Most of us were taught by our sponsor to construct a list of names. I was even asked to build this list before I started my network marketing business. The quantity of names that we are asked to put on that list varies. I was absolutely terrified because my sponsor asked me to continue until I had 200 names on my list. I didn’t even know 200 individuals. Luckily I was given the names list memory jogger. Sound familiar? I was very amazed to discover that I did know 200 people.

When we began our business we had our list of names, our leads. But for most network marketers, that initial list of family, friends, contacts and people named “Bob” runs out. We are then instructed to hunt for people in church, at chamber of commerce meetings and in Starbucks. All of these are fantastic ideas. I still do that today, but not nearly as much. But, that list of names, that hunting at Starbucks was just not moving swiftly enough to create the kind of revenue that I desired – or that I needed. And, I know that my body does NOT need as much caffeine as I was slurping up.

So, why do we need leads anyway? Well, our sponsors have continually told us that the fortune is in the follow up. That is true to some extent. But, it is my belief that the fortune is actually in the “leads”. If we don’t have sufficient leads, we won’t have someone to follow up with.

We all have heard that 95% of folks just are not interested in the best business in the world, network marketing. So, if just 5% of your names list becomes interested, that amounts to only 10 business partners. I have to confess that the statistic did not hold true for me. My wife accurately observed that the folks on our list had a “poor” mentality; they were not able to envision the possibility of not working in a JOB. You’ve also heard that “like minds” attract. We formerly had that same “poor” mentality – until we learned how to steer toward accomplishment. We developed incredibly and learned to partner with associates with a “rich” mentality.

We’ve also heard of the 95% failure rate. So, back to my 200 list example, 5% of the 10 business partners eventually lead to 1 enthusiastic long-term partner. Thus, do we need more leads? Do we need qualified leads? Do we need to be able to spend more time chatting with recruits and new partners, instead of wandering the malls? Of course!

I learned through my training that leaders in our industry find a system that helps them locate qualified prospects; that helps them become magnetic so that qualified leads locate them. You should use a system used by leaders in our industry. It should have guidance so that you can advance as a leader. It should show a step by step method to make the most of all of the tools that we have heard about – from social networks, to article writing and marketing, to blogs, to Google Pay per Click, to free advertising and to SO MUCH MORE! Follow the links below to learn even more!

Most experts, be they individuals, e-books, online articles or affiliate marketing companies stress the importance of creating a successful blog.

So, why even have a blog? The reasons are many, and here are 9 of the most important:

1. To Help Achieve Your Goals. You need to define your own goals. After they are determined, you can structure your blog so that these goals are satisfied. Maybe you have goals of finding leads for your primary programs or affiliate programs.

2. Create Personal Branding. In my opinion, this is the most important reason to create a blog. Personal Branding, as defined by Wikipedia is: …“the process whereby people and their careers are marked as brands. …success comes from self-packaging. Further defined as the creation of an asset that pertains to a particular person or individual; this includes but is not limited to the body, clothing, appearance and knowledge contained within, leading to an indelible impression that is uniquely distinguishable. So, why is this important? To put it bluntly: your personal branding shows your visitors that you are a professional who knows what you are doing.

3. Create Position. With numerous well written articles, your blog will establish you as an expert in your market. Naturally, visitors will want to return to your blog frequently to read your latest posting. They will want to subscribe to your blog. They will want to take advantage of the programs you offer. They will want to opt-in so that they can learn more from you.

4. Create Stickability. Stickability is the desire for your audience to “stick” around for a while. If your blog is interesting, people will want to explore the entire site, read your articles, and explore your opportunities. This will create a desire to subscribe to your blog and return often to learn.

5. Create Trust. Your blog can provide a “safe” place for your prospects. Most often, trust is not established immediately. By learning about you, your family, your struggles and your ultimate success, they develop a kinship with you. They can see similarities and a reason to find out more. By reading posted articles they can learn how you think and eventually develop trust in you. This creates a reason for them to fill in their contact information for you and, in fact, buy from you. In general, strangers do not care about your products or your opportunity before they care about you. On the other hand, if your blog shows you as someone they are not interested in learning more about, if your blog shows pictures that are distressing, if it is filled with nothing but “sales pitches”, they learn to NOT trust you and leave, never to return.

6. Create Search Engine Ranking. Google and other search engines love blogs. Blogs are ranked very high by these search engines, primarily because they provide frequent updates. With higher rankings on search engines, more people will find out about you.

7. Build Your List. After you have built trust, have established yourself as a leader and have provided valuable content, visitors will want to opt-in to your list so that they can learn more from you, the expert. It is best not to lead your prospects to your capture page from Facebook or Twitter. They are Social Networks – primarily a way for your friends to find out more about you, the person.

8. Build Equity. Over time you will have hundreds of posts on your blog. This is an asset and is very valuable to your readers and yourself.

9. Attract Quality Traffic. You will attract individuals interested in what you have to offer with your personal branding, position and articles written for your niche. They will be quality prospects. Period….

Bill McMahon

To learn more blogging and social networking secrets:  http://joinbillmcmahon.com