*In 2000, the network marketing industry raked in US$62 billion.

*As of 2000, the number of network marketers all over the world reached 31 million. The number is said to be approaching the 35 million mark. Of the said figure, at least 10 million can be found in the United States.

*Network marketing attracts people from all walks of life and of all races and ages. In fact, 5% of network marketers in the United States are senior citizens, while the physically challenged comprise 8% of the market.

*Network marketing models are being used in direct selling --- an industry which is approximately worth US$80-100 billion.

*Even "Fortune 500" companies take advantage of the successful network marketing business methods. Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, and Citigroup are just some of those giant corporations that have been reaping the benefits of network marketing.

*Warren Buffet, who is ranked second in this year's "Forbes List of World Billionaires," believes in the power of network marketing. In fact, last year the biggest addition to his roster of businesses was actually a network marketing company --- Pampered Chef.

Now that you know that network marketing is indeed a lucrative business, the next question that you would most probably ask is: How can you rake in great earnings from network marketing?

First and foremost, you need to be adequately and properly acquainted with the endeavor that you are getting into. Here are the three basic P's of network marketing:

*PEOPLE

Network marketing is all about people. Obviously, you can't build and maintain a network without people joining in, right?

Develop and enhance your socialization skills. Be interested in various kinds of people. Talk to them. Get to know them really well. Then decide which ones you should carry one step farther and lead to the world of network marketing. Find and get the right connections, and together, savor the sweet flavors of success.

*PRODUCTS

Are the products of your prospective business easy to promote and sell? Take note that consumable products are the ones that can provide you with the highest income potentials.

Know your products fully. Consider important factors such as pricing, functionality, and durability. What are the strong points of your products? Ask yourself if you would actually agree to purchase them if they were offered to you.

*PLAN/PROGRAM

Does the business you want to get into have a clear-cut plan or program? This includes compensation plan, promotion methods, and trainings. Does the company provide adequate support to its marketers?

Make sure that you know all about your business plan or program. Otherwise, you will have difficulty convincing other people to also get involved in it.

Meanwhile, here are the five P's of successful network marketers. If you wish to join the network marketing business and eventually succeed, you must be:

*PATIENT

Network marketing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Network marketing does not offer you the chance to be a millionaire overnight. Understand that you need to be very patient and to work really hard. Remember that success comes to the right people at the right time.

*PERSISTENT/PERSEVERING

Always keep your flame burning. Never flicker. Keep the excitement of your "first day." Be determined from start to finish. If after a few trials you don't succeed, don't lose hope. Never accept defeat. Instead, be challenged and strive to reach your goal. Soon, you will see that your efforts are paying off and your earnings are multiplying... slowly but surely!

*PERSUASIVE

You cannot succeed in the world of network marketing if you don't know how to convince other people --- whether to get into the program or to purchase your products. Make sure, however, that you actually believe in what you are saying. You cannot convince other people into believing or doing something if you yourself are not convinced about it.

*PROACTIVE

The fast-paced world of network marketing has no room for a passive, shy person. You need to possess the right energy and confidence to succeed in this endeavor. You have to be quick-witted to be able to always see an opportunity in any situation. Promote yourself and your business on all appropriate occasions.

*PASSIONATE

Love what you do and everything will follow. Your passion for your job will surely be evident in the way you perform, in the way you talk to others about it.

Truly, network marketing is a lucrative business. It is up to you, however, to make this money-spinner work for you. With the right attitude, right knowledge, and right skills, you can certainly rake in more earnings from network marketing!