This is a wonderful time in the Network Marketing business! The internet is finally being recognized as more than just an online advertisement. The potential for building relationships with people all over the world is only now beginning to be tapped! The best news is that many pioneering entrepreneurs are putting the Network into network marketing. They are sharing what they have learned and helping others build successful businesses. Out of this explosion of growth and experience has come the concept of Attraction Marketing.

One of the biggest challenges in building a home business is overcoming the MLM stigma. It's unfortunate, because often the people in multilevel marketing businesses really do have great products. But the old way of chasing people down in the grocery store just doesn't make sense anymore. The world moves too quickly, people are busy, and they don't want to take the time to hear about something in which they have no interest. So when they see you coming, eager smile on your face, business card in hand, they run the other way.

Does it really make sense to pursue people randomly? Imagine a forty-five year old classic car enthusiast walking by some storefront windows. The first window displays an array of children's clothes. He passes the window without even glancing at it. It's pretty safe to assume he has no need for children's clothing at this time. Maybe when his first grandchild comes along, but not now. As he's passing the second window, he sees, glinting in the sunlight, a 1970 Mach 1 gas cap! He's been looking all over for one! He rushes into the store. No one has to beg him to come in because he already wants to buy what is being offered.

This is what Attraction Marketing does. It's like a store window. It costs you nothing to look in the window. When you do, you get a good idea of the quality, variety, and type of goods being offered. If the first look makes you curious enough to enter the store, more elements come in to play. Is the clerk friendly and courteous? Is he helpful without making you feel rushed or crowded? Does he offer helpful information? Are the prices fair? All of these things must be in place before you spend a dime!

How do you put the idea of Attraction Marketing into practice? Think of yourself as your storefront. When a potential client looks at your site, or reads an article you have written, he must receive value for his time. Have you ever leafed through a magazine before deciding whether or not to buy it? Think of your prospect doing the same thing. Stop worrying about whether he will buy that magazine. Instead, point out a particularly good article featured in the magazine and then wait patiently while he looks it over. Listen carefully to your customer's needs and offer solutions even if it doesn't result in an immediate sale for you. If someone is looking in to your business opportunity, let them know up front what the realistic commitment from them will be. You will wind up with higher quality prospects when you take the time and have the integrity to do this.

Okay, so now you have everything set up in order to attract your prospects to come to you. How do they find you? Writing articles, posting blogs, using social media and interacting with others on the internet will begin your relationship. But you must work just as hard to maintain the relationship. Continue to interact with people by inviting them to opt in to your newsletter, or sending a "shout" out on Digg. This may sound difficult to a beginner, but it's really quite easy, and a lot of fun! And neither you, nor your prospect has to deal with the pressure of the heavy handed sales pitch!

Be willing to educate yourself as to how to get your information out on the web where it will be seen by the most people. Offline, you can send notes, put an ad in the neighborhood flier, join networking clubs, and yes, you can still use word of mouth. There are excellent resources available to you whether you are computer savvy or a rank beginner in cyber world. For a good introduction to social marketing, visit Mike Klingler's blog. You will find further information on social marketing or web 2.0 as well as see how Mike uses his blog to reach three different target markets at the same time: his university students, professional level students, and network marketers in general.

While you do have to have some kind of a marketing budget, there are lots of ways to get your name out and establish yourself as an expert in your field at very little cost. In fact, there are many places to post information for free. Don't forget that with the help of affiliate marketing, you can generate the money to fund your marketing, at the same time you are building your business--again, at no cost to you!

With this new way of dealing with happy and presold customers, it's a wonder network marketers aren't dancing in the streets. But then again, they don't have to go out there anymore. And neither do you. You've discovered Attraction Marketing!