Network Marketing vs. Internet Marketing

Network marketing is a very powerful way to create a client base. The concept behind network marketing is that the product or service originator hires down line sales personnel to carry sales to local levels by building a team of individuals who then create teams below them.

Eventually the market becomes saturated by placing down line salespersons in strategic areas. Sales persons then cover their individual areas creating a personal relationship with clientele.

A few highly successful companies using this technique are Avon, Mary Kay and Shaklee. Perhaps the most successful network company in history was the Fuller Brush Company. Nearly everyone over the age of 50 knew the local Fuller Brush salesman. Encyclopedias were a door-to-door success, as well. Anyone remember the Electrolux vacuum in-home demonstrations?

Although Avon and some other companies continue to succeed using network sales techniques, many such companies have or are failing. Why? The introduction of the Internet as a sales platform has taken a big chunk out of sales power across many industries.

Looking at time constraints alone, the Internet is available as a source of information and purchasing power all day-every day. You can wake up at 3am and decide to research and buy something while in your pj's and on a whim. No appointments. No sales calls. The customer is completely in charge of the transaction. Even writing a check or the need to run to the bank is gone. You go on with your daily life and your purchase appears on your doorstep.

Network sales will never completely disappear because people still like to interact with one another. However, many people are finding that doing research on the Internet prior to buying a product from a local vendor gives them a huge advantage. Knowing exactly what you want before making a purchase makes the buying process much less stressful. Consider the following example.

Say you are in the market for a vehicle. There are 5 dealerships in your area and you want to purchase a new SUV. You could go to each dealership, test drive several models and listen to a list of technical specifications, pricing options, lease information, and so on or you could do your homework on line. If the dealership has a great web site you'll be able to get nearly all the information needed before setting foot in any of the dealerships.

Most of them have price calculators which include options, color charts and interior styles, ratings and service options. You can even see your new vehicle in 3D graphics on many sites. Armed with that information, you can walk in, test-drive the vehicle you've chosen and close the deal in one quick trip. Sure the dealership is a network marketer and that is essential to enable you to examine the merchandise before completing a transaction, but the Internet affords you complete control.

The above scenario was from the point of view of the customer. Now, consider yourself as the seller. You need to understand what potential clients expect in this economy. A poor presence on the internet will definitely lose you potential customers. In fact, if you were a car dealer in the above scenario, you might lose customers to dealers outside your area if they offer better online services.

It pays to check out the available online marketing strategies that can be used in conjunction with your current network marketing efforts. There online workshops that especially address this issue.

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