Have you ever asked someone "How much money can I expect to make every month on this program?" Why do we ask that type of question? We usually ask it because we're trying to get a "reality check" on how much money this new program or product or opportunity will produce so that we can manage our expectations.



Frequently, the person who was asked this question (and is trying to sell it to you) will tell you what they think you want to hear. They may tell you that "so and so" is making over 250K in their first year! So you jump in all excited and after your first couple of "no's" you decide that either the program is no good or that you are no good at it.

Chances are that both conclusions are probably wrong. The only thing wrong in this situation is you were excited to hear a result based upon someone else's supposed "reality." This other person's "reality" may be based upon the fact that they joined this business while bringing a large team from another previous program. (It's interesting how they often leave those little details out) Then you hear "this affiliate joined our program and generated $75,000 thousand dollars in 1 month"

This brand of hype preys on greed and generates a quick dash for the pocketbook and a foolish decision to pay whatever it takes to join this "ground-floor opportunity."

Back on the ranch a month later our new, sad affiliate is busted and disgusted because they have not made one red cent. Even worse, the person who talked them in to this program can not be found contacted or if they can, it's only because they want to sell our poor affiliate friend some more "premium" leads.

What should we do in this fast paced, here today-gone tomorrow, over-hyped environment? First of all, conduct a complete Due Diligence of the company or program you are considering joining. You may not want to take the time to do that but it is critical. There are many new and not so new programs available and quite honestly somebody is making money in most of them, albeit to varying degrees. Our concern is how do we more appropriately manage our expectations and make a better decision before we run up more debt on our credit cards with nothing to show for it? Here are a the steps to consider:

1. What is your skill level at marketing this type of business? You need to be honest with yourself because some programs work well for new marketers while others require more skill and mentorship.

2. Conduct a complete due diligence on the program. You can do this very easily by "Google-ing" the program and then also read what is available on forums, discussion groups and bulletin board communities. These groups will "keep it real" and also give you a no hype response to your inquiries.

3. Ask the person trying to sell the program what their experience is and how successful they have been in mentoring people who are new to this type of marketing program. (See what the closer has to say)

4. Does this program offer a free trial? If they don't at least offer a free trial or a guarantee you may want to be cautious before you join.

5. Don't give in to pressure. Many programs will try slick, high pressure tactics to get you to join NOW. They have devised very effective tactics designed to get you to break your neck getting to your wallet and surrendering your money. Listen, there is ALWAYS another great opportunity right around the corner.

6. Take the time you to think and process your feelings are research before you blindly dive in. Tell them you need time to think. If they try to discourage you from thinking about the programplease be very careful about joining. Action without thought is rarely a good thing. Don't let greed be your master.

I encourage you to use your own good judgment. As the famed legend of "The Secret" Bob Proctor states "Your mind runs through all of the things it already knows about that piece of information and figures out where it fits in with the bigger picture. Then your mind makes a determination: the information in question is good or bad, friendly or unfriendly, desirable or undesirable, possible or not possible - all based on your existing paradigms." See, you know when you're being led astray. Use the power of your mind and your own good judgment.

Lastly, and in my mind most importantly, I believe you can earn as much as you want. That's right, you can earn as much as you determine in your mind that you want to earn. It's all a matter of persisting through the learning curve and staying in the game long enough to learn how to be successful. Current events on today's internet indicate that the market is still wide open for anyone willing to learn.

You must develop skill. You may not "MAKE $200,000 IN 30 DAYS!-VIDEO PROOF!!!" in your first 30 days, but if you stay with it long enough, develop skill, and have a heart to help others in your quest, I will not put any limits on what you can earn.

All good things come with practice, patience and a drive that can not be extinguished. Don't be fooled by people who will feed your greed and suck you into a program that is not designed to support you at your skill level, or worse a upline mentor who vanishes after they get your money. You deserve the very best.

I hope this helps you. As always I wish you peace, prosperity and all the best that God has to offer. Best wishes to you and your family..

Roderick Armstrong Author, entrepreneur, speaker Armstrong Wealth Systems http://www.armstrongwealthsystems.com