Some people get into network marketing to earn a little extra money on the side. But a lot of us don’t want that side hustle. We want to develop a sustainable business that gives us the time and financial freedom we’ve always craved. So how can we grow beyond the extra pennies and take our business full time?
If you’re ready to grow your business and generate a full time income, the first step is to make a plan. We can’t suddenly expect things to change without making a conscious effort to change them.
Set Yourself Goals and Intentions
How much money do you need to make to live solely off your business? When you do want to take your business full time? You should put a date on all of your goals, so you can track your progress and reassess them when necessary. For example: I need to earn £1500 a month, by September 2018.
Once you’ve established what you need to earn, it’s time to decide what you want to earn. Using the above example, you need to earn £1500 to take your business full time by September 2018. This is your initial goal. But we can follow on with, I want to earn £10,000 a month by January 2019.
Decide on clear, specific goals and write them down.
Once you have your goals, it’s time to plan how you’ll reach them. Break it down. If you need to earn £1500 a month, how much will come from personal efforts? How much will be residual income, from your downline efforts? Take a good look at your marketing plan and get clear on your personal bonuses, as well as those that come from your downline volume. Some companies even provide simulation software, that allows you to map out a theoretical downline, to see where your profits will come from.
The best way to earn a residual income, in network marketing, is to build a strong organisation. Focus not only on recruiting, but on developing your leaders. Share your knowledge with them and help them to achieve and maintain new levels.
Find a Mentor
As a network marketer, you’re working for yourself, but never by yourself. It’s important that you have people around you who will support your efforts and understand the skills and mindset required to succeed. If your direct upline doesn’t provide the support you need, look higher in the organisation, or to your sidelines.
You might also find that you discover a mentor from afar. Someone that you don’t have a personal relationship with, but that you follow, develop and learn from. Look to people such as Tom Schreiter, Frazer Brookes and Ray Higdon. These are people you may never meet, but probably feel as though you get to know them by following their work. They may even influence the way you build your business.
Develop a Professional Skillset
You’ve probably heard the phrase, learners are earners. Personal development might seem like a cliche for network marketers, but it is something that I – and many others – believe is so important.
A professional skillset equals a professional income.
Dedicate some time every day to learning new skills. The more you learn, the more you’ll be able to develop the strategies you use to build your business. Focus on marketing, sales, social media and business strategies.
Make sure that you implement your new skills into your everyday work. There’s no point in taking on a load of new information if you don’t use it. Play around with different techniques until you find what works for you. You can also share your newfound knowledge with your downline, enabling them to build their own organisations in a timely and effective manner.
Work on Your Mindset
Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough? That you just don’t know what you’re doing? We’ve all been there. But, if you let these negative thoughts take up space in your mind, you can never expect to take your business full time. Instead, identify the gaps in your knowledge. Take the time to consider the things that you don’t know how to do yet and seek out additional training.
A positive morning routine can greatly affect your mindset for the rest of the day. Start the day as you mean to go on, and all that. Use affirmations, visualisation and take the time to think about all the things you are grateful for. Have a look at Hal Elrod’s Life SAVERS to get you going.
Stay Active on Social Media
Social media plays a huge part in business development in the 21st century. Network marketing is all about getting to know new people and discover the ways that you can help them.
Your Cold Market is Your Gold Market
Staying active on social media is important to taking your business full time. After all, this is the way that most people connect with new audiences. Use your platforms as a tool to provide value and create intrigue. Make people want to work with you. Telling your story is a great way to create FOMO. Show people what they’re missing by not getting involved in one of the largest growing industries in the world.
Did you know that, on average, it takes 16 impressions before someone actually notices you? Remaining active means that you’re always on people’s minds. Your consistent, valuable content will make them take notice.
Be Dedicated and Consistent
If you’re serious about building a business, you have to be dedicated. Be prepared to work hard and remain consistent in your efforts. You’re not only building a business; you’re building a life. Decide what you want and go get it.