Yoda and the Art of Network Marketing

Yoda is famous not only for being a Master Jedi, but also for a simple phrase that is very true for network marketing:

"Do or do not; there is no try."

In reality, there is no trying your network marketing business on for size. You either do it or why bother at all? Now I know a lot of opportunities let you try them for free for a month, before committing. I can possibly see that -- find out more about the business, listen to the conference calls or go to the meetings (as applicable). See how much information, support and training you really get.

But once you have decided to go with the program, you must work it. You must work towards making it a success. As I've mentioned before, the first 30 days are critical for gaining momentum. Without the momentum of selling the products and/or signing recruits, you simply will not see returns for a long time, if ever.

Once you decide to really work your business, give it your all for at least 6 months. Unless you are extrordinarily lucky (or you know a lot of people who are interested in your business or products), it will take some time to get your business off the ground. It's a fact.

I do want to mention something though. Know your plan backwards and forwards before you sign on the dotted line (so to speak). Know the commission structure and what you need to do to get to the next several levels. Know the products or services. Calculate on paper what you need to do to reach those levels. Then do it!

I know the opportunities often mention something to the effect of:

"Sign three people who sign three people..."

Fine and dandy, but those can't be any three people -- they have to be people who will work the business -- go out and sell products/services and recuit their three. You may have to go through 10 or 20 to get one person who is on fire...and you have to do it three times! Then you have to help those people in the business -- help to make them successful.

Network marketing is not just about selling -- it's also about each of us helping the others to be a success. Share your knowledge and time. Be willing to work hard to reach your goals.

Do, or do not.