Viral MarketingViral Marketing would be the result of the invention of mass media channels such as newspaper, radio, internet and television. The reason for the term "viral" is the fact that the word is compared to virus. Think back to a time when you heard someone had a virus. Immediately that would get everyone's attention. The next thing the people would do is take precaution. They would either cover their face with scarves when they go out, stay inside where it's safe for or totally avoid the infected person all together.
If you never had that problem, think about the last time you heard a computer virus was being sent through emails and links you open up. I guarantee you were extra careful about what you decided to browse on your desktop or laptop. If it was too late, I bet you got that computer fixed as soon as you got a chance. My point is when we hear that a virus is going around, the first thing we relate it to is something contagious that spreads around. We would normally NOT see the virus coming or know there is a virus until we fall victim to it.
Viral Marketing would be comparable to a virus. The only difference is you would be the one sending out the virus (It would not be an actual virus). This type of marketing would use anything within its means to make their information, product, or service catchy or contagious as possible to its consumers or potential clients. This type of marketing is also comparable to a gorrilla marketing strategy that 3M Security Glass company used. Viral Marketing involves taking different aspects of a marketing strategy and using it to your full advantage. For example, if you have a product you have to first create an atmosphere of curiosity surrounding it. Basically create a buzz and give people a reason to talk about it non-stop. Just imagine how much more successful job hunters would be if they’d market their Job Resumes virally. Never mind, MLM allows us the freedom to (hopefully) work ourselves OUT of a Job! When I say give them a reason to talk about it, I don't mean promote your product to death. I mean create an anticipation for your product. The movie industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. When you go to the movie theatre do you see a movie just because you wanted to get rid of $10 in your pocket? Most likely you saw a preview on television called a Teaser Trailer promoting the movie. Notice the first word in that phrase (teaser). It is just enough to tease you to make you want to see more. Then when you finally go to the movies to see it you sit through several more teaser trailers that say "Coming Soon" at the end of each one, before the feature film actually comes on. While the trailer is being shown it usually leaves you with a feeling of anticipation, inspiration, a warm heart, or controversy. Until the time of the release date of the movie you are guaranteed to see media broadcasts such as billboards, newspapers, radio stations and internet websites promoting the movie. It serves as a reminder that you may want to see it. The movie industry does very well at viral marketing. They use all avenues that are monetarily beneficial to them and execute their plan.
As for viral marketing in mlm the same rules apply. Are you shocked beyond belief and left standing with your mouth wide open when a potential downline rejects your invite to a Regional or Business Meeting? Honestly, there is a saying that people like to buy but hate to be sold. If potential prospects are going to consider going to a meetings they would rather actually feel like going rather than going because someone asked them to. First, in order to make them feel like going they have to be somewhat pre-sold on their own. It is a fact that most people make decisions based on their emotions. For example, my downline Ryan had a prospect named James who was into sound systems and the latest technology for his car. To make a long story short he was piqued and invited to a company meeting. He turned it down, with a comment, such as, "I'm not joining you on another one of those pyramid scams." Several months later Ryan just happened to leave some uncashed checks lying around his house while James was there. A couple of days later James asked Ryan if he would take him to a meeting. Ryan actually saw a vision of a teaser trailer of what he could have if he took the business seriously. Another situation is when I invited a close friend of mine to the meeting. He said he would never have time to go because of his work schedule. After a few missed trips with me to Las Vegas his exact words were, "What’s that business you're in again?" He saw a teaser trailer of himself with free time on his hands to be able to travel also. The difference with both of these prospects is they had a chance to be pre-sold before THEY approached us. By seeing what they saw, they either felt motivated, inspired or anticipative. Either way, they FELT something. When people actually FEEL excited they naturally tell other people, usually their friends. That's why "word of mouth" is exceptionally powerful. That's why most network marketing companies tell their representatives to pique everyone on their warm market list. The reason is people will believe what a close friend will tell them compared to a stranger who they think is just out for their money. Consider the website Montreal Business Kit. Their mission is to introduce Montreal and Montrealers to the net and to net surfers. They tell you about their cool neighbourhoods and lead you to typical and not so typical business people, professionals, shop owners, hotel managers, chefs, artists, designers and many others. They make sure they cover all aspects with you so when you're done you've feel like you've been there and this will create a natural drive within you to tell someone else. Word of Mouth is one way to spread information quickly. If the product, idea, or service is controversial (but honest) I guarantee that information will spread around faster than expected. Speaking of controversy, the Free E-book below is raising many eyebrows in the MLM industry.
Other viral marketing methods include using websites. Even though all network marketing companies encourage us to talk to people one on one to gain prospects, 90% of the companies have websites to promote themselves. How come we aren't taught to use the internet to market ourselves or presell prospects? The possibilities for viral marketing include blogs, articles, websites, emails, videos. Distributing company CD ROMs, DVD's, or piquing scripts may very well create a buzz. Then you might send out a few post cards, or email reminders or updates about the company. If the prospects FEEL any emotion at all, they will be contacting you. Viral Marketing will give you an edge over your competition by attracting prospects to you.
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