Now what? Do you just go ahead and jump into the first thing that comes along?

Of course not! You investigate and see which company will be the fortunate receiver of your talents and energy.

Because the cardinal rule of direct selling says: "You should absolutely use and believe in the products or services you sell.", you must first ask yourself whether you would buy this product or service if you were not part of the sales organization.

If your answer is no, on to the next. If yes, then ask yourself these next questions:

· is this product at the cutting edge of technology?

· is there something that sets it apart from all the others?

· does it improve people's lives?

It's now time to consider the 5 most essential criteria that should be characteristic of the company if you wish to make an intelligent and wise choice.

1. While you're in business for yourself but not by yourself, you must find out if there is a good support structure: marketing materials, training opportunities, online ordering systems, operations and most important emerging new products and technology?

This is not a 9 to 5 job you're going into. But it can be the part-time opportunity that has the possibility to lead you out of the 9 to 5 grind. It's easy to tell your boss goodbye, but not so easy to tell your many clients and associates that you made a mistake and want to change company.

2. So then the next obvious move is to investigate and assess the company's background. What is their track record? How long has this company been in business and what businesses have they run prior to this one? How committed are they to providing the best in information, training and education?

Not long ago I experienced a personal development course “The Millionaire Mind Intensive” offered by Peak Potentials' creator Harv Eker. It made me realize that a good company should also offer similar courses in order to help you broaden and deepen your skills. Other questions: Are they using the latest, best technology and what can you tell from their Internet presence?

3. Don't forget to also consider whether the company is suited for global expansion and what its present international exposure and plans are for future growth?

You are choosing a partner to do business with and you should leave no stone unturned!

4. This next one is not a must but should be greatly considered as an important quality of any good business. Does it belong to the Direct Selling Association (DSA).

The DSA has certain codes of business of ethics which insure proper conduct in the market place:

· Nominal start-up costs

· Optional purchases for inventory or materials

· The user earn money from sales of products or services not from the sheer act of recruiting

· The company allows for return of unsold inventory within a specified time reimbursing usually 90% of the price paid

5. The final criteria are patience and expectations. Does the Company expect you to get rich quick or does it provide you with all the tools necessary for you to do so and is willing to support you?. A mature, high quality direct selling company has its personnel present the income opportunity as a serious commitment that can yield results all dependent upon your efforts.

If you put in consistent effort for 2 to 5 years, it is very possible and probable that you will be able to create a significant stream of long-term residual income. After all, isn't this what it's all about? Retiring early with no worry of where the next dollar will come from in order to pay the bills.

As Harv Eker says: “If your goal is to be comfortable, chances are you'll never get rich. But if your goal is to be rich, chances are you'll end up mighty comfortable”.

And the direct selling industry of network marketing is almost the only vehicle out there that can help you to achieve your goals for the least amount of money invested. It has changed my life!