? What do you love? Do you head to the jewelry counter every time you enter a department store? (Silpada, Premier, Lia Sophia) Do you have a flair for decorating? (Home Interiors or Home & Garden) Are you constantly burning candles? (Party Lite or White Lily Candles) Love to cook? (Pampered Chef or Tastefully Simple) Have a passion for fashion? (ChicBoutique at Home or Layers Clothing)



Loving what you do and being enthusiastic about your product is essential to creating a successful business. Plus, you'll get great discounts (and freebies) of the products you choose to sell. You might as well load up on items you love!

? What product(s) could you personally benefit from? If you have young children, selling Discovery Toys or The Big Yellow Box may be beneficial for you. If you homeschool, Usborne Books might be a great choice. If there are particular Mary Kay or Jafra products for your skin that you simply have to have, working for that specific company would be in your best interest. Want to improve your health? Consider starting a health and nutrition business with Herbalife, MonaVie or XanGo. As long as you'll be selling a product, it might as well be something you'll benefit from.

? Is there a market for that particular product in your area? Let's face it. Products do better in some places than in others. More extravagant (and expensive) jewelry will probably sell better in an upper class area than in a more conservative, middle classed one. It may be hard to break in with a new cosmetics product nobody has ever heard of when everyone you know uses Mary Kay. Consider whether or not there's realistic opportunity for success where you live.

? What are the quotas? Most companies have a minimum quota you are required to meet, whether it's monthly or quarterly. There are two reasons for this: to motivate you to sell more, and to keep their costs down by not having to retain inactive consultants. Consider how much time you intend to pour into your business. If you hope to hold two or more parties per week, you will be able to easily meet most required goals. However, if you only intend on selling to family and friends, hitting the quota may be more difficult.

? Will there be adequate support? If you intend on building a successful business, support is essential. Be sure that the company you choose offers both quality customer service and consultant support. If you are not signing up under a specific consultant, inquire about active representatives in your area who are willing to help you get started. If you are joining under someone, be sure she has a reputation for helping her reps excel and succeed in their business.

Still not sure? If you've narrowed it down to a few companies you're deciding between, why not have a couple of friends hold parties so you can learn exactly what holding a show would involve. You can also ask the consultant specific questions about party plan options, job requirements, commissions and all of the consultant benefits.

Choosing a company may seem overwhelming. But with so many choices, you're bound to find one that's perfect for you.