Network Marketing

• Network marketing is a legitimate business opportunity that you can run from home. The earning potential in network marketing can be huge. Network marketing uses the principles of leveraging. You recruit other distributors into your business and earn commissions off the sales they generate. Hence, you are leveraging your time and earning off the efforts of others. There are different types of network marketing business opportunities. Nutritional businesses are one of the most common types of network marketing opportunities. The thing that makes nutritional products popular in network marketing is that people use and like these products. Distributors are also required to purchase the products monthly, which ensures monthly commissions for the sponsors or recruiters. You can run your network marketing business from home. You can also take advantage of the home office tax deduction if you own a home, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
  
  

Online Businesses

• Online businesses can be operated anywhere, as long as you have Internet or wireless service. You can sell virtually any type of product from the Internet, including sports or movie memorabilia, stamps, coins, clothing, motorcycle accessories and books. However, it is best if you serve a particular niche in the market when marketing online. In other words, sell rare and used books, for example, or items people cannot find every day at the store. Offer children's clothing at wholesale prices. Your first step in starting an online business is to find a product supplier. Contact the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors at Naw.org for wholesale sources. Thomasnet.com lists American manufacturers from which you can choose a supplier. Advertise your online business through major search engines like Google.com and Lycos.com.
  
  

Direct Sales

• There are a myriad of direct selling opportunities in America. You can either sell products or services directly to consumers or businesses. Common products sold via direct sales include cosmetics, perfumes, cookware, cutlery, candy, imprinted T-shirts and advertising. Many direct sales companies look for distributors in business opportunity magazines such as "Opportunity," "Success" and "Small Business Opportunities." Many direct sellers use the party plan to sell their wares, arranging meetings at people's home. The hostess, in turn, invites various guests, who are your customers. You can also sell items directly through flea markets, door-to-door or at charitable events.
  
  

Franchising

• Franchising entails buying ownership in a business because of the brand recognition. Common franchises include restaurants, automotive, tax, printing, cleaning and fitness centers. Look for various franchises at Franchisedirect.com. You can also check the annual "Top 10" list of franchises at Entrepreneur.com. Besides the name, one advantage of owning a franchise is the training. Most franchise companies will train you to operate their businesses. You can also benefit from the franchiser's advertising. Franchises can be expensive, however, so you may need to get a loan to purchase one.