Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

What's best to sell at TripleClicks? Cheap things or more expensive/more valuable items?

It's not about cheaper or more expensive things. It's about targeting your customers. Who are your target customers? What do they want? The best things to sell at TripleClicks are the things your customers want, at a fair price. :)

One thing to consider is - What is already available at TripleClicks? If you pick your niche, and someone else is already selling the same thing, you will need to lower your prices to compete with them. However, look for items that no one has listed yet.

Another thing to consider is the final fee amount you give to TC. The higher percentage of your sale you are willing to part with, the more VP and commission will be. The higher VP and commission attached to your TripleClicks items, the more likely other affiliates will promote your products.

While it's important to look at what is already available in the TripleClicks store and your final fees will be, the most important thing to think about is your target market and what they want. Giving them a fair price on what they want to buy is the best way to make sales on TripleClicks!
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What's best to sell at TripleClicks? Cheap things or more expensive/more valuable items?

It's not about cheaper or more expensive things. It's about targeting your customers. Who are your target customers? What do they want? The best things to sell at TripleClicks are the things your customers want, at a fair price. :)

One thing to consider is - What is already available at TripleClicks? If you pick your niche, and someone else is already selling the same thing, you will need
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Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

"Would it be beneficial to create separate forums and do web seminars about SFI in languages other than English?

I don't think it is necessary to have separate forums in other languages. I think it would divide the SFI community, and what we have now is thriving and very helpful for the majority of affiliates.

I *do* think there should be a handful of SFI pages that are translated by people (not Google). I think the best people to do this would be team leaders who are fully fluent in English and their native language, and who understand the SFI program.

Google Translate is an excellent tool, but it has its limitations, and I think a lot of affiliates who have little or no English feel lost and leave too quickly when they can't find the help they need.

I think it would be helpful to have pages such as SFI Basics, the LaunchPad lessons, Marketing Methods and Aides, and the Homepage tabs translated properly, and also have a basic FAQ available in the most-used languages by SFI affiliates. Considering the size and growth of SFI, I think this would be a prudent investment going forward.


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"Would it be beneficial to create separate forums and do web seminars about SFI in languages other than English?

I don't think it is necessary to have separate forums in other languages. I think it would divide the SFI community, and what we have now is thriving and very helpful for the majority of affiliates.

I *do* think there should be a handful of SFI pages that are translated by people (not Google). I think the best people to do this would be team leaders who are fully
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Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

"What do you do with affiliates who never do anything--despite you constant encouragement and offers of support?"

Essentially, there is nothing you can do for affiliates who never do anything. For whatever reason, SFI is not right for them at the moment. Whether they are not the entrepreneurial type, the time is not right for them, or whatever the reason, there is little you can do.

It is essential to continue sending team mails to them, however. I've had a lot of success in bringing back affiliates. I've had a lot of second-home CSAs come back and get started from scratch, months after they joined.

Most often, you need to send a team mail or email that is personal enough that it doesn't sound like a sales pitch. One of the most effective ways is to ask them why they joined in the first place. Often, this will make people re-think why they signed up, and encourage them to take a second look.

If they decide to come back for a second look, keep your eye on your genealogy. If someone logs in after being inactive, send them an email. Introduce yourself, and give them instructions.

SFI BASICS
START Video
LAUNCHPAD Lesson 1
TO DO List (Getting Started Actions)

This gives them a place to start. Most people are lost when they log in for the first time, and without a little guidance, many give up too quickly. If you can get them back in the door and help them understand how the system works, you may find a few hidden diamonds. Continue to communicate with them, and you may be able to help them achieve what they originally signed up to do: to be more financially successful.

And their success is your success!
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"What do you do with affiliates who never do anything--despite you constant encouragement and offers of support?"

Essentially, there is nothing you can do for affiliates who never do anything. For whatever reason, SFI is not right for them at the moment. Whether they are not the entrepreneurial type, the time is not right for them, or whatever the reason, there is little you can do.

It is essential to continue sending team mails to them, however. I've had a lot of
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Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

"What would you consider to be too much and unnecessary communication with your team?"

Any communication that doesn't potentially help your affiliates build their business is unnecessary. Make sure all your team newsletters contain useful information, and you are not repeating yourself every week. I think sending a newsletter to your entire team 2-4 times per month is enough.

Use your newsletters to encourage two-way communication from your affiliates. Ask questions. Run contests. Simply congratulating one or two affiliates in your newsletter can spark interest in other team members.

Communication on an individual level is different. If one of your affiliates contacts you, you should always respond in a timely manner. Answer the questions, help them learn the system, and get to know them a little.

Some people are more "open" than others when it comes to personal information. Some affiliates are comfortable sharing personal information, while others prefer to keep it strictly business. In either case, establish a personal relationship with your active affiliates.

It's imperative they know you are available if they have any questions. As long as the communication is two-way and the conversation is flowing, continue to answer their questions and get to know your active affiliates.
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"What would you consider to be too much and unnecessary communication with your team?"

Any communication that doesn't potentially help your affiliates build their business is unnecessary. Make sure all your team newsletters contain useful information, and you are not repeating yourself every week. I think sending a newsletter to your entire team 2-4 times per month is enough.

Use your newsletters to encourage two-way communication from your affiliates. Ask questions.
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Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

How can you offer financial support to a hard-working PSA/CSA who is truly financially challenged?

Maybe I am biased, because I do not have money to support everyone else, but I do not think you should financially support your affiliates.

Instead, it is important to teach them. Help them learn and understand the system. As they learn the system, teach them how to advertise and duplicate. Communication and motivation are key.

For financially challenged affiliates, it is more important to learn how to build their business than it is to reach EA status the first few months. Until they have an active team under them, they will not lose a lot.

I think it is more important to encourage them to learn. I reward my active affiliates with PSAs when they earn their 30/60/90 Daily VP Streak badges. This encourages them to make SFI a daily habit, to log in and read, and more importantly to learn what SFI is all about.

I also reward affiliates for getting their "Ask SC Ratings" badge with new affiliates on their team. This encourages them to read and learn more than they otherwise might. I think Ask SC is crucial for newer affiliates in understanding the program and how it works, what works and what doesn't, and how to approach different SFI income streams.

In the first few months, it is hard to get to EA status, and hard to start bringing in commissions. This is the crucial time to support your active affiliates, and when they are willing to put their time and effort into learning the system, I will help them build their team. Within a few months, they have learned enough to start building their own team.

That being said, if an active affiliate is only a few hundred points away from EA and can't afford to buy a few TCredits, I have no problem sending a small gift certificate to help them out. :D
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How can you offer financial support to a hard-working PSA/CSA who is truly financially challenged?

Maybe I am biased, because I do not have money to support everyone else, but I do not think you should financially support your affiliates.

Instead, it is important to teach them. Help them learn and understand the system. As they learn the system, teach them how to advertise and duplicate. Communication and motivation are key.

For financially challenged affiliates,
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Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

How can I convince my downline of the benefits of having a Standing Order without them feeling pressured?

Help your affiliates understand the system and the compensation plan. The best thing you can do for your team is to communicate with them. Guide them, teach them, answer their questions, and encourage them. Motivate them.

If an affiliate understands the power behind the program, they will set up an SO on their own, if they can afford to. Affiliates who have the mindset to succeed in SFI will understand the benefits themselves.

I think it is important to focus on having an SO that will benefit the affiliate. Let your affiliate know how an SO can help them grow their business. The IAHBE subscription gives you access to a wealth of home business information which can help you learn more about being a successful home business entrepreneur.

TCredits can be used to selling things on TC, which can be money in your pocket. They can also be used for Pricebender auctions. You can win PSAs, S-Builder units, and CSAs to grow your team. You can win IAHBE subscriptions, which will give you access to a tremendous amount of information on home businesses and internet marketing, along with giving you enough VP to ensure EA2 status for a few months. TCredits, when used for the penny auctions, also give you valuable action VP and MRP.

It is important to stress the benefits of their standing order. A lot of affiliates set up a standing order so they get the VP attached to their purchase. Instead, encourage your team members to pick something that will be useful for them in helping to grow their business.
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How can I convince my downline of the benefits of having a Standing Order without them feeling pressured?

Help your affiliates understand the system and the compensation plan. The best thing you can do for your team is to communicate with them. Guide them, teach them, answer their questions, and encourage them. Motivate them.

If an affiliate understands the power behind the program, they will set up an SO on their own, if they can afford to. Affiliates who have the mindset to
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Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

Should we recruit our family members into SFI? Good idea or not?

Well, it really depends on a few things.

First of all, you need to believe in SFI and understand it well enough to convey its potential. You need to be enthusiastic when you talk about it. It also helps if you have had a measure of success. It's a lot harder to convince someone your first or second month than it is when you've been here for a year and you have a steady commission check coming every month.

Second, it depends on the family member you are talking to. Some people have an entrepreneurial mindset, and some don't. Some people believe in the power of the internet (to make money), and some don't. Some people think "internet marketing" is a bad word. Some people are ambitious, and others are happy to stay in the financial position they are in.

All these are factors in who you decide to "recruit." If you have family members who have an entrepreneurial mind, who can believe in the power of the internet for potential income, and they are ambitious and hard-working, then they would be prime candidates for joining your SFI team. However, if they do not have the mindset that would help them succeed, you are wasting your breath.

If you try to get family (or friends) to join SFI, it is important that they understand SFI will not bring overnight success. It is a lot of work to build a successful business. Ensure them that you will be there for any questions or hurdles they encounter, and that their success ultimately depends on how much they put into it. Let them see how your effort has paid off, and that - even though things may be slow at first - they will pick up and the long-term payoff will be well worth their efforts.
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Should we recruit our family members into SFI? Good idea or not?

Well, it really depends on a few things.

First of all, you need to believe in SFI and understand it well enough to convey its potential. You need to be enthusiastic when you talk about it. It also helps if you have had a measure of success. It's a lot harder to convince someone your first or second month than it is when you've been here for a year and you have a steady commission check coming every month.

Second,
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Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

How does one support all your downline affiliates if you have barely enough to support your own self?

I think it is most important to support your downline affiliates by teaching them about the SFI compensation plan, how the program works, and how to advertise and duplicate.

Communication is key. If you want your team members to duplicate what you're doing, it is important to teach them. It is important for them to log in every day, read the daily pages, and learn as much as they can. It is important for you to be available to answer their questions, encourage small victories, and to motivate them as they learn and earn.

I find it most effective to reward affiliates with their own PSAs if I see consistent effort on their part.

Since the first few months are the hardest, I help them build their team when they reach new Daily VP Streak badges, and when they get their first "Ask SC Ratings" badge. I think this encourages them to read and learn. They will start to understand what works and what doesn't. With the Ask SC ratings, they will be able to learn from other successful affiliates' experiences.

I think it is more important to communicate, teach, and motivate your team than it is to financially support them. This will enable them to earn and support themselves. Give a man a fish, and he can eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime.
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How does one support all your downline affiliates if you have barely enough to support your own self?

I think it is most important to support your downline affiliates by teaching them about the SFI compensation plan, how the program works, and how to advertise and duplicate.

Communication is key. If you want your team members to duplicate what you're doing, it is important to teach them. It is important for them to log in every day, read the daily pages, and learn as much as
...more

Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

If you are serious about SFI and building your own business, you should have your own domain name. Even if your domain name simply points to one of your SFI gateways, it is a worthy investment.

First, the cost is minimal. There are a number of domain sites you can purchase from - often you can get your first year for only a dollar or two (if you look for sales and promo codes). Of course, even at $15 a year, the cost is very small.

The advantages to having your own domain are many. First, you can have a site that is much easier to remember than your gateway. Second, having your own domain name looks more professional, and shows potential business partners (PSAs) that you are serious about your business.

The most important thing about having your own domain name, however, is advertising. You can advertise on places like Facebook and Twitter (among thousands of other places). Many sites like Facebook think SFI is spam, and having your own domain allows you to advertise on these popular social sites.

Additionally, it can be beneficial to have your own site as an information center for your team or as a splash page to attract new affiliates.
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If you are serious about SFI and building your own business, you should have your own domain name. Even if your domain name simply points to one of your SFI gateways, it is a worthy investment.

First, the cost is minimal. There are a number of domain sites you can purchase from - often you can get your first year for only a dollar or two (if you look for sales and promo codes). Of course, even at $15 a year, the cost is very small.

The advantages to having your own domain
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Affiliate since: 05/02/2013, Power Rank: 595

What are some of the ways I can use my IAHBE membership to grow my SFI business?

The International Association of Home Business Entrepreneurs is a library of knowledge devoted primarily to marketing online. It is the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to better market your SFI business, your TripleClicks promotions, and any other small business you may choose to get involved with.

There are resources specifically for marketing to the US, but there is also a plethora of resources available for marketing internationally. Many of the resources are country-based, so you can focus your efforts on a particular market.

There are video tutorials, podcasts, expert audio speeches and interviews, and exclusive tutorials on a wide variety of business topics. There are reviews for popular business, success,and marketing books; as well as reviews for online tools that will help you save time and produce more results for your business.

There are also profiles of successful marketers to inspire and guide you. (A number of them are SFI team leaders.)

This is just the beginning. There is so much stuff on the IAHBE website that I will continue my subscription for a long time. The amount of information that can be used to boost your SFI business is immense. If you really want to grow your business, get a subscription and read, read, read. Don't ever forget: Readers are leaders!
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What are some of the ways I can use my IAHBE membership to grow my SFI business?

The International Association of Home Business Entrepreneurs is a library of knowledge devoted primarily to marketing online. It is the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to better market your SFI business, your TripleClicks promotions, and any other small business you may choose to get involved with.

There are resources specifically for marketing to the US, but there is also a plethora of
...more