With the proliferation of so-called industry experts, it has become more critical than ever to discern between true mentors and those who merely coach because they could not (or would not) build a business themselves. Here’s how to filter out the noise and ensure you are learning from the right people.

The Proliferation of Coaches Who Would Rather Teach Than Do

In recent years, network marketing has seen a surge in trainers and coaches who position themselves as experts but lack the real-world experience of building a lasting organization. Many have never successfully led a team, navigated industry shifts, or built a duplicable system. While some may offer valuable theoretical insights, they lack the practical battle scars that come with growing a business from the ground up.

This is where being a fruit inspector comes in. Would you take fitness advice from someone who is out of shape? Would you trust an investment coach who has never successfully built wealth? The same principle applies in network marketing. Your mentor should be someone who has walked the walk, not just someone who can talk the talk.

The Power of Association: You Become Who You Learn From

Jim Rohn famously said:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

This truth underscores the importance of intentional association. If you want to succeed in network marketing, you must align yourself with people who have already achieved what you aspire to.

Many aspiring network marketers fall into the trap of taking advice from people who:

1. Have no real results in the business.
2. Speak negatively about network marketing or operate from a place of skepticism.
3. Offer theory-based training with no proven track record.

Your goal should be to surround yourself with people who embody the success, mindset, and ethics you want to cultivate. Every interaction, training, and mentorship session should elevate your thinking, strengthen your skills, and push you to take action.

So, how do you choose the right mentor? Here are three powerful tips.

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Coach and Mentor in Network Marketing

1. Inspect the Fruits: Do They Have Tangible Success?

Before committing to learning from someone, examine their track record:

• Have they successfully built a network marketing organization that has sustained growth over time?
• Can they show proof of success—not just personal earnings but a team of successful leaders they’ve developed?
• Have they overcome obstacles and adapted to industry shifts?

A mentor should not just be someone who made a lot of money for a short period. They should have a legacy of leadership, impact, and ethical success. If someone is constantly shifting businesses or can’t demonstrate long-term, duplicable success, they may not be the right person to learn from.

Example: A great mentor will not just tell you what to do but will have documented their success through team achievements, testimonials, and repeatable processes.

2. Do They Still Actively Build, or Are They Just Teaching?

In today’s social media age, many self-proclaimed experts market themselves as coaches but have long abandoned the actual work of building a network marketing business.

A true mentor should still be engaged in:

• Actively growing a team.
• Staying current with industry trends.
• Practicing what they preach in real-time.

Many full-time coaches left the field because they could not sustain their success, so instead of building, they now sell advice on how to build. While there’s nothing wrong with coaching, if you want to learn how to win today, your mentor should be actively succeeding in today’s market.

Example: Look for someone who is still in the trenches, mentoring leaders within their organization, and consistently demonstrating adaptability in changing market conditions.

3. Do They Have a Proven System That Can Be Duplicated?

Success in network marketing is not just about personal achievement; it’s about building a system that others can replicate.

• Does this mentor have a clear, teachable process that has been duplicated by others?
• Can they break down their success into step-by-step guidance?
• Have their students or team members also achieved success by following their strategies?

A mentor who can’t explain their methodology in simple, actionable steps is likely either operating on luck or is unable to transfer their knowledge effectively. The best leaders empower others to succeed, not just themselves.

Example: The best mentors have a track record of developing leaders, not just making money themselves. Look at the success stories of their team members.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Standards for Mentorship

The right mentor can dramatically accelerate your success in network marketing, while the wrong one can lead you down a frustrating and unproductive path. Be a fruit inspector—examine not just what someone says, but what they have built, sustained, and helped others achieve.

Here’s a quick recap on choosing the right mentor:

1. Inspect their fruits—look for proven, duplicable success, not just hype.
2. Ensure they are still in the game, not just teaching from the sidelines.
3. Verify that they have a replicable system that has helped others succeed.

Network marketing is about people, systems, and mentorship. Choose wisely, and you’ll build a foundation for lasting success. Surround yourself with winners, and over time, you will become one, too.

Now, take a moment and reflect: Who are the five most influential people in your life right now? Are they helping you grow or holding you back? If you want to reach new levels, upgrade your circle.

Are You Ready to Find the Right Mentor?

If you’re serious about growth in network marketing, start by evaluating your current influences. Seek out mentors who are actively winning in the space and who have a heart for lifting others up. Your success is too important to leave in the hands of the wrong teachers.

The right mentorship can change everything—choose wisely!