Developing a network marketing strategy is a critical component to succeeding in your business. Your strategy becomes the plan of action that you intend to execute, to ensure that you reach your goals and objectives. Your overall strategy should encompass at least five key areas: Marketing, lead capture, follow up, presentation and replication.

Marketing is the process of getting your message into the market place. The first item of consideration in your marketing strategy is a determination of who your target market is going to be. It is critical that you identify those to whom you are trying to convey your message. This evaluation should include demographic, geographic and psychographic details. Once you have determined the makeup of your target audience, you then need to consider the best methods for reaching that audience. Will you be using online or offline strategies or a combination of both? Do you have a marketing budget, or will you need to utilize free advertising methods? Once these questions are answered you can focus on the specific marketing tools to be used. Your overall marketing strategy should also include the quantity and frequency of deployment for those marketing tactics.

Once your marketing is deployed it is time to focus on your lead capture process. How do you intend to harvest leads from your prospect pool? You need to implement a system that allows you to obtain the contact information of those who show an interest in your marketing message. This could be as simple as a sign up sheet at a home party or as technical as a lead capture form on each page of your website. Because network marketing is a relationship based business, it is imperative that you obtain contact information from your prospects. Without leads your business will come to a stand still.

From there your network marketing strategy should move you into a follow up process. How will you follow up with the leads that have been generated through your marketing and lead capture systems. It is important that you contact your leads in the first 24-48 hours, while they are still warm to your marketing message. The purpose of this follow up is not to present your product or opportunity, but instead to build rapport with the person. This is the place to begin positioning yourself as a resource and trusted leader. Take time to determine the needs, goals and dreams of your lead. This information help you create the opportunity to present your products and network marketing business at the appropriate time.

Presentation is most effective when it comes through the natural course of an ongoing dialogue. Your system should foster an ongoing conversation with your leads and provide natural opportunities for the introduction of your company and products. You will need determine by what means your presentation will be made. Will you be utilizing an audio recording, video, website or printed materials? You will also need to determine at what point your lead will be directed towards these materials.

Finally your system needs to include a replication process. After your lead had joined your network marketing opportunity, what is the process that they will be taken through to properly train, equip and deploy them. Ideally the process should be somewhat automated through the utilization of a video series, training workbooks or other similar method. Your system should also include regular interaction with your distributors through conference calls, webinars and team meetings. You will need to determine the frequency of these interactions with your team.

Taking the time to develop and implement a network marketing strategy can greatly enhance the overall effectiveness of your MLM business.