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February 17, 2006
Brilliant
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
Jerry Giebeig is the blogger and Monavie distributor who recently sent me a free sample of Monavie Active Juice. He's also a genius.
Ok, maybe genius is overstating things just a bit but I was incredibly impressed to learn that he's the creative force behind the hilarious and quirky "Carl Loves Mustard" podcast (iTunes link). What does a "variety show hosted by 'Carl Mustard'" have to do with MLM or Monavie? Absolutely nothing and that's why it's so brilliant.
Giebeig has crafted a truly entertaining audio program created with a unique idea — to befriend folks in Voice Over IP "chat rooms" and make them laugh. That's it.
Network marketers should take note. By creating a podcast with real entertainment value, Giebeig is offering something most of his competition can't offer — a laugh. Why is that important? Because he's moving outside of the narrow, MLM-minded circles. He's not interfacing with people who are searching for MLM or running from MLM. He's in touch with people who want to have fun.
Think about it. Where do most network marketers target their online recruitment efforts? Buying Google ads with keywords like "Quixtar" and "Business Opportunity" or hanging out in Rich Dad forums or running blogs with titles like "MLM Today."
The general strategy (and statistically it's a good one) is to market the MLM business to people familiar with the industry or who are searching for more information about MLM. But that strategy misses the kid addicted to MMORPGs or the mom who loves funny podcasts.
Don't Misunderstand
Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying. The genius isn't concocting a funny podcast to get new recruits. That's not what's happening here and if it were, it would fall on its face. What I'm saying is that Network Marketers should break out of their MLM mindset and make online contributions that have value wholly unrelated to their business or industry.
And what happens if Carl Loves Mustard becomes the next Internet Meme? Well, then Giebeig would have a runaway hit on his hands. Do you see the value in that?
» Subscribe to Carl Loves Mustard in iTunes
Comments
No. What I'm saying is this has nothing to do with MLM. It's good, funny content, not prospecting.
This method sounds better than the typical Barnes and Noble recruitment scheme. I think Barnes and Noble will like this approach too acording to: http://www.amquix.info/quixtar_barnes_noble_stop.html which states:
To: Qualified Platinums
Dear Quixtar Business Leaders,
It has been brought to our attention that some Quixtar Independent Business Owners are actively soliciting prospective IBOs at Barnes & Noble stores, despite clearly stated store policies prohibiting solicitation by store visitors. This practice must be discontinued as it represents a serious threat to the relationships between Quixtar and Barnes&Noble.com as well as to the reputation of the company and the business opportunity.
Quixtar's Partner Store agreement with Barnes&Noble.com does not extend to the separate business entity that operates Barnes & Noble stores. Quixtar IBOs are obligated to respect the No Solicitation policies of any establishment they visit, regardless of any e-commerce partnership arrangements that exist between that company's web business and Quixtar.
IBOs are permitted to meet known prospects at the cafes within Barnes & Noble stores, as this does not violate the non-solicitation policy. Actively handing out brochures or approaching others within the store to strike up conversations that lead to a business pitch, however, does violate the policy and this practice needs to be discontinued as it is a rules violation and endangers our relationship with this well-respected national chain.
A poll conducted by Barnes & Noble of the managers of its more than 700 stores identified Quixtar IBOs as the most frequent violator of this store policy, with no other company-related group in second. This does not reflect well on the company nor on IBOs in general, and colors people's attitudes and receptivity to the opportunity we offer.
Barnes & Noble stores have been alerted to Quixtar's policies and rules. Store managers have been asked to refer all offenders to Quixtar Business Rules & Conduct. IBOs that break these rules will be disciplined. Please ask your groups to respect Barnes and Noble's policies as well as Quixtar's Rules of Conduct. If you have questions on this issue, please contact your Sales Advisor.
Our reputation is built on everything all of us do and say, all the time. Acting responsibly helps protect your reputation and businesses and the future for all IBOs. We appreciate your leadership and your efforts to help stop this form of prospecting.
Jim Payne
Managing Director
Quixtar Inc.
Oh boy, so now chats rooms will be swamped by mlmers too?
On 2nd thought, bring em on! (Atleast they won't be burning fuel)
Posted by: Imran Aziz | February 17, 2006 6:02 AM