What is Network Marketing?Network Marketing is also known as Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) or Referral Marketing.Although it has been around since the early part of the last century, for many people, it is still unfamiliar territory.
It is a very good way of starting a profitable, full-time business with little or no investment. It is also a good method of starting a second or part-time business to run alongside your existing business, career or lifestyle.
In most cases it involves selling a product or service which is produced and supplied by a 'mother' company. You take on the responsibilities of selling the products and introducing other people to the company. You get paid commission on the products / services sold by yourself and a smaller commission on the products / services sold by the people you have introduced to the company. In addition to this, you often get a percentage commission based on the sales of the people who- 'the people you introduced'- introduced... and so on...Confused? Sorry!
Comments and adviceThe 'Referral Marketing' industry is growing at a rapid rate. More and more companies are looking at it as a viable method of cutting advertising and distribution costs. It has enabled a huge amount of people to start earning substantial incomes with low financial investment and, therefore, low risk.
However, it is not a 'lazy man's' way of making money. In order to build a successful business, like any business, one must invest a great deal of time and effort into it. Many people have 'fallen by the way side' because they have been misinformed (by over enthusiastic recruitment tactics) about the level of work that is required to generate a decent income.
A few companies (understandably) restrict you from distributing the products of competitive network marketing companies, if you are caught doing this you may lose your business - so be warned.
Always check the credibility of the 'mother' company, some companies go beyond the bounds of fair recruitment practice and require start-up costs that can not be justified. Further more, these organisations may have little or no products / services beyond the recruitment process. This may not appear to be a bad thing, after all you can make substantial commissions from the initial investments paid by the (fully informed) people you introduce, and so can they. In some countries, however, this practice is illegal or may be frowned upon by the authorities, think hard before you invest your time and money into a business like this.
There is a wide variety of good quality Referral Marketing companies from all over the world to choose from. They offer products and services from a wide range of industries: health, telecommunications, household products, technology, e-commerce, adult industry etc. It would be advisable to choose a product or service that you are interested in because, when it comes to sales, nothing beats enthusiasm and confidence in the product.
Pros- Little or no start up costs with the potential to build a substantial business.
- Often uses a proven business formula.
- Low risk.
- A great deal of support and advice often given.
- Flexible -can be run on a full-time or part-time basis.
- Highly expandable - no restrictions on territory & most 'mother' companies can supply to many countries (great with the Internet).
- Business can be run from your own home.
- Builds your confidence and increases your communication skills.
Cons
- There may be restrictions on your business practises e.g.. Recruitment, advertising etc.
- Your business heavily relies on the success of one 'mother' company and its ability to deliver its products / services on time.
- You may not feel comfortable selling to your peers.
Further information
http://www.startinbusiness.co.uk/network.htm
posted by Jeremy Tromans at 12/10/2004 11:57:00 PM
