Scary title, isn’t it? No one ever likes the suggestion that they may not know as much as they think they do about a particular subject, but don’t take the headline as criticism. Rather, look at it as a learning experience, a way to sidestep some of the more common mistakes and overcome the mental roadblocks that prevent many people from even getting involved in the industry.

So, without further ado…

NETWORK MARKETING IS A STRAIN ON MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Only if you make it one. Many networking beginners simply don’t have a wide enough circle of colleagues or connections to successfully grow their business, or they’re not comfortable talking about the business to strangers, so they reach out to friends and relatives to push their products and get started. Obviously, that puts loved ones in a tough position, but worse, it limits your growth options.

Here’s a tip: stay away from actively recruiting friends and family altogether. If they like what you have, they’ll find you. But then where will you go for prospects? Well, try a lead-generation company such as Peak Impact. They offer everything from targeted network-marketing leads to custom leads to business opportunity leads. If you want to find prospects for you’re business, they’re the people to see.

NETWORK MARKETING IS A SCAM. I’M JUST GOING TO LOSE ALL MY MONEY

Again, only if you try really hard. No, you can’t sit on the couch, watch television all day, go to sleep and then expect a $25,000 check in the mail the next day. However, if treat your business like a business, even working it part-time a few hours a day, you will see returns.

Remember, it’s a business, not a hobby. There are many perks to a home-based business—flexible schedule, time with family, no boss or commute—but don’t forget to place emphasis on the “working” part of working from home. Spend a few hours online marketing your website or seeking out prospects. Phone leads and talk to them about their goals. Check in with team members to make sure they’re motivated and don’t have any questions. A few hours here and there can increase your bank account tenfold in no time.

I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE AND DON’T KNOW HOW TO BUILD A BUSINESS.

Relax: you’re not the only one. In fact, more than 30 percent of all network-marketers are first-timers, and if no one who got involved with the industry ever had success, then how could there be an industry at all?

One of the main things to consider when searching for an opportunity is the training a business offers. Most offer support in some form or another—and everyone claims their business has a “turn-key system for success” or “unparalleled live training”—so do your homework and make sure you’re going to get the support you need to thrive.

If you’re interested in an opportunity, find some people who are already in the business and ask them how hard it was for them to get started. Find out what types of training they provides, if there are mentors available, if you can reach an actual person with any questions you have or do you have to go through email. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re comfortable before moving forward

I DON’T WANT TO HOST PARTIES OR SELL VITAMINS

So don’t. The number of network-marketing opportunities out there is massive and growing larger and more diverse every day. There are opportunities focused on food, jewelry, clothing, energy drinks, home furnishings, crafts, candles, travel, online marketing, and spa products. There’s a company that produces children’s books and one that offers memberships to a wine club. One opportunity even sells golf clubs and lessons to anyone trying to improve their game.

The point is, you can find something you like. Just don’t get involved with a company because you want to work from home. Freedom is a central theme of network marketing, so for goodness sakes pick something you like!

See, that wasn’t so bad, was it? Instead of being lectured, you’re now armed with all the knowledge you need to have success working from home. Now go have fun and make the best of it.