If you prefer to start a home business working as a
representative for an existing company, there are plenty out
there to choose from. There are things you should think about
beforehand, however. Too many people make the mistake of jumping
into the first opportunity they see. Do your homework before
signing on the dotted line! Here are some things to consider
about your prospective opportunity:
Are you passionate about the products/services? - Be honest with
yourself on this, it's the most important question. Don't sign
up with a company because others are doing well with them, or
because your neighbor says it's the wave of the future. Can you
really get excited about what you're selling? If yes, you will
have a much better shot at success.
Is the company legitimate? - How long have they been in
business? Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau or the
Direct Selling Association? This doesn't necessarily guarantee
the company is "good", but it's a good starting place. Also do a
search for the company name along with the word "scam." Do a lot
of complaints come up? Most companies will probably have a few,
but if there are many, you might want to think twice.
Start-up Cost - How much does it cost to become a
representative, and what is included in your start-up kit? Most
business opportunities have a start-up cost that can range from
a few dollars up to hundreds of dollars. However, you should
actually receive something for this money being spent.
Product or Service - Is there an actual product or service being
sold to customers? If there is no product or service, run far,
far away! That is called a pyramid scheme, and it is illegal.
Training - Do you receive any training and support from the
company? Ask how this training is presented. Is it online
training? Telephone conference calls? One on one mentoring?
Audio files? Printed booklets? Make sure you clearly understand
what support and training materials will be provided for you.
Ongoing Costs - Are there any ongoing costs to running your
business with this company? Some companies require that you
purchase a certain amount of products each month, or they charge
monthly webhosting fees or administrative fees.
Marketing Materials - Will you need to purchase your own
marketing materials like brochures, catalogs, order forms,
business cards, advertising or prospecting leads? Find out if
the company offers any of these to you for free, or if they have
low cost alternatives. Quotas - Will you have any sales quotas
you need to meet each month or year? Any other requirements you
must meet to keep your business active?
Online or Off - Would you prefer to run your business mostly
online, or off? Would you enjoy doing home parties? Some
companies offer the option of both, and some do not. Find out
exactly how you will need to run your business and make sure
it's something you won't mind doing.
Website - Does the company give you a free website, or one that
you pay for? Can you sign up customers and representatives at
the website, or do you have to do it manually by phone or fax?
Some websites are given for marketing and lead generation
purposes, but you still have to sign up the prospects yourself.
Others have more automated systems set up.
Product Delivery - Who delivers the products your customers
order? Does the company ship them out for you, or will you have
to do that?
Realistic income - What can you expect to earn, and how is the
bulk of your income earned? Do you need to recruit other
representatives in order to earn? Or can you sell product to
earn a commission. Some companies offer both options. Don't fall
for the hyped-up ads that claim you can earn $20,000 in a month.
It may be possible, but be clear on exactly what would be
required of you to earn that much money. Will you need to
recruit a certain number of representatives per month, or sell a
certain amount of products per month? Are you willing to do that?
When you finally choose a company to partner with, be prepared
to work hard and be committed. So many ads out there make it
sound so easy -- you just sign up and the money starts rolling
in. Nothing could be further from the truth. You will need to
show up each day and do the work, just like a job. You will need
to stretch yourself outside your comfort zones and work on
improving yourself, personally and professionally.
The good news is that YOU are responsible for your own success.
There are no limits if you truly believe in yourself and the
company you represent.
About the author:
Wendy Betterini is a freelance writer, web designer and owner of
http://www.CreativeWorkAtHome.com, a resource center for home
business owners and telecommuters. Visit today for information
on how to make your work at home experience successful.
