Interview with MLM expert Jude Hodge

Nancy: How did you get started in network marketing?

Jude: I got started in MLM when my daughter was born in 1989. I had tried for several years to become pregnant and was 28 at the time she was born—there was NO way I was going back to work. I started a home business and was able to earn enough money to help with household bills. Money was tight. There was a huge learning curve. However, I am proud to say that, four years after I had my daughter, I had a son, and neither of my children, who are now 13 and nine, have ever been in daycare. I have been here to take them to school and pick them up. I have gone to all of their school functions. I have been able to care for them at home when they have had colds. We have never missed a holiday together. MLM has brought us closer together, and for that I am thankful each and every day.

Nancy: You talk about selling to the cold market. Could you tell me about your successful cold market techniques?

Jude: I have an online website. I have registered it with many search engines, using keywords that are popular. Some are free to register with, and I have paid a few of them so that I am in the top listings. It is worth it. I do several thousand dollars’ worth of business per year just in sales to complete strangers. I never take an order for granted. I call each and every customer to thank them for their order. I email them specials and info on all new products. I also email them just to say “hello” once in a while and ask how they are doing.

I enjoy the cold market. It is really a warm market of individuals you have just not met yet. The best part is getting to know them and enjoying their friendship as we partner together.

I personally like to advertise in newspapers. All I put in my ad is my URL to drive traffic to my online website. I have site visitors fill out a survey online and then I call them. I discuss with them their reasons for wanting a home business. I point out the tax advantages that most people are unaware of.

I also like to work leads. It is much of the same method, except I am not advertising to find them. They are already looking for me, and that is the best part. It is now my job to send them information and contact them by phone.

Once we meet by phone, I get to know them better. I want to know their “why’s.” In other words, why do they want a home business? From there, I send them some info via e-mail. I contact them back within 24-48 hours. When I call them back I ask them how they are etc., and then find out what type of questions they have for me. I answer their questions. I ask them if they still need some time or if they are ready to make a decision on the business, and most are ready.

It is all about relationshipping—getting to know your prospect helping them to know you. Anyone can build the cold market into their warm market if that is what they want to do and they are willing to take the time to master it.

Nancy: Could you tell specifically how you used the internet to sell the product?

Jude: The internet is a great resource. The biggest myth is that just having a site will help you be found and have a ton of orders. But it is no different than a business offline. You have to promote yourself and your business. The internet is my favorite because once you start understanding search engines, free classified listings, and marketing, it all comes together. It does take time and patience before you see the money. But you keep planting those seeds and you will have business popping up all over. I never take it for granted. I still plant seeds daily.

Nancy: I love your email. Every time you send an email you are advertising. Do you want to share how or if you email ads have worked?

Jude: Signature lines are great. It is another tool we all have. It is also free and easy to do. I have signed up distributors based on my e-mail signature. It allows me to show everyone what I have, even if they don’t ask!

When people spam me, I never get mad. I simply send them an e-mail with the word “remove” in the body of the message. On the bottom is my signature line, which offers all of my links. It is a great way to self-promote and get yourself an audience of people to share your business with. I also have an auto-responder set up on one e-mail address, so as people spam me at that address, they are automatically sent my info right back!

Nancy: You are also a mentor on the mlm.com forum . Does participation in conversations with people in the industry help you in developing selling strategies?

Jude: I love MLM.com. I have been on this forum for several years. I have met my greatest mentor here, Doug Firebaugh. Since then, we have met several times in person and we talk often as friends. If it were not for this forum, I don’t think I would be where I am at today. I have learned so much here, more than I can ever give back. The relationships and knowledge I have gained here are priceless. I can honestly say that I am still learning each and every day from someone at MLM .com. I also enjoy the news on the front page, along with all of the great industry articles. I am also enjoying the new look of MLM .com. It is interesting to see how we are all so alike and yet so different.