Never has there been a better time to get into network marketing. Some of the most well-known business gurus are positively identifying network marketing as a way to take charge of your life.

For instance, Robert Kiyosaki, the Rich Dad Poor Dad book series author says, "If I had to do it all over again, rather than build an old style type of business, I would have started building a network marketing business."

However, if you think all MLM companies are alike, think again. There are some things to look for and questions to ask when researching MLM companies. After all, don't you want a company where you can build it big and retire? It's possible with the right company. But you need to do your research.

So when you're considering an MLM company here's some things to think about and question:

1. Will it be profitable for a part-timer? This is important because 95% of all MLM reps are part-timers. If it's not profitable for them, how will you have retention in your organization? So check out what it cost to run the business!

2. Does the company's overhead affect YOUR profit? If a company's overhead is responsible for jacking up the cost of the products it will hurt you in the long run. So look at how the company is set-up. If, for instance, they have 200 people answering phones those 200 have to be paid salary and benefits, they need phones and computers, they have to have a building to work in, it has to be heated and cooled, etc etc etc. That's cost that will b

e passed on in the products. Do the products cost more than the comparable product at Walmart or another company? High product cost signals high company overhead. It signals danger!

3. Does the company have a user-friendly retail website? Can someone go to your retail website and easily order a product? A confusing retail website will cost you sales. (By the way, if a company has a user-friendly retail website they won't need 200 people answering phones.)

4. How many reps signed-up under you does it take for you to earn $10,000 a month? In some companies it takes 3500. In my company it takes 350. Quite a difference.

5. Are there products which you can stand behind? Actually try a product or two when you are seriously researching a company. If you don't have belief in the product you can't sell it; nor can you instill enthusiasm in your organization.

6. Be sure to read the company's policies and procedures. Many times the Policies and Procedures are not readily available. Definitely ask for them. NEVER, never join a company without reading the Policies and Procedures. This is your contract with the company. Would you sign a contract anywhere else in your life without reading it? Do you know the KEY words in Policy and Procedure documents which mean you can never retire? Some companies use the words "ongoing" or "continued performance" in their P and P's which precludes you building it big and retiring.

These questions will get you started in researching a company to find if it's a match for you. Network marketing is a great life if you carefully choose your company and take action everyday to build your business.