As we are plunging ahead into the new millennium, it occurred to me just how little some things have changed over the centuries.

—Ps 119:36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. (NIV)

These statutes are as important in our Internet businesses as in all other areas of life. The idea of integrity and honesty should be a crucial part of your marketing efforts; a successful Internet marketer is only as good as his/her word. Doesn’t it make sense to offer help to those you introduce to a program? Whether it is an affiliate program or an MLM company you're involved with, the importance of following through and being available to those you “sponsor” can't be overstated.

—Proverbs 18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. (NIV)

Are you an unfriendly marketer? Stop and think: isn’t it logical if you help someone succeed at one venture they would be more than willing to look at other concepts to build their business? Leave a newcomer swinging in the wind, and you can bet they won't give you the time of day again.

—Phillipians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (NIV)

This is truly the one principle that will guarantee your success; heed this principle, and success will hunt you down. Nothing is worse than to count yourself as a know-it-all or to wave superior knowledge over a prospect or a business associate.

—James 3:14-16 (14) But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. (15) Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. (16) For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (NIV)

Are you envious of those who are more successful than you? If so, realize it, don’t let it surface as you deal with others. Rather, focus on those you come in contact with and do everything within your grasp to help them to attain success, and yours will be found!! Dishonesty and false practice will only lead to ruin and disdain among your fellow Internet marketers.

—Ephesians 4:22-25 (22) You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; (23) to be made new in the attitude of your minds; (24) and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (25) Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (NIV)

Imagine for a moment that each person on the Internet adopted the above ideology; after all, in a way we are all members of one body online. Take it upon yourself to be helpful and not a hindrance to our mutual well-being; speak out if you find something you thought was a gem turns out to be just a pretty rock! Do all you can to treat everyone with kindness and respect. I assure you your relationships, online and off, will flourish and grow.

Clair Bird is an online entrepreneur who relishes the challenge of helping others find success through Internet marketing. http://www.referralware.com/home.jsp/64755047Need help? Submit your interview at http://www.idealbizz.com You work hard for your money; don’t overspend.

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