One of the questions often asked by prospects is 'can we do network marketing online?'

The answer I believe from personal experience is that yes, the internet can be used and is very powerful for building a business, but there are some things the internet cannot replace. I believe that there still has to be an element of personal contact, which in most cases means using the telephone.

About 9 months ago when I turned to the web to develop my business, I too thought that I could do it all online. I soon realised that whilst I could do a LOT online, my business would never reach its full potential without me picking up the phone and calling my prospects.

The internet can do a lot for us as network marketers, it's a fantastic communication tool for a start. With the leverage of emails, videos and mass conference calls, rapport building with prospects is easy.

There is also a lot of money to be made by marketing your business online more than if you are only using offline methods. You don't even need extensive technical knowledge, there are many attraction marketing systems available that will provide you with the websites, autoresponders and affiliate programmes to get you into profit quickly. They are also easily duplicatable for your team members.

Whats the best way to market your business online, what's the process?

It really is quite simple

1. You set up a marketing system, sometimes called a sales funnel or funded proposal. It should be built around the principles of attraction marketing.

2. Web traffic (visitors) is the next thing that you need to put in place, you might need to learn some marketing skills to make this happen. You usually have a 'capture page' where visitors can enter their name & email address in exchange for something you are offering which is of value to them (i.e. an ebook, video training course)

3. They go into your sales funnel and receive information from you on a regular basis that is useful to them. Normally if you are giving out good content, your prospect will appreciate it and begin to like and trust you. This process is branding you as a leader and an expert to your prospects and they begin to see you as someone that can help them achieve the success that they are looking for. They are much more likely to buy from you and even join your business.

4. Next is to sometimes promote products that may be of interest to your list. This won't be happening every email, but maybe you will make a pitch once every 6-10 emails, the main emphasis is on providing value. You will find that some people will buy what you recommend.

5. Offer information about your business opportunity. Hold a presentation of your own and invite your prospects to attend, then follow up on the telephone with those who are interested, alternatively send them to a presentation done by your company.

It isn't uncommon for people on your list to actually call you and ask about your business. This happens to me quite often, in fact I've had people call me and ask me about my primary IMMEDIATELY after they join my e-mailing list!

Any network marketer can increase their earnings potential significantly by using the internet. It is important though to find a system that works, rather than trying to invent something yourself, that would take up way too much time and stop you from doing the most important activities, which are presenting and prospecting.