MLM Information A Look at Network Marketing or Multi-level Business Tip! One way to quickly set up a new business is to market products and services from a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) or network marketing opportunity. These opportunities already have support systems in place so all you have to do is to apply Internet Marketing techniques to sell the product or service. How's this for an example of corporate network marketing: I received a letter today from BankAtlantic, and they want to send me $25 for every new customer I refer. That's $150 for every six customers I send them. What a concept! Imagine paying someone to tell people about a good thing. The truth is that BankAtlantic has finally realized what many companies have known for a long, long time. Network marketing is a good way to grow your customer base. And, bringing it closer to home, it's also a very good way for women in our community, in any community, to start their own business for less than $500. That's right less than $500. For many women, this news can be life changing. Most franchised companies require $30,000, $50,000 or more for the right to open a business. And if you do open one, there is the reality of having to be on-site for 12 or more hours each day. This can cause numerous challenges for women who have young children, or those who want to manage a business that is based at home. So let's look at the history of the one type of business that offers low start-up costs AND the ability to work from home: A Network Marketing or multi-level business. Years ago, Amway became one of the first multi-level marketing companies to establish itself in the U.S. However, as Amway grew in popularity, many other copycat companies took their business model and used it to develop get-rich-quick schemes that failed. Due to the unscrupulous practices of a few, many legitimate referral marketing companies were shunned or fell by the wayside. Tip! For you to get YOUR share of the Best Multi-Level Marketing Leads on the net, you need to know how the Big Guys do it. That was until Robert Kyosaki, author of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", and other business luminaries such as Donald Trump, began extolling the virtues of Network Marketing. And just like THAT, Network Marketing became more popular than ever. At this very moment, Network Marketing is a MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR industry. That's right. Millions of people are now using their own people power to promote and sell goods and services, and it's quickly becoming one of today's most popular business models. That's because Network Marketing requires relatively small start-up costs, offers complete training and support, and provides the opportunity to generate an unlimited amount of income. Network Marketing plans usually pay commissions through two or more levels of recruits, known as the distributor's "downline." Being a public relations professional, I had no idea what any of this meant when I decided to start my own home-based business. I thought a downline was what happened when a truck ran into a power line! What I learned is that for a Network Marketing company to be legal and truly successful, it needs to offer a real product that can pay someone REAL money even if they don't tell another soul. I had been searching for months, looking for an opportunity that resonated with me. I discovered that many network marketing companies offered these advantages: 1. The ability to set my own hours working out of my house 2. A company that would provide free training 3. An industry that was growing year after year 4. A product or service that people wanted to own 5. The possibility of financial freedom in 2-5 years Tip! Network Marketing or Multi-level Marketing Programs can an do work on several different levels. However they work well at the very beginning of the product cycle and not so well after the market has been saturated. That all sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Should we all jump on the bandwagon and get rich?! The answer is yes and no. Network Marketing is like any other opportunity: it will work for some but not for others. The reality is that some people will fail in any business, and some will succeed. It all depends on the determination and work ethic of the specific person. If someone thinks they can get something for nothing, they won't find success in Network Marketing, in the Corporate world, or in any other endeavor. If, however, you have a commitment to yourself to do what it takes to be successful, and to be integrity-based at the same time, then success will certainly be your destiny. What does it really take to become successful? Here's the answer someone gave me, and I found it to be right on the money: "One of the keys to becoming successful is to provide products and services that the average person will use. Help them to find something that is better than what they find at a store, or a service that isn't available in a regular store. In most Network Marketing companies, your customers are just a click away from accomplishing everything online." In addition, a key to your success will be finding the right sponsor, leader, or team to work with in your Network Marketing business. A sponsor will guide and assist you with the necessary support and resources to help you grow your business. Tip! Affiliates who are willing and able to research the companies offering such programs. Unfortunately, this type of company uses the same business model as the old offline Multi-Level Marketing companies, which turned some participants off because they were stuck with inventory of a product they were not prepared to sell and the buyers didn't care to buy. So whether it's Mary Kay, Arbonne, Pre-paid Legal, Tahitian Noni, Meloaleuca, YTB, or another home-based business, find the company and team that appeals to you. It's your belief, your love of your own business, that will make all the difference. Wendy Lester is a South-Florida based Network Marketing professional with a turnkey business through YTB (Your Travel Biz). She can be reached through her online network marketing site, www.takegreattrips.com or by calling 305-479-3007. Wendy is also on the leadership committee of Mommy Mentors www.mommymentors.com. Tip! The old Multi-Level Marketing business model did not work for a lot of people. Today the power of the Internet has changed everything.