| Q |
What network marketing (NM) are you currently involved in? |
| A |
Since 1999 with Changes© International, the direct sales division of Twinlab® Vitamins, Minerals & Nutritional Supplements, and now just launched a Personal Care range. |
| Q |
How did you find out about it or get involved? |
| A |
I spent some time researching and getting information from different companies, through business magazines, via the internet etc. I have always had an interest in health and nutrition and looked at various options in this area before reaching a decision. I wanted the opportunity to network as well as retail, my decision was influenced by the fact that Changes® International is the highest paying network in the UK (the right to use this statement was upheld by the UK Advertising Standards Authority), this applies to the retail as well as network bonuses. |
| Q |
What investment did it take to get started? |
| A |
I chose a comprehensive starter kit, including manuals, promotional material and products for £149, alternatively you can enroll free but, with no training kit, this option did not appeal to me. This is a business and as such there is a need to budget accordingly. The investment in time and effort will be determined as my business evolves and expands. |
| Q |
Where do you do most of your NM? |
| A |
What appealed to me about Changes® was that it can be promoted by advertising, internet or person to person, which ever suits you and your budget best. Anyone contacting me is sent a free tape and enough information to give them an overview of the business. I have not yet tried the party style of promotion, but now with the new range of personal care products they would work particularly well incorporated into a health day/evening, perhaps combined with an alternative therapy or beauty treatment. |
| Q |
What are the negative points about working at home and NM? |
| A |
If you are not used to working from home it can feel lonely and isolated, any decisions are yours and yours alone, this is where it is good to have a sound back up, with Changes International we have an excellent on-line information system which can be accessed 24 hours a day. |
| Q |
Do you find a car is essential? |
| A |
For my business so far no, we can work totally from home as the company provides excellent mail order materials. From a retail perspective with the growing trend towards shopping from home that we are now seeing in the 21st century, we find that customers appreciate being able to mail order our products. On a personal level for other area’s of my life absolutely, I think most mothers today can relate to the “Taxi Driver Syndrome” where their children are concerned. |
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| Q |
Does your NM cover the cost of the time you put into it? |
| A |
When I began my business, I knew it would require time and effort to achieve a substantial part-time income, however my plans are long term and I am more interested in putting my current profits back into the business rather then spending money now. Like many people in our changing economy I have been unemployed and on more than one occasion been in the situation of seeing those around me being made redundant.
When I chose to become involved with Changes International I did not start with the idea that it would be an overnight success taking the view that it is an ongoing project for my future with all the benefits it will bring. My aim is to be in a position to travel as much as possible (the Himalayas appeal) by the time my youngest son goes to University, as several of my upline have achieved their own high monthly incomes and I’m following the same system they used I see very few problems but it isn’t an instant thing. |
| Q |
Do you manage to keep your work and home life separate? |
| A |
Sometimes there is an overlap, usually to do with time management. |
| Q |
Where do you work at home and do you need to store goods? |
| A |
I work in the spare bedroom, I already had a computer and shelving in there so did not need to buy any extra equipment, it helps if you can be reasonably organised. |
| Q |
Do you do your NM part time or full time? |
| A |
My business is for the moment very part-time, evenings and/or weekends, this is due to my other commitments but really it is entirely up to me whether I decide to continue part-time or full-time. |
| Q |
What sort of work do you also do (or before you did NM full time)? |
| A |
These include past and present: Educational Administration, Export Sales, Personal Assistant, forum moderator, school representative, committee and charity work. I lived outside the UK for a number of years. |
| Q |
What advice would you suggest to someone considering Network Marketing? |
| A |
Consider all the options, research different companies and products, choose carefully bearing in mind your own interests and preferences, you need to work closely with your sponsor and therefore it makes sense that you make an informed choice. If you are not happy with the products you will not be enthusiastic in promoting them and this will come across in your dealings with others. Be positive in your outlook and enjoy your business. |
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