Let's start by assuming that you are either already in MLM, Network Marketing or some type of online business or are seriously considering it. Do you have a business plan? Not having a business plan for ANY business could be compared to building a house without blueprints.

To develop a business plan one must first know the basics and where to start. My suggestion to you before taking on any business venture is DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Take a look at the company you are considering joining,how long have they been around? Do the offer something unique or are there 500 other companies out there doing the same darn thing just packaged different? What is the companies record?

Take a look at the BBB's rating,this can sometimes be misleading though,people can file claims just because they didn't get rich overnight so take a look at trends of complaints. If you see the same types of complaints over and over then that should raise a red flag. See if the FTC has any issues with the compensation plan.

Don't be afraid to go seek people out who are involved with the company,ask questions from those that have been with the company for a decent period of time,say at least six months. They will have gotten past the "sunshine and roses" most newcomers in a business experience and are now dealing with your potential company on a day to day basis.

External information about the business environment often takes the form of existing research, articles, competitive information, and industry news. While these are often available in both print and digital, the focus here is finding information online.

Gathering Your Information Online

This is no secret....the internet is HUGE so where should you gather all this information from? Well the good news is it is now all at your fingertips,literally. There are BILLIONS of web ,so no more long trips to the library to do research or hours spend on hold listening to Kenny G ,get online and DO YOUR HOMEWORK! A the information you will ever need is out there,if you just know where to look.

Places To Start Searching

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): If a company is publicly held you will be able to find financial reports with the SEC, U.S. publicly traded companies are required to file with them

Better Business Bureau: As I mentioned above the BBB can be a great asset if you know what to look for. Chances are unless the company is like 10 days old or something the BBB will have some type of record. BUT just because they have a record of the company it may not reflect accurately on the company. Length of time in business, changes in company policy and many other things may effect the ranking with the BBB.

Search Engines and Directories: Tons of useful information can be found just searching the company on Google. Weigh the good with the bad as any company out there is going to have their share of haters and crackpots who will rant about how they paid $200 bucks and didn't wake up rich the next day! Folks,no matter how you slice it this is WORK if ANYONE tells you other wise,well they are just flat out lying to you! The people that promise overnight wealth are the ones who give our business a bad name!

Forums: Forums can be an invaluable source of information,these are what I like to call "the trenches", sure you can look at websites and get one sided information on anything. Go find a few forums pertaining to the company or product you are looking at. Most forums will show you both sides of the coin,use your judgment, after all, it's YOUR business!

Subject Sites. About.com, business.com there is tons of information in these sites as well.

Trade Associations and Publications. You will often find industry information, statistics, and membership lists online. I belong to a community called Better Networker and am a proud member of the Association of Better Networkers (ABN) this community sets a standard for people in the MLM/Network Marketing field, If the company has been around any length of time it can probably be found here,and there will also be reps. For that company you can ask about it as well.

There is SO much information available,their is NO REASON for anyone to go into a company without knowing as much as you possibly can about it. It's all now right there at your fingertips.

I will continue to write here on my little blog about how to go through all of the stages,beginning to end whether starting with a new MLM company,becoming a Network Marketer or expanding your enterprise online. Please take a couple seconds to subscribe to my blog and if you found it interesting please feel free to share it with others and to follow me on Facebook,Twitter, Digg ect...

Here's to YOUR success!!