So often the focus on marketing, whatever business you happen to be in, seems to be on building a downline. Getting referrals, getting a list, getting sign ups.

Is this really the way to be successful? Well, it certainly helps, no doubt about it. But most people are going about it the wrong way.

If you concentrate on building a downline you will find that you are constantly having to renew it as most people will sign up, stick around for a little while, then move on. It's a fact of life and I don't know why it happens but it does.

However, if you concentrate on building your reputation, you will find that those who sign up under you are joining YOU, not your business. They will therefore stick around and more than likely put in the effort to duplicate your own success.

So build your reputation first and foremost. Be known as someone who is interested in helping your referrals achieve success. Be known as someone who puts their referrals interests ahead of their own. If you know one of your referrals is short of money, tell them where they can get stuff for free, don't tell them they need to buy the latest 'must have' tool, just so you can earn a commission!

When I first started out with this internet stuff, I joined just about every programme, system, business that was offered. Want to know how many upline sponsors took the time to contact me and introduce themselves? Not one! Not a single person bothered to get in touch and tell me how to make money off the business they were promoting. Not one single sponsor took the time to ask what I needed. No wonder I didn't make any money. And no wonder I took off to the next 'big thing' thinking it might be different.

To be honest, I didn't even realise that sponsors were supposed to contact their referrals!

But it didn't take long to figure out that if I carried on that way, I was never going to be successful. Plus, I naturally get a buzz out of making money and wanted to share that with my downline so I contact them whenever I can. I also get a buzz when people ask for my advice or my opinion on something they're considering. People only do that when you have a reputation for honesty and knowledge and experience in your chosen field.

So get out there and build your reputation. Learn as much as you can and pass it on (pay it forward). As your reputation grows so does your recruiting prowess. Just ask Mike Dillard if you don't believe me!

And never forget... Building a reputation is far more important than building a downline!

Susan Coils