Just about every network marketer using the internet to build their business makes use of free social networking sites, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Better Networker, to name a few.

It’s pretty easy to just click “Join” and fill out profile information, then set about doing what everyone else is doing…right?

Tell me, the last time you signed up for an account on one of these free networking sites, did you read the Terms of Use or User Agreement? Do you care what the site owners have spelled out as acceptable behavior and activities on their site?…which, remember, you are able to use for free!

Network Marketers have to be very careful how we conduct ourselves online. The industry has gotten a bad reputation from deals that turned out to be scams. Network Marketing, MLM, and Multi-Level Marketing can all be taboo vocabulary people associate with “pyramid schemes” and scams.

There’s an old saying…”Time is money.”

Time is a commodity that can be spent, wasted, earned, managed and allocated. Most network marketers are working their businesses part time while working full time elsewhere. Setting aside time for business activities means you have rescheduled time away from some other activity.

Your time needs to be spent wisely and if you are like me, you would agree that we should not jeopardize the time spent building our Brand & presence on a social networking site by violating any terms of use.

So…have you read them? Yes, I am talking about those little pop up boxes containing small print and legalese that takes precious time out of your day. Most people just click “agree” and move on. Not a smart move.

Every site’s User Agreement or Terms of Use is different. The purpose of each site is different and so are the community expectations.

So, what you do on one site may be frowned upon on another site. If you offend too many people who report your activities as inappropriate or “spam”, your account can be closed! You will lose all of your connections and credibility there. All of the time you spent building a network will be lost.

Here is one paragraph from LinkedIn‘s User Agreement, Do’s & Dont’s section…

“[Don't] Participate, directly or indirectly, in the setting up or development of a network that seeks to implement practices that are similar to sales by network or the recruitment of independent home salespeople to the purposes of creating a pyramid scheme or other similar practices.”

Read carefully!

LinkedIn does not come out and say specifically No MLM or Network Marketing Allowed. However, as I read this, they are including MLMers, and any independent home business person, that your networking on their site must not be to recruit prospects.

The Terms further detail users are not allowed to contact other members or create groups for “promotional purposes”. In other words, LinkedIn does not tolerate SALES!

So, don’t do it!

When conducting yourself on a site like LinkedIn where they have spelled out “no sales”, be generic and add value.

Make sure your profile is filled out professionally and your main link to your website directs people to your blog and not a capture page or company website. You can direct people to a free tool, training, ebook or gift as well.

Interact in Network Marketing groups that have generic helpful discussions. Comment, be polite & generic, and keep your link in your signature line.

Focus on attracting people with your knowledge and caring nature. Most people love their companies and are only looking for some help to succeed. Be that source of help and you will find your network building with committed entrepreneurs like yourself.

Please share your thoughts below in the comments section and remember to share this post elsewhere if you think it would be helpful to others.

Believe In Your Success, I Do!
Karen Miller

Skype me! karen.j.miller
Would it be OK if I showed you how to take the Frustration out of Network Marketing?

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