What it Means to Be an Independent Consultant, Rep or Distributor

According to Dictionary.com the word independent means:
working for oneself or for a small, privately owned business.
not relying on another or others for aid or support.
not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; autonomous; free: an independent businessman.

However; in the direct sales business world, independent should really mean something more like:
separate from main company, yet still under the authority of main company though responsible for making an effort to promote the business or you will fail on your own, though you have support and guidance and marketing tools provided to you from main company.

I'm not sure why, but lately there are many who believe they can or should sign up for every business opportunity that there is and that they'll be wealthy without having to do any work, or abiding by company rules or promoting the business.

Their belief seems to be:
Sign up for company
Do nothing
Don't participate in company trainings, forums or groups where they can obtain all pertinent information they need
Wonder why they make no money
Make some excuses (ie: I don't have time to read company postings)
Then act surprised when they're let go from company

If a person does not have the time to read company postings or emails, how does that person think they'll get very far with that company? That means they have no inkling of what's going on in the company, no clue of any new products, specials, incentives, contests or pretty much anything that involves the company. If they can't read a few posts a day from their company, how does the company think that person is going to have time to read potential clients emails?

If you really want to make it with whatever company you work for, present yourself professionally and be active. Respond to emails, know what's going on in your company, promote the business (not sure how people think they get clients and orders if they don't promote!), and go for it.

You get out of a company what you put into it. If you do nothing, you'll get nothing.
If you promote on a consistent basis and to your target market, you'll get clients which leads to orders and money in your pocket.

Keys to success:
Know your company info
Keep abreast of new products/service, special offers
Promote your company
Respond to emails, inquiries
Don't make excuses (nobody wants to hear them and nobody will have respect for you if you have an excuse for everything. If you screw up, be willing to admit it and do whatever it takes to rectify the situation and then move on.)
Be real, be genuine, be yourself (nobody wants to deal with a fraud, fake or poser)
Be consistent (nobody wants to deal with someone who may appear to be a flake or a fly by night)
Be positive and go after your goals and you'll achieve success