Since I've been working my own network marketing business since June 2009, I can tell you that making my first sale was an exciting event. I remember the feeling I had making money on the internet in general so it is very similar with network marketing. Many people who join a network marketing company often become frustrated when they don't make sales right away. This frustration can immediately lead to giving up all together. This is why the rate of people who stick to their business is very low because they don't see immediate results.
Don't Put a Time Limit On Yourself
Setting goals are great and can be motivating, however, if you set a time limit of when you will make your first sale and then don't reach it, it will only lead to frustration. Setting a timeframe adds pressure and stress to what should be a fun activity. Network marketing should be fun or else you will quickly lose the desire to run your business. Don't add the extra pressure on yourself with time limits.
Learn More About Marketing (Particularly Online)
One of the benefits of network marketing is that almost anyone can get started. Typically, this means that a lot of people start their own business without any marketing experience whatsoever. That is fine but it doesn't mean that you shouldn't learn some marketing skills. There are tons of books out there and web sites that will teach you how to market. Start studying and putting what you learn into action. It is the only way to gain experience and get closer to making your first sale.
Online marketing can bring you not only sales but new leads. Yes, you can use social networking like Facebook, Twitter, and such but don't rely on those. If you overdo it on those web sites, you will gain the reputation of a spammer. The chances of you actually making a sale because you twitter about your product is very, very low. Remember that people are always on the lookout for things that benefit them. When you market, remember the "What's in it for me?" mentality.
Blogs work wonders in terms of traffic and sales. This is why I recommend starting a blog for your own business. Document how you use the products or services in your business. People are skeptical and if you show that you are getting results, the more likely they may want to try it for themselves.
Let People Sample for Themselves
My first sales came from letting people sample products and letting them know how I use them myself. You don't have to try and sell people. Just share your own experience. If they are interested, they will go by your recommendation. Remember that we recommend things all the time, we just don't get paid for our efforts. I recommend books, restaurants, movies, web sites, products etc., without hesitation if I had a positive experience.
Recommending your products or services should come across as naturally as recommending a good restaurant.
If you keep at it, eventually you will make a sale. Once you make your first sale, there is no reason you can't make another and another.