Building a downline is one of
the ways you can earn a substantial income with direct sales. I tell
all my new distributors is that teambuilding can be a fun, lucrative
way to make money, but that does not come without a lot of work and
a deep commitment to your new recruits. A support system is an
absolute necessity for building a solid downline.
Very often in direct sales,
folks will ask “how can I help my downline?” Here are ten
suggestions of ways to support your downline:
1. Prepare a series of emails that you’ll send to the new person,
either one per day, or one per week, depending on how much material
you cover. These emails can contain any combination of the
information below, or they can contain information on how to host
your first party or how to get your first customer.
2. Send a list of phone numbers. Include your phone number, your
uplines phone number and the phone numbers to the various
departments at your company.
3. Send a list of links to the company, where to order, where to
view downline information, where to view personal monthly sales, and
where to read about the compensation plan.
4. In addition to all of the prepared emails and prepared
literature, either call or email your new recruit at least once a
week for the first month.
5. Most companies offer many support materials. Send a list of what
is available and what each of the products are.
6. Create a Yahoo Group, or a team website with message boards where
you can communicate with your group on a regular basis. This website
or group will be available to not only those you sponsor, but also
the folks they in turn sponsor. This creates an overall strong group
connection with everyone learning and sharing together.
7. Make sure you establish a relationship with the downline of your
first level recruits. You never know when your first level person
might quit, or might become inactive and you don’t want to lose
their downline as well. Establishing a relationship with those in
your 2nd level, 3rd level etc, helps to ensure everyone’s overall
success.
8. Offer incentives to your entire group. One time offer a prize to
the top seller. Another time offer a prize to the person who
sponsors the most during the contest time. I know some folks who
have offered prizes like a fax machine. Other prizes might be sample
products, or full size demo products. You might offer a business
book, or any other tools that will help your downline increase and
build their business. Incentives can be a month long or even a
quarter long. I know a few times, I’ve received plaques and awards
for year long overall sales or sponsoring.
9. Either through a newsletter or through your team website or Yahoo
Group, offer articles relevant to your company or product line.
Invest the time to find articles that will be beneficial to your
team members.
10. Recognize birthdays. Everyone loves to be told “Happy Birthday”.
Make a point of sending a card or small gift to your downline on
their birthday. Small gifts would be more appropriate for top
achievers, while cards are more appropriate for the rest of your
group.
By following these suggestions, you’ll contribute to building a
strong, solid team.
Article by:
Audrey Okaneko has worked from
home since 1983. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net or visited
at www.scrapping-made-simple.com
More on Building a
Downline
Building a Strong Downline
Direct Sales Team Building
Recommended
Reading
Build it Big: 101 Insider Secrets from Top Direct Selling Experts
I personally own
and recommend this book, which has been a wealth of
information to me, and my business. This is a must-have
for anyone in a Direct Sales, whether you are a beginner
or a pro.
--->
Take a look at my review of Build It Big
