You've decided to make a huge change in your life and jump into direct sales with an online home based business. After looking at the literally hundreds of websites offering many different products and a range of potential income levels; you're ready to invest a chunk of your hard-earned cash; you've bought into this company's marketing philosophy and you're ready to set the world on fire. Congratulations. The good news is - it's all possible. The not-so good news states the odds are absolutely against you being even remotely successful. Over 97% of folks who start an online network marketing business spend far more than they ever make and disappear well before they reach their first anniversary.

So how do you avoid becoming another nasty statistic? There are some easy to use guidelines that will dramatically increase your chances of not only surviving but thriving in the competitive world of online sales and marketing. Here are three of the most important:

CHECK'EM OUT. You'd hope this is self explanatory but you'd be surprised. If it's written on a website it must true - right? If you believe this slap yourself with something dull and heavy because you're already well on the way to joining the 97% Club. Before choosing a company to invest in, for god's sake do your due diligence and check them out thoroughly. If your potential sponsor is pressuring you to make a quick decision - it's absolutely in your best interest to take a pass (at least temporarily until you get the facts). Any consultant who's offering a real and credible opportunity will encourage you to check out their opportunity thoroughly and make an informed decision before you join their online home based business.

THE PROOF IS IN THE PRODUCTS. Absolutely check out the products you'll be marketing. They MUST BE able to stand on their own two feet. Products without credibility might work in the short term but any business you may be able to generate on the promise of "serious money to be made by passing them onto the next sucker" will quickly dry up and disappear. If what you're being asked to buy and sell is hollow and insignificant - run, do not walk away because chances are the opportunity also lacks long-term creditability. Again, a professional consultant offering you a legitimate opportunity will encourage you to check it all out before you come on board.

Of course there is another side to asking you to do your due diligence before joining. If I contact you, give you my pitch and you jump in immediately without wanting to check it out, chances are you're going to be high maintenance pain in the butt. The one member of my team who takes up hours of my time because they want everything to be easy, don't understand but also don't want to put in the time to learn. So it's not all about you after all.

MENTORING MATTERS. To have even the slightest chance of survival, you absolutely must align yourself with others who are already successful in this business. If you can't do that, your chances of success plummet like Enron stock prices. You will absolutely need the experience of a mentor or preferably a team of mentors. Don't be shy about questioning your sponsoring consultant on what they and the company can offer you. When you research your company, check to see what training is available. All legitimate direct sales companies offer regular training (usually by phone) so ask to join a training call. Try your absolute best to learn the culture of the company you're possibly about to join. If the training is fluffy and unprofessional - keep looking because you're probably onto a loser.

In summary, there are literally hundreds of home based business opportunities currently on the web. Many are at best, simply not realistic but if you make an obligation to yourself to research them before you hand over your money, you will find there are thoroughly legitimate home based business offers that can lead to a wonderful lifestyle and income for you and your family.