Today, I want to share my system for building my MLM Business. This might just be the most important article on this blog, so please study it, bookmark this page, and share it with your team members.
Almost every day, I have people ask me what I use for a system to grow my network marketing business. I figured I would spend a few hours and write a detailed blog post about it, so you have a better understanding of what I do.
Keep in mind this system is constantly refined, tweaked, and improved. It’s NOT the same system I used when I first started my business. It’s not the same system I used last year. It has evolved through real-world experience and trial and error over the past 21+ years.
My system is VERY different from most network marketers. I am a student of Mark Yarnell (now deceased). The most important thing I learned from him was that every successful network marketer builds their business their own unique way. They rarely follow the company’s system or do exactly what their upline does. Successful reps leverage their own natural talents and abilities.
That’s the mindset I have about building my own network marketing business: I build it in a way that works for me. My way might not work for you. That’s okay. Your job is to figure out what DOES work for you and then focus on that! In addition, your job is to help your serious team members figure out what works for them, so they can be successful in the business.
If nothing else, this post will give you some ideas you can refine and tweak to match your personality, skills, and goals.
My Mindset About My MLM Business
Before I go into the step-by-step details of what I do on a daily basis, I will give you a brief overview of how I THINK about my network marketing business. Here are some things you should know upfront:
- I am an entrepreneur first, a marketer second, and a network marketer third (please take note of that).
- My MLM Income is and always will be just ONE INCOME STREAM of many in my business.
- I build my business 100% online.
- I only talk to people who contact me first; I don’t call or contact anyone.
- I don’t chase people, bug people, pressure people, prospect people, or cold call people.
- I refuse to use hype, hard-selling, deception, or pressure.
- I don’t do home parties, I don’t do meetings, I don’t do three-way calls, and I don’t meet people face-to-face.
- I have multiple streams of income (about 3-5 really good streams) and about 30 income streams total (however, I only promote one MLM Company).
- I make money whether people join my network marketing team or not because I promote a variety of affiliate products and services, in addition to my MLM Company.
- My blog is my HUB of operations, my base camp.
- I focus 100% of my time, money, and energy on building my email list (my real asset).
- I spend about three hours per day doing everything I need to do to grow my business.
THE PURPOSE OF MY BLOG IS TO BUILD MY EMAIL LIST. MY EMAIL LIST IS MY REAL BUSINESS.
I put that in caps lock and bold to emphasize a point. Please read it again so it sinks in.
I build an email list. Next, I focus on building a relationship with that list. And then I monetize my email list by offering different products, services, or opportunities my subscribers might be interested in. That is my business system in a nut-shell. I learned this concept from Mike Dillard. It’s known as a You, INC. business.
Once again, these are the key attributes of my business and system. What I want to do in the rest of the article is give you the details of how I do everything and how it all works. Let’s get started.
My System for Building My MLM Business
First off, nothing was handed to me. I failed miserably in our industry for many YEARS, more than a decade of struggle. I tried just about everything you can think of. I paid my dues and learned everything from the School of Hard Knocks. My journey was not fast, free, or easy.
My system starts with my blog. You could say that my blog is my ONLINE BUSINESS LOCATION or HUB of Operations.
Initially, I started a MLM Website in October 2010 with SiteBuildIt. I grew that website into a 2,000-page website, but got penalized by Google for some Black Hat SEO things I tried. My traffic disappeared overnight.
As a result, I shut down my blog and started over. I launched this blog in April 2013. The blog you are looking at right now is my base-camp! It’s where people first meet me. It’s my store front. It’s where I add people to my email list. It’s where I sell affiliate products and meet prospects for my MLM Company.
I create LOTS of high quality content and use attraction marketing to grow my business. People find my content all over the internet on Google, blogs, forums, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, podcasts, paid ads, etc. That content redirects them to this blog.
When people visit this blog, they get educated and inspired. As a result, some visitors join my email list. Others join my opportunity. Some people purchase training products I recommend or services I offer. This provides me with multiple streams of income.
I just churn out high quality content, invest money in ads, and send as many people as possible to my blog.
My Daily Routine
Everyone has a daily routine. Your daily routine will make you or break you in this business. When it comes to network marketing, you must have the self-discipline to set a daily routine focused on income producing activities, and then you must take massive, consistent action.
Here is what I do on a daily basis Monday thru Friday to grow my business:
_____ Mail 10-20 postcards
_____ Post on Facebook (story, timeline, reel)
_____ Update My Team’s Facebook group
_____ Edit one old blog post daily
_____ Send an email to my list
_____ Publish one piece of new content daily (video, podcast, Power Point, article, or blog post)
_____ Monitor and place ads
This takes me about 2.5 hours per day to do, on average.
I have refined my daily routine many times throughout the past 21+ years, as my business grew and evolved. I found some things worked well for me and other things didn’t work. I am always tweaking and improving what I do. I’m sure my current daily routine will evolve and change over the next 12-months.
Connecting with My Email List
I email my list daily, five to six times per week. I sent out helpful tips and nuggets to train network marketers. My emails are designed to teach, provide value, and help people.
Yes, I have offers intertwined in my emails from time-to-time, but 95% or more of my content is valuable “how to” information. You can subscribe to my free boot camp here if you want to receive my emails.
Once again, the purpose of my blog is to build my email list. My goal with my blog is simply to add 10 to 20 new email subscribers to my list every day. If I do that, everything else will fall in place.
My email list is my most valuable business asset. My goal in business is to cultivate a STRONG relationship with my email list so they like, know, and trust me.
A small percentage of the people on my email list eventually partner up with me and join me in my MLM Team. But most do not. Either way, I make money, because a lot of people buy different affiliate products from me.
Talk about a win-win situation! I help people on my email list solve their problems, and I earn a commission for doing so.
My Income Streams
As I mentioned earlier, I have about 30 total income streams with this blog, and three rock solid income streams.
Here are some of my favorite income streams.
- My MLM Company
- Solo Ads
- Sell Advertising
- Amazon Affiliate
- eBooks and Reports
You can check out my best income streams on my resources page. Plus, here are some top MLM affiliate programs.
This is how I make money with my network marketing business. This is my entire business system in a nut-shell.
The Four-Step Process
If I had to break it down into simple steps it would be:
- Focus on building an email list.
- Build a relationship with my list, by communicating several times per week and providing value.
- Offer products and services that will benefit people on my email list, which provides me with multiple streams of income.
- Interact with people who reach out to me with questions, need help, or want to join my team.
Putting It All In Perspective
Before I end this post, I want to put things in perspective for a moment.
First and foremost, my success was not instantaneous. I worked full-time almost THREE YEARS before I started making ANY money. During those three years I worked 10-12 hours per day, six to seven days per week!
My goal is not to scare you and tell you that you will have to work that hard to achieve what I have done; HOWEVER, I want you to know that BLOGGING, or building your MLM Business online, requires HARD WORK, PERSISTENCE, and PATIENCE.
Rome was not built in one day. This is NOT the LOTTERY folks! If it was easy, everyone would do it. Almost every business I know of takes MINIMUM 18 to 24 months to get profitable. And many of these business owners have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in their business.
You don’t sign up or get started and just start making a tsunami of cash. You must take the time and money to develop your specialized knowledge! I had to go through a steep learning curve, but I’m glad I did because now I have a very solid business and make money even while I sleep!
Furthermore, my way is not the only way, or even the best way, to build a successful network marketing business. One of my mentors had more than one million people join his team and he didn’t use the internet at all! Chew on that.
When it comes to a system, you need something that works for you and something you can use in your team. I have a different system for my team, but I encourage everyone to come up with their own system.
Furthermore, I realize there are MANY different ways to build a successful network marketing business. Interview 100 top earners and you will find 100 different systems or methods.
Forcing everyone on your team to use the same system is idiotic, as I see it. We are all wired differently and have different personalities, skills, talents, and abilities. A good sponsor will help you develop a game-plan that works for you, not force you to do what they do.
I chose the online approach, and the system I use, for a strategic reason. First of all, I love writing and blogging. Next, I want multiple streams of income. I want people contacting me first, and I want leverage.
I wanted a system that would work for me 24/7, even while I slept or went away on vacation. I have no desire to sell people, chase people, bug my warm market, or prospect everyone I meet. I hate rejection, hype, and pressure, so I built a system that eliminates those things.
I also have no desire to go to meetings or meet with people face-to-face. I enjoy working in my pajamas from home and talking to people who contact me first. That is why I chose the MLM System I have now. And it works like hotcakes, FOR ME!
Could it work for you? Maybe. However, I think you would be much better off to come up with something that leverages your own talents and abilities.
If you have any questions about my system, you can send me an email to mrchuckholmes@gmail.com.
Suggested Video
Creating Your Own MLM System
If you want to succeed in network marketing, or any business for that matter, you need your own system. The system is the solution. You run the system and the system runs the business. There are many types of systems you could use or develop. Your system could be:
- Podcasting
- Mailing Postcards
- YouTube
- Classified Ads
Essentially, you need the following four components for a system to work.
- A lead capture system
- A follow up system
- A way to generate traffic
- Multiple Streams of Income.
You need a lead capture page to generate leads. You need an auto-responder and pre-written email messages to follow up with your leads. You need a simple way to promote your capture page so you can can get a steady stream of leads (this is where most people struggle). Finally, you need a few income streams to promote, in addition to your MLM Company.
By all means, if you are a newbie, start out with what your company offers you. Learn the basics and then develop something that aligns with your skills, time, budget, and goals.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this is an overview of my system for building my MLM Business. What are your thoughts about my system for building my MLM business? What type of system do you use to grow your MLM Business? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Work with Your Warm Market
- Best Recruiting Books
- LinkedIn Recruiting Scripts
- The Best Marketing System
- The E-Myth Revisited Review
Sincerely,
Chuck Holmes
Network Marketing Professional (21+ years)
Top Recruiter & Top Rep
mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
Copying a successful system does not automatically translate for it to work for you. I like the fact that you made it clear that it was the system that worked for your business, which does not mean it will work for everybody. With constant effort and patience, discovering oneself and knowing what works best for you and your business is sure to get a good result.
I love your system where the point of contact is your blog because of your love for writing. Your blog is the first point that directs your audience to your other services because of the value you offer. I’d like to replicate a system like yours, and I hope to get a similar result.
The McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway and other franchises have a system that works for everyone because franchisees MUST follow the system. It is non-negotiable. It is part of the contract.
Network marketing is different. Each person is their own CEO and they can do whatever they want. That is the blessing and curse in our industry. Even though there are lots of great systems, it’s difficult to get people to actually use it and go to work.
Hi Chuck,
Firstly, thank you for such a detailed article. The fact that you used 19 years of your experience and converted it in to a source of learning for the readers, goes to say a lot about you. Also, the fact that you have generated 40 income streams is a remarkable feat. How you have shared details about how you do things has made it quite relatable and inspiring at the same time.
As you have emphasized there is no one formula through which one can do things; what works for one may not necessarily work for the others. We need to evaluate our business dynamics to come up with a workable formula. Additionally, as you rightly put it, consistency is very important. If we give up just as easily we begin picking on an idea, we may never be able to successfully accomplish even one of the goals we set.
Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it.
First of all, I want to thank you Chuck for spending your time to present us with your detailed system for building your MLM business. Your mindset on your MLM business and your Daily routines convinced me that I’m doing a lot of things wrong. I found your reply to Al Pooser’s comment very helpful as well. 99% of the companies indeed have the same system that they teach us. You pointed out that the email list is your most important asset. Four-step process was straightforward! Building relationship with everyone from email list and offering value can be crucial in this business. I find your articles and advice very helpful, and I would definitely recommend this website. Great job and thank you, Chuck!
Thanks for the kind words. There is no one clear cut answer for everyone, except they need to create SOMETHING that works for them. There are so many variations, one for every style. Experiment with different things to figure out what works best for you. Then refine it.
Hi Chuck,
First off, intriguing writing style, and I couldn’t stop myself from commenting on it.
Second off, an excellent post. The way you described your morning routine, along with the time spent, is incredible. I, for one, need a proper morning routine to kickstart my day.
Some of the things I loved and learned from your blog were:
*It’s important to have a unique style. Following someone else’s style just because they have it great doesn’t mean it will work for you.
*Set a proper mindset if you actually want to do it. You can’t create a steady income overnight, and it requires effort, time, and hard work.
*Lastly, you gave us the gist at first itself, which is admirable. It shows that you respect our time as well.
Thank you for writing this. Very helpful 🙂
Thanks, Shakira.
My system works great for me. It’s not perfect, but I am constantly refining it, looking for ways to level up.
Every network marketer needs their own system and routine. The same thing won’t work for everyone, so it’s important to find something that aligns with your personality, skills, time available, budget, and goals.
This article would help any business owner, Chuck, even though it is designed for network marketers. Every entrepreneur needs a daily game plan to stay on track and be productive. They also need a simple, easy to follow system they can use that will help generate leads and sales. If they used what you do on a daily basis as a template, they could come up with something that works for them.
Yes, systems are the solution. Without a good system, a business is people dependent. The most successful businesses are system dependent. Even if you are a one person business, you need a system for all aspects of your business so you can get a predictable result.
I like how you explained everything and gave examples. It’s very helpful for a new or experienced network marketer who’s looking to create a routine, set goals, and achieve success in their business.
Thanks. Every MLM Rep needs their own system. It doesn’t have to be what I do, or what their upline does, but there must be some type of system they are willing to follow.
Thank you chuck,I just started network marketing two months ago and right now am just using cold marketing and online marketing… I am trying to build a Facebook page I know it will take time..but I am glad I started network marketing, thank you for sharing your system..
Glad I could be of help.
1st I don’t know Chuck personally, although I feel like I do. I have read some of his Kindle books and I have bought his Blogging Course (VERY GOOD in case you are wondering) and I have been on his list for a long time and enjoy reading his articles.
I even looked at his primary MLM and believe it to be a very good company. But I have not joined. Why? You ask. His system. Although it is a very good system…for him. How many people can build a successful blog? I’d venture, not many. I DO like that he blogs and maybe I will do that someday myself.
I have joined many mlm’s in the past and have failed, because I joined on hype. I feel that one needs a “System” that you can plug into to make this work.
Chuck, do you have an article on your sponsor’s system. It must be very effective if he did it all offline.
Anyway, I am not here to be critical of anyone and Chuck, I value your blog, emails and the articles that you write. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Al,
Thanks for the nice comment. I appreciate it.
I believe that systems are overrated. Everyone in our industry is looking for a system that is the answer to their troubles. It does not exist.
In 99.99% of the companies in our industry, this is the system they teach:
1. Make a list of the people you know (100 to 500 names)
2. Contact list
3. Share business (event, video, one on one, webinar, etc.)
4. Follow up & Collect a decision
5. Repeat
That is network marketing in a nutshell. That is the foundation of every system. Most people just aren’t willing to do those things.
You can join any company and that is what they will teach you.
No system will work for everyone. I believe in building a business in a way that works for you. We are all wired differently, so we have to find something that makes sense to us. I like writing, so that’s what I do.
Even when someone tells you they have a magical system, it consists of nothing more than:
1. Making list (either of people they know or generating leads online)
2. Contacting list
3. Showing presentation (webinar, video, call or live event)
4. Following up and Collecting a decision
I teach people on my team these steps, but let them decide how they will implement it.
If you look at any successful rep in our industry you will discover two things. First off, they don’t follow their upline’s system and secondly their best people don’t follow their system.
Just my two cents.
For most people, the real solution is to develop the skills, not just find a system. Without skills and hustle, no system will work.
With the right skills, any system will work.
I hope that helps. Good luck in your business.
What a great information sir, if we follow your system then we can achieve every destination of dreams. Bcoz only a practical person can show is the right way that how to succeed in life. Thanks a lot sir, for your inspiration and motivation.
Suresh.
Glad I could help Suresh. I wish you all the best in your business. See you at the top.
I would say Suresh that following this basic system Chuck put here is a great thing, but you should make it your own. If you use your own personality, you will hit all your desires and dreams.
As Chuck said to you…Good luck with your endeavors, and may success land upon you.
The key is to figure out something you can do and make it work for you. Make a list of your talents and abilities and factor in your personality as well.
HI Chuck,
Very nice post! I’ve watched your Alexa number dropping over the past 8 months. Well done and congratulations! If you need advice on blogging, Chuck is your man!
Yes, traffic is through the roof. It feels good to know that my hard work has been paying off.
The fact that you have 5-10 really good streams of income and 40 total is incredible. I want to be like you when I grow up. No, but seriously I love the bullet list you shared about yourself and the fact that you don’t bully people into buying and that you let them come to you. A prime example of working smarter there. I also love the fact that you have created your own products to sell in order to generate additional income and leads.
Thanks. I’ve worked very hard to build up my income streams.
From what I have seen, your system seems to work well. It is great that you explained it here. Others can possibly duplicate it and do well. It is also great that you stated your way isn’t the only way. The biggest key is: you don’t have all your eggs in the same basket. by creating multiple income streams, if one stream is flowing slow, another will probably be doing good. Thanks for sharing.
Multiple streams of income is where it’s age. My definition of risk is only having one income stream.
Yes, you are right about risk being one income stream.
The best part about multiple streams is when one thing is in a dry valley, another stream is flooding.
I learned that lesson long ago, and it amazes me that people risk everything on just one income stream.
Again, thanks for sharing this because it can help the rest of us get some great ideas.
To me, having just one income stream is very risky, even if you have a job with the government. There are just so many things out of your control. At a minimum, it helps to have two or three solid income streams. You could have some investments, a part-time job, royalties, residual income, whatever. Think outside the box and see what you can come up with. The more diversified and different the income streams the better. That’s how I see it anyway.