An important element for success in network marketing is a good mlm mentor.

For years, I have been teaching others that the mentor you follow will usually have more to do with your success than the comp plan, the product or products the company distributes, or even the particular mlm company you promote. That's how critcal a mentor can be!

A number of other network marketers call me every week. It's surprising how many networkers have a poor mentor. I am the first to acknowledge that ultimately we are all responsible for our own success or failure. But, for many in the industry, just working with a good mentor could make the difference between success and failure.

Unfortunately, many times people do not do realize what kind of mentor they really have until after they are in a business. Spend a few minutes thinking about your mentor. Here are some clear indicators of a poor mentor. Compare these with your mentor.

Always too busy to help you right now.

Not good about returning your phone calls in a timely manner, or not returning them at all.

Doesn't seem to know how to help you build your business.

Does not have a system for you to follow.

Trying to make money off their downline by selling them tools, training materials, or leads.

Their answer to your lack of progress is always buy more leads, work harder, or similar vague answers.

Failing to follow through on promises.

Making false representations.

When you Google their name, others have reported bad experiences.

Their personality is not that of a leader.

If you are already building an mlm and find that your mentor does not measure up, you should take immediate action. If you don't fix the situation, your odds of huge success will not be good in most cases.

If you have a significant business built and are receiving nice checks in spite of things, search upline for someone to work with. Keep contacting people upline from you until you find the right mentor. One of the great things about network marketing is that taking the time to help others is rewarded. Your upline has a financial interest in your success.

If you have not built a significant business yet, it might be wise to cut your losses and find a new mentor in a new company. Learn from your experiences with this mentor. You will know better what to look for next time.

A good mentor can impact your success more than anything else. Choose your MLM mentor carefully.