Online Network Marketing Tools
How to build your network without leaving home.
Technology is evolving so fast it's hard to keep up with all the latest tools, websites and software that can help you connect with other people faster and more easily. In fact, social networking is one of the fastest-growing segments of internet usage. Although many new social sites can help play a role in building your network, don't underestimate the power of tried-and-true technology that have been used for a decade, such as email and Powerpoint presentations.
Online technology that can be applied by network marketing companies is nearly endless, so we have broken them down into several categories below.
Online Tools for Network Marketing
- Write Personal Email Messages.
This one is pretty obvious, but very critical, so it's listed first. Nearly everyone has an email address these days, and for many it is the primary mode of communication with friends, family, and associates. Be sure to spell check and include your full contact info in your signature.
- Try Instant Messenger.
Chat, by typing in text in real time to connect, share experience answer and ask questions. Tools like Skype, Trillian, Adium, Yahoo Instant Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger are all free to try, install and use, and many people have more than one IM account. Many of these tools also let you create private chats between multiple groups of people.
- Learn Powerpoint.
Though not technically an online tool, Powerpoint presentations are a staple of any business and can be shared in a virtual meeting (see below). Pick up a book on design so you don't create amateur-looking screens, and avoid the built-in stock art if at all possible. If you don't have Powerpoint, no biggie. Check out Impress that comes with OpenOffice.org. It's free, and can read and write Microsoft files. Also, check out StockXchg.hu, DreamsTime.com or iStockPhoto.com for free or very inexpensive royalty-free artwork and photos to spice up your presentations.
- Use WebEx, GoToMeeting or LiveMeeting for Virtual Meetings.
These are affordable ways that let you share your screen -- to display a PowerPoint presentation, Excel Spreadsheet, video clip, or your entire desktop -- with anyone, anywhere in the world. The benefit of these non-free services is that you can get training from an expert to learn the program features. The professional version of these tools is more expensive, but includes hosting and recording features, so your best meetings can be captured and re-used.
- Sign up for Free Audio Conferencing.
Several websites offer a free conference line that provides your network with an inexpensive way to connect multiple people. Also for a small monthly fee, WebEx and LiveMeeting provide an audio conference bridge number, or even a toll free number, so you can share your computer screen and talk to participants in real time.
- Learn Social Networking.
One of the more popular social sites that has grown into more of a business-related niche is called LinkedIn. With your free LinkedIn account, you can stay connected with colleagues easily and efficiently. Each connection you make provides you with the ability to connect with that person's connections, making it very easy to grow your network exponentially. Don't overlook your high-school Classmates, college room-mates, fraternity brothers or sorority sisters on sites like Facebook or MySpace.