Your success in network marketing is dependent on many factors. Deciding on which direct selling company you want to join is just the beginning of the process. Of equal importance, you must be open to new ideas and company developments in order to achieve success in the multi-level marketing (MLM) industry.

Here is a brief list of what it takes in order to achieve success in the network marketing industry:

1) Sell a Product that You Enjoy

The most successful consultants are people who like the product and are passionate about the products they sell.

2) Don’t Sell a Product That You Don’t Like

If you sell something that you consider redundant or ineffective it will make you an unconvincing salesperson. Consumers today have many options to choose from when deciding on what to purchase. You have to show consumers why your product is better than your competitors’ products.

3) Do Some Research

Start by researching network marketing publications and choose a product or service that you feel comfortable selling. If you skip this step then your chances of building a successful downline will be substantially diminished.

4) Keep Yourself Educated

Use the industry’s network marketing publications to educate yourself about new trends, and how to improve the way you promote yourself and your product.

5) Keep Up-To-Date on the Niche Areas of Network Marketing

Network marketing is constantly evolving. To be successful in the MLM business, you must to be open to new technologies and methods of selling. For instance, the internet is exceptionally hot today. But tomorrow there could be a completely different technology or development that redefines the basic rules of success in network marketing. Be open to change and continue to read and learn.

6) Familiarize Yourself with Internet Marketing

Internet marketing provides great opportunities for MLM experts. Investing some time into internet marketing is relatively inexpensive and it will guarantee excellent results every time. Online promotion enables you to access an audience you may not otherwise be able to address due to the limits of your geographical location. It’s easy! Build a website that advertises your network marketing business, then promote it using the power of social networking.

Even if you refrain from selling products online, you can use internet resources to communicate with potential product buyers and people who might be interested in joining your network.

7) Learn from the Best

Network marketing publications are great for improving your professional skills. You should also learn and apply the strategies and techniques used by other network marketing professionals.

Learning from the most productive and successful members of the MLM industry can give you access to some great techniques to success. Ask questions. Good network marketing businesses have excellent support structures that allow new members to learn the specifics of MLM activities from the best sellers.

Network marketing is a great opportunity, whether you want to get additional income or you are interested in a full-time job. Unfortunately, many consultants aren’t successful. There are many reasons this can happen. These people can lack the motivation, marketing skills, and the belief in the product. Make sure that you are joining the MLM company that is right for you and make sure that you are passionate about the opportunity.

For more encouraging words to achieve success in network marketing, visit Attorney Jeff Babener’s websites: www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

There are so many MLM, network marketing companies in operation. How do you know which one is a good fit for you? Have you thought about what type of product you’d like to sell? Or the compensation plan that would work best for you? Do you have a sponsor that will support you in growing your home-based business?

As you are researching your options, keep the following six questions in mind before you choose to sign up with a direct selling company.  

1. Does the direct selling company have a valid product or service that you believe in—that you are passionate about selling?
2. Does the company management have proven experience in network marketing?
3. Does the compensation plan provide retail profit to the distributor and pay bonuses for developing a downline organization?
4. Does the MLM company offer top quality promotional and support materials?
5. Does the network marketing company offer ongoing field training and support available throughout the country?
6. Do you have a sponsor that is willing to work with you and help you in your efforts?

These questions are all imperative to the success of your distributorship business. Weigh your options carefully. Network with other distributors about the companies in which they’ve had success. Do your research, compare each company apples to apples, or apples to pears. Make sure that you choose a company that you are not only passionate about, but that is also supportive of its distributors.

Watch some of our most popular videos to learn more about network marketing and MLM.

Do You Have Some Tips to Become a Successful Network Marketing Distributor?

If I’m a New Distributor Then Should I Focus My Selling In Areas Where Other Distributors Are Successful Or Should I Focus On Untouched Territory?

If a Sales Kit or Startup Fee Is Several Hundred Dollars, Then Is This Considered “Frontloading”?

Why Do MLM Companies Require Distributors to Use Replicated Websites Rather Than Distributor-Created Websites?

What Do I Do with Distributors Who Go Passive (for MLM Distributors)?

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

A good MLM company, seeking longevity in the marketplace, will put a lot of effort into training their distributors on how to manage and build their business. Businesses will provide online training, event training, and incentives.

Not every MLM company has the same opportunity, or compensation plan. There are many types of compensation plans and many variations on the original compensation plans (stairstep, unilevel, breakaway, matrix, binary). Each compensation plan and MLM company is unique in how it approaches consultant training.

Regardless of what compensation plan you’re using, there are common distributor training techniques among all companies and compensation plans. From a legal perspective, MLM companies must be realistic about their distributors’ statistics for success. It is not easy to become a MLM multimillionaire. Only a small percentage of distributors achieve such high success. Therefore, when legitimate direct selling companies present their training, management and support programs to encourage and train distributors they use some (or all) of the techniques in the list below.

If distributor training in your company sounds a little like this list, then it is likely looking good from a legal perspective. A MLM company opportunity should prioritize some or most of the following:

1. Enhance distributors’ self-image.
2. Enhance the image of the network marketing industry as a whole.
3. Educate distributors about the direct selling, MLM industry.
4. Create a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed in operating a network marketing business.
5. Help distributors understand the responsibility of being in business for themselves.
6. Make product education paramount in training programs.
7. Develop business management skills.
8. Help consultants understand the dynamics of people-interaction or person-to-person relationships.
9. Teach (or encourage the learning of) new business technology application to the business, such as computer software programs and website platforms.
10. Help distributors understand the basic concepts behind the network marketing method of distribution.
11. Create an appreciation of ethical standards.
12. Teach distributors how to run a small business, such as managing taxes, distributor networks and accounting.
13. Work on goal-setting and planning; develop one, two, and three plans, rather than promote unrealistic instant success schemes.
14. Develop the art of prospecting (finding and recruiting new distributors for your downline).
15. Help distributors understand the concept of commitment.
16. Learn to value the contribution of others in their home business.
17. Prepare to give effective presentations.
18. Learn how to deal with objections, rejections, and discouragement; helping distributors understand that an objection is nothing more than a question in disguise.
19. Develop an understanding of the legal issues impacting the network marketing industry and the individual distributor business owner.
20. Help distributors understand the art of duplication and the power of setting an example (in recruiting).
21. Help consultants understand that people are involved in network marketing for different reasons; allow those who are interested in the business opportunity to develop at their own pace and resist the urge to pressure satisfied consumers to engage in the business opportunity if they simply want to remain customers.

When MLM companies work to encourage their distributors to work hard, learn about the business, and have realistic expectations, then they are working to support a network of distributors that will last a long time.

If a direct selling company tells you that you’ll become a millionaire in a month then the chances are likely that they are not operating a legitimate business. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, then get out quick!

Would you like to learn more about distributor training, legal MLM compensation plans, or the MLM industry in general? Watch some of MLMLegal.com’s videos, presented by MLM Attorney, Jeff Babener. Visit MLMLegal.com for the most trusted MLM legal information on the web.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

1. You must be able to meet people! This is a people business. The only way you’ll find recruits and customers is by getting out there and marketing! If you’re not a people person, this business likely isn’t for you!

2. Do you believe in the products you’re selling? You must be excited about the product you are selling. If you don’t believe in the product it will impact your sales results. You must be the type of person who gets enthusiastic about sharing your product with others. Excitement plays an important role in a purchase decision in the network marketing business!

3. Have patience. It takes time to grow your business, as it does with any other business. Give yourself at least two years to succeed. Try. Try. And try again. Create goals lists. Take small goals and turn them into huge goals. It make be slow, but you can grow!

4. Attend company training programs. Network marketing / MLM companies often offer training programs to help you succeed in recruiting and training new consultants. Take advantage of the training programs your company offers. Don’t let those valuable networking opportunities go to waste either!

5. Work with your sponsor, and work with those you sponsor. You should soak up as much experience as you can from your sponsor and pass that knowledge down to those that you sponsor. A successful sales organization has successful distributors. If you’re not willing to help others and be helped, this business is not for you.

6. Think positively. Remember, the MLM business will subject you to a lot of motivational speakers, sales and promotional materials. Some of it will be useless, while some of it won’t. When things don’t go smoothly keep yourself in a positive frame of mind. On average, you’ll have to make ten presentations to make just one sale! You need to be able to positively deal with rejection. Maintaining a positive attitude will go a long way in keeping you motivated and encouraged to succeed!

7. Get organized. Set aside a place in your home that is used just for business. Make good use of the incredible amount of free computer software and apps. Keep a daily planner. Keep track of customers, prospective customers, etc. Send out those emails and reminders. Stay organized!

8. Be loyal. Don’t become a “multilevel junkie!” Some distributors fail because they bounce from one network marketing opportunity to another – again and again. This is a prescription for failure! While many successful distributors may be involved in promoting two or three direct selling product lines at once, the most successful distributors are those who focus on promoting the products or services of a single network marketing / MLM / direct sales company over a long period of time. Find the right company for you, and then stick with it! Loyalty pays.

9. Work hard! Network marketing is not a quick, easy path to a lifetime of prosperity. Nor is it a free ride to wealth that requires absolutely no effort on your part. It doesn’t work that way. In fact, it doesn’t work at all unless you do! You have to devote time and effort to it especially in the very beginning. It can pay out huge rewards. But regardless of what everyone tells you, you must work for those payoffs! Work as hard as your competition is working – then harder!

Want to learn more?

MLMLegal.com has tons of resources to help and motivate successful distributors. Here are just a couple of videos out of the Video Library that you may find helpful!

What is the Benefit of Recruiting Experienced Distributors?

Tips to be a Successful Network Marketing Distributor

What do I do with Distributors who go “Passive?”

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

1) In your first year, what is your objective as a distributor? It is important to establish long-term goals and remind yourself of them frequently. If your objective is to sponsor 25 distributors in the first year, then you must recruit an average of two people each month. Once you develop long-term goals it is easier to see, and therefore reach, the short term goals.

2) How many people are you going to need in your organization? If your answer to the first question is monetary, then you will need to determine how many people you will need to recruit in order to meet your sales goals. Be sure to study the company’s compensation plan to understand what you need to do in order to succeed.

3) How much time do you feel it will require each week? Depending on your objectives, you may decide to spend ten hours a week or 30 hours a week recruiting, advertising, and selling. Keep in mind that most companies state that home parties average around 1.5 hours. 

4) What strengths do you have that will assist you in reaching this objective? Whether you are part of a community group or church or are great at approaching people, realizing your strengths will contribute to your success.

5) What weaknesses do you have that might inhibit you from success? Knowing your weaknesses are just as important as knowing your strengths. If you are honest to yourself about your weaknesses then you will be able to improve on them. Late-risers wake up earlier, the unorganized get organized, and the shy become speakers, for instance.

6) Do you have realistic objectives? If you plan to make $100,000 the first year and don’t know any people that may be willing to attend a party, then is a $100k sales goal realistic? Be realistic and start with goals you know you are capable of achieving.

7) Ask yourself how you would feel if you failed to reach your goal? It’s okay to fail; the key is to restructure your objective list and retry until you’re successful.

8 ) Vividly imagine yourself reaching your objective? How does it feel? Remind yourself regularly of that feeling.

9) Are you going to need the assistance of significant others in your life? What steps can you take to ensure their assistance? Remember to consider each individual’s strengths when you answer this question.

10) What will you need to invest in sales aids and inventory to do business? Be sure to budget sales aids, inventory, office space, gas, travel, and other expenses into your overall budget.*

* This is an excerpt from the book The Network Marketer’s Guide to Success available to order here.

Watch the related video by expert MLM Attorney Jeff Babener: Do You Have Some Tips to Become a Successful Network Marketing Distributor?

Visit www.mlmlegal.com for the most reliable, credible legal information about the MLM industry.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

May 2016 Conference

We appreciate all the guests in attendance, as well as the lineup of incredible speakers.

If you weren’t able to make the May 2016 conference, no problem! We are hosting the next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference on October 27 and 28, 2016 in Las Vegas.

We invite anyone who is starting or running an existing MLM company to join us! MLM business owners, executives, corporate staff, you’re invited! The classroom-like setting of the conference promotes education, not selling. We work hard to provide you with a fully credible lineup of expert speakers who advise in the areas of recruiting, legal, compensation plans, software, technology, raising capital, and so much more. At the end of each day we offer one-on-one time with the speakers. As you hear the speakers discuss various topics, you can decide who you’d like to sit down with to discuss your unique situation with at the end of each day. Sign up with them all or just a couple! It’s up to you!

Visit our website for details.

October 27 & 28, 2016

Las Vegas, Nevada

9AM-4PM

4PM-7:00PM – one-on-one time with the speakers

Call 800-231-2162 for more information or to register.

Visit our conference page and speaker list for additional information.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

MLMLegal.com and Babener & Associates have had long term professional relationships with many direct selling companies, from startup to stable. We were involved in early stages of a number of leading MLM companies, including some traded on the NYSE.

We aren’t just lawyers. We often know more about the direct selling business than most of our clients. In many ways we have become partners with our clients since we’ve been in the industry for such a long time. We often take on a significant role as both a legal and business advisor for our clients.

Generally speaking, however, most of our clients try to cover all of their bases legally right at the beginning of launching. They often have their agreements in place, as well as their policies and procedures. Companies will secure a trademark early in development, which is very important. As is tax issues, regulatory compliance and relationships with their consultants. Company owners are building a living organism that is constantly changing and growing, which is why so many of the companies that we represent have been with us for five, ten, even twenty years or more. For instance, in 1990 we assisted one of the largest direct selling companies, from Japan, to establish headquarters in the U.S. Today we represent them in nearly 40 countries. We have been their key legal advisor for almost 25 years.

Successful companies have a great product, they are able to recruit and they have adequate funding. There are many factors that contribute to the early success of a company. We are simply one arrow in the quiver of that success.

If you are interested in attending the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company conference visit our conference page, view our speaker list, or get more details. All executives/owners of direct selling companies are welcome to attend. Call 800-231-2162 to register.

Our next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference takes place May 20, 2016 in Las Vegas. View our conference flyer and speaker list online. Participate in our Innovation Campaign for your chance to receive TWO FREE TICKETS to attend our next conference.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Sign up for the MLM News Global newsletter for top headlines, news stories, scam alerts, videos, articles, and more information on the network marketing industry.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

Virtually all new startup MLM companies use an outsourced technology solution for managing genealogies and commission payouts. In addition, such technology serves consultants by providing back-office access for reviewing sales performance, commissions, etc.; replicated websites, communication tools, etc. The software is hosted on the server of the technology provider where it is maintained 24/7. As companies grow to substantial size, they typically may purchase a source code license and run the software on company computers.

There are many good software providers in the direct selling industry. For a list of some of various direct selling vendors, see the MLM Resources section at www.mlmlegal.com.

Choosing the right software provider presents an important task because the technology solution is integral to a successful business. Not only should the platform serve all the internal IT needs, but it should also demonstrate that it can integrate with other outside software applications such as eCommerce and sales and use tax compliance.

The search process should be deliberate. It is best to seek the advice externally or internally of an advisor with significant IT experience, preferably in direct selling. Companies should interview multiple software firms to examine the offerings, the service record and the right personal connection. It is recommended that MLM companies seek references and contact those references to learn about past performance record of the software provider before they decide to hire a software provider.

If you are interested in attending the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company conference visit our conference page, view our speaker list, or get more details. All executives/owners of direct selling companies are welcome to attend. Call 800-231-2162 to register.

Our next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference takes place February 25 & 26, 2016 in Las Vegas. View our conference flyer and speaker list online. Participate in our Innovation Campaign for your chance to receive TWO FREE TICKETS to attend our next conference.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Sign up for the MLM News Global newsletter for top headlines, news stories, scam alerts, videos, articles, and more information on the network marketing industry.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

Raising capital to fund your network marketing startup company can be tricky. In fact, there is no clear-cut answer to finding funding. However, there are options available to MLM company owners. There are several giant direct sales companies operating today that began with a very limited budget, just like you: in their basements, bathtubs, garages, and space bedrooms. Many of these companies grew organically to the huge size that they are now. You, however, may be in a different situation, where an influx of capital is absolutely necessary to keep your business afloat.

This article will help to provide you with details about how you can get free and trusted information about how to fund your MLM business. Experts generally suggest that it costs around $100-$200 thousand to start up a direct selling company. This article will provide you with some ideas as to where to find startup funding and links to information online, written by experienced MLM industry experts who’ve been asked thousands of times, “Where can I find funding to start and grow my MLM business?”

Here are three of the most common options MLM business owners consider when they are looking to fund their network marketing startup:

1)      Do you have a substantial recruiting background? If you are a seasoned recruiter and are able to attract a strong line of consultants then your need for capital will decrease considerably. Expert MLM Attorney Jeff Babener always says, “Your need for capital is in direct inverse proportion to your ability to recruit.” If you are able to attract a strong sales force then your need to raise capital outside of the company may greatly diminish. Consultants will be the key to your success. If you are not a seasoned recruiter, then you may want to consider hiring someone who does have recruiting experience.

2)      Do you have personal capital? MLM startups often find the capital that they need in their own bank accounts, or the bank accounts of family and friends (often referred to as your ‘warm market’). In some cases, an angel investor will be willing to invest in the company (a wealthy uncle, perhaps?). These sorts of investments are based primarily on the personal relationship, as well as trust and loyalty.

3)      What about public financing? Unfortunately, not many venture capital firms are interested in investing in startup network marketing companies. The startup MLM company has the tendency to be run by inexperienced business owners needing only a few hundred thousand dollars, which isn’t very attractive to large investors. In nearly all cases, investment into the company will come from a close source. Once your business is worth millions, then the investment firms will take notice. You can read about some of the most famous MLM success stories on these pages: Silpada, Herbalife, Pampered Chef, and Visalus.

Another great place to get information on raising capital for your business is at the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference where industry experts will provide you with individual, one-on-one time and attention. Each speaker will sit with you and discuss your personal situation and specific needs. The easiest was for you to attend the conference on a budget is to visit the page of our Innovation Campaign. The October 2015 Innovation Campaign offers network marketing company owners the ability to receive two free tickets to the next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference in Las Vegas (a $345.00 value!). All you have to do is fill out a brief survey at our sister website: www.mlmattorney.com, and we will contact you right away to confirm your free tickets to the event! Attending this event will give you direct access to several MLM industry experts, including capitalization experts and MLM legal expert, Jeff Babener. Visit our Innovation Campaign page for complete information about the conference, including the topics that will be covered, the speaker/expert list, videos, and much more. For additional questions call 800-231-2162.

It won’t be easy raising capital to fund your MLM startup, but we hope that we’ve given you some ideas on where to start. We also hope that you better understand that it is possible to start small and make it big in this industry. For more information on raising capital visit www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

If you are interested in attending the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company conference visit our conference page, view our speaker list, or get more details. All executives/owners of direct selling companies are welcome to attend. Call 800-231-2162 to register.

Our next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference takes place October 22 and 23, 2015 in Las Vegas. View our conference flyer and speaker list online. Participate in our Innovation Campaign for your chance to receive TWO FREE TICKETS to attend our next conference.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Sign up for the MLM News Global newsletter for top headlines, news stories, scam alerts, videos, articles, and more information on the network marketing industry.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

No one starts at the top and it is the rare company that starts with millions of dollars. It is not unusual to see MLM startup companies spend hundreds of thousands, this just may not be possible for many startups with a dream. The fact is that many of today’s successful companies started at kitchen tables, in basements and garages, or even mixing their products in bathtubs, on a budget. A look at Pampered Chef, Silpada, Longaberger and even Amway will reveal very humble beginnings. It may take longer and perhaps the chances of success without proper capitalization are much lower, but it can be done. Small startups may emulate from company profiles found at www.mlmlegal.com; they may do their initial books and commissions with Quicken and they may do their printing at local fast print shops. Just hang in there. Finance is “good,” but passion and hard work can also compensate. As Neil Diamond said, “money talks, but it can’t dance and it can’t walk.”

For more encouraging words to achieve success in network marketing on a budget, visit Attorney Jeff Babener’s websites: www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

In addition, our next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference takes place October 22 and 23, 2015 in Las Vegas. View our conference flyer and speaker list online. Participate in our Innovation Campaign for your chance to receive TWO FREE TICKETS to attend our next conference.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.