The explosion of interest in network marketing companies has lead, naturally enough, to a slew of guidebooks that promise to teach you how to be successful. The world of possibilities that network marketing can lead to is so vast, it's hard to believe that a neophyte can learn everything you need to know from a book alone.

Let's take a look at a few of the top general titles:

The well known, popular Network Marketing book, by Zig Ziglar. Everyone knows this popular network marketing series-if there's a topic you want to get introduced to, there's probably a book on the subject. Same here-the for Zig Ziglar's book on marketing is a good overview, but from a very high altitude. This is best if you really don't know anything at all about marketing, and don't know anyone in the industry you can trust. Zig Ziglar is an old hand at writing motivational books on "making the sale," but he really wouldn't have been my first thought to author a book on marketing.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Network Marketing Professionals, by Stephen R. Covey. From the same author as the powerhouse The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and part of the Franklin Covey "family" of products, this book is an inspirational guide to becoming a professional, organized, ethical, and effective leader-really, no matter what you choose as your profession. Mr. Covey, highly regarded as an influential motivational speaker and author, utilizes his principle-centered leadership approach to the field of marketing.

Your First Year in Network Marketing: Overcome Your Fears, Experience Success, and Achieve Your Dreams!, by Mark Yarnell and Rene Reid Yarnell. Quite a big promise, isn't it? Sounds great! The authors are a network marketing couple who are leaders in the industry. They are also members of a University of Illinois faculty that teaches the only college-certified course on network marketing in the U.S. Again, this book approaches the subject from a motivational viewpoint, but limits itself when getting down to actual marketing essentials and details, and moving beyond your "warm market."

Too many times, the "warm market" style, approaching friends and family, is the first strategy recommended. And techniques like house parties, samples, and flyers are detailed, but let's face it: that level of marketing is hopelessly outdated in today's world. The short-term gains of the "warm market" style are offset by a 97% long-term failure rate.

Without consistent, detailed, correct and up-to-the-minute marketing training, mentoring, and skill building, network marketing to today's sophisticated customers is way too difficult, and the beginner will fall behind quickly and get discouraged. If you are new to network marketing, you must pursue appropriate, current, and ongoing marketing training. You must find a mentor who can lead you through the winding paths of the internet and social media. You must build and hone your marketing skills to be competitive, and use those skills to set your business up above the rest.

Each of these books is an inspiring read, and should be used to supplement, but not replace, good old-fashioned training, mentoring, and experience. Remember that a lack of modern, continually updated marketing skills leads directly to a lack of continuous growth and profits. Don't let that happen to you!