Ask questions
Any MLM business venture worth considering will either have a track record that you can investigate and evaluate or it will have a clear statement of the plan, the potential, and the up-front costs. Simply put, before you invest any time or money in a specific MLM business venture, there are some questions you should consider and get answers to. This article will suggest what some of those questions should be.
How long has the business venture been in business? Before investing time and money in marketing an MLM business venture, it is important to determine how long it has been operating. If it is a new concept that has not been proven in the marketplace, you have no assurance that it will even work.
Does the company have a fixed address and phone number? This may seem obvious to you, but the fact is, thousands of companies operate with nothing more than a website and an email address. Many of them are here today and gone tomorrow. Make sure the business you intend to deal with has a fixed address, physical location, and established phone number.
Does the MLM business venture have some successful members you can talk to? Most businesses of that type will show you testimonials, but these are often untrustworthy. They could even be completely fabricated so ask the owner of that business for names of real people you can talk to. Call them on the telephone and ask them to share their experiences with the program. This will not only provide you with valuable first-hand information about the program, but it will give you a list of advisors who might be willing to help you along the way.
Insist on answers
How much initial investment is required? In many cases a proven MLM business venture with a successful track record will involve some kind of initial investment. You should not assume that a business venture that is free to join is a better investment. Usually a free-to-join business will involve other costs such as marketing and advertising fees. Just keep in mind that nobody gives away valuable business offers or opportunities for free.
What you have to determine is whether a specific MLM business venture has a successful track record, is managed by honest people and offers you a realistic chance of actually making some money. These are the things you must weigh against the entry costs.
What is the realistic income potential of the business? Have a careful look at the numbers and projections provided by the business venture. Then talk with actual members who are using the program to determine if they have been able to turn those numbers into reality.
Are there extra fees such as yearly or monthly subscription fees, shipping costs, or minimum purchase requirements? Make sure to get a detailed list of all the fees involved in operating the new business. These things may not seem significant now, but they can easily eat into your profits later.
Your money, your control
How much control of your new business will you have? Be clear on who owns the business, and who controls the way it is developed and marketed. You may want to diversify your product offerings in order to avoid being at the mercy of a “head office.
The MLM business venture should require low initial investment and have high profit potential both in the short term and in the long term. It should allow you to build a profitable business of your own that will be a source of income far into the future.
