There are two kinds of people in network marketing you’ll want to enroll.
And they require completely different approaches.
Most people don’t understand this. So they treat everyone the same way. And they fail with both.
The truth: one kind of enrollment requires speed and directness. The other requires patience and relationship building.
Type 1: People You Know Well
These are your warm market. People you’ve known for years. You know what they do, where they live, their family situation.
With this group, be direct. Honor their time.
The wrong approach: Call them up after years, chitchat for 15 minutes, then pivot to “Oh, by the way, are you open to opportunities?”
What does that say? Everything I just said about caring was BS. I had a hidden agenda.
The right approach: “Hey Mary, I know it’s been a couple years. I’d love to catch up, but that’s not why I’m calling. Here’s what I’m building: [Tell her]. Would you be interested?”
That’s honest. Respectful. Direct.
Type 2: People You Don’t Know Well
These are strangers. Acquaintances. People on social media.
With this group, patience wins. Don’t pitch them yet. Build the relationship first.
How?
- Ask questions
- Be curious about their life
- Find out what they’re passionate about
- Look for a pain or passion they care about
When they mention something – their health, their finances, their kids, their retirement – that’s when you know they’re ready.
That’s when you say: “I actually know exactly how to solve that. Would you be interested?”
Why Follow-Up Matters
Here’s what most network marketers don’t want to accept:
Only 2% of sales happen on the first contact. 80% of successful sales require 5 to 12 calls or emails.
Yet 92% of salespeople stop following up after four or fewer attempts.
This is why most people fail. Not because they can’t ask. Because they can’t follow up.
And guess what? 50% of all sales happen after the 5th contact, but most reps give up after just 2.
And 20% of all sales reps make 80% of the sales.
The difference? They don’t give up.
Real Example
Type 1 Enrollment:
You know Mike for 10 years.
Day 1: “Mike, I’d love to catch up, but that’s not why I’m calling. I’m building a business and think you’d be interested. Check this out.”
Day 3: Follow-up
Day 7: Second follow-up
If he’s interested, he’ll respond. If not, you’ve been respectful and honest.
Type 2 Enrollment:
You met Sarah at the gym three times.
Week 1-3: Have real conversations. Ask questions. Get to know her.
Sarah mentions: “I want to be healthy for my kids.”
Week 4: “That’s awesome. Actually, I know a lot about health. Would you be interested in hearing about some resources?”
Now she’s ready. Not because you pushed. Because she identified the need, and you positioned yourself as the solution.
The Numbers
In 2024, the retention rate for network marketing customers is 60%.
Why? Because people who are enrolled the right way – with integrity – stay.
45% of network marketers have been in the industry for over five years.
These are the people who mastered both kinds of enrollment.
Your Action Steps This Week
Type 1:
- Identify 10 people you know well
- Reach out directly. Be honest about why
- Ask them to look at something
- Follow up 3-5 times if they don’t respond
Type 2:
- Pick 3 communities where you’ll meet new people
- Have real conversations. No pitching.
- Listen for pain or passion
- When you find it, you’ve found your entry point
The whole game: Be honest with Type 1. Patient with Type 2. Persistent with both.
And let me know how it goes.