The world is changings faster than ever, many people are over worked, underpaid and have to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet.  In a time when 80% of people are dis satisfied with their jobs and the concept of job security is not what it used to be we can no longer put our personal and financial future in someone else’s hands.  According to the United States census bureau, the average net worth for an individual between 35-44 years old is $14,226.  In the 55-64 range the average net worth is 45,447.  This is not much money to be able to live on.  Additionally, a 2011 Gallup survey showed that seventy one percent of workers are not engaged, or actively disengaged from their work.

As a result of a changing economy, job market, and lack of fulfillment in the workplace, many people have started businesses on the side as a way to create an additional stream of income, while building retirement income for yourself and your family.  As a matter of fact, a recent Gallup pole showed that 61% of the people surveyed would like to be their own boss.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2011/11/11/your-emotionally-disconnected-employees/#e5bf037e89b8

While the concept of being your own boss and even creating the income you desire is very exciting, it is essential that we choose the right “vehicle”  and company that fits our personality and interests to help us reach our goals.  Their are opportunities which promise “quick and easy money” by sponsoring a certain amount of people in a short amount of time.  In fact, I recently received an email from an individual who was trying to recruit me into this type of opportunity.  Below are the main speaking points in the email that I received:

“The federal trade commission refers to the above opportunity as a “pyramid scheme.”Pyramid schemes now come in so many forms that they may be difficult to recognize immediately. However, they all share one overriding characteristic. They promise consumers or investors large profits based primarily on recruiting others to join their program, not based on profits from any real investment or real sale of goods to the public.  This is very similar to a ponzi scheme because it relies on continuous recruiting.  In a ponzi scheme, the promoter generally has no product to sell and pays no commission to investors who recruit new “members.” Instead, the promoter collects payments from a stream of people, promising them all the same high rate of return on a short-term investment. (2).  It is often wise to stay away from these types of “businesses” or “opportunities” as they traditionally do not last long, and often get shut down by the Federal Trade commission or other governing bodies.

The direct sales/network marketing industry is a growing and thriving field for the average person to create the income and lifestyle they desire. In August of 2014, Forbes magazine wrote an article about baby boomers choosing direct sales as a way to create retirement income and make a difference in people’s lives. (3)

The industry has attracted the attention of business and thought leaders such as Robert Kiyosaki, Anthony Robbins, Richard Branson, Jim Rohn, Les Brown and many others.  According to economist and author Paul Zane Pilzer, the network marketing industry “a great opportunity lies ahead, for millions of ordinary people who choose to apply themselves

Below are four of the most important things to consider when looking for when choosing a direct sales/network marketing company to partner with.

1.  The product or service:

A.  Do you like it ?- For example, is the product/service something you would use even if you didn’t get paid for it?

B.  Is their a recognized need in the marketplace?-  For example, are the company/products in a growing and thriving industry for years to come in all economic cycles or is it more of a luxury product that people may stop using during tough economic times.

C. Is it priced to sell- It is the important for the products/service to be affordable to the general public in order to build a long term client base.

2.  The company itself

A.  Is it well run?

B.  Do you believe in the founder and management team?

It is important to research the company/opportunity before you get started to ensure it’s credibility and strength, just as you would make sure a traditional job was a good fit for you.  Some important things to consider are, who was the company founded by? Was it founded by a marketer trying to cash in on a hot trend, or was it founded by an individual with a strong vision of bringing optimal health to the world?  Third party accolades are also important to ensure long term credibility, and gain confidence that the company will be in business for years to come.

3.  The compensation plan-  With the large variety of compensation plans, it is essential to have a basic understanding of how it works, and what it takes to earn a paycheck.

A.  Can you generate income quickly?

It is important to know how many sales and or points you have to sell in order to earn a commission check.

B. The possibility to make a serious income with hard work-

If your goal is to build a large thriving business and earn large amounts of money, it can be beneficial to research how much top earners make, and learn what it takes to reach those ranks.

4.  Support network-

A.  With all things being equal.  The support network is one of the most important factors when choosing a new opportunity/company.  Their are many excellent and upstanding companies to partner with, but one of the most important important things to consider is the team and support network that you decide to work with.  It is important to choose a mentor/partner that has your best interests at hand, and is someone you know, like and trust.  A good mentor/leader will take the time to find out what your goals/vision for yourself are, and help create a plan towards achieving those goals.

B.  Training- As with a traditional job or any new opportunity, training is essential in order to become succes sful.  It is important to have a basic understanding of the products/product line that you represent, along with some knowledge about the compensation plan and the effort needed to earn a paycheck, and the leadership needed to build a large team.  In addition to product and compensation knowledge, learning how to effectively market and communicate the benefits of the products and opportunity available.

C.  Events- Both local and destination events can play a large role in the growth of your new business/opportunity.  Events are a great form of social proof,  and an important way to introduce new people to the opportunity.

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(1)   http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2011/11/11/your-emotionally-disconnected-employees/#e5bf037e89b8

(2) https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/1998/05/pyramid-schemes

(3) http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertlaura/2014/08/29/would-you-join-a-multi-level-marketing-company-for-retirement-income