Why is Network Marketing Training Important?

Whether you are new in the network marketing industry or have been doing it for years, one of the most important things you can do to help you succeed is attending any and all training calls and/or webinars offered by your company or team.  This also includes one-on-one training offered by team leaders.

Dialing or logging into training sessions will help you learn about your product, service and company.  In addition, training conferences can provide coaching on the necessary skills to build a strong business.  You can learn how to market your business – and yourself. 

Since the majority of companies offer FREE training for their associates, attendance requires only your time.  Investing your time into training is worth every minute!

As a team leader, I have found that those who do not dial into our team calls often ask many of the same questions that are answered on our calls.  Those who attend training are generally more successful. 

Each of us is responsible for accessing training.  Anyone who thinks they can do it on their own will very likely fail.  We are in NETWORK marketing and belong to a TEAM. 

It all starts with the “Getting Started” document which all companies and/or team leaders should provide to their new associates.  The one I send to my team members is very informational and can give them a “kick start” in their business.  However, many distributors don’t bother to read it or follow the instructions therein. 

I also distribute detailed recorded videos to help associates learn about the specific steps required in the process of building their business.  Many do not take the time to watch them.

I am disappointed when I am asked a question about something that was included in the initial training document and videos.  Obviously the person did not bother to watch it.  Because following instructions is an essential part of our training, rather than answering the question, I refer them to the documents and videos.

Those who do not follow instructions and do not consider training calls/webinars are usually not a person who is serious about having a business.

I find that I learn from the training calls I provide.  Sometimes the knowledge comes from the research I perform preparing for the training; other times I learn from my team members. 

Encourage all your team members to plug into all the training.  If you host your own calls, don’t waste a lot of time explaining and answering questions that are included in training documents, videos, webinars and calls.

It begins with YOU. You must utilize all training available to you.  When you do, you know that you are receiving the same information as your teammates, and everyone is moving in the same direction in the same way.  

It is up to YOU, as an independent business owner, to get trained and educated about your specific company and the network marketing industry.  So ask yourself, “Am I utilizing all the training available to me?”  If not, why did you join your company to begin with?

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

Whatever You Are, Be a Good One

“Whatever you are, be a good one.”  This is a quote from Abraham Lincoln, and it is still valid today.  In fact, perhaps it is even a more important statement today than it was in Lincoln’s day.

Some people believe it is “below them” to work at McDonald’s, as a custodian or an office clerk, especially if they went to school to be an attorney, financial advisor or engineer.    

But where would we all be if there were no custodians or office clerks?  With the right attitude, any job can be one about which we can be proud as long as we put our best effort into performing it.  Perhaps the unemployment rate would be just a bit better if everyone accepted that fact.  

Restaurant servers represent an industry where we see the best and the worst.   We can easily tell which servers enjoy their jobs and which do not.  Some are cheerful and efficient, while others are rude and incompetent and can spoil your dining experience.

Similarly, those working at a retail store – or McDonald’s – clearly demonstrate whether or not they enjoy their job by the service they offer.

I was in the administrative end of law enforcement for most of my life.  I made a decent living and was happy being the one who kept offices running smoothly.  Because I liked most jobs I held, I was determined to perform them to the best of my ability.  On one job, I was promoted step-by-step until I was vice president of the company.

My son, at age 20, started out delivering furniture for a store.  He worked hard and performed his job cheerfully and well, standing out from those who hated their jobs and their conduct reflected it.  My son is now the top manager of the company, the one who trains all the other managers. 

With my Xpress Healthcare network marketing business, I started out like everyone else – at the bottom.  I loved working at home and worked consistently to grow my business to one of the top teams in the company.

I am certainly not suggesting that no one should strive to become a doctor, lawyer or engineer.   However, if you must choose between unemployment and whatever job you can find, accept that job and perform it as though it was your dream job.  You will be happier because of your positive attitude, and who knows where your enthusiasm and job performance may direct you?

If you wish to own a home business, choose wisely, and do your research.  Be sure you like the products, the management and the compensation plan.  Then, if everything indicates it is a good company, ignore all the negative talk about the industry.  Instead, put all your effort into your network marketing business and you will build it and grow to love it.

“Whatever you are, be a good one.”  Amen.

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For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

Are You Too Comfy?

Many people always live within their “comfort zone.”  They don’t take chances; they don’t risk a dime for fear that they will lose it.  These people will never achieve success in their careers or in their lives.   Their lives lack excitement and adventure.  They likely feel trapped, bored and overwhelmed.

What if these people decided it was time to stretch their limits, rev up their lives?  If they stop fearing failure, they’ll take risks that may change their entire life! Some of the most important people in history took great risks and failed.  Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas." He started other businesses that failed, and he ended bankrupt before beginning his road to success. Henry Ford had five businesses that were complete failures before he created the first assembly line and American-made automobiles.  I could cite many more examples where people risked everything, failed, and started again before ever being successful. To achieve our goals in life and in our careers, we cannot be concerned about what other people may think of us.  We must take risks; dare to step out of our comfort zone.  If we are less than perfect, if we don’t succeed, we must try again and again. Risking something – time, money or our pride - can be frightening.  We may fail or lose. On the other hand, we may not. We may gain something, learn something or become an expert in something new and different. When was the last time you were really excited about NOT knowing what was going to happen? If we remain in our comfort zone, we likely don’t even remember that feeling of excitement and anticipation.  It is time to start feeling that again! Starting today, do something different, outside your “norm,” something challenging. Let’s all see how much more we can do than we believe we can. When I first joined Xpress Healthcare two years ago, I didn’t start out truly believing I would be successful. I’d been with other network marketing companies, and I certainly didn’t set the world on fire.  However, with the encouragement and training I received, I learned to step way out of my comfort zone. Before I knew it, I was hosting training calls (brand new to me), creating videos to post online (me, speaking on camera?), volunteering to do tasks I wasn’t sure I was capable of doing… I did these things.  My heart raced, my stomach seemed made of knots, but I challenged myself, not once or twice, but over and over again. Looking back at myself when I first joined Xpress, I am so glad that I was willing to risk embarrassment and I was open to learning new and different things.  I am not yet where I want to be, but I’m enjoying the ride! If you want to join me on my journey, please contact me at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com

Network Marketing vs. a J-O-B

In today’s economy, people are looking for a way to supplement their income. Most people look for a part-time or second job.  For most, it is the only way they know how to bring in the additional income. Those who have never done so often believe that setting a home business is difficult, and they don’t know where to begin. The beauty of the network marketing industry is that the “setting up” the business has already been done for us. The company provides the websites, marketing tools and training.  Network Marketers definitely must work to earn money, but the “set-up” has been taken care of for us. People search for a job, apply, and hope they are selected for the position. With network marketing, people research and select a company they like; they join and pay whatever fee is required.  With my company, Xpress Healthcare, we have no initial registration fee or start-up fee. Companies have different fees, perhaps training costs, and some have start-up or registration fees.  From my own experience, at some point, every company will charge their reps for something, even those that advertise as “free.”  Of course, I haven’t tried all of them, so I could be mistaken about some of them. Virtually all network marketing companies will provide at least a website to their reps, sometimes more. With Xpress we receive several websites, family benefits and more. Network marketers are investing in themselves.  They are business owners. They are not paying for a job or the opportunity to work for someone else.  Those who work a job earn money for someone else. They receive an income, a salary or commission.  The likelihood of their income increasing within the first few months is slight.  The employer tells their employees what days and hours they must work. Network Marketers set their own hours, and if they work their business properly, they will be in control of their income. For those working a job, taxes are taken out of their paychecks, with little or no control over what is deducted. Network marketers have no taxes taken out of their checks. They keep all the money they’re paid, and pay their taxes at the end of the year. Because they work at home, however, their tax deductions are HUGE, and until they are earning a large income, they may be able to write off more than they pay in taxes! Employees can be fired or laid off a job. Network marketers have the opportunity to work hard and become one of the leaders of their company. The last point in this comparison is the best of all!  You can never leave a job and continue to receive pay checks.  With companies that pay residual commission, once reps build their income, they can continue receiving residuals whether or not they continue working their business.  Many network marketers start out slowly, making few or no sales.  They often become discouraged. But think of it this way… Could you buy a restaurant, a retail store or a nail salon for what we pay to own our own our network marketing business?  With any “storefront” business, it will likely take a year or more to get into profit mode. In network marketing, an affiliate can be in profit mode in weeks, or at least within a few months. We own our business. It is ours! If a network marketer sticks with it, works their business and attends training, they WILL be successful and meet their goals!  Can you say that about any j-o-b?  ******************************* To learn about Julie Klein and the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity, please visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  You can work from home and earn residual income. For information about how you can Save Money on Your Health and Dental Costs AND Save on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and much more, please visit http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings   (NOT insurance

Childhood Memories

“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.” From the television show “The Wonder Years.”

It is interesting that such a profound statement came from a television show.  Reading it caused my mine to meander on this topic, and thus I’m writing this blog.

Our memories are powerful.  Our character, our personality and so much more that makes us who we are, were formed, at least in part, from our childhood memories.  Whether good memories or bad, they helped to shape the adults we came to be. 

Many of the fears we have as adults are rooted in childhood memories.  Those memories can cause us anxiety as adults, or they can bring us great joy.  Our drive (or lack thereof), our attitude toward life, and our morals and ethics all were planted with the seeds of childhood memories.

I was fortunate to have a fairly “normal” childhood, no abuse or alcoholism, with many wonderful memories.  Sure, there are some not-so-pleasant memories mixed in, but not many.

Fabulous memories my siblings and I share concern our many family trips to Yosemite National Park in California.  Our family visited Yosemite every year for at least 20 years, and we all share a special place in our hearts for those trips. Of course, it wasn’t just the place, but the fact that our family was all together enjoying Yosemite together.  I recently discussed Yosemite with my brother and sister, and we all agreed that we cannot quite describe how precious those memories are to us today.  Rather than simply memories, Yosemite became a part of us.

I have read that a person learns more from birth to age five than he or she learns during the rest of their lives.  Whether or not that is fact, it does make sense when you think what we knew when we entered the world.  I would think that our grammar school years would be of very great importance as well when we consider how much we learned during that time.  It is no wonder our childhood memories so greatly influence the adults we are today.  

http://julie.xpressabo.com/flash3.php?=blogger

No Man (or Woman) is an Island

Teamwork is vital to the success of virtually any business – a restaurant, retail store, huge corporation or a network marketing business.  No one stands alone and expects to accomplish all that needs to be done.  In retail and corporations, each person serves a specific purpose, and if one person is not holding up their end, the remaining people must pick up the slack.  In most situations, the “slacker” would not last very long with their company.  They would be fired.

In network marketing, teamwork is a bit different.  Unless a team member violates company rules, they generally cannot be “fired.”  There are a few elements that are needed to keep a team running smoothly. 

·         A common purpose.  With network marketing, each individual in a team is an independent business owner, but each joined the network to achieve success.  Yes, I know that not all the team members will ever be successful, but I’m talking common purpose.

·         Interdependence.  Each member of a network marketing team depends on at least one other person to reach their goals.  They depend on their sponsor to train them and support them along their path.  Team leaders depend on each of their members to work their business, thus helping both the member and leader to grow their businesses.

·         Roles and contributions.  Each person can play more than one role in network marketing.  If they are recruiting a team, they are a team leader.  However, that leader also has their own sponsor, and they are a member of that person’s team, helping their own sponsor by making sales.  How much each individual contributes to the team can greatly effect the success of many.

·         Accountability, both individual and mutual.  Each individual within a team is responsible to themselves to grow their personal business.  At the same time, they are also accountable to the team as a whole.  It is true that, in network marketing, there are always going to be those who do not take this responsibility seriously, either to themselves or their team.  These people never succeed.

·         Empowerment.  Independent business owners have the power to create an empire, make a decent living or supplement their income.  They are empowered to make their choices and work their businesses accordingly.  There is both freedom and challenges that come with empowerment.

Those individuals in network marketing who do not consider themselves part of a team are rarely successful.  Working together to achieve that common purpose drives each individual to work harder to help themselves and the team. 

·         Team meetings, Webinars and conference calls can help members of a team to see how important they are to the team as a whole. 

·         Competition between different teams can inspire team members to work harder to earn the prize and to help the team at the same time. 

·         For those who have team members residing in the same area, having local team events can help to strengthen a team. 

No matter how we do it, those leading a team must encourage their teams to work for the benefit of the company as a whole, for the team and for themselves.  They are all intertwined, and when everyone on a team works for the same common purpose, they are helping to create and maintain both a strong team and a successful business.

http://julie.xpressabo.com/xhc1?=blogger 

Are You Leadership Material?

When growing a team of powerful leaders, it helps to know what you believe qualifies someone to be a leader.  The following is what I look for in a leader.

·         The main characteristic of a leader – and of a good team member – is that they are coachable.  If you ask 10 people if they’re coachable, they will all answer yes.  In reality, many are not.  Those who are coachable are open to new ideas, to what works for others.  They are willing and able to step out of their comfort zone to grow their business.

·         My team members who have imagination, creativity, self-determination and self-motivation are making sales and growing their business.

·         I don’t believe we can motivate someone to work who is not self-motivated.  We can, however, inspire our team members by doing what we have taught them to do.

·         We can lead by example, so our team members can see that what we teach them to do actually works.  The top team members don’t need someone to hold their hand every step of the way.  They watch, listen and learn from the leaders, and then they get to work!

·         We all run across prospective team members who tell us how great they are.  That doesn’t work for me.  As the old adage says, ‘action speaks much louder than words.”  Show me!  We need team members we can count on to do their part, without having to remind them or urge them on.

·         Leaders are responsible for coaching, teaching, serving people, setting a good example and being available to those they lead.

·         By setting a good example for our team members, we encourage them to grow.

·         A good leader won’t pretend they’re experts in every aspect of their business, nor will they ignore the suggestions and ideas of their team members.  Good leaders encourage their team members to make suggestions and to ask for assistance and problem solving help.

·         Team members are always a priority to a good leader.  If you work your business part time, be sure your team members know your work schedule.  And, be sure they have contact information for who else they can call for help if you are unavailable.

I believe nearly everyone can – if they wish – become a good leader.  However, they must listen to those who have been successful with the company.  Creating your own unique path may seem like a good idea, but in reality, its best not to reinvent the wheel.

http://julie.xpressabo.com/xhc1?=blogger

How to Handle Objections in Network Marketing

As network marketers, we will have questions, objections and concerns from prospects.  It comes with the industry.  So, rather than trying to avoid them, it is important to learn how to address them. 

In my experience these are the questions/objections we hear most often and how I suggest you respond to them.

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·        I can’t afford the (start-up, monthly) fee.

Different network marketers have their own way of dealing with this objection.  Some say, anyone can afford it if they really want it.  If that is your perspective, you would approach the prospect with “How do you plan to change your life so you will be able to afford it?” or “If you can’t afford to get started with us now, you need this more than anyone!” or “By taking advantage of the opportunity I’m offering you, I can help you change your financial situation and ease the burden.”

Others, if they really believe the person is "broke," they also believe they’ll never succeed with the business and quit due to the inability to pay the required fees. 

I have actually had prospects who said they could not afford to join my team, but they loved the business and wanted to join anyway.  Of those, some have been successful; others quit as soon as their first payment came due. 

I’ve had a few who said they didn’t have the money, and I could tell, this would be someone who would waste my time and quit within weeks.  With those, I simply accepted that they truly could not afford it, and I wished them luck.

None of us can always make the right judgment call.  We’ll make mistakes occasionally.  But in general, the longer you’re in the business, the fewer times you’ll read people wrong.

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·        I’m not a sales person. 

In some network marketing companies, they tell prospects, “no selling is required.”  I personally disagree.  If you are with a reputable network marketing company, you have a product or service you must sell, and sales experience can be beneficial.  In addition, we all must sell OURSELVES to sell our product or recruit new team members.  If the prospect doesn’t like you, you’ve lost the sale. 

However, there is selling, and there is SELLING!  If you have to convince the prospect that your product is good, you are selling too hard.  More than likely, you will not sign that prospect.  Instead, I believe in presenting my product, answering the prospects’ questions, and then allowing them to decide what is best for them.  When it comes to recruiting, in particular, I do not want to work with anyone who does not want to work with me.  So, why try to convince them otherwise?  

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·        I don’t know very many people – OR, I don’t like to ask my family and friends to buy my product or join my company.

Neither do I!  Most companies recommend that you talk to your “warm market” first.  Nearly my entire business is done on the internet.  However, although I have never asked my family or friends to purchase my product or tried to recruit them, they are aware of what I do.  Whatever “job” we have had, our families usually know what we do for a living.  It simply comes up in conversation.  By making people you know aware of what you do, they may well send referrals your way, or they may say, “Really?  I can use that!” or “What’s involved in working your business at home?” 

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·        I need to discuss this first with my spouse.

I never discourage anyone from talking to their spouse about the product or opportunity.  I do the same.  However, I always ask if we can schedule an appointment when I can speak to the prospect along with their spouse so that I can explain my service or the opportunity.  There are two reasons for this.  

1)  There are “dream stealers,” those people who automatically look at network marketing as illegal or a “scam,” and I’d like the chance to explain what my company is before they discourage their spouse; and

2)  The prospect doesn’t really know my product or company.  If the prospect tells their spouse about it, important details may be left out, or they simply may not present it well.  If I speak to the spouse, I will be sure they get all the information, and that they will get it correctly.

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Of course, there will be other objections, but I have found these to be the most common.  Once you are comfortable with responding to your prospects’ objections, you’ll begin growing your business more quickly.  

What do I need in my home office?

People looking for a network marketing business or just starting out often wonder whether they have everything they need to begin.  Because we’re all trying to earn money, not spend it, you’ll want to start out with the basics, which you likely already have.

Of course you’ll need a computer; either a laptop or desktop will do, with at least two browsers installed.  Fortunately, you can download browsers free online in most cases.  You may run across a website that will not operate properly in Internet Explorer, so you’ll want a back-up browser.

I’ve learned that, while Internet Explorer was once the browser of choice, there are a wide variety available now for both PC and Mac users.  Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Chrome and Safari are all very commonly used.

You’ll need a high speed internet connection, such as cable or DSL.  While rarely you’ll find a network marketer using a dial-up connection, it will not work with most high-tech websites today.  

You must have telephone access, and unlimited calling is preferable.  Some networkers use VOIP and Skype, google talk, etc., all of which are free or very low cost.  In most situations, these will work fine, but I’ve discovered that people using these services are sometimes unable to dial into conference call services.  So, you’ll want to check this out to determine whether that will effect you.

Of course, you’ll need basic office supplies like pens, stapler, paper, and you’ll also need a printer connected to your computer.  You will need a quiet dedicated work area away from the rest of your friends and/or family. The best workspace would be in a room with a door, but many just starting out use their kitchen table or a small computer table in the corner of a bedroom. This works fine for many people.  I also recommend good lighting and a comfortable desk chair.

If you have children, it is best if you can work when they are at school or sleeping, if someone in your home can care for them while you work, or if they play quietly while you work.  However, you may be working at home because you want to stay home with your children, and most callers would understand if there is a little noise in the background.  But if your children are crying for arguing, it is best to terminate the call and call the person back once your children are quiet again.

You do not need the computers and accessories with all the “bells and whistles.”  Most required features are included in today’s basic computers.

I recommend you not invest in your home office or your company - besides those costs required by your company - until you are in “profit” mode.  That is, when you’re earning enough to cover all your required expenses.

So, now you’re set to begin working your home business and earning some money!

Best of luck!

Five "P's" to a Successful Home Business

Building a home business is not much different than owning and building any other business.  The keys to your success are very similar.  The following are what I call "The Five P's to Grow a Successful Home Business."

 

Persistence

Be Persistent in everything you do with your business.  Don’t place three online ads, and wait for responses.  Place three ads every day.  Don’t call a prospect once, leave a message and give up.  Follow up with them.

Patience

A good, solid business takes time to build.  Is it worth it to you to work a few years to earn a six-figure income?  Most of us start out slowly.  Once you do start writing business, as long as you are Patient, more and more business will come your way.  The only way you will not achieve success is if you:

·        Do not focus or work on your business

·        Try to “reinvent the wheel.”  Do as you are trained by the leaders.

·        Quit

Perserverance

Sometimes live gets in the way for us all.  Things happen.  Problems arise in our personal and professional lives.  As long as you keep working your business, Persevere no matter what obstacles come up, you will build a successful business.

Positive

Attitude can make a difference between success and failure.  If you joined your company to “give it a try,” you’ve left the “back door” open to escape when the first obstacle arises.  If, however, you KNOW you will grow a successful business, if you are Positive that you can do it, you will, in your time.

Passion

Although Passion for your business will grow with time, even when you first begin, if you feel strongly about the company, about your products and/or service and about the business you intend to build, you already have the seeds of Passion.

After you’ve been in your business a short time, you’ve worked it and stayed focused on your goals, you will feel passionate about what you’re doing.  That Passion will help to push you toward the finish line.  It will help you strive for whatever your goals may be, and you will become your “best you!”

How to Select the “Right” Career at Home

Throughout the USA, people are seeking work at home.  There are some "jobs" available where the employee can work at home (telecommute).  It can be extremely difficult to find legitimate jobs, however, and there are limited positions available. So, a large percentage of the people who want to work from home are choosing to start their own home businesses.  There are a variety of reasons for the increase in home businesses.

• Many want to supplement their income.  They work an outside j-o-b, but they're simply not earning enough to pay their bills in today's economy.
• Stay-at-home moms and dads often want to contribute to the family income while they actually "parent" their children.  More and more parent in the generation currently raising young children place a higher priority than their parents did on staying at home with their children, rather than having caregivers raise them.  But they must sacrifice some of the "extras," because a single-income family often does not earn enough money – particularly in the present economy.  A good compromise for these parents is a home business.
• Many retirees either want to stay busy after a lifetime of working; and many others cannot get by on Social Security and whatever savings or pension they may have.  Rather than getting a job where, once again, they must punch a time clock and fight traffic, for retirees, a home business is a great option.
• Those with disabilities may not be able to afford to live on disability income (SSDI) alone; and many do not qualify for it, although they are unable to hold a job.
• Many people simply want the fabulous tax advantages of a work-at-home career.

Finding reputable companies with whom to work can be time consuming and challenging.  There are hundreds, if not thousands of ads on the internet that are scams, compared to the relatively few that are respectable companies with real products.  Just spending an hour or two on the Internet seeking home businesses will result in discovering many that have no products and/or services.  They are in existence ONLY to recruit others into their "business."  They often promise huge incomes, while in reality, only a very few will truly earn any income at all.  And, of course, there are the companies that tell you that your computer will do all the work while you sleep!  Unfortunately, there are people who will believe this and invest money into these businesses, only to learn they were "ripped off."

Most home businesses are network or multi-level marketing.  Many well-known financial "gurus" now recommend network marketing.  Unlike the "pyramids" of the past, with network marketing and a good product or service, nearly anyone who works hard can be successful.  With multi-level marketing companies, at some point, if not at the very beginning, home business owners can earn additional income based on the sales of those who they bring into the business, their "downline."  With some network marketing companies, you will earn from only those who you personally enrolled, while others pay for two, three or unlimited levels in your downline.

So, how do you determine which home businesses are reputable and which one is a good fit for you?  There are many excellent companies, but no one business is right for everyone looking for work at home.

Research is extremely important when starting your own home business. If you have heard of the company and used their product or service, it will simplify your decision.  However, just because you've heard their name, it does not mean they are a reputable company!  Through the internet, it is not difficult to thoroughly check out a company before investing any money.

• Keep in mind that some excellent companies have complaints filed against them for various reasons.  A former home business owner who was not successful may blame the company for their failure, when they simply did not work their business or didn't take advantage of the training available through their company.
• Work-at-home forums often reveal information about various home businesses.  You have to be careful here though, because again, a disgruntled former business owner may not tell the entire truth.
• Ask many questions.  Determine the true cost of working the home business you are researching.  Is there a start-up cost?  Is there a monthly fee?  If there is a monthly fee, do you receive benefits in exchange?  Is there adequate training and support?  What is the cost of the training, and by what means is it provided (in person, phone conferences, email, website)?  There are companies that tell you there is no start-up cost, but then they charge hundreds of dollars for the training – and you may have to travel great distances for training.  The better companies will offer unlimited training by phone, internet and email.
• Learn about the product or service being offered.  Would you buy it?  What is the cost of the product?  No matter how great the product, if it is too expensive, you may not be able to sell it, particularly in today's economy.  If there are similar products available at stores at a lower price – even if it is not as good a product – it likely will be difficult to market.
• Ask about advertising policies.  Can you use the company's name & logo in your advertising?  If not, why not?  Can you advertise on the internet, in newspapers, in the phone book, radio or TV?  Will the recruiter teach you how and where to advertise?
• Determine whether the company pays a one-time commission or residual income.  With residual commission, you will earn money from each customer/client as long as they keep paying a monthly fee.  This generally applies to businesses that sell memberships or services, not products.  For instance, the client pays a monthly membership fee, and you earn a percentage of that fee each month.

Once you have researched the company itself, it is a good idea to get to know the person who is recruiting you.  In most situations, that is the person who will be training you.  Are you comfortable speaking with the recruiter?  Is he/she easy to understand (accent, slurred words, talks too fast)?  Do you feel as though he/she is pressuring you to sign up?  Do they sound desperate or as though they are rushing you to make a decision?  Are they flattering you too much, sounding as though it's what they tell every prospect?  Have they trained others, or will you be their first?  Do you feel as though they are providing honest answers to your questions, or do they hesitate too long before answering?  Do they sound as though they enjoy doing their work?  Ask them about their availability for support and training.

Once you feel comfortable with the recruiter, the product and the company, it's time to take a good look at yourself.  Will you, and can you apply yourself to your home business?  Are you able to work the required minimum hours necessary to succeed?  About ten hours a week is usually the minimum number of hours you need to actually work.   

Are you disciplined enough to work with no one looking over your shoulder?  Are you comfortable talking – either in person or by phone – to strangers?  Although you may begin your business talking with your own network of friends, family or neighbors, eventually you'll have to approach strangers.  Will you take it personally if a prospect says "no?"  It takes many "no's" to get just one "yes," so you must be prepared to be told "no" many times without taking it personally or having your feelings hurt.

Are you going to just give the business "a try?"  If so, you will likely fail.  If, after you've completed your research, you do not truly believe you can be successful, you probably will not.  If you do not really believe in the product or service you will be marketing, you will have a difficult time doing so.  Don't leave the "back door" open for an easy escape, because if you do, at the first bump in the road, you’ll quit.  You will have wasted your own time and that of your trainer.  Enter your business knowing that you will succeed and you will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

Do you expect to be earning a living with your business in six months?  It is highly unlikely.  All real businesses – at home or brick-and-mortar, take time to build.  If you are unwilling to commit to at least one year working and building your business, you are wasting your time and money starting a home business. 

If you consider other businesses outside the home, rarely are they successful immediately. Think of any independent restaurant (not a chain with a built-in reputation), a hair salon or a privately-owned retail store.  They all take time to build their clientele or customer base, and business advisers often tell new business owners to expect to make no profit for the first year!  Most home businesses can be earning a profit sooner, but don't expect it to happen within your first few weeks.  Although it happens occasionally, for most it does not.

Finally, are you "coachable?"  Can you and will you follow the instructions of your sponsor, or are you a person who likes to find a "new way" to do everything, trying to "reinvent the wheel?"  In most established home businesses, there is a "system" in place that has proven to be successful.  If you cannot duplicate that system into your own business, you may have a difficult time growing your own business.

Being a successful business owner takes patience, with your research of the prospective company and your business once you start it, and by constantly learning from people within your own company and the many motivational speakers and authors who teach how to succeed.  If, after thoroughly researching your business, you commit yourself to it, you will succeed.