The Yellow Brick Road Detour

The Yellow Brick Road DETOUR

Owning Your 

Home-Based Business-

Without the “Wizard’s” Fairy Tale Promises

Exploring home-based business models

without the false promises of a “narcissistic wizard”

REQUIRES:

Time, Exploration, Data Analysis, Observation and Decision-Making:

• Time – Your time is valuable and should only be spent on things, people and places that have the potential to elevate you personally and professionally.  When you begin the process of exploring home-based business opportunities you should designate uninterrupted time for exploration.  You need time to look at facts and figures, to observe and make a well researched decision.  Most importantly – Take Your Time.  Do not sign on with a company because of the influence of your friend, a family member or a fast-talking recruiter. 

• Exploration – Begin your business search by exploring the multitude of options available. Determine which business model (Network Marketing, Direct Sales, or Retail Sales) fits your lifestyle, interests and wallet. Utilize expert resources to acquire names of home-based businesses that sell products or services that appeal to you.  Look for Leaders in the industry. There are many resources to help you in your exploration on-line.  I have found a large list of home-based businesses on the web site: Grimes & Reese, P.L.L.C.  This legal organization specializes in representing formidable network marketing organizations and home-based business leaders.  Additionally, this firm offers essential information and training.  You may obtain a list of companies and leisurely explore this resource at: www.mlmlaw.com.

• Data Analysis –Generate a list of criteria that you have identified as necessary for you to contemplate and ultimately own a business.  These essential business characteristics must be proven before you determine which business model/company is worthy of your investment.  Although everyone must identify what they feel is absolutely essential, I have identified “check points” that my research has deemed as absolutely critical to determining whether the network marketing business (or other business model) is viable, profitable; has low overhead and is a low risk.  My checklist formula uses a grid format [Appendix A of E-Book].  You should evaluate each prospective company by checking either a “+” or “-” next to each of your critical necessities (I have identified 20) before buying a distributorship in any business model.  Closely examine companies that you are seriously interested in.  Google etc. the company.  Read the positives and the negatives.  Use your own critical thinking to separate “fact from fiction.”

• Observation – Having completed your data analysis step back and observe what is currently happening in the economic climate of three (3) companies that scored high on your priority check list (a high number of +’s ).  Now you must INTERACT with the company:

1. You must explore and interact with each company’s web site.
2. You should interview the “leaders” of the company.
3. You must attend company meetings, listen to conference calls and/or web casts.
4. You should obtain and watch the company’s DVD(s).
5. You must learn the “language” of your prospective company. 
6. Observe to see if the leaders offer “mentoring” for new recruits OR are merely interested in adding numbers; signing on new recruits (ultimately propelling the “upline” further ahead while leaving the new recruits “in the dust”).
7. Observation is not decision-making.  Broaden your mind.  Permit yourself to examine the day-to-day business operation of your prospective company. 
8. Remember, you are a valuable and desirable recruit. 

During this observation phase do not allow a prospective company to

“Brainwash” you into believing you need the company.  In the final analysis you will discover: the company needs you.  Therefore you will only purchase a distributorship if: a) You can justify the purchase and b) The company meets YOUR requirements.

• Decision-Making – Having done your homework: Consulted with leaders of your prospective company; identified the positives and negatives of ownership; and explored and examined the product/service in the overall economic environment.  You are now poised to make an educated and well thought out decision. 

Remember:  You don’t need or want indoctrination.  You don’t need to be swayed into a decision.  If you do your homework and determine what YOU need to operate your home-based business you will propel yourself forward and “start with answers instead of questions.” Having followed this model you will ultimately commit to and stick with the business model that you researched, contemplated and selected. 

Psychological research suggests that people who do their research and carefully contemplate their decisions ultimately fair better than whimsical, impulsive counterparts who easily sign onto a business model that does not fit their wallet, lifestyle, interests, or knowledge. 

Falling victim to a smooth talking, charismatic person who lauds a business that you neither know anything about or have ever had any experience in selling can be disastrous!  For every successful entrepreneur in the home-based business arena there are thousands MORE who sit tonight: overstocked with product, no customers, no hope for success, and further hold a negative self-evaluation: in their own eyes and those who love them – they have undeniably been duped. 

True or False?

*** The recommendations above have been gleaned from select people who have

been successful in a home-based business.***