I have been involved in many mlm and direct sales companies over the span of my 9 year career. It has given me a vast insight into the industry. Also, I have learned more about myself and the secret key ingredients to success that so few people learn and even fewer apply.

My experiences have been my greatest teacher though all were preceded by learning from someone already successful at what I currently wanted to do. I hate the idea of "making my own mistakes" when I could just as easily learn from someone else's. Even still, there have been many spectacular failures along with the successes.

Sometimes you will be ready to receive success, other times you won't. There may still be a lesson you must learn to be worthy of the success you seek.

The Laundry List of Companies in my past:
-Equinox International (health supplies)
-Amway (roped into a meeting atDenny's only)
-Excel Communications (phone services)
-Quest International (financial training)
-EXE Series (internet marketing explained)
-Networth USA (real estate training)
-Direct Matches (business networking)

It may seem like I jump From company to company and in hindsight I did. Also, my powers of perception were weak enough to make me susceptible to some scams (12 daily pro being the most glaring). But I regret none of it because you have to be open or nothing happens in your life.

So, over the 9 years of blood, sweat and tears what have I learned you ask? Too many things to tell you in this short article but I will give you the keys so you can avoid my mistakes.

1. Do some due diligence. Don't beat dead horse so you never have to make a decision. But search "company name scam" or "company name reviews" in your favorite engine. If 1 or 2 bad things or even a few hundred no big deal. If millions, watch out. Also, talk to others already in the company to get there take.

Immediately read the policies and procedures of those companies you are interested in. You want to see if there are any red flags (ongoing recruiting, minimum 4 sales per month, etc.) that can allow the company to steal the check you've built. Then make the best decision for you based on the info you have.

Once you decide (quickly but not without relevant info) stand fast to it, resolve never to quit, and GET INTO ACTION.

2. Find a mentor. Go as high up your upline as you need to in locating someone who is achieving the success you desire. This has been my largest realization though it seems obvious. Then make sure to follow AND apply their advice.

3. Find a mastermind group. This can be as easy as getting on your company or team's training calls. Every good company should provide written, audio, and video training. Or find a couple of people above your level of achievement to exchange ideas with. In person is best, but teleconference will do. Put the ideas into action immediately.

4. Map out where you want to be in 6 months and 1 year from today. As humans our brains are goal-seeking units. Give yourself a target to aim for so you'll at least know you hit or missed and what to do from there. Be specific with money goals, size of your team, number of leaders you will develop, and skills you will learn.

5. Break down the global list into small, consistent action steps you will take everyday. This will keep you focused (my past nemesis to success) and allow you to know and see how you are going to accomplish them. Huge goals are beyond our understanding and never get done. Many small, simple steps added up allow us to reach those big goals.

6. Have a basic understanding of your compensation plan. You don't have to know every detail but enough to know what pays you. Different comp plans are better suited to different personality types. Type in "4 personality types" in your favorite search for more info on what you are and the comp plan that best allows your success.

7. Now that you know what activities pay you, suck out those that don't and spend a higher percentage of your time on those that do. Successful people I have seen spend 80-90% of their WORKING time (play is also important) on money retrieving activity.

8. Know that setbacks will come. The universe will send you tests and challenges. Weather them, stay in the game and focused on your goals, and ride them out.

9. Review and revise along the way. Go to the end of your goals and work backward to figure out what must happen to achieve them. At the end of each month look at what happened and adjust your actions if you are not achieving your written goals.

10. Enjoy the journey and commit to learning along the way. That is what being a leader is all about. Lead from the front and by example and have fun while doing it. You will meet great people along the way so combine high tech with high touch.

These are the main things experience has taught me. You must have some kind of marketing system that generates leads for you. The big boys in the industry use the internet so do what they do.

Remember, you are building your cash flow long-term so don't think it's a sprint. Resolve to have a marathoner's spirit.

The greatest thing about home businesses is that you put out tremendous effort today and the rewards come back to you over and over and over again. There are some scams but the industry is strong and if you ever want financial independence this is the cheapest, best, easiest way to do it.

Traditional businesses and franchises cost hundreds of thousands to start. Most home businesses are less than $1000 to start.

So get up off your butt and start taking the action that will allow you to achieve all the dreams you have for your life. Become your own personal genie and grant yourself unlimited wishes.