Fear Can Kill Your Network Marketing Dreams

Fear seems a timely topic, given that it's Halloween, but haunted houses, witches and gremlins can't be worse than the fears that you allow to govern yourself. It's so easy to give in. You just tell yourself not only that you can't do it, but that you don't want to do it and, hey, you can get around it by doing something else. And there goes your potential for success in MLM and network marketing.

One of my favorite books is Dr. Tom Barrett's Dare to Dream and Work to Win. Understanding the Dollars and Sense of Success in Network Marketing. I recommend it to all. Dr. Barrett says: "You will face the fear of doing this business or you will face the fear of not doing this business." If you dream of succeeding as an entrepreneur, then you need to confront your fears head on. Take each one at a time and work to overcome it. How? You just have to DO IT and keep on doing it til you're comfortable. You can't succeed in social media marketing, or in any new business endeavor, if you don't. And avoidance only increases stress, derails your goals and sabotages you.

You need to nurture your dream, protect it, be committed to it and give it a chance to grow. Dr. Barrett says: "...an intact dream, when properly fueled and cared for, gives enormous light. Protecting the dream is your responsibility. Be careful not to let others damage or steal it....Do not let the inability of others to see what is immediately in front of them cause you to doubt the reality of your vision."

Every 'guru' I know or follow will tell you that your mindset is what ultimately governs your success. A positive, confident bearing is communicated to others and will help you close the deal. And you need a personal commitment to do whatever it takes, and that includes, first and foremost, taking steps to deal with and overcome fear. If fear is in charge, you will slowly sink into the quicksand and disappear from the industry.

Focus, Focus, Focus to Make Your MLM Business Grow

Have you ever had a squirrel run across the road in front of your car? You never know what that critter is going to do. He may get half way across, run in circles and then turn right around and run back directly in front of you. It just seems like he has no idea what to do. And you wind up holding your breath and hoping you don't squash him. I've been lucky. No squirrel has fallen victim to my wheels, but there have been many close calls.

One of the great things about working in an office is that you know exactly what is expected of you. Your job is defined. You do your tasks daily, go home and come back and do them again the next day. Comfortable routine - at least for some people. But if you want to be a successful entrepreneur, the very first thing you need to recognize is that YOU direct everything you do. And if you don't have a good balance to your life, a realistic plan for your business day and the determination to get it done, your home-based business enterprise won't go anywhere.

Don't expect instant success. If you've fallen for the hype that there are riches to be made overnight, you're in for a very rude awakening. And you probably don't belong in the entrepreneurial world. You need to apply some basic tools to get going right, and then you have to work very hard to bring your dream to fruition. It takes dedication and commitment to be a successful entrepreneur. And you'll probably have to discard a lot of bad habits.

Start your new entrepreneurial life with a blank page. Then focus on creating the person you want to be. Start your day with some exercise (a good walk would be great). Get the clutter out of your office and set your space up to be the central point of your business existence. Organize your day and allocate your time sensibly - don't try to accomplish more than you really can do. Stay focused on your goals. Select one thing you want to work with and commit to it for the long term - at least for a year. And then start to execute.

Your first job is to build your list. But don't just throw a bunch of names into the pot. You want to look for like-minded people (you can find them in any number of groups on FaceBook, just search your topic and join appropriate lists). Send requests to add group members as friends. Then work on the second part of your job - building a relationship with your list. Whatever you do, don't, don't beat them over the head with your opportunity. Communicate with them, get to know them. Take your time and build trust and respect. Strong relationships will pay dividends over time.

Snooze - Ya Lose

Remy and his best bud Martin (yes, they were named for our favorite after-dinner drink) love to relax. But your business won't go too far if you nap too much.

I managed a department in the financial services industry and had a management trainee going through a 3-month stint. Assigned him a project, gave directions,and offered constant guidance and help - then watched him snooze away his time. When his report was due, he submitted one of the worst drafts I've ever seen. My criticism was biting and to the point. Sent him on his way and never thought much more about him.

To my shock, 6 months later, he was at my office door to thank me. He'd quit and gone into another line of work. His comment went something like this: 'You made me realize that I wasn't happy with what I was doing. So I quit and started my own business in the consumer services area. It's slow going, but I really am loving it and I think it will grow'.

You need to enjoy your home-based business, the company you work with and its products/services. If you do, you won't be beaten. But it takes work to be a successful entrepreneur.