Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Is This The Real Deal?

As I move forward with my business, I find that many people have misconceptions about the Network Marketing Industry and how it works. People who express an interest often ask, "Is this the real deal? Or is it a scam?"

Let me assure you, it is the real deal. However, just as in any industry, there are a few "bad apple" companies that can really create horrible experiences for people who decided to join this industry. In order to succeed in this industry, you must take the time to research the company that you are interested in and find out whether it is a legitimate company or not.

There are four factors that one should look for when choosing a company. First, Marketplace Demand; is there a demand or need for the company's products where you live? Is there a wide range of consumers who would be interested in the products that the company has to offer? If there is a large marketplace demand, then you've got a great range of customers to market your products to and get sales from.

Second, Consumable Products; are your products consumable or are they a one time purchase? If you want the most success from your MLM business, you want to choose a company that offers products that are used on a daily basis. Once the products are consumed, then people come back to you to purchase more. This is how you will establish a customer base.

Third, Timing and Trends; is your company up to date with the ongoing trends? This factor goes hand in hand with Market place demand. Does your company offer products that go along with the current market place trends? Or does it offer products that people are no longer interested in? Jumping in at the right time with the right company that is following current trends will lead to success in MLM.

And finally, the fourth factor is the Ability to Leverage Your Time. Is the company you are interested in have a system that allows you to leverage your time? Does it allow you to build a team of business builders to help you work your way up in the company, or do you have to rely on your sales alone? By building a team to work with you in your company, you can work 10-20 hours a week and yet get paid for 40-50 hours.

Before choosing a company, ask yourself, does this company fulfill all four key factors? Also, it is a really good sign if your company is a member of the Direct Selling Association. Company's who join this association must abide by a strict Code of Ethics in order to obtain membership.

You should also research the company on your own. Is the company transparent? Do they have available to the public their records of recent payouts to consultants, etc?

But perhaps most important of all, ask yourself if this is a company that you believe in. Do you use the products yourself and love them? Would you recommend the products to your friends even if you weren't involved with the business? Does the company practice ideals and ethics that are close to your own?

Once you have found the company that is right for you, dive in and embark on your new career. Believe in the company, believe in the product, and most of all...believe in yourself.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

My Why

It's a common question that one MLM business builder will ask another.

What is your Why?

According to Dictionary.com, the definition of why is: "The cause or intention underlying a given action or situation."

But in this business, your Why is so much more.

Your Why is the reason that you get involved in the Network Marketing business in the first place. It allows you to see the full picture, to envision the future. It allows you to see the real potential for success that you can achieve in this industry.

Your Why is also what keeps you going through your bad days. On the days that you hear a lot of "No", on the days that you wonder if this business is worth it, your Why is what enables you to pick up the phone and call another person. Each person in this business holds their Why to be true and dear to them, as it should be. Why's are personal testimonies to how people can have the courage to change their lives.

So, What is my Why? My family. I joined this business because I have two young children who I want to be there for at all times. I joined so that I can achieve financial peace and be able to provide for them and live a debt-free lifestyle. I joined so that I can be home to homeschool them when they are old enough. And I joined so that my husband can retire early and be there for them as well.

My Why is huge. It is my heart, my soul, my life. And it will take me to the top.

I realize that I am a blessed woman. For the most part, I am home with my children. But after learning about Dave Ramsey's program to become debt free, my husband and I decided that getting a part time job would really help us achieve this goal and help us to get into our first house. And so, I work part time, at night, at a national chain store.

I cannot stand the corporate world. I cannot stand how the corporation I work for does not care about its employees, only profits. I cannot stand how I have to leave my girls to go to a job where I am told what I have to do in order to make someone else money.

I am using my Why to give me courage and strength to break free from this corporate world. I am using my business as my vehicle to get me to my goals. And I will get there. Because my Why is strong, and my Why looks me in the face every single day through my daughters' eyes and reminds me to not give up, and to work for my future reward.

What is your Why?

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Welcome to my Journey

Welcome.

Welcome to my journey through Network Marketing. I joined a reputable Network Marketing business almost two months ago and already my life is changing. And I am not just talking about financially, either. I'm talking in terms of personal development.

So many changes have occurred within myself in such a short time that I feel the need to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In the end, I know that not only will I reach financial peace, but I will be a better person as well.

So, get a cup of tea (or coffee) and pull up a chair. I welcome all appropriate comments and suggestions that you feel the need to make as you read about my journey. My hope is not only to learn from you, but that maybe you will learn a little something from me as well.

Thank you for joining me on my journey.