Everything you've ever heard about networking is TRUE!

Networking refers here to "network marketing," a business structure that engages a network of independent representatives to expand a company's customer base. There are many variations and almost everyone in the US has had some contact with one of these companies at one point or another. Networking enjoys great popularity in many parts of the world.

In the US, networking suffers from a very mixed reputation. There are several reasons that many people don't take it seriously even though many leading corporations have some stake in networking in one form or another. One reason is that nearly everyone knows someone who began in networking with lofty dreams that never came to fruition. The joke goes: what's the difference between a network marketer and a pizza? Answer: a pizza can feed a family of four.

Questionable business practices of certain individuals and organizations have further undermined the credibility of network marketing. When I performed at EPCOT Center I used to love to gather a crowd for our shows with a lot of noise and hoopla. Then once the crowd was sufficiently assembled, I would announce "You may be wondering why I gathered you here today. I'd like to talk to you for a few moments about....AMWAY!" It always got a huge laugh. Getting snookered into a business presentation under the guise of a party or social occasion seems to have been a common (and distasteful) experience. 

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

One of the most appealing features of network marketing is its lack of barriers to entry (anyone can get in). Most people can't afford to buy a franchise and most don't have the capital to open a store or manufacturing company. The old adage is generally true: "It takes money to make money." However, you can get into most networking companies for less than the cost of a tank of gas. Okay, that analogy may have to go soon.

The fact that it is so easy to get started is also networking's greatest liability. You need a license to cut hair, but any fool can sign up in most networking companies and (without any training) start promoting his or her business to everyone who comes within three feet. Networking's reputation rests on millions of untrained bozos who have no personal experience of success in business. So it's not surprising that in the world of networking (like all other ventures) most people never reach the top levels of success.

There's also a bunch of mischief in the networking industry that encourages people to believe a pack of lies about how to build a serious business. One of those lies explains why new networkers are compelled to harangue their friends and family about their new product. "Everyone is your prospect." They are told. That's a crock! Most people aren't interested and are turned off when people try to "push" anything in which they are not interested.

If you've been approached by a friend or coworker who drank the "koolaid" of network marketing, please send them this link for a free ebook called "The 7 Lies of Network Marketing." Or download the free ebook yourself and send it to them as an email attachment. You will be doing them a huge favor and saving them from so much pain and suffering. This ebook has revolutionized my approach to marketing. It doesn't discourage network marketers it redirects their efforts in very productive ways. And it also saves us all the grief of unwanted sales pitches!

In spite of its shortcomings, networking is one of the most effective business strategies ever devised. Network marketing companies generate billions of dollars in revenue every year. And many of the dot-com success stories such as Amazon.com have employed a variation of networking called "Affiliate" marketing with great success.

For those individuals who have a commitment to succeed and who find a successful mentor, networking can be one of the most extraordinary educational and personal development experiences of a lifetime as well as a road to financial success. This is critical! If you ever get approached about a networking opportunity that sparks your interest, here's a bit of advice: the first thing to say to the person who approaches you is "Take me to your leader." Don't take your training from anyone but a leader with a proven track record.

In spite of the jokes and the millions of people who have dabbled and "failed" at networking, thousands have made their fortunes and millions of people around the world derive supplemental income from networking businesses. Here's what you want in a good networking opportunity:

• A solid company with a track record and owners and leaders you can trust
• A product or service that works and meets a growing need
• A field or industry that you can get passionate about
• A successful mentor with a proven business-building system and training to assure your success AND
• A compensation program that will provide the best rewards for your efforts and the specific rewards you desire. For example, I won't work with a company that doesn't offer publicly traded stock to its top producers.

Read my networking story.

Learn about the greatest networking myths.

If you or someone you know is currently, actively searching for an online business opportunity please check out my business website at www.IsleFlyAway.com or click here now.

To learn from a master networker how he made millions and how you can replace your full time income in one to two years working from your own home a few hours each week, fill out the contact form on this website. Robert is a long-time friend and I'll be happy to introduce you.