Network marketing's no different. It's not an easy path. And most certainly not the easiest way to make quick income. An hourly job at $10/hour will get that needed $500 much faster than any networking opportunity for someone with little business experience.

But for that longer term success, for those who want to build up something that will last years and years, networking offers it. But it isn't an easy path.

Making a commitment at first is not too hard. Like that New Year's resolution. Keeping it after 30 or 90 days, that's what requires an almost daily renewal of the commitment, doesn't it?

Where does that come from?

One way is right association: Spending time with others who have chosen the same path and who also need support to stay committed and not be distracted by their daily lives and all the naysayers in it. Any entrepreneur will do, as will any 'safe' networkers from any company- they're all on a path where they seek to make a difference and be their own boss. That's a big reason people have joined Network Marketing Central- to get that support.

But before you consider joining NMC or making any other financial commitment to your business, ask yourself if it's more than a New Year's resolution. Here's what I mean.

A gal who's an NMC member just emailed to ask me if she should keep her NMC profile and membership.

I asked her what we could do to help her and, asked what she was doing to get some visitors to her profile, like ads, business cards, etc.

Her response in part...

"Well, I don't have much time, (or money, actually) to do network marketing."

What are her chances of success with the business?

So, is the business is really for you? Ask yourself:

1. Why do you want to do it as opposed to something else you could do, and

2. How much time and resources will you commit to building your business? Over what period of time?

If you don't have a reason that warms your heart or excites you, it's better to know right now.

Don't beat on yourself if this isn't for you. Don't let your upline get to you, either. Nothing's for everyone. Find what you DO want to give your time and money to. And do THAT. You and those around you will be better off and happier for it.

If however, you've decided why you DO want to put your time and resources into the networking business, plan now how you will keep yourself committed when the bumps come along, as they will.

Readers: What kinds of things have you done to keep yourself going when the obstacles came along?