Hello there
I'm just pasting in an article that I wrote a while back that could be helpful to some of you. Enjoy!
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HOW TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS BY SERVICING YOUR DOWNLILNE© by Eva Browne-Paterson -
Before you decide that your membership to an affiliate program should be cancelled because you're "not doing any good", here are eight simple steps to utilise to build your business by helping your downline build their business. Give it one more month and see the difference it can make.
1) Email your downline once every weekBy sending one email per week, you will be giving your downline a chance to get to know you and to build a trusting relationship. Always identify yourself and the program as some downline mailing systems don't show this and most people belong to more than one program. Remember, as their sponsor, it is your responsibility to provide a service to them and be there when they need you.
2) Make sure they know you are there to helpLet them know in clear statements that you're quite happy to help them in any way they need it. Eg. "I'm always here to help you."
3) Let them know what works for youShare the ideas and method you utilise yourself that work. Eg. "I used this ad and received a great response! Why don't you try it? Here is the ad copy."
4) Don't focus on upgradingYour downline doesn't want to hear your suggestions about upgrading. They want to hear how to build their business first. Once they build up their business, the next natural step for them is to upgrade, without your prompting. Focus on building their business instead of upgrading. (I know this doesn't quite apply in GDI, but it's useful nevertheless).
5) Provide valueGive them something of value to use in their promotions with each email. Eg. "Here's a splash page that you can download and use" or "Here is a follow-up series you can copy and paste into an auto-responder." Make sure you provide full instructions. It's safe to assume that they're a newbie - even if they aren't. It will be easier for them to understand and you won't receive as many emails asking more questions that you could have answered in your instructions.
6) Provide Encouragement & RecognitionMake sure you give your downline who progress another level or reach a certain goal a public pat on the back. They deserve it and it's encouraging for the other members of your downline. Keep encouraging them. Eg. "Keep promoting consistently and you will succeed."
7) Always be yourself and leave out the hypeThese are real people you're talking to. Leave the hype for the ad copy and speak to them honestly like you would a friend. Never be negative about the program! If there is something that needs fixing, turn it into a positive by suggesting a workaround. ;~)
Don't bragIt's okay to tell your downline that you're doing well and they can be too - just don't say "I've made $600 this week, how are you doing?" It can be a real turnoff... especially when someone has only just joined a program and hasn't had a chance to start promoting.
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About the Author: Eva Browne-Paterson has been marketing online for over 13 years and publishes EvieB's New-Z - Your One Stop Advertising Resource.