Sheep follow herd blindly with their wallets open hoping someone else will will do their work for them. Jumping into newest multi-level marketing program will drain your wallet and your faith in humanity.

You're checking out internet marketing? Great! Just be sure to market what you're passionate about so you don't bail off ship at first sign of crashing waves and high winds. There will be obstacles and way to go through them is to be putting your time, energy and money into work you're passionate about.

Be smart. Don't join any program that hasn't been around and proven itself. There are a lot of programs popping up that look like you can join and make a lot of money from "spill factor." It's a myth. I've been on receiving end of that one and saw many others there with me. I even created a lot of spill and saw it go away a few months later.

Yes, you can make money from getting "spill," but people who really benefit are ones CREATING spill. Not receivers of spill. Like everything in life, fruits go to those who provide labor.

Would you rather receive benefits of being Bill Gates who created Microsoft or receive benefits of getting welfare because you signed up for program and chose not to work? (Which is same as signing up for a multi-level program that you don't do any work on building yourself). Forget money, which one is more satisfying to your soul?

Nothing against these programs, as with everything, 20% of people involved make 80% of money. That's true in every industry and yes, some people make a lot of money, but they work their butts off to get there. They deserve money they EARN.

If you're looking for a free ride, it ain't gonna happen my friend. It takes commitment and a good work ethic to produce results no matter what you're doing.

A big problem with these programs is that almost everyone who jumps in is hoping to pay some cash in hopes of cashing out like they bought a lottery ticket.

Today, you must step up your tactics to keep your customers buying and away from competition next door on cyberspace highway.

Study your competitor's marketing and advertising. Sign up to their email list. Can you offer more than they can? Does your competitor have a weakness that you can exploit? Use it as your main selling point.

Previous customers are 5 to 10 times more responsive to your marketing than people who have never done business with you. It's definitely worthwhile to put in some extra time to keep customers happy.

Here's a few ideas that can help.

1. ) Become a "solution-provider" instead of a merchant. Send out a short, personalized email to customers who haven't bought anything for awhile and ask how they're enjoying last product they bought. Offer to answer any questions or help out if they're having a problem. The more you become a friend rather than just another business, more likely they'll buy from you again.

2. ) Cross-sell. Make sure customers know about your other products. Give a discount for your best customers to purchase your other items.

3. ) Send an email to customers only and tell them about your "Customer Appreciation Sale." Create a coupon or special order code that gives a product discount, gift or rebate.