Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

Should I set up an email capture and autoresponder on my blog and, if so, what are some examples of what to put into the series?

I would say yes, and if you haven't got a blog yet, make a lead capture page and advertise it.
I think several different email campaigns could be set up with more than 1 series. ie a series could be aiming to promote membership of TripleClicks or to becoming an ECA or an SFI affiliate. You could also set up an autoresponder set of emails for new PSAs and CSAs to walk them through the first few months. Of course if someone answers any of your automatically sent emails, you must reply in person as soon as possible, so that he knows a real person wrote the email and is really there to help him and answer any questions he may have.

Ideas to put into the series would depend on what the series was aiming to do.
I think a series that prequalifies prospective affiliates would be a good idea.
These emails would explain how SFI works - eg
about the relationship between TC and SFI,
what are VP and MRP,
the various ways of how you actually make money,
explain the benefits of duplication,
becoming and maintaining EA and moving on to team leader positions,
Pricebenders,
Eager Zebra games,
testimonials of successful affiliates,
your particular strategy,
the daily, weekly and monthly actions,
the getting started and intermediate actions and Launchpad,
what to do in the first 24 hours to get the fast start bonus,
e-365 competition, the green line and staying above it

By the time a person read all these emails he would be in a better position to know whether he would like to have a go at working this business. You would only be enrolling PSAs who knew what the business was about and have some idea of how they might handle it. They would already know what they need to do right from the start, and hopefully go on to read all the training and eventual success.

I am in the process of writing all these emails and intend to sell them on TC in the near future. When the question closes, please feel free to contact me if you would like them

To our success and the growth of SFI!

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Should I set up an email capture and autoresponder on my blog and, if so, what are some examples of what to put into the series?

I would say yes, and if you haven't got a blog yet, make a lead capture page and advertise it.
I think several different email campaigns could be set up with more than 1 series. ie a series could be aiming to promote membership of TripleClicks or to becoming an ECA or an SFI affiliate. You could also set up an autoresponder set of emails for new PSAs and
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Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

Everyone is different. Some people will grasp what is required and catch the vision very fast. Soon these people will be streaking away on their own and building strong businesses for themselves. You will be very lucky to benefit from them - even getting advice from them, rather than you giving it.

Others, however take a long time to feel their way around and may need considerable help. Sometimes they may ask frustrating questions which have already been answered in their launchpad lessons or in a recent Ask SC answer. Never mind - just be patient and help them by answering their questions and guiding them to the appropriate places in the site where the answer is found. This will help them realise that they can find the answers for themselves - and they will in time.

Remember that you are a team leader, not a boss nor a pusher like a sports coach. Also remember that your PSA/CSA joined SFI of their own free will, and can leave whenever they want. If you are too pushy or too unresponsive, you may drive your PSA away. Your role is a mentor, and you should continue that for as long as your team member requires it. Don't forget if you can help build up the confidence and knowledge of your team members until they become successful, their success will become yours, too.

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Everyone is different. Some people will grasp what is required and catch the vision very fast. Soon these people will be streaking away on their own and building strong businesses for themselves. You will be very lucky to benefit from them - even getting advice from them, rather than you giving it.

Others, however take a long time to feel their way around and may need considerable help. Sometimes they may ask frustrating questions which have already been answered in their launchpad
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Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

This is an interesting question and one I discussed with an a2a friend once when we discovered we had the same sponsor.
I rated him the lowest, but she rated him at 3 just in the middle. I asked why she thought he deserved a 3 and she said he didn't but she just wanted to be nice.

I don't think our rating should be about being nice. After all this is a business and our sponsors do or don't get their TL benefits if they continually fail to take care of their teams. The rating is linked to their financial reward, so it should be accurate.

These are questions I think should be considered when rating your sponsor.

Does he/she send you regular weekly team mails?
Do these team mails share anything worthwhile with you?
Does he/she write any posts in Stream?
Does he/she send you congratulatory emails or e-cards when you achieve a milestone?
Does he/she write and offer any suggestions to help you succeed?
Has he/she made any attempt to build a relationship with you?
Has he/she ever reassigned any other affiliates to you?
Has he/she ever offered any prizes or encouragement in any form?
Does he/she ever go into bat for you when you're having problems? ie Has he ever contacted Support on your behalf, or researched some answer to a problem for you?

My sponsor rarely does any of these. In 3 years I think I've had less than half a dozen team mails, not a single email or congratulations ecard.

That is why I rate him a 1 - if there was a 0 I'd use that.

If your sponsor does all of the above, you are very lucky and should definitely rate him/her a 5. If he does half those things, then maybe a 3 would be appropriate, but if your sponsor is lazy and isn't there for you, then don't give a good rating just to be 'nice.' That's not what it is about at all.

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This is an interesting question and one I discussed with an a2a friend once when we discovered we had the same sponsor.
I rated him the lowest, but she rated him at 3 just in the middle. I asked why she thought he deserved a 3 and she said he didn't but she just wanted to be nice.

I don't think our rating should be about being nice. After all this is a business and our sponsors do or don't get their TL benefits if they continually fail to take care of their teams. The rating is
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Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

"How do you create a good marketing plan for yourself that will lead to success in SFI?"

It takes a while for a new affiliate to come up with a good marketing plan, especially if you are new to internet marketing.

First of all you need to study internet marketing and work out from what you learn, what you may be capable of doing. There are different strategies, so perhaps you should experiment with different ones before deciding on your own plan.

Also your marketing plan will depend on how much money you can spend in advertising, or buying into other people's advertising - such as S-Builder or Pro-Profit etc. You will also have to take into account how much time you have available to sink into the free advertising methods. These are not really free, if your time is valuable or at a premium. How much time can you spend clicking for credits on safelists and traffic exchanges?

You will also need to consider what other skills you have. Can you write well? If so maybe blogging or social marketing methods may work for you. If not, then maybe you can learn to write, or consider other methods.

After you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, take stock of your available resources including time and money, and study the various marketing methods, you will be in a much better position to create your own marketing plan.

If you have the money to invest, the easiest would probably be to follow SFI's own basic plan under the Start button on the top right of your SFI page.
While you are doing that, begin to study all the other methods and work out your own strategy later. Don't wait for months learning - get started on something, and learn as you go. Refine and modify and test and develop your own strategy while you earn.

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"How do you create a good marketing plan for yourself that will lead to success in SFI?"

It takes a while for a new affiliate to come up with a good marketing plan, especially if you are new to internet marketing.

First of all you need to study internet marketing and work out from what you learn, what you may be capable of doing. There are different strategies, so perhaps you should experiment with different ones before deciding on your own plan.

Also your
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Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

I tell anyone who shows interest and asks about my SFI business that basically there are 2 businesses in one - SFI and TripleClicks. I tell them that TripleClicks is a huge online store comprising both TripleClicks Direct, and also independent e-commerce associates, called ECAs. I tell them I have a store in TripleClicks and that I have sold some of my products. I also tell them about the games and the auctions, and the gift certificate redeemable at other online stores.

Then I tell them that SFI is the marketing arm, or army, 2 million strong, whose job it is to sell TripleClicks' products on behalf of the ECAs and TripleClicks Direct. I tell them that every SFI affiliate is automatically a member of TripleClicks also and can become an ECA and sell his own products, too if he wishes.

I explain that SFI affiliates are running their own businesses and explain all the different ways they can earn money through both TripleClicks and the power of duplication by building a team of affiliates and benefitting from the matching bonuses and the Executive Pool.

If they are still interested, I offer to get my laptop and show them my store and browse the range of products available on TripleClicks.
I tell them how long I spend each day and the kinds of things I do to work the business. I tell them I am expecting to make a good retirement income which will keep on generating income for me even when I don't put so much effort into it as I do now. I also tell family members that this business can be passed on to one of them and offer to teach what I'm doing to any of them who may be interested. So far I have some granddaughters who are interested and sometimes play the games when I am with them. Unfortunately they are too young yet to join, but I hope they will want to join when the time comes.

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I tell anyone who shows interest and asks about my SFI business that basically there are 2 businesses in one - SFI and TripleClicks. I tell them that TripleClicks is a huge online store comprising both TripleClicks Direct, and also independent e-commerce associates, called ECAs. I tell them I have a store in TripleClicks and that I have sold some of my products. I also tell them about the games and the auctions, and the gift certificate redeemable at other online stores.

Then I tell
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Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

I personally think that your own advertising will generate better quality PSAs than using SBuilder or advertising offered by one of the other TC members. I have tried both of these without much success. I have no idea what these people are responding to because I haven't seen the ads. Are these respondents just curious people, not really seriously interested in an online income, or are they people hoping to find overnight riches?

If you design your own advertising campaigns you can control what is in the ads, and will have a better idea of what your respondents are looking for, because you have told them what you are offering them. I think it is best to bring your prospects to a squeeze page where you can get their email addresses and then send them an automated series of a few emails explaining what the SFI opportunity offers in a bit more detail with each message. By the time they have read all your messages, they will know that SFI is not a get rich quick scheme and that consistent effort is required. They will have an idea of what monthly investment they will need to buy TCredits, or how they can make a success more slowly without any financial investment. Put a link to your gateway of choice in your last message. A PSA who joins with this knowledge and awareness of what is required, is not just curious but really interested in having a go. Of course this is not a guarantee they will stay. They could still leave after a couple of months, but your chances are better.

This method also helps you build a relationship with your prospects before they join. When you write your messages, be natural and friendly as if you were talking to someone you know, not a stranger. Share a little of yourself and why you're doing SFI. Be real Don't exaggerate. In each email let them know you are available to answer any questions they may have and include your email address so they can contact you. Make sure you reply to any queries asap. Your new PSA may have become your friend before even joining your team!

You can advertise on safelists and traffic exchanges, in your blog and FB page, but use the link to your squeeze page instead of your SFI gateway. When you put up posters in your neighbourhood, always include the link to your squeeze page as well as your phone number and email address. That way once they've read all your automated messages, they can contact you personally to follow up on anything they may want clarified; you may be able to meet in person if you like that face to face method. However make sure that respondents to your local advertising read your informational messages before you meet so you are not stating out completely from scratch. I believe that prospects who are pre-informed will make far better long term PSAs.

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I personally think that your own advertising will generate better quality PSAs than using SBuilder or advertising offered by one of the other TC members. I have tried both of these without much success. I have no idea what these people are responding to because I haven't seen the ads. Are these respondents just curious people, not really seriously interested in an online income, or are they people hoping to find overnight riches?

If you design your own advertising campaigns you can control
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Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

"How do I get my affiliates to understand the amazing opportunity offered by SFI?"

This can be difficult. We know what an amazing opportunity we have here, but how to get our affiliates to understand that is another matter entirely. If they never log in and won't read your emails or any of the Launchpad etc, then there is no way you can impart anything to them.

I am attempting to change this by writing a set of emails explaining the amazing opportunity BEFORE they join. I have set up a landing page where people go after clicking the link in my ads. They sign up to receive my emails, and I don't include the join SFI link until about the 4th email. Hopefully by then they will understand how great the opportunity is and when they do join, will be all ready to jump right in.

With my welcome message I also offer a series of step-by-step emails to guide them through the first few months, so that they are absolutely certain about what they need to do to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

Of course you also need to be available to personally answer any question an affiliate may have - you can't rely on pre-written emails to take the place of personal individual care. You also need to be an awesome sponsor and encourage and congratulate your affiliates every step of the way.

Only when you have built a relationship with your affiliates and they like you, and know they can trust you, are you in a position to help them. Then they are more likely to listen to your advice and understand this opportunity.

I try to build that relationship right from the beginning with my initial emails before they even join.

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"How do I get my affiliates to understand the amazing opportunity offered by SFI?"

This can be difficult. We know what an amazing opportunity we have here, but how to get our affiliates to understand that is another matter entirely. If they never log in and won't read your emails or any of the Launchpad etc, then there is no way you can impart anything to them.

I am attempting to change this by writing a set of emails explaining the amazing opportunity BEFORE they
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Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

You will only come across as selfish if you talk about how you will benefit from their efforts. Make sure that all your communications are encouraging to your team.
How do you encourage? Praise any and all efforts by sending e-cards, putting up stream posts, instant messaging or via a personal email. Such praise wouldn't sound selfish or dictatorial as it is directed to your team member, and there is no mention of you at all.

When you get a new team member, send a warm welcome letter. Guide your new team members to the Start and SFI basics tabs on their home pages and reassure them of your assistance and support.

In your team mailouts send messages that give useful information about the business, or useful motivational messages that we have learned from your wider reading or seminars you may have attended. Share anything that will be useful for your team to grow as people, leaders and internet entrepreneurs - of course particularly focusing on SFI and applying these things to SFI. Do not mention yourself, except in the sense of how something was a tremendous help to you and you wish to share it because you found it so helpful.

Answer as promptly as possible any queries from your team and if you have one, add them to your co-op as a reward for achieving EA. Never TELL your affiliates what to do - simply advise and encourage and lead by example. Let them see what you do, not have you tell them what to do.

Last of all build relationships with your team. Share something of your personal life and encourage them to share something of themselves with you too. Be interested in them as people, and not as a means to you becoming rich.

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You will only come across as selfish if you talk about how you will benefit from their efforts. Make sure that all your communications are encouraging to your team.
How do you encourage? Praise any and all efforts by sending e-cards, putting up stream posts, instant messaging or via a personal email. Such praise wouldn't sound selfish or dictatorial as it is directed to your team member, and there is no mention of you at all.

When you get a new team member, send a warm welcome
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Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

The answer to this depends on how good you are at approaching total strangers. You could try face to face recruiting first of all with people you know, even if only slightly. You could try prospecting amongst your work colleagues, but be careful not to intrude on work time - either yours or theirs. You could share your new business with people from your church or club or sports group or whatever other community group you are involved in.

If you are comfortable in talking to strangers, you could start a conversation with someone sitting next to you in a train or bus. I like this method myself and have made several sales of my book on the train and one on a ferry trip. Always carry some SFI ID cards and brochures with you, so that when your conversation comes around to what you both do, you will be equipped. If you own a tablet and can carry it, you are even better equipped to show the site if your fellow traveller shows interest. Don't forget to get their email address when you say good bye.

Lastly is approaching a total stranger. I once did a course where we were sent out in pairs to approach total strangers and give away a book on some occasions and a five dollar note on another. Even giving away things, I found it hard to accost someone like this, but I did improve with practice. If you are willing to try this, there are plenty of places where people gather, shopping centres, railway stations, parks etc. Approach someone who doesn't look like they're in a hurry and smile a greeting. Then say 'hello' and something casual about the weather or the day, or the activity around, and if they are responsive, you can take it from there and see if this may be an opportunity to share SFI.

The other way is to look like you're handing out things or doing a survey, especially if you're wearing something with an SFI logo on it. People in a hurry will avoid you, but some will be curious and stop to talk. I have found that walking the streets with a backpack full of flyers which I put into letterboxes gives me some opportunities to talk to people. People who are in their yards when you pass are usually interested in what you are distributing and you can hand them the leaflet instead of putting it in their letterbox. This gives you an opportunity to chat with them. Of course there will be hostile people and you mustn't allow them to get you upset.

I have tried all these methods myself and I personally prefer the more friendly method of chatting with the person next to you as you travel. You have more time together to develop a conversation and build rapport. You will talk to more people in the street, but most only briefly and very few will have the time to talk long enough to build rapport or go further than handing them a leaflet which you hope they will read rather than chuck in the nearest bin.

Good luck with your face to face prospecting!

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The answer to this depends on how good you are at approaching total strangers. You could try face to face recruiting first of all with people you know, even if only slightly. You could try prospecting amongst your work colleagues, but be careful not to intrude on work time - either yours or theirs. You could share your new business with people from your church or club or sports group or whatever other community group you are involved in.

If you are comfortable in talking to strangers,
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Affiliate since: 03/16/2012, Power Rank: 99999999

To maximise income without investment of some kind is impossible. I assume that the question refers to financial investment, and that is a different matter. It is possible to succeed, albeit slowly without a financial investment, or at least a very small one, but you must invest a significant amount of time instead.
• To do this first of all make your free training VP last for 3 months. This is possible with careful planning.
• Log in every day and earn as many VP as possible.
• Review 30 Ask SC questions per day to earn an extra entry into the Daily Grand and so improve your chances of winning extra VP, TCredits or MRP.
• Advertise daily in free advertising sources so that you can build your team for free. Make sure that you are a very good sponsor and guide your team. Tell them they can earn income with minimal financial investment if they follow your lead.
• Set up a SO for a single TCredit. When your team does the same you will earn 58 cents commission on each sale. That doesn't sound like much, but it adds up.
• Join Wave 3 and receive 50 free MRP per month and 5 free TCredits.
• Play the TTime draw game every hour you're awake and win perhaps 20 free TCredits per month.
• Use your free TCredits to enter KO trivia and win good MRP. Also enter DP auctions and turn your TCredits into 10 MRP.
• Make one DP bid per day and gain 62 VP per month for 31 TCredits.
• Spend 1 TCredit per day playing games so that you gain 62 VP there as well.
• When your advertising has produced some PSAs, and your good sponsoring advice helps them to become EA2, you will get 100 VP for each one each month. These VP help you tremendously to get your 1500 VP, and each of them is also providing you with 58 cents from their purchase of single TCredit SO.
• Lastly calculate how many VP you are likely to make each month and buy single TCredits towards the end of the month to make up any shortfall in VP. Use your MRP that you have won to do this. A single TCredit will cost you 126 MRP and gain you 102 VP. This is the most economical use for your MRP. When you buy your single TCredits, spread them out one per day, so that you will gain an extra Daily Grand entry on each day. Every entry gives you a chance to win. Always try and win free VP, MRP and TCredits.

I hope those ideas will help you. They work for me. I don't believe it is possible to succeed with absolutely no investment, but joining Wave 3 and buying a single TCredit per month for under $2 is a very small investment which can and does yield results if you work hard at advertising and growing your team, and guide them to do likewise.

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To maximise income without investment of some kind is impossible. I assume that the question refers to financial investment, and that is a different matter. It is possible to succeed, albeit slowly without a financial investment, or at least a very small one, but you must invest a significant amount of time instead.
• To do this first of all make your free training VP last for 3 months. This is possible with careful planning.
• Log in every day and earn as many VP as possible.
• Review
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