“Face
your fears and doubts, and new worlds will open to you.”
Brief
words from Robert Kiyosaki, but ones that are so true. Words that hopefully awaken the
entrepreneurial spirit in your quest for financial success and freedom.
The
mere thought of exercising complete control over our finances, and consequently
our lives, fills us with a sense of purpose and excitement. How do you get that financial control and
independence? Does the answer to that question involve starting
your own business? For many, that is the
solution. However, most people are unable to start their own business because of the costs and time investment involved.
So
what is it that has teachers, lawyers, students, doctors, business people, retired
people and stay-at-home moms so excited? Is it really possible to build a business or
franchise without risking your life savings? Yes; and a staggering 13 million
people in the
If
you are having trouble comprehending all this optimism, here’s what’s helping
millions of people reach dizzying heights of financial success and personal
freedom – “Network-Marketing“.
Why
It May Be Time To Change The Way You Think
No
swanky offices required, no need to hire staff and no need for a substantial
initial investment. What is required? A
small investment generally between $100 and $1000, a commitment of a few hours of your time each
week, a willingness to learn and a firm resolve to carve a niche for yourself -
that pretty much sums up the major requirements of starting and operating network
marketing based business.
Its definitions are as varied as its scope. While
Robert Kiyosaki believes that it is a business school for people who like
helping people, Wikipedia describes it as “a marketing strategy that
compensates promoters of direct selling companies not only for product sales
they personally generate, but also for the sales of others they introduced to
the company”. But still, there is currently no
shortage of people who are skeptical of the network marketing business model. Is this skepticism about to change? Some of the information and statistics
regarding the industry shows that the network marketing is becoming more popular
and is poised for explosive growth over the next five to ten years.
This
business model has won the interest and support of spirited entrepreneurs, who
refuse to let limited investment capabilities dampen their enthusiasm. Additionally, it has caught the interest of
mega millionaires and billionaires such as Warren Buffet, Donald Trump and
famed entreprenuer Robert Kiyosaki. In
fact, Warren Buffet was interested enough in business model that he purchased
an entire network marketing company.
Kiyosaki, in the recent book he co-authored with Donald Trump, Why we
want you to be Rich, dedicated an entire chapter to the network marketing
business model.
Good
network marketing based companies will provide their independent distributors
with a well-organized and highly-professional production, distribution,
training and support system. Sound
training modules and full-fledged support ensure the blueprint for
success. As an independent distributor,
you choose your own hours, you choose who to introduce the product and business
opportunity to and your level of commitment.
Overlooked Advantages
One
major advantage that sets most network marketing opportunities apart from other
business models is the fact that you don’t have to do it all alone. Most network marketing business models allow
you to have the freedom to enlist the services of an unlimited number of other
potential sales representatives, or independent distributors. What good is that to you? Well, you receive
income from sales generated by your down-line independent distributors --
as well as the independent distributors they choose to introduce to the
business opportunity!! This business
plan creates the opportunity for you to potentially make substantial residual
income. Residual income is income that
continues to be generated after your initial effort has been expended. Network marketing opportunities provide a low
cost, low risk platform for people with little sales experience and business
ownership experience to generate substantial residual income. You don’t have to have an MBA or have owned
and operated other businesses to succeed in the network marketing industry.
Network
marketing offers a host of intangible benefits that simply cannot be ignored. The business education and training that you
receive is sure to have a transformative impact on your morale and self-esteem. Additionally, there are substantial tax
incentives associated with having your own business. For a more detailed assessment of the
variety of tax benefits associated with business ownership, I strongly encourage you to
meet with an experienced CPA.
But
there’s another major factor that has allowed network marketing to be such an
attractive business opportunity recently.
Recession
– a word that normally spells nothing but gloom and despair, and carries with
it a specter of relentless sufferings without hope of early relief. The collapse of large financial institutions, housing
foreclosures, drastic job cuts and an unpredictable stock market are all grim
reminders of a long and severe economic meltdown.
In
the midst of all this financial ruin, there is something that weathered the
storm rather admirably – network marketing. History
is no stranger to the fact that network marketing companies have triumphed during
recessionary periods, and it’s no different this time either.
Here
is an opportunity for an individual to create a ‘recession-proof’ form of residual income. Not only can you make immeasurable gains from
this business, you can also help others reach their financial and lifestyle
dreams.
So
if a network marketing business is such a wonderful opportunity, why are scores
of people so skeptical about it? Why are
these business propositions viewed with a sense of distrust and caution?
That’s
because over the years most people have been bombarded with illegal network
marketing deals involving some sort of a pyramid scheme. Most of these illegal
pyramids, commonly referred to as ‘Ponzi’ schemes, are about making money by
signing up people without the delivery of substantial products or services. And sound Commerce is definitely not an
inherent part of this out-an-out money game. If you find a scheme that derives most of, or
worse still, all its revenue from a recruitment drive, you know you’ve spotted
a red herring. It certainly sounds eerily similar to the chain letter system
that promises to make you rich at others’ expense.
Network
marketing that is based on the sales and distribution of a well developed and
popular product, on the other hand, is a pure, legitimate business driven by an
independent distributor’s dedication and determination to build an enterprise.
Make
A Prudent Choice
A
cursory glance at the vast array of network marketing companies, and you know
you are spoilt for choice. Internet and communication services, nutritional and
wellness products, weight loss programs, electrical and solar power systems,
financial programs… the list is truly endless. However, choosing the right
network marketing company for you is important.
There are several high-profile companies that may deserve your interest, but not until some very important issues have been given their due. Here’s what you need to consider when looking for the right network marketing opportunity:
·
The
company must have a plan in place to enhance your leadership skills and
business acumen with training and mentoring.
·
The
company must offer a bonus and compensation plan that is rewarding to its
independent distributors.
·
You
just cannot ignore the finer details. Make sure the leaders of the company can
provide you insights into ways to grow your business, and actually support you in
your efforts.
·
When
you get down to the brass tacks, and do the number crunching, make sure the
initial start-up cost, monthly PV (personal volume) to be achieved, and
advertising expenses are realistic and manageable.
The
network marketing industry is enjoying a rising profile, and deservedly so. Throughout history it has proven itself to
be an industry that survives the worst of economic times, even striving in
recessionary periods. Where else can
you start a legitimate business with a couple of hundred dollars and a commitment of a couple
of hours a week?
Robert Kiyosaki, Jack Canfield, Robert Allen, Warren Buffet, Mark Victor Hansen, Paul Zane Pilzer, Trump... who’s next? What are you waiting for; it’s time to make the commitment to improving your life.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WELLNESS INDUSTRY