About Direct Selling - What to Look For in Network Marketing and Direct Selling

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About Direct Selling (Small business, business opportunity, home based business for individuals )

About Direct Selling - Work from Home, Network Marketing, Direct Selling (Small business, business opportunity, home based business for individuals )

Network marketing, home based businesses opportunities

What to Look for in a Network Marketing Opportunity

If you are considering the idea of becoming involved with a network marketing opportunity and starting a small business and/or a home based business, you first need to evaluate "you." Network marketers / entrepreneurs are generally risk takers - not afraid of failing, self-starters, driven, problem solvers and optimistic. There are extreme highs and lows and it is these traits that will carry you through the low points while trying to build your business. In considering which company to join, you may want to consider the following:

Did you know...
The most successful network marketing company in Europe is PM International, a German wellness company founded in 1993 (now servicing the U.S. market).

Paul Zane Pilzer predicts that the wellness industry will be the next trillion dollar industry by the year 2010. Baby boomers are aging and more people are attaining wealth (through networking). This is creating a growing demand for wellness products through a direct selling distribution model. Check out Pilzer's book, The New Wellness Revolution .

1. Is the product or service that you will be selling of interest to you? It helps a great deal to be passionate about what the product or service you will be marketing. If you use the product and believe in the product, it will be much easier to promote it and your sincerity will come across as well. It is difficult to maintain enthusiasm over time when have no connection to the offering.

2. Company Integrity and History.
Who are the company founders and what are their backgrounds? Hundreds of network marketing companies start up each year and most fail. They often fail because the founders had little or no experience in network marketing. This is a big commitment that you are making of your time and income. You want to feel comfortable knowing that the founders have successfullt withered the storms. If a company has made it beyond five years, they are in a better position for future stability. If and when problems did occur (lawsuits, complaints), were they resolved and how? Many companies - especially large ones have had lawsuits filed against them for some reason or another - some justified, some not. That is why it is important to delve a little deeper to find out the details.

3. Does the business opportunity offer a solid marketing and compensation plan? Is it fair? If the person that sponsored you leaves the company, is your income affected? Residual income is a major reason why people become involved with network marketing. A true residual plan will pay uninterrupted commissions, regardless of whether someone in your upline leaves the company.

4. Is the product or service part of an industry that is experiencing growth?
Those that invested in companies like Microsoft and Google during the growth stages in their respective industries, received substantial returns on their investments. Most products and services offered through direct distributors are luxury items that consumers can do without out so the trends are revealing for determining longevity in the industry.

5. Are you working with a supportive team?
Are you able to get support whenever you need it? Can you pick up the phone and ask for assistance and know that you will work with someone who is dedicated to helping you reach your goals?

6. Are your expectations realistic? Can you realistically reach your financial objectives with the systems that are in place with the other obligations that you have? Are you able to balance the the demands of your family and related matters with the effort that will be required to meet the goals that you have set for yourself? Are you able to "suspend" your status (with the company) without losing what you have built up if you have to temporarily quit for any reason?

The decision to join a network marketing or direct sales company should not be taken lightly. With the investment that you will make of your time and finances, you want to be sure that you have made the right choice. There is a wealth of information available to help you make your decision. If the company is publicly traded, along with the stock, you can also review company profiles, financials (income statement, balance sheet, cashflow) and press releases. - Good luck with your research!