Over the past weeks, we have been examining the age-old question “How can I earn more money?” If you’re seeking an answer to this problem, but you have insufficient time to increase your income, then you may have to change your method of making money.

As discussed, most persons earn a living by pursuing linear income, and have to continually put in work time in order to get paid. Linear income puts a ceiling on your earning ability, as time is a restricted resource. Also, if you have to physically stop working for any time above your vacation or sick leave allowance, your income is negatively affected.

Looking for options, we considered residual income, where you are able to earn continually from some type of work or investment that you carried out once. For example, you can earn residual income on royalties from book or record sales.

We also examined leveraged income, in which you can multiply your total income by utilising the efforts of other people. If you employ others to work in your business, then you make use of this type of income.

Although residual and leveraged income sources can help to exponentially boost your earning power, the reality is that it can be difficult to make practical use of these options. Not many people will achieve financial success by writing books or recording music; and being a profitable business owner takes time, money and knowledge, which may elude the average person.

Is there a way to earn extra income without actually creating your own products or business? What if you could make money by buying products that you like and use all the time, and then recommending them to others?

Referral revenue is real

Referring your friends to try products and services is an everyday activity; you rave about the latest movie, you suggest the tastiest dish at your favourite restaurant, you insist that your hairdresser is the best stylist in town. Although your efforts may increase sales for these businesses, you don’t usually get paid for your endorsements.

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The good news is that many companies have realised that personal recommendations for their offerings is a powerful marketing tool. The immense value of regular people directly promoting products and services to their friends and colleagues has spawned a method of distribution called network marketing. This direct selling method is widely used by industries involved in wellness, household products, communications, cookware, skin care, office supplies and many more.

In other words, there are companies out there that will pay you to buy their products and refer others to do the same.

The networking model

The structure of network marketing is based on two fundamental principles. A company offers individuals the opportunity to become independent representatives or business owners to distribute its goods. This process redirects the company’s sales expenses from costly advertising campaigns and retail middle-men, and puts the money into the pockets of the end users.

This distribution model also utilises an extra incentive to boost sales, by allowing the representatives to create their own network of independent business owners. For their efforts in increasing the marketing of its goods and services, the company will reward business builders with a percentage of the revenue generated by their teams’ efforts.

Network marketing offers both the residual and leveraged income options that we have highlighted. Once you establish dedicated customers for the products that are available, you have the ability to get repeat revenue. You take advantage of leverage when you earn from the sales of your network of distributors. This opportunity also comes without the hassle of actually creating your own products or business.

Evaluating an opportunity

In Jamaica, there are several established network marketing companies such as GNLD, Herbalife and Avon, as well as many new options. Like any other business, it’s important to do the groundwork to determine if a network marketing opportunity is right for you.

Some considerations include:

– Do you like the products or services that are offered?

– Are the products consumable (used repeatedly) and in demand?

– Is your earning directly tied to sales volume?

– Does the marketing plan sound too good to be true?

– Who are the owners or principals in the business?

– Does the company provide effective training and support?

– Is there a focus on personal development for the distributors?

Some people have an erroneous impression that network marketing is a way to get rich quick. The easiest thing about this opportunity is that the products, distribution system and earning plan are already created for you. To be successful you still have to work hard; you must be willing to learn the business, create a customer base, motivate and train your team members, and develop your leadership abilities.

So, whether you are looking for some extra income or desirous of running a business full-time, network marketing could be a profitable choice!

Copyright © 2010 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.

Originally published in The Daily Observer, June 10, 2010