If you are familiar with online marketing, you are well aware that there are hundreds of different network marketing companies out there with representatives who claim to have the best compensation plan, full-proof training and a way to make you money fast.

Unfortunately, several companies and marketers don’t follow through on these promises. Too often I’ve heard stories of new marketers who don’t receive adequate training, don’t have a support group or mentor to help guide them and haven’t made a single commission after weeks and months since starting their business.

If you are thinking about joining a primary business, you have to take time and evaluate the situation. Always weigh the pros and cons before signing up. Many new marketers are quick to opt-in to a primary business because they believe they can make money.

Why do they believe that?

Probably because the company representative convinced them that they themselves were making a significant profit and that it was easily duplicable.

Be aware that just because one person is successful in a primary business, it doesn’t mean that everyone in their down-line will be. Your success depends on you and your abilities.

Certainly, you want to follow in the footsteps of a successful entrepreneur, but if you aren’t willing to work just as hard, if not harder than your mentor, you won’t succeed. Those who have the drive and the desire to achieve will do so even if their mentor leaves them high and dry.

Choosing a primary business is about you: what you think, what you know and how you feel. Review this list of questions below before you join your next business venture. I think it will help you make your decision without relying on the opinion/actions of others.

Here’s what you should think about:

1. What do I know about the company?

  • How long have they existed?
  • What do I know about the founder?
  • What is the mission of the company?
  • How does their compensation plan work?
  • Does it sounds like a pyramid scheme?
  • What are other saying about this company?
  • Is the company legitimate?

2. What do I think about the products/services of the company?

  • Have I ever used their products or services? Why or why not?
  • Would I recommend them to someone else?
  • Is this a company that I would use if I wasn’t a representative?
  • Are their products/services a reflection of my personality or beliefs?

3. How am I going to market this company?

  • What do I know about  effectively marketing a business? (What else do I need to learn?)
  • Does this company allow online marketing?
  • Am I willing to invest my time and money into building this business?
  • Will this interfere with any of my other business ventures? (How?)
  • Am I willing to educate myself and endure extensive marketing training?
  • Who will I look to for marketing advice and guidance?

By Chakraborty

Dr Chakrabarty is the Chief Innovation Officer of IntuiComp TeraScience. Earlier she was Assistant Professor of Delhi University, a QS ranked university in India. Before that she has held research positions in IIT Mumbai, IIT Chennai and IISc Bangalore. She holds 2 patents and over 20 research publications in her name which are highly cited. Her area of research is in smart technologies, integrated devices and communications. She also has a penchant for blogging and is an editor of Business Fundas.