Networking To Build A New MLM

By Danielle Lum, Hawaii Bureau Chief
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When Kelly Machado started networking more than 20 years ago, it was safe to say that her methods were very low tech. "Low tech?" she laughs. "How about no tech?"

Machado used a time-honored index card system to remind her to make contacts with individuals on certain days, and to provide information about the individual.

"I'd spread the cards out on a table, then sort them by month and date. It worked for me," she says.

Today, Machado uses her cell phone and computer to keep up with people in her network. And what a network it is. She is a key player in Agel's Hawaii launch, and her networking skills are helping to rapidly build a base of distributors in Hawaii.

Agel, the newest MLM

Agel produces nutritional supplements using a unique gel suspension technology. The products are fully approved by the Food & Drug Administration. Instead of taking pills, Agel users take food, increasing the absorption rate to 95%.

The company, now in operation just over two years, is active in 11 countries and very recently launched in Hawaii. With approximately 50 Hawaii distributors in this MLM company, networking can pay big dividends.

The Networked Path to Agel

Machado began her customer service activities nearly 20 years ago, after serving in the U.S. Air Force, eventually selling Honda automobiles.

"In sales, networking is important. Keeping in contact with people was important," says Machado, who, back then, utilized the no-tech index card system. "It helped me remember who to call, why to call, and provided me with information that helped me make connections with the individual."

She has since moved on from selling Hondas, and her customer service and networking focus are ingrained in her very core. In fact, it was networking that led her to the Agel opportunity. She was at a health and wellness networking event when she heard two people engaging in a "my product is better than your product" match.

"Normally that would have turned me off and I would have walked away," says Machado. "But the Agel representative spoke of a product that I had already read about and saw studies about its healing properties. This piqued my interest and I decided to find out more."

What she found was a ground floor opportunity with an innovative company that she's helping to grow here in the islands.

"Right now we are working the friends and family network and we're having very good success," she says.

Machado integrates technology into her business to keep in constant contact with her team and her customers. She uses her cell phone to keep contact information and calendared meetings. She also uses Google's online calendar so others can see her schedule quickly and arrange group and individual meetings, avoiding frustrating phone tag.

And it's paying off.

Advice from a long time networker

Machado prides herself in being genuine in her networking efforts and counsels others to do the same. "Be yourself. Show a genuine interest in others," she says. "And don't edit your message. You never know what will resonate with someone and if you edit yourself, you might miss out."

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