Flexible working hours, little or no set up cost, and the autonomy to be your own boss, sound good? If so, network marketing could be the business opportunity you’re looking for.
Network marketing, sometimes referred to as multi-level marketing, might not appeal to everyone, but for those willing to give it a go, the opportunity can become a nice little earner.
How does it work?
Becoming a sales representative for a network marketing company is a flexible way of generating income whilst working from home around other commitments.
Like other sales opportunities, you will be promoting and selling goods or services to your contacts; usually friends, family, colleagues and neighbours.
The key difference between network marketing and direct sales is that with network marketing you don’t just get paid commission for the products you sell, but also for the products sold by other sales representatives that you have recruited.
With network marketing, your objective is not only to sell products, but also to help grow the business by promoting the opportunity to others to bring onboard new sales representatives.
Benefits of network marketing
You decide your hours – work flexible hours around your current commitments and dedicate as much or as little time to your new venture as you like, just bear in mind that you’re likely to get out of it what you put in.
Sell products you love – there are plenty of network marketing businesses out there, meaning you can choose a business with products you’re passionate about.
Be your own boss – you won’t be under any pressure from anyone else and are free to be innovative with the way you work until you find what works best for you.
Affordable to start up – there is little or no cost to get started.
Support available when needed – no matter which business you join, they want you to succeed, so you should receive help, advice and tips when you need them.
Popular network marketing businesses
With so many different network marketing opportunities out there, it’s important to take the time to do your research and find a company that is the right fit for you. From skincare and cosmetics to candles and homewares, there is plenty to choose from!
A few of the most popular network marketing businesses include Avon, Younique, Scentsy, Herbalife, Oriflame, Kleeneze, Tropic Skincare and Arbonne.
Choosing the right network marketing business
If you think network marketing is for you, it’s time to do your research and find out which company you would like to join. Here are a few things to consider when looking round.
The products
It’s very important that you like and believe in the products that you’re selling; your heart needs to be in it to succeed. Make sure that the products are unique, good value for money, and not something faddy that will only have short-term appeal.
Your contacts
Think about the network of contacts that you are going to be selling to, are they the right target market for the products? Will the products genuinely be of use or appealing to them?
Commission
Enjoying your work is important, but so is getting paid. Make sure that you have complete clarity when it comes to the commission structure and how payment works before signing up to anything to avoid wasted time and effort.
How long has the company been around?
Many network marketing companies come and go, but the good ones withstand the test of time. The more established a company is, generally, the less of a risk you’re taking when you join them.
Becoming a sales representative for a network marketing company allows you to become your own boss, with the security of joining an established and successful company with a tried and tested formula already in place.
The internet and social media make it easier than ever to promote your new venture for free, so why not get started today!