Network marketing has existed for a lot longer than most people realize. It’s been about sixty five years since the first company started which is now known as Amway (used to be called Nutrilite). The crazy thing is that there has been about 65,000 network marketing companies that have started since the beginning. Not very many are still around except a very select few who have managed to do very well.

The big question on most people’s minds is, “how do you know what network marketing company to pick?” There are a lot of network marketing companies so many find it hard to choose.

Don’t even think of picking a network marketing company before you decide that you will NOT be a jumper. It is a known fact that anyone who is a “mlm junkie” will never do well. If you want to make the big money then you must be committed long-term to one company.

You should make certain that whatever you choose it is a company that you can put your heart and soul into and build it for five to ten years. Mark Yarnell said in his book, “My First Year of Network Marketing” that 90% of people who choose a good company and work it for ten years end up becoming wealthy. The problem is most networkers quit within six months.

What do you think would happen if you bought a McDonald’s franchise and then quit after six months? That would be ridiculous, right? Then why do so many people do that in network marketing? Network marketing is a REAL business and should be treated like one.

Alright, let’s assume you are going to do your due diligence and choose a good network marketing company and stick to it for at least five years. How do you know what a good company looks like?

The following are some tips you can use when deciding what network marketing company to join:

1. Make sure it’s been in business for at least five years. Did you know that over 95% of start ups fail within their first five years? Why would you risk it? Don’t listen to people who tell you that the only way to make money is to be at the very beginning. That doesn’t make any sense. That would be a ponzi scheme. Any legitimate network marketing opportunity should be a better opportunity over time.

2. Go and actually meet the owners and management of the company. Do their values align with yours? Make sure they are honest and full of integrity. You have no idea how important this is. If you choose a company based on greed and emotion and ignore integrity and honesty then your business will end up a disaster.

3. Make sure the company produces highly innovative products. Without innovation your company is dead. The sad thing is that most mlm companies don’t have innovative products and the only reason they are growing is because of the opportunity (which means they are really a ponzi scheme). The products are EVERYTHING! You want to market products people truly want!

Using these tips you will pick a good network marketing company. You are probably wondering, “well, what about all the other things like compensation plans?” Well, to be honest, compensation plans aren’t nearly as important as most people make them seem. What good is it to have the best compensation plan but not have an innovative product that people truly want which creates volume you get paid on?

If a company pays out around 40% and the plan is proven then that’s all you need to know. Don’t fall prey to the “smoke and mirrors” game when it comes to compensation plans.

If you follow what I’ve just outlined then you will choose a good company!

Looking to find more information on what network marketing companies are out there? Then visit the official network marketing company directory to find the best advice on choosing the right network marketing company for you.