How To Choose The Right MLM Opportunity For You
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Save Time And Money, By Learning How To Pick The Right Business Opportunity For You
Multilevel marketing is a very popular way for people to make money online. Entrepreneurs trying .jpg)
to 
make money online are inundated by opportunities presented to them by hundreds of online businesses. These businesses need to make certain quotas in order to sustain themselves, so they promise you the world and much more in return for joining them. Unfortunately, it is getting harder to pick the diamond from the stones. However, the optimist in you should look at it this way. You have a number of businesses vying for your attention. If you work for them, they stand to gain as much as you do, if not more. Always remind yourself of that. You quite literally have the power to write your own destiny and with a little help and guidance, you will be exercising that power.
So how do you pick the right MLM opportunity?How do you know what the right choice is? How can you avoid a scam or a bad opportunity?
Picking a MLM opportunity is like buying a car. You do your research, you even test drive a few, but at the end of the day, it should meet your emotional and financial needs. After all, we all want to buy a Ferrari, but not all of us have the money to do so. Similarly, when picking a network or multi level marketing opportunity, you research the company, find some examples of it where other people have made it work and then you see whether it is a good fit for what you want to do and how much you want to make.
Test 1: Would you even drive the car? I once found an ad for a $500 Cutlass in the paper. It had low miles and the photo looked great. $500 wasn’t too shabby to pay for a car. After all, if it lasted even a year, I’d have enough money saved to buy a nice car. But then I asked myself, would I really drive a 1984 Cutlass? The answer was a resounding no.
So when you find the MLM opportunity that you believe is right for you, look at their product. Is it a product that you’d recommend to a friend? Is it a product that you’d buy yourself? Is it a good product? If the answer is yes, then the network has passed test one. If the product is crappy, remember that it will take twice as much effort to sell half the product and over time, the bad name of the product will overpower all your marketing efforts. People talk and with forums and blogs uniting the world, word spreads fast.
Test 2: Beware of the evil used car salesman. There are few things in this world more evil and more annoying than a used car salesman. You’re only their friend as long as you’re on the lot. They promise you everything you ever dream of. I once had a car salesman convince me that a 2001 Kia was better than a 2005 Toyota. Of course, he was all out of Toyotas that day, and just happened to have 2 Kia’s sitting in his lot. No offence to the good people at Kia, but seriously, that was quite a stretch. Fortunately for me, the car broke down during the test drive.
Websites like car salesman have webmasters. These webmasters have mastered the art of sales copywriting. It is a particular skill set and if you actually read through a full page of sales copy, it is actually quite convincing. Your job is to ignore the sales talk, pay no attention to the photos of big checks and pay no heed to the “testimonials”. Look for facts and figures. Write to the company and ask them to either provide you with relevant financial details or to put you in touch with some of the top marketers who are willing to share there guidance. A good product sells itself and the seller should be more than happy to have you research the company product. It’s the ones who try to make you sign up and commit for things before they give you relevant information that you should beware of. If the business owner is responsive, professional and gives you some details before asking for commitment, then they have passed test 2. Mind you, there will be certain “secrets” that they won’t give out, and that is fine. However, if they give you absolutely nothing, it is because they don’t have much.
Test 3: Look under the hood of the car. Believe it or not, many people don’t. Mostly, they don’t know what to look for. However, if you do look under the hood, you can see if the engine is kept properly, if there are any hanging wires, broken parts, funny noises etc. If it is a car that you’re ready to buy, then have a friend who knows about cars accompany you to the dealership and check the car out himself.
With websites, you have to look under the hood as well. Go to Google keywords and do a search related to the MLM opportunity to see what shows up in the search results. If the website that you’ve researched shows up within the first 2 pages, you know that the people running it are aware of SEO and have done work to properly promote a website. If the site shows up on later pages of Google, you know that this is not a good opportunity for you. After all, if they can’t even promote themselves, how good are they at marketing. Look at the product itself and see how others are promoting it. Is it easy? Is it something that you can replicate?
Test 4: Do a CARFAX report. This will tell you about the history of the car and if it has been through any accidents or major repairs. It is well worth the investment if you’re buying a new car.
With websites, you should do the same. You can look at forums and blogs and find other people who have worked with this MLM opportunity. See their feedback and if possible, write to them. You’ll be surprised at what people are willing to disclose if you just ask the question. If the results are largely positive, it has passed test 3. Mind you, there may be some negative things, but that doesn’t mean that the MLM opportunity is bad. Sometimes, there are people online who just can’t say a good word about anything, and sometimes, it may be a problem that the business had in the past but has overcome. Use your judgment. Ask people how long they have been using this service, what the payments are like, whether the products sell easily etc.
Test 5: Test drive. This is the fun part. You get to test drive the car and see how well is rides. Take it to an empty parking lot if you can and really see how good it is. However, don’t get emotional about it. While it may look like the car of your dreams, if it doesn’t ride well, be ready to let go and keep searching.
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Test your MLM company too. Don’t just jump into an opportunity without thinking it through. When you do, don’t get emotional about it. Test it out and see if it works. Make sure that you give 110% of your effort towards it. However, always monitor your effort and your returns. If the MLM opportunity is not good, or if it doesn’t work well for you, move on. A good way to find out is to talk to people and see how long they took before they were successful. Once you do that, you can chart out a plan for yourself. Make a list of all the steps necessary to succeed in this venture. Then allocate some time towards each step and add an extra 10% to compensate for your learning curve. Make a list of certain returns/goals for yourself within the short term. Then, start working. If you come close to your goals or exceed them, this is the opportunity for you, if you are nowhere near your goals, then reassess. Never give up, but know when it’s time to let go. If an MLM opportunity doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean that you stop trying. It means that you have to try something else.
Test 6: Does it suit you? Did you buy the car to get from point A to point B? Or did you buy it to get attention from onlookers? Either way, are you successful?
Ask this question to yourself all the time. Always assess and reassess your objective. Are you selling the product because you enjoy selling things online or because you want to make money? Do you care more about margins than the product you’re selling or vice versa? A friend of mine sells HVAC units and is one of the best salesmen I know. He is constantly offered sales training jobs by other companies for a lot more money than he earns now, but he constantly turns them down. This is because he gets true joy in selling HVAC units directly to home owners. It is the sale and the after sales service that gives him true satisfaction. Other salesmen don’t care what they are selling. They do it because they love to be salesmen. There are still others who do it just for the money and don’t care what they are selling to who. The point is that you should identify what you’re objective is and stick to that.
In conclusion and most importantly is it fun? Always ask yourself this, whether it is while you’re driving your brand new set of wheels or if you’re running your own business. Is it fun? If you’re not enjoying yourself, then it’s not worth it. If you get up in the morning and feel like you’re forced to go to work, you need to sit back and reassess. Work should be a part of life and life should be full of fun and joy.
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Kevin Thomas is a traditional business entrepreneur who has owned and operated a building maintenance franchise for over 20 years. After finishing college and a 3 year tour in the United States Army Kevin decided that corporate America was not for him. It was at this point that his entrepreneurial journey began. With nothing more than a dream and stubbornness to succeeded he took it upon himself to figure out how to run a traditional bricks and mortar business, and after many tough years of trail and error his dream soon become a reality.Kevin is now teaching people how to develop businesses online at his blog Network Marketing Industries with the new model of attraction marketing.
Areas of Strength & Interest
- Relationship building and social skills
- Business and financial knowledge
- Internet web building strategies
- Inspiration and motivational tips
- Internet network marketing and MLM
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Comments: 27 
About the Author: kevin thomas
Member Since: 08/18/2008
Industry: Internet
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Due Diligence is Always Worth the Effort
Kevin, very good analogy common to everyone.
It makes good sense to take a little extra time to get some good answers. Then be content with a feeling of a decision made on well thought out information.
Due Diligence pays off.
Leaviing No Stone Unturned
If I might add Kevin, a first good question to ask would be, "would I use this product or service for myself?" After all it starts right there.
I also think that these next 5 criteria play an essential part in choosing the right company:
1. Since network marketing is your business you are not by yourself, so one has to consider whether there is a sound support structure which includes marketing materials, training opportunities, online ordering systems, operations and most important emerging new products and technology?
2. I agree, you have to investigate and assess the company's background. What is their track record? How long has this company been in business and what businesses have they run prior to this one? How committed are they to providing the best in information, training and education?
3. Another important area to consider is whether the company is suited for global expansion and what its' present international exposure and plans are for future growth?
You are choosing a partner to do business with and should look at every possible angle!
4. An important quality of a good business is whether it belongs to the Direct Selling Association (DSA). The DSA has certain codes of business of ethics which insure proper conduct in the market place:
· Nominal start-up costs
· Optional purchases for inventory or materials
· The user earns money from sales of products or services not from the sheer act of recruiting
· The company allows for return of unsold inventory within a specified time reimbursing usually 90% of the price paid
5. The final criteria are patience and expectations, meaning that the company should not expect you to get rich quick although it may be providing you with all the tools necessary for you to do so. A mature, high quality direct selling company has its personnel present the income opportunity as a serious commitment that can yield results all dependent upon your efforts.
Taking Time To Investigate
You are right about doing the proper investigation on an MLM company before jumping in with both feet.
To often people get so excited about the compensation plan that they jump in without really looking into what the company is all about or if it is even a legitimate business and not just a ponzi scheme.
I wish I had known 20 years ago what I know now.
Great analogy. However, I disagree with you on 1 point. Just because you don't make money right off the bat, or your new car doesn't perform at its best when you first purchase it, is no reason to quit or sell the car. Even with allowing for the learning curve, it could take you several months to start earning a sizable income. A lot of people give up too soon. The best things in life often take the longest time to accomplish. Like creating a happy marriage. You don't just wake up one morning and discover that you are happily married. It is something that you have to work on every day in order to MAKE it happen. Excellent post.
Takes 2 to Tango
Thanks Kevin, The analogy gives a familiar way to view a different subject. I think one of the things people are trying out in the first few months, besides the program, is whether they have the stuff to make it happen. Inside themselves--and if they are willing to put in the time and work required. There are a lot of people NOT making money in some good programs, who could, with proper attitude, skills and training.
Choosing the Right MLM Company.
Hi Kevin,
Excellent advice. I agree with the 6 tests you use. It's very obvious that you have studied this important subject.
It's critical that the business opportunity meets each of these tests. If it does, then I feel it is very important to select the company that best fits you. You must be excited about using the company's products or services. You should have a sense of pride in representing the business.
Too many people select an opportunity just because it pays a high commission or has a sexy marketing system. But if you aren't passionate about what the company offers, you will probably stuggle. Your prospect will see right through you.
Great job, Kevin.
Scott Hubbard
You almost make me feel sorry for the poor used car salesman
Hi Kevin,
You bring out some really good points. And I think your analogy of buying a used car gives a good perspective on what the due diligence process should be like. There are some things that a person just doesn;t think to question. You don't know what you don't know.
I actually started a forum thread in a different forum and the discussion revolved around what is better, a traditional MLM company everyday consumer items and products, or a MLM company that offers big-ticket items. The comments went back and forth between consumable products and repeat business vs high upfront profits and quicker growth. We didn't really come to any consensus but it is something to think about. And it depends upon the strategy that you use to attract your business partners.
Thanks for sharing Kevin.
Cheers! Calvin
P.S. I hope there aren't any used car salespeople in the audience. If there are, have I an opportunity for you!
good analogy to make your point
kevin,
i was very impressed by how you kept the car shopping idea tied in. very effective communication. your point in the conclusion "If you’re not enjoying yourself, then it’s not worth it. If you get up in the morning and feel like you’re forced to go to work, you need to sit back and reassess. Work should be a part of life and life should be full of fun and joy" was the most important in my view. excellent article!
scott...
Research is always important
...but it might not always be accurate. I first started researching on the Internet when I was considering a MLM company. There were many good reviews as well as many bad reviews. If one is not careful the bad reviews can really make you miss a great opportunity. To carry the car analogy further - I think most people would agree that Toyota Camry's are quality cars. They get high ratings, are very popular, and extremely reliable. Heck they are the most stolen vehicle - that must say something! I also know that you can do a search on the Internet and find such horror stories that you would never purchase a Camry. My point is that research done on the Internet really needs to be examined and scrutinized - not everything you read is true.
Great thought provoking article!
Dotty
Used Car Salesmen Catch all The Crap
What is it about used car salesmen? The poor guys are just doing their job. :-) Great article, Kevin. I like the way you involved your analogy of the used car salesman through out your entire article. I had the opportunity to use this analogy this year, actually. Not with a car, but a motorcycle.
I guess sometimes we can get lucky with our chosen business. Fortunately, I did get lucky. I was so ignorant about the Internet, I never thought of researching it. I took my friends word and jumped right in. I would never do that again. It's like buying the first car you see.
Research everything, talk to people who are in that business. There is no need to jump right in. If it's a legitimate, stable business, it's not going anywhere. Don't let anyone push you by telling you that you must get in now if you hope to succeed. Not so. If it's that good, it can wait. It will be there when you are ready.
Thanks Kevin for making it so clear.
Michelle
Evaluation => Digging Deeper
Hey Kevin:
EXCELLENT analogy - especially for a serious topic.
I also like what Marie has contributed above - very good points.
If I may, I'd like to lend my own 02-cents worth (Canadian) to expand on this......
As a 20-year veteran in this industry, I've witnessed SO many good people getting badly hurt - because they failed to do extensive homework first, in selecting a Home Business.
CAUTION - DRA - Having been on the Board Of Directors of the DRA (Distributor Rights Association - http://www.TheDRA.org ) for 4 years, representing Canada - I've seen first hand, the "many" horror stories that happen between Distributors and their Companies (wrongful and unjust terminations - needless, expensive lawsuits - uplines with no integrity - etc.) - causing not only great financial, but emotional pain to the Reps and their families -- all because they did not do careful research and DUE DILLIGENCE "before" signing that contract.
The DRA is the 'only', [non-profit] organization in the world that serves to educate, protect and preserve the ‘rights’ of MLM // Network Marketing Distributors and Direct Sales Reps, globally.
DSA - (D"S"A - Direct Selling Association) - This [for-profit] organization - although important - does "not" respesent DISTRIBUTORS - it represents [and lobbies for] only the COMPANIES ==> B-I-G difference. In fact, if you study their (lengthy) Code Of Ethics, you'll be lucky to find "hardly anything" pertaining to Reps - it's important to understand that it's "only" the D-R-A that represents you and me. ONLY the DRA.
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MLMs - Let's focus on an MLM // Network Marketing // InterNetwork Marketing business here...
OWNERSHIP - First, what most people don't understand, when 'joining an MLM' for example, is - you do 'not' OWN your own business (despite the promises on those glossy brochures!). You ‘are’ an IC [Independent Contractor], but that’s strictly for ‘tax’ purposes. Legally, you are 'not' an IBO (Independent Business OWNER). Yes, you have a DISTRIBUTORSHIP - but the fact is, you are strictly a commissioned sales person 'for' the MLM company’s products & services). It is the "company" that has all of the control - all the power - ownership of all the assets (including ‘your’ downline)! Not that all this is a ‘bad’ thing - it’s just the reality.
There are indeed many excellent MLMs out there - and this isn’t meant to be ‘disrespectful’ to any of them.
BIZ 'ENTERPRIZE' - Don’t make your MLM your “business” - make it a "part of" your overall business enterprize ((YOU, Inc.)). Also, never ‘lead’ with an MLM (MLMs are ‘a dime a dozen’! :>).
Always lead with "you" and your VALUE for 'others' - through Attraction Marketing (both OFFline + ONline).
MLM s - by themselves, are simply too dangerous (for ‘many’ reasons). A ‘good’ MLM should be "a part of" your total business, for sure (and a very important part - it’s the back-end PRIZE => that "residual" component!). In other words, your MLM[s] should be part of your ‘overall’ business structure ((multiple income streams, for diversification, profitability and safety)).
Your business needs to be "positioned" such that it includes both the SHORT term value (quick cash flow, to cover your costs - and there are a number of ways to 'accomplish' this) and the LONG term security (residual income, from your MLM[s]). HOW to do this is a separate discussion.
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Ok - let's look at the "criteria" for CHOOSING a 'good' Home Biz (in my strong opinion)...
EVALUATION - It is not an easy thing for most people to "analyze" a potential opportunity correctly - and it's not 'their' fault - because most do not have - the background - the experience - the skillset - or access to the resources to "dig deep enough" into what the major factors are, in such a task.
Also, it's not enough to look ONLY at - the company background - the products - the pay plan, etc., etc. - as critical as these are (and they are!). In fact, you could write a very 'lengthy report' on EACH ONE of these (basic) factors.
It's too much to go into ALL of the 'other' (often unknown) factors in this thread - but I'll highlight a few of THE most important ones here:
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(1)- POLICIES & PROCEDURES - These are almost neven mentioned by those giving tips on what to look for when choosing a Biz Opp. Yet, they should be the "very first" place to start - above all else - always, always - examine the LEGAL AGREEMENT you'll be asked to sign (their P&Ps). You need to read - and re-read - and STUDY these (or get your advisors to) => because the 'language' in the P&Ps will tell you 'everything' about the "integrity" (or otherwise) of the company owners - it will reveal their very "heart and soul" -- and there are a "lot" of very B-A-D ones out there ((written by their bank of attorneys, to protect the COMPANY - "not" the REP)). Many of their rules are harsh (boiler-plate) "gotcha" clauses - they can come back to "haunt" you - BIG time, sadly. But you can "prevent" that from ever happening - IF you proceed intelligently in your selection process.
RED FLAG - If you have difficulty in "finding" the link to the company's P&Ps ((very often the case!)) - that is obviously a Red Flag - they most likely do not "want" you to find it too easily, and so, they "hide" it - often delaying that process by putting it in the actual "sign-up" area, as a button to (recklessly) "click YES to" IF not reviewed carefully first.
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(2)- REQUIREMENTS? - The main requirements - by the vast majority of MLMs are => do you (will you) have enough - TIME - MONEY - SALES SKILLS? Almost "all" companies will need you to answer YES to all three - yet there are some companies out there that you can build - very successfully - 'without' you needing ALL of these attributes - and that alone, could be a very 'significant' factor in whether you'll be successful or not with your business - especially in these economic times. As well, you need to ask about any "hoops" you'll need to jump through, in order to qualify for maximum compensation.
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(3)- A 'GOOD FIT'? - There are some Home Businesses that "certain personality traits' will NEVER be able to build successfully - no matter 'how' much they'd like to - or 'how' much they might try. This is often the case, for example, with certain Direct Sales (Top Tier) businesses. This is a 'specialized area' of knowledge, and Network Marketers need this education to be able to help themselves gain an enormous advantage when looking at potential opportunities.
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(4)- CUSTOMER-to-DISTRIBUTOR 'RATIO'? - The fact is that most MLMs are “distributor” based (relying on the SELF-consumption of monthly product Autoships) instead of having a healthy "pure customer” base, where the products are being purchased by consumers, with NO Pay Plan attached. The result is, you’re always in “recruiting” mode, to replace the high rate of dropouts. The ‘ratio’ should be at ‘least’ 75%-to-25% in favor of REAL CUSTOMERS - otherwise, you’ll have a downline foundation that’s unstable, which can eventually begin to unwind (high ‘attrition’). Very few MLMs will meet this test. You need to find out - in advance - what "their" ratio is - and whether "they" have a CUSTOMER-driven business model (with strong emphasis on RETAIL sales).
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(5)- RETENTION? - Most MLMs have awful ATTRITION (people quitting) - and that's usually because they are unable to get into "positive cash flow" quickly enough. Find out - in advance - what the stats are for the company rate of attrition - it's a good 'indicator' of what "you" will face as you attempt to build your business with them.
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In closing - much of the above information will not come easily from the companies, or the uplines.
You'll need to "dig deep" for it - but it "can" be obtained with the right resources and guidance.
Again, many thanks Kevin, for raising this important issue.
Sincerely / Peter A.
Picking an MLM Company - Do Your Homework
Kevin,
Great article and your analogy makes it easy to visualize for everyone.
If someone follows your steps and makes a logical, not emotional, choice ... they'll be pretty well off. Most people just don't take the time to do their homework.
Peter's addition is really getting into the details. That's a goldmine of information for anyone thinking about joining an MLM.
My favorites (and often overlooked):
Policies and Procedures - if you can't find them easily, put it in the Red Flag pile.
Attrition - extremely valuable piece of information. Probably pretty hard to nail down, but a worthwhile search; may be a good tie-breaker.
Thanks for all the information and advice.
Mike
Car Salesman
Kevin,
Great analogy of the car salesman. This is s great way to look at an opportunity before diving in. Taking yourself through the full throttle of steps before committing.
Thanks,
Donna Wells
Your Experience Tells A Lot
Your experiences of many jobs, Kevin, give insight into ways to think about a decision of which MLM company to decide to work and invest time in. Good ideas.
I agree with Scott, it really helps to be excited and passionate about whichever business you decide and it carries through.
Thanks for sharing your great example of the car salesman,
Kathy
Great article, loved the
Great article, loved the analogy. 3 Things I consider before choosing an MLM opportunity;
1 Do I absolutely love the products and I do this by being sold on signing up as a customer FIRST, before the opportunity;
2 Can I be successful by simply selling the product or service without pitching he 'opportunity';
3 Am I comfortable and passionate about what I do and can talk about it at a cocktail party, at church and in my kids schools...lol
And ofcourse, what's the mindset of other distributors and the management staff in the company??? You can always guage this at meetings and conventions etc If all they talk about is money and I don't get an overall good vibe....its adios. So far, I've been impressed with both Avon and SendOutCards. Still searching for more....
Works for me all the time!
Great View Points
Nicely presented Kevin.
I do hope all that read it follow some form of Due Diligence.
I also concur with Peter Arnold's Post.
Robert Buchholz
Great Analogy
Great job Kevin.
As a home school family we use a lot of analogies.
You did a great job comparing the used car salesman and an MLM co.
I also agree with the other replies here. I think they added to your post just to help it go even deeper.
Dinesh Malshe
i can write blog,news and net social website
MLM business
Kevin:
Great article and information. The truth is that most people do not treat their business as a real business and fail to do all the research they should.
It Is Part Of The Journey...
Hi, Kevin... a lot of good advice there... I am on the same page as you. It takes some sincere research when deciding on the right business. Learning about the founders, their history, credibility, and the testimonials is a good check list to start with. Discovering what's out there is just the beginning of the journey.
To Good Health And Prosperity,
Derek
Treat MLM like a real business
Great Analogy of MLM! Interestingly you mentioned that "work should be a part of life." This is so true; work is a ministry and a gift no matter if it is MLM or not. Finding the right MLM with your suggestions would really make a difference in this industry. Many times, people get emotionally attached to an opportunity, yet they never make any money. Why? I think it is more about the connecting with other people more so than the opportunity. I agree that we must treat MLM like it is a real franchise business even though the start up cost is typically less than $500. Therefore, people will change their attitudes about MLM and create more success in the long run. Thanks again for a great article!
Best,
Lisa
I agree with Dotty
The Internet is a great resource but not always accurate. And because MLM is very misunderstood and has gotten a bad name because of some of the methods used by some, the information on the Internet sometimes needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
Great article though and I have to add your copy made me want to read on an otherwise bland topic!
Great Article..and Response to Peter...
First off, I'd like to commend Kevin on a very thorough article, written in a manner that keeps up reading to see what happens next to the poor car salesman. I would like to take exception to Test Number Three. Just because a company is not up to speed with their online marketing and SEO, does not mean it's not a good choice for you. Some companies are relatively new and have not gotten to that point in their marketing. On the other end of things, if your company allows distributors to create their own online marketing campaigns, it may be great if the corporation is not competing in that arena.
An attorney named Jeffery A. Babener. has written a wonderful checklist to help you determine if an MLM is legitimate. I suggest people check it out in addition to what's on Kevin's list above.
As for you Peter...you know I always love responding to your posts. Your info is thorough and right on the money ($.02 Canadian). In particular I agree so much with the customer to distributor ratio you talk about. As far as Policies and Procedures goes..yes, many companies do write them to protect themselves. But if they don't protect themselves in certain arena, there would potentially be no company for distributors to align themselves with. For me..I don't mind P & P's that protect the company AS LONG AS they also protect the rights of distributors and give distributors the right to be creative and proactive in marketing their businesses as long as they do it in a manner that is honest and with integrity.
Lastly, I love that you wrote this line "As well, you need to ask about any "hoops" you'll need to jump through, in order to qualify for maximum compensation". In fact most comp plans have Hoops. It is a way for the company to increase what's called "breakage" and allows more money to flow back to the company. One of the things I look for when making my personal decisions and coaching others, are those devilish hoops. There are a few companies that don't have them. These are the shining stars, in my book.
Peace and Abundance,
Deborah
Choosing an MLM in an Internet World
Hey Kevin, I've got to agree with Deborah, you've presented us with an incredibly thorough article on how to choose the RIGHT network marketing company for yourself. However, I find I must disagree with her in her defense of companies not being up to speed on SEO.
New or not if a company is marketing itself online (and it really must if its going to succeed in the 21st century) it needs to UNDERSTAND internet marketing. A large part of internet marketing is SEO. Any company that has gotten to the point of "pre-launch" online needs to have considered and implemented an SEO policy.
Some other things to look for when choosing a company to partner with if you plan to market it online...
Is it Global in Scope? This may or may not be a show stopper for you but you do need to know where your products are available to your global audience. Folks who know me understand that that my business quickly became a global one outdistancing the MLM I was with at the time. When looking for a new MLM whether or not the clients and leads I'd attracted to me from around the world could join was a BIG factor.
How Do They Pay Distributors? Again, in a global economy we need to be mindful that just because a payment method is commonly accepted or easy to use in one country doesn't mean it will be in another.
Does the company require exclusivity? As most of us know by now it's not a smart thing to put all your eggs into one basket financially. This is true of your MLM business as well. Will the company you are thinking of joining penalize you for belonging to another non-competing opportunity?
Again, thanks for the great article Kevin. I know you've given many people much to think about.
Live Your Dreams!
ShellyB
My MLM Shopping Checklist
I just love the car shopping analogy! I'm one of those people who would research a car this way and I thought it was very insightful the way you compared the research for both.
Since I know I am an emotional buyer, your points are important for people like me to take note of and make a grounded decision.
This is a very helpful article, all the way.
Buyer Beware
Great test list, but I agree with Dotty also. You can't always rely on what you read on the internet about a business opportunity. If someone wasn't successful they likely to bad mouth the company.
If you don't have the passion for the business you select you won't be successful in the long run. Passion and a strong desire to succeed will get you through the hard times, and there will be some hard times in any business.
Checking Under The Hood
Kevin, This analogy is perfect. I'm like Becky since I always do my research up front, too. The "invisible Sales Managers" in the back office don't like me very much since I usually know about what I'm buying before I walk in the door. And, I'm not afraid to walk back out. Deciding on our chosen business should be exactly what you're describing. Due diligence.
It's very easy to get swayed by a flashy website or a slick sales presentation, but when the rubber meets the road will that be the vehicle to help you reach your goals. You've given us a lot of food for thought and a wonderful checklist of what to look for. Thanks bunches.