So you’ve entered the field of Network Marketing and you’re beginning to realize that you’re one of many fish in a really big pond.

Is it time to give up on your dreams of financial freedom?

Or is it time to do something to bring yourself to the level of “Professional Network Marketer”?

I have collected 5 essential must do actions to brand yourself and make your business stand out from the rest.

1.  Decide on a user name that you will use on Social Networking and Social Bookmarking sites. 

• Your real name is the best choice.
• If your name is common (like Jane Doe), choose something with your name in it like “MentorJane” or “Jane.Doe”. 
• Avoid cutesy slogan names like MLMMegaMama.
• People join people, not tag-lines.
• Check a site like namechk to check the availability of your chosen username on over 130 sites.
• Do this before creating your accounts!  Continuity throughout the sites you use strengthens your personal brand.
• Once you’ve chosen a username, go create those accounts to lock in your username, even if you’re not ready to use the sites yet.

2.  Open an email account with Gmail.

• Gmail is one of the best free email accounts you can use for your business.
• Gmail won’t block emails that other providers would identify as spam…emails with the words “free”, “opportunity”, “MLM”, etc.  When you have an MLM business, you will be receiving a lot of legitimate email with this vocabulary and you don’t want to miss it!
• Do not join email blockers like Boxbe.  These types of services will block important emails.  If you are doing business on the internet, you don’t want to make it hard for people to contact you!
• Again, choose your real name if at all possible.  The email mentor.karen.j.miller@gmail.com is easier to identify with as a real person than the email k.j.miller.777@gmail.com.

3.  Create your own website.

• You do not want to use your company’s splash pages as your personal website.
• Start a blog where you offer unique, valuable content for your readers.  Host your blog through a service like HostGator or GoDaddy.
• If blogging isn’t for you, develop a simple webpage where you introduce yourself, offer some valuable content, and tell people how you can help solve their problems.  Take a look at Blinkweb for a free website.
• Your website will contain links to your products or business opportunity.

4.  Buy a domain name

• Again, use your own name if it’s available.
• Use your domain name for your personal website.  It looks much more professional and is easier to remember.
• Consider buying other domain names that capitalize on your brand.  Think of a unique domain name you can redirect to your affiliate page with your company.  KarensDiet Crunchies.com is easier for a customer or new prospect to remember than www. BestCompanyOnThePlanet.com/affiliate123456.
• Domain names are inexpensive, $10-15 a year.  Try GoDaddy, NameCheap, or HostGator.

5.  Make business cards

• Create business cards that are unique to you.
• Include your photo.
• Include your name, phone number, email, skype ID, etc.
• Include a tagline that tells how you will solve people’s problems.
• Include your website with your personal domain name. 

Starting your own business takes planning, patience and persistence.  Getting off to a solid start with creating your own brand will help you focus your marketing efforts.

Wishing You the Success of a Lifetime!
Karen
mentor.karen.j.miller@gmail.com