Ever wonder what's up with the growing numbers of men and women joining the ranks of Network Marketing today? What entices people from literally every walk of life to give up their chosen professions and head into this arena to reap financial rewards? Are you curious about a business style that creates a level playing field of opportunity for former CEO's and janitors? If so, study these five points before you dive into the game:

1. Take time to get to know your would-be sponsor. Don't think you have to meet this person face to face to learn about them. You can tell a lot about a person by how they talk so listen up on that next phone call and you'll probably learn a lot. This is a critical first step because no matter how good the company, if you don't resonate with the person you'll be working with most closely, you should definitely look elsewhere.

2. You owe it to yourself to study the product line carefully and if you don't resonate with it, stop right there and find another company. If you're really going to run this as a business and not a hobby, you must have a product you can be proud of. Enough said.

3. Once you find a product you like, make sure the company has a proven system for success. In other words, if the products are great but there's no clear "how-to" path for earning a paycheck, this is not the right company either. You don't want to waste your time or your money stumbling around trying to find that winning path all by yourself.

4. Take time to thoroughly investigate the marketing plan. Does it only consist of your making up a list of friends and relatives to start approaching? Though this "warm market" list can be a real asset to your business, it shouldn't be the only marketing method and unfortunately, it is with many companies. Instead, look for those forward thinking companies that have developed a hybrid system of marketing utilizing several different methods of lead generation. Make sure that the workhorse called the Internet has been harnessed securely into this system so you can count on it working for you all day, every day.

5. Study the time commitment required to be successful. Most Network Marketing companies suggest a solid focused 10 - 15 hours per week minimum time commitment to get started. Some companies also strongly suggest regular attendance at local meetings for their distributors. More weekly and monthly meetings will be expected of you should you decide to go with one of these companies. This is time truly spent away from your family vs. that spent working in your slippers in the home office upstairs. If applicable, be sure to factor in your baby sitter requirements if you choose one of these companies.

Running a home business is definitely not for everyone. Realize that the most successful individuals are the ones who not only possess a truly burning desire to improve their lives, but also have the will power to make it happen. The good news is if you see yourself in this category, this may be the perfect industry for you. Just remember to search for a sponsor you resonate with, a product you like and a company that has a proven system to success and you'll be well on your way to a 24 carat career.