Devoted to WAHMs -Work at Home Moms

There are a lot of home-based businesses out there but don't just pick one by the eenie meenie minee mo method. Take the time to do your research. These top 10 questions and tips can help you not only choose but can also help you to be successful after you have made your choice.

Keep in mind that these pertain to MLM and direct marketing companies as well as franchises.

1. Check out the company, thoroughly. What is there track record and level of stability? Start with the obvious, their web site. From there delve a little deeper by running a Dun & Bradstreet report on the company, check out the BBB and other services that keep track of complaints etc. If they are a public company check out their annual reports and other public information. Although it can be tempting to 'get in on the ground floor' of a new and up and coming business, if you can't afford to loose your investment stick with a company that has a proven track record and has been in business for a while.
2. Who runs the show? After you check out the company, check out the people who run the company. Many times this information will be available on their corporate web site. If not ask for it. The company is only as strong as those at the helm.
3. Products or Services? The best kind of business is repeat business. You need to ask yourself if the product or service you will be offering is consumable-meaning it gets used up and needs to be bought or ordered again. A one time purchase means you have to go and find a new customer for each sale or transaction instead of being able to go and find new customers WHILE you take care of your existing customers.
4. Is your product or service unique? The same old, same old can still be sold but you have to work a lot harder at it and stand above the rest with superb customer service etc.
   
5. Do you have sales quotas? Read the fine print before you sign up. Do you have to keep inventory, collect money, have minimum sales quotas, sign up others below you?
   
6. What is their compensation and marketing plan? Review these things in detail. Learn about the income levels, bonuses, recruitment etc. Ask questions if you don't understand.
   
7. What is your investment?  How much will it cost you in not only money but time to get up and going? Do you have to meet certain goals, benchmarks or quotas within a specified time?
8. What is the risk? Does the company offer a refund policy or guarantee? Do you receive all your investment back or is there an amount that is forfeit? If you leave the company is there no going back at a later date?
   
9. Do they offer ongoing training and support? Do they disappear once you have signed on the dotted line and plunked your money down? Most reputable businesses want you to succeed so they will offer many opportunities for you to learn more and get support.
10. Can they offer you information on those that have made it? Of course, it is in their best interest to only hook you up with the super stars of the business but even these people had to start somewhere. Ask about average incomes, time invested in the business before they made a profit, etc. A new law is in the works that addresses some of these issues.
    

 

These are meant to help you weed out the many choices you face, not to scare you and make you decide you don't even want to try. There are a lot of good companies out there you just need to find one that fits your needs, your timing and your skills or interests.