Choosing the best MLM company for you is an important first step for success. While many network marketing companies appear to be similar in goals and structure, it is essential to realize that not all are the same and that some are either not suited to your needs or are simply frauds. Taking the extra time to investigate and become acquainted with a network marketing company before you sign up with them is a smart decision.
Don't be afraid to shop around.
Remember...you will be entering a business agreement with the network marketing company that you choose. To quote the Grail Knight from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, "Choose wisely."
MLM Company History
How long has the MLM company been in business?
It's estimated that 90% of all network marketing companies will fail in their first 2-5 years. There's nothing worse than spending all of your time, money, and effort building your downline just to have it all wiped out because the MLM company you chose is no longer in business -- leaving you without a business of your own and no residual income.
Choose a MLM company with at least 5 years experience...more if possible.
When looking at a potential network marketing company I like to see how long they have been in business. It's generally safe to say that if the MLM company has been around for more than 5 years, they probably have worked out all of the kinks during their start-up years.
Some will argue that if the MLM company has been around longer than 15 years there isn't much growth in its future. This simply isn't true. You will find that some of the most successful network marketing companies have been around for more than 50 years and continue to grow rapidly year after year -- most likely because they have a strong reputation in the industry, great distributors, great products, and people trust to do business with them.
MLM Company Management
Most people realize that it's important for a company to have a good management team. Since many aspects of the job are intangible evaluating management is difficult.
A strong management is the backbone of any successful company. There is no magic formula for evaluating management, but there are factors to which you should pay attention.
It is the management of the company that makes the strategic decisions; and as an independent distributor for the company these decisions will greatly affect you.
The executive team of a company is directly responsible for creating value.
Tenure: One excellent indicator of company management is how long has the CEO and others of the management team have been with the company. You can find this information online, and it should be checked.
Read management bios. It's a great way to learn someone's work experience and qualifications.
MLM Company Mission & Growth
Are the management and corporate goals clear and easy to understand?
Does the network marketing company you're looking at have a "mission statement"? A well-defined corporate mission can, and should, frame everything a company does. It provides ways to guide growth of the corporation. Without one, a company may act without focus, targeting market opportunities and product segments that fall outside of the corporation's core competency.
Growth. Growth is necessary for maintaining the right environment for the network marketing company's independent distributors and provides an environment for their advancement as well as financial and occupational opportunities. These rewards will attract and retain those who contribute to your network marketing business's success and growth.
In the next 10 years the network marketing industry will grow more than it has in its entire 50 year history combined.
Choose a company that is doing business globally. Why limit yourself to a company that only does business in the U.S. (or what ever country you're reading this from)? Give yourself the privilege of being able to sponsor other independent distributors in all countries where your network marketing company is present and earn compensation on the sales volume that's generated by the groups you develop in those countries.
MLM Company Integrity
Ethics/Integrity: We are all accountable for our dealings with our customers, team members, prospects, and communities. The network marketing company should always demonstrate their ethics and integrity by being honest and fair.
Is the network marketing company you are looking at a member of the Direct Selling Association (DSA)? The DSA is the national trade association of the leading firms that manufacture and distribute goods and services sold directly to consumers. The cornerstone of DSA's commitment to the ethical business practices and customer services is its Code of Ethics. Every member company pledges to abide by as a condition of membership in the Association. It ensures that member companies will make no statements or promises that might mislead either consumers or prospective sales people.
This is very important! I would be extremely cautious of a network marketing company that is not a member of DSA.
Some other things you may want to consider when looking at a network marketing company include:
Environmental Integrity: Does the company follow environmental laws that guarantee clean air and water, protect human exposure to toxic waste, and preserve natural resources? Do they offset their environmental impact by striving to become Climate Neutral Certified?
Animal Testing: Does the network marketing company have a policy in place opposing animal testing and does not conduct any animal testing of any kind on the products marketed? Do they support the development, use, and approval of safe alternatives to animal testing? This could be important if you're looking at a company the manufactures nutritional products and/or cosmetics.
Philanthropy: Does the network marketing company give back to the community? Do they publically support nonprofit and charitable organizations? A network marketing company that does not care about its community may not care about its independent distributors either...
MLM Company Core Values & Purpose
What is the company's Core Values & Purpose? Core values and purpose are enduring. Understanding your potential network marketing company's values and making them yours in your work with peers and with customers are the key to your future success, continued competitive differentiation, and achieving your vision.
Core values are the foundation of successful companies and the network marketing company you choose is no exception. Your values define your purpose and vision and those in turn establish your targets and your strategic goals as a company.
There should be values that focus outside of your network marketing company, defining your reputation, service, and brand with your customers and prospects in the market. These values should link with your purpose.
There should be values that focus inside your network marketing company, defining how you deliver value to your customers.
Because of this, outstanding professionals and talent are attracted to you because of your values, and you need to continue to communicate them to reinforce them with everyone in downline.
MLM Company Training & Marketing
Although most of the responsibility that goes into training you will be that of your upline, it is important to note that the network marketing company you are considering should give you the basics in regards to training you in your new business. This first step provides a basic, action-oriented approach that will help new Distributors know exactly what they need to do to get started building a business for success.
Your network marketing company should be able to provide these materials for you to facilitate your knowledge of the company and skills development.
Some of the basic materials include:
Opportunity and Prospecting Tools
Product Information & Product Briefs
Privileges & Responsibilities Guidelines
Public Relations Tools
Training Calls
Training Conventions/City Networks
Compensation Plans
Setting up your company website
Network marketing should be a duplicable process. More on this later...
We shouldn't be reinventing the wheel here. Nor should there be a sink or swim mentality.
These basic materials should be provided to you by your network marketing company because your success means the success of the network marketing company.