Multi-Level Marketing: Is It For You?

There are dozens of MLM companies out there - from Avon and Mary Kay to Pampered Chef and Tastefully Simple. I'm sure you've been approached at one time or another by someone asking you to host a party. And I'm sure you've obliged or even considered joining their team. Sure, MLM can be fun and rewarding . . . but the truth is, it takes hard work and commitment to be financially successful. It CAN be done - but here are some insights to consider:



Myth: You need to have inventory. Having inventory will keep your customers happy - they can come to you anytime and know that you have what they need. You also might want to consider ordering some products to test for yourself. I mean, how can you sell something you don't use, right? Truth: Your team lead or sales director makes a commission off your orders. The bigger your order, the bigger her commission check! You'll likely get pressured to order more inventory than you should. Don't order more than what you think you can sell! It's OK to order products for yourself or household - just be smart about it!



Myth: You can make your own hours and work your family life around your career. Truth: In order for you to really make money, you'll have to commit 20+ hours a week selling, calling, and doing parties. Plus, there will likely be weekly meetings to attend. If you've got little pre-school children at home, you'll probably be doing most of your work in the evenings. When you're husband is just getting home from work. Or right after dinner. Or during the kids' bathtime and bedtime.



Myth: You can sell as much or as little as you want; there are no sales quota. Truth: For the independent business owners at the bottom of the rung, this is true. But in order to really make money and earn great prizes, you'll need to have team members and move up into a team lead or sales director position. Once you're in a leadership role, you will have monthly or quarterly sales quotas to meet in order to maintain your position withing the company and keep your team.



I'm not knocking MLM's entirely. I know some very successful women who have become financially independent through MLM's. My advice to you is to do your research and ask yourself what you're comfortable doing. Is this for fun, additional income, or a serious career?



Find out more about MLM's:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-level_marketing

http://www.mlmrankings.com/

http://mlm.com/mlm/user/index