Multilevel marketing companies get a bad rap. Mention it to a person in passing and the first thing that comes to their lips is "pyramid scheme." How wrong they are because multilevel marketing companies (MLM) are legitimate, legal businesses that have simply forgone spending their earnings to advertise their products and have gone the route that creates success in any business: Direct selling by forging strong relationships with their customers.

Think of it this way. Pharmaceutical companies hire salesmen and women to go in the field to promote their products to physicians. There is a sales director over specific territories and at the end of the quarter if the sales team has done well, they are rewarded with a nice salary and possibly a bonus. The sales director stands to receive a LARGE bonus based upon the work of his team. Now, what is the difference between that scenario and a MLM company? Not much unless you factor in that in most MLM companies, the owner of the home-based business can be equally as rewarded based upon performance, so instead of the director gaining the greatest benefit from the work of his or her team, the owner of the home-based business can earn equally high commissions. The tide is turned in your favor and you are compensated as you go. Many MLM companies now cut weekly checks to their associates.

How do you become a MLM success? Like all forms of selling, it will take persistence and a positive attitude because you will experience a lot of rejection. Here are some tips:

1. Be positive: I have worked in the fitness industry for 15 years and have seen some horrible trainers with a large client list. Why? Because they are positive people and have the ability attract others with their attitude.

2. Learn how to build relationships: This is the base for any business and it will get you further than any business degree. If you can connect with your customers you will be successful.

3. Find the right company: There are many MLM companies out there with great compensation plans but a word to the wise: Make sure you are with a company who markets products you believe in. If you don't believe in (and use) the product you lose all credibility. MLM or not, your role is to solve a problem for your customers and if you don't believe in that product, the customer will see right through you.

4. Be passionate about the product: Passion cannot be faked. If you truly believe this product can solve a problem for your customer that passion and confidence will be evident and you will make the sale.

5. Be flexible: You will experience a lot of rejection but that is normal regardless of whether you work for a traditional company or own a home-based business. Be willing to talk to a lot of people and always look for a way in every conversation to talk about what you do. Every human interaction is opportunity. You never know; that person in front of you at Starbucks might become your next customer.

MLM businesses are not get rich quick schemes but they can provide amazing income and freedom. They can be done part-time or if you are passionate about gaining control over your life, a full-time venture.