8 Questions to Consider BEFORE Starting a Network Marketing Business

Thinking that you want your own business? Maybe considering whether to start your own thing, or even join a Network Marketing company? As someone that has done both, I thought I’d share some questions to consider as you make the best decision for you!

Consider:

1. Am I willing to invest in my business? This is just a reality; it will take some money to make some money. It will take time to eventually free up time. You must be willing to invest some of both. One great advantage of deciding your business will be with a Network Marketing company, is so much is DONE FOR YOU, whereas if you start for yourself, you have to pay to get everything going.
2. How comfortable am I with sales? Understanding the sales process and how to close a sale, is important. If you just hope to push your link everywhere hoping people will buy, you probably won’t have much success. If you are not comfortable with selling, you will struggle. Let’s face it. In big companies, someone else does the sales, but as a network marketer, you close the sales.
3. Do I believe in the product? When you use, love and believe in a product, it is easier to sell. And in most network marketing companies you earn more with making a monthly purchase. (And it should be reasonable, in my opinion!) Do not decide to start a business because of the idea that you will get rich quickly. Start because you believe in what you offer and how it helps others, and the money will follow. I truly believe in living healthy and love helping others do the same, so my business is a great fit.
4. What kind of training and support will I get? If you have decided to invest in a brand, find out what the investment will get you. Any good company will have training and support sessions and phone calls to help you succeed. Talk to a REAL person already in the organization and find out. Call their support center and ask some questions
5. How will I develop a business plan? Even when joining a network marketing company, you need a plan. You build over time, and that takes thought and goal setting with your time and effort. Having a 1-, 3-, and 5-year business plan is key to success. Get real and deep about your WHY. Your why is more than, “make money” because that will not keep you motivated when you are not making money!
6. Do I understand how I will make money? This is often ignored, and then people are frustrated. First, if it is a legitimate company, you can earn solely by selling products. And you should never have to invest more up front to earn a higher commission than another person. (Although building a team that sells products is where the wealth is at in network marketing.) BUT, there are still companies that have pretty strict guidelines where you might not get paid. Do your homework and ask questions!
7. Am I willing to do whatever it takes to make it work? Starting your own business takes discipline, hard work, and the willingness to push beyond your comfort zone.  Are you up for it?
8. Do I really want a business, or is this just a hobby? If you truly want to be self-employed, if you truly want freedom, if you truly want wealth -you need to treat it like a business, not a hobby. That means investing in yourself and the business to grow it, even when money is tight. Hobbyists only invest when they have extra cash. Either is ok, but the investment of time and some money will be necessary if you really want your network marketing business to grow.

Ultimately, joining a network marketing company depends on one thing: you. It’s like joining a gym. The gym doesn’t get you in shape – you get you in shape. Most fail at network marketing because they are hoping for their upline to build under them and get them rich, you must build your business!