Choosing MLM Company

By MLM Foundation 08 27th, 2013

Going through the pros and cons of different MLM opportunities? Pick out the best MLM companies among the rest by finding out the important factors to consider.

With the many MLM companies sprouting today in various places all around the world, it can certainly be confusing to choose which one will give you the best opportunity to grow and attain your dreams. Indeed a lot of people have become frustrated and disappointed over the years because of having joined several MLM companies that did not last or provide sufficient support.
Getting into this type of business can be very challenging yet very rewarding too. If you’re really determined to make it big as a network marketer and as a global entrepreneur, you have to go through the various MLM opportunities first and weigh them according to these top 6 most important factors:

1. Length of Existence
One of the most obvious factors that exhibit stability of a company is the length of existence. Yes, it can be quite tempting to become a pioneer in a startup MLM business. However, if this company has not been in existence for at least 5 years in another country, you better think twice. Please remember that 90% of MLM companies that are just in the initial stages and are not presently operating anywhere else fail within a period of two years.

2. Capitalization
The other question you must find the answer to is this: How well-capitalized is the company?
The company you intend to join should definitely have sufficient capitalization in order to support infrastructure, training, keep pace with technology, have a steady supply of products, and be able to pay your commission! Do a bit of research first and visit the office several times. Talk to other distributors as well, not just to your sponsor. At least in this manner, you can gain insight into the actual workings of the business before shelling out any amount of money for the membership.
When it comes to MLM opportunities, you’re better off going with a company that is transparent with its capitalization and profits, one that also increases its sales every year over the span of time it has been in operation.

3. Uniqueness and Marketability of Products and Services
How unique are the products and services? If they seem to be just like any other in the market, forget about it. You won’t be able to sell them at all or use them to invite or recruit people into your group.
For example, if the company is offering food supplements, you need to look into the ingredients carefully and ensure that these are much more powerful than other options. You can even try first the product before joining.
Also be aware that there are times when uniqueness is present but marketability is absent. You have to determine and check if people really need the products and services and if you’ll have a huge market for these. If, for example, the MLM opportunities you’re looking into offer one-of-a-kind items for just specialized, limited groups, you might run out of customers in the long run especially as more distributors add up.

4. Ways of Earning
Another important factor you really, really need to study is the ways of earning MLM companies have. There are tons of variations! If you’re not a network marketer, you might get confused. You might be led on too. Make sure to ask a lot of questions and to comprehend the marketing/compensation plan first before joining.
It’s essential to choose the opportunity that allows you to earn immediately and will not require you to invest so much every month. There are some that will require monthly auto shipment of massive amounts, which you may not be able to afford especially if you’re still just starting. Take note that to actually start doing good in this business, you need to be at it for around two years consistently. Don’t make so much of shorter claims. These may all be hype!
It’s better too to go with a plan that gives commissions without needing to fulfill so many requirements or quotas first. For example, there are some that will give you a commission for every person who joins your team even if you don’t have any sales or you haven’t met a certain number of recruits yet.

5. Training Provision
Another important but often neglected factor is training provision. How much training and support does the company provide for distributors? How much do they cost?
Generally, it’s best to go with a MLM company with a dedicated training team and that conducts regular training all year round. Furthermore, you might want to look at stable companies which actually give a lot of free sessions to help distributors become more successful as opposed to those which seem to not be generous with knowledge and development of skills but are more focused on earning from the costly training offered.

6. Business Partners
Lastly, as you are juggling the decision among just a few top contenders of MLM opportunities you’re considering, take note of the business partners you will have. Do you get along with the team members and especially with the person who invited you? Do you like the people you’ll be working with? Do you think you’ll have fun being with them? This is very important as it can also play a major role in your resolve to stay in the group or in the company despite tough times.
Image Credit: Siddarthrajsekar.com

6 Questions to Ask Before Becoming a Network Marketer

Q: I'm looking for a homebased business opportunity or a network marketing company to represent. What questions should I ask the company before I make a decision?

A: Whether you are looking for a part-time opportunity or a full-time career change, selecting the right business venture is clearly a major part of your formula for success. Thousands of potential homebased independent distributorships, franchises and network marketing opportunities are being offered in newsstand opportunity magazines, on those spam e-mails you receive regularly, or from friends and relatives who are convinced they've found the holy grail to make you both wealthy.

Unfortunately, many people jump at opportunities based on advertising hype or unsubstantiated promises and are quickly disappointed. There's nothing wrong with a company promoting its opportunity in the best light, or with your friends focusing on the potential benefits available in their own ventures. It's just that you need to separate facts from illusions, reality from fantasy and true potential from the enthusiastic sales pitch of the people who stand to profit from your involvement. They may have taken a leap of faith themselves without having done their own due diligence. There are many good opportunities for those willing to work and work hard. Any business that offers real opportunity requires real effort. Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Here are the six questions you should ask to help you make educated decisions about your time and money investment.

1. How long has the company been in business? If they've been around for several years, they'll have network marketing operators who have already paved the way. Ask for references. And if they won't give you any, dig deeper to find out why.

If this is a start-up venture, look for signs of financial stability. Are they properly funded to deliver on the promises they promote?

2. Who are the people behind the company? Do they have proven business expertise? Have they had other successes prior to this business that assure you they understand what it takes to succeed? Do they have a successful network marketing background? If not, is a member of their executive team or a consulting organization guiding them?

3. Are the products or services of personal interest to you? You usually won't do well in a business when you can't personally relate to the products. Would you buy this product yourself? Would you recommend it to friends even if you weren't paid to do so? Have you actually tried the product?

4. What type of training is offered in the beginning? You can't do what you don't know, so make sure you have access to beginning and ongoing training support.

5. Does the company offer great support tools? Do they provide a time-tested and proven marketing and sales system, as well as tools to help you? Video and audio training or sales presentations, printed literature, catalogs and a strong Web site linked to an online e-commerce catalog are all considered standard sales support. Linking your personal Web site to the company site is a must when marketing branded consumer products--you need this to ensure sales credit for your customers' online purchases.

Also, what's the product warranty? Will your customers be on your doorstep if there's a problem, or will the company stand behind the product . and behind you?

6. How do you earn your money? If you're buying products or services at wholesale and marking them up for your profit, the company should have a suggested formula for profitability. Is it rich enough to return your investment quickly? Is the compensation plan easy to understand? Find out whether the profit percentages are paid on retail sales, wholesale after retail commissions are deducted, or on an amount selected by the company based on product profitability. Don't judge the plan solely on the promotional copy. Ask questions and make sure you understand when you'll receive your profits. Also, ask someone you trust who has network marketing experience to evaluate how the money will flow. The company should have a detailed explanation of their plan to help the novice work though the complexities. Good compensation plans can be complex. Don't let this scare you. Just take the time to understand the reward for your investment.

You can't afford to make hasty decisions in choosing a network marketing business. Your time is your life. Waste your time, and you waste your life. Making good decisions means seeking out the facts. It's well worth the effort--it saves you time and money by eliminating the bad choices and finding winners.

One other thing: Sometimes you'll make your decision based on pure emotion and gut feeling. If the opportunity is recommended by a friend, as is the case with most network marketing programs, look upline several levels from your sponsor to determine the type of support you'll receive in building your business. You rarely succeed alone. It takes a team effort matched to a good product and support system. But in the end, the dollar bill won't sprout wings and fly into your mailbox. You have to make it happen.

Michael L. Sheffield is the CEO of Sheffield Resource Network, a full-service direct sales and network marketing consulting firm. He is also the co-founder and chairman of the Multi Level Marketing International Association (MLMIA). He can be contacted through http://www.sheffieldnet.com .

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7 Reasons Why 95% of People Fail in Network Marketing

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It makes me sad to see so many people fail in MLM. They join in hopes of having a better life then fail, mostly because of the reason I am going to give you below. Can I be honest with you? I WAS one of those people who failed several times before achieving success, and I could check mark just about every reason below for it.

1. Lack of Training/No Self Growth. If you are unteachable or aren’t willing to invest in your self growth you will fail. The other end of the pendulum is desperately wanting training but not having any available. I n that case you need to go outside of your company to do it.
2. No Goals Set. As the famous saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
3. Trying Any & Every Program and never committing to any of them. It takes times to build a business, and you just can’t quit and try something new because it didn’t work the first few times your tried it. Get someone to help you who knows what they are doing. Have them watch you and give you suggestions.
4. Procrastination. Need I say anymore. Get off the couch and take action. Record your favourite show and watch it when you are successful and can afford to take the time.
5. Non-Consistent Action. Only doing your business when it is convenient or doing it every now and then will not bring you success. You must have actions planned every business to make your home based business grow.
6. Fear. The only thing I can say about this one is that you have a choice. Your fear or success. You can’t have both. You might feel like your heart is going to pound right out of your chest the first time you go to talk to a stranger about your opportunity, (mine did), but when you get your 1st, then your 10th, then your 50th recruit, you will be so glad that you did.
7. Lack of Leadership. This is the one I can relate to the most. I spent years looking for someone to lead/mentor me. I am so thankful that I did 5 years ago, it made all the difference. If your leader isn’t helping you then find someone who will, and learn from them. If you don’t have someone who is willing to help you. Would you consider me? I can’t do everything that a leader does for you, but I would sure love to answer any questions if I can and to congratulate and applaud you on a job well done.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, have HOPE. You can change them starting today and put yourself on the road to a better place.
I so-oo-oo believe in you and your dreams,

by: KimPinder

How To Explode Your Network Marketing Business

There are many companies out there and some have been been in existence for a lot of years, but it does not matter which company you get involved with ..it is still network marketing. Why do you think there is such a high failure rate in network marketing? Here you have a great company and yet there is a very low percentage of people making it work. But there is a way to make sure you can guarantee success as a distributor or rep in your business. You can do that by getting involved with a system that is going to automatically generate you leads for your business 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and that my friend is going to allow you to have more distributors coming into your downline than you could ever imagine. Things have changed so dramatically over the past few years that the days of making that list of 100 people, and meeting up at the local restaurant or coffee shops to show some one the plan are gone, and marketing online is key to your success. It is sad but true that there is a huge failure rate in network marketing, and so the way the company teaches you is obviously not working for the masses. It just does not work the old way any longer for the majority. It takes a big commitment on your part as a distributor if you are going to make it in this industry, and some people are quite content with the 9-5 way of life, and then there are those who are not willing to stay in the game long enough to even see success. In saying that there are those out there that are very interested in becoming a network marketer and want to know how to explode their business. They really are out there… so how do we find these people? Well by learning some different strategies such as writing articles, doing press-releases, pay per click advertising, setting up a blog just to name a few you can literally explode your business in a very short period of time. If you are in this business for more than just a hobby then you must get serious and treat it like a business. You too need to put a system in place so you can see and experience success just like the top marketeer’s are doing. - Source: johnpetruse.net