Are you one of the many looking for ways to add extra income in this tough economy? Were you "downsized" and need to replace your income? Or are you just tired of the corporate scene and not getting appreciated or paid what you are really worth?

Maybe you have thought before how wonderful it would be to start your own business, but just didn't have the capital to begin. Or maybe you had the money, but didn't like the idea of all of the overhead, inventory or employee problems that come with the "brick and mortar" business, not to mention the hours upon hours of building that business. Basically, "buying" a job!

Starting a home-based business just may be easier than you might think and network marketing may be the answer you have been searching for.

Here are 10 important considerations before deciding which company to pursue for your new career in the home-based business industry.

1. Is the Company Stable?

A stable company means that the company promoting the product has to be a debt free company in existence for a period of many years. Avoid "here today, gone tomorrow" companies that try to sell the concept of getting in at the top to make a huge income. Look for companies that have been consistently growing.

2. Look to the Founders.

The best way to judge the stability and future of the company is to look at the past of the founders of the company. Are they new to the network marketing industry or have they been involved in the industry before. Better still, if they have been actively involved for years and have gained substantial experience in order to serve their new found company and its distributors in the highest and most ethical manner. Are there at least three founders? Is their belief system based on heart and not on themselves. Do they give back to the community? To the world?

3. Is there product in demand?

Is the product of the company a "category creating" product? In other words, is it readily available elsewhere. Category creating products are products that the company is the first to bring to market. That is very important and creates a high demand and a unique business opportunity, which means the products cannot be readily found.

4. Can it produce a good income for me?

Study the compensations plans. Not all are created equal or even fair. There are many, such as: bianary, matrix, and uni-level. Read the fine print. Some companies offer "up to" 50%, when in fact, it is more like 27-32% when the compensation plan is used to full advantage. It is better to find a company that does not have "breakage" in their plans. That is not good and will actually hinder your income. A fair and just compensation plan states a 50-50 split amongst the company and the distributors. Also look for Dynamic Compression and a Global Bonus.

5. Is the product affordable?

The end customer who purchases the product should find value for the price they are paying. It does not matter to the customer how many levels of up line are being paid commissions. The business opportunity should come second to the product value. If the same product is available elsewhere for a greatly reduced price, then it would be difficult selling such a product. However, remember in consideration #3 that you are looking for a "category creating" product and should not be available elsewhere!

6. Will the product produce repeat sales?

Depending on which type of company you want to represent and offer their products, you must find highly consumable products to offer.

A one time sale will produce only a one time income. Products that keep producing repeated income is exactly what will provide you with the main benefit of a network marketing business, and that is residual income. For example, if you sell an eBook or a camera, you will have a one time profit from each sale, but if you were to provide a product that must be purchased monthly, such as vitamins or even monthly membership access to information that you provide, then you have an income that will continue every month as long as the client remains subscribed or continues to use the vitamins.

Highly successful products in the network industry are health and wellness products, beauty products and daily consumables such as coffee and even chocolate.

7. Does the company provide a strong back-end marketing system?

The marketing system for the company and the product should be able to clearly and professionally present the product to the potential client.

The tools that you will need to use to build your business should be offered affordably and not be an income source for the main company.

The backend system on your business website for the product you promote should be able to present the product to your client, follow up on leads, provide statistics and track the downline of your clients.

8. Does the company provide training?

It is very important to have a team that can guide you and train you and help you build your business. Network marketing is a people business and people helping people is how you become successful. There should be ample availability to webinars, meetings, conference calls and always someone answering the phone at corporate should you have any questions. Are the training tools they offer readily available and affordable?

9. Is this a product you will use with confidence and be comfortable promoting?

Yes, there are some people who can sell ice to an Eskimo, and doesn't use ice themselves, but would make for a very rare and successful home-based network marketing business. It is very important to be a product of the product and have a very high belief in the product and the company.

Your confidence, sincerity and enthusiasm will shine through and people will naturally want what you have.

10. You WANT to build a home-based business.

It really is all about you. It is about selling yourself and representing a product and a company. People buy into people and want what we have if we are friendly, knowledgeable, and offer value to our everyday lives. You decided to treat a home-based business as a business and not as a hobby. Most network marketing businesses have a very small start up fee. Usually around $35! It is very important that you treat it the same as if it cost you $100,000 or even a million dollar business, because that little $35 can truly begin your million dollar business right out of the comfort of your own home.

If all of these considerations are satisfied, they you are on your way to a wonderful new lifestyle and the comfort and security of building a residual income can provide.

In conclusion, you should look for an affordable, "category creating" company and product line that produces monthly repeat sales from a very stable company with good income potential and an exceptional marketing and tool system founded by people who have a very strong background in the network marketing industry.