Most people really get started in the wrong direction in network marketing. With the right company, you can create a recurring income that you can retire on, but only if you have a tested, proven system that works to build your business. And part of that system needs to be an understanding of what prospects really want.

When you deliver real value to your prospects, you have a chance. If you can't give them what they want, they will keep on looking. What they want is not complicated They want to know if they like you, and if you like them. They want to know if your system is something they can do. Plus, they need to see whether you can help them.

What works is to have a definite system for building relationships with people. Plus, you've got to put them on track to generate a steady stream of leads so they can build their business. If you can show that to them in a step-by-step simple plan, then you have a pretty good chance. They've got to see it's doable for them. Emphasize how straightforward and easy your plan is, and that it's very easy for them to learn and to teach others. Show them your system is easily duplicated, which is exactly what they'll need to for long-term success in MLM.

MLM is a lot like the rest of your life. When you are trying to achieve a goal, especially in an area that is new to you, you are not going to do it in a straight line. You are going to have periods where progress is slow or non-existent. So just be aware of that and be prepared to handle the frustrations. The best way I've found to do this is to have a really, really big reason to be successful. The bigger your reason, the tougher it will be for you to give up when times get tough.

So early on, you want to work on that reason and write it out and look at it and think about it every day. Ask yourself, "What REALLY gets me excited?" %What type of work have you done that you really loved - or hated? Is there some type of work you'd do forever, even if you weren't getting paid for it? What do you most like to do in your free time? When you're very successful, what changes will you make in your lifestyle? How do you handle close relationships now, and are you in the best possible position to create those relationships the way you want them to be? What changes would you see in those relationships if you had no money problems? How much more time would you be able to spend with the people you love if you didn't have to commute to a job every day? When you know the answers to questions like these, you have a foundation for MLM success.

You can read more about these ideas and many others in Michael Dlouhy's ebook, "Success In 10 Steps." The book has been in great demand from frustrated network marketers, having been downloaded 100,000 times now. The author blows out of the water the widely-accepted idea that you should begin by recruiting friends and family. That plan is a big loser.

The high MLM failure rate means you'll wind up with a lot of family members upset or angry with you, and that's not good. Besides, anyone who has big MLM success eventually has to promote to a cold market anyway. So you may as well start there. Your friends & family will be calling you, after you've proven you can build a profitable business. The book is full of very useful ideas.