subject: Network Marketing - Finding The Right Mlm Program [print this page] If you are considering joining a network marketing program it's usually because a) the idea of owning your own business is appealing, b) someone sold you on big money in a hurry, or c) you've purchased enough products from an MLM company to make becoming a distributor more cost-effective.
If you fall into category "a," congratulations. Your entrepreneurial spirit is to be admired. If you fall into category "b" then I urge you to proceed with caution. There are no shortcuts in the world of network marketing and no program is designed to help you make millions of dollars without putting in thousands of hours of work. If you are in category "c" and have no interest in building a downline, you might someday, so keep reading.
Many people get drawn into a network marketing program because they feel they were promised big money in a short period of time. While it is true that many pitches for business opportunities include segments on the MLM lifestyle that successful distributors are leading, it is important not to let the dollar signs cloud your vision. Nobody has ever succeeded in the network marketing business without working a lot of hours, facing countless rejections, and considering quitting once, twice, or a hundred times.
If you are considering joining a network marketing program, it is imperative that you do your homework on the company you are considering joining. MLM has a bad reputation for a reason - a few rotten apples have spoiled it for the whole bunch. If you are investing your money in a business you need to know how long it has been in operation, what the higher ups of the company are like, and how the products perform and sell.
Anyone who tries to recruit you without allowing you to do some research on your own should be considered with caution. Those recruiters who are up front and give you the space you need to make a decision are probably going to remain invested in you long after you sign on. Those who are simply trying to suck as many people as they can into their downline might not prove to be the best mentors later on.
Once you are satisfied with the company and the products, you must consider your own ability to invest. Investment of money, of course, but also consider the investment of time. Everyone knows it takes money to get a business started and network marketing is no exception. You have to buy your starter kits, your inventory, your supplemental materials, etc. The initial buy in may be $30, but trying to start a business with nothing is almost a guarantee for failure. Do your research. Find out what the average initial investment is. Can you afford it? Be honest with yourself.
If you decide you can afford the money, you need to consider your time. You shouldn't ever quit your day job to start from scratch in a network marketing program. This means coming home from work and spending hours each night and each weekend building your business so that you can eventually quit your day job. Do you have the energy and commitment to work two full time jobs? Again, be honest with yourself.
Network marketing programs have allowed countless people to own their own business, work from home and achieve high levels of success. But before you throw down your money, you need to do your homework and be honest with yourself about your finances and your commitment to making it work. Network marketing isn't for everyone, but it can open many doors for those with the drive to work their program.
