Tip #1 CHOOSE FROM YOUR INTERESTS

There are dozens and dozens of Network Marketing Companies. One place to start is to study at all the categories listed in the Direct Selling Association. You'll be amazed at the number.  All sorts of companies can be found here, and it's a good place to begin some of your research, especially if you are undecided about what sort of business to pursue.   

You should have an interest in the type of company and their products.  These can range from internet services, vacation resorts, insurance, to nutritional supplements.  You are going to be spending time with the products and people in the organization.  It's a lot easier if you have in interest - yes even a passion - for the products.

Tip # 2 RESEARCH THE COMPANY'S POLICIES & PROCEDURES

You may have already researched the company, but are you familiar with their policies and procedures?  Ask for a complete copy before signing up with any company. 

Here's an example: 

You want to promote your offer on the internet, but the company does not allow you to have your own web site. You may think that's OK, but what if they won't let you promote even the NAME of their products or the company name in any form on the internet? How about in print? You may be marketing with a huge handicap. Think twice before signing.  You may love the product, but sit down and map out your action plan to fit their policies.  How does it look?  How far can you get with face to face meetings only?  How will you attract interest?

Think carefully about how their policies fits with your ideas of gaining market share and promoting both the products AND the business.

Tip # 3 DO YOU LIKE YOUR UPLINE?

You are going to spend time seeking advice and direction from the person who recruited you. There needs to be a good fit. 

Ask yourself what you expect from that person, and can you get it from them?   If you have a very hard driving manager as your Upline, how's the fit?  For some it may be excellent.  For others, not so much.  You certainly do need to respect and like the individuals you are in contact with the most.  So research the company, their policies and procedures, and the personnel involved.

Tip # 4 TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THE PRODUCTS

If you have not read the section on MLM vs. a Pyramid Scheme please make sure you do.  Network Marketing companies that are designed right are NOT pyramid schemes.  One great difference is that good Network Marketing Companies have good products for sale.  However, do research on the cost structure of these products.  They have to be offered at a reasonable price if you are going to attract customers to buy and use the products.  If they are offered at unreasonably high prices where there are much cheaper alternatives, then it's going to be a very hard sell.

Research the company by asking these questions:

• What makes the products unique?
• What are the competing products?
• Are competing products sold through direct sales or are they available online or at a nearby store? If they are, what are the main differences?
• What does your online competition look like?

These questions need close scrutiny before you decide which company to align with. If this is to be a long term relationship you have got to feel comfortable with the product or service offered.