Mirriam - Webster defines focus as the ability to concentrate attention or effort. The importance of this skill when building a business may seem obvious. When you are able to focus, you are directing your energy towards achieving an outcome. Compare this to the ineffectiveness of sporadically working on a task or jumping around and never really completing a step that will help you reach your goal. On top of building your business, there are a great number of other things we have going on in our lives. There is a lot of external stimulation to distract us from our goals. Sometimes to the point to where we get into a rut. Breaking out of that habit can be a challenge.

The ability to focus your energies to any given task is very powerful. I am sure you have heard of the analogy of a magnifying glass. Using the magnifying glass can help you focus the energy from the sun and burn a hole in a piece of paper. Your focus on even the smallest of tasks on a consistent basis will make a big difference in your business.

There are a great number of methods to build your business on line. In fact it can be quite overwhelming when first starting out. There is content sharing, blogs, Videos, social network sites such as Facebook, social book marking, pay per click advertising and so on. You may feel pressured to learn it all as fast as possible. In fact some people may jump around from different trainings, programs and systems all in effort to build their business as fast as possible. When you feel this sense of urgency, stop yourself and take a deep breath! You can and should focus your energy in learning and applying one method at a time. Remember that this is a business and as with all businesses, it takes work! If you apply yourself and focus your efforts, you will see results.

If you are building your network marketing business or any other business, you probably know how easy it is to get distracted. There are many new programs, trainings and systems available that promise a great deal of success in building your business. It is easy to get caught up in it, especially if you are into Network Marketing and are frustrated with the more traditional methods. While the trainings and programs may provide a great deal of value, what you get out of it will depend upon your ability to focus.

Here are some simple steps to take to help you maintain your focus:

1. Have a plan. Think about where you are at in building your business. Develop and follow a plan of attack to achieving your goals. Measurable steps will make it easier to evaluate your progress.
2. Schedule time to consistently work on your business. Regardless of the amount of time you have, you should focus your energy on a consistent basis. Each step you take will build upon the other, regardless how small. The key is to focus and take consistent action.
3. Evaluate yourself and your progress. Have you finished what you set out to learn? Are you ready to move onto the next step? If you are thinking about purchasing or obtaining training in a different area of focus, ask yourself where you are at and if it will distract you from what you are doing now. You can always jot down ideas and trainings you would like to consider for future reference.
4. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed with everything you need to learn, or if you find yourself not wanting to work on a task because the amount of work you have a head of yourself, set yourself a mini goal to complete only one step of the process. It can be a quick simple step that can be easily accomplished.
5. Last but not least, focus on providing value to others. By contributing and giving value to others, you will naturally attract people to your business.

Mike Klinger, creator of Marketing Merge, discusses the importance of focus in his intensive 3 part training called "How I built My First List". He partnered with Ann Seig to develop an intensive program to help people develop effective plans. He mentions how jumping around from one program or training to the next can get you no where. A solid foundation is needed. While there is a lot of good training and information out there, there is no rush to learn it all at once. You will achieve far greater success by keeping focused!

The ability to focus your energy is sometimes easier said than done. I personally have had experiences where I had set out to write an article, watch a webinar or work on my website, only to find myself playing on-line poker! It is at those times were I stop and ask myself what is really going on. It is usually because I am feeling overwhelmed or I think that I don't have the time to complete the entire project. I realize I am making excuses and commit to completing one small step. I may watch one segment of an online training course, write a brief rough draft introduction to an article, or any other small task I know I can accomplish. I usually end up getting more accomplished than had planned. Other ways of keeping keeping your focus can include reviewing your goals on a daily basis and using vision boards as visual representations of what you want to achieve. I have found that doing this helps me with keeping my priorities in order.

Keep your self focused on your goals. Resist the urge to jump from one program, training or system to another! If you are feeling overwhelmed, break down whatever you are doing into small, easy to accomplish steps. Remember that you achieve greater success by focusing on your plan. Also remember to focus your energy on giving value to others.