7 Considerations Before You Join an Internet Marketing Company

I remember my first venture into internet marketing back in 2007. My wife (at the time) thought I was nuts. Maybe that's why she is an ex-wife. Anyway, that's another story for another day.

Most internet marketers join or get involved in internet marketing for one reason, to fulfill a dream. I simply liked the idea of having a worldwide market right at my fingertips. Don't be like me. I jumped in full throttle. It was fun, but a very expensive lesson.

Take your time and make important considerations, as we have outlined below. But be careful here, don't get that dreaded disease I call "Paralysis by Analysis". Taking action is highly significant in your success. Important considerations include:

1. How long has the company been in business?

Is this internet marketing company a startup, or have they been in business for several years. If it's a startup, that's not necessarily hands off. I know some marketers that have a 5 year rule for the company to have been in business before getting involved. I have gotten involved with start-ups, after studying the founders, their history and background. However, take a look at the financial soundness of the company, the projections, and the long-term development goals.

2. Is the product of high quality?

The quality of the product is fundamental to the company's success. There are 2 schools of thought here. One says, "A great product with poor managment is destined to fail". The other says. "An average product with great management will succeed".

Here's my rule of thumb. Do I need the product and is it beneficial to me? Is it easy to use? Is training others to use the product duplicatable? If I really like the product, its easy to use, and others can learn it quickly with training, I'm more than halfway sold on that company. My acid test for a final decision is "Would I use this product even if there was no compensation plan attached?"

3. Who or whom is the managment team?

The ownership and management team is very important. As a matter of fact, if you come from the Fortune 500 corporate world, its most important. Obvious questions include management's background, experience, and company direction.

4. What is the compensation plan?

There are several different compensation plans these days when it comes to internet marketing. When I study these plans I have one determination in mind, and that is "Is the compensation plan fair to both full-timers who build massive teams and part-timers looking to make extra money"? That is a question you will have to answer for yourself.

5. Is the market global?

What is the potential reach of the company? Is marketing strictly limited to the U.S.? Is the company licensed to do business globally? What countries can the company legally do business in? As we all know, the bigger the potential market, the bigger the potential upside.

6. Is their consistent, ongoing weekly training?

In my opinion, consistent ongoing weekly live webinar training is crucial. After all, statistics show that approximately 90% of new internet marketers fail within the first 90-120 days. Why? Lack of education and knowledge. The internet is an education in itself.

7. What is your budget and initial outlay?

Are you desperate for money? If so, this is probably not the gig for you. Don't spend your rent money in hopes of making a quick buck. Internet marketing with a long-term approach should be your mindset. Have a budget in mind and know your initial start-up costs.

In closing, whatever company you choose, make sure you treat it like a business, not a hobby.