MLM Resources
Direct Selling Women's Alliance's sole focus is to increase the success of women in the direct selling (network markting, MLM) industry and provide training, resources and other tools that may be of help.

Dani Johnson is an industry giant who openly shares her life and experience to help you succeed. She is big on personal development and network marketing. Plenty of tools are at the website.

You make also look into a manual called Magnetic Sponsoring by Mike Dillard. He explains why most people struggle with MLM and the reasons behind it.

Lists and Advertising
Check to see if your company offers an advertising co-op. If they do not, some of the upper level members may. The co-op purchases ad space in a highly circulated magazine and divides the leads between the people in the co-op. This way, you only spend $200 on an ad that would normally cost $2000 (for example) and receive pre-qualified leads that you have a better chance of closing.

For lists/leads try Natasha's Leads. They are high quality, no duplicates and she has special offers for different companies. Natasha is very easy to work with and has excellent response time.

Not every woman is ready to step out and launch a business. Sometimes they opt for a 'safer' route - Direct Sales/MLM/Network Marketing, decide to explore telecommuting options (working virtually from a home office), or decide to stay at their job for just a bit longer. If you chose the latter, you can still work within your purpose in an area or for an employer that you are better suited for. That being the case, I strongly recommend that you contact Francina Harrison, The Career Engineer. Francina is author of the book, A Mind to Work, paid contributing author for several magazines, and takes a holistic approach to career development. She will be able to help you even in these tough times.

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If you are looking for a more flexible work schedule and are not quite ready to launch your idea, or need to work from home because of a certain situation, your greatest challenge will be to separate the scams from legitimate employment. Your second greatest challenge will be to maintain the same diligence towards your work while surrounded by the comforts of home. Working from home is a privilege. If yo want to make the arrangement last, you will have to maintain the same work ethic. An easier route would be to see if your current employer would allow you to work part of the week from home given that (s)he is already familiar with your work. But do not lose heart if the answer is no. Here are a few resources that are not scams to get you started. Good luck to you in your search.

Workaholics4Hire provides a free Telecommuting Jobs Database that is updated weekly. Browse through the jobs, make sure you meet the requirements, then apply directly to the employer. Occasionally W4H has openings themselves so be sure to read through the site in case you are interested.

ProCard International allows people to work from home as agents supplying Healthcare supplements to those who do not have insurance or have coverage gaps. PCI has been in business for over 10 years. There is no cost to work for the company, however, pay is commission only. This is a well-established company.

Elance allows you to post your profile, similar to the way you would at Monster.com and bid on projects needing your skills. Go after the work, engage others in discussions, and determine pricing for your services.

SOHO Jobs sends out an email list weekly of positions in all areas of the country. Some of these positions pay very nicely and have benefits attached. You can request a sample email from the website, but to receive actual job information and be able to apply, the fee is $24.95 for six (6) months. The fee is worth it as you are unlikely to find many of these jobs posted elsewhere.

Team Double Click is a virtual staffing agency, working with thousands of the best professional virtual office assistants the world has to offer. Each applicant completes an application and goes through a series of tests to make sure their skill level matches the qualifications for the job. You can take on as many or as few clients as you like, and work your schedule as you see fit. Pay begins at approximately $15/hour for the time worked.

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Women involved in MLM/Network Marketing companies often contact us seeking help with growing their businesses. MLM companies are set up so that all materials, training, products, et cetera are purchased solely or primarily through them. This way, profits are remain in-house and they retain control of their product and position in the marketplace. This is also the reason why no one outside the company can help you due to compliance issues and product knowledge specific to the company. Even materials developed beyond the scope of what they offer, have to be approved by their marketing or legal departments first before you can use them.

That being said, the key is to hone your direct selling skills so that the company/product becomes the vehicle, not the focus. This way you will be able to apply the skills learned to any venture you undertake. If you are passionate about the industry (wellness, cosmetics, etc.), and believe you will continue to increase your knowledge in it, consider branding and promoting yourself rather than the product/company you are associated with. This positions you as an expert and regardless of what company you are with, people will seek you out over whatever product you may be promoting at the moment. Now this part, we can help with. A few resources regarding the industry in general are posted to the left for your convenience.