The path to personal and financial success is never straightforward, no matter how easy the people selling either one make it look.
Network marketing's no different. It's not an easy path. And most certainly not the easiest way to make quick income. An hourly job at $10/hour will get that needed $500 much faster than any networking opportunity for someone with little business experience.
But for that longer term success, for those who want to build up something that will last years and years, networking offers it. But it isn't an easy path.
Making a commitment at first is not too hard. Like that New Year's resolution. Keeping it after 30 or 90 days, that's what requires an almost daily renewal of the commitment, doesn't it?
Where does that come from?
One way is right association: Spending time with others who have chosen the same path and who also need support to stay committed and not be distracted by their daily lives and all the naysayers in it. Any entrepreneur will do, as will any 'safe' networkers from any company- they're all on a path where they seek to make a difference and be their own boss. That's a big reason people have joined Network Marketing Central- to get that support.
But before you consider joining NMC or making any other financial commitment to your business, ask yourself if it's more than a New Year's resolution. Here's what I mean.
A gal who's an NMC member just emailed to ask me if she should keep her NMC profile and membership.
I asked her what we could do to help her and, asked what she was doing to get some visitors to her profile, like ads, business cards, etc.
Her response in part...
"Well, I don't have much time, (or money, actually) to do network marketing."
What are her chances of success with the business?
So, is the business is really for you? Ask yourself:
1. Why do you want to do it as opposed to something else you could do, and
2. How much time and resources will you commit to building your business? Over what period of time?
If you don't have a reason that warms your heart or excites you, it's better to know right now.
Don't beat on yourself if this isn't for you. Don't let your upline get to you, either. Nothing's for everyone. Find what you DO want to give your time and money to. And do THAT. You and those around you will be better off and happier for it.
If however, you've decided why you DO want to put your time and resources into the networking business, plan now how you will keep yourself committed when the bumps come along, as they will.
Readers: What kinds of things have you done to keep yourself going when the obstacles came along?
Related Articles
It's The Gory Story
By: Kim Klaver | 19/10/2006 | Affiliate Programs
Why does prospecting seem to be so hard in our business today?
A skeptical market place is one thing. And that's partly the result of marketers everywhere making promises and more promises that they don't keep.
"Do You Make This Marketing Mistake?" Harvard Business Review...
By: Kim Klaver | 01/11/2006 | Affiliate Programs
In a recent piece in the Harvard Business Review, the authors remind us what a normal person wants when they buy something. And no, it is NOT the thing they buy.
Craig, Stan And Karen: Shaklee Comments Clarification
By: Kim Klaver | 12/11/2006 | Affiliate Programs
Hello Craig, Stan and Karen:
Let me explain and clarify my remarks about Shaklee and Mr. Roger Barnett (Mr. B.), the current owner and CEO of Shaklee. The comments section doesn't take links, so I'm responding to you here. It's in three parts.
Do You Know Anyone Who Buys For The Reasons Companies Sell?
By: Kim Klaver | 28/01/2007 | Marketing
On our Saturday call, the question was:
How do I show others the value of my products?
The first exercise was people listing why they thought their products were special.
One gent, independent rep of Legacy for Life, said:
"This product has the most patents - like 100 of them. And the most double...
Do You Tell This Whopper When You Recruit People?
By: Kim Klaver | 02/02/2007 | Marketing
One of my students got this call last week.
"Hello is this Steve?"
Yes.
"I understand you might be open to making extra money from home. Is that right?"
Yes, I might be. What do you have?
"If I could show you a way to to make $8,000 in 30 days, would you be interested?"
Maybe....
Calling All Moviemakers...
By: Kim Klaver | 22/10/2006 | Advertising
Yes, you. Movie Maker. Two ways.
#1. MOVIE MAKER. Starts with a story THEY really want to tell. Anything THEY are excited about. Something that they were/are touched by, something that affected them or connects with them somehow.
Should I Sell The Dream?
By: Kim Klaver | 01/11/2006 | Affiliate Programs
This is the question a group of us discussed in a live conference call today, with reps from some 35 companies participating.
Where All Think Alike, No One Thinks Very Much.
By: Kim Klaver | 13/11/2006 | Affiliate Programs
Wonderful reminder from Walter Lippmann.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why japanese firms tend to be so competitive
By: merry thu | 20-07-2008
why japanese firms tend to be so competitive
Solicitation of family and immediate friends
By: Marilyn | 18-07-2008
I belong to an MLM compnay who told me that we can not solicite immediate downline people into another network markeing company we are involved with.
The products are non completing although they fall under supplements. They have different purposes. The first company limts us from doing any solicitiations with family and friends that we have brought in to their company into another company.
Someone told me that there is a law recently passed that makes this illegal.
My company has had an inquiry from All Star ...
By: gwetter | 17-07-2008
My company has had an inquiry from All Star marketing group in Hawthorne NY. I have been unable to find the names of the principles of that company
Multimap search campaign?
By: affilimate | 16-07-2008
Multimap are number 1 in google for "maps"? I'm interested to know what type of search terms they are struggling to get ranked for?
Events similar to the Machester Digital Roadshow
By: Nick Lapham | 16-07-2008
Hello, the Netimperative Regional Digital Roadshow- Manchester Date: Thursday 17th July 2008 is exactly what I need, but I shall be on holiday, are you planning anything similar at any other location? Nick Lapham
Car information , car sales , marketing
By: Michael | 14-07-2008
HOW MANY CARS SOLD PER DEALERSHIP ? Hello , I am trying to get information about the auto industry . What i would like to know is .... " How do I find out how many cars are sold , by dealership it possible ". Can I find that information by Market Area ......... ie. Hartford , Atlanta , Orlando , Nashville , etc. ........ new cars and used cars , Trucks and SUV's ? Thanks for your help .....
My name is Michael
e-mai BUSSINESS4MICHAEL@AOL.COM
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Marketing Articles
Is Your Book Targeting Both Genders?
By: Marsha Friedman | 25/07/2008
If you are trying to create sales for your book, are you also making sure that your promotional campaign is hitting both men and women? Read on if you would like to learn more about this topic.
Relationship Marketing: Increase Your Qualified Leads Through Response Confirmation and Follow-Up
By: Christian Fea | 25/07/2008
As the Internet increases the competitive marketplace, adding a Relationship Marketing strategy to your business can help to increase your businesses sustainability. Relationship Marketing focuses on building strong customer relationships that will withstand bids from competing companies to win your clients.
Digital Signage
By: Bruce Carr | 25/07/2008
Changing consumer habits, particularly among younger demographics (the teens and young adults that drive retail sales), and improved technology have reached a point where it can be said that digital signage as an advertising medium has truly "come of age" as a marketing vehicle. "The digital signage market has finally...
Are You Making Money With Adsense?
By: Anthony Harriis | 24/07/2008
There are teenagers, still in high school, making a substantial income with Adsense each month. There are all types of individuals, ranging from stay at home parents to retirees, with little computer experience, now making a living from publishing websites or blogs with Adsense ads.
There are all sorts of testimonials...
Guaranteed Ways to Make the Most With Adsense
By: Anthony Harriis | 24/07/2008
Google Adsense is one of the most talked about money making programs on the internet. Everyone knows the profits that are possible with this simple to use advertising program and most website owners understand that the greatest profits come from specific keywords with relatively popular, resulting in a higher payout....
How A PR Firm Quotes Project Rates
By: Amy Nutt | 24/07/2008
There are several elements factored into a quote from a PR firm. There is also the fact that no two quotes will be the same because every individual seeking out a public relations firm needs something a little different. The PR firm provides a number of different services that benefits each and every business that seeks out what they have to offer.
Have You Started Work on Your Fall Book Promotion Yet?
By: Marsha Friedman | 24/07/2008
Even though it seems like the fall season is eons away, it will be here before you know it. With that in mind, have you thought about how you are going to get your book out there and known by the book buying public? Read on to find out how!
A Review of the Janglefish Income Opportunity
By: Brian Garvin | 24/07/2008
If you are looking for interesting opportunities in terms of network marketing, you'll soon find that opportunities with unique products will catch your eye. With the now-defunct company Janglefish, that was streaming music online. Janglefish was an opportunity that allowed users to download their favorite songs for a...
More from Kim Klaver
And The Leading Cause Of Stress Is...
By: Kim Klaver | 30/03/2007 | Marketing
"Reality is the leading cause of stress among those in touch with it." - Lily Tomlin
Compare two lists of ten ways to cut back on stress.
List #1. Top item: Find An Outlet - A hobby, like fishing
List #2. Top item: Be passionate - About how your work improves people's lives
Which...
The Great Players Of The World.
By: Kim Klaver | 30/03/2007 | Marketing
Doug Rushkoff ("Get Back in the Box") is not the only one who insists that the work one does can and should indeed be something YOU so enjoy that it feels like play - not something to be "compensated for" because it's so dreadful, and so non-motivating that you only...
More Women Giving Up Work Outside The Home
By: Kim Klaver | 29/03/2007 | Marketing
The New York Times reported that women are "stretched to the limit" raising a family and working outside the home, and that they are choosing to stay home more these days, after four decades of marching to work.
"Most of us thought we would work and have kids, at least that...
What Else Could Come Stuck To A Pop Bottle?
By: Kim Klaver | 29/03/2007 | Marketing
So, you're looking for innovative ways to introduce your product and not be just another one of the hundreds out there?
How can you stand out?
Here's a unique idea cooked up by a college student in Australia. She wanted to introduce a new little magazine, and wanted to bypass the usual...
For Love Or Money?
By: Kim Klaver | 29/03/2007 | Marketing
On a call the other night, one gal said she was changing companies because the one she was with wasn't paying enough for amassing customers, which is what she wants to do in her networking business.
She's one of those who likes to find a product she loves, and then get...
Did We Fall Out Of The Box?
By: Kim Klaver | 28/03/2007 | Marketing
In his delightful and thought provoking book, Get Back in the Box, Doug Rushkoff explains how so many American companies have become the faceless, soulless things we love to hate.
When there's no one running the show that loves doing the thing the company is supposed to do best, e.g. make...
How Would You Improve It?
By: Kim Klaver | 28/03/2007 | Marketing
You have ideas. Ideas about what can be done to improve Network Marketing.
For example, what do you think can be done to:
1. Improve its image.
2. Improve the results you are (not) getting.
3. Improve how they pay you.
4. Make it so it's more fun to do it.
5. Attract better people.
These are...
On Language Women Hate...
By: Kim Klaver | 09/03/2007 | Marketing
Even though the business of direct sales and network marketing is made up of 80% women, the language used in front of the room and on websites, in autoresponder emails and everything else from corporate and upline is basically male.
Business as the art of war.
Language such as "We're going to...