First of all, the program has to be genuine. It is not always easy to steer clear of the many scams which are around. However, you will be able to tell by asking a few simple questions whether or not the company is legitimate.

How long has this company been operating?

Who are the major players within the company?

Has the business had any complaints or bad reviews registered with the Better Business Bureau? Does everything you are being told seem just too good to be true?

The next thing to consider is how well any residual income opportunity will convert for you. In other words, how simple will it be for you to make sales? Obviously, the marketing skills you possess will have some effect on this, but you also need to look at whether or not the product being offered has a true market demand. Is the product a necessity? Is it competitively priced in relation to similar products? Are better offers available to the customer from elsewhere?

Then consider whether or not this particular income opportunity is a niche you are knowledgeable about and have an affinity for. To be successful you have to be able to speak fluently in the lingo of your prospects to build up a relationship with them and sell successfully to them. If you feel good about the product you will be far more motivated and do all you can to promote it.

The final thing to remember with all residual income opportunities, as with any other form of opportunity, is that you need a rock-hard marketing system and having a strategy in mind before you sign up for the program is essential.

With a well thought out plan from the beginning you will see the results of your marketing more or less straight away.

Without a plan you will wander from one method to another and not achieve the results you are aiming for. You are then going to feel disheartened and give up on what could well have been your perfect opportunity to create a residual income stream.

Don't allow this to happen! Carry out your research, make an informed decision from the information you have gleaned and get going with a solid marketing plan. The small amount of upfront work you need to do will be well worth the long term results.