I have been involved with a few “Nutrition” based network marketing companies since deciding to be an entrepreneur. Some have been good and some have been bad. One in particular was going very well. They had good quality products, I had built a pretty large organization and things were going well.
Then the company made a big mistake. They came up with an idea and massively advertised a way to make tons of money without doing any work. “We will build your organization for you as long as you are a paying member”, they would say. Since it is an impossibility to make money doing nothing this business model and my entire organization crumbled within about 6 months.
So needless to say I have learned some things along the way. Let me save you some time and disappointment and explain to you the top 5 things to consider to find a solid and reputable Network Marketing company.
1. BBB – “A” Rating from the Better Business Bureau.
This is huge. It is also a very difficult thing to find in a home based business. But you can find one if you search. Don’t join a fitness/nutrition business unless it has this rating. This is like insurance for your business. I have been involved with companies in the past who has bad ratings from the BBB. Of course the leaders in the company would just chalk that up to disgruntled, or lazy distributors, or ignorance. Well that may or may not be the case but why not go with a company with an “A” rating in the first place.
Many people check the BBB first when considering buying products or joining an organization. This is a good thing. That means they are a smart consumer and smart potential team member. The credibility added to one’s business by having an “A” Rating from the Better Business Bureau is a huge advantage when trying to get customers or distributors.
2. Does the company spend millions in advertising?
I am involved with a company that spent $100 million dollars in advertising last year. Everyone has seen their products on infomercials. This company does it right. They test and test and test until they get it right then they go into mass advertising mode. As I write this article they have the #1 and #2 top selling fitness products in the country.
The MLM gurus will tell you that word of mouth or internet marketing is all you need. While these are very important, it is a good feeling to know that your company invests big dollars in growth through mass advertising. And if you find a company that puts those new customers into your organization, you have done well.
3. Does the company have a well known brand.
You don’t want to join a fly by night company. You want to find one that has been around for a while and who’s products are proven. A company that has built a solid reputation on quality and service. One that virtually everyone has heard about.
When somebody asks you how you got into shape and you tell them what you are doing, they know exactly what you are talking about because they know the brand. Again, this adds credibility to your business. You don’t have to gamble on a brand new start up. Most companies fail within their first 2 years.
4. The Workouts.
I might be wrong but I don’t know of any MLM company, except for one, that has actual fitness programs included in their products that you can make commission on. Other companies are just about selling magic miracle pills, or super juices.
I recommend a company that actually has the products that produce results. Many fitness programs for all different tastes and goals, as well as the best nutritional products to give you the best results. Everyone knows the only way to lose weight, build muscle, be healthy etc. is to both exercise and supply your body with quality nutrients.
5. How does the company rank amongst the top MLMs?
Matt Morris, the renowned “Unemployed Millionaire,” recently published an article titled “80 Top Network Marketing Companies: February 2010”. I recommend finding a company on this list. They have been vetted and they are proven successful.
So there you have it. My top 5 things to consider when choosing a home business. If you do your homework you will find a company that meets all of these requirements.