Mother ventures onto web

While researching scams and legitimate e-business opportunities, I chanced upon two terrific multi-level-marketing companies and signed up with one.

I had been involved with Amway back in the 70s. While I didn’t lose money, I sure didn’t make much either. Part of Amway’s problem was convenience. With more that 50% of American housewives working, who wants to order even a superior detergent when you can purchase a national brand during your weekly grocery run? Also, when you ordered from me you had to arrange to be at home for delivery and you knew I was going to talk about other products and specials—taking more of your time and putting you in the uncomfortable position of having to say no.

When I found this company, I was literally blown away by their services. Truly, they are services no one should be without. I was not going to be involved in direct sales, but would this opportunity translate to the internet?

While the company has a lot of online material and it allows contracts to be completed over the internet, would I, housebound for the past five years, be able to develop a business from my computer?

I signed up for both services the first week of April. Five days later, we received our information package from one of the firms. On April 9th my husband and I mailed limited powers of attorney to the firm to act in our behalf.

The other service provider sent us their information a day or so earlier.

Once I was signed up as a member/customer, I could then pay my fee to become an associate, which I did. I was told by my up-line sponsor that this process could take up to two days handling it online, but I was accepted instantly. Investigating their full scope of services, I learned that I needed to become certified to be able to offer one category of services that is aimed at small businesses. The certification course is offered online.

I realize that it has been a few years since I attended class lectures, but I still know how to take notes! Nevertheless, my brain turned to oatmeal with the amount of material being presented. Also, there is a technical aspect to these services and I am learning a whole new vocabulary. As a result, the so-called 1-day training and certification (there are tests imbedded within the course that must be passed) has now entered its third day!

In addition, 14 states require licenses to sell these services. Mine is one of them. Initially, I was unconcerned with applying for a license because I knew it could be done online from the state government website. However, my state also requires fingerprinting. I cannot drive and I certainly can’t drive to the fingerprint site 30-miles away. Had I hit a brick wall?

I went back to my free company website and changed the name to include my husband’s. (These services cover spouses, minors and disabled children, regardless of age, if they are living with you. They also cover significant-others). So my husband is getting the license. The first appointment available for the fingerprinting is next week. Until then, I cannot enter a contract with a customer on behalf of the company for the services. I am using the delay to educate myself.

Be sure to come back and learn how I’m doing!