This is the big question, isn’t it? A question that lends itself to two distinct trains of thought. One is if you lead with your question then you can perhaps demonstrate the quality of the product in addition to building a relationship. On the other hand, enlisting people in the opportunity is much more profitable – for you and for them.

Certain companies have product lines that are much simpler to promote first. This strategy focuses more on building a large customer base. From this huge list of satisfied users of the products, a number of people will emerge to take on the opportunity you offer. The biggest advantage to this approach is that you will generate a cash flow much quicker because you are building a base of happy clients. The disadvantage is that it will be much slower to build significant wealth this way.

Most experienced and successful network marketers will tell that it is much more preferable to lead with your opportunity first. This will result in building a deeper, more active team and will also result in greater long-term residual income. This strategy will build a customer base from the people who are not interested in the opportunity.

Basically, the approach you take will ultimately depend on your short term and long term objectives. If you want to build a quick steady income stream, then you will want to promote your product line, and as customers are enjoying your products, you can keep reminding them of the opportunity. If you want to build long term wealth through residual income, then you will want to promote you opportunity first, and then market your products to all prospects who did not join your team. The thing you have to keep in mind here is that both strategies are predicated on providing great value in the products you offer – neither approach will work without this element.