5 Network Marketing "Land Mines" ... and how to avoid them!

1) Chronic Frustration: we'll all experience frustration in our network marketing careers,

but it becomes dangerous when it becomes "chronic," (i.e. a long-term condition or

frequently recurring). Chronic frustration is damaging, so here's what you can do to avoid

it (or dig yourself out if you're already experiencing it):

Work your business from a written plan... not just big, written goals - I'm talking about

a written plan for your week and a "to-do" list for your day... break your big goals into small ones, and then write action steps to achieve them. Reward yourself when you do, and don't beat yourself up when you fall short (because you will)... just stay on track with your WRITTEN plan. We are all capable of mapping out simple action steps that are achievable.  And that's the key... small, daily, consistent action that achieves measurable results.  When you do this, you'll avoid slipping into a state chronic frustration, and you'll insure your ongoing success.

2) Looking "Too Much" At The Other Guy: it's human nature to look left & right, and see what "the other guy (or gal) is doing..." but it can also be very distracting when we do. Instead, maintain FOCUS on what you're doing.  Don't worry if someone else appears to be "getting it" faster than you... we all learn at our own pace, and it takes some of us longer (it did me). In the end, trust me, it doesn't matter if it takes you a little longer to get there -- just so long as you DO get there!

3) Fear Of Success - for many people, this is subconscious (they don't even realize it's a factor). We often hear (and talk about) fear of failure, but what about "fear of success". Not your problem? That what I used to think... but this can (and often does) hold people back, as it grinds away at a subconscious level. Deep down, we know that becoming highly successful in a business like this will bring about change. Now you may be thinking:  "Change? That's exactly what I want - CHANGE" and I believe you, but when it comes right down to it change brings uncertainty and with uncertainly comes fear of the unknown. This can (and often does) bring about anxiety which can impact your performance.

As my network marketing business grew, it became more and more apparent I needed to quit my corporate job (yes, that was my goal all along), but when I actually got to that point, I was surprised by the anxiety I started to feel. Why was I anxious? Because I perceived "security" in a job that I'd had for years, and was "used to" someone handing me a paycheck every two weeks.  It wasn't until about 10 days before I quit that I realized I how much anxiety was impacting me. It didn't stop me, but it did give me pause. And more changes were to come... a successful network marketing business also caused me to move across the country (once I no longer had a job that was telling me where I had to live).  That meant more changes, moving away from friends, family, etc.  Yes - these were choices, and your choices may be different than mine, but make no mistake that having a highly successful network marketing business WILL cause you to make changes, and with them, will come anxiety.

What's important is that you don't allow that anxiety to derail (or slow) your business. I think the best solution is to plan ahead. Allow yourself the freedom to think about what you'll

do when your business reaches four thousand a month.  When it hits 100,000 a year, and more. Will you buy a new car, a new house? If so, where? What kind. If not, then what changes will you make, and write them down... be specific. This isn't about goal setting, it's about mapping your future. It's about familiarizing yourself (in advance) with the lifestyle changes you want to make. It's about having a plan.  When you do, you won't be as anxious... and there wont be anything holding you back.

4) Plateaus - We all hit them.  We're growing, and growing and then suddenly we plateau and it seems no matter what we do, we're stuck.  So, what do we do when we hit a plateau? First, relax.  Know that plateaus are a normal part of business. It's gonna happen - again and again. Second, don't be too quick to abandon what you know works. Often, the solution for getting over a plateau is to simply stay consistent, and on keep doing what we know we need to be doing. The results will come.  That being said, it's OK to take a moment and think "outside the box." Think about what adjustments you can make to help you take your business to the next level. The key here is to think small (at least at first).  Why? Because often times even small adjustments (consistently applied) can yield big gains over time.  Too many people panic and make radical changes to their business when they plateau, and that can bring negative results. Remember, consistent daily action usually beats out radical (or reckless) course changes.

5) Temptation To Stray: this is one of the biggest land mines of all... you hit hit a plateau, and all of sudden, an opportunity comes along that APPEARS even better.  What timing! Your mind begins to create justifications why you should do it.  (e.g. "my upline hasn't been all that supportive, the comp plan is better, I can make more money there, they're growing faster, their product tastes better," and the list goes on). So, what do you do? If your smart - you don't make an emotional decision. I've seen many, many people fail in this industry because they perpetually get excited about "the latest buzz" and go off to chase after "the next big thing." Sadly, they never end up creating the success they seek, because they can never can stay focused long enough to do it.  Don't let that be you. There will always be something that purports to be better, faster, more original (whatever), but if you're already with a good business and strong team, I'd encourage you to keep your eye on the ball and not allow anything to distract you. 

Mark Wieser is a full-time network marketer, and top industry trainer.  You'll find his insider secrets to creating huge downlines at:  http://www.mlmsponsoringtips.com