My advice when I started was to look at the basics. Since the first day I have not heard from my upline at all. It helped me to learn things on my own though. I have been an Executive Affiliate 3 months in a row now trying to get bronze team leader.
If I had a downline I would keep in contact with them at least once a week like I do with my csa's. Just to see how they are doing and if they have any questions about sfi.