3 Ways To Market Your MLM In A Crowded Online World…
Back “in the day” it might have been easy to market yourself online but these days everybody is suffering from information overload.
According to Walker Smith:“…we’ve gone from being exposed to about 500 ads a day back in the 1970’s to as many as 5,000 a day today.” – CBS
Wow, those are some crazy numbers!
The question is, “How are YOU going to stand out from everybody else?”
Well, Here’s 3 Ways To Market Your MLM In A Crowded Online World
#1 – Be The Biggest Toad In The Bucket
When I was a kid, I used to referee “death matches” between innocent creatures like ants, toads, and caterpillars. I would put them in a bucket and watch them fight to the death. But don’t run away yet…
Because, most of the time they did nothing! The “winner” would be put in a “retirement home” which was really just a box with dirt and discarded pieces of peanut butter sandwiches in it, and that was that.
Yeah, looking back on things, feeding them mom’s p-butter sandwiches was cruel and unusual, but “boys will be boys” and I didn’t turn out to be a serial killer, so it’s all good.
Anyway, I think it was a valuable lesson - I think.
I discovered:
“You don’t have to be the biggest toad in the world, but it helps if you’re the biggest toad in the bucket.”
So pick your bucket carefully…
Because you don’t want to be thrown in with a bullfrog.
#2 – Work Harder For Less Pay
One of the most inspirational books I ever read was “Incredible Carnegie”. I’m not sure who wrote that dusty book, but it was all about the life of Andrew Carnegie.
At one point in time, he was the richest man in North America and possibly the world.
In his later years he devoted his whole life to giving all of his money away and building libraries. In fact, there’s a good chance your local library was founded by Carnegie too.
To cut a long story short…
Carnegie started working before he was a teenager. He worked insane hours for almost no pay for years. He worked harder than anybody else and he was promoted before anybody else. He invested his money carefully in business ventures he trusted and today he’s still considered to be the second richest man in history – right behind John D. Rockefeller.
So what?
The point is, Carnegie didn’t inherit his money. He didn’t whine about making $2.50 cents a week. And he most certainly didn’t follow the advice of anybody who was broke or stupid. I want to emphasize that last point because it’s crucial.
He didn’t follow the advice of anybody who was broke or stupid – and he worked harder than anybody else.
Now maybe that’s a little harsh, but unfortunately a lot of otherwise intelligent men and women are building their lives on the advice of broke high school teachers or parents who never had any level of success in their lives.
It’s also unfortunate that most people feel entitled to a paycheck, and they are opposed to working long hours for little pay.
If you want to be a titan, you have to pay the price.
Most people won’t.
#3 – Buy A Mermaid Or A Midget
Maybe you know a little bit about P.T. Barnum.
Maybe it’s all a buncha lies.
He’s often “credited” with saying “There’s a sucker born every minute.” but that’s a bit of historical nonsense. There’s no denying that he was in the business of making money, but he didn’t scam people, he thrilled them!
Barnum made a fortune by entertaining popular fancy. Touring with the “Fiji Mermaid” (a monkey stitched to a fish) and “General Tom Thumb” (a little person). He drew large crowds and made a mint but he never “ripped people off” as some “historians” would have you believe.
To quote wikipedia:
“Often referred to as the “Prince of Humbugs”, Barnum saw nothing wrong in entertainers or vendors using hype (or “humbug”, as he termed it) in promotional material, as long as the public was getting value for money. However, he was contemptuous of those who made money through fraudulent deceptions,”
If you’re interested in a long but fascinating article then here’s the full story.
Now days, it’s fashionable for people to say “hype doesn’t sell” or that “we’re not in the entertainment business” but to some degree, all marketing has to rely on showmanship and theater. Those who master these skills will always stand out from their peers.
What Am I Getting At?
Simply this…
You don’t need to be bigger, wealthier, or smarter than your competition:
- You just have to find a smaller bucket.
- You just have to work harder, longer hours.
- You just have to inject a little “humbug”.
How Do You Stand Out From The Crowd?
See you soon,
Jason The “Better Networker”
-The Jason Better Blog
P.S. Good Enough To Share? It would be totally cool if you like this post enough to share it with your friends. It’s easy to do, just look for the little green “retweet” button on the top of this post and click. Much appreciated. 
39 Comments
Jason on February 10th, 2010
Josh,
Too true…
I think we’re all in the same bucket in a way but it’s nice to know that we can climb into other less populated ones in marketing.
I wouldn’t want to compete in some niches these days… crazy.
[Reply]
Wayne Vassell on February 10th, 2010
Hey Jason,
I can see that lesson about “pick your bucket carefully” is an important lesson about finding a Niche within the market place.
Good point there, Network marketing is a massive market place, but there are many many little pockets of prospects (niches) to find if we, as distributors, look hard enough.
Another great post my friend.
Thanks.
Wayne Vassell, signing out…
[Reply]
Jason on February 10th, 2010
Wayne,
Glad to see you back again.
Sometimes childhood memories are as good
as a book on marketing.
[Reply]
David Wilcoxson on February 10th, 2010
Yeah Jaseon, you definitely want to be in the RIGHT bucket, so that you’re spending time with people you can learn from, so that your time and efforts are well invested, and to target people who need what you offer… So humbug away!
[Reply]
David Wilcoxson on February 10th, 2010
Where’s the spell check in this bucket? Sorry Jason for misspelling your name.
[Reply]
Michael Cole on February 10th, 2010
Hi Jason,
No ants for me, when I was a kid my friend and I would catch crayfish at the golf course water traps. Too bad we didn’t know we ould have sold them as a delicacy.
Early mornings and late nights are the dues you have to pay for success. But when you really enjoy the process is it really “work?”
Delayed Gratification = work your butt off now for way more later.
Gonna go find a smaller bucket now.
Michael
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Michael,
I think we could have a whole conversation
about delayed gratification.
I read somewhere that that was one of the
biggest differences between leaders and followers.
[Reply]
Mitcehll Dillman on February 10th, 2010
Yep, yet another great post…Thanks Jason,
As a home builder, I always tried to make sure to stand out by the quality of work I performed… You know, a meticulous eye for detail and a passion to build the best.
I think this holds true in Network Marketing as well…If you show you’re ‘quality’ in the team you build and the passion you have to build the best team, others will come.
Your suggestion to inject a little humbug is great. Perhaps I can find a creative way to draw attention to myself without hiring little people, bearded women or monkey fish…
I guess there’s something to be said for the old school carnival hawkers.
Now…Step Right Up and make it a great day!
Mitchell Dillman
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Mitchell,
I think what it is… is that people
live incredibly dull lives in general… so
anything exciting or different will catch their
attention.
The problem is… keeping it!
[Reply]
Jerome Ratliff on February 10th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Listening to numerous audios and books by Napoleon Hill, he’s a big advocate of this one…
“#2 – Work Harder For Less Pay”
Is it no wonder where he got it from, Mr. Carnegie?
I use the philosophy of “Give and I shall succeed”.
I’m all about genuinely teaching others first. Then there is no choice for me to succeed.
Have an awesome day!
Jerome Ratliff
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Jerome,
I’m also a fan of Napoleon Hill’s work.
It’s strange how a piece of advice that seems to
make no sense at all, leads to the greatest success
over the long haul.
[Reply]
Richard Walsh on February 10th, 2010
I think the showmanship aspect is very important. A good example is Todd Falcone with buzzy boxer. Granted Todd has already achieved a great level of success but he knows how to keep making it better. There is a lot of power in video if done right.
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Richard,
I’m still psyched about the Buzzy Boxer videos.
Todd cut through the clutter in an instant with those.
At one time they used to say that it’s selling NOT
entertainment.
On the other hand, the advertising
legend David Ogilvy has mentioned that might not
be entirely true these days.
[Reply]
Derek Alvarez on February 10th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I definitely have the “work long hours” and “inject some humbug” down.
As for the small bucket, I’m working on making it smaller…
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Derek,
There’s nothing more difficult than picking
a smaller niche. At least, in my opinion, it’s a
decision that could change your entire life.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood on February 10th, 2010
Good Morning Jason,
Thanks for the history lesson on Mr. Carnegie. Since I’m not from this country originally there’s still a lot I don’t know.
But…I know all about working hard, long hours. My sons sometimes wonder, “why do you do that?” They don’t understand that “in the beginning we work hard for little pay but later we hardly work for a lot of pay in this industry.”
[Reply]
Alan Young Sing on February 10th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Another great post. Here’s my take on it …
1. Do what your competitors are not prepared to or are unable to do (Maintaining proper ethical standards of course)
2. Identify strengths and weaknesses (You, Your Company & The Company’s products). Then Highlight the strengths and be prepared to deal with weaknesses in a truthful manner if asked.
3. Network with like mined people (Mastermind Group) and share ideas.
4. Focus, Focus, Focus on giving the prospect what they want (but come across as being too eager to give it to them).
And if all fails, you could try “Caveman Marketing” ….. club your prospects on the head and drag them back to your cave!
Alan
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Alan,
I think the caveman method still works in a few
third world countries!
[Reply]
Alan Young Sing on February 10th, 2010
Hi Jason’
I just want to correct a typographical error. Point #4 should read:
4. Focus, Focus, Focus on giving the prospect what they want (but DON’T come across as being too eager to give it to them).
Thanks’
Alan
[Reply]
Ken on February 10th, 2010
All great points Jason, Thanks! I feel like I can relate to the ‘bucket story’. My bucket is way too big to playing around in, and I know this, so I’m climbing out and finding a smaller, more suitable bucket where I can entertain and challenge my suitors. As far as working hard for little pay, I believe anyone in network marketing can relate to that one.
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Hey Ken,
Too true…
And picking a niche! Now that’s
a challenge.
Especially in our industry.
[Reply]
Damayanthi on February 10th, 2010
Hi Jason,
“Find a smaller Bucket” – thanks for this great advise.
To begin with, I wasn’t sure what smaller niche I want to target, but after some training (on TF2 course) I am getting more clearer.
Working Hard is so important, and I guess we need to put in more “productive hours” rather than long hours.
Damayanthi
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Good day Damayanthi,
It gets easier with time… and if you
follow your heart. I know that sounds tacky,
but sometimes the best niche is one you love.
[Reply]
Mary Thayer on February 10th, 2010
Jason,
Another awesome article! I love your analogies.
The point that resonated with me is work harder for less pay. I grew up on a dairy farm so I am no stranger to hard work. But it is amazing when the fall comes and you reap the rewards of your hard work!
Thanks for the great insight!
Mary Thayer
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Hey Mary,
It’s like a snowball rolling down a hill…
Starts off small then grows, and grows, and grows.
[Reply]
Jose on February 10th, 2010
Jason, you got a good point. I always liked to be a comedian, I tried it a few times in L.A. and even though it was hard to stand in front of an audience I practiced on what I was good at and got laughs. I had a good time. But the point is try hard and focus on what you feel strong at not trying to cover everything. Blessings as alwasys
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Jose,
That’s the things.
Some people get caught up in all the
techniques and tools, and never do anything at
all.
[Reply]
Dana Prieur on February 10th, 2010
Hey Jason,
It sure is nice when you can have some of your team toads join you in the bucket so you can leave and go find another bucket!
Ribbitt…
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Hah Dana,
That made me choke on my orange juice!
So very true.
[Reply]
Karen on February 10th, 2010
Hey Jason-
Thanks for an insightful article that had an useful message presented in a ‘humbug’ way (different, interesting, attention getting).
[Reply]
February 11th, 2010 at 9:11 am
Thank you Karen,
I almost missed your comment there.
Finally approved.
[Reply]
Chris Owen on February 10th, 2010
Hey Jason,
I definitely have the work harder for less pay down. I was a soldier in Iraq until getting blown up.
I keep my bucket small by being a story teller. Almost all of my posts are stories about someone or personal experiences.
I try to peak peoples interest with more than marketing, so they never know what to expect, or what out there info they will learn on the side.
By the way, I like the stories you used here. Guess my buckets not so small after all.
[Reply]
February 10th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Chris,
I’ve always believed that story telling is
a much more powerful force than we give it
credit for.
If you ever want a fascinating read… a strange one…
then I recommend “The Teaching Tales Of Milton H.
Erickson” not exactly a marketing book but all about
changing lives through stories.
Very deep book though… hard to grasp.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker on February 11th, 2010
Yo Jason… I like it!! A school teacher of mine once told me that the best way to get noticed was to do the opposite of what everybody else was doing as long as it achieved the same objective. Wise words indeed, not always easy but that’s what leaders do, take the road less traveled! I think one of the network marketer’s challenges is to stop trying to be like every other network marketer!
Cheers,
Marcus
Cheers,
Marcus
[Reply]
February 11th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Marcus,
It’s funny that it’s so hard to stand out
when really, (in theory) all a person has to do is be themselves
because there’s nobody else like you.
[Reply]
Derek Fobert on February 14th, 2010
I use to watch and assist in drowning a bumble bee in my kiddie swimming pool with the use of my beach bucket. Lets just say that the pay back stung me pretty good. So, I need to move out of that swimming pool and into my beach bucket. Okay, Okay… Great inspiring analogies, Jason.
[Reply]
February 15th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Derek,
I had that same experience with a chipmunk one time!
Tried to help the booger and he tried to bite…
[Reply]
Hey Jason,
I think all boys loved watching ants fight. I know I did. Now, I’m the ant in the bucket…LOL
For sure I know about working harder and longer hours with no immediate gratitude. But we all have to pay the price on way or another.
Guess what – I was one of those suckers that enjoyed watching little people at the circus.
Chat with you later.
Josh
[Reply]