The announcement of a direct sales or network marketing company pre-launch inevitably leads to a flurry of activity in the work at home moms online community. The promise of “getting in on the ground floor” and the potential for growth and profit seems irresistible and many will sign on as fast as they can. But is it wise to jump on a pre-launch? Maybe not…

All business is risky, but a pre-launch is particularly risky simply because without a history it’s difficult to evaluate the company’s management ability and staying power.

While the commonly held belief that 80-90% of businesses fail within the first year or two is probably not accurate, it is probably true that just as many new companies will fail as will succeed.

While there are no guarantees, a well-established company is less risky and may offer as much room for growth as a new company.

Before you join a pre-launch, consider these points.

1 – Product quality and availability – Some companies begin pre-launch before product is available. Are you willing to begin marketing the company before you’ve tried out the products?

How well has the company planned for that first burst of product demand at launch? Will you and your customers be disappointed if you have to wait weeks or maybe even months to receive product?

Consider what will happen if you or your customers are disappointed in the products or delivery time.

2 – Changes - Pre-launch companies are likely to undergo many changes before and just after launch. Are you flexible enough to deal with changes, including major policy change?

One particularly disappointing change that has occurred on more than one occasion recently, is a change in online marketing policies. A company that starts out encouraging online marketing in pre-launch may decide to restrict or eliminate online marketing at launch.

3 – Timing – Find out when the company expects to launch and what how much has to be accomplished before launch. How long are you willing to promote the company before launch and how well can you deal with delay?

4 – Will you gain enough from the pre-launch to compensate for a failure should it happen? – Will you learn new marketing or recruiting skills during pre-launch that will benefit you in your other businesses or a future endeavor?

Will you be able to build team loyalty to you, and not just the company, so that your team will follow you to another business if necessary?

5 – Will your reputation survive a pre-launch failure? – Many people jump on a pre-launch because there is little or no financial cost to doing so. But there’s more at stake than financial risk. In addition to the time and effort you’ll put into a new business, you are risking your reputation. As a direct seller or network marketer, a major asset is the trust your team and your customers place in you. Evaluate the risk of losing it.

Joining a pre-launch may prove rewarding in the long run, but don’t jump into one without understanding and evaluating the risk.

Linda Stacy manages several online resources that help direct sales consultants generate leads and build their teams. For help choosing and marketing your direct sales opportunity, visit http://www.directsalesdirectories.com.

Sales MOMS recently had the pleasure to speak with Sonia Wong, Founder and CEO of alex + von.   Their Direct Sales Ground Floor Opportunity is providing women with a unique business opportunity.  Take a listen to our conversation and feel free to contact them for more information:

alex+von
Silvia Doundakova
silvia@alexandvon.com
http://www.alexandvon.com
408.569.8239

We are looking for women on a mission to make our world a healthier and greener place, through making the right product choices and educating others about healthy living. Our products are synthetic free and eco-friendly. They are good for you, your family, and the environment!

alex+von gives entrepreneurial women the opportunity to build a truly unique business. We partner with great beauty and children’s brands that make natural and organic products. You can sell products from any of these brands to expand your income potential. Choose one or more brands you love and use your good taste to create a special shopping experience for your customers.

WHY BECOME AN alex+von CONSULTANT?

• No other company enables you to be the boss of your own unique healthy living business where you select from many brands to represent
• You have the freedom to sell in-person, through your blog and online – you decide what works best for you!
• Earn up to 40% commission on personal sales, plus team commission
• With every sale you make, you help a family live a healthier, happier life

View our Opportunity (http://www.alexandvon.com/Opportunity.aspx?SellerID=85), or request to join our Consultant Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/groups/alexandvon) to meet our amazing group of Consultants. You can join the Facebook page for 2 weeks without signing up. We know that once you talk to our consultants and the alex+von founders, you’ll want to be part of our team to help us create a healthier and safer world.

Come, join us!

Sonia and Silvia, founders of alex+von

Krysalis Fit has recently launchedand we’d love to add you to our team! We are a growing company and are expanding into each of the 50 states.

Krysalis Fit prides itself on women supporting women, while offering our consultants the opportunity to not only represent products they believe in, but also make a difference in women’s lives. We provide lightweight fitness gear, fitness education, and fitness clothing so women can live healthier, more active lifestyles…and do it in style!

Join the Krysalis Community and get in on the ground floor of a company unlike any other.

Be on your way to living the life you love…and help others to do the same!

Contact us today!

Krysalis Fit
www.krysalisfit.com
info@krysalisfit.com
855-KRYSALIS or 313-202-6740

Ever wish you were at the beginning of a successful company? This is the beginning! We just opened our doors in January 2011. We are looking for our first jewelry advisors!

Simply you offers classy, sophisticated, and stylish jewelry. Advisors receive:

• 25%-40% commission. Team commissions paid on Retail Volume from 3%-11%.
• Fast Start Rewards, bonuses and trip incentives
• Simply You offers a Lifetime Replacement Guarantee

ADVISOR SPECIAL

• Start Up Cost: $199 for kit which includes:
• 29 pieces of jewelry (Value of $1,300!)
• Sign up between August 1, 2011 – August 31, 2011 and receive an extra 10 pieces of jewelry FREE! (Total Value over $1,700!!!).
• Catalogs
• Display aids
• Business supplies
• Large carry tote for easy transport
• Large jewelry roll to keep your samples in one place

HOSTESS SPECIAL
Schedule and close a party between August 1 – August 31st and receive extra jewelry credit worth $25 in addition to regular hostess rewards. Catalog shows/parties count! Contact me at sand407@gmail.com to schedule your party.

For More Information, Please Contact:
Sandra Davidson- Independent Jewelry Advisor
Email Address: sand407@gmail.com
Website Address:
www.sdavidson.mysimplyyou.com

Biltmore® Inspirations is a NEW direct sales company featuring beautiful tabletop, home décor, wine accessories and artist-inspired products, as well as foods that celebrate the finest qualities of Biltmore. Be part of an exciting opportunity with a new company that has a century-long history of elegance and hospitality. JOIN MY TEAM NOW to be part of this ground floor opportunity! Contact Gina Smith at inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com or 864-979-9116.

Sunset Gourmet makes time in the kitchen fast, easy & delicious! Our gourmet products are simple to make and only take minutes to prepare. Just by adding one or two ingredients, or opening a bottle and pouring you can have something amazing. Our line of unique high quality products are all under $10 so they easily fit into any budget.

Sunset Gourmet is only 5 years young so you can get in on the ground floor of the amazing Canadian company. Our consultants sample and sell at home taste testing parties. Wouldn’t it be nice to earn some extra money on your schedule?

Sunset Gourmet is worth a try, it might just be what you need!

Start up cost: only $189 – this includes one of each item, catalogs, order forms and training materials. Retail value of over $800!
Commission: 30% commission on all party & re-order sales / 4%-6% Leadership bonus commissions
Sales Requirements: $500 retail per quarter

Sunset Gourmet Food Company – Canada
Robyn Frizzle
robynfrizzle@gmail.com
www.sunsetgourmet.ca