Distributor
Replicating Web Sites
The
Electronic Business Card
by
MLM Consultant Michael L. Sheffield
MLM and Direct Sales Expert
Technology is rapidly changing the world today and most of us involved In Multi-Level Marketing MLM don't seem to be able to keep up. But many progressive MLM companies are embracing these technologies to directly enhance and accelerate, the growth potential of their distributors. In the past, the product and /or the compensation plan was the key to corporate and distributor success stories. Today the design of the company's marketing and support systems combining new technologies to enhance the duplication efforts of the independent distributor is providing an opportunity to build distributor organizations on a national or even worldwide scale right from their own home office.
One of the most exciting new support tools for your distributors is the "replicating Web site." It is the latest in a growing list of Internet support tools being provided by most modern MLM companies.
How It Works. First, the company develops a corporate Web site that contains the company story, product information, compensation plan strategy, and enrollment forms. An Internet opportunity surfer can make a decision to purchase a product or join the company while online, and complete the entire transaction without ever talking to a live person. However, MLM companies understand that allowing new recruits to come directly to the company while bypassing the distributor would violate basic MLM philosophy of not competing with their own members.
Second, each distributor is offered his or her own personal Web site address linked directly to the company's more robust Web site. This is just like passing out a brochure with his or her name and phone number attached. By directing prospects to the distributor's personal Web site, prospects may link to the company site. This creates a technological relationship that can be recognized by the company for its distributor's benefit should the prospect decide to buy product or join the company. The distributor is then notified of an inquiry or an actual transaction so he or she can make contact for further support. A growing number of companies have now created e-commerce malls where many products are available. If the distributor can entice someone to visit his or her personal Web site, that prospect might just shop online with the company, earning the distributor and the company a commission.
It is important to note that a replicating Web site is controlled by the company and your distributors have little control on content. However, look at it as a sophisticated information package that your distributors can give away for free and you will understand what a tremendous asset this is to helping them build their business success.
Advantages of Technology. Now it is possible for independent distributors to build a significant organization without ever setting foot from their home. In fact, one top distributor I know in Ohio has over 10,000 in her downline. She has never attended a company meeting, and never met her distributors in person with the few exceptions of those who journey to see her. How is this possible? It seems that companies poised for accelerated growth have a few things in common. They make it easier to communicate the opportunity message through long-distance sponsoring, educating and mentoring using modern technologies. These companies look for volume in distributor numbers as well as product sales ... and they get it!
Of course, technology cannot replace person-to-person communications. People still do business with people, and the more you embrace technology, the harder you should work at building personal relationships with your customers. Many companies are recognizing these opportunities and rushing to be among the first to market. Others are watching intently and will soon follow, if only for the need to stay competitive. Your company's attitude toward technology will impact your future earning power. As I have said many times about the MLM business, "Lead, follow or get out of the way!"
Michael L. Sheffield is the CEO of Sheffield Resource Network, a full-service direct sales and multi level marketing (MLM) consulting firm. He is a Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Multi Level Marketing International Association and in 2001 he was inducted into the MLMIA Hall of Fame. As an MLM Consultant, he and the Sheffield team have assisted in hundreds of national and international MLM corporate start-ups as well as offered a full line of services for established direct sales companies. As the most noted expert on compensation plans, he has been a guest lecturer on the subject for the DSA, University of Illinois, University of Texas, Berkeley and Harvard Alumni Association. Long considered the industry's top MLM Consultant , Michael Sheffield has helped launch over 500 new companies and 200 new products marketed by direct selling companies around the globe. He can be contacted at 480-968-6199, Sheffield Resource Network, 2239 N. Hayden Road, Suite 103, Scottsdale, AZ. 85257, website address: www.sheffieldnet.com.
