I frequently read posts suggesting that network marketing Internet business owners should be focused in their endeavor. I agree but until you know what your focus is, how can you know what to focus on?
By the time you get to the end of this post I want you to know without a doubt what your focus is, then you’ll know if you are on the right track or whether you need to make some changes.
For convenience sake and for the purposes of this post I’m going to narrow this down to a choice of two but I am well aware that it may not be as clear cut for some people. For instance some may market mostly offline and only use online strategies to compliment their marketing.
Which of the following best describes your business?
- I am business owner who uses Internet marketing to promote multiple streams of income which includes network marketing.
- I am a business owner who uses the Internet as a primary marketing vehicle to promote my network marketing opportunity and I also market affiliate and [maybe] my own products.
At first glance the above statements may appear to be the same but if you read them again carefully, you will hopefully notice that the focus is different in each.
Internet marketing is concerned with promotional methods which might include blogging, articles, videos, social media, PPC etc.
Network marketing is concerned with talking to and recruiting suitable people to join a network marketing opportunity.
Of course you might be saying that you do both, but they are quite different so where is your focus? What is the most important aspect of your business, what do you need to be doing to achieve this and are you doing it?
Clearly if you are stuck in the nuts and bolts of how to market using the Internet and you hardly ever talk to people then network marketing is not your focus. If you want it to be then you must find the quickest, easiest way to use the Internet to bring you people with whom you can establish relationships with a view to talking to them at some point about network marketing.
There’s no need to become an Internet Marketing specialist who knows how to use every single method available because it’s unnecessary. You need to talk to people so if you aren’t, why aren’t you? Is it possible that you could be hiding behind the “how to” rather than getting on with the “doing” ?
If you want to be an Internet marketer then focus on everything that will make you one. If you want to be a network marketer who uses the Internet then use it only as a means to taking you to your focus which is talking to people.
Right now it’s up to you.. Do you agree or not? Have I helped you to re-evaluate what your focus is? Are you on the right track or will you be making some changes? Have your say by leaving me a comment and please share this with your followers on your social networks if you feel they will derive some value from reading it. Thank you.
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Hi Marcus,
You pose an important question.
Establishing clarity is the difference between success and failure. I started out Internet Marketing, aiming to share my opportunity because I lacked the confidence to effectively communicate my opportunity to others. I was a network marketer with a serious blockage.
I eventually gained confidence, my blockage dissolved and I realized that the internet is simply a communicative medium and not the end all be all of my business. It’s a tool which allows me to connect with others instead of being the means through which I make a living.
Ryan Biddulph
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Everything Happens In The Now
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Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:39 am
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. The Internet is a powerful marketing medium but as you say it’s what it leads to, speaking to others, which is important and not the Internet itself.
~Marcus
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Yes Marcus you raise some excellent points here. So far Skype has been my tool for chatting but not everyone has Skype so a phone is the next obvious choice. If your new to the phone it can be a little scary at first but one way I found gave me more confidence was joining a telemarketing call centre.
I know it’s not the most pleasant job but at least you get to practice on clients that aren’t yours. You may not be any good at it but it gives you the confidence to talk to people on a more professional level.
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Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:59 am
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for your comment.
Telemarketing experience will definitely have helped your phone confidence. I always tell people not to worry about those who say no or the phone “stuff ups” because it’s all experience that will make them better. The more one does it, the easier it becomes,for sure.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
I already like the introduction. Before you can focus on something you need to know what to focus on. For this sentence, I spent a lot of money three years ago on a personal development seminar
As far as I’m concerned, I’m a Network Marketer using the internet, that’s why I’m mainly interested in getting to know people, connect to them and talk to those having a problem I can solve with what I have to offer.
Thanks for your thought-provoking post.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Anatomy Of Quitting – Oliver Tausend’s Example
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:36 am
Hi Oliver,
I appreciate the way you expressed your focus here. It makes the whole matter of what action to take so much easier.
~Marcus
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Marcus, you are 100% correct. Especially with all the new training course, new marketing methods etc. that continually pop up. It’s no wonder network marketers and Internet marketers alike are so distracted.
I know the courses and tools are there to help, but could they be cause some of the problem?
And that is just the Internet marketing which, like you said, if you are spending all your time on the nuts and bolts is distracting you from the networking part of the business.
I think the bottom line is that we need to focus, and only then will we get success you are looking for. All of the top network marketers will tell you the same “focus on one thing.”
Thanks for the post!
Michael A. Novak recently posted..The Best Industry to Learn Leadership
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Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:34 am
Hi Michael,
Thanks for leaving your great comment. Sometimes it’s a real challenge to focus as you say, because of the non stop promotion of more and more tools to do the job. You probably have all the tools you could ever need but what will make the difference is using these tools.
~Marcus
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Marcus,
You are absolutely right. Networking and talking to people can be a great goal to have and the internet can be a great tool.
Loved this article,
Steve
Steve recently posted..How To Get The Most From Your Article Marketing Strategy
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Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:28 am
Thanks Steve. It can all work together when we put it into perspective. Thanks for leaving your comment my friend.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus, David Porter just suggested I have a look at your site and I’m glad I did. You raise an interesting question and one definately worthy of more thought. When I first started out it was as an affiliate marketer. Now I’m looking for the right network marketing company for me and will really need to consider this question as I move forward.
Rowena Coshan recently posted..How to Choose Your Own Unique Opt-In Gift
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Marcus Baker Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Hello Rowena,
Welcome! Lovely to have you visit. David is a champion!
It is possible to market in different sectors but I believe we must focus on one area principally.
The reason why network marketing is such an ideal focus area is because of the opportunity it provides to develop residual income, as long as one joins the right company and works towards this goal in a focused way.
Thanks for adding your comment Rowena. Much appreciated.
~Marcus
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Hello Marcus Another Great Artical as always.You have great writing skills man.Can you plant a peace of your brain into mine.Thanks for all the info.Kind regards Pete. from Qld.
Peter Scott recently posted..If you register your site for free at
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Marcus Baker Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comment. I am pleased you enjoy reading my posts. I really love creating what I do to help people too.
A piece of my brain Peter?? Wow Ha ha I am sure you have got plenty to share anyway my friend but thanks for the awesome compliment.
~Marcus
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Hey Marcus,
this is enlightening. I have never quite viewed it like this.
Tosin
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Marcus Baker Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Hello Tosin,
Pleased I stimulated your thoughts in this regard. Thanks too for leaving your comment.
~Marcus
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Hey Marcus,
You have exposed some good points here. I would go for the first choice in describing myself. One should be clear about himself and his work profile and if one is shy to talk to people as you said then network marketing is not for him. Thanks for the post.
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Marcus Baker Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Hi Yadvinder,
It really does not matter what one chooses I don’t think as long as one does make a choice and then do what they must to make it happen. Awesome to read your response. Thank you.
~Marcus
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Hey Marcus
Interesting question on focus. Sometimes I wonder do I want to be an internet marketer selling everything including network marketing opportunities, or do I want to be a network marketer using internet marketing to build my business.
I think I have it clear though.
I am a business owner who works in direct selling with a team using both internet marketing and offline marketing.
Great question, I had to think for a second
Peter Fuller MBA recently posted..How has my business grown since I started my blog
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Awesome Peter. There is no one right way except for the way one defines for oneself. I just wanted people to think about this for themselves and bee sure they are being true to this. I like the way you stated your business definition – very strong.
~Marcus
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“You need to talk to people so if you aren’t, why aren’t you? Is it possible that you could be hiding behind the “how to” rather than getting on with the “doing” ?” Wham if I had to focus on one thing here that is it. This comment goes off topic but I read this part and had to elaborate on this. No matter what type of business your in you need to focus on the “doing” and and doing the right things. Well written Marcus.
Steve Shoemaker
steve shoemaker recently posted..Strategic Branding-Who Are YouInc
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Marcus Baker Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:58 pm
I don’t think people mean to not do the things they should, it just happens without them even knowing. If this IS happening then one needs to find out why and change it, otherwise what’s the point? Thanks for stressing this Steve.
~Marcucs
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Never thought about it this way, Marcus. Very valuable insight indeed.
My thought is it’s just about impossible to build a successful internet marketing business without network marketing. Not these days.
Trust is a very hot commodity and it needs to be earned, no question about it.
Ana Hoffman
Ana | Traffic Generation Cafe recently posted..10 Awesome Ways to Make No Money With Blog Traffic
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:45 am
Hi Ana,
I think it’s awesome how network marketing has become very popular as an Internet marketing income stream. From a passive income perspective it makes perfect sense. Thanks for your comment.
~Marcus
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Marcus,
You make a powerful point of distinction in terms of focus. I am a traditional offline network marketer of 26 years and only in the last couple of years have I come online. The learning curve was steep for me however now I am picking up traction in my online marketing.
For me it is designing my day so it takes into account that my primary focus is to develop long term residual income with my primary network marketing company.
So picking up the phone needs to be emphasized. I feel it is critical to take our online relationships offline sooner than later.
I could find myself behind a computer all day but ultimately that will not build my network marketing business.
Thank you for this important insight. I will be back for more.
Faith
Faith Barnard recently posted..Finding Your Niche Starts with Identifying Your Passion
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:26 am
Hi Faith,
Lovely to have you visit. Wow 26 years network marketing experience – how wonderful! Congratulations.
Awesome to hear that online strategies are working for you too now.
I love the way you outlined your focus Faith and I agree with you, if one has decided that network marketing is one’s focus then the Internet is only a vehicle to find more people to speak to and that must happen offline.
I look forward to have you visit again.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
That is an excellent question.
It’s important to know what your focus is before you can actually focus on it.
I’ve mentioned having focus several times because it’s vital… but that is assuming that we know where that focus should be. Unfortunately not everyone knows.
Great stuff!
Susanna
Susanna Hess recently posted..What Does My Blog Have In Common With The LA & Sydney Airports
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:29 am
Hi Susanna,
Thanks for leaving a comment. Hopefully my post will have got some people to clarify their focus.
~Marcus
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Hey Marcus,
Thanks for distinguishing the two. A lot of people are confused about the difference when it comes to internet marketing and network marketing. Like you said, you can use internet market to promote products and services, also you can use to network with other people to find potential business partners. The key here is your focus!
This distinction not only narrows it down further, but also makes it a lot easier to not get so overwhelmed with our businesses. This is why they have different departments in companies. If you’re in marketing, that’s your focus, if you’re in accounting, that’s your focus, if your in managment, that’s your focus, etc.. Thanks for sharing Marcus!!
Sherman
Sherman Smith recently posted..KEEPING YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE RESULTS IN…
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Hi Sherman,
Thanks for adding more value with your comment.
It’s a bit like having one of those mobile ice cream vans really… the van itself is like the Internet and the ice cream our opportunity. If we were to spend all of our time figuring out how to drive the van, how much ice cream would we sell? Hmmm I think I will use this analogy for another post some time. Ha ha
~Marcus
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