I have seen this first hand. A few co-workers got involved in a network marketing company, before myself, and they were all giddy with excitement. The buzz was in the air. It was the greatest thing since sliced bread. With all this brouhaha going on about me, I decided to see what all the fuss was about and began to ask my co-workers why they were so excited. Here is what I learned...and what happened to some of them.

The reason were varied among the individuals. Some like the income opportunity that the business could provide. Others were excited about having more free time to spend with the family. Others liked being in business for themselves and the tax advantages that come with it. Others liked the networking aspect of it. But the common denominator was that you could make money, lots of money, in a short period of time and possibly retire from their job and work the business full time.

I was sold. I mean, who wouldn't want to be earning a six figure income in as little as 2 to 3 years, right?

Well, it's not that easy, as many of them would soon realize.

Network marketing requires work, hence the "work" in network. Some of the new entrepreneurs didn't do anything to promote their business. Not one thing that their sponsor asked them to do. No home presentation or party, no networking events, none of the common beginner techniques and steps were employed. No learning the about the business. It's no wonder they did not get anywhere, no one knew about what they were selling or promoting. No effort=no results.

In these instances network marketing or MLM are not to blame. The distributor carries all the blame. They made no commitment and effort towards their business. Maybe it just wasn't for them and they thought it was, hindsight is 20/20. The allure of easy money and living a certain lifestyle blinded their rational. They ignored what they already knew: themselves.

Past behavior will dictate your future behavior. If you are not a motivated individual, it's pretty safe to say you will be same way now and and in future years. If you are lazy, then you will be lazy in your endeavor. If you are timid and shy, then networking will be extremely difficult for you. On the contrary, a disciplined person will be disciplined in the near future. A motivated and willing person will be the same with a new endeavor. Just look inside and see how will perform based on past behavior.

Former network marketers can be very judgmental, but sometimes, they only have themselves to blame. You get what you put in. You reap what you sow. That is an absolute truth. You cannot get in shape without proper diet and an exercise program. You put in the time and effort to eat right and exercise, and over time the results will start to manifest themselves. You sowed (dieted, ate right, exercised) and then you reaped (lost weight, lean stomach area, larger muscles, got stronger, felt better about yourself).

Let's not forget that there is no such thing as a "get rich quick" scheme or plan. Anyone promising you that you'll be making $50,000.00 per month starting in 30 days is making an exaggerated claim. So be forewarned and use extreme caution when considering a business opportunity in a MLM company or home based business. Know who you are and what you are getting yourself into. I speak from experience, but I did not speak ill of the company. It was a fantastic learning experience but unlike some of my co-workers, I made a dedicated and consistent effort everyday towards building my business. That's why I made money and built a downline. The old fashioned way. Which is another topic for another day!