How to Choose a Network Marketing Opportunity

When getting into a network marketing opportunity, it's important to know the background of network marketing companies, and the most popular industries through the years. Without understanding the history of the business, it's tough to make an educated decision about what industry and opportunity a network marketing rep should choose for a successful, and hopefully long-lasting, career.
A Short history of Network Marketing Opportunity
Network marketing has been around for over a century. The first documented "modern" compensation plan was formed in the mid 1900's, by a company called Nutralite. Since then, many companies have come and gone, but only 50 of those companies have stayed in business for over ten years.
Nexera, an internet publication, created a network marketing list of the top companies in 2010. All companies listed had been in operation for at least ten years. Topping the list are the likes of Herbalife, ACN, and Amway. But an interesting note is that 8 of the top 10 companies are in the health and wellness industry, showing its staying power and previous success over other industries such as telecom and legal services, the remaining two industries on the network marketing list.
What Type of Network Marketing Opportunity Should You Choose?
So what does this mean for network marketers? Should everyone choose a popular health and wellness opportunity?
Not necessarily. Some important factors to consider when choosing from your personal network marketing list should include the following:
Do you feel comfortable with the team you will be working with?
Do you feel mutual trust and respect with your potential future sponsor?
Do you feel confident about the product you will be selling, and your ability to sell it?
Has the company been around for several years, and shown staying power?
Are the products fad or trend products, or are they more "classic" staples?
How large is the initial investment, and how quickly can you begin making cash?
These factors are important to consider. But it's also important to know that network marketing requires skills and techniques that don't necessarily depend on the product or company involved. Generating warm leads, creating pitches, and driving traffic to an opt-in page are some of the most basic and crucial factors in network marketing success. No matter what opportunity you choose, success can be found with these skills. Ultimately, you should feel comfortable with the opportunity you choose, but know that it's possible to find great success with any opportunity.