In this article we extract some of the enduring wisdom and quotes from Jim Rohn’s classic book “How to Build Your Network Marketing Business.” In his book, he explains his own career challenges and eventual success, plus some of the magic behind the industry.

When he started in network marketing, Jim’s only skill was that he knew how to milk cows. He was lucky to find a good network marketing company and soon learned that “profits are better than wages.” There is nothing in schools that teaches this lesson in our educational system.

During the course of his career, he learned to sell, hire, communicate well, and train others in his business. How did he do that? Every step of the way to learn a new skill, he would try it, fail, and then do it again. Eventually, through hard work, perseverance, and 35-40 years of experience, he reached a position that many aspire to achieve.

Jim Rohn changed his life by learning some basic philosophies. A crucial expression: “If you do something often enough, a proportion will appear.” When you talk to 10 and get 1 to join your business, engaging 20 is likely to produce 2. With this mindset, you won’t care if a specific person joins you, but you still care if they hear your message. There is nothing worse after several years of career, that a friend or relative asks after understanding your success why you did not tell them about your opportunity before.

Another great philosophy he learned was the story of the sower from the Bible. Some seed falls on the side of the road where the birds get it. Some fall on stony ground where it sprouts, but then wither and die. Some fall on thorny ground and begin to grow but the thorns choke it and they die. Finally, some seeds hit fertile ground (and you’ve finally hired someone who is successful in your business). What is important is the underlying philosophy that you have absolutely no control in these situations. Don’t go hunting birds or try to remove all the rocks and thorns. He can’t do it and will get frustrated trying to take it on. Just keep sowing until something falls on fertile soil.

According to Jim, “Everything magical is a challenge.” What magic? According to the Bible: “If two or three agree on a common purpose, nothing is impossible.” How would that change your network marketing, affiliate, franchise business, or family life?

How challenging? According to Jim, getting people to work together is like “herding cats.” However, with a little ingenuity, anyone can do this “magic.” Just figure out a way to do it and your business will suddenly be worth a fortune.

He also learned the ability to teach … how life works. In the 21st century, what is needed most is not just business skills, but life skills. Life skills are leadership skills and learning to set goals. The greatest life skill is the talent to inspire, which is needed to help people believe in themselves enough to achieve their dreams.

Honesty is important. When mistakes are made, be honest with people, but help them correct or repair the mess they have created. Then help them believe in themselves to reach their potential. Although Jim didn’t believe it, his mentor told him that one day he would walk into a room and people would say “That’s him. That’s the famous man.”

Jim learned to work with people who “deserve it” vs. those who “need it”. Be like “life itself”, serving to deserve and not to need. Instead of “need and you will reap”, Scripture says “sow and you will reap.” He also learned a lesson from a sponsor and from working with groups. “You can help 1,000, but you can’t carry 3 on your back.”