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Closing Techniques for New Signups in Offline Marketing

by wikidzdotinfo
48 replies
As I am serious about expanding my skillset and learning from others, I thought I would post here.

I am currently expanding my operations and one of the things I have learned is that you never stop learning. And by the law of fivefold success (you are the average of the five people you associate with most) I am still trying to further enhance my closing skills as I believe I could improve them even more. So I want to learn from YOU while also offering you what I've learned.

I use a four question method, and it's been getting me a LOT of signups to my new business. I'd like to share it with you.

So many people ask the question "So, are you interested?" outright at the point of signup or at the end of the presentation and FAIL at this point that it's almost sickening to watch. I've found that by following the method I learned from one of the masters - Eric Worre - that my signups have more than tripled in the last three months. So because I'm in such a good mood and because my aim in life is to enrich other people's lives by setting them free and educating them, I've decided to share it with you. This set of closing questions should be used once you have the prospect in a place where you think they are ready to commit and just need a little "nudge".

Question 1.
Based on what you've just seen, if you were to get started even on a part time basis, how much would you need to earn each month in order to make this worthwhile for you?

This question sets expectations and allows the prospect a chance to decide how much they want to make.

Question 2.
Approximately how many hours couldyou devote each week to develop this kind of income?

Now we allow the prospect to decide how committed they want to be.

Question 3.
How many months would you be willing to work those hours to develop the income you want?

This gives the prospect a chance to decide how much of their life they want to use up in order to get to the income mentioned in Q1. And then we wrap it up.

Question 4. - Wrapping it up.
If I could show you how to develop a business making [answer to Q1], working [answer to Q2] hours a week over [answer to Q3] months, would you be ready to get started right now?

Rather than trying to get them to sign on the line outright, you just let them know that you are there to help them achieve question 4, but that you aren't there to do it for them. If after question 4 they aren't sure, don't let them go! Keep on educating them, invite them to another video presentation, ask if you can send them another DVD, magazine or presentation. Some signups will take years to bring in, while others will happen at your first encounter.

So, your turn - what closing method works best for you?

Joseph
#closing #marketing #offline #signups #techniques
  • Profile picture of the author missmiss
    Good stuff. I think these are great pre-closes. You'll still have to close them i.e. get them to signup or hand over their credit card.

    I think the closes above are great for getting people to state their objections about why they wouldn't sign up.

    It's important to know the proper way to handle objections when asking questions like those, so you can overcome them and get them to finally sign up.
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    • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
      Originally Posted by missmiss View Post

      Good stuff. I think these are great pre-closes. You'll still have to close them i.e. get them to signup or hand over their credit card.

      I think the closes above are great for getting people to state their objections about why they wouldn't sign up.

      It's important to know the proper way to handle objections when asking questions like those, so you can overcome them and get them to finally sign up.
      Hey missmiss, thanks for that.

      Objections tend to always be the same, don't they? Which means you only have to learn how to deal with them once.

      "Is this a pyramid?"
      "Is this a ponzi scheme?"
      "I don't know anyone."
      "I don't want to sell stuff to my friends and family."
      "I don't make enough money to buy the product."
      "I don't think I can dedicate the time to that, I have too much work."

      Once you learn how to deal with each one once, you should be able to move straight past objections by giving pretty much the same answers every time. How do you deal with objections?
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
        Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

        Hey missmiss, thanks for that.

        Objections tend to always be the same, don't they? Which means you only have to learn how to deal with them once.

        "Is this a pyramid?"
        "Is this a ponzi scheme?"
        "I don't know anyone."
        "I don't want to sell stuff to my friends and family."
        "I don't make enough money to buy the product."
        "I don't think I can dedicate the time to that, I have too much work."

        Once you learn how to deal with each one once, you should be able to move straight past objections by giving pretty much the same answers every time. How do you deal with objections?
        Those are not objections, they're legitimate questions and they only come up because you are approaching them as if they are a "sign up" (whatever the hell that is) instead of a legitimate component to your network (I assume you are talking about network marketing here).
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        • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
          Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

          Those are not objections, they're legitimate questions and they only come up because you are approaching them as if they are a "sign up" (whatever the hell that is) instead of a legitimate component to your network (I assume you are talking about network marketing here).
          Hi JamesFreddyC,

          Well, my mentor, Eric Worre, would argue that they are indeed objections. But the dictionary definition of objection is maybe something only a little more offensive than what you appear to be thinking of. [edit: when I say "Objection" I merely mean in a grammatical sense. A language point, rather than an offensive or aggressive disagreement.]

          Legitimate questions they may be (and in no way do I ever make someone feel like they are any less important or inferior in any way for asking the question), but they are always the same and therefore only need the same response. My job is to inform and educate, to breed understanding and not to encourage or breed discomfort or hostility and definitely not scorn (which by the way I'm sensing from you - see the bolded part above).

          But to define it further, a signup is just another way of saying "someone who is interested in the opportunity and "signs up" by confirming their interest, agreeing to the next stage, or taking an action that you deem as indicative of commitment on their part. Its a short way of saying all of those things (I certainly wouldn't call someone a signup). Thanks for your input.
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          • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
            If you are getting asked, "is this a pyramid scheme", then I'd say there is something seriously wrong with your process.
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            • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
              Just noticed that a lot of you are fixating on the objections I touched on and have decided that it happens "every time". It doesn't. All I did there was generalize on MLM. These questions don't tend to come up very often for me. One in ten ask the questions tbh. And most of the time, when I ask them why they're asking that question, they say things to the effect of "well, you know what these things are like", or "just what I heard once" or "I had a friend that tried this and failed", etc. All valid, and all welcomed. But as I said, it's about 1 in 10.
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  • Profile picture of the author massiveray
    I mostly just listen to be honest, I'm not a great salesman and I hate talking on the phone.

    As most of the conversations I have with business owners are inbound, I generally just let them talk, I find that people ask you what they need to know and most of the time talk themselves into the sale.

    I do like those questions though, I might give something along those line a crack.
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    • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
      Originally Posted by massiveray View Post

      I mostly just listen to be honest, I'm not a great salesman and I hate talking on the phone.

      As most of the conversations I have with business owners are inbound, I generally just let them talk, I find that people ask you what they need to know and most of the time talk themselves into the sale.

      I do like those questions though, I might give something along those line a crack.
      Hi massiveray,

      It sounds like you're doing something right if people are talking themselves into sales! Do you ever find yourself asking them questions, or adding prompts or little interjections to help them towards a decision?
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      • Profile picture of the author massiveray
        Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

        Hi massiveray,

        It sounds like you're doing something right if people are talking themselves into sales! Do you ever find yourself asking them questions, or adding prompts or little interjections to help them towards a decision?
        I don't really know to be honest, it's not something I have analysed, sometimes I go through the way I fulfil my services (which is often pretty different to anybody else they have spoken to) and I have an ability to be very concise and I guess make it seem like a silly decision to not pay me £x to earn £xx.
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    • Profile picture of the author chaotic squid
      Originally Posted by massiveray View Post

      I mostly just listen to be honest, I'm not a great salesman and I hate talking on the phone.

      As most of the conversations I have with business owners are inbound, I generally just let them talk, I find that people ask you what they need to know and most of the time talk themselves into the sale.
      That's the best way to get sales IMO. Since it's inbound they already know you and it's much easier to make a sale.

      I just had a guy call me today (kinda inbound). I let him talk to me about his business for about 5-10 mins. He basically ended the call saying he was ready to write me a check. I didn't really have to say much. Was pretty cool haha

      I love inbound marketing but still get most of my clients from outbound strategies. Would like to increase my inbound marketing because I feel like I'm constantly chasing people using traditional stuff. Got to work on that...
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  • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
    The questions are weak. The reason given below the questions are even weaker and in some cases just wrong.

    It's fairly obvious you are pitching as a bizz opp.

    Bizz opp pitches are more tightly regulated then most, some of your verbiage
    will cause you grief when the AG comes knocking.

    If that is really whats said - you have compliance issues.
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    • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
      Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

      The questions are weak. The reason given below the questions are even weaker and in some cases just wrong.

      It's fairly obvious you are pitching as a bizz opp.

      Bizz opp pitches are more tightly regulated then most, some of your verbiage
      will cause you grief when the AG comes knocking.

      If that is really whats said - you have compliance issues.
      Wow. Honestly starting to wish I'd never come knocking in the warrior forum. Not a single link anywhere, except a link in my sig (happy to remove that if anyone needs it). My business is healthy and working, I don't need to pitch here, and would probably turn people away to another sponsor in the organisation if they came asking questions.

      I came to learn, and if you want to teach, then please, please do. If you don't and all you want is to fire accusations at me then maybe that's indicative of failure in your own ventures and I'm sorry about that.

      Again, I learned what I know from one of the greats and would be happy to refer you to his material (not an affiliate of his by the way).

      That aside, I will put this tired old disclaimer in just to keep you happy:

      IN NO WAY SHOULD ANYONE READ INTO THIS THREAD AS A RECRUITING PITCH. IT IS FOREDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
      Wow. Just wow.

      Oh I forgot to add, if I wanted to pitch as a biz opp, I would pay my money in the right section to pitch as a biz opp. By the way, what does "AG" mean?
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      • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
        Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

        Wow. Honestly starting to wish I'd never come knocking in the warrior forum. Not a single link anywhere, except a link in my sig (happy to remove that if anyone needs it). My business is healthy and working, I don't need to pitch here, and would probably turn people away to another sponsor in the organisation if they came asking questions.

        I came to learn, and if you want to teach, then please, please do. If you don't and all you want is to fire accusations at me then maybe that's indicative of failure in your own ventures and I'm sorry about that.

        Again, I learned what I know from one of the greats and would be happy to refer you to his material (not an affiliate of his by the way).

        That aside, I will put this tired old disclaimer in just to keep you happy:



        Wow. Just wow.
        The "questions" you typed in your OP is the bizz opp pitch I'm referring to.
        I was not accusing you of recruiting people here ....

        Not sure why you jumped to the conclusion that i was accusing you of anything.

        Me telling you that you have compliance issues WAS me helping.

        This is also me helping you ... your regurgitating information that you don't
        understand. Because you don't understand it, you don't have any clue how close
        you are dancing to the line of "completely illegal"

        You need to find a compliance officer and let that person read what you say.
        You will shit yourself when they x everything out and then give you the guidelines
        and explain the repercussions of what you say you say.

        Edit:
        AG = Attorney General
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        • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
          Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

          The "questions" you typed in your OP is the bizz opp pitch I'm referring to.
          I was not accusing you of recruiting people here ....

          Not sure why you jumped to the conclusion that i was accusing you of anything.

          Me telling you that you have compliance issues WAS me helping.

          This is also me helping you ... your regurgitating information that you don't
          understand. Because you don't understand it, you don't have any clue how close
          you are dancing to the line of "completely illegal"

          You need to find a compliance officer and let that person read what you say.
          You will shit yourself when they x everything out and then give you the guidelines
          and explain the repercussions of what you say you say.

          Edit:
          AG = Attorney General
          Hi Ken,

          If it's the case that what I'm telling you here in this thread is weak or wrong (and thank you for clarifying), can you explain why it is that it's working so well? (I REALLY want to understand it if I'm dancing on the line of completely illegal.) This is a genuine question and not a challenge by the way. Why am I getting people in? Do I need to analyse my business from another viewpoint? What is it that I have said to my network marketers that's illegal? And can I clarify that you understand that this is only a component of a whole series of exposures? That the mechanism I use is much lengthier? This isn't my whole "pitch".

          Thanks for your time.

          edit: Light bulb just came on. Why would it NOT be obvious that I'm pitching as a biz opp? After all, that's exactly what I'm selling to the person, a genuine biz opp of which they are completely aware, from start to finish, balls to bone. I'm unsure as to what you are driving at there. There's nothing inherently dishonest happening, I'm actually selling something real and my prospects know it.
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          • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
            Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

            Hi Ken,

            If it's the case that what I'm telling you here in this thread is weak or wrong (and thank you for clarifying), can you explain why it is that it's working so well? (I REALLY want to understand it if I'm dancing on the line of completely illegal.) This is a genuine question and not a challenge by the way. Why am I getting people in? Do I need to analyse my business from another viewpoint? What is it that I have said to my network marketers that's illegal? And can I clarify that you understand that this is only a component of a whole series of exposures? That the mechanism I use is much lengthier? This isn't my whole "pitch".

            Thanks for your time.

            edit: Light bulb just came on. Why would it NOT be obvious that I'm pitching as a biz opp? After all, that's exactly what I'm selling to the person, a genuine biz opp. I'm unsure as to what you are driving at there. There's nothing inherently dishonest happening, I'm actually selling something real.
            First off, I am not a compliance officer. Second, I know what needs to be done to satisfy the florida AG. I don't know what your AG requires.
            - Actually I might - what state are you a resident of?

            With that said.

            Question 1,2 and 3 are leading the prospect into what is referred to as
            "income guarantee"

            That is a HUGE "no no". People go to jail for that.

            With income guarantees - you have whats called forward and backwards compliance.

            From what I understand that means - what you say leading upto the statement,
            AFTER the statement AND how you respond to their response HAS to fit within
            federal and state guidelines ... where as non income statements need to be compliant within the one sentence

            Hmm now THAT was a mouth full and i'm not sure I explained it well enough
            to fit the proper legality - THIS is why you need a compliance officer.


            FYI: income guarantees are super effective, THAT is one reason why they are illegal,
            and my guess ... is that is why your getting so many signups

            The negative about income guarantees is when they don't make the money they
            feel they were promised - then it's charge back city.

            People hear what they want to hear so even when you don't explicitly promise something,
            they think you did and THAT is when the real problems start.
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            • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
              Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

              First off, I am not a compliance officer. Second, I know what needs to be done to satisfy the florida AG. I don't know what your AG requires.
              - Actually I might - what state are you a resident of?

              With that said.

              Question 1,2 and 3 are leading the prospect into what is referred to as
              "income guarantee"

              That is a HUGE "no no". People go to jail for that.

              With income guarantees - you have whats called forward and backwards compliance.

              From what I understand that means - what you say leading upto the statement,
              AFTER the statement AND how you respond to their response HAS to fit within
              federal and state guidelines ... where as non income statements need to be compliant within the one sentence

              Hmm now THAT was a mouth full and i'm not sure I explained it well enough
              to fit the proper legality - THIS is why you need a compliance officer.


              FYI = income guarantees are super effective, THAT is one reason why they are illegal,
              and my guess ... is that is why your getting so many signups
              Ahhhhhh gotcha! All the way through I reinforce everything I say with a disclaimer that states super clearly (as a reminder at the beginning and end of every exposure) "This opportunity is not guaranteed to show a return on your investment (which, just like any other business, it isn't)." Also, please realize it is a genuine business, with a genuine structure, it isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, nor is it a cowboy operation. It is a fully fledged business with real, tangible, professional, consumer products and I believe it is the fact that acquaintances of these people are doing so well with the same opportunity that is allowing me to snap them up.

              But I really value your time in this, thanks!
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              • Profile picture of the author sandalwood
                wikidzdotinfo - you are attempting to recruit people into your mlm business. If I am correct, your 4 question post approach has been around forever. At least here in the states. If your UK reference in your sig line means you are in the UK, your approach may be new. I don't know. Never been there.

                Ken's advice about the promises of income are spot on. We can't promise anybody any amount of money in this particular field. He laid out the reason(s) very well.

                If I was recruiting for a mlm operation, I'd simply say I have a program that could make you a lot of money but you'll have to spend a lot of money and time selling your family, friends, neighbors and everyone within 3 feet of you (known as the 3 foot rule). And, you have no guarantee that once the people who created this program get the amount of money they want that they will even keep it alive. They'll probably change it several times and make it even more difficult for you the low person on the ladder to make your money back let alone make a profit.

                You don't have to believe what I say just look up the published mlm earnings. I bet you know how to google that.

                Good luck with your program and I hope you make a ton of euros, pounds, dollars or whatever.
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                • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
                  Originally Posted by sandalwood View Post

                  wikidzdotinfo - you are attempting to recruit people into your mlm business. If I am correct, your 4 question post approach has been around forever. At least here in the states. If your UK reference in your sig line means you are in the UK, your approach may be new. I don't know. Never been there.

                  Ken's advice about the promises of income are spot on. We can't promise anybody any amount of money in this particular field. He laid out the reason(s) very well.

                  If I was recruiting for a mlm operation, I'd simply say I have a program that could make you a lot of money but you'll have to spend a lot of money and time selling your family, friends, neighbors and everyone within 3 feet of you (known as the 3 foot rule). And, you have no guarantee that once the people who created this program get the amount of money they want that they will even keep it alive. They'll probably change it several times and make it even more difficult for you the low person on the ladder to make your money back let alone make a profit.

                  You don't have to believe what I say just look up the published mlm earnings. I bet you know how to google that.

                  Good luck with your program and I hope you make a ton of euros, pounds, dollars or whatever.
                  Hey Sandalwood,

                  Thanks for your input. I make it clear from the start of any exposure that this is an MLM based business. But I seriously do have great fun doing this and for me that's the key thing. Yes I'm in the UK and have never visited the US so I don't know how things run over there either. What I do know is that this is skyrocketing, but I also want to tone up my skills. That's why I'm here. I used to do online marketing and honestly, I suck at it. Now I'm here to learn from the pros in offline so input is always valued. I find it hard to accept input that is countermanding to what is actually happening though. My approach is working and if it has been around forever in the US then THANKS you guys because it's working a billion over here!

                  Cheers and good luck to you too!
                  Joseph
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                  • Profile picture of the author sandalwood
                    Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

                    Hey Sandalwood,

                    Thanks for your input. I make it clear from the start of any exposure that this is an MLM based business. But I seriously do have great fun doing this and for me that's the key thing. Yes I'm in the UK and have never visited the US so I don't know how things run over there either. What I do know is that this is skyrocketing, but I also want to tone up my skills. That's why I'm here. I used to do online marketing and honestly, I suck at it. Now I'm here to learn from the pros in offline so input is always valued. I find it hard to accept input that is countermanding to what is actually happening though. My approach is working and if it has been around forever in the US then THANKS you guys because it's working a billion over here!

                    Cheers and good luck to you too!
                    Joseph
                    So it is working there. Great. That means you don't have to tune it up to any great degree. If I was doing it, I would pay close attention to the response I was receiving from the other person and change the presentation accordingly.

                    Knock 'em out.
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                    • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
                      Originally Posted by sandalwood View Post

                      So it is working there. Great. That means you don't have to tune it up to any great degree. If I was doing it, I would pay close attention to the response I was receiving from the other person and change the presentation accordingly.

                      Knock 'em out.
                      Will do, thanks Sandalwood. That's set me to wondering about getting feedback from new applicants about the recruitment process.
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                      • Profile picture of the author sandalwood
                        Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

                        Will do, thanks Sandalwood. That's set me to wondering about getting feedback from new applicants about the recruitment process.
                        You know, that seems natural to me. That is talking to the new recruits to see what rang their bell or pushed their button. Feedback has an amazing way of straightening out crooked paths. Just my thinking...
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  • Profile picture of the author Freebiequeen1999
    Sounds like an mlm or bizz op or ? Yeah,if they are asking "is this a pyramid" there is probably a reason
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  • Profile picture of the author quadagon
    Wiki how much product do you sell?
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    • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
      Originally Posted by quadagon View Post

      Wiki how much product do you sell?
      Hi Quadagon,

      I have to retail around $200 of products per month to reap the full benefits of my team. I have to be what FLP call an "Active Manager" or I lose out on a lot of my downline's sales. Which is fair.

      Joseph
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

        Hi Quadagon,

        I have to retail around $200 of products per month to reap the full benefits of my team. I have to be what FLP call an "Active Manager" or I lose out on a lot of my downline's sales. Which is fair.

        Joseph
        ok so you are buying $200 in product.. what are you selling?

        was really a great question to ask... I am in a "opportunity" that requires $99 a month... I did $8000 last month in personal retail alone. Do you think I am out selling the "opportunity" or the chance to work with me in building a business?
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        • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          ok so you are buying $200 in product.. what are you selling?

          was really a great question to ask... I am in a "opportunity" that requires $99 a month... I did $8000 last month in personal retail alone. Do you think I am out selling the "opportunity" or the chance to work with me in building a business?
          Am I allowed to say? I don't wanna upset the powers that be in this place, seems quite savage lol
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          • Profile picture of the author savidge4
            Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

            Am I allowed to say? I don't wanna upset the powers that be in this place, seems quite savage lol
            you see you are between a rock and a hard place. you are involved in an "opportunity" that has the parent company selling the product direct to customers at the same time you are supposed to be. They don't need you selling their product.... they just want you to buy it. and you end up like all the other su..ers out there dumping product on ebay to try and get something back.

            More than likely you are taking a loss.. but you keep telling yourself if you sign up enough other people to do the exact same thing, there will come a point you will end up ahead. Do you see the insanity in that? if you are going to do MLM you need to find a program that will allow you to profit on the front end, as well as the back end.

            I will tell you they are few and far between. I would be less interested in the 4 questions you started this thread with, and more interested in asking the right questions before you sign up for stuff like this. Your not a business owner right now, you are a recruiter.
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            • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
              Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

              you see you are between a rock and a hard place. you are involved in an "opportunity" that has the parent company selling the product direct to customers at the same time you are supposed to be. They don't need you selling their product.... they just want you to buy it. and you end up like all the other su..ers out there dumping product on ebay to try and get something back.

              More than likely you are taking a loss.. but you keep telling yourself if you sign up enough other people to do the exact same thing, there will come a point you will end up ahead. Do you see the insanity in that? if you are going to do MLM you need to find a program that will allow you to profit on the front end, as well as the back end.

              I will tell you they are few and far between. I would be less interested in the 4 questions you started this thread with, and more interested in asking the right questions before you sign up for stuff like this. Your not a business owner right now, you are a recruiter.
              No there is no loss happening, I'm in the black by a LONG way. And they don't do direct sales although they are in the DSA (I believe they have to be). But I would say I am a storefront for them rather than just a recruiter. Maybe you're right on the whole MLM thing, but I make 30% on every sale and they never fail to pay out. I'm savvy enough to know that I can't go into a program taking a loss.

              The products I sell are professional and this company has farms and manufacturing plants in the US, South America and all over. They operate in 150 countries around the world. They have also been around for a LONG time so they are a trusted name. I won't go into detail.

              But to be honest, I came here to talk about closing techniques, rather than to talk about what's right or wrong with my business. If it collapses, it collapses, but I don't think it will, I'm doing too well. I'm prepared for if it does, I'm a big boy now.

              So, back to the subject, what closing techniques do you people like to use, and why?
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              • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
                Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

                But to be honest, I came here to talk about closing techniques, rather than to talk about what's right or wrong with my business. If it collapses, it collapses, but I don't think it will, I'm doing too well. I'm prepared for if it does, I'm a big boy now.

                So, back to the subject, what closing techniques do you people like to use, and why?
                Most in this section are prospecting to real business owners. Asking about how to better close "sign ups" is just not something related to dealing with real business and real business owners.

                Let me put it this way.... and this is just a question for you to answer internally:

                If no one new was "signed up" for one month and there are NO purchase requirements for your products or services, would your income remain the same?

                If not then you might want to determine the core issues rather than figuring out how to close "sign ups".
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                • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
                  Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

                  Most in this section are prospecting to real business owners. Asking about how to better close "sign ups" is just not something related to dealing with real business and real business owners.

                  Let me put it this way.... and this is just a question for you to answer internally:

                  If no one new was "signed up" for one month and there are NO purchase requirements for your products or services, would your income remain the same? (Yes, in fact my income continues to grow regardless of recruitment as my retailing arm is very strong. )

                  If not then you might want to determine the core issues rather than figuring out how to close "sign ups".


                  To answer the bolded section - Yes it is. Just because I use a different rhetoric and a different business structure to you, doesn't mean my operations and / or my questions are any less valid or real. Again you seem to be seeking to undermine someone who is seeking good advice, rather than having scorn poured on them from a great height [see "REAL businesses and REAL business owners" etc.] Talk about elitism.

                  As for the question I should answer internally, all I am asking for is different perspectives into the world of MLM recruitment as that is one of the main legs of my business (I have answered your question above though).

                  I am making a truckload of money every month right now, and I want it to remain that way, that's why I'm here. I feel like I'm very lucky to be turning over such a large amount of cash and I'm trying my best to understand why in order to prolong it and learn from it.

                  If my sign-up (lit. recruitment) structure is valid and foolproof (I don't really believe this btw), then perhaps I don't need to be asking these questions. But is there any need to try and belittle me?

                  Also, I'm not prospecting to anyone. I am here to learn, if you don't wanna teach, please, in the nicest way possible, leave me alone to learn from the people who have knowledge to impart, that actually want to help a new, fledgling business owner succeed.

                  If I'm asking the wrong questions, then teach me that - other than that, leave me alone, as I've left you alone.
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  • Profile picture of the author joe golfer
    My problem with a lot of the MLMs is their pitch sounds exactly the same. Whether it's a juice, aloe products, amazing home cleaning products or whatever, most network marketing features and benefits all look like they were swiped from an MLM master pitch book in a vault somewhere.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
    To answer the bolded section - Yes it is. Just because I use a different rhetoric and a different business structure to you, doesn't mean my operations and / or my questions are any less valid or real. Again you seem to be seeking to undermine someone who is seeking good advice, rather than having scorn poured on them from a great height [see "REAL businesses and REAL business owners" etc.] Talk about elitism.
    It's a simple question you have not answered.

    If your answer is "no, my income will not hold and would certainly fall", then you are likely not in a real business.

    It's not being elitist pointing out that if you are making truckloads of money signing people up for something is not legitimate businesses.
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    • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
      Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

      It's a simple question you have not answered.

      If your answer is "no, my income will not hold and would certainly fall", then you are likely not in a real business.

      It's not being elitist pointing out that if you are making truckloads of money signing people up for something is not legitimate businesses.
      So your question was loaded because according to you - on one hand if I had said "yes, my income would change" then I should examine the core issues. If I had said "no" then it's likely I'm not in a real business. Seems to me like the logical and ideal outcome for my business should be that I don't have any core issues (and that I should be making profit) - which leads us right back to the original question. You were trying to trap me, I'm not stupid. You're talking yourself in circles and I'm willing to bet you get eaten alive in a corporate setting.

      PS - Learn to read. I did answer it, as I already pointed out. I italicized the answer in your thread in order to make it easy to read. Go ahead and look. I pointed it out, seriously.

      Or move on and troll someone else.
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
        Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

        So your question was loaded because according to you - on one hand if I had said "yes, my income would change" then I should examine the core issues. If I had said "no" then it's likely I'm not in a real business. Seems to me like the logical and ideal outcome for my business should be that I don't have any core issues (and that I should be making profit) - which leads us right back to the original question. You were trying to trap me, I'm not stupid. You're talking yourself in circles and I'm willing to bet you get eaten alive in a corporate setting.

        Move on and troll someone else.
        No. If your income drops then your revenue is being generated soley from getting suckers to sign up for something. So, yeah not legit.

        If you said it yes the income would hold then you would have a distribution channel that is agnostic to any contracting company that supplies your network.
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        • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
          Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

          No. If your income drops then your revenue is being generated soley from getting suckers to sign up for something. So, yeah not legit.

          If you said it yes the income would hold then you would have a distribution channel that is agnostic to any contracting company that supplies your network.
          Suckers? What do you think this is????

          I have a retail arm and a recruitment arm, (as I've already said) just like a lot of businesses. I do have an international supplier with real consumable products, bought by real people for real purposes. You don't have the right or the knowledge to troll me, move on.
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          • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
            Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

            Suckers? What do you think this is????

            I have a retail arm and a recruitment arm, (as I've already said) just like a lot of businesses. I do have an international supplier with real consumable products, bought by real people for real purposes. You don't have the right or the knowledge to troll me, move on.
            I haven't trolled you, I'm trying to help you.

            Look, as I mentioned earlier the best forum members in this section are mostly prospecting to business owners or developing sales channels unrelated to MLM. Your OP was about seeking advice on closing "sign ups", which I think is just not going to resonate that well here.

            So, I posed a simple question to give you an out and gain a bit of credibility. To which you still have not answered and are just very defensive about.
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            • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
              Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

              I haven't trolled you, I'm trying to help you.

              Look, as I mentioned earlier the best forum members in this section are mostly prospecting to business owners or developing sales channels unrelated to MLM. Your OP was about seeking advice on closing "sign ups", which I think is just not going to resonate that well here.

              So, I posed a simple question to give you an out and gain a bit of credibility. To which you still have not answered and are just very defensive about.
              I keep telling you, I've answered your question. Look inside the quote halfway up the page and you will see it bold and bright, but I'll repeat it for you anyway:
              Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post
              Most in this section are prospecting to real business owners. Asking about how to better close "sign ups" is just not something related to dealing with real business and real business owners.

              Let me put it this way.... and this is just a question for you to answer internally:

              If no one new was "signed up" for one month and there are NO purchase requirements for your products or services, would your income remain the same? (Yes, in fact my income continues to grow regardless of recruitment as my retailing arm is very strong. )

              If not then you might want to determine the core issues rather than figuring out how to close "sign ups".
              See the bold part? That's not an edit. That's been there since you asked the question.

              It was a loaded question anyway. All you wanted to do was troll me. I don't need to pick the bones out of this with you, it's obvious. If I had answered in the negative you had a deconstructive answer. Likewise had I answered in the positive. You've already demonstrated that. here, I'll lay it out for you:

              If no one new was "signed up" for one month and there are NO purchase requirements for your products or services, would your income remain the same?

              If not then you might want to determine the core issues rather than figuring out how to close "sign ups".
              then:

              No. If your income drops then your revenue is being generated soley from getting suckers to sign up for something. So, yeah not legit.

              If you really wanted to help me you wouldn't have used any rhetoric at all and would have weighed in with your answer [those kind of questions won't resonate here] without being elitist or aggressive for your own self-aggrandizement.

              As for giving me an "out", I don't need one. I'm not here to impress anyone, I'm not here for credibility etc, I'm here to learn. I will leave the macho posturing to you.
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              • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
                Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

                I keep telling you, I've answered your question. Look inside the quote halfway up the page and you will see it bold and bright, but I'll repeat it for you anyway:


                See the bold part? That's not an edit. That's been there since you asked the question.

                It was a loaded question anyway. All you wanted to do was troll me. I don't need to pick the bones out of this with you, it's obvious. If I had answered in the negative you had a deconstructive answer. Likewise had I answered in the positive. You've already demonstrated that. here, I'll lay it out for you:



                then:




                If you really wanted to help me you wouldn't have used any rhetoric at all and would have weighed in with your answer [those kind of questions won't resonate here] without being elitist or aggressive for your own self-aggrandizement.

                As for giving me an "out", I don't need one. I'm not here to impress anyone, I'm not here for credibility etc, I'm here to learn. I will leave the macho posturing to you.
                Again, most in this section would likely be a bit hesitant to provide advice regarding your inquiry specific to closing "sign ups". I recognized your bolded comment and wasn't certain if "retail arm" excluded some autoship or other purchase requirement.
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                • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
                  Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

                  Again, most in this section would likely be a bit hesitant to provide advice regarding your inquiry specific to closing "sign ups". I recognized your bolded comment and wasn't certain if "retail arm" excluded some autoship or other purchase requirement.
                  Retail arm is retail arm. It means retail operation, retail section, retail part of the business, retail bit, retail wossname, retail doodad. My rhetoric is different, maybe, but then I'm new to business in general.
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  • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
    Question 4. - Wrapping it up.
    If I could show you how to develop a business making [answer to Q1], working [answer to Q2] hours a week over [answer to Q3] months, would you be ready to get started right now?
    My answer would be this > Well Mr Question Man, Unless your making big dollars and living the lifestyle you describe why should I listen to you ? show me your swagger.

    Those questions are just text book 1950 era closing questions that would probably not hold weight with few if any serous people these days ( just my guess )

    But hey good luck with your venture, sounds like your up-line have you drinking the special waters of eternal wealth & wisdom.
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    • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
      Originally Posted by tryinhere View Post

      My answer would be this > Well Mr Question Man, Unless your making big dollars and living the lifestyle you describe why should I listen to you ? show me your swagger.

      Those questions are just text book 1950 era closing questions that would probably not hold weight with few if any serous people these days ( just my guess )

      But hey good luck with your venture, sounds like your up-line have you drinking the special waters of eternal wealth & wisdom.
      Ohhhhh Mr LQ Sarcasm has arrived. Have you met Mr Cynical up above? You two should meet up and drink a few together! Perhaps even deconstruct a few businesses that you nothing about together! You could put the world to rights with cynicism and sarcasm you know!

      Psst but hey, make sure you wait for a new business owner without much experience, like me, to come and ask for some advice first. That will make it oh, so much more pleasurable.

      But just in case you weren't being sarcastic [place tongue firmly in cheek]:

      What lifestyle have I described?
      Also, were you a prospective new business owner I would answer your query with "why do you think these questions are circa 1950?"

      Also, your answer doesn't answer the question so I would know immediately not to do business with someone who deflects a question in order to ridicule it and find holes in it.
      And why, oh why can only 10 percent of people in here answer my original question? I don't understand the need to attack someone who is finding some success.
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      • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
        Originally Posted by wikidzdotinfo View Post

        Ohhhhh Mr LQ Sarcasm has arrived. Have you met Mr Cynical up above? You two should meet up and drink a few together! Perhaps even deconstruct a few businesses that you nothing about together! You could put the world to rights with cynicism and sarcasm you know!

        Psst but hey, make sure you wait for a new business owner without much experience, like me, to come and ask for some advice first. That will make it oh, so much more pleasurable.

        But just in case you weren't being sarcastic [place tongue firmly in cheek]:
        Well it was a serious reply, I spent many years blindly following sheep who promised everything and delivered empty dreams, so when I choose to follow somebody now they better be doing or moving or be in the position I want to be in. I doubt that your on the second or third step of your ladder ? what level are you at ? at $200 to retain your level it wont be high ?

        Some of my very early days were in MLM and to be honest what a load of hot crap it was (and I am not bagging it today so keep your panties on please), people just bleating the dream but they themselves had no idea, but being young and gullible I ate it up like a good boy eating my wheaties in the morning.

        What lifestyle have I described?
        Also, were you a prospective new business owner I would answer your query with "why do you think these questions are circa 1950?"
        because it was way back close to then when people were pumping out the same bullshit words.

        Also, your answer doesn't answer the question so I would know immediately not to do business with someone who deflects a question in order to ridicule it and find holes in it.
        And why, oh why can only 10 percent of people in here answer my original question? I don't understand the need to attack someone who is finding some success.
        Your waffling along again, I did give you a genuine response and you played all over it, so again unless your pitching mugs with your 4 brilliant questions I doubt they would hold much water, they are basic beginner and outdated questions.

        to answer your question

        So, your turn - what closing method works best for you?
        I would prefer the message / opportunity was framed properly so that I did not close (in an old outdated way), but instead the prospective person/s asked me how could they also become involved / signup with what I was doing, and I would leave out your questions 1 - 4 and put those in the bin, there you go, have a good day.
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      I hope this applies to what you are doing.

      Getting sign ups in MLM is easy. The walls of every MLM company are plastered with them. Getting signups with an inventory investment is something else entirely.

      And getting new people by closing them in any way, is just treading water.

      They have to want what you have. They have to be interested enough to put money into it.

      Recruiting is a selection process, not a sales process. Any hesitancy on their part, should be a "No" to you. You want a few good people that you can work with, that are committed...by putting their money where their mouth is....not 500 people suffering from delusions of "something for nothing".

      And I would target small business owners. Decades are lost in MLM, trying to turn non-business people..into business people. Go to people who are used to investing in inventory, to sell to someone else. Now, you just need to help them in the recruiting.

      Just a thought.
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      • Profile picture of the author wikidzdotinfo
        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        I hope this applies to what you are doing.

        Getting sign ups in MLM is easy. The walls of every MLM company are plastered with them. Getting signups with an inventory investment is something else entirely.

        And getting new people by closing them in any way, is just treading water.

        They have to want what you have. They have to be interested enough to put money into it.

        Recruiting is a selection process, not a sales process. Any hesitancy on their part, should be a "No" to you. You want a few good people that you can work with, that are committed...by putting their money where their mouth is....not 500 people suffering from delusions of "something for nothing".

        And I would target small business owners. Decades are lost in MLM, trying to turn non-business people..into business people. Go to people who are used to investing in inventory, to sell to someone else. Now, you just need to help them in the recruiting.

        Just a thought.
        It actually really does apply to what I'm doing, 100%! Thank you for some excellent advice. I guess targetting entrepreneurs with an entrepreneurial opportunity just never naturally occurred to me! Fantastic, constructive words, I wish I could give you ten thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Freebiequeen1999
    Claude gave good advice.

    IMHO the problem with a lot of these MLM's is they open/close/rename, revamp....the "top" people rush around to each "latest greatest"....
    And the problem of getting your "downline" to do anything once you sign them up.

    I guess many of us have tried it at one time or another (entrepreneur spirit haha) but....well here we are.
    I think most of us have also "avoided" the MLM people at networking events. I actually do go to a network group sometimes where they do NOT allow MLM people and honestly it is refreshing.

    Why? well because....many MLM people tend to be very pushy. Example - I had this crazy lady grab my hand and start rubbing her "cream" on me....yuck...Many of them latch onto people and ask those same questions and they won't let go. Knowing how to close is great but you also have to "qualify"...is there any interest, need, ability, desire...


    It sounds like you are doing good with the retail so good for you for that.
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by Freebiequeen1999 View Post

      Claude gave good advice.

      IMHO the problem with a lot of these MLM's is they open/close/rename, revamp....the "top" people rush around to each "latest greatest"....
      And the problem of getting your "downline" to do anything once you sign them up.

      I guess many of us have tried it at one time or another (entrepreneur spirit haha) but....well here we are.
      I think most of us have also "avoided" the MLM people at networking events. I actually do go to a network group sometimes where they do NOT allow MLM people and honestly it is refreshing.

      Why? well because....many MLM people tend to be very pushy. Example - I had this crazy lady grab my hand and start rubbing her "cream" on me....yuck...Many of them latch onto people and ask those same questions and they won't let go. Knowing how to close is great but you also have to "qualify"...is there any interest, need, ability, desire...


      It sounds like you are doing good with the retail so good for you for that.
      I've known two millionaires who have truly made their fortune in MLM. And I know several who make a very good living.

      But they are not the zealots. You know, the people who are just soooooo excited about their new discovery. And the ones that claim their product (no matter what it is) cures cancer.

      The winners are the ones that work with their downline, and don't mind it. They don't mind constantly being "up" around new people. And they can tell the story well. They also don't mind trying to teach business skills to non business people.

      They concentrate of people who are willing to invest in their business, and are used to working, before they see results.

      Excitement dies quickly, at the first resistance. Work ethic does not.
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  • Profile picture of the author JeffreyMichel
    Can have a Great pre-sale conversation with prospects..
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  • Profile picture of the author JamesBarefield
    Banned
    I have been doing something similar to this in my niche and so far had moderate success, think, now I am going to do some tweaking from this article!
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