So there's been a lot of buzz about "adaptogens" lately, and many MLM companies have been jumping on the adaptogen bandwagon, such as EPXBody and Adaptogenix. All of these companies make Adaptogenic plants sound like miracle herbs, so I decided to do a little research of my own, and figured I would share my results here.

First of all, every source I could find about adaptogens stated that in order to be considered an adaptogen, an herb had to meet three requirements. The first was that it must not be toxic to the user, and one site even added, "at least in any reasonable amount." Well, that's very comforting, considering I couldn't find anywhere what a toxic or non-toxic dose of adaptogens might be.

The second requirement is that the herb must generate a nonspecific response. In other words, the herb creates a response that affects the entire body, not just one specific region. 

The last requirement for an herb to meet to be considered an adaptogen is that it must help to create a balance or equilibrium in the body, and aid in reaching homeostasis.

Adaptogens have apparently been used for hundreds of years, by many different cultures from ancient Chinese to many various european cultures.

Basically what all of these advocates of adaptogens are saying is that taking adaptogens helps your body maintain homeostasis, which will allow the body to more easily cope with everyday stresses that occur. Many sources say that adaptogens are very rich in antioxidants, so they can also help reduce the risk of heart disease. Some people also claim that taking adaptogens can help treat diseases such as Parkinson's, and even cancer, although I couldn't find any research that gave credit to these claims.

However, as far as the claims about adaptogens helping the body cope with daily stress and changes, there is a very long list of studies done, some starting in the 1940's, that support these ideas. From the amount of studies and people who say that adaptogens really do work, you have to give credit to the fact that they either really do affect your body and help you mental and physical performance as well as helping prevent diseases, or the people in the studies simply felt better because they were told they were supposed to if they took the herbs. One of the main purposes of adaptogens is to make a person feel better, healthier, and more relaxed, so no matter which case is true, adaptogens seem to be doing what they are meant to.

If anyone else has different or new information about adaptogens, or have an opinion to share, please comment.

Always researching the latest new trends, and businesses, I have finally found one that meets and exceeds all my attributes I consider important to succeed in any business.  Recession proof, lowest prices, highest demand products or services, no to low cost start up, value which everyone is focused on in this down economy, and most of all, zero attrition which is the killer in all network marketing companies in my experience.

Everyone rents movies, either from cable or satellite at $6.99 each, or NetFlix and BlockBuster at up to $10.00 each, and the newest competition, RedBox at $1.20 per movie, but given the gimmick of having to return it by 9:00 pm, most pay for two or more nights, never mind gas.  Then you have the traditional movie theatre which for average family is now near $30.00 for a night out at the movies.  If you could save money and get unlimited first release movies for only $2.08 per month, would you switch?

This is an example of how I evaluate a new business, value, first and foremost, mainstream product, movies, mass market, convenience, as in direct to home movies, streaming if you have fast internet, and above all, everyone can make an extra income, no attrition means no failure, it is as simple as that in the network marketing industry.  I have seen it all, and very few deals get my attention as most requre selling, I prefer telling, not selling.

Success to all,

Hello guys, Network Marketing and getting revenue has been culture in today's world.

Well, I am agreeing with you and your list but don’t you think hat most of the down line only struggling in earning a good amount of money. I have gone through various plans and the one mentioned in your list. I think there should be need to change in network marketing to make it friendly for all users.

I've thought long and hard on this and I'm not certain that Network Marketing is the way to get ahead in this day and age, at least in general. I don't like to join the cry party about today's economic times, but facing the facts leads me to recognize that they really are more complicated. When I was young, college meant a high paying job for most people. Things have really changed though, outsourcing is so out of control that we even have a San Francisco bridge that says Made in China. Going to college now yields about as much chance of landing a job as a high school degree does. Even if you do get it, you will most likely be paid the least any establishment can get away with paying you. I know how cynical I sound, but my point is that Network Marketing seems like a tough business to succeed in when the people I'd have focused on to sell to 20 years ago are struggling to keep their mortgages. Dare I say it the older generations have managed to save enough during simpler times to die comfortably, but I don't envy the youthful at all. If you're not certain what I mean, look at what you go through to get a basic driver's license now compared to when you first started driving. This combined with a fairly noticeable boost in population and I am wondering how in the world today's AVON reps (for example) do it.

There are those luck roads similar to what Rick touched on, like having invested in something like Microsoft before it exploded, or Google, but in general it seems like only the most clever and dog eat dog people manage to get by in this industry. Its ironic to hear myself say that in fact, because I am describing myself at my worst which is why I decided to get uninvolved. I did well enough in the mlm industry to put some money away and send my daughters to school, but if I had to try it again the way things are now,I don't know that it would be worth it. Anyway, great topic guys, and I apologize if I come off as being negative in regard to direct selling. I'm thankful for what I got out of it, but I just feel weary of its place now.

There is no doubt that MLM/Network Marketing is one of the very few ways through which the average person can afford to go into business for themself. If the basic start up costs are $200 to $300, and the monthly auto-ship less than $50, it is amazing to think that anyone can build and maintain a large and profitable organisation for a basic cost of less than $1,000 a year. One of the problems is that a lot of people seem to forget that MLM is a genuine business opportunity that is subject to the normal rules of business.

I agree with Rick's comments about Facebook, Google, Amazon and Skype, and with hindsight it is easy to see that all these businesses had a product that met a market need and a business plan good enough to see them through the early market development phase that any business must endure. Clasically there is period of product and market development that builds to a point where the growth pattern suddenly accelerates, the 'hockey stick effect'. I believe the definition of a 'ground floor opportunity' in MLM is, as in any business, to find and join a company that has been through the development phase and is about to hit the acceleration phase in it's market penetration, and then stick with it.

Historically there have always plenty of new start-up businesses created every year, but most will fail in their first year. For that reason it is always safer to look at companies that have been around for about three years with a good record of steady growth and product development in a niche market with high growth potential. That may sound old fashioned, but there has always been a high risk associated with investing in any start-up business even with a prototype product, and yet we see people rushing to join new MLM businesses that are in a pre-launch marketing phase, some without even a protoype product.

Of course it would be wonderful to join a start-up on the ground floor but it depends how you define 'ground floor' and I seriously doubt the wisdom of joining something that is still working off-plan and with no footings in place.

Personally I have moved away from direct product selling, trying to convince someone to either change their brand or start using something they have never used before, so I would struggle with Scentsy on that basis. I see greater potential in something like the free web-based My Shopping Genie App that pops up on the front page of Google to help people save time and money browsing and shopping on the Internet for the products they were going to buy anyway. Companies can also benefit by getting themselves on the front page of Google by branding the Genies they give away. Well worth a look anyway.

I would never choose a bigger company, I'd rather take my chances with something more potent. I don't mind a sense of risk, it comes down to being brave enough to take a chance, and besides, you're the person who will ultimately decide whether the company succeeds or not so long as its legit. Why would you go to work for Amway when there is nothing left to pioneer, the grid is already cemented with people that have built huge networks having already recruited as many people as possible, and even as big a world as it is out there, the getting was good yesterday, today, its already gotten! I think a company like Scentsy has a fantastic shot, it doesn't involve nutritional supplements, or anything they claim to be legendary, its simple, affordable, and very easy to market. Its the gimmick aspect that pollutes this industry, and the fact that you have to research the validity of nearly every claim you come across (though I would do that anyway with everything). People are tired of getting excited only to be let down, whether its an instant Obese to skinny pill, a cancer preventing super water, or a bracelet that rejuvenates your health, when too many of those let you down, you become cynical.

I like Christopher's point about costs becoming cheaper and making it possible for more direct investment, because it does help make up for the time you'd have had to put in to achieve the same result 20 years ago, but at the same time this has also lead to more complex gimmicks. The claims are harder to debunk, and each new product has 3 competitors. When I look at companies like Facebook, Google, Amazon or Skype, I don't so much see success based on the 0 cost of the service, but the timing and quality of the product when it was introduced. Google just had the right mix of elements that turned it into a monster, as EVERYONE uses Google. Massive businesses stay vested in maintaining their desired place on Google search results, and at this point I tend to think people that choose a different search engine are silly or just being anti-mainstream. Much more luck and good planning went into their success than good marketing, in my opinion anyway.

Great reply Christopher, I couldn't appreciate your insight more. I've found even with the research I've done in a few years that watching these business evolve, interact, and grow has at times become as complex as the weather, and you're right, there are definitely multiple ways to measure the success of any company. This can sometimes make it confusing for the guy that leaps on the Amway bandwagon and wonders why he just can't see to sore when he chose one of the giants. At the same time, it seems a bit more risky when you get involved with those just starting out. You may just lose all that you have invested, OR, you may just make your investment back 10,000 times over. I think this is one of those things that make the Network Marketing industry so fascinating to me. Giving away free products is definitely a more modern approach that supercedes the more traditional models, and honestly I think its an ideal way to get your product in consumer hands. Its like saying, "here, I have this amazing new thing, please try it" instead of "look at this, it looks cool, you should spend your hard earned money, you MIGHT like it". This of course is easier said than done with expensive things like electronics, but its an ideal delivery vehicle for things like supplements, cosmetics, shakes and skin creams.

Hello WallaceL,

I agree with you that if riches occur quickly in Network Marketing they are likely to vanish just as quickly. You point to the Top Ten companies based on turnover, which is a valid arguement, but what may be more relevant is the annual attrition rate within these companies, the rate at which organisations have to generate new distributors just to stand still.

It could be argued that product selling through Network Marketing in highly competetive markeplaces, cosmetics and nutrition to name just two, is a system of the past that has now been superceded. The 'new' model for building a successful business, as proven by companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, Skype to mention just a few, is based around giving away free products that provide the user with a benefit, and this also now applies to Network Marketing.

Equally entry costs and monthly auto-ships, or spend requirements, in the new generation of Network Marketing companies have been greatly reduced. This confirms your comment that building a network takes time as lower individual monthly returns require more people to obtain the same turnover, however the lower costs more than compensate by allowing more people to afford the opportunity and a greatly reduced attrition rate.

After 20 years in the industry with one of your Top Ten I believe that Network Marketing has moved into another phase and that, as you say, the Top Ten may well have reached their peak.

Exactly what are the best Network Marketing companies?

In order to compile information like this, we need to establish what exactly "the best" means, and you may be surprised to find out that it all depends on who you are and what your needs are. If we are to determine which companies are the most successful, then simply going to a list of the top ten highest earners is one way to do it. One must ask however, does the highest profit mean that it is the best one for you? Probably not. Here are some companies I've compiled in a list posted on a different thread, to give you a basic idea of who is leading the industry.

1. Avon: 10 billion in revenue.
2. Amway: 8 billion in revenue.
3. Vorwerk/Jafra: 3.5 billion.
4. Mary Kay: 3 billion.
5. Herbalife: 2.5 billion.
6. Primerica Financial Services: 2 billion.
7. Tupperware: 2 billion.
8. Natura Cosmetics: 2 billion.
9. Oriflame: 1.7 billion
10. Forever Living: 1.7 billion

Some of these companies are considered by some to be pioneers, having paved the way for hundreds of others to follow and try out the market. These very same companies have made a few mistakes over the years, but there is much to be learned from researching them. The best network marketing companies can be determined by quality. What is the product like? Does it carry a high standard of quality? Does the company have a good reputation? Look at Avon at the top of the previous list, its impressive when you consider its earnings, but what percentage of that do you think you will be able to secure for you and your family? It is very possible that super companies such as AVON would have been ideal to start a career with when they were first starting out, but now its possible that the market is flooded, not only with products, but also with reps.

The best network marketing company may very well be that starting company, hungry for reps, and waiting to unleash a new product. Study the companies that interest you, make sure you appreciate and personally stand by the product, that way you can represent it passionately to potential customers. Make sure its something you can demonstrate, something you know is not fake, or fraudulent. Make sure that the requirements to stay eligible for its compensation plan are reasonable, and that you are capable of maintaining them, even surpassing them long term. Learn by your mistakes, and learn by those of others. The best network marketing companies are essentially those that you can best utilize. There are no gold mines, no instant millionaire treasures in the mlm world, only opportunities to slowly build your own.

Pretty good stuff, I'd like to add that putting yourself in the place of your prospect is a heck of a good way to start. I was introduced to my mlm company through my wife's research, and I got to have a meeting with a fella who is now a real close friend of mine. This individual told me which products he felt weren't very helpful and which ones brought him results. He could have easily doubled his profit by presenting them all like good picks but he didn't. That kind of integrity stuck with me and now I do the same thing. I have had people give up on this plan, but never have I had a single person ever once say to me that they felt cheated or that I was ever anything other than completely honest. That is a great network marketing principle, and I guess it comes down to making sure you have integrity. Your reputation will do the work for you in the future.

Another helpful article, though my uncle Phil would have rolled over in his grave on a few points lol. He always believed that all sales tactics should be super aggressive, and was all for the selling ice to eskimos mentality. To him, that was good business practice. Thankfully he isn't the ceo of some huge company lol

There are many opinions about what it takes to achieve network marketing success. Some people feel that it doesn't require you to be the greatest salesperson in the world, and based on my research I would probably agree, but I do believe it does take a good set of network marketing principles. The very foundation of your business will definitely reflect your principles. If you've been struggling, trying to get your business up and running in a fairly aggressive way with no results, the problem may just rest on your network marketing principles. 

Fortunately, much of the world is keen on "product magicians", those individuals willing to say and do whatever you want in order to make a sale, and often those actions involve truth bending, and outright lying, especially about a products capabilities, and the amount of money you will make trying to sell it. This would essentially fall in the bad networking principles category. See its not just about being honest for the sake of being "good". Its about your reputation as a business person and an entrepreneur. Your reputation is the backbone of your business, and if you build a latter to the top based on scams, lies, manipulation and apathy, its not going to hold you up for very long. This is especially important for your downline, and for your customers.

Here are four basic principles that may help you in your journey to building a solid business.

1. As stated previously, be honest, utilize a stable benefit, not an unrealistic promise. Be real with other people and they will consider you on their level, not above or below. Show them that you do not separate yourself in any way, and that you aren't desperate for their money. If you have a good product or service to offer, they will get involved so long as you present it wholeheartedly.

2. Do not focus on yesterday. A failed sale that seemed so promising, a business relationship with a great business contact that somehow soured. Don’t Look Back. Learn what there is to learn from the experience and put it in the trash bin and click DELETE. The memory itself or the wallowing you dedicate to it will do nothing but impede your success.

3. DON'T GIVE UP! This ties into number 2, but seriously, take your falls as lessons and use the experience to propel you forward. You will have days that don't go well, its a part of life.

4. Being optimistic is essential to success. No one is going to pay attention to want to talk to a moper, let alone make a purchase or get involved in any kind of downline program. Its the same principal that most socially aware people apply to their relationships. Confidence is key. Be strong but gentle, sharp but kind, and exhibit a sense of control over yourself, and your opportunity. People will respect that and therefore have confidence in you.

Believe me, your post put it as delicately as possible. It gets much more difficult to maintain as you move up at Melaleuca, and any down line really. Its a matter of consistent maintenance. This isn't like looking at a bank statement where your dollars and scents are stable, this is management, much like your example at Lowe's Home Improvement. People slow down, they lose focus, they make mistakes, they sometimes need help staying motivated. They have a death in the family and still have to go out and make a living with a confident, and enthusiastic face. If my down line loses a member, I not only lose the number but the income. Very often, one member effects those beneath him and so on and so forth. There is really no easy going time, there is no real lunch break, or vacation. The best you can do is work for 4-5 weeks straight, all throughout the day and evening, and take a vacation from time to time, but even then you might take a call or attend a meeting.

The difference is there is no punch clock, its a matter of selecting this week's area of focus and finishing the change until you are ready to focus on something else. Your sales army is always a struggle, its constant and often frustrating. The number of people mean diddly squat. What they are earning, is what matters. I'm actually involved in Melaleuca on two different levels. First and foremost I am involved with operations, while simultaneously operating as a rep. I'm certainly not privy to any [real] beneficial information, but I do have a general idea of the company's overall direction, which doesn't change very often. I'm not saying that as a rep, having a high rank is horrible, In fact I love it, but its not for everyone, its a challenge, and nothing gets any easier except your ability to learn and adapt.

That depends......(you're question to T about waiting until he was higher up in the company, as if to suggest it gets any easier lol)...

I managed a Lowe's store for about 2 years. When I first got involved with that line of work, I was with Home Depot for 2 years, I began on the night crew, then I was promoted to being an order picker, which I thought would be a bit easier but it was like packing freight, only I had to do it faster. Then I was promoted to department head of lumber, which was just like order picking but now I was responsible for everyone else's work, including the new order pickers. (I'm sure you can see a pattern here lol). Eventually I left Home Depot because Lowe's offered me a Night crew Supervisor position for more money, and the store was brand new, just waiting for my more efficient managing knowledge then the archaic systems the depot used.

I did well, and then they made me a store manager, and had to have 3 months of classes, training etc. I made much more money but had to work around 65 hours, and since I was on salary I didn't get much out of it. Now thinking back a few years before that, I used to think that the managers had this easy cake walk of a job that consisted of doing a little bitchin, filling out some paper work and collecting a pay check. In reality, I was pretty much a prisoner of the establishment, and everyone else's mistakes were my responsibility. I did the job very well but I was pretty unhappy overall, and left after a couple years to get out of retail.

I don't now how comparable that is to how an mlm structure works, but I'm going to guess that Travis' rank has not made it any easier, in fact it probably means he is on the go more than ever. That was probably the best lesson I learned as far as "grass is greener" syndrome. Bosses don't have things as easy as we tend to think, and I remember not respecting as many of my bosses as I could have because I assumed they were sitting on their butts while I was breaking my back, not realizing they already did. There are exceptions of course, but for the most part, quality work excels fast.

I respect that Travis, and thank you for the reply. I guess I sometimes feel like I could do this without all that stuff. Word, on your schedule man, that's nuts. What about multi-tasking phones and other gadgets? My sister's phone has a built in alarm, an obvious rolodex, GPS, calculator, calender, ringtones which could be used with business apps, it downloads mp3s which would also count for phone meetings, or recorded phone meetings in the form of feeds etc. Now all I would need after that is the software you say might be effective in helping me to manage my actual appointments, but why would I need help with that? What else is there that these programs offer? I was listening to the radio the other day and a guy came on, I think the owner of one of the big social networks, I honestly can't remember at the moment, I had too much coffee. Anyway, he said that most people do not need to go to school for business, nor do they need any particular 3rd party help which I assume meant expensive software packages. Her said the best way to learn was through experience, by getting out there and doing it. This guy actually is in the hot seat because he has suggested several times that entrepreneurs should quit college and get out there and start their business.

I just think if your life is structured properly before taking on the challenge of a home business, you wouldn't have so much crap to take care of and have to run around like a chicken with its head cut off. Perfect example is what you said about sending your kid off to college. I mean no disrespect when I ask this, but would it have been easier to wait until you were high enough a level in the structure of your business to not have to be on the go so much, and then have children? I'm not criticizing your life choices at all by the way, just asking if you didn't have other things taking away from your focus would it all be so hard to do without all these Network Marketing programs?

Rick, a great deal of things happen within the realm of running a network marketing program, it can be quite a task to maintain multiple tasks at once. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining "social order" as my wife jokingly refers to it. It is customary for me to leave the table in the middle of dinner to take calls with clients. There is no way around it since many of the people on the other end are involved with paying for the dinner my family and I are enjoying. I have to travel all over the place, and by all over the place I literally mean just that. I never needed a GPS until getting lost in the middle of Jersey at 3am with a dead cell phone, no charger, a lost wallet and a client I need to meet at 5am. Not to mention the fact that I need to give a good presentation, I need to be factual, fast paced, interesting and be able to show a power points if necessary, company software, teach a client how to do a presentation, its all pretty hectic, and sometimes you need to find the right kind of help to get the job done without losing my mind. If all that wasn't challenging enough, I still have my own things to maintain order, a house, a mortgage, family phone bills, helping my son set up for his move to campus. If I didn't have many of the 3rd party programs I rely on I don't think I would last very long. Don't be afraid to explore a bit, and you don't have to start out with one right away, although I do recommend a few basics. Most companies will provide you with what you need at the start, but it won't be enough  after a certain growth point. The beast gets big, gentleman, so you have to prepare yourselves for big challenges. Should you decide on shopping for any of these programs, let me know and I might be able to provide some input.

I am approaching this knowing full well that I'm like totally naive when it comes to running a network marketing company, but I have to ask.. do you think these 3rd party programs are really all that necessary? I'm just trying to think of the basic concepts here, I mean you join a company that gives you the spreadsheets, order forms, possibly a web site (albeit a boring one) that you can call your own, and all you need to do is get that URL to the right customer. If you're a relatively responsibly adult you should be able to keep track of all your appointments without any problems, and there are enough built in calendars etc to help us with that. We have our own rolodex which you can have either on paper or digitally on a simple word document. You can join any number of free sites on the internet that will give you a free web site that you can use, and if you really want extras you can pay for them. There's also the basic rule book you'd get with any company, the product history, and the ability to pay a few dollars for affiliate links, I mean there are definitely better ways to spend your money than these 3rd part programs don't you think? Aside from that, its all about chasing warm leads, generating new leads, and going out for the hunt isn't it? I guess I just don't see that much of a need.

Network Marketing Programs are something of a dime a dozen these days, since a good percentage of companies that you join will likely provide you with their own brand of network marketing programs. Programs can consist of videos, software, pamphlets, brochures, books and documents which can all be helpful in their own way, but can also give you less than you might get out of a universal network marketing program. Many third party companies have devised software packages in addition to full network marketing packages which encompass every possible angle of needs. Some of them will keep track of inventory while simultaneously maintaining an index of contacts, while also acting as an auto responder.

Very often, many Network Marketing programs are tailored to the particular mlm, that's why it is important to study what you're getting to ensure that it is the best possible fit for both the structure of your company in addition to the compensation plan. The most important aspect of any network marketing program is that it is as least burdensome as possible, because it should be designed to help you manage your environment, not make it more difficult.In some cases you can even find courses available both in some colleges and privately held sessions from other successful network marketers, of course researching the quality of that service is entirely up to the individual.

In most cases the content of many network marketing programs will differ to some extent like any other philosophy, and you have to choose what ideas, methods and software is most likely a fit for your mlm, and business system. People are individuals, and what works in one situation does not necessarily mean it will be ideal for another. Always research any network marketing system thoroughly to ensure it will work for you, and don't be afraid to get peoples opinions. Find the things they like about them as well as the things they don't like so that you can decide for yourself.

Wallace you didn't finally start an mlm did you? Or is this based on everything you read? Last I remember you were like a hair away from getting involved with FantaZ. This was a pretty sharp article, but it has that feeling for me that its a shame you don't try something out. You said you've never been involved with one right? Its just odd that you love being here and reading about all this stuff and never get involved. Dude you could be like the next Tony Robbins and start making mad money lol..

There are no shortage of helpful hints that you can utilize in your day to day practices when dealing with your network marketing business. Network marketing tips are sprawled all across the Internet, and best of all, they're free! They cover nearly every aspect you could possibly have a question about, encompassing organization, how to start, how to generate leads, how to talk to people, how to manage inventory, and how to select the right business for you. Network marketing tips are really the gold pieces in programs you'd be paying $100 for on the Internet developed by so-called "experts". Sure you will likely get a collection of tips, but you'll be paying for them with the other 80% being business leet-speak filler. Why do that when you can collect it all yourself, for free, and as fast as you want it.

I've included just a few helpful tips here to hopefully help you on your way to success. You obviously want to start out choosing the right company, and that entails making sure they are selling a product you take pride in, one you can back up, and that is cool enough to sell itself without the need for gimmicks, and without being a gimmick itself. Motivation is obviously key, and you want to make sure that what you are feeling inside truly is motivation, and not the high that often comes with newness. Make sure you want it for the right reasons. Did you know that most people that start network marketing programs burn out after only two weeks? Are you prepared to try a new method if after 2 weeks you don't generate a single recruit? Or will you give up? These are important things to ask yourself.

Assuming you stick with it, you now need to focus on recruiting some good people and getting them involved in your downline. This process is called "prospecting". Although this can be a challenge, you can definitely pull it off, just make sure you don't introduce the wrong product for the wrong people. This is a good tip, and while it sounds obvious, you'd be surprised at how many people would unwittingly attempt to sell picture frames to blind people. Just choose people that are alert, motivated, organized and dedicated. Go out of your way to help get them trained and knowledgeable about the product and the company.

Don't be afraid to chase the veterans, you can get a pretty good idea of who has been around the block a few times by looking online, and many of these men and women are more than happy to give a few pointers.  Ask them what they did, how they did it. After all, what better source then the people who have been through it already? You can even build some pretty good insight from talking to people that didn't make it, so as to avoid making the same mistakes. Stay focused on your goal, and periodically match your progress to it. Ask yourself if you feel that it is moving fast enough, could you do more?
Maintain a pretty honest policy as crazy as it sounds. Your credibility means something, especially in the long run over time. The people you have contact with aren't going to disappear, and you want to maintain great relationships with all of them. 

I also recommend valuing your time, because there is only so much in the day, and you need to preserve as much of it as you can to work for you. Stay focused on your work, not your Facebook, build new relationships and spread the word. Another must is utilizing the Internet. I can't stress this one enough. Even low to moderate Internet marketing skills can generate more leads and build your downline than you could on foot any day.

So, you've gone ahead and filled out the form. You found the ideal product represented by the perfect mlm company and you live in a truly excellent area for moving products and getting them out there. You're excited, rearing to go, prepared and you have all of your tools in order. What's the next step?

Find yourself an army of good people and get them involved to form your downline. This of course, is much easier said than done. A lot of network marketing veterans refer to the task at hand as "prospecting" much like a college does in its search of students, or the WWE does in search of talented "wrestlers". You can't pick up just anyone and arm them with that line of banana scented picture frames you're trying to sell, you have to choose people that are driven, organized, socially conscious, and willing to work. According to some experienced people that have been involved with mlms for quite some time, there are essentially two types of people that you want to find when prospecting.

One often overlooked, yet interesting fact about net workers is that 90% of them are employees with no business ownership at all. Experienced upline leaders understand this, and they teach their recruits what they call the "shot gun" method which entails making a list of 100 potential market contacts and learning a bit about them. Nearly anyone who can sit down and enjoy a conversation is more than capable and qualified to do that, let alone in need of a marketing degree.

This method is actually based on the fact that your prospects will remain enthusiastic about your package for an average of 14 days before possibly losing interest, so in that time you may have distributed your information packet to 100 people, and if you haven't heard much in two weeks, chances are you won't, and that mentality also includes how your upline sees you. The figure for you managing to accomplish anything after two weeks is about 30%.

The better ways to get a hold on your demographic is to first define your target market. which likely consists of people that are already using some variation of what you’re promoting. The reason for this is that you simply can't sell a Snicker's bar to a professional trainer, but you might just succeed in selling it to Jim down at the video store. You see Jim fits the demographic of your product, of course we aren't coming to the conclusion that video store clerks are unhealthy and developing our demographic that way. What we are focusing on is simply finding the right individual for your product by NOT choosing the wrong kinds of people to use your time on.

There's a common saying that you can’t sell an opportunity to someone who isn’t looking for one, and how awesome your product is simply isn't relevant. Think of the people you usually find standing by the greeting table at a store, offering credit or whatever other promotions they want you to view. How often do you actually get sucked into getting involved? I haven't, not even once in my entire life. Put simply; sell products people want to buy, to the people who want to buy them. Choose your customers in that way, and choose your downline in that way, and that will make excellent prospecting.

I'm familiar with Robert Kiyosaki's book, Rich dad, Poor dad, and I have to tell you I strongly disagree with his philosophy, and I find it to be pretty risky and dangerous to be honest. First of all, if you had a teenager and she was going to use her credit card on something because she just lost her job and knew she wouldn't have money for awhile, would you suggest she buy big since she was going to be in debt anyway? Of course not, no responsible parent would, but breaking down much of his philosophy seems like it comes down to that kind of simplicity. He even seems to suggest that its morally acceptable to use friends or "insiders" to assist you in making stock decisions, and I don't mean the kind of advice that you might get from an analyst, I mean the kind that Martha Stewart got. When asked how much money he has, he has given several different answers in several different publications, and that alone troubles me. Why would I want to further this man's profits by purchasing a book that gives seemingly bad advice? Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert with money, my avatar is proof of that, but I am a pretty thrifty saver and I have a decent enough nest egg to fall bag on if need be, but I find after having read his book that he likes to load a few simple concepts in a cloud of financial verbosity. The concepts he does introduce are capable of getting one thrown in jail. Those are just my opinions anyway, if anyone can better explain to me what he is all about than what I got from his book I'll be more than happy to listen.

In the world of business, there are various names and individuals, some are legends that have left their mark. They aren't all positive mind you, but significant none the less. This is a world that encompasses motivational speakers, investors, and in some cases visionaries. Robert Kiyosaki happens to be among the most famous names in regard to business philosophy, and looking at money in such a way as to exclude a "lack" mentality. Robert Kiyosaki is famous as a self-help author, an investor, and a motivational speaker. His most famous work is a motivational book series called "Rich Dad Poor Dad". Three of his books have simultaneously been among the top 10 best-seller lists according to The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today. Kiyosaki's work has been a staple among many entrepreneurs and even parents wishing to instill better money management skills in their children. Its only natural that he would eventually take notice of the ever evolving world of Network Marketing and apply his insight to those involved.

Robert Kiyosaki had a way of referring to various financial positions as "Quadrants", referring to his book "Cashflow Quadrant". When referring to Network Marketing, he expressed that the goal in Network Marketing is to help yourself get to the B side of the quadrant, while then focusing on getting others to the B side of the quadrant, hence the result would be that you're successful in your business. The concept is actually quite simple, almost obviously so, but his emphasis helping the other person get there is the intriguing part. Its a relatively strong contrast in comparison to most bits of mlm advice that very potently focus on the self. By ensuring the success of those under you, you certainly ensure the success of yourself. By applying your energy and focus in the right areas, you can basically ensure success, where as so many people are so focused on surviving, they create a struggle for themselves, with little to no thought about where the best area of focus is (the success of those you have recruited).

Kiyosaki also emphasizes the use of creating assets, instead of using money in such a way that it expires and never becomes a factor in generating more.

For more information about Robert Kiyosaki, you can visit his web site, which explains what his books are about.

http://www.richdad.com/

What does it take to become successful in Network Marketing? This is kind of a tough one based only on research, but what might make this post interesting is figuring out what you can learn based solely on the information you can find online. Achieving Network marketing success is obviously the goal if you are just starting out, so instead of jumping in blindly, what exactly should you do? Well, while not being completely original, looking to those that have succeeded and playing a game of copycat is a start, but we must consider the variables. It goes without saying that here are different types of people in the world. Some of us are naturally social with very large networks of friends and acquaintances. That could be because we are always on the go, or it could be because we live in a very crowded place, but whatever the reason its an important thing to look at about yourself and where you live. Such variables will definitely effect the path you choose to being successful.

If you find that you live in a very popular area, and you spend much of your time on the go, there may be ample opportunity to spread the word and start or boost your marketing network, bringing you that much closer to network marketing success, but what if you are not only a quiet person, but you live in East Bumbletrunk, Isolavania where you are one of the population of 17. Then chances are you are going to need to rely on your Internet marketing (which all entrepreneurs should include anyway) in order to be seen. This means getting a grip on the PC, the Internet, Web Sites, and perhaps even a little artistic creativity. You really don't need to have a programming degree, you just need to know how to present something, how to make it look appealing, and easy for your target demographic to sink their teeth into.

Here are a handful of tips I believe will help you achieve network marketing success.

1. Ask those whom are successful what they did, and how they did it. What better base to build upon than what you know can work.

2. Ask those who have failed what they did, and compare 2 with 1. The guy or gal who went nose first into the dirt has knowledge that is just as valuable as the one who flew.

3. Pay close attention to your progress and compare your growth to your goal. Is it moving fast enough for you? Is it moving at all?

4. Be honest (sounds laughable for some, I know.) because your credibility is kind of symbolic of real life credit. In the long term, you're going to run out of people to talk to if you aren't honest about the opportunities you present them with. Don't exaggerate figures and expectations, just present what is possible, and what is likely, and if you have to lie, exactly how good is the company or product your trying to sell anyway?

5. Use your time wisely. Stop messing around when you need to be focused on leads, building bridges and establishing a network. Those Iphone apps are real fun huh, but they aren't moving you any closer to your goals, so stop wasting time and get to work.