I spent most of this past weekend spending time with my husband and reading books on network marketing success. As black women in direct sales, many of us find ourselves "juggling" time with our children,our spouses, our boyfriends. It is often challenging to spend time with our families and time growing our businesses.  The truth is....we must do both!!  We must find the time to spend time with our families AND grow our businesses by educating ourselves. Do you know the #1 reason black women fail in network marketing? Lack of training!! This "lack of training" goes beyond what our individual companies may or may not offer. Self development, self growth and self EDUCATION are all very important components on the road to success in this industry. The interesting thing is Self Education and Self Development are the two most neglected areas for most new consultants, and many "seasoned" ones. The good news is we can stop the cycle now and begin to place a high level of importance on self development and education into our businesses. Getting proper MLM/network marketing training is important...don't neglect this important part of your business.

Here are what I consider to be the TOP 5 tools to "grow yourself and your network marketing business....starting today!! These are my personal "road maps", and I highly recommend them:

1.) Find a favorite online network marketing trainer/guru...read everything you can by that person!!

I love books and CD's by Michael Clouse and Randy Gage. You can visit their websites by visiting:
www.Nexera.com  for Michael Clouse. www.Randygage.com  for Randy Gage. Both of these men are well respected and extremely successful in network marketing. Check out both sites and make your choice, their styles are very different. You may like them both and decide to learn a little from each. I own several audio CDs, tons of books and videos from both!!  The are incredible when it comes to "learning the basics" of how to grow your network marketing business into a large and lucrative empire!

2.) Learn about the Internet Marketing side of Network Marketing.

For those that are interested in building a network marketing business online, I absolutely recommend Mike Dillard and his team. Mike is the best on building a large business on the internet and he even teaches how to do it for under $500, even free in many cases!!!  Please visit www.liveyourdreams.buildingonabudget.com
The videos are FREE and you will learn what it takes to build your business online for cheap, cheap, cheap!!
You can also visit www.liveyourdreams.magneticsponsoring.com to learn how to attract leads to you..naturally. These programs actually work and the information and education you will get from both are priceless. Again, videos for both are instant and free!!

3.) Read or listen to the audio book of "Dare to Dream and Work to Win" by Dr Tom. Barrett

I read this book several times and I recommend it to ALL my new consultants. You can find the book or audio CD at www.daretodream.net I consider it the network marketers "must read". It breaks down the dollars and sense of of success in network marketing. It will give you real insight into what it takes to succeed in this business.

4.) Read "A New Earth..awakening to your life's purpose" by Eckhart Tolle. This book as changed my life!!!

This is the book Oprah recently endorsed and added to her "must read" list. It is also the subject of Oprah's first worldwide webcast training event which begins Monday, March 3rd. The webcast is FREE and it will break down the chapters in the book. All I can say is this...every black woman I know (including myself) will benefit from the principles of this book. If you would like more details, visit www.oprah.com and check out the preview. My entire sales team are is participating in the webcast training and reading the book!!  It's all about understanding and getting rid of the one thing that leads to anger, jealousy and unhappiness...our ego. check it out and join me for the webcast class!!  Sign up today!!

5.)Read the classic "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.

This book is another "must read" for every black woman that wants to succeed in network marketing.
It is tried and true!!  This book teaches the principles of understanding what it takes to really connect with people and how to get them to naturally join you in business. It is not a "network marketing" book, however, it encompasses the techniques and methods needed to develop rapport with potential customers and new consultants.