CRM in MLM; marketing online

Customer relationship management, also known as CRM, is extremely important in any business and in network marketing. Statistics commonly illustrate that it costs a business more to acquire a new customer than it does to retain one. If CRM remains a focus for any business, retention levels for existing customers will continue to be high.

For B2B accounts, the CRM is maintained by management and is influenced by the dynamics within your industry. For example, a company may decide to withhold or minimize a price increase for a US customer in exchange for business in Europe from the same customer. CRM becomes a true partnership identity and makes acquiring new customer business easier and less expensive.

Now let’s translate this to an MLM business like Arbonne, Mary Kay or Avon. A rep who chooses to market face-to-face or door-to-door (ie through family and friends) will have an inherent degree of trust built into their CRM. This is the number one reason network marketers fail within the first 60 days. They will choose to go after those closest to them, ultimately eroding the CRM advantage they had in the beginning.

Why do we seek those closest to us? Because that’s what Network Marketing subscribes to. The best way to build a business is to be a source of information and avoid selling them your business opportunity. If asked what you’ve been up to, you can respond by saying, “I was presented with an exciting opportunity and have been actively building my business book.” So, say no more and wait a moment and your acquaintance will be asking you for more information about your opportunity.

Your next set of comments should not be about the opportunity itself, but about how you first got excited about it. Products must have a value associated with them and must contain a reason why someone would continue to buy them. For example, if you market an Arbonne face cream, you may have a story that highlights its features and benefits without sounding like a sales pitch or business opportunity. Later, your acquaintance will want to know more about the opportunity and that’s where the real excitement begins.

Now this is where CRM is very important and must be nurtured for continued success. Take care of your client once they join and provide a roadmap of what works for you and how to present this opportunity without coming off as offensive or nosy. Make a conscious effort to present your business as a provider of wonderful face creams that every woman should have on her vanity. Paying close attention to the needs and goals of your customers will pay off as they will become Extended Network Marketers. [http://www.oziramarketing.com] for you it costs you nothing. Lastly, remember, not everyone will want to market your products, some may be happy just being a customer.