Articles:
How to Choose a Network Marketing Winner
By DeAnna Spencer
The idea of using a network-marketing program to generate extra income has taken North America by storm. More and more people are looking around, attempting to find a real winner.
The problem is that network marketing companies are sprouting up all over the place and there's just too many of them to keep up with. This makes the choice of which program to join a frustrating and time consuming process. Before you join any network marketing company, go through this checklist.
Think about the product. Is it a product that you would use regularly, and freely recommend to your friends? Is it lower prices, more convenient to use than similar products available elsewhere? Finally what about delivery? How much time lapses between the time the order is placed and when the order is received?
Find out as much about the company as you can. Be wary of chain letters, pyramid scams, and ridiculous claims about how much you can make. Be sure to find out exactly what you're getting for your sign up fee. Make sure the company provides you with professional sales materials and that they're reasonably priced. If you're involved with a company that makes its money from the training material that isn't a good sign. Find out about the company's financial backing and corporate officers-are they in this as full time professional sales people? Be sure to understand/know how the company keeps track of all the incoming orders and when, as well as how you'll be paid.
Before you decide to join a network marketing company and expect to make a profit, you must understand that:
It is a selling proposition. You will be required to sell and it will require a lot of your time. You must have a product line that appeals to most people. In other words try to find information, a membership site, or a program that will help people achieve financial security.
In addition to understanding what's involved and a product line that most people want and will buy from you, you need assistance- instructions and help- in not only selling the product or products, but in how to find new customers on an ongoing basis. Once you've decided to try your hand at network marketing, and you've become affiliated with a company that has a product line that you feel will appeal to most people, and you have your advertising/sales materials, the next thing to do is to determine how YOU want to sell it-will you be selling in
person, online, or through the mail?
Remember that the amount of time you spend in actually trying to sell the product will determine the amount of money you make. Don't forget that unless you keep making sales calls and keep finding customers, you won't make any money. It's up to you to decide how much time you'll spend with your network marketing business. Picking the right network marketing company can be frustrating because there are so many of them, but if you remember the key points in this article then the process should be a lot easier.
Copyright DeAnna Spencer 2004
This article may be redistributed freely on the Internet as long as the resource box remains intact.
DeAnna Spencer is a virtual assistant that helps entrepreneurs run a successful business by providing affordable administrative help. She also publishes a blog for small business owners. Visit this small business resource today.
Tips on Choosing the Right Network Marketing Company
By William J. Thomas
Are you yearning to start a home based business? With literally thousands of business opportunities available, one of your hardest decisions is trying to figure out what type of business to start? While personal experiences and preferences impact your final decision, one type of home based business that many try their hand at is Network Marketing, also scornfully referred to by many as Multi Level Marketing. While some of the criticism is deserved, the other side of the coin is that this type of business model has made some people very rich, and has provided excellent part and full time incomes for many others. While your success ultimately depends upon your own personal efforts, there are several things to look for in evaluating a Network Marketing business. While the following list is not all inclusive, it will help guide you in choosing the right business.. for you.
1) Affordability.. While all legitimate businesses require some type of capital investment, be wary of businesses that require large monthly purchases. Trying to recruit people into a business that requires a large monthly investment on top of advertising materials and other costs can be difficult. Even when you are able to sign up new distributors, the attrition or dropout rate in this type of business is extremely high. If you plan to get involved with a business requiring a large monthly purchase requirement, be aware that constant recruitment is a reality. That being said, there are many Network Marketing based nutritional companies that have been in business for many years. While cost is important, don't let it deter you from joining a business that you believe in.
2) Duplication.. Make sure that the business you join offers a system that will enable others to duplicate your efforts. When looking into a business opportunity take a hard look at what type of business tools they offer. What kind of marketing materials do they have? Do they have a professional website that fully explains the business? Do they offer a varied selection of marketing materials such as business cards and postcards, as well as Internet Marketing materials? You need to have a system in place that anyone can understand and duplicate. Never assume that just because you understand the marketing system, others will as well. Simplicity is essential.
3) Real Products.. Does the company offer real products or services that others will want to purchase on a continuing basis? With the advent of the Internet, many companies offer business opportunities based around Internet business tools such as Autoresponders, Lead Generators, List Builders, etc. While this sounds great, what if the person decides that they no longer want to be involved with an Internet business? There is a lot to be said for companies that provide consumable products that are reordered on a regular basis. A good indication of whether or not you have a winner is asking yourself if it were not for the business opportunity, would you still use these products?
4) Compensation Plan.. One of the problems with many Network Marketing companies is that they have a compensation plan that a Math professor would have trouble figuring out. With Unilevel or Stairship Breakaway Plans, Matrix and Binary Plans, One Ups, Two Ups, and so many different qualifiers, the average distributor has little if any idea what's required to get paid. Since the payout requirements vary for each company, make certain that you understand the compensation plan before you join. Having someone tell you that you can earn money in 8 different ways is fantastic, but not knowing what you have to do to get paid is a bummer.
5) Residual Income...For most of us involved in Network Marketing, one of the main attractions is the potential to create residual income. What could be greater than earning money years from now on your efforts today. While most Network Marketing companies do provide some form of residual income, make sure you understand the requirements and conditions. For instance, what happens if you die? Is your business transferable? While most of us don't think about this when starting out, what if our business becomes hugely successful and we're earning thousands of dollars a month?
6) Support... This is another area in which many companies over promise and under deliver. Check to see what type of support system the company has in place, and don't be afraid to try it out before joining. At the least, you need a company that provides tools and a system to address your concerns in a expedient manner. Having a system that allows you to email support 24/7 is great but how long does it take you to get a response? Is there a phone number where you can speak to an actual person during normal business hours? Good companies provide great support.
7) Credibility.. While there is something to be said for joining a company at it's inception, the reality is that many new companies fail. There is nothing worse than spending time and money building your business only to see it disappear overnight. Established companies can provide many things that newer companies can't, one of those being a track record of success and credibility. While the rewards with a new company can be very great, the risk is also higher. Only you can determine whether or not you think it's worth taking.
While Network Marketing isn't for everyone, it has proven to be a legitimate way for many people to create part and full time incomes without the financial expense and risk that comes with many other businesses. Use due diligence in selecting a business opportunity and once you decide on one, give it your all. Wishing you much success!
William J. Thomas is actively engaged in Network Marketing. He also contributes articles on life, business and other topics. His current website is Earn Income from Home With Your Own Internet Business
How to Evaluate an MLM Business Opportunity
by Daegan H. Smith
Use the following tips to determine if the MLM business opportunity youÃve encountered is the ideal one for you.
What Will You Sell?
An MLM company will generally have its members, distributors, managers, or whatever it is they call people who join their group, sell products or services. Many MLM companies sell only products in a given industry. Other MLM companies, however, may offer their members a chance to sell a wide array of products and services and ranging from various industries.
The ideal MLM business opportunity is one that will ask you to sell something youÃre interested in or, even better, something youÃre passionate about. You donÃt need to have prior and extensive knowledge about it. Having interest in or passion for it is more than enough to start with. If youÃre a health-conscious individual, for instance, joining an MLM company that sells healthcare products or organic food products might be something that would greatly appeal to you.
Secondly, the products or services must be of quality. They must be something that you sincerely believe in and one you wouldnÃt hesitate to market or sell to your friends and people who trust your opinion. When youÃre selling something, youÃre guaranteeing the productÃs quality. Many people who are close to you will also purchase what youÃre selling because they believe in what youÃre saying. Just imagine what kind of trouble youÃd end up in if you were to deliberately sell people products whose quality are less than adequate.
Thirdly, the products or services must be something youÃve tried for yourself. ItÃs not a necessity, true, but it would be a huge advantage to your MLM career if itÃs so. People, even those you donÃt personally know, generally feel more inclined to purchase something if they can see with their own two eyes the possible results of their purchase. If you are promoting a food supplement to help lose weight, your marketing pitch would be more effective if youÃve tried the product yourself and show your prospects its favorable results on your figure.
Do You Have a Network to Start With?
It would be hard to succeed in MLM without a network of contacts to start with. A part of your network must at least represent your target market.
The products and services sold by MLM companies are not for everyone. You may have heard a lot of hype saying otherwise but theyÃre just that: hype. A MLM company selling beauty care products would be hardly attractive to males with outdoor preferences, donÃt you think? Thus, if you want the best MLM business opportunity for you then choose something that youÃll have immediate contacts for.
What is the Compensation Method?
Compensation plans or methods vary from one MLM company to another. Make sure you know and understand first what kind of compensation system is being used before joining an MLM company. Some MLM companies give greater rewards for those with better recruitment skills while other MLM companies give equal rewards for those who sell well and recruit a lot.
Consider these factors carefully and youÃll know the right MLM business opportunity for you.
About the Author
Daegan Smith Is And Expert Online Marketer "Wanna Lean The Secret To Making $85,147,717 Per Month While Quickly And Easily EXPLODING Your Network Marketing Organization by 7,141 People Without EVER Buying Or Calling a Single Stinking Lead?" Free CD Explains All: ==> http://www.easymlmprofits.com