Perspective: Opportunity, Plan "B" and "History Leaves Clues"

Opportunity to learn, grow, advance and profit from the modern evolution of certain industries. We like to call it “Plan B.” I believe that most everyone should have one or plan to develop one. With the uncertainty of the economy, a Plan B makes more sense now than ever.  There are hundreds of good opportunities available for people to develop additional sources of income, often in their spare time and from the comfort of their home. There are new companies and opportunities appearing regularly. The challenge for most people is always to determine which ones are legitimate and have true potential and which should be ignored.

“History Leaves Clues” and we hope to be able to offer people the insights and facts and perspective they need to make a successful decision.

1. Strong Company with Proven Corporate Leadership
You would think this would be obvious to most people but it is not and it takes some effort and skill to analyze the company that is behind the opportunity you are reviewing.  It’s no different than traditional business and life. Many new companies with unproven track records and corporate leadership do not make it. So what is the point of working hard to have it all disappear one day because the company stumbles and fails? The Internet will help you research the company and the leaders and top promoters.  Don’t miss this step! Even if your best friend is super-excited about something and wants you to join and you really want to accommodate them, please take your time and do your research.

2. A Unique and Real Product or Service
There must be a real product or service. Otherwise it’s a money game or worse and should be avoided. I always have to look at products and services that have real value in the real world to myself, to you and hopefully thousands of consumers.
In some cases, the products offered through direct sales really are unique and life changing, especially in the nutrition and nutraceutical markets. In other cases, the product is a service that is excellent and affordable. A number of internet marketing companies offer great value in the always expanding digital world. The bottom has to be that it is a real product or service that has a real marketplace.

3. Fair and Reliable Compensation
We have seen them all come and go. Some very crazy mathematical contortions come along and can only be understood by Phd’s from MIT. Don’t just believe it when someone says “this is the best compensation plan of them all.” People should seek out opinions from others more knowledgable and experienced on the topic.  Generally, companies should pay out a total of 50% of sales revenue to the representatives who are making the sales. There should be a balanced approach to pay direct commissions based on sales made plus bonuses for developing a team of representatives. Some of the best compensation plans are actually the simplest and most easy to understand. I prefer plans that “cause the right things to happen.” More on that later. It’s very important.

4. Group Culture and Leadership
In my opinion, this is the most important factor in making or breaking your business success.  Assuming that the Company itself provides some basic training and tools, we need more. Much more. I am not talking about the “sales” calls where a top money earner excitedly presents the business and tries to motivate the new prospects to take action.  No. That’s a 10 minute sugar rush and has its place but people don’t really learn any new skills, do they?

I am talking about proven and insightful leadership that regularly trains and supports representatives and teaches them the professional techniques that create success. Using the new webinar technologies, this event becomes a “must attend” because of the real knowledge being shared and the experience being passed along.  It leads the building and the support of a “Group Culture.”

After all, when all is said and done, this is a people business. People like to “join” and belong to groups that appeal to them and offer them something valuable and real. People support and motivate people. People work together. People grow together.  The products, compensation and company may pass the test but without the people to lead and teach and support, nothing important happens.

Anthony Robbins phrased it well… CANI. Constant and Never-Ending Improvement

The Group Culture you choose to participate in is what will last and sustain through ups and downs and ultimately will shape the way you personally operate and the success you will ultimately enjoy. It is my most important criteria because I have tried many approaches over time and this is the key dynamic that brings it all together.

Choose your business and especially your leaders wisely.