Principle One: Get Connected-Stay Connected
More and more people are flocking to the Network Marketing Industry in these tough times. My goal over the next several posts is to help people understand the Five Principles for success. We have all heard of the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle. It has never been more true. The most important step you will take in building your Network Marketing business is just getting started. However, understanding the simple building blocks for success is definitely a strong second.

Getting Plugged In!
We all have dreams of building a large Network Marketing organization and getting paid for a lifetime. To do this you must have a constant flow of information from your sponsor, your support team and your company. This is the fuel that keeps the machine running. Positive energy and thoughts are vital to your success. The world is full of negativity and it up to us to keep our energy source filled with positive energy. We have all heard the statement that we are the sum of the 5 people we hang out with the most. Are you hanging with the right the five people?

The System
The word system is a constant buzz word. Everyone is trying to sell you the best so-called system. More than likely your company and support team is already using a proven system for success. Look to the successful distributors in your company for a guide on the system that they use. I strongly discourage looking outside of your company. Stay focused on what is truly important and stay away from activities that distract you from your goal. Understanding how to move people from one piece of information to the next is the most important part of the system. Remember this important fact, there is no online system that will ever replace the personal touch. Online systems are only as good as the personal touch that closes the deal. Think about it, if all it took was a fancy website and an autoresponder, why would companies need us. The answer is companies need us to offer that personal connection. Success can not be achieved without it.

Support Team
Your support team plays a vital role in your early success. You need to let them you that you are serious about your success and are willing to be teachable and coachable. You should have a list of your support team that includes all their vital contact information. The person that sponsored you into the business may or may not be your main contact. Be sure to ask who the leaders are when you started.

Websites/Online Presence
In today’s business world pretty much every company offers a website. Don’t waste your time trying to create a better website. If you are trying to brand yourself you can register a domain name that will redirect to your company’s website. i.e. http://134243.max.com is my company address. I registered http://YourLifeonMax.com which redirects to the same place. If you are interested in developing a strong online presence I do recommend starting a blog. You can post updates and links to your company right from your blog. This site is an example of that. The cost is free to minimal and can help put you out there as an expert. Have fun with it.

Emails and Newsletters
Be sure to get connected to all of your companies email lists and newsletter lists. Many organizations use this a primary means of sharing information. Don’t assume that all of your team members are on it. Be sure to pass this vital information on. A break in the communication chain can cost your business. Communication is key.

Conference Calls
Carry a list of conference calls that are conducted on a weekly basis. Set a goal of having one person on every call with you. You don’t need to be the expert. Let the calls do the hard work. Pretty much all companies offer overview calls and training calls to help all the distributors. Make sure all your team members are connected to this source of information and training.

Local Business Overviews
Network marketing is a person to person business. Trying to build your team without ever meeting with them will not work long-term. You must support your local business overview and become a vital part of it. You must make this a priority just like going to work. In order to get paid at work you have to show up. The same is true of your Network Marketing business. You have to show up to get paid.

Regional and National Events
Success is about developing a community of like-minded people. Attending regional and national events as a team can help develop this team approach to success. Events like this are attended by all the top leaders and are a chance to mingle with and learn from the successful distributors. The energy that will be present and the true impact that it will have on your business can not be recreated on the local level. These events will shape your business and develop a connection that will get you through the tough times.

Getting connected and staying connected is a must. There are no shortcuts to success. You must be willing to put in the effort to achieve the results. Network Marketing is hard work but the end results can be life changing.

Remember this very important fact. If we succumb to the illusion and the comfort of a paycheck, we then neglect to build up self-reliant skills and merely postpone the day of reckoning when we are forced to fend for ourselves. It is never too late to start. Let today be the first day of the rest of your life!!

Let us know how important staying connected has been for your business. We look forward to your posts.