What makes a great network marketer different from a poor network marketer?

Network marketing can be one of the single, most effective ways to grow your business.  Personally, my membership in the local builders association and a local chapter of BNI was directly responsible for 50% of the new business development for my company in 2007.

Joining a Chamber of Commerce, a Chapter of Business Networking International, a local civic organization (Lions Club, Jaycee's) or a local builders association are just some examples of ways to start network marketing.  There are plenty of opportunities where ever you live.  If you are not using network marketing as part of your overall marketing plan, you need to start.

For some, network marketing works great.  For others...when it comes time to renew their membership, they don't renew.  Their main reason:  It didn't get me any business.

What poor network marketers often fail to understand is that a roster spot on a membership list MEANS NOTHING.  It simply comes down to what Dr. Ivan Misner from BNI calls Givers Gain.  You gain back in direct proportion to what you give.

How an exercise machine is a lot like networking 

I had an extended phone conference with Janet Kruger from Lights On, who was voted the Associate of the Year for the Minnesota River Builders Association.  Visit my blog to read Kruger's analogy of how an exercise machine is a lot like networking, and THREE SPECIFIC WAYS to maximize your membership to any networking group. 

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Chris Mitchell is the President and Founder of 25-8 Marketing, Inc, a full service advertising agency in Elk River, Minnesota. He plans and implements marketing programs for small to medium-sized businesses. Mitchell is a consultant, speaker and author and has worked with hundreds of companies. He has over 20 years of real-world advertising experience, and understands the marketing challenges of the small business owner.