Join a Group!

Have you joined a Trade group?

Their are many places to receive advertising through on the Internet. Have you ever joined a trade group, a Shopping group or a "swap and shop" group? You can find these through yahoo groups. Their are many groups like this to choose from, so make sure you take your time and go through them. Some times you can join one and see how they operate before you join in, if you do not agree with the way it operates you can simply send the moderator a nice email explaining that you are not interested.

How does a swap group work?

When you join a group the moderator will place you in a group of 5-20 people (depending on the size of the whole yahoo group). You will be required to purchase any one item from the company of one of the consultants in your group. Usually they require one purchase once a month, some groups require 2 or 3 purchases a month. Each consultant will have their advertising time once or twice a month and each other member in your group must purchase an item from you.

How does a Shopping Group Work?

A shopping group works similar to a swap group but your not placed in a "group". Most of the time once you join a group you will know when they hold there "grabs". Many groups grab on the 1st of the month. How do I grab? or what is a grab? A few days before the "Grab" the moderator will let out a few notices to remind you to place your Business information into the grab database. Once Everyone is in the Grab database the moderator will let you know what time you are able to choose who you would like to purchase from. Once the 1st of the month roles around and the time for the grab is here you are now able to grab that person. I have found in most groups you must post to the group first before you write your name next to the rep in the grab database. This is a great way to do this as there will be no confusion onto who grabbed who first. Once you have grabbed your person for the month, you have the 1 month to make your purchase. Every group is different on their amount you must purchase from the rep so make sure you know this before hand.



Some questions to ask your self before you join a particular swap group,Shopping group or trade group:
- Is the moderator active? Does she help out, answer questions, and make sure all members obied by the rules?
- Am I going to be available to get to a computer during the times I need to make a purchase or receive sales?(If you are gone a lot, this wouldn't be a good idea unless you have a access to a computer to answer questions and such. Being an active member helps you meet more people and give you a good name.)
- Am I here to help others out? or just to make sales? ( Both! Don't join just to advertise, its a great way to meet other consultants. Other members will catch on quickly if your an advertising "troll". They wont read your post and you will be deleted quickly from the group.)

- What is the purchase amount every month?

-What other events go on in the group monthly?

Pro's of Joining a Group:

-Great way to meet other wahms

-A terrific way to meet a customer base and make sales

-Gets your name out online in the wahm world, being well known is a positive as many reps may go to you for that one specific company.

Cons of joining a group:
- When it comes time for you to purchase any items from a consultant, the company they represent may not be your "cup of tea". Either way you must purchase something. Think if a friend or family member would like or use something from that company.
- Their are a lot of people who join just to make sales and than they leave and just take the sales and never purchase from anyone else.
- If your a little tight with money very often,don't join. Not only will this be a hard time for you but if you cant make a purchase for another member it can lead to lots of bad reports for you.