Have you tried network marketing and failed? If so, you most likely didn't have a network marketing business plan. Most people don't even realize that they need an actual business plan for network marketing, and they simply rely on the business plan that the parent company developed. True success comes from developing your own strategies, which includes having your own plan.

A network marketing business plan isn't anything like a traditional business plan, but like a traditional plan, it is a plan designed to help you succeed. It is essentially a road map to success for you to follow.

Here is some information that should be included in your network marketing business plan:

1. How to Generate Leads - The first thing one always does in network marketing is to generate leads. Without leads, there will be no sales. Without sales, there will be no commissions. Fortunately for network marketers around the world, generating leads isn't what it used to be. Today, it is very easy to generate leads, and instead of you having to hunt for those leads, those leads will hunt for you.

Even if the parent company provides you with a replicated website, you need your own unique website. Never allow a visitor to go to that replicated site without at least passing through your own. When they visit your website, you need to capture their first name, email address, and if possible, their phone number. To save time, weed out the visitors who are just browsing, so that you can fully concentrate on those leads who have a true interest in what you are offering. You do this with your content. Lead them through the content, and at the end of that content, provide a contact form. Those who are truly interested will give you their information, and those who are not will leave.

Instead of spending your time looking for leads, spend your time marketing your website, and staying in touch with those who have contacted you by sending out regular newsletters or emails.

2. How to Convert Sales - Once a person has expressed a true interest and filled out the contact form, they are already warmed up for you. At this point, you can lead them to the replicated site for more information, or you can call them and talk to them yourself, before sending them to the replicated website. Again, these people are already warmed up a bit, and they are open to what you have to say to them.

In addition, you will often find that those who are looking for a way to make extra money, or to replace a full time income, will be interested in the opportunity if they are interested in the products. Never forget that, and use it to your advantage.

Remember that there are two sides to any network marketing business. Not only will you need to close sales, but you will also need to build a downline.

If you're not confident in your ability to write good sales copy, hire a professional copywriter, or take a copywriting course. There are many available online, and you will find that the cost of the course will be worth its weight in gold when you put your newly acquired skills to use.

3. How to Retain Customers - Are you in a network marketing program where the customer will need the products or services over and over again? If not, look for such products or services in other related network marketing programs. Ideally, your customers will order from you over and over again, providing you with residual income. This is where true success comes in; however, this does not mean that you can't gain the customer by selling them a one-time only product, as long as you are also prepared to sell them products that require ongoing purchases.

This is a great way to retain customers and create multiple streams of income for yourself. If you've paid attention to the economy, you probably know that one should never solely depend on just one income source. That's like placing all of your eggs in one basket.

4. How to Replicate Your Success - Once you have a tried and true method for generating leads, for converting sales, and for retaining customers, start replicating your system. Make sure that you have the entire sales process written down, so that you can follow it over and over again to build a huge - profitable - customer base. This is how your business will not only grow, but also how it will continue to reward you for many years to come.

By developing a simple network marketing business plan, you will be creating a personal road map to success.