Top Ten Reasons to Join an MLM and Red Flags to Watch For!

MLM over the years has been given a bad reputation, but many MLM companies have evolved over time and survived, despite two recessions and tough economy. No longer are business opportunities such as these considered a "pyramid scheme", as they were previously viewed. Over the course of 30 years, I have been involved with multi-level marketing and direct sales as a consultant, and I have enjoyed the journey. It has opened my eyes to whether a company is viable, managed well, and worth my time, and I have found that there are many benefits of becoming a consultant with an MLM company, which I will share with you.

1) Low investment-Generally, you can become involved with a good, solid business opportunity for less than $500.00. If the start up fee is between $150.00-$500.00, you should expect free training, consultant support, website tools, and a great commission plan. I usually don't waste my time and efforts on programs with a low start up fee, as these vital business tools are not in place, and commissions tend to be lower.

2) No overhead-Great earning potential and no large business expenses. No need to pay rent on a brick and mortar store, no utility bills, no need to carry and store large amounts of inventory.

3) Free training-You are marketing a product with someone else's name on it. You should expect free training for your investment and your expertise.

4) Unlimited earning potential-You can earn as much as you want, based on your efforts.

5) Degree not required-You don't need a college degree to earn money, and the earning potential is not based on your education. The training is provided, and all you really need is good common sense, and the ability to be coached.

6) Self employment-You cannot be fired, outsourced, or laid off.

7) Additional income-You can supplement your income, or replace it. That's up to you. We all like a little extra cash sometimes!

8) Bonuses-How many jobs have you had that offer free vacations, cars, and jewelry based on your performance?

9) Flexibility-You work the hours you want to work, based on your needs and the needs of your family. If you need a day off, you don't have to ask!

10) Achievement and self esteem-You can feel proud of your achievements and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Doing well is a great boost to your self esteem!

Although MLM is rapidly becoming an acceptable means of employment, there are some things to watch for when choosing a company, and some red flags you should be aware of.

1) Avoid "get rich quick" schemes-If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. There is no way to get rich quick. If someone tells you you will, run to the nearest exit.

2) Pressure to quit your job-A good MLM company will not pressure or encourage you to quit your job, they will counsel you on a plan to reach that goal-eventually.

3) Required to purchase large amounts of inventory-This should be a red flag! There is no need to purchase large amounts of inventory...MLM is not about that! This is a tricky way some companies use to sell inventory to consultants, where the consultant gets stuck with large amounts of inventory they cannot sell.

4) Secretive meetings-If someone approaches you with a "fantastic opportunity" and invites you to a "meeting", however will not share details with you, give you a company name, or says it is the ( ) team, chances are good that this is a company that uses deceptive measures to hook innocent people. If you do not have all the information ahead of time, and a chance to look at the companies policies and records, don't commit. Would you go somewhere unknown for a reason unknown with a perfect stranger? If a relationship begins with dishonesty, it can only get worse!

My advice to someone new to MLM marketing is research the company, and understand that sometimes that "low start up fee" company is not necessarily the best, as tools such as training, support, and websites may not be in place, and the commission plan may be lower than other companies you could invest in. You are investing in yourself, and your future..isn't that worth more than $20.00?