How long should I pursue inactive PSAs/CSAs with emails, e-cards, etc. before giving up on them?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
9/21/2015 12:07 pm
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
There are many reasons (most of them outside the sponsor’s control) why some affiliates stay inactive. As frustrating as it may sound, it should not hold you back from moving forward.
When a sponsor sends a weekly team message, the same information goes to both active and inactive PSAs/CSAs. This is because this is done through PSA mailer, CSA mailer or Genealogy. In other words with these methods, one is not spending any more time on one type of affiliate than the other.
However, when the sponsor communicates with the affiliates by E-mail, E-cards or phone, quite often the message becomes personalised and in this case it is probably best to apply these methods only to those PSAs or CSAs who are active as they are the only ones who are likely to reply.
Bear in mind that SFI Corporate also sends messages to its members and I think a member’s account is only cancelled if he or she fails to log in for at least once a year. When that member’s account is cancelled then they are automatically also removed from your genealogy. SFI gives as much time and chance as possible because one cannot tell all the circumstances lying behind the affiliate's inactivity.
In summary just keep posting your team messages as usual but reserve your personalised messages for your active affiliates. It is possible that some of your inactive members are actually reading your team messages. When they have overcome their other problems, they may return and indeed there are several success examples of that kind.
less
There are many reasons (most of them outside the sponsor’s control) why some affiliates stay inactive. As frustrating as it may sound, it should not hold you back from moving forward.
When a sponsor sends a weekly team message, the same information goes to both active and inactive PSAs/CSAs. This is because this is done through PSA mailer, CSA mailer or Genealogy. In other words with these methods, one is not spending any more time on one type of affiliate than the other.
However,
...
more
What do you say to your affiliates who are disappointed about being knocked out of the E365 competition?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
7/8/2015 9:25 am
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
The ultimate goal of the E365 competition is to produce a champion of the class after 365 days. However, this is not the only benefit of the competition since along the way, various prizes are awarded to the competitors. It is therefore perfectly understandable for an affiliate to be disappointed when they get knocked out of the competition.
We cannot change the past but we can learn from it. The affiliate should quickly get over their disappointment and move on. As long as they have long-term goals, their dream is still alive. The lessons they learn from their disappointment might just be what make them do better in other aspects of SFI.
Just like in any competition, there are always winners and losers and although we cannot all be E365 champions, we all have the potential to realise our SFI dream!
less
The ultimate goal of the E365 competition is to produce a champion of the class after 365 days. However, this is not the only benefit of the competition since along the way, various prizes are awarded to the competitors. It is therefore perfectly understandable for an affiliate to be disappointed when they get knocked out of the competition.
We cannot change the past but we can learn from it. The affiliate should quickly get over their disappointment and move on. As long as they have long-term
...
more
Which is the more potentially profitable activity...referring PRMs or ECAs?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
9/21/2015 12:10 pm
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
In terms of figures alone, the key to appreciating the value of referring ECAs or PRMs lies in understanding the Compensation Plan:
If say your referred PRM buys a product which has 670 versa points (vp) and a commission volume (CV) of $50, then you will get 45% in CV or $22.50 and all the 670 versa points. On the other hand if your referred ECA makes sales worth $50, then you will get 10% in CV or $5. In addition you will also get an instant 100 versa points when your referred ECA generates their first $10 or more sales. Versa points will earn you shares in the Tripleclicks pool. This hypothetical example compares like with like (that is a product/sales of $50) but since ECA is a store at Tripleclicks they are more likely to make greater sales than the product purchases of your PRM. If the ECA’s total sales are $10,000 then you will get $1000 in CV.
In terms of what is potentially attractive I would say that this would depend on how active your PRM or ECA is. For example I have 50 PRMs and none them have made any purchase. I would think that if you had even 20 referred ECAs; it is more probable that one or two of them will make sales. In other words, I would say it would sound as if there is a higher potential in attracting ECAs than PRMs.
Having said that, it is worth advertising on both fronts to maximise your return on investment.
less
In terms of figures alone, the key to appreciating the value of referring ECAs or PRMs lies in understanding the Compensation Plan:
If say your referred PRM buys a product which has 670 versa points (vp) and a commission volume (CV) of $50, then you will get 45% in CV or $22.50 and all the 670 versa points. On the other hand if your referred ECA makes sales worth $50, then you will get 10% in CV or $5. In addition you will also get an instant 100 versa points when your referred ECA generates
...
more
How can I convince my downline of the benefits of having a Standing Order without them feeling pressured?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
9/23/2013 7:58 am
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
It is a very good question. I remember when I joined, my sponsor, encouraged me to set up a standing order and I felt reluctant for the first three months. This is because at that time, I only needed to buy a little to make it to Executive Affiliate as I fully utilised all the available “To Do List” versa points. Later, however, these “free points were only around 330 to 400 versa points and I saw the need to set up a standing order.
I think that you can only persuade and not pressurise your affiliate. Whether they will do it or not depends largely on the financial situation. One way of persuading them is by setting up team contests, which rewards those who attain Executive Affiliate status.
Examples of rewards include T-credits and gift certificates. Encourage them to use the T-credits at Pricebenders Auctions for them to appreciate their value. All in all, you can only do your bit and they have to do their part.
less
It is a very good question. I remember when I joined, my sponsor, encouraged me to set up a standing order and I felt reluctant for the first three months. This is because at that time, I only needed to buy a little to make it to Executive Affiliate as I fully utilised all the available “To Do List” versa points. Later, however, these “free points were only around 330 to 400 versa points and I saw the need to set up a standing order.
I think that you can only persuade and not pressurise
...
more
How does one support all your downline affiliates if you have barely enough to support your own self?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
9/23/2013 8:04 am
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
There is a saying that “You cannot give what you do not have.” In other words as a sponsor, you can only tell your affiliate to duplicate what you can do. You have to be honest with your affiliates. Let them know at the start that it will not be overnight success. I think with limited financial resources, we have to invest more in our available time, for time in itself when used productively translates into money. In this situation one has to focus more on advertising both on and offline. To expand your knowledge base you have to read, read and read. Also encourage your affiliates to do the same. If you have a Co-op, let your affiliates join and this will not only give them a sense of belonging to your team but will also inspire them to duplicate your efforts.
Good luck.
less
There is a saying that “You cannot give what you do not have.” In other words as a sponsor, you can only tell your affiliate to duplicate what you can do. You have to be honest with your affiliates. Let them know at the start that it will not be overnight success. I think with limited financial resources, we have to invest more in our available time, for time in itself when used productively translates into money. In this situation one has to focus more on advertising both on and offline. To
...
more
I want to recruit only SERIOUS affiliates. What should I tell prospects about SFI to ensure this?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
1/19/2015 7:41 am
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
I think when someone has just joined SFI; the sponsor will easily be able to tell if that person is serious by the way they respond when you talk to them and their performance in the first three months. For every new prospect, the material about SFI is readily available and the sponsor is there to guide the new affiliate. I believe that most sponsors, who write to the new prospect by sending them a welcome letter or email, introduce the important aspects of SFI.
It seems to me that affiliates who come to SFI through talking to the sponsor (for example, friends etc.,) are more likely to be more serious than those who randomly coming in en mass. This is because the former method builds confidence and trust in the prospect. Having said that when you get your affiliates through online advertising campaigns, you will get both types, that is those who are and not serious. You have presented exactly the same message to both types. Therefore this problem largely depends on the prospects. The statistics show that most are not serious but the only way to get the serious ones is to keep on advertising and not be disheartened.
less
I think when someone has just joined SFI; the sponsor will easily be able to tell if that person is serious by the way they respond when you talk to them and their performance in the first three months. For every new prospect, the material about SFI is readily available and the sponsor is there to guide the new affiliate. I believe that most sponsors, who write to the new prospect by sending them a welcome letter or email, introduce the important aspects of SFI.
It seems to me that affiliates
...
more
How do you develop trust with your affiliates and get them to follow your leadership?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
9/6/2013 3:59 am
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
This question affects all of us, in the sense that TRUST is the foundation of any relationship. With regards to the Leader- Affiliate relationship, develop your trust one step at a time, bearing in mind that you are the leader (and not the master!!) and should lead by example. Avoid putting too much pressure on the affiliate and be honest in all your dealings with them. Encourage and inspire them when things are not going well. Success is a journey and there maybe stations along the way when waiting times are longer but we shall still get from point A to point B!
Cheers.
less
This question affects all of us, in the sense that TRUST is the foundation of any relationship. With regards to the Leader- Affiliate relationship, develop your trust one step at a time, bearing in mind that you are the leader (and not the master!!) and should lead by example. Avoid putting too much pressure on the affiliate and be honest in all your dealings with them. Encourage and inspire them when things are not going well. Success is a journey and there maybe stations along the way when waiting
...
more
Is it wise to offer non-SFI related incentives to my CSAs and PSAs? For example, create a standing order and get a free DVD?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
2/19/2015 7:33 am
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
Incentives are always a creative way of rewarding people for their efforts but they can be counter-productive when they are inappropriately used
Helping an affiliate with a standing order may at first seem a good idea but in the long term it is not wise because it is likely that such an arrangement will just encourage the PSA or CSA to expect more incentives. It is wise to support your affiliates with ideas that help them to become independent rather than dependent. Of course when they have shown signs of development, you can always award them with gifts but these should be SFI related of which there are many examples. Another problem with non-SFI incentives, is that when your PSAs or CSAs become Team Leaders themselves they may not have the same financial capacity of duplicating your ideas of non-SFI incentives such as setting up a standing order, to their own affiliates.
Help them with how they should advertise effectively because when they reap the rewards of their own hard work they will even find it more satisfying. Indeed it is more worthwhile to teach a man how to do something than to do it for him!
less
Incentives are always a creative way of rewarding people for their efforts but they can be counter-productive when they are inappropriately used
Helping an affiliate with a standing order may at first seem a good idea but in the long term it is not wise because it is likely that such an arrangement will just encourage the PSA or CSA to expect more incentives. It is wise to support your affiliates with ideas that help them to become independent rather than dependent. Of course when they have
...
more
Why is it important to have a good SFI account photo? And what makes a good photo?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
2/25/2014 7:28 am
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
A picture on your homepage personifies your business. When people visit your site they will be comfortable and confident with your information if they can see your image as well. They say a picture speaks a thousand words and indeed it does! When one is doing offline marketing, it is sometimes good practice to issue a business card and in that situation unlike online people can see you face to face. Therefore adding a photo to your SFI account is good for you, your affiliates and visitors to your page.
What makes a good photo? We cannot change who we are but I think a smile on one’s face makes a good picture! Just keep it simple.
Cheers!
less
A picture on your homepage personifies your business. When people visit your site they will be comfortable and confident with your information if they can see your image as well. They say a picture speaks a thousand words and indeed it does! When one is doing offline marketing, it is sometimes good practice to issue a business card and in that situation unlike online people can see you face to face. Therefore adding a photo to your SFI account is good for you, your affiliates and visitors to
...
more
Is cold calling, using a local telephone directory, a good method for attracting new PSAs?
Francis Tailoka, EA (United Kingdom)
2/19/2015 7:31 am
Affiliate since: 10/05/2011, Power Rank: 25
Cold calling is by definition a method of making unsolicited telephone calls or house calls to potential clients.
You want to know whether using the telephone directory is a good method of finding your new affiliates. The major problem with it is that when people receive random marketing calls they are often sceptical and are unlikely to be persuaded. People are constantly being bombarded with such type of calls on a daily basis from both genuine and scam marketers and it is for this reason that most choose to ignore them.
On the other hand you would have to be very brave and confident to make house calls, as that would involve knocking on people’s doors. Political parties often use house calls during election campaigns. The public is usually not shocked because it is about elections but most people would be upset if someone knocked on their door to discuss a business.
Having said that there are so many other productive SFI-related and cost effective methods of offline marketing. Examples include sending Gift cards to friends and family as a method of promoting a product or even enticing them to become an affiliate. You can also include TC X-cards in your outgoing mails. When in public places, you could also leave flyers around. These are just a few of many examples.
less
Cold calling is by definition a method of making unsolicited telephone calls or house calls to potential clients.
You want to know whether using the telephone directory is a good method of finding your new affiliates. The major problem with it is that when people receive random marketing calls they are often sceptical and are unlikely to be persuaded. People are constantly being bombarded with such type of calls on a daily basis from both genuine and scam marketers and it is for this
...
more
9/21/2015 12:07 pm