Network Marketing Decisions: Ask Mr. Kipling
Hamish Hayward
I kept six honest serving men,
They taught me all I knew.
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
These well know lines by Rudyard Kipling offer sound advice for
many situations in life. They can be usefully applied if you're
thinking of getting involved in network marketing or any other
type of work at home business.
WHAT can I do to make a profit?
Simply put, you provide a product or service in return for
money. Don't worry if you don't "have" a product - just get one
from somebody else and then sell it on, or get involved in an
affiliate marketing scheme. Successful merchants have been
doing this for thousands of years.
You don't have to make the product yourself. You don't even
have to own it. You can simply sell it on someone else's behalf
and then take a percentage of the profit.
If possible, try to market a product or service that is
provided on a monthly subscription basis. That way you will get
your percentage every month - residual income.
Do not get involved with any business that doesn't have a
genuine product and which pays you for recruiting others into
the business. This type of arrangement is characteristic of a
pyramid scheme.
WHY choose network marketing?
Network marketing, coupled with the power of the internet, is
ideal for a start-up business. No premises are required and
there are no employees, so both start-up and running costs are
very low compared to a traditional business.
The internet can be used for both selling and recruiting and
many of the tasks associated with these activities can be
automated using websites, autoresponders, email etc. You also
have the ability to reach a world wide market - the
possibilities are endless.
Unlike many traditional small businesses, you can work your
network marketing opportunity part-time to begin with. You
don't need to give up your day job until you're good and ready,
so the risk is very low for you.
WHEN is the best time to start?
The sooner the better. Start-up costs are low and much of your
initial outlay will be covered by money back guarantees. Your
risk exposure is minimal.
However, even if you already have some business experience, you
should expect to be on a learning curve to begin with. So do
your research, pick a company with good training and support,
find a good mentor and get going. The sooner you learn the
tricks of the trade, the sooner you can start to build your
business and make a profit. One thing's for sure - you won't
make any money "thinking about it".
HOW do I identify the right opportunity for me?
Don't sign up for an opportunity because it has a nice website
or a good sales letter/email. Do investigate the six key
criteria: Product, Cost, Company, Commission, Administration
and Sales.
Make sure that you're completely happy with each of these areas
and you'll avoid any nasty surprises.
WHERE should I set up shop?
Keep costs down by working from home. The power of the internet
means that you can tap into the world market working from your
spae room in your pyjamas. You can work offline if you want
using leaflets, brochures, direct mail etc. - but don't limit
yourself geographically.
WHO should I be working with?
Obviously you're the star of the show. It's your business and
you will enjoy a much higher degree of autonomy than would be
available in almost any job. You're not entirely isolated
though, and finding the right people to work with is very
important.
Pick a good company to work with. Ideally one that's been
around for a while and which provides good training and
support. Selecting the right company to partner with will
significantly increase your chances of success and minimize the
probability of being scammed.
Most scammers and con artists tend not to stick around too
long. They make their money and then move on before they get
caught - so choosing to work with an established company is
always a good idea if you want to reduce risk.
Another key player is the person who recruited you or
introduced you to the opportunity. They may be referred to as
your "upline", "team leader", "sponsor", "mentor" etc.
depending upon the company that you're working with.
This person doesn't need to be at the very top of the business.
If they were then they might find it difficult to find time to
help you. However, they should be experienced and willing to
help. Exchange emails with them, talk on the phone and see how
responsive they are. If they're not right for you then you can
always get involved in the same opportunity but with a
different mentor.
Finally, you will build your own team or "downline". Try to be
a good sponsor to your team members and help them out as much
as you can. Remember - just because you introduced them to the
business you're not their boss. Offer them advice and
encouragement but don't forget that they came into your
opportunity to have their own business - just as you did.
Hamish Hayward
http://www.selfstarters.co.uk
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