Network Marketing — Good or Bad?

A reader recently asked, “Sam, what do you think of the concept of network marketing if the product is great and the training is exceptional?”

Well let me ask you this.  If I told you the new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has exceptional safety features, rollover ratings, great re-sale value, above average fuel efficiency and sells for only $312,088 – would you run out and buy one?   Obviously there are other considerations, such as your driving interests and financial position, as there are in this reader's question.  The primary issue is not is it a great company, with a great product and exceptional training – but rather, is the business model itself a “fit” for you?
If you are a natural cheerleader, always breaking the silence in the elevator, schmoozing at parties, inviting 40 friends over for a good time, and won first prize in your college debate class then you are probably a candidate for network marketing.  On the other hand, if you are reticent and shy, preferring to work with ideas rather than people and you get nauseous at the idea of standing up as a first time visitor in a new church, then this business model would be a total flop for you.  It doesn't matter how great the products and the training are – it's not a match.

You may be somewhere in between these two extremes, but the critical issue always is to choose a business model that “fits” what you already know about yourself.  Incidentally, I hope it's a “fit” for you to grab this new