Statistics show that most new jobs now come from small business.

Home-based business has become a reality for millions of Americans - inspiring millions more to dream about opening one.

The term "networking" has become a buzzword in business press, as more people realize crucial role of referrals in economy.

The Internal Revenue Service has adapted its rules (somewhat) to new home-based economy by recognizing independent contractor status and publishing specific tax-preparation guidelines for "direct sellers." In Tune with Times

There are a number of reasons why network marketing industry reached maturity and respect in 1990s. As millions of Americans launched home-based businesses and entrepreneurial ventures of every kind, they created a climate in which network marketing could flourish. For instance, it was not so strange anymore for an attorney to leave his practice in order to run a new company of some kind out of his den. Most people have come to know someone who dropped out of 9-to-5 world and turned entrepreneurial. Hourly and salaried employees have become intrigued with idea of financial freedom and economic autonomy. Suddenly, they are much more open to change - and better prospects for network marketing.

Another change that favors networking industry has to do with sex. In past, most direct sellers were women. As a result, this was often seen as a woman's business, which tended to discourage male recruits. But as opportunities in industry have increased, more men have been attracted to it; in turn, all-female perception has faded, increasing industry's ability to attract men.

The sheer number of network marketers also has exploded. By end of 1990s, more than 10 million people were involved in industry here in U.S., racking up more than $20 billion in yearly sales. Worldwide, number of distributors has topped 30 million, generating more than $80 billion in annual sales.

When an industry gets that big, even corporate bureaucrats begin to notice. Major multinational corporations are taking account of networking phenomenon, building it into their own plans for distributing products and services. Here are a few of marketing partnerships that have been formed: Avon-Mattel; Tupperware-Disney; Amway-Rubbermaid; DuPont /ConAgra-Legacy. The new "virtual networking" company will outsource almost all its activities: manufacturing, customer service - even accounting. One of world's largest banks, Citigroup - formed of merger between Citibank and Traveler's Group - has a network marketing division, Primerica Financial Services (formerly A.L. Williams Company) that is one of most profitable distribution channels for corporation's many financial products. These range from insurance policies to checking accounts.

Corporate America has validated success of industry by embracing public offerings of network marketing companies on Wall Street. Excel Telecommunications, Amway Asia-Pacific, and Nu Skin all successfully launched initial public stock offerings on major exchanges. Herbalife, Mannatech, Market America, Nature's Sunshine, Pre-Paid Legal, and Rexall, to name a few, are also publicly traded.

In 1990s, high-tech and financial companies became enamored of networking industry, as network marketing companies broadened their lines to include services as well as consumer products. Soon, it seemed every high-tech company was looking to networking as a means of guerrilla distribution in competitive markets. Companies in telecommunications, paging, Internet service, satellite TV, financial, and travel services were chief beneficiaries of alliances with networking companies. Today, even electric power is being sold by network marketing.

Why did conventional corporations cast their lot with wild and woolly entrepreneurs of network marketing industry?

Because they could see that it works. Specifically, network marketing distribution has several distinct advantages:

It is a powerful technique for introducing brand-new products - especially items that require demonstration or testimonials.

Word of mouth is as old as human race and with sheer numbers of people online, Internet has taken that power to new heights.

Unfortunately, however, Internet has hit some all time lows with it as well.

With so many caught up in 'instant' sales and 'instant' profits, a general attitude of simply 'sell whatever you think will sell' has evolved and sorely damaged name of network marketing.

However, what's worse, 'sell whatever you think will sell' attitude has HIDDEN from view one of most valuable GEMS of knowledge all network marketers should be fully aware of.

Products do NOT sell themselves. People sell them. People do NOT recruit themselves. YOU recruit them.

PASSION and BELIEF in your business are ONLY elements that can both provide motivation to you and attract and testify to your potential customers or recruits WHY they should investigate you or your business further.

Honestly, network marketing is not that easy. Internet marketing is not 'breeze' many would have you believe. Sure, you can achieve tremendous results because of potential it presents, but, like anything, it will take some effort.

Now, what better to give you day in and day out motivation you need to succeed than to passionately believe in your business?

People that excel in work or play do so because they work whole heartedly toward their goals. Now how easy can that be when working with a program you joined simply because you 'think' it will sell? Are you still going to care about it once you realize 'quick and easy' profits are not coming in?