Business Building Tips

 
 

 
 
Knowing what to do after you register as a Channel4Life Business Owner
 
 
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of your own business. You should be excited as this is the chance to live the life you have always dreamed of. Problem is you are probably not quite sure how to start.  The great news is that we have put together some tips and advice on what you can do to get a running start in your Channel4Life Business.

 

 
 
Getting ready to do business [back to top]

 

As a Channel4Life Business Owner you are now part of a vibrant, professional and credible organisation that allows you the freedom to determine your future. How you will progress as a Channel4Life Business Owner in terms of how fast your network will grow and how much money you will earn is entirely dependent on you.

You need to decide if you want to earn a few thousand rands a month as additional spending money for life’s little luxuries or a substantial sum of money each month to support your family and to save for your retirement years.

As Channel4Life Business Owner you have the potential to make plenty of money; however the money doesn’t just roll in. In order to make money you need to ensure that you commit to growing your network and building your business. Your efforts will determine how much or how little income your business will generate.

Only you have the power to make a success of your Channel4Life Business Opportunity. Here’s what you would need to do to before you begin your journey to financial independence:

  • Set Goals
  • Create a vision for your Business
  • Get Familiar with the Channel4Life Website
  • Learn and Master network marketing skills
  • Create an organised work space

 

 
 
Setting SMART Goals [back to top]

 

Planning for your business’s success through goals is what will ensure that you achieve what you have set out to do. Be it successfully running your own business, earning a substantial amount of additional income or just having peach of mind knowing that your financial future is secure.

Make sure that you take some time to think about your goals. To help you decide what type of goals you want to set for yourself, answer these questions:

  • What do I want for myself?
  • What do I want for my family?
  • How will my Channel4Life Business help me get what I want?

It is important to commit to your goals by putting them down on paper. You also need to determine what goals are short term goals and what goals are long terms goals.

Download our SMART Goals Template for help on setting your goals.

To ensure that you are reminded of why you want to achieve certain goals, list the benefits each achieved goal will add to your life. This will help to keep you motivated.

Once you have set your goals, its time to look at how you will go about working towards accomplishing them. Writing an action plan is an ideal way to ensure that you follow through on your goals. Ideally you should write an action plan for each goal set.

Download our Action Plan Example

Your action plan should consist of what you will need to do on a daily basis to accomplish your goal. You need to make a personal commitment to follow up on your action plan regularly to track your progress. You can make use of a calendar or planner and schedule your action plan on a weekly basis. Breaking down your overall goal into weekly actions will enable you to accomplish them.

 

 
 
Create a vision for your business [back to top]

 

Creating a vision for your business is vital. As a Channel4Life business owner you will need to know what direction you are headed in. What do you imagine your channel4Life business would be like five, ten even twenty years from now? Where will your Channel4Life business take you? What will you achieve as a result of your Channel4Life business?

It is important that you answer these questions and record them somewhere safe so that you can review each year.

“If you let somebody else row your boat, they’re going to take it where they want it to go, not where you want it to go” Zig Ziglar.

Creating a vision for your Channel4Life business will allow you to make future decisions based on what you want to accomplish. Knowing the direction you are headed in will allow you to better prioritize the work you need to get done.

 

 
 
Get Familiar with the Channel4Life Website [back to top]

 

Channel4Life’s website includes detailed information about the company’s vision, mission, values, products and services, referral structure, bonuses and competitions as well as policies and procedures.

It is important that you spend some time understanding Channel4Life’s business model and product offering. Try to understand why Channel4Life’s products are valuable? What are the benefits of the products? What is Channel4Life’s competitive advantage, meaning how do our products and business model differ from the competition? Become familiar with the company’s credentials and products as this will help you sound professional when speaking to a prospective client.

As a Channel4Life Business Owner you have exclusive access to your very own virtual office, where you can:

  • Access your business reports
  • Check out your rankings on each of our competitions
  • Read about other Business Owner’s secret to success
  • Get tips and advise on how to grow your business
  • Access the 4Life promotional shop

The Channel4Life virtual office is your one stop shop to managing your business more effectively.

 

 
 
Learn and Master network marketing skills [back to top]

 

If you are an already seasoned network marketer, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on your knowledge around network marketing, but more especially on new methods, strategies and ideas on how to grow your business.

If you are new to network marketing, learning more about the field that you are entering will ensure that you come across as credible and professional when talking to prospective clients. Channel4Life also offers FREE training sessions on how to run your business successfully. Ensure that you attend training when it is available in your area.

 

 
 
Create an organised work space [back to top]

 

Although being a Channel4Life Business Owner means you can work where you want to it is important to have a work space. You don’t need anything elaborate, it could be anywhere in your home that offers you the ability to focus on your tasks at hand and allows you the space to keep your files and records safely. You could even keep your reports and copies of application forms stored safely in a cardboard box, this allows you to be mobile and still have an organised work environment.

To ensure that you are able you work in an organised and efficient manner , you may need some basic supplies including the following:

  • Business Cards: Is an essential networking tool that you should have at hand so that you come across as professional to your potential prospect. You can order your Channel4Life Business Cards online at the 4Life shop or email marketingmaterials@channel4life.co.za to place an order
  • Business Opportunity DVD’s: Allow you to share the Channel4Life Business Opportunity with people from the comfort of their (or your) own home. The business opportunity DVD explains in great detail how the business works as well as how to join. The Business Activation Toolkit comes with four of these DVD’s to distribute amongst your potential recruits, however you will need more to ensure that you are able to share the opportunity with a lot more people. You can order your Channel4Life Business opportunity DVD’s online at the 4Life shop or email marketingmaterials@channel4life.co.za to place an order
  • Access to a computer and the internet: Whilst this is not a requirement it is helpful so that you are able to access your virtual office to download business reports, check your competition rankings as well as read the tips and advice at hand to grow your business.
  • Calendar: It is vital that you keep a proper record of meetings, and telephonic appointments with prospective clients. Using a calendar to plan and schedule meetings will ensure that you are on time and never forget a meeting or phone call. This will go a long way to ensure you are seen as reliable and professional, making an excellent impression on your prospect.

    Download our Action Plan Template – Daily Planner

    Download our Action Plan Template – Monthly Planner

  • Recording Keeping – Notebook/Filing System: Whether you have an actual notepad or keep a filing system on your computer it is imperative that you have proper record keeping. This is important to be able to keep track of your goals, action plans and record your progress. It is also important for keeping records (names, telephone numbers) of prospects, your introducer, your downlines, Channel4Life etc. It is your database of important people and documents.
  • Branded/Promotional Items:  As a professional Channel4Life Business Owner, you need to also look the part. It would be ideal to purchase some of the Channel4Life branded items for yourself to promote your business and attract attention, creating brand awareness. You could look into purchasing Golfers, T-Shirts, Caps etc. To help you generate even more interest in your business why not consider purchasing personalised Car Magnets which will assist you generate leads. As a means to promote your business or even reward your downline for a job well done, you may look at purchasing smaller promotional items such as branded fridge magnets, pens, folders, etc. All of these items can be purchased online at the 4Life shop or you can email marketingmaterials@channel4life.co.za to place an order.

Remember though that as a Channel4Life Business Owner you are not alone. You have access to a virtual office, business owner self service centres, free presentations and training sessions, as well as an accredited sales call centre who sells Channel4Life’s financial products on your behalf.  Use these resources wisely to assist you grow your Channel4Life business.

 

 
 
Communicating with your Introducer [back to top]

 

Your introducer has a vested interest in ensuring that you get a running start with your Channel4Life business, since his/her success is dependent on yours! The beauty of network marketing and the Channel4Life business is that you are never alone, and that’s one of the many strengths of this industry.

If your introducer has not called you yet, don’t be shy call him/her for more information about local presentations and perhaps to assist you with any questions you may have.

Connie Dugan, a seasoned network marketer suggests, “ Establish a mutually agreeable business partnership with your sponsor. Treat your sponsor like a mentor.”

 

 
 
Understanding your Business Owner Activation Toolkit or Pack [back to top]

 

Although you might have already spent a great deal of time on the Channel4Life website, with your introducer or even at presentations learning more about how the business works, it is still important to familiarize yourself with the contents of your Toolkit.

It may take some time to fimiliarise yourself with everything in your Toolkit, but spending time reading through the 4Life Success Guide, the Product Manual and 4Life Success Blueprint as well as watching the Business opportunity and Product DVD’s is important. These business tools will allow you to get started with your business and will help to grow your business.

Here are some tips to help you navigate your way through your toolkit or pack:

  • Read through the terms and conditions section carefully, although you might be tempted to skip the legal stuff, don’t! Not adhering to certain rules can result in the termination of your business owner contract. It is essential that you know how to keep yourself in good standing
  • List familiarizing yourself with the contents of the toolkit as part of your SMART GOALS and incorporate it into your action plans. Schedule time to read through and understand all the material especially the Channel4Life referral pay structure and bonus criteria and rules.
  • Ensure you understand the 4Life Success Guide and Product manual and watch the business opportunity and product DVD’s. You should know enough about the Channel4Life Business opportunity and products to be able to engage with prospective clients. Although you have the support of an accredited sales call centre to ensure they sell the products to your recruits on your behalf you still need to know the products. This will ensure you come across as credible and professional.
  • The 4Life Success Blueprint is a step by step plan on how to attain success as a Channel4Life Business Owner. You can even use the various stages in the 1
  • Practice how you would present the business opportunity and product to a potential recruit either in a one on one scenario or to a group of people. Your success as a Channel4Life Business owner to some degree depends on how you are able to communicate with a potential client.
  • If network marketing or even life insurance is new to you , you may have lots of questions or areas you don’t quite understand. Make a list of questions while you are reading through your manuals or whilst watching the DVD’s . You can either speak to your introducer about the questions you have or you can contact Channel4Life’s business owner support call centre on 0860046673.

Apart from familiarizing yourself with the toolkit, to ensure your success you also need to attend training. Channel4Life offers its Business Owners FREE training sessions. There are different training programmes based on where you are at in your business. As a new Business Owner, the Basic Business Owner Training is a must. You can check the Channel4Life website for a listing of training dates or contact us on 0860046673 to enquire when the training will be happening in your area.

 

 
 
Fast Track your way to success [ back to top ]

 

Now that you are familiar with the Channel4Life Business Opportunity and Products, you are ready to get started. But where do you actually start. Here are some guidelines to help you get going:

  • Draw up a prospect list – List at least 20 people you may know who you believe will want to improve their lifestyle and change their lives, but who are also prepared to work for it
  • “Get the word out” – start talking about your business to people. Network! Talk to friends, family, colleagues and neighbours- after all network marketing is about “word of mouth” advertising.
  • Ensure that you are receiving the regular SMS’s from Channel4Life regarding presentations, training sessions and other special events happening in your area. You should also check the website events calendar for updates
  • Order business cards, promotional items and marketing tools such as brochures, addition business opportunity DVD’s as well as few giveaway items for brand awareness
  • Attend at least two presentations in your area, taking with you a minimum of 3 people. This will assist you get familiar with the business as well as allow your potential recruits to hear from a trained presenter how the Channel4Life business opportunity can work for them
  • Have at least two home presentations, where you can invite your potential recruits to watch the Business Opportunity and Product DVD’s. Your introducer can assist you with answering questions your prospects may have.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice…. Ensure that you continue to practice how to present the business opportunity to your potential recruits.

Network marketing is all about duplication, there is no need for you to reinvent wheel. All you need to do is follow the guidelines set out in the 4Life Success Blueprint and 4Life Success Guide. Look out for success stories and engage with other Channel4Life Business Owners about what worked for them. Duplicate the actions and efforts of those Channel4Life Business Owners, who are already successful, this will ensure that you are able to fast track your Channel4Life business.

 

 
 
How to deal with Sceptics [back to top]

 

The network marketing industry has its fair share of sceptics who will try and discourage or demotivate you. These sceptics have bits and pieces of information about network marketing or have heard negative stories about Ponzi schemes or fraudulent schemes and associate all network marketing companies with such negativity. Don’t despair, these people are not educated on network marketing and how it could change people lives. They also don’t realise that network marketing has helped South Africa economic growth, with the DSA alone reporting almost 1 million representatives (network marketers) associated with its member companies. These are 1 million people whose lives have been improved by the income generated from this profession.

So if you happen to deal with a sceptic, use some of these facts to educate them on the credibility and the value of the Channel4Life Business Opportunity:

 

 
 
Channel4Life’s Credentials [back to top]

 

Channel4Life is a Division of Channel Life Limited, which is wholly owned by the Sanlam Group

Channel4Life is a Division of Channel Life Limited, a registered financial services provider with the Financial Services Board and a member of ASISA (Association for Savings and Investment South Africa)

As a direct marketer we are also regulated by industry bodies such as the Direct Marketing Association of South Africa (DMA) and the Direct Selling Association of South Africa (DSA).

Channel4Life adheres to a strong code of ethics as well as principles of integrity and accountability as advocated by the various regulatory bodies that govern both the Financial Services and Direct Marketing Industries.

 

 
 
Is this not a Pyramid Scheme? [back to top]

 

The answer is simply, no… Pyramid schemes are illegal in South Africa and in most countries around the world. Network Marketing however, is legitimate and legal. The concept behind it is a distribution model that allows a company to sell their products directly to the consumer. It uses a word of mouth approach, where people network amongst each other, instead of advertising through traditional streams. Therefore, instead of paying the media for advertising, network marketing companies reward distributors through commission in return for selling their products and finding new clients.  You can refer to your 4Life Success Guide for more detailed information about what network marketing is truly about and how this differs significantly from a legitimate network marketing opportunity.

You will certainly come across those individuals who have negative things to say about the new venture you have undertaken. Remember everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so you should not let their attitude or opinion determine yours.  The best defence against any sceptic would be to become a successful, wealthy Channel4Life Business Owner. Once they see you as living proof that anyone can become financially independent and successful, you will have a customer for life!