These days when you hear the term "Home Based Business", it usually refers to a Network Marketing
company. So, this is where we will put our focus. Being on the Internet for some years now has
allowed me to see and experience the good and the bad when it comes to home based businesses. Prior
to finding the perfect home business for myself, based on my experiences, and perhaps yours too, it
went something like this:
You receive an email or a phone call, read an article, or hear from a friend about the latest and
greatest home based business that is making everybody millionaires overnight! You get caught up in
the hype and in your excitement...you join.
Months or even weeks later, when you need help, you find that you are all alone. The friend that
first told you about the business is no longer involved and your upline is no where to be found. In
the mean time, you're stuck with all these products, that you were forced to buy, your family and
friends are not interested, and you're still not making any money.
But don't give up and throw in the towel on owning your own home based business forever. Owning
your own business can give you the freedom of time and money you've been looking for and despite the
black eye that some companies have given the Network Marketing industry, it is still one of the most
lucrative industries you can be in. You just have to determine which business is right for you and
in a few easy steps, you can learn to do that.
Here's How:
Step 1) Forget the Hype
Yes, people will be excited about their latest findings in home based businesses, but don't get
caught up in the hype. I've even had people go so far as to say, "I would be stupid not to join."
Are you kidding me! Forget about the fact that the company will give you a free website because
what they don't often tell you is that you still have to advertise that website. What good is it
having a website if no one knows about it.
Step 2) Do Your Research
With the availablity of the Internet, there's no reason not to do your own research on a company
before joining. Before you fork over a dime, find out everything you can about the business; the
good and the bad. After all, you are looking for a business that you can stay with for years to
come, so it's worth the effort. I promise you, this step will probably eliminate over 50% of the
programs you are thinking about joining and will save you a lot of money.
Step 3) Make a Comparison Chart
Once you've narrow the field, make a comparison chart for the remaining businesses that you're
still interested in. I would suggest the following categories to be included in your chart.
a) The Cost - Compare the initial investment, as well as, the
ongoing monthly fees
b) The Product - Is the product tangible or intangible? Are you required to
purchase a shipment of products every month, also know as Auto Ship? Is the product one that
everybody can use, and more importantly, can afford?
c) The Team Building System - Do they have a system in place that will help you
build your downline or are you required to recruit everybody on your own? Do you have to buy
leads?
d) The Compensation Plan - How do you get paid? How often do you get paid?
What is the income potential? Does everyone in the company have the benefit of earning substantial
amounts of money or just the ones at the top? How easy is it for you to advance in the
company?
And finally...
Step 4) Ask Yourself This Question; Is the company a good match for Me?
Based on your research and your personal desires, is the company a good fit for you, not the
other way around. Of course, they'll tell you that you are a good match for the company, but is the
company a good match for you? After all, this is all about you!
Mentally place yourself in a position with the company. Do you feel comfortable talking to
people about this business? Is this a product that you can be proud to represent?
And I know this may sound strange but when choosing a company that you want to become involved
in, follow your heart, not the money. If you can feel good about what you are doing, the money will
come.
So there you have it; 4 easy steps to follow when finding the home based business that is perfect
for you. In fact, these were the same steps that I used in finding the perfect business for me.
