The Most Important Thing to Consider When Choosing a Network Marketing Company

When considering which network marketing company to join, there are countless factors to evaluate—products, compensation plans, timing, and more. But let’s cut through the noise and focus on what really matters most.

The Single Most Important Factor: WHO Is Running the Company

Ownership is everything. As a network marketing representative, the one thing you cannot control is corporate decision-making. You can control your effort, your team building, and your sales, but not what happens at the corporate level.

Before you get swept away by an exciting product or enticing compensation plan, do a deep dive into the ownership team. Investigate their history, their reputation, and their ability to execute. Are they leaders of integrity? Do they have a track record of building successful companies?

If you overlook this, you’re setting yourself up for potential disappointment, no matter how great the products or comp plan seem.

The Product: Is There Real Value?

Ask yourself this critical question: Would I buy this product at full retail price if I wasn’t earning a commission?

If your honest answer is “no,” then this opportunity may not be the right fit. As a network marketer, you must believe in and value the product you’re selling. Why? Because your potential customers will sense your lack of enthusiasm.

A strong value proposition is non-negotiable. The product should deliver benefits so compelling that customers gladly pay for it, regardless of the opportunity to earn an income.

Compensation Plans: What Really Matters

Here’s the truth about compensation plans: most pay out in the same range—25 to 40% of the total revenue to the field. Whether it’s a binary, unilevel, or hybrid plan, the structure itself isn’t the deciding factor.

What you need to understand is that compensation plans dictate behavior. If a plan rewards retail sales, people will focus on retailing. If it incentivizes recruiting, you’ll see a recruiting-heavy culture. The key is to align with a plan that matches your strengths and goals, but don’t let the comp plan alone dictate your decision.

Timing: The Myth of Ground Floor Opportunities

Is timing everything? Not always.

Sure, timing can be an advantage, but it’s not a guarantee of success. Being “early” in a company doesn’t mean you’ll automatically win. Success still requires effort, commitment, and action.

Take, for example, a couple I recently interviewed who joined a company in its 38th year. Ten years later, they’re earning over a million dollars annually. They weren’t “early,” but they put in the work and reaped the rewards.

Beware of the myth that “ground floor” means guaranteed success—and be mindful of the risks that come with joining a company in its early stages.

Field Leadership and Systems: Plug Into Support

The leadership team you work with matters—a lot. Look for leaders who are highly active, available, and equipped with tools and resources that you can plug into.

You shouldn’t have to create your own strategies or figure everything out on your own. A great leadership team provides direction, systems, and a community that fosters success.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right network marketing company is a big decision, but when you prioritize the right factors—ownership, products, compensation, timing, and leadership—you set yourself up for long-term success.

If you’re serious about diving deeper into this profession and learning how to recruit and lead effectively, my Recruiting Retreats are back! We limit attendance to just 10 people, and spots fill up fast. Want to be on the shortlist for the next retreat? Email us at support@toddfalcone.com for details.