One thing I’ve learned in my short stint in the network marketing world is that there are no quick paths to wealth. Believe me, I wish I could just type a few keystrokes and watch the dollars roll in.
Perhaps it’s due to our 24-hour, Internet- and cable TV-induced lifestyles that we always want instant gratification and reward. We don’t have the patience to nurture a process. Oh, there are still some folks out there claiming you can have incredible success, wealth, the nice home, and a hot babe (or hunk) quickly and effortlessly. Rational online marketers know that is not true. Unless you win the lottery, you have to work for that big paycheck.
Renowned author, speaker, coach and entrepreneur Dan Kennedy puts it so well in one of his blog columns,
“Part of the process is getting through of a lot of information in a hurry but also continuously. For nearly 25 years, I read a book a day plus newspapers, trade journals, newsletters, visited the public library weekly; took on a needed skill and so thoroughly and intensely studied it as to become a world class expert.”
Later he chastises those who claim that they don’t have time to read, study, and otherwise nourish their minds:
“When I choose to read with my mid-morning coffee break and you choose to blather about trivia with friends; when I choose to study for an hour sitting on my backyard deck at day’s end but you choose to watch a TIVO’d American Idol episode, we reveal much.”
(You can follow Dan’s blog here. The above quotes were taken from his column entitled, “If you want more, make yourself more valuable.”)
Genuine network marketers know that success comes only with hard work and determination. Later on you can kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor, but those first four to six months must be devoted to building your new business. The precise steps may vary depending on what your sponsor recommends or the protocol outlined in your system. But one thing is beyond dispute: You have to put in your time. That could be during the day, in the evening, or both.
I have been on my own for more than six years now, so my days are already mine. But I still need to budget time for my new business. That means at least four hours a day involved in the various components of the business (writing blog columns, cutting videos, engaging in social media), participating in webinars, and calling leads. Those latter functions usually occur in the evening, and even on weekends. Don’t care to give up an hour on a sunny Saturday morning to sit in on webinar or make some calls? Fine. Just remember that you could be hurting yourself.
Even if you’re getting a lot of repeat or referral business, don’t become complacent with marketing. Business can dry up in a hurry.
Your efforts don’t stop once you’ve established your business, either. You must continue with your personal and professional development. Dan touches on that in the second quotation above.
All the great business people, sales people, speakers, online marketers, athletes – heck, all successful people – stay that way through hard work and continuing education. Plan on putting in the hours at the outset and continuing with educational tools throughout your career.
Success doesn’t come easily. Commit the time and effort now, develop strong work habits that include sustained professional development, and you will be rewarded handsomely.
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I’m with you on the TV issue, Ryan. I don’t watch that much TV as it is (not much on that I like anyway). Part of it, also, is that I spend so much time in front of a monitor during the day I don’t care to stare at another one at night.
In lieu of watching TV I like to read. Usually have about a half-dozen books of various genres lying around. Reading is much more enriching, if you ask me. Thanks for stopping by.
A lot of it has to do with breaking bad habits, Sigrid. For me, it’s resisting the temptation to check email throughout the day. Boy, it’s tough. (Worse is when I waste time responding to emails regarding volunteer work and other non-productive tasks. Bad!) It takes discipline, but it can–and must be–done. Thanks for sharing.
Putting in the time means releasing old, low energy habits to make room for new ones.
I got rid of the TV in my old place and watch a minimum amount of the boob tube because I am too busy creating and traveling.
You must work on your mind, then on the real world, to see success in this life.
Thanks for sharing Tom!
Ryan
Tom, love this quote from Dan Kennedy and his mid-morning coffee break. If we want to be successful, we need to put in the time, energy and work in to make it happen!
That is true, Nate, which is the same point that William made in the video he posted today.
I should add that “success” can be defined in many ways. It doesn’t have to refer to monetary rewards. Many people find success and personal satisfaction through volunteer work and related activities. Thanks for stopping by.
I believe that success isn’t for everyone. Not everyone is willing to put in the work on a daily consistent basis and that’s ok. Those that do work hard and put in the work will reap the rewards. Great post!