Network Marketing - Do I Smell A Rat?

There are many business models in the marketplace for those wishing to start their own businesses. The one that has probably generated the most discussion and debate has been network marketing.

About a year ago I began to investigate this phenomenon and I was amazed at the negativity surrounding the industry. What was most surprising was that many of these companies had superb product offerings - high-quality with reasonable pricing. I could not understand why there was a problem! Then I came across Robert Kiyosaki's comment on network marketing :

If I had to do it all over again, rather
than build an old style type of business,
I would have started building a
network marketing business.

In his book, Business School, Kiyosaki lists these eight hidden values of network marketing :

#1 True Equal Opportunity.

#2 Life-Changing Business Education.

#3 Friends Who Will Pull You Up, Not Push You Down.

#4 What is the Value of A Network?

#5 Developing Your Most Important Business Skill.

#6 Leadership

#7 Not Working for Money.

#8 Living Your Dreams

When I realised that this was a legitimate business and not some illegal pyramid scheme I became hooked. I now run my own network marketing business and love it!

Thanks to Scott Bradley I found this outstanding article which spells out the differences between network marketing and other schemes - if you have any doubts about this type of business opportunity then you really must read this article from Entrepreneur.com

Network marketing requires skill, hard work, perseverance and a willingness to move out of your comfort zone. I believe that it is a phenomenal means of growing yourself as well as providing an ongoing source of residual income.

If you are unsure of any business opportunity that advertises itself as a network marketing company, read this article which gives tips on how to spot a scam.