Network Marketing is often confused with a pyramid scheme. The difference is, of course, that a pyramid scheme only deals in the distribution of money. Network Marketing involves actual work. You work for the money you earn and you work to build your down line and earn a small commission off of the work that they do.

Network Marketing is a lot of work and choosing the right Network Marketing Business to work with can sometimes be a complicated process. Like it or not, there are companies out there pretending to be Network Marketing opportunities that are just out to make money off of you. Here is how you can tell the difference:

1. Do you recognize the product? If you don't recognize the product, this could be a warning sign. It could also just be a newer product, but if?even after doing some research?you can't find anybody who has heard of the product, you might want to move on to the next network marketing business on your list.

2. How does it work? Most network marketing businesses work with a simple ?sell stuff, earn commission? set up. Some work with bonuses for signing people up for a service, but if the business opportunity isn't straight forward; you might want to move on. Make sure there is a tangible product involved?whether it is membership to an actual website or a physical product. Any business that deals in vagueness is not worth your time. You need to know what you are selling.

3. Is the product you are selling affordable? Many network marketing businesses will try to get you to sell products that are extremely expensive. While they might be ?worth it? because the product is ?rare? the reality is this: nobody is going to spend a hundred dollars on a four ounce bottle of something they haven't heard of before.

4. How much does it cost to join the network marketing business and why does it cost that much? Some very legitimate opportunities cost large amounts of money to join, but they offer you a lot of product for that money. If a start up kit is expensive but doesn't come with very many materials or any information as to why the kit costs that much?move on.

5. Do you have to buy the starter kit for the network marketing business before you get any information? Make sure that, before you fork over the money for your starter kit, you know exactly what you are getting into. Make sure you know how you will get paid, how often you will get paid and what you have to do to get that payment. If a business opportunity asks for your personal information to ?send you start up materials? be wary. If they ask you to pay for more information, run away!

There are some legitimate and profitable network marketing business offers out there. It just takes some time and some research to figure out which ones are right for you.