If you're just getting your foot in the door in regard to all the Network Marketing Opportunities out there, you might be a bit overwhelmed with the choices, and if so, believe me; you're not alone. There are some pretty trusty packages out there as far as stability and scam-free companies are concerned, but often this comes at a price of less profit and the requirement of significantly more work. If you consider mlm giants such as Amway, or Melaleuca, you generally will get something you can work with, but that's just it, you have missed the money train in some ways. In my research, it seems that the real profit lies in start-up companies, but this is the area where the gamble is the highest. By default, there is a growing phase with new network marketing opportunities, a phase in which we need to make sure its not a scam, we need to make sure it will have a lengthy, hopefully permanent life span, and we need to make sure that it offers the structure that is right for us.

1. Product. How do you feel about the product, do you yourself feel its a scam? Is it something you can use yourself? What do you think of the price? Would you be comfortable pitching it to dear old mom? If you are not comfortable about a specific aspect then you may want to keep looking because you may be faced with it time and time again, and no sales pitch is worse than that of a person who is barely holding on to his own interest in regard to a product or service. You also want to make sure there is an actual product, and avoid points, credits, and tokens.

2. Timing. Is it the right time for the product or service? What's the economy like? Are you trying to sell products that have no home in your demographic? What about your own situation, can you travel, can you afford to dish out some sample products? The key here is to try to be among the "first", if your company or product truly has the potential to grow. Build the first network, build the biggest network, cover as much ground as you can, utilize the Internet. Did you get involved late in the game with an already giant mlm company? You may want to reconsider if you are going to be spending most of your time competing with others.

3. Compensation Plan. Is it going to work for you? The only direction worth traveling in is up, so look at the requirements and ask yourself if you have the drive to make it through the ranks they have provided. Will the benefits outweigh the work? Is the commission suitable for your sales?

Here is a list of the top ten mlm companies, but keep in mind that size can sometimes work against you, and there are some exciting possibilities when it comes to newcomers, especially if what they offer is truly revolutionary, keyword: revolutionary, not "Gimmick".

1. Avon: 10 billion in revenue, and pretty much covers the entire globe.

2. Amway: 8 billion, and is almost as big as Avon.

3. Vorwerk/Jafra: Its a German mlm company and also considered the oldest having began in 1883. It manages about 3.5 billion.

4. Mary Kay: 3 billion and also covers most of the globe.

5. Herbalife: 2.5 billion after 25 years of existence.

6. Primerica Financial Services: 2 billion and limited to North America.

7. Tupperware: Most people have this word in their vocabulary as if its taught in school. 2 billion and an official life span of around 40 years.

8. Natura Cosmetics: Based out of Brazil and also part of the 2 billion club.

9. Oriflame: A Swedish mlm in the area of 1.7 billion.

10. Forever Living: Another company in the range of 1.7 billion, and is based out of Arizona.