Why would a physician who makes $400,000 each year with her practice want to develop a network marketing business? Well, if you followed her around all day you'd quickly understand that although her professional income is fantastic... she has absolutely no time for herself or her family.

In addition, the cost of running her practice is outrageous when you consider such things as malpractice insurance and fixed overhead. These items are seldom necessary when operating a typical network marketing business.

Network marketing has been around for over 50 years. Its historical foundation lies within the field of vitamins and nutrition. Early success stories include such names as Shaklee and Amway.

Indeed, Amway spent a considerable amount of money and enormous energy draining time from 3/25/75 to 5/8/79 to successfully combat the U.S. Federal Trade Commission on charges of price fixing and pyramid claims.

Many people shy away from anything to do with network marketing... frequently called MLM (multi-level marketing). Some have been burned badly because they were gullible to false promises. Others simply don't relish the thought of personal rejection as they attempt to build their business by recruiting others.

Unfortunately, there is a broad misconception about network marketing. The fact is it is one of the simplest forms of small business that can be operated out of your home with limited cost or risk.

The basic problem is most people don't have a clue about starting a business --- any business.

Most small businesses fail because the owner didn't have or didn't follow a business plan. There is no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business. However, you can improve your chances of success with good planning, preparation and insight.

Sometimes our desire to be an entrepreneur interferes with our ability to be a small business owner. Entrepreneurs don't like to follow rules... or even a business plan. They would rather do things by the seat of their pants.

How well do you plan and organize? Research tells us poor planning is responsible for most business failures. Good organization (things like financials, inventory, schedules and production) can help you avoid many pitfalls.

When you affiliate yourself with a proven network marketing business entity (not a start-up) you have a much better chance for success. And, when the product or service itself is in high demand, your ability to market your business profitably is significantly greater.

Today, there are exciting home business opportunities available by combining the proven technique of network marketing with the immediacy of internet marketing. The power of the Internet allows you to avoid the embarrassment of personal rejection while attempting to build a downline.

Also, the Internet allows you to test different strategies without dangerously committing too many resources to an unknown venture. Data can now be developed within a matter of days (even minutes) to help guide your marketing efforts.

When you determine the interest level of your potential audience (eg. Overture Search) you can coordinate a wide variety of marketing ventures to identify others who are interested in joining you as a member of your team. Of course, this implies that you truly have a well-developed business plan.

Network marketing has come a long way since its inception 50 years ago. The power of the Internet now gives you an extraordinary opportunity to succeed without fear of imposing yourself on others.

High demand topics... such as personal development... can be networked to literally millions of people by implementing a home based internet marketing business plan.