Evaluating a home business opportunity objectively is not always an easy task. Everyone's website and marketing materials are designed to highlight the positives and evade the potential negatives. This is neither good nor bad in itself; it's just a fact. After seriously looking at over 100 business opportunities, I developed a checklist of "Things to Know." These are broken down under the subheadings of Things You HAVE To Know About The Company, Things You HAVE To Know About The Products, Things You HAVE To Know About The The Pay Plan, and Things You HAVE To Know About The Training. This article will cover the first category.
Things to know about the company
1. First and foremost, find out about the company itself. I have found that one of the quickest ways to do this is to Google "abc company," or "abc scam." Remember, though, that with any company, there will be people who paid their fees and did no actual work, and then who will report that they were ripped off, so take criticism with a grain of salt. However, if the same things come up over and over from different people, take that as a sign that all is not well.
2. Go directly to the company website to find out what you can about the owners, principals, and CEO. How long a company has been in business is certainly a consideration, but every large company was once a small one, and the people who started when it was small generally are hauling in the biggest bucks. The important things here are that the website tell you who the principals are, and that you can find information about them on the web. If there is any suspicion that these people are not of impeccable character, stay away. Also, be wary of any company that will not offer this information prominently on their website.
3. If you can't tell the name of the company and their basic business on the first page of their marketing page, go to the next business. There has to be a reason that they don't put that information where you can find it. It reminds me too much of the old Amway (whom I love) days when you could tell your friend anything except that it was Amway. I have been to as many as seven pages before any information about the real business came up.
4. If you have to give out your phone number to get further information, watch out. I'm not saying blow them off completely, but do beware. Whether or not to talk on the phone should be your decision, not theirs. If the site won't give you the information you want, you could get caught up in the scripted, flashy sales talk, and could make a decision you later wished you hadn't. Also, eliminate any opportunity that wants you to pay for information. Forty nine dollars to find out what you're doing? I don't think so.
If the company passes inspection, move on to find out the necessary information about the products, pay plan, and training.
About the Author:
Trying to find a good and reliable home business or mlm? Don't risk getting ripped off. Read Jack Beddall's informative series of articles about things you HAVE to know to evaluate any online opportunity.
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