When you think about Direct Sales, what comes to mind? Let’s face it, the direct sales business model has been given a bad rep. This is due to social media and the select few representatives that pushed and pushed their product, alienating friends and family along the way. Constant “buy my product” and “join my team” has cost some people more than a few relationships.
Direct sales may be pretty close to the oldest way to distribute products since civilization began. If it is really that bad, why is it still around? Because it is a solid and profitable way to run a business because of that it is more popular now than ever. However; it is time to find the balance between the old ways and the new ways because direct sales businesses are not going anywhere anytime soon.
The world needs to know that the misuse of social media is what is bad, NOT direct sales businesses. That being said, let’s look at the best way to utilize social media for your new business venture!
First, set up a Facebook business page.
Be sure to post all your business content there and NOT on your personal profile. Only use your personal profile once in a while to share your new business venture with friends and family or to share the odd promotion that may be coming up. If you use your personal profile on a consistent basis for your business, it will only end in a lot of “un-friending”. Not to mention, promoting your product through your personal profile is against Facebook policy and a fast way to lose potential customers.
Make it personal.
Once your page is set up, be sure to send personal invites to those you want to take part in your page. Be sure that these are sent to people with who you actually have been in contact within the last few months. Don’t send an invite to someone you haven’t spoken to in 15 years, they will ignore you and possibly block you right away. Business is about relationships, so be sure to start off on the right foot.
Provide value.
Even with only a few likes on your business page, it is time to post content. Be sure to create original content, you do not want to be an infomercial and post whatever your parent company is posting. Those that have liked your page do not want to support your parent company, they want to support you and your business. So, be sure to post valuable content, not just promotional material.
Be engaging, be human.
Post often, on your page, and be sure to reply to comments and questions. People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. So be sure to tell stories, introduce yourself and any of your team. Hold a Facebook live video every week; a Q&A or tutorial on using your products, opening a new delivery – get creative. Show the world who you are and what you have to offer. These few and simple suggestions for your Direct Sales business on Facebook will help grow and start you off on the right foot!
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