You should in most instances not mention your business opportunity when greeting a member of an online social and business networking site, such as LinkedIn, Ryze, Friendster, or DirectMatches.

Of course, we join such online communities in part to meet potential new customers, distributors, or joint venture partners. It's how we go about achieving that goal that is important.

If put your energy into "selling" your opportunity to other members, you will almost always fail to achieve your goals. This article explains why that is the case and then describes the most effective way to take advantage of online business networking sites with an emphasis on the beginning: How to get started on the right foot.

The Effective Way
Instead of greeting a member of your online business networking community with a promotion for your products or opportunity, offer a warm, genuine welcome with an eye toward building a relationship with the new member. Let them know that they are part of a vibrant community where you help each other to achieve your goals.

In your initial conversation, share some personal information about yourself. Ask the new member similar questions--where they live, family specifics, hobbies, etc. In other words, begin to build a relationship with the other member. Don't even mention your products or business opportunity. You don't need to. If you build a relationship with the new member, he or she will ask you eventually anyway.

At this point, you might be thinking, "Well that sounds all nice and warm and fuzzy but I won't make any money if I don't generate sales and/or sign-ups!"

The Frustratingly Ineffective Way
Here are a couple of situations that will hopefully lead you to understand why you should not try to sell another member on your products or opportunity.

First, consider this scenario: The Knaves & Rogues Corporation buys your current company and starts to run it like a greedy corporation and they eventually eliminate the network marketing aspect of the business (it happens!). But you believe a home business is the way to go, so you start looking for a new opportunity.

Over several months of interacting with other members of your online business networking site, you have come to know some experienced home business owners whom you respect and trust.

During the same time period, you have also received several unsolicited sales letters (emails) from members of your business networking site with whom you have never communicated before. You don't know them from Adam (or Eve).

Who would you most likely talk to about starting a new business? (If you don't say, "the experienced members I have come to know and trust" call me for a consultation! ;o)

Also think about all the promotional sales letters you currently receive from members and others. Do you read all of them and visit their sites and purchase their products or sign up for their programs? Maybe you've found a couple of programs that are worthwhile but by and large, don't you ignore those promotional emails?

The fact is that most people--including you, I'd wager--don't listen to or respect strangers who try to sell them something before even saying hello!

Back to the Effective Approach
The reality is that when we are seeking information or advice regarding a purchase or investment, we turn to our friends, family, and colleagues whom we trust and respect.

We ask these people for suggestions because they have demonstrated trustworthiness. We know them. We know their likes and dislikes; their prejudices and passions. We have a context in which to evaluate their recommendation and see if makes sense for us.

A similar level of trust and mutual support develops in online business networking communities--at least among the men and women focused on building relationships.

By building relationships you will find that business comes to you. For example, over time, you will find that friends you have met in an online business networking community will know someone who is looking to become a distributor in your company or to purchase your products. Naturally, they recommend you because they've come to know and trust you.

The Proof is in the Pudding
This very scenario happened to me just last week-- and this was from a contact I had not spoken with for almost one year!

I have also on several occasions personally referred customers and prospects to Network Marketers whom I have come to know and trust in online communities.

Take the Initiative
So go introduce yourself to another member of Ryze, LinkedIn, Friendster, or DirectMatches! Get to know them. Be genuine and authentic. Offer to help where you can and take advantage of what you can learn from them. Have fun. Your business--and your bank account--will grow as a result.

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Mark Worthen, Psy.D. is a Phi Betta Kappa honors graduate of the University of Maryland, where he was Commencement Speaker for his school's graduating class. He earned a Doctor of Psychology degree from Baylor University and was a Clinical Fellow at Harvard.

Dr. Worthen enjoys earning extra income as a distributor for a leading health & wellness company and as owner of Best-MLM-Opportunities.com