Have you been wondering what’s the difference between direct sales, network marketing and affiliate marketing? And how do you get started and which one is right for you? The answer is not as simple as this company or that business opportunity. The real answer lies with you because your lifestyle and financial goals will be different from someone else’s. That said, the following overview will help you decide which one is the best business opportunity for you.

The right business needs to start with what you’re looking for i.e. what are your lifestyle goals; your financial goals; what type of business interest you, and how much time you’re willing to invest in starting a business. The latter is crucial to your success. Unless you commit to x-number of hours in a week to invest in becoming a business owner, you will have a hard time succeeding, regardless of which company you choose.

There are thousands of direct sales and network marketing opportunities- seasoned and ground floor companies. And just about every company in existence offers an affiliate program! It can be confusing to choose the best opportunity for you.

Direct Sales – Direct sales has been around since the early days of Tupperware which started in the early 1950s. Times were different back then. Most women stayed home so the idea of hosting home parties to earn free products was a novelty.

Over the years, more direct sales companies cropped up i.e. Amway. The business model is still the same- it’s direct selling to consumers through home parties. Today, there are thousands of direct sales companies offering everything from skin care, nutritional products, home decor, jewelry,  the choices are limitless.

Historically, direct sales offers a higher retail profit. For example, selling a product could earn you a retail commission anywhere from 20% and upward to 50%. Over the years, team building commissions were added for those direct sellers looking to earn an additional residual income from recruiting others into the business.

Network Marketing – Network marketing is the same concept as direct sales in that you’re selling directly to consumers. However in general, network marketing opportunities tend to offer a lower retail commission upfront and a higher back end from team building commission. That’s not to say you can’t earn a generous retail commission as many network marketing opportunities offer fast start bonuses and other incentives.

Because of the potential of earning a significant income from team building and other fast start bonuses, network marketing opportunities have been criticized for being a pyramid scheme. The best advice is to take full responsibility for researching and getting all the information you need before you start a business opportunity.

Affiliate Marketing – Affiliate marketing has been around for years and recently has been a hot avenue to earn money. There are super affiliates online making a substantial income from affiliate marketing.

In a nutshell, you sign up as an affiliate and re-sell other peoples products i.e. Amazon books is an example. Just about every company today has an affiliate program, even Wal-mart. Just like direct sales and network marketing, affiliate marketing is not an overnight success, and will require a strategic internet marketing plan.

The difference between affiliate vs. direct sales or network marketing is that it’s free to become an affiliate. There is usually a start up cost when you join a direct sales or network marketing opportunity.

Internet Marketing Strategies – With the proliferation of the internet, whichever business opportunity you choose to be involved in, it’s crucial to your success to learn how to use internet marketing strategically. It’s overwhelming if you don’t have a plan of action and trying to figure your way around the internet without proper training.

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