Let's talk about one of those today: Network Marketing. Now, before you go running and screaming in the other direction (MLM), sit tight a minute. I myself do not engage in a MLM business, but I'm happy to learn from strategies networkers use to enhance the business I do have.

To keep this short, let's barely scratch the surface yet get ourselves thinking. What is network marketing? It's talking. YOU talking. Basically, it's viral marketing (word of mouth), but with you acting as the main mouth. It's not being a salesman. It's more of a moving about within your niche community and creating relationships - lasting ones!

Remember high school? There were the "jocks", the "geeks", and everyone in between. For those feeling the need to "be popular", they had to accomplish something essential: winning the favor (in a short period of time) of a large number of people. My mom once told me to smile at everyone. We had just moved to Ramstein, Germany, and as a 15 year old, I was worried about the fact that I had zero friends. She said to smile, smile, SMILE. She said to say hello to everyone in the hallways, no matter who they were. To behave like you were "somebody" and make others feel welcome. She was right. I made plenty of friends, and the rest of the year was smashing.

I networked in the most simple environment.

In business, you can apply the same. Make friends. But be real; phony never works, and who wants to be phony, anyway? It's enriching to get to know people. Personally, it's my favorite part of being in business, the people we meet. Many are now dear friends Paul and I'd never have met had we not stepped out and made the first move. Blog encouraging words, call people, take someone to lunch. Engage! People don't know what you think about their articles, their products, their businesses unless you say something. Make ten new friends this week!

Gena Suarez

Publisher

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC

www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/TOSPUBLISHER

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com

Gena@TOSMag.com

Comments

Great advice, Gena!

6:24 PM, Jan. 14, 2006, posted by Tami

I have always been one of those people who smiled first at others. I love meeting people and talking to them. I have two children who are just like me in that respect, and they are the ones people remember the best.

Have a blessed day! Tami

This Really Works

8:04 PM, Jan. 30, 2006, posted by FamilyBusiness

Networking is one of the best & easiest ways to grow your business. Thanks for reminding us, Gena. We attended an internet marketing seminar in October and reaped the rewards of networking at that event last weekend. At our Family E-Biz Expo, many attendees told us one of the most valuable parts of last weekend was the time between speakers where they could meet other attendees, as well as the speakers. Networking is a great way to meet others in your field and others that complement your business. After meeting those guys, you can strike up a friendship and eventually work together on joint ventures.

Kerry

Great Tips!

7:53 PM, Jan. 31, 2006, posted by mycrazylife

Gena, Thanks for all the great advice! I am really enjoying these tips, although a few of them I use, it is nice to be reminded!

Blessings, Hallie