Multi-level marketing (MLM)-also known as direct, network, or referral marketing - is a strategy of generating a downline of distributors or associates who will also sell the products and/or services, adding to the sales generated. Companies following an MLM strategy have been pitted for downfall—incurring not only criticisms before even beginning, but also lawsuits from dissatisfied associates who were promised a lot—because of their similarity to illegal pyramid schemes.

Do not be deceived into thinking that multi-level marketing does not work because although many companies who follow this marketing strategy have closed down, there are also a number who have thrived successfully as well as continue to sell their products and services and generate profit (think Avon and Tupperware).

If you have been planning to join the MLM scene then the following are tips to help prepare for success:

1. Get to know the company, its products and/or services. For any MLM business to succeed, the foundation must first be secured. After all, it is the products and/or services that bring in the profit. Research the history of the company. Beware of companies that have only just started with the thought in mind that only a number of companies have succeeded in MLM. Of course, new companies will also mean a fresh start and few distributors. Learn more about the products and/or services sold and if they are of good quality. Would you use them yourself? Can they be used to solve everyday problems? Is there a good support present to address customer problems? Contact previous customers to inquire about the satisfaction they have derived from using the products and/or services.

2. Groom yourself for success. If you are convinced that the company is right for you then do not dilly-dally. The earlier you will start selling, the more customers who will get to buy your products and/or services on a regular basis. Nobody is born with the salesperson prowess. One can learn a lot of effective marketing strategies when you enroll in MLM training usually provided online. Through the training, you will get to know various ways of successfully selling your products and/or services, exhausting all means from creating a website to using article writing. As an adjunct to MLM training, you have to also prepare yourself by reading resources on how to become an effective salesperson, practicing the art of communication in direct selling, and many others.

These are just a few basic protocols which should be followed when contemplating a career change and building a multi-level marketing business.