Sunday, September 21, 2008

Are systems killing your business?

Let's face it, there are many great 'systems' available for you to use to build a list of prospects.

Some systems are designed to "close and train" your members, or so they claim. Bottom line, there are a lot of system online and some come and some go and few remain over time.

My question today is, are these systems killing your business? Are you relying on a 'systems' to develop and train your prospects? Are you using the system as intended?

hmmm ... using the system as intended, interesting question eh?

I'm not sure if you know this or not, but every system that is out there is primarily designed to build a list.

Your prospect visits a compelling website and they fill in their name and details to receive further information ... more often than not the "landing page" is full of hype and is designed to get your prospect to ask for more.

Once in the system, your prospect is receiving emails from the auto-responder setup by the owner of the system. Normally, this series of letters is designed to promote the system your prospect came through with the intent to have your prospect upgrade to a paid member.

In essence, most of these systems are designed to sell something to your prospect, whether it's a product, service or membership.

But the first thing that happens is your visitor becomes a prospect by filling out the form.

So where am I going with this ... well, the problem as I see it is that many of these programs change or disappear or become obsolete. And that is where people stop, it's at this point they blame the system on their own failure to grow.

The truth is ... the system generated prospects for you and if this system goes or changes ... you still have prospects from the system that you can take with you.

Systems come and go, they are redesigned and retuned to capture the market. Capture pages change but the end remains the same.

Systems are developed to build lists.

Focus on what's important ... building your list. It's your list that will help you become successful in business ... without one, you are sure to fail. Focus your online advertising on a system that is building your list. If the system changes, simply edit what you are advertising and continue to build your list.

Whether you are using System A, System B or your own lead capture system ... keep your focus on the people you are connecting with not on the 'system' you are using. Systems come and systems go ... people are here to stay.

Get to know your people.

Have a great day!

Janet Legere
List Building Expert
http://www.earthfriendlybiz.com

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Generating Network Marketing Leads

Generating good solid Network Marketing leads can be a chore or it can be a very simply act.

What resources are you using to attract the right leads?

Today, I want to share some of the resources and tools that are working for our group to attract the right kind of leads for their business.

Marketing online does not have to involve 'Rocket Science' and you don't need to be an "Internet Guru" or possess extraordinary skills.

What you do need is the ability to read and follow directions.

So, if you feel you have the very unique skill to be able to read and follow directions, then please read on.

In this post, I will share a few simple tips to help you attract leads and solid prospects for your primary business. I will talk about using a "prospecting system" and then I will talk to you about advertising your prospecting link. We will cover things like Traffic Exchanges and Marketing Lists and Safelists and Social Networks. Today, I will cover Traffic Exchanges only as it's important that you learn one task at a time.

So, let's begin by talking about the system you will need. Many of you reading this post will already have a "system" in place and you can use the process I'll talk about to advertise your link.

Ok, let's get started shall we?

Step 1 in this process is having a system to capture your leads.

You can do this one of two ways, either by using a system that is created for you or by creating your own "lead capture" system. (there are actually many systems out there and many ways to do this, we'll concentrate on two systems and a few simple resources that work).

The system we use is called 'Earth Friendly Biz' (EFB), and our system is based on a "3-step process" that attracts leads and encourages activity. Prospects view the system and enter their information to learn more about our 3 steps. They are introduced to three programs that we recommend - these programs are then used for marketing our sites - and then they register for their own free system.

You can review our 3-step system here: http://www.earthfriendlybiz.com

If you prefer to create your own lead capture page, I put together a report that shows you how to simply add an auto-responder form to a Blogspot page. Blogspot is a free resource and very simple to use. If you own an auto-responder system such as "Get Response" or "Response Magic" then you are set to go.

You can download my free report here: http://www.mywealthyblog.com

Throughout the rest of this report, I will be using the EarthFriendlyBiz system as an example. You can replace my EFB information with your own if you are using a sysem other than EFB.

This is where people tend to fail. They signup for systems such as EFB and then they stop. Either they advertise briefly with no results or they don't advertise at all and their claims to others are "the systems do not work".

If you are one of those marketers, then all you need to do is to continue marketing. Over time, you will see results. I guarantee it.

And I guaranteee this as well, if you keep doing what you are doing, you will continue to get the same results. It's time for change.

The simple steps I will outline below will work but only if you are consistent with your marketing AND with your followup.

NOTE: it does not matter how good a system is, if you don't add your personal follow-up, your business will not grow. You will attract a lot of leads but until you connect with them personally, they will be inactive.

Ok, so let's get started advertising your new prospecting system.

Step 2 - Advertising your "Lead Capture" link

In this section, I'm going to begin discussions on joining and using different advertising resources. In this post, my focus is Traffic Exchanges.

Let's Talk Traffic Exchanges

There is a lot of controversy over Traffic Exchanges and the fact is, they work. However, they only work if you set them up and either surf for credits, purchase credits or earn credits by sponsoring.

Most Traffic Exchanges are free and most offer a monthly, annual or lifetime membership. When possible, I always recommend the upgrade, especially any One Time Offers. If you are new to Internet Marketing, you want to add "upgrades" one at a time as your budget allows. The free traffic exchange memberships work well too.

Here are a just three of my favourite Traffic Exchanges:

WebBizInsider is my top pick in Traffic Exchanges and one of my first recommendations. You will want to take advantage of all aspects of WebBizInsider from their traffic program to their downline builder. WebBizInsider is a must have resource. You'll want to upgrade to a pro account and when available, purchase traffic and downlines (WebBizInsider offers the ability to purchase downline members. You are then able to send an email to all downline members once a week. I receive a lot of leads from sending emails to my WebBizInsider downline. JOIN

Traffic Swarm - Responsive Traffic Exchange system that is highly effective and been around a long time. I get new members from TrafficSwarm all the time. - JOIN

Max Traffic Pro - Unique traffic exchange system that is highly effective and well managed. You'll see activity from this active exchange - JOIN

Step 3 - Setting up your Traffic Exchanges

Each exchange offers training on how to setup their program and use the system. I encourage you to take time and become familiar with each exchange as you join.

You are going to advertise your lead capture link.

In this example, because we are focused on the EarthFriendlyBiz system, you will setup your EarthFriendlyBiz website.

Your EFB website link will look like this http://www.earthfriendlybiz.com/AFFILIATEID where you will replace AFFILIATEID with your EFB username.

You will be asked for you Website URL and information when you join the Traffic Exchange program.

If you are advertising a lead capture page, you will enter that link when you join and setup the Traffic Exchange programs.

You want to spend a few moments each day surfing through the exchanges that you are a member of. Most exchanges offer bonus credits for surfing each day and you will be introduced to other members sites. It's always a good idea to see what others promote on Traffic Exchanges.

Lead capture type sites are the best to advertise on exchanges. Anything that captures your reader's contact information.

Traffic Exchanges are just one of many resources you will learn to use online.

To help you take further advantage of the Traffic Exchange programs, I wrote a report on how to maximize exchanges and welcome you to download a free copy here

If I were to give out one word of advice it will be this: Take this slow. Don't join every program and resource out there thinking your business will grow. You must learn to understand how each system works and you must setup your systems properly.

Far too often I see new members and even seasons members take on too much at once and become lost in the sea of information and learning.

If you take your time and learn the basics of each program, understand how they function and learn to set them up properly, you will be able to successfully use the Internet to build your list and build your primary business.

Remember, the Internet is a great place to find prospects and our goal is to find those prospects and have them subscribe to your list so they can learn about you and your business.

In my next post, I will start talking about sending ads to online lists. There is a lot to learn when it comes to marketing to online lists so we'll spend some extra time here.

Stay tuned for more List Building Strategies!

Have an outstanding day.

Janet Legere
List Building Expert

Can We Live Longer and Feel Younger?
Is it really possible? YES! It is!
Read about our real life experience here:
http://www.janetlegere.com

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

What Resources Are You Using To Build Your List?

What Resources Are You Using To Build Your List?

Today I’d like to begin to discuss the many resources that are available for Internet marketers to use to build a list. These are the resources that I feel are necessary to maximize your Internet presence and build your list.

In this post, I’ll talk about the importance of Auto-responders and show you how to use one with a blog to create a lead capture page so you can begin to collect subscribers to your contact list.

Auto-Responders

A must for every business, online or offline. Your auto-responder becomes your contact manager, list builder and follow-up manager.

With your auto-responder you can create an immediate response to your new subscribers, share important details, provide a training series, generate an ezine or newsletter. You can also broadcast a message to your list any time, offering real time communication.

My auto-responder of choice is Response Magic for ease of use and flexibility. The cost for Response Magic is just 17.95.

Lead Capture Pages

With your auto-responder all setup, you will need to create a place for your subscribers to subscribe to your list. I recommend using Blogspot or another blog to place your auto-responder form. If you are html savvy and have your own domain, you can easily create a lead capture page on your own domain.

I offer simple directions on how to setup Response Magic on a Blog at My Wealthy Blog. The report is free to download and use and I offer a branding solution to add your contact informaton and affiliate links to my report and use it as an incentive for your subscribers.

Driving Traffic to Your Lead Capture Page

Setting up is simple, however … this is the point most people tend to give up.

Why?

The answer is simple. When using online marketing tools, one gets overwhelmed with information, links, emails, etc. It is easy to lose one’s focus and become distracted in the sea of links.

HINT: stay focused on the task of advertising your new Lead Capture page and avoid distractions.

Ok, so let’s talk a bit about online resources. There are many to choose from and I’ll discuss a few of the the main ones that I am currently using. We’ll cover others in another post.

Online Marketing Lists

By online marketing lists, I am referring to ‘Safelists’ and other marketing lists such as ‘ListJoe’. These lists are very effective and have provided a lot of downline members to my business over time.

Caution: When marketing to online lists, it’s important to setup a separate email address to use for registering for these programs. You will want to setup a message rule in your email program to direct this new email to a separate folder for you to manage. This is key to avoiding distractions in list marketing.

Online marketing lists can be a distraction as there are many links within the members’ area of their programs. Using online marketing lists is simple.

  1. Register
  2. Login
  3. Send your ad

And yes, it really is that simple.

What do you advertise to these lists?

That’s even simpler. You want to direct them to your new lead capture page. If you are branding and giving away my report “My Wealthy Blog” then you will want to write an ‘ad’ that reflects this.

Example

Ad SUBJECT: Do You Use Your Blog to Generate Prospects?

Ad BODY:

Download a copy of ‘My Wealthy Blog’
Learn the techniques of List Building
Expert, Janet Legere.

Subscribe to get your free copy here:
http://YOURID.blogspot.com

Watch for my follow-up and let’s
connect soon.

Regards,

YOUR NAME
YOUR PHONE NUMBER

My Top Online Lists

Long Standing Reliable Safelists

A safelist is a list that allows you to subscribe with the idea that you will send your business ad to the members of the list. In exchange, you agree to receive emails from other list members. That’s why it’s so important to setup a separate email for this process.

Business World List

Herculist

Both offer free and pro memberships and I recommend upgrading to the monthly pro membership in both as it allows you to email the list more often and the key to making all this work is consistency and persistence. Over time, both these resources were effective in generating subscribers to my list and dowline members in my primary business.

Online Marketing Lists

These types of lists function similarly to safelists. Most online marketing lists offer other types of advertising to their members as it is with the two I recommend below. In this post, I will introduce you to ListJoe and ViralURl. Both are highly responsive and responsible for rapid growth in my primary business.

List Joe - credit based list of 30,000 members. Very responsive program. This one is a must to upgrade! List Joe is also a unique downline builder capitalizing on the other top marketing lists.

ViralURL - earn credits to send emails to random members. Tracks your links as well. Very effective program and most effective as an upgraded member. I recently wrote an article on how to setup and use ViralURL and welcome you to enjoy the step by step article here.

ListJoe and ViralURL are the two resources that I recommend you upgrade in right away. As an upgraded member, you will see results very quickly using just these two systems with the ability to email 30,000 random members in each program every single month!

As with Safelists, you will want to use a separate email address for these types of programs to easily manage the incoming email you will receive.

Social Networks

Another big distraction can be Social Networks, however they can also be an extremely fruitful resource for attracting the right prospects for your business.

The advantage of Social Networks is the ability to ‘hunt’ for the right person to contact. You can search based on likes and dislikes, network connections etc.

You visit the prospects profile page that they have listed on the Social Network and either post a private message or invite them to your personal contact list. All Social Networks offer this ability, although they all function just a little bit different.

Social Networks are a great resource for prospects if you use them accordingly. I recently wrote an article on using AdlandPro, one of my favourite online Social Networks. AdlandPro is a Business Social Network in that most of the individuals you will find are using the Internet in some shape or form.

Please enjoy my article on Prospecting on Social Networks where you will learn how to setup and begin prospecting in this highly lucrative environment.

If you begin by using these basic systems, you will see your prospecting list grow on a regular basis. The next step is following up with your new list members and I’ll discuss more about that in a future article.

Until then, happy marketing - stay focused, avoid distractions (link clicking other than credits in List Joe emails) and be consistent. These are the secrets to your online success.

Post your comments below and share your stories with us.

Have a great day,

Janet Legere
List Building Expert

Click here for a complete list of my favourite online marketing resources

Friday, July 11, 2008

What is your reason?

What Is Your Reason?

I want to know what reason you use for not succeeding in your business.

What reason do you use for not making money? What's your excuse exactly?

1. I don't have any money
2. The program doesn't work
3. I'm spending money but not making money
4. I don't have any help
5. I don't have the time
6. It's too hard
7. I don't know how to do it
8. My sponsor isn't available to help
9. I can't convince anyone to join my business
10. I get too much email
11. There is too much to learn, it's confusing
12. _____________________________
13. _____________________________

What's your reason for not making money?

Are you struggling online to find people who want to join your business? Many of the people I talk to are. It's one of their main concerns when considering a program - will they be able to sponsor.

My question to you is ... where are you looking and what message are you sending?

When I go looking for prospects online, I go where the prospects are.

I'm looking for people who are online already who are looking to create success and make some money! That is why we are all here, isn't it? To make money?

Good ... I just wanted to check :-)

Now ... consider this, if making money is your ultimate goal, why aren't you making any?

Tricky question, eh?

I'll tell you why many of you are not making money ... here are just a few reasons that I believe are holding some of you back.

1. You joined too many programs at once - there are many distractions online and a person tends to follow the distractions and ends up joining many programs without ever taking time to learn about the first program they joined ... sound familiar?

2. You joined a "safelist" and your inbox was bombarded - what you didn't do was learn how to setup your email to manage the email that would come from the safelist ... or maybe you didn't realize you would receive these emails. Like many, a person is apt to join a program without fully understand what the program is about, the same holds true for safelists. They work great if you know how to use them properly (we'll get into that later).

3. You have no money to invest in a business or into advertising that business - yes, it is possible to make money online using free resources - however, there is a price to pay and that price is time - a LOT of time. Time to acquire and learn to use enough free resources to drive enough traffic to your prospecting system. Yes, it can be done. I don't recommend it.

The solution is simple.

Take the time to learn what you are doing. There are many great training resources available to help you learn to use the tools and resources you need to use to help build your list of prospects.

One of my favourite resources is the report I wrote called 'My Wealthy Blog'. This free report takes you by the hand in step-by-step fashion and shows you how to use an auto-responder and Blogspot to create a lead capture page and start building your prospecting list.

The Internet is one of the best resources for finding prospects and the best way to find those prospects is to have a place for them to subscribe to your list.

You can even 'rebrand' a copy of 'My Wealthy Blog' and offer it as an incentive for visitors to your lead capture page, I show you how to do this in the report!

Let us know what is and isn't working for you ... post your comments on our site. I'll be happy to answer all your questions and help you make your way the right way.

Have a great day!

Janet Legere
List Building Expert
http://www.mywealthyblog.com

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

How Simple Does It Have To Get?

Seriously ... how simple does it have to get before you can make it work for you?

How many step by step directions do you need?
How much information or how little does it really take?
What is it that is stopping you?

My story goes back 9 years now ... when Don and I ventured online to build a home based business. 9 years.

Seems like yesterday and in some ways it feels as though this is all we have ever done.

In my 9 years here working with others, teaching others ... learning from others ... I began to see a pattern and to this day I don't have an answer for the pattern.

The pattern is that some people come into the system and repeat the steps and the results and others come into the system and repeat the steps ... but NOT the results.

How can that possibly be?

How can two groups of people do the same set of tasks with two separate results?

One theory that I have is simple ... one group is following the process and one is not.

The reality is this ... if what you are doing isn't working, find someone who is experiencing results and do what they do.

Do exactly what they do ... copy them, follow them, mimic them ... you will see results over time.

And speaking of ... over time ... give yourself the time it takes to master the tools to generate the results you need to sponsor new paid members into your business.

Set realistic goals, ask your sponsor for help to create a plan of action with measurable results and over time you will have a very successful business. A business that will be strong and continue to build.

Make it happen ... decide that you are going to create positive results in your business. Pick a leader and become their shadow.

Anyone can create success and abundance ... dream it ... believe it ... achieve it.

Perform activities that are proven to work and you will see results.

Time, history and experience say it is so.

Happy marketing!

Janet Legere
List Builder Expert

Everyone is asking ... how are you doing it?
27 Gold Ambassadors in one month?
You can do it too ... click here NOW:
http://www.powerlinestrategy.com