Can networking business sustain a family's income needs?

Yes, the potential is there, but beware; the road to network marketing riches is well-watered with the blood, sweat, and tears of those who had high hopes but in the end are left with only shattered dreams (and often leaner wallets than when they started).

Choose your company carefully. What is their track record as a company? Is it run by reputable people? How about leadership, both in the company itself and in your upline - do they really care about your success or just about making a buck for themselves? Does the product line have broad appeal and is it reasonably priced at retail as well as distributor cost? Is the product something people really need or just a "nice to have?" Is it consumerable - will your customers need to keep buying over and over again? In addition to recurring (retail sales) income, you need residual income - ongoing overrides on productivity of your downline. Is the compensation plan generous enough that even your less-successful recruits will have incentive to stay in and keep working the business? (if all your downline drops away, so does your residual income).

Do your homework, plan your work and work your plan. Don't quit your day job until your income streams are well established, and don't put all your eggs in one basket.

It all depends on whether your customers want and need what you're selling, as well as whether or not you're networking with people who likewise have relevant products and relevant contacts. You can know all the people in the world, but if what you're selling isn't what anyone wants or needs, or if your business plan isn't adequate, your business won't survive. Check out the Dummies books on how to start your own business.