Choosing your network marketing business

When contemplating entering any business it is important to do your homework, to determine the viability of that business and whether it is the right one for you. This first section covers a number of topics that you should consider as part of your decision-making process before becoming involved in network marketing. The message that shines through is that you can never do too much homework on any company that you are looking to work with. The more comfortable you feel with the company, the more commitment you will have and the more successful your business will be. If you are already involved, this section will also be valuable in reaffirming your decision or highlighting something that you had not taken into consideration previously.

#1 Finding the right network marketing business for you

#2 The good, the bad and the downright ugly

#3 Networking versus pyramid schemes

#4 Take your time and do your homework

#5 Always get your information from a credible source

#6 Anyone can succeed in network marketing

#7 Many fail, but many succeed in a big way

#8 There will always be hurdles to overcome

#1 Finding the right network marketing business for you

For the majority of people, their introduction to network marketing has been through an invitation by someone already involved in a particular company, and therefore their only decision has been whether or not to get involved, rather than which company to get involved with. Today though, due to the growing positive exposure that network marketing is getting around the world, people are initiating contact through their own interest and desire to know more, and seeking out companies they would like to be affiliated with.

Network marketing and its acceptance is growing, with an increasing number of network marketing companies operating globally. Their business models, structures, cultures, products and remuneration can vary considerably; it is important to understand this variation rather than thinking of them as all the same.

For instance, you may have a background in the health industry or take a keen interest in your own health and wellbeing. A network marketing company that specialises in health or has a large product category in this industry may be best suited to you. It may be that your passion is for the beauty industry; again, a company that either specialises in or carries beauty products will be where you can take your passion and make a business of your own. For some it may be professional or specialised services, for others a company that offers a large cross-section of products and services. Other considerations could be that some network marketing companies suit your time availability better or that another's remuneration structure best suits your goals and dreams. It may be that you are looking for the security of a more established company, or the ground-floor opportunities that newly established companies provide.

Whatever the reason, with so much choice, it is important that you do your homework and find the company that's right for you.

#2 The good, the bad and the downright ugly

In all industries there are the good companies and not so good companies, the reputable and not so reputable, the ethical and not so ethical. This applies equally to network marketing organisations, although, as we discussed in the introduction, the industry has come a long way in recent years, and corporate compliance regulations in most countries require and enforce the highest of ethics and standards. Most of today's network marketing companies sell quality products — if they didn't, they simply would not be able to remain in business.

What is really important is to make sure the company is credible. Due to the growing acceptance of network marketing, more and more network marketing companies are being established. The majority are legitimate but some others, recognising the trend, try to disguise themselves as a network marketing system when in fact they may be a pyramid scheme; still others are planning to be in the market for only a short time, make their money from the unsuspecting, and then disappear.

Remembering that the aim of building a successful network marketing business is to establish a long-term passive income, it is very important that you feel the company you are joining is going to be around for the long term. Even though the 'ground-floor opportunity' promoted by a newly established company is often attractive, much can be said for the company that has been around for a long time. Longevity within the network marketing industry is a sign of stability, credibility, a sound business model, proven systems and, most importantly, a commitment to the independent business owner's long-term profitability.

This is certainly not to suggest that newly formed network marketing companies are not legitimate, but to point out that those companies that have been established over the long term have the advantage of offering a sense of security and confidence to those thinking of affiliating with them, as compared to a new company with an unproven record.

So satisfy yourself; do your own research. Talk to other people who are involved, ring the head office or ideally visit it. Buy some of the products to satisfy yourself that they are high quality; in general, do whatever you can to be certain that this is an organisation you would like to be associated with. Don't believe everything you read, especially when it is online. Don't be pressured into joining any organisation. If you have any nagging doubts, listen to the little voice inside you. It will soon become fairly clear which network marketing businesses really are credible and can back up their offers and claims, and which ones to steer clear of — but in the end, it is entirely up to you and to your own due diligence and research.

#3 Networking versus pyramid schemes

For the uninitiated there is a risk of unwittingly getting involved in a pyramid scheme, thinking it is network marketing. Unfortunately, because of the growth within the network marketing industry there will always be pyramid schemers around who will go out of their way to disguise themselves as a network marketing company. Due to a crackdown in recent times, these schemers are...