Take Your Direct Sales Business Online

I started out in 2001 building static sites for my direct sales business. Eventually I added a blog or two. About four years ago I discovered that a Wordpress blog can manage your content and blog at the same time. Wordpress.org allows for extreme flexibility and customization. I have used Blogger and still do on a limited basis, but do realize they can change their terms and lock your blog.

Perhaps the best use of a blog for direct sales is a customer focused blog/CMS. A blog can give your customers information and service without your presence being required. Write about products, give helpful tips on using products, relay information on related topics. For example, if your product line is centered on wellness, have a healthy recipe section of your blog. You may want to list party and hostess information as well. Always have a contact form that links to a newsletter. If your customer focused blog is fun and informative, you will have made it easy for your customers to recommend your services.

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The internet can be an excellent resource for those involved in direct sales. Networking online can be useful in gaining sales as well as new recruits for your business. It is also a place for you to build your reputation as a business owner. With that in mind, you need to be aware of the various rules of the places you visit on the net. Usually blatant advertising is a no-no, but a well formed signature line at the end of posts is fine.

Good "behavior" in online communities include: offering solid advice and encouragement, having a positive attitude, making a contribution.
Bad behavior: being only interested in promoting yourself, company, or products; plagiarizing another's articles, saying bad things about another's company
Ugly behavior includes: getting into arguments, spamming, being offensive, calling names

In everything you do online, be aware that what you may write now will be seen by a prospect Goggling your name in the future!

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Online Forums
Online forums are excellent places for people in direct sales to network while online. Wahm.com and internetbasedmoms.com are two great places to start. You'll meet and network with moms that are very successful with their businesses as well as moms that are looking for a business to start and lots of moms somewhere in between.

You might also want to visit forums related to your niche or personal interests. Just remember to abide by general forum etiquette and do not spam or blast your message across the boards.

Twitter
This has truly exploded! For those of you that haven't heard, Twitter is a micro blog (you are limited to 140 characters). If used correctly, Twitter can be used to meet new people or keep in touch with team members and customers. A little bit of personal goes a long way. I do not need to know your every daily movement. A blend of personal and business is good.

Squidoo.com
Bet you didn't know that Squidoo is a social network! Yes, you can create lenses, (like this) which are basically short articles on any topic that you care to write about. There are also many social networking groups here at Squidoo. Find some related to your lenses.

FaceBook, MySpace, and Others
Great way to connect with people you know and haven't seen in a while.

Team Newsletter
You can include words of encouragement to get your team members excited about their business, offer tips like theme party ideas and maybe even let your team send in ideas that have worked for them. If you have a team website or blog, you can post it there.

Conference Calls and Webinars
Use these to train, motivate and connect the team. FreeConference.com is a good to try starting out with a small to medium size group. GoToWebinars.com is a popular webinar company. Record the call if possible for those who can't attend.

Coaching and Accountability Calls
These can be done one on one or in small groups. With your personals or key players on your team. To keep things on track, it's wise to use a preset agenda or accountability tracking form for those attending.

Sending Cards
You can buy these, use a card service, or get post cards from VistaPrint.com. Send them to welcome someone to the team, congratulate for sponsoring a consultant, landing a fundraiser, achieving a new leadership level.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If your company does not allow online marketing, the best thing you can do is to brand yourself. Create a blog about starting your business without mentioning the company- use generic terms. Blog about self-development, direct sales in general, marketing, etc. Develop a newsletter and post an opt-in on your blog. If your business is travel write about destinations. If your business is health and wellness, there are many health issues you can blog about. Get creative.