The most important point is the personal friendship with, or respect for, the distributor, but the most important aspect is probably trust. I can purchase synthetic motor oil anywhere, but my friend sells AMSOIL, and it is a reliable, dependable product, so I buy it from him.

So, how do you network market in the purest way?

As pointed out, the big boys probably have advertising and supply channels pretty well locked up. There's not a whole lot that you can do against that, although this does remain a possible way of gaining customers, particularly if you are at a point where you can afford extensive advertising or a widespread sales team...the reason for building a downline if the company uses a multi-level marketing model. Under normal circumstances..."normal" to me means not a lot of money, a hearty dislike for sales, and being an amateur compared to the professionals...you delay the "marketing" part of the equation and concentrate on the "networking" side.

In a standard network marketing situation, you can do such things as join organizations, offer free information or services, or participate in community activities. These bring attention to YOU, as opposed to your business, but, once you become known to, and respected by, the people you come in contact with, they will be more likely to purchase goods or services than if you were to merely offer to sell them something.

In an internet marketing model, there is not that much difference. Again, going head to head with the major players in your arena might not produce much, particularly as you are not known to your potential customers, and you probably do not have the budget or expertise to overcome this disadvantage. However, you CAN offer free information or services and gain the respect and trust of potential customers in this way. You can join discussion groups (most commonly, forums), or groups which might have an interest in your product or service. Again, the purpose is not to "sell", but to "network".

In either scenario, if you and I were to meet and I were to immediately tell you that I sell website hosting, for example, or an internet marketing course, your defenses would be immediately raised, and you would be prepared to defend yourself against my efforts and perhaps even sever the budding relationship. If, however, I can prove to you that I am on your side, am interested in many of the same things as you are, and that we can have a fruitful relationship whether there is an attempt at "selling" or not, a point may eventually be reached where you will reach out to me and ask me about my website hosting services or the internet marketing course.

You know the funny thing about this? In a world where everyone seems to be looking out for themselves, I am forced to be a nice guy! I have to be a contributing member of society and have redeeming social value. I must make friends or fail! The old saying is, "to have a friend, be a friend." How tough is that?

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