Affiliate since: 08/06/2012, Power Rank: 227 | Read Ronilo's 408 other Ask SC answers

This is already done by many but not inside SFI because its not allowed. Most of these are conveniently done in a Group in Face Book.

We Filipinos have created a group in Face Book where we invited all Filipino members of SFI to join the group and discuss and ask question in our own language.

It has benefited not only Filipino affiliates but also sponsors (with different nationalities) who have Filipino affiliates. They are suggesting to their Filipino affiliates to join the group so that they don't need to speak in English.

The greatest benefits we get is we can assure all Filipino SFI members that we are in the right program. What we just need to do is to help one another to make it work. We discuss no hold-barred questions about our SFI business. All my Filipino PSA are there and all have confidence with SFI.

Once in awhile we are uploading tips and good practices.

There are important rules however to be followed in this kind of forum. We should see to it that it wont be used for cross solicitation. We prohibit advertising other online opportunities and we as moderators are quick to delete and warn those who will try.
less

This is already done by many but not inside SFI because its not allowed. Most of these are conveniently done in a Group in Face Book.

We Filipinos have created a group in Face Book where we invited all Filipino members of SFI to join the group and discuss and ask question in our own language.

It has benefited not only Filipino affiliates but also sponsors (with different nationalities) who have Filipino affiliates. They are suggesting to their Filipino affiliates to join the
...more

Affiliate since: 12/31/1969, Power Rank: 99999999

Hello Goran

YES! Absolutely beneficial.

The SFI Forum alone helps you connect with affiliates of all experience levels from around the world. You can join in-depth discussions of SFI products and programs, brainstorm and share tips and ideas, start new threads and polls, get your questions answered and lots much. I have been a direct beneficiary of this as it's always been my first sponsor.

There are tones of SFI Affiliates that I know about whose first language is not English and yet are having tremendous success building teams through duplication and guess what? They are doing this through Private Forum marketing platforms in their own language.

Of course SFI already has a translation tool available through Google translate but for purposes of building more Trust, closer engagement, freedom of expression and interaction with people on your team whose first language is not English, a Forum would be great if you can start one.

Language barrier does not have to be an impediment to the growth and success of your business. You can succeed in this business purely by recruiting and training your country folk in your language. My cosponsor has succeeded and reached PTL recently in less than one year by doing just that.

If you would like to start your own Forum there are many platforms both paid and free. Use Google+ for hangouts and Facebook for private groups and communities.

However, there are many forums on the Internet, dedicated to many different topics. It is possible for you to have your own forum and to run it on your own. If you have ever thought of starting a forum, here are the steps to follow to learn how to start a forum.

1.Figure out what your specific Topic will be.

Since this will be your forum, it is best to pick something in which you are interested and knowledgeable for example, Best Home Biz Opportunity, SFI success tips, etc

2.Choose a forum script.

There are many different forum scripts available. It is best to start with a free forum script. Make sure that it is able to move information to another forum script should you want to change later. A good free script that does allow you to transfer your information is phpBB.

3.Find a good forum hosting program.

You can choose to set up your own message board using software if you have experience with web development. If not, you will have to have a host.

4.Start creating your forum or discussion areas.

You will want to start off with about 5 to 10 forums. They should all be related to the main topic of your board. You do not want to over categorize your forum as it many confuse and put off users. Dedicate it to SFI and the opportunity of joining your team.

5.Advertise your forum to get users.

Once your forum is up and running, you will need to have users to make your community, team or down line. If you have friends that are online and have similar interests in SFI, you can e-mail or instant message them to let them know you have started a new forum.

6.Make posts to your forum.

As the originator, you should be making posts all the time. Respond to posts by your members and start topics that will provoke conversations among the members such as running SFI team contests and awarding great prices to the top 5-10 etc

Best Wishes
less

Hello Goran

YES! Absolutely beneficial.

The SFI Forum alone helps you connect with affiliates of all experience levels from around the world. You can join in-depth discussions of SFI products and programs, brainstorm and share tips and ideas, start new threads and polls, get your questions answered and lots much. I have been a direct beneficiary of this as it's always been my first sponsor.

There are tones of SFI Affiliates that I know about whose first language is
...more

Affiliate since: 05/05/2004, Power Rank: 284 | Read Robertson's 212 other Ask SC answers

SFI affiliates come from more than 190 countries. Not all are well versed in English and those who don’t speak or write English will have some difficulty following the forums, training, ASK SC etc. Therefore it will certainly beneficial to create separate forums and do web seminars about SFI in languages other than English.

The benefits are as follows:

Promotes a level playing field for all SFI affiliates.

SFI business can grow rapidly for affiliates if other major languages are used besides English.

When people share a common language it’s one of the best ways to promote SFI and TC in your area.

It’s more easier for people who speak and write the same language to create buddy lists, brainstorm, share tips, discuss SFI news and more.

Affiliates who speak the same language can provide localised assistance. They can learn about the best marketing methods and strategies for your region in the world.

less

SFI affiliates come from more than 190 countries. Not all are well versed in English and those who don’t speak or write English will have some difficulty following the forums, training, ASK SC etc. Therefore it will certainly beneficial to create separate forums and do web seminars about SFI in languages other than English.

The benefits are as follows:

Promotes a level playing field for all SFI affiliates.

SFI business can grow rapidly for affiliates if other major
...more

Affiliate since: 06/29/2000, Power Rank: 2 | Read Leon's 55 other Ask SC answers

The short answer is "YES". Creating your own support system in your native language outside of SFI might be a good idea.

Here's some thoughts and recommendations.

1) Do not duplicate what SFI already has in place! Remember that your group will expand beyond your native country to every country in the world. You want your "entire" group to be able to duplicate and that will be difficult if "your" entire system of marketing SFI is in your native language. Become an expert in your native country, explain SFI's system and provide a forum, but don't duplicate SFI's system and material.

2) The simplest way to set-up your site would be with WordPress. If you're going to create a custom site with a forum it's best to use the self-installed version of WordPress.

3) You could use a membership plugin to limit access to your WordPress site. If you use a membership plugin and integrate it with your forum you can have badges to recognize the active participants. Those that contribute to the community!

4) If you use WordPress, a membership plugin and a forum plugin then you can link articles to forum topics. You can also restrict access to various articles and forum areas based on membership or badge level.

4) Use the 80/20 rule to determine what articles and forum topics are created on your site. Focus on topics that ask and answer action oriented questions. You want your Affiliates to take action and you want them to get results!

5) Keep your community positive and focused on moving forward!

It makes good business sense to brand yourself while providing the best support possible. Remember the 80/20 rule in everything you do and you're success is almost assured. Hint: Don't forget your lead system!
less

The short answer is "YES". Creating your own support system in your native language outside of SFI might be a good idea.

Here's some thoughts and recommendations.

1) Do not duplicate what SFI already has in place! Remember that your group will expand beyond your native country to every country in the world. You want your "entire" group to be able to duplicate and that will be difficult if "your" entire system of marketing SFI is in your native language.
...more

Affiliate since: 10/06/2013, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Alexander's 30 other Ask SC answers

Separate language forums are not a new idea - they are quite common on PTC sites.
The language barrier problem is also quite real. I myself have a CSA who used to be inactive till I accidentally addressed her in her own language I master quite well. Now she is enthusiastic and everything.
So yes, these things could be useful.

But... always these buts.
1) As someone already mentioned, SFI is international company and the most international language now is English. If tomorrow it will be Chinese, we all should start to study Chinese, I am not joking. For today everyone had better communicate in English to reach the widest public possible. There are translation programs, they may help everyone, even if all of us are aware they are far from perfect.

2) On PTC-s I mentioned, there are no training materials or webinars in alternative languages - just Forums. You are given the possibility to say something on your mother tongue and read replies of your mates speaking same language. Nothing else.

Finally, there is a horrific example of total inefficiency and terrible waste of time and money in the EU, translating everything in all languages of all members. BTW I strongly doubt all their translations are precise, so they can expect facing legal disputes on this basis too.

OK, they are politics and can throw the money of tax payers in fire with joy - till they are crucified or something eventually.
We are businessman I believe and no one is paying taxes to waste to us. Do we want to waste our own money? I don't think so.

Final verdict: you can organize anything in any language to get better results and that's OK. But it's your own time, money and commitment.

Thinking more generally: if you join an international company, learn English please.

I hope I did not hurt anyone's feelings. English is not my mother tongue, BTW.
less

Separate language forums are not a new idea - they are quite common on PTC sites.
The language barrier problem is also quite real. I myself have a CSA who used to be inactive till I accidentally addressed her in her own language I master quite well. Now she is enthusiastic and everything.
So yes, these things could be useful.

But... always these buts.
1) As someone already mentioned, SFI is international company and the most international language now is English. If tomorrow
...more

Affiliate since: 10/01/2013, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Nimo's 381 other Ask SC answers

The tendency hear will be to say - "Yes! Of course it would be beneficial." Unfortunately it is not as straightforward as it seems.

If SFI were to set up forums in languages other than English, they would be of great benefit to non English speaking affiliates. They would find it easier to understand the systems and support each other in their own language. It would also make it easier for them to recruit people from countries that speak their language.

SFI is however and international business and English is the international language of the business world. There are many languages and dialects in the world and it would be a logistical nightmare not to mention costs, to set up separate forums even if they were just for the main languages. There is also the danger of SFI being fragmented and communication break-downs as a result different languages being used.

I do believe that if people feel strongly about having forums in their own language a senior team leader should be allowed to have a forum in their own language hosted by him or her on their own websites. They become responsible for their accuracy and credibility.

It is, afterall, the sponsor's role to assist their team members understand the system and support them growing their business.

Regarding seminars in their own language, again this is the responsibility of team leaders. They can in fact do that right now.

less

The tendency hear will be to say - "Yes! Of course it would be beneficial." Unfortunately it is not as straightforward as it seems.

If SFI were to set up forums in languages other than English, they would be of great benefit to non English speaking affiliates. They would find it easier to understand the systems and support each other in their own language. It would also make it easier for them to recruit people from countries that speak their language.

SFI is however
...more

Affiliate since: 12/31/1969, Power Rank: 99999999

When you are creating foru and stream posts you are writing in English for the all affiliates to understand it. But, when you are using one of the first beginner methods to spread the word about your new business among your friends and family members,you are using your own language.
So, why not raise your business at a higher level and use fanpages, webinars,forums and videos in your own language to promote SFI and TC. There are certainly many benefits there:

-people can better understand the prospects of SFI
-new affilites are feeling much more comfortable to ask questions about a new opportunity
-that would be a great support for those who don't know English very well
-that would be a proof that SFI is not stick to one country/region but many people from this area join it
-that would be a great chance to attract new ECAs and PRMs
-posting in such forums allow you to add your link gateway

All if these benefits do not mean separation from other affiliates but means working at a local area as when you post an ad about your business in the local sites and newspapers in your own language of cours,so, here, the target audience is one region.
Apart webinars and forums, writing articles and blog posts are also good ideas for attracting new affiliates. I cannot see the negative part of doing that since you do not break rules and regulation of SFI.
less

When you are creating foru and stream posts you are writing in English for the all affiliates to understand it. But, when you are using one of the first beginner methods to spread the word about your new business among your friends and family members,you are using your own language.
So, why not raise your business at a higher level and use fanpages, webinars,forums and videos in your own language to promote SFI and TC. There are certainly many benefits there:

-people can better
...more

Affiliate since: 08/26/2012, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Dr Sudhanshu's 155 other Ask SC answers

Absolutely you should do if you have affiliates or persons who want to join SFI, do not understand English. SFI is a global business and can be operated from anywhere in the world with just internet. Although English is the most wide spread language in the world but still there are many countries which do not use it often. So creating separate forums to discuss various topics of SFI, clearing the queries about SFI benefits will certainly earn you more quality affiliates to your business.

Webinars are always great tools to promote any business. There are already webinars on SFI in english. So, creating webinars for people who do not understand English properly will bring you many great affiliates.

I would suggest you to create both forums and webinar in your National Language which will be highly effective in generating ECAs, PRMs and PSAs.
less

Absolutely you should do if you have affiliates or persons who want to join SFI, do not understand English. SFI is a global business and can be operated from anywhere in the world with just internet. Although English is the most wide spread language in the world but still there are many countries which do not use it often. So creating separate forums to discuss various topics of SFI, clearing the queries about SFI benefits will certainly earn you more quality affiliates to your business.

Webinars
...more

Affiliate since: 12/31/1969, Power Rank: 99999999

This is a very complex question.

It has already been answered by SFI Corporate at least indirectly in the Q&A, pointing to the practical aspects of such an undertaking.

On the one hand, you are trying to remove the language barriers to business development and help Affiliates as well as prospects fully seize the opportunity of the SFI Business model. On the other hand there are major practical problems that will need to be resolved.

A clear analysis of cost/benefits and return on investments would conclude that it is neither beneficial not practical to engage in such a project. The reasons of such a conclusion are below.

The major obstacle is cost and returns. Will the business generated with these foreign language sites cover the cost of implememting them, maintaining them and running them in manner comparable to this www.sfimg.com site?

There are three major practical questions.

1. Which entities or entity will undertake this idea?
Affiliates are already promoting and marketing SFI in the languages of the countries they are targeting. Some of these Affiliates may even have their own websites and conduct some form of web seminars (or webinars). To go beyond that implies that SFI Corporate would be involved one way or the other. This brings the second question:

2. In Which languages?
There are approximately 6,500 languages spoken today in the world. The language that has the most speakers is Mandarin Chinese with over 1 billion 213 million. However, China is far below on the list of SFI most active countries. Thus Mandarin Chinese would not appear to be the first choice and by far. The fifteen most active countries are India, USA, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, Kenya, United Kingdom, Serbia, Romania, and United Arab Emirates. With the exception of Philippines, Serbia and Romania, English is either the official language or a language widely spoken in these countries. Thus, websites in Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Urdu, or Arabic would bring marginal business to cover the cost of such websites.

3. This will appear more clearly when we ask: to what degree of details this foreign language websites would mirror this www.sfimg.com site. When we look at the wealth and details of the information made available here, the constant additions and updates in technology and content, it clear that other sites would not keep up. They would be a pale imitation, and users would have to constantly visit this site to update their information.

In conclusion, the cost of setting up such sites would not be covered by additional business. In all logic, that renders the idea less profitable.
less

This is a very complex question.

It has already been answered by SFI Corporate at least indirectly in the Q&A, pointing to the practical aspects of such an undertaking.

On the one hand, you are trying to remove the language barriers to business development and help Affiliates as well as prospects fully seize the opportunity of the SFI Business model. On the other hand there are major practical problems that will need to be resolved.

A clear analysis of cost/benefits
...more

Affiliate since: 10/25/2010, Power Rank: 99999999 | Read Laurie's 53 other Ask SC answers

The first knee-jerk reaction to this question would be "Absolutely! Make it so everyone can understand and participate!" But think about it, is that would really happen with separate forums?

I am not sure that separate forums would be very helpful - at least in the long run. We are all trying to do and learn the same thing but that could be lost if we start making separate forums.

I can also see how it could lead to problems if one forum (say one that speaks a different language) answers a question one way and another forum answers (say one that speaks English) in a different way. Would the non-English speaking forum be getting the correct information? Would the English speaking one?

And where would it end? Would we then have separate contests? Separate stores in TripleClicks? Would we have separate questions in "Ask SC"? Would we eventually end up with completely different SFI's. We would lose each other.

What might be really helpful would be some sort of translation service so that we are all reading and learning the same thing. Kind of like getting directions about how to put a shelf together - it comes in English, French, Spanish and other languages. It is the same information in different languages. Everyone builds the shelf the same way.

I think it would be great if this "service" also expanded to our items listed on TripleClicks - sometimes things are not listed in English and I always wish I knew what they are. If the descriptions and other details are offered in a person's primary language we could truly sell all over the world!

And what would be particularly awesome would be a way to translate languages between Sponsors and their PSA's and CSA's - I am sure that any email I send to one of my affiliates that is not in their native language gets discarded right away.

If we could send out our Team Mails knowing they will land in an in-box already translated into the receivers native tongue, it has a greater chance of being read.

So, no, I don't think making separate forums would be particularly beneficial.

If someone is struggling with learning the lessons or reading and responding in the forums maybe they could get help from a fellow countryman/woman. Or maybe there are programs out there that translate as they go.

But, I would still like to see SFI become truly worldwide and address the language issue in a more all-encompassing permanent way.

less

The first knee-jerk reaction to this question would be "Absolutely! Make it so everyone can understand and participate!" But think about it, is that would really happen with separate forums?

I am not sure that separate forums would be very helpful - at least in the long run. We are all trying to do and learn the same thing but that could be lost if we start making separate forums.

I can also see how it could lead to problems if one forum (say one that speaks a different
...more