don't cut staff, advertising or customer service. Try cutting your lifestyle excesses. *Don't skimp on customer satisfaction - quality and quantity - you'll lose repeat business. *Never appear desperate - Stay positive and optimistic - everyone loves a happy soul. *Warm contacts are a whole lot easier to call than strangers - develop lots of them. Be confident and keep learning... But be honest with yourself and ask if you are doing the above activities on a regular basis. If you're not, it's no mystery why you're not getting orders and the phone isn't ringing off the hook. So, what do I do when I get that "gut" feeling that something is wrong? Yes, you guessed it. I shoot off an email to the person who owns the business I have doubts about. And, I investigate the matter until I'm satisfied. I call and talk to those involved and get to the bottom line. I do this after I have signed up, too. When in doubt, take action. Never let things fester as that causes collateral damage. What are your business ethics? Don't be scattered about this. Write them down on a sticky note and put it on your computer right in front of your eyes. Hang it on the wall. Operate from your list. Add and delete from your list until you get it right. Keep yourself balanced and clam. Be creative, decisive, committed and honorable. Decide on a course of action and live up to it. Business owner - know thyself. Running a business is much more than a job. It's a way of life. There is no room for lukewarm enthusiasm. You must have a whole-hearted desire to win and have a plan as to how to achieve your goals. If MLM is your forte, go for it however, don't get struck with the stroke! Don't believe all you read. Investigate and keep aware of how the business you are involved in is doing. You are ultimately responsible for your actions. No one can MAKE you do anything. If you get burnt once it's their fault, twice it's your fault. You're the boss and the captain of your ship. Take control and run it wisely. ================================== About the Author: Bobbette Madonna publishes LOGON NewZine and the Guerrilla Marketing Resource Center. Also, she is the owner of http://niba4u.com - a spam watch site and is a partner for the fight against unfair termination of service at http://spamattorney.biz The main subscription and marketing site is located here: http://logonnewzine.com