Have you ever been to an event or conference that was supposed to be networking neutral and had someone start pitching their “opportunity” to you? How did it make you feel? MLM business owners are notorious for being a network marketer first and losing sight of who they really are in the business world. Among the first rules of attraction marketing is “Be Attractive by Making Friends First”!

Network marketing can be a very attractive option for creating multiple streams of income. So why do network marketing business owners feel the need to jump at every chance to promote their business and lose sight of the etiquette and purpose of social networking? What makes them see everyone they meet as a potential customer or prospect?

There are differing opinions, but I think it comes down to some clear network marketing fallacies and fears that have been perpetuated by years of wrong thinking and traditional mlm training. Have I been subject to this wrong thinking in my career? You bet, but thankfully my paradigm has changed.

Networking offline or online, there are some attraction based principles that will help you find the right person to partner or network with whether or not they ever join your team or primary company. These same principles also make you the right person for them. Remember the power of attraction goes both ways!

• Be genuine. The true you will manifest eventually, so approach people with authenticity and integrity. When participating in social sites like Facebook. Linkedin, Twitter, etc. look for people who share your interests, values, and passion. It isn’t about the numbers of people following you or how many are in your friend box, but the quality of relationship and mutual benefit you provide each other.

• Give value. Let’s be honest in recognizing that everyone wants to know “what’s in it for me”.  No relationship is a one way street. Mutual respect and ongoing attraction is a result of personal and professional needs being fulfilled in the relationship.  Look for meaningful ways you can promote and support your social relationships. Become a value match! Build trust and be the first to give.

• Relationship first. That means putting aside your business and professional agenda and having fun, being available, and taking time to get to know your network. That’s why you pick and choose carefully who you network with and how many networks you join, because being engaged requires effort. If you are networking online, blogs, Squidoo lenses, Hub pages, social sites, all benefit from interaction. Polling, asking questions, requesting feedback without pushing product allows you to get to know your network more intimately. Link to good articles and promote others when it’s appropriate. Offline, meet outside of a professional setting for coffee or a drink, ask what you can do to help, and then take action. I like to refer to this as “romancing the sale”. You wouldn’t propose on a first date, so don’t push for a sale the first time you meet.

Deeper friendships are lasting friendships that support you in business and life. In network marketing that’s especially important since companies and opportunities can be here today and gone tomorrow. Make it a priority to be you first and a network marketer second. Be a networker that makes joining an mlm an attractive proposition by following the rule of “Making Friends First”.