At minimum you want to find a company that displays the following characteristics:

* Has been in network marketing for at least two years, preferably 5 years or more
* Has a management team that is experienced in network marketing, is assertive, and yet fiscally conservative
* Markets a product or service that is in high demand and is either unique or priced lower than equivalent products in the market
* Has no long-term debt and is financially strong
* Offers excellent training and marketing materials
* Supplies network communication systems such as voice mail, e-mail, web pages, conference calls, etc.
* Offers a program where both distributors and customers buy directly from the company
* Has a compensation plan that is both fair for the average part-time distributor and lucrative enough for the full-time heavy hitter
* Is involved in or has plans for international growth
* Has a company web page and offers e-commerce associate pages either free or at a reasonable price compared to the market
* Operates at a high level of integrity in all areas

If your company or the company you are considering has all of these characteristics, you have probably joined or found a reputable organization that will be around for many years and contribute to your success as a network marketer.

Contributor, Sharon Mayers

www.sharommayers.com