While Social Media is getting media attention as the marketing solution of the future, success continues to be elusive for many. Many strategies continue to fail because social media users find them intrusive. Individuals log in to their social media sites to connect with other individuals, not to be sold a product, service or opportunity. The average person may see as many as 5000 advertisements a day, and most people have begun to block out traditional forms of advertising. The reaction when trying to be sold by friends, family and acquaintances while on social media has become distasteful to many users. Does this mean that marketing on social media is ineffective? Not if it is done correctly.

First, it is important to remember that social media is not a replacement for traditional face to face marketing. Direct selling is successful because of the face to face interaction and the relationship that is developed long before the membership is marketed. It is still important take the steps outlined in the Game Plan because it is this personal interaction that strengthens the message. As a direct seller, you understand it is just as important to understand the individual you would like to sell a membership package to, and that by knowing their needs you can see how Team National will be a fit for them. This is how social media can be a wonderful tool.

Through social media you can get to know people who may not otherwise have been in your circle, and you can build relationships that may lead you to individuals that would benefit from Team National. We have all heard stories of how Facebook and other social networking sites have connected people who had not spoken in years, college roommates, friends from high school and stories of people who have met and developed lasting relationships through these sites. The large network introduced through social media could lengthen your list and increase the probability of finding people interested in Team National. The key to using social media effectively is to use to widen your social network, to develop relationships and by doing so, increasing your warm market. This is done by providing content that others are interested in, to communicate effectively and be the kind of person other people would like to get to know.

We all love Team National, we are part of this company because of all of the great opportunities it provides us, and of course we want to share it with everyone. However as people read things on social media sites like “Team National Rocks! Contact me for more Information,” they begin to feel like consumers watching advertisement, instead of someone you are interested in as a person. Instead, posts that directly address the needs of others or let people get to know you lead to strong relationships.

Successful implementation of social media for your business doesn’t center around selling, it is about increasing your personal network, and to help others find solutions to their problem. Whenever possible, take the discussion of joining Team National off of the social networks. These discussions should happen face to face, through video conferencing, on the phone, or even by email. And always remember to play baseball!

-Alyssa Chowdhury
Team National Social Media Manager