Chip,

You're absolutely right about this.  Your downline will quickly recognize your level of committment to their development and success, and will respond accordingly.  If they see you are always ready and willing to answer their questions, and provide them with duplicatable marketing techniques, they will stay in your organization forever.  If you just don't care and are only looking for the new signups, they will leave you in the first week of membership. 

You cannot look at members of your downline as $$$.  They are other network marketers looking for a way to make money and find success just like you are.  They have motivations, they have concerns, and they usually have a history in the industry.  Develop those relationships and HELP EACH OTHER.   You and your entire organization will benefit over the long term if you remember that.

Merideth

Chip,

Thanks for including your welcome email in the forum.  I know when most people start off, they are very unsure how to procede - especially when it comes to actually TALKING with their prospects  

I use a similar approach with my opening emails, but I also include some type of question (about why they are involved in network marketing, how long, etc) so they feel compelled to write back.  It also shows them that you are actually interested in their background and care about where they want to go from there.  This business is all about people and the relationships you can develop.

Merideth

Don,

You're absolutely right!  Upline support can be very valuable (depending on who that upline is made of) at every stage of the game, especially when you are trying to build your business from the groud up.  Just remember that the lessons you learn from your upline and during your own marketing journey will become the support you later give your own downline.  Only join the programs you would be proud to promote to your best friend and you future downline members.

Merideth