by Lon Lindsey

Network marketing is, in fact, just about as close as some people will ever come to actually being in business for themselves and, just as in servicing a business of almost any kind, you are always dealing with the public . . .be it online, offline, inline or out of line. Whenever you deal with the public, you are always subject to certain amounts of abuse, right or wrong. What you must then determine is whether or not you are ready to accept the responsibilities and the abuse of a business of your own.

In network marketing, it is your responsibility to accept and take care of your customers and the customers of other members of your organization, if the need arises, as if they were your very own. Therefore, this article will attempt to help you to answer the question, "Are you ready for a business of your own?"

MULT-LEVEL MARKETING IN COMPARISION TO MAILORDER AND NETWORK MARKETING

While both of these businesses may seem very similar -- and indeed they are -- there is one very important difference. While some of the problems that you are faced with in mailorder and network marketing might be on a daily or weekly basis, if they occurred in multi-level marketing, while you were personally dealing with your customers, they would present you with a situation that you might be forced to either live with or get rid of. This type of problem could be very frustrating because there are not always easy, reasonable or legal solutions to these problems.

There is a distinct difference between the two kinds of businesses, and one should not confuse one with the other. It has often been stated that if you are going to place yourself into a position whereby you are subject to continual public abuse, you must be thick skinned and able to take it with a smile. Let's now take a closer look at the main differences between these similar, yet totally different types of businesses.

WHY MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING?

People who don't mind selling products, handling products, demonstrating products, personally dealing with customers and handling their problems, sometimes find their niche in multi-level marketing. There are a number of major companies that promote the personal sales abilities of their members as a way to get their products into the hands of the consumer. Not everyone is cut out to be a sales person and likewise, not everyone can easily accept rejection or handle disgruntled customers.

Quite often, you must deliver products, pick up products, replace products, or even absorb their costs (eat the products), to keep or make a customer happy, only to find out that they will turn right around and buy the very same product, cheaper, from someone else. When you are the one who has to handle the continual complaints, it gets frustrating. At the same time, unreasonable customers can also confront you with threats and/or legal problems.

The companies that you are selling for usually do the best that they can to help with your problems. And make no mistake about it, they are your problems. The company cannot be held accountable for some of the mistakes or problems that you may make or get yourself into. In reality, you end up being on your own. Multi-level marketing is a good business for a lot of people, but it's not for everyone. You do have to sell and promote the use of the products, in every sense of the word.

WHY MAILORDER OR ONLINE NETWORK MARKETING?

In this type of marketing, there are many companies that will handle all of the bookkeeping and they will even drop-ship the products directly to your members/customers for you. You are not subject to the one-on-one personal contact with customers as you are in MLM. You must, however, still communicate extensively with your customers/members which is, in itself, a major job.

Why then, we might ask ourselves, should we proceed to obtain all of the complex knowledge and abilities needed to advance in the field of network marketing, only to be subject to possible problems, criticism, and public abuse? Why? Because it is a good and proud profession. It is certainly something that not everyone can do, let alone excel in.

It is also, as stated earlier, probably the closest or easiest thing that you can do for yourself, to actually go into business and to become your own boss. It is something to be proud of, to be able to absorb, solve, or abolish many problems and proceed with caution up that proverbial ladder of success to whatever heights you may desire. The sky is the limit; however, we must first examine some of the other advantages and disadvantages of the two businesses.

YOUR KEY TO THE FUTURE: NETWORK MARKETING

If you have ever thought about getting another job to earn some extra money, or if you have ever wondered what it would be like to go into business for yourself as a way and means of earning additional income, I have a surprise for you. You now, right this very minute, hold the answer and the key to your future in your hands. What you are reading is the first step in the right direction towards resolving the dilemma of what to do.

We read to gain knowledge and we reread so that we can gain as much as possible out of what we have read. Once we start to concentrate and meditate about the things we have read, we begin to understand and to believe in their true meaning. Once we become a believer, it is then and only then that we begin to develop a desire. That desire must be enough to keep you right on reading -- reading and learning as much as possible, as fast as possible, about network marketing, a business income opportunity that you may have never heard of before.

While you are reading and learning, there are three things that need to be remembered: (1) Don't get frustrated; (2) be flexible; (3) do a lot of research. Whenever there is a lot to learn, it is easy to get confused and frustrated. Don't let that happen to you. The more you read, the clearer it will all become and the easier it will get until you finally wonder why you were ever frustrated in the first place.

Be flexible enough so that you could and would be willing to relocate, if it were deemed necessary, for the sake of your business. That is one thing that you won't ever have to worry about if you select a network marketing business. Your business comes to you through the mail or online and your place of business is in your home. Do a lot of research so that you are certain about the individual company or program that you are going to join in order to be able to carry out your new business. The company that you choose to join will, in most cases, be the supplier of the products that your business will distribute.

THE LEARNING PROCESS

The first step in learning about anything new is to find and read as much as you can about the subject matter; in this case, network marketing. Read it over and over, again and again, until you understand and remember everything. You will learn and remember more each time you read through the material. Read it often enough so that you practically have it memorized, word for word. Not only is that the first step, but it is a continual learning process.

We must never quit learning. Learning should always be an interesting and rewarding experience. Knowledge is a wonderful thing; and it is even greater when you have the desire to always want to learn more. Learn as much as you can about as many different things as possible that pertain to your business. Knowledge itself can and will be an exciting experience, especially when it helps you to achieve and attain your goals, dreams and desires.

COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

The object is to cultivate a burning desire to succeed with the opportunity that will enhance your expectations for the future. I have written dozens of articles and newsletters on the subject of network marketing based on just my 15 years of experience. However, all the reading in the world will not do you any good unless you learn enough to whet your appetite and develop a desire or a craving for the business that you are now about to enter. You must be convinced, beyond a doubt, that you are embarking upon an adventure of a lifetime. Not only that, but you must continually place the logs of desire on your burning desire for knowledge and always seek out as much information as possible about your business.

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

Now! You have discovered the difference between traditional multi-level marketing and mailorder network marketing. Now that you understand the importance of continuing your education, you may also realize that network marketing could very well provide you with the answer --the key to your future. It could be the opportunity of a lifetime for you to develop the financial security and independence you desire.

Don't delay. Begin your journey today. Become part of what is commonly referred to as the group experience of network marketing. Are you ready? Sure you are, as long as you realize the importance of working with others toward a common cause. Remember the words, "People who need people are the luckies people in the world." Join a network marketing company as a part of a plan for your continuing education --a kind of on-the-job training. Embark upon your quest for that, henceforth, "unreachable star." May its light always shine bright and guide you - now! - and in the future.

Actually, when it comes down to it, advertise as many different ways that you can without going broke in the process.