Business Styles: Network Marketing or Multi-Level Marketing

Network Marketing, also known as Multi-Level Marketing (MLM), is probably one of the most popular forms for the “work-at-home” businesses found online today. That is why I chose this business style as the style I wanted to write about first in the series I am doing this week.

Since MLM is the most common term used to describe this type of business style, that’s how I’ll refer to it here.

What exactly is MLM? It’s a system for selling products (or services) through a network of distributors. It usually works through recruiting people to work under you. That varies with the business. You’ll earn money for products sold as well as for people that you recruit. How much and all the little details there would depends on the MLM you’re working for. MLM businesses can, and do, work for many people but it’s not for everyone. You need good sales skills to be successful and you can’t take rejection personally.

Before you jump into any business, especially MLM’s, do some research! It’s very important. Not all are legit. Search for what’s being said online about that MLM. Talk to people who’ve had experience with them.

If the MLM opportunity sounds too good to be true, about.com has a good article about evaluating the MLM before jumping in. Their are 6 simple questions you should ask yourself:

• Who is your upline?
• What is the product?
• When will you start actually making money?
• Where is the product being promoted and where can you promote it?
• How were you recruited?
• Why are you doing this?

These 6 questions can help save you time and money. If the answers you find are not what you were looking for, not something you’d want to put any money into, or a product you just simply don’t feel you’d be willing to use yourself, you could save yourself all the money and time you would have invested before you find out it wasn’t for you. That is why looking into something before going ahead with it is more important.

For more information:

Reference.com offers a very large definition on network marking/MLM. Anyone looking for a more official definition of this form of business should check this out. Click here to read.

Reference.com also has a long list of known MLM business opportunities available. If you’re interested in joining a MLM, this is a good place to start. Click here for the list.

The resources used in this article:

About.com’s definition of MLM article. Click here to read.

About.com’s “Too Good To Be True?” 6 Questions article. Click here to read.