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The great misconception about network marketing

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Services for Real Estate Pros with 25-8 Marketing

stationary exercise equipment

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.

 

Comments(5)

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Sara Homan
Coldwell Banker Ellison Realty 352-209-4044 - Ocala, FL
Realtor, Homes, Farms & 55+

It's just like all the people who join Active Rain because they think it is going to give them leads and position, so they put up a profile, get 600pts and never get a lead or visit AR again.  Go Figure!

 Chris, Are you aware of The Referral Network ?  Its free and a really awesome concept!  Check it out.

Apr 10, 2008 02:44 PM
Chris Mitchell
25-8 Marketing - Elk River, MN
Bingo Sara.  You are spot on.  Thanks for your comment.
Apr 10, 2008 02:46 PM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy
My broker joined the home builder's association... but I don't think he made any events.  Maybe I need to run with it while he isn't looking. 
Apr 10, 2008 02:46 PM
Chris Mitchell
25-8 Marketing - Elk River, MN
Lane -- a good point.  Get involved with the local builders association.  In mine, there is a serious absence of real estate agents.  There is big opportunity there to meet builders and associates in a related industry.  You definitly need to check it out.  Thanks for the comment.
Apr 10, 2008 02:51 PM
Chuck Carstensen
RE/MAX Results - Elk River, MN
Minnesota/Wisconsin Real Estate Expert
Good comparison. If you don't use it/work it...it does not work...alot of people don't get the referrals because they don't work the network.
Apr 11, 2008 02:45 AM