I’m sure you’ve read a magazine or visited a website and been tempted by an advert offering your thousands per week to work from home completing surveys or doing data entry.
The reality is if it sounds too good to be true if probably is.
The good news is that there are literally thousands of genuine home business jobs and opportunities and if you follow a few simple guidelines you’ll be able to find the work from home business that allows you to achieve your financial and lifestyle goals.
Tip 1: Take off those rose tinted glasses and take another look
There are many people making six and seven figure incomes working from home, but all of them work hard for it. There is no job or income opportunity that will give you something for nothing and anyone claiming you can stuff envelopes, complete surveys or do data entry for 15 minutes a day and earn $0000′s per week is lying to you.
Also watch out for glossy websites and marketing materials that make impressive sounding income claims, sometimes once you look beyond the ‘hype’ the reality of what is on offer is not quite as good as the initial promise.
Many people are very sceptical of network marketing companies. Honest and ethical network marketing companies offer quality products distributed through a network of members and are a great home business choice. However avoid any scheme that focuses just on recruiting new members or operates an illegal pyramid system.
Tip 2: Look for a phone number, address and other contact details
Its very easy to setup a website and make inflated income promises or even setup a complete scam. The people behind these websites rely on their anonymity to get away with it. Before you jump in to any home based business or job offer, call the phone number provided to make sure you are able to speak to a ‘real’ person. If possible ask for the names and contact details of a couple more people involved in the business so you can talk to them about their experiences.
Tip 3: See if they are a member of the DSA (direct selling association)
If you are looking at a home based business that involves direct selling of some form, you should check first to see if they have been accredited with the Direct Selling Association of Australia (List of members). The DSA are the leading industry body in Australia (they have over 75 members Australia wide) and around the world.
The DSA will only approve ethical and legitimate companies that conform to their strict code of conduct. If the opportunity you are interested in is not a member, ask them why.
Tip 4: Ask the right questions
If you are considering a particular work from home job ask them what they will be providing you with, exactly what tasks you will need to perform, how much will you be paid, who is paying you (which company), and when will you be paid.
If you are looking at a home business opportunity ask them for the the name and registration details of their company, their annual turnover, number of members, average income and full start-up costs.
Remember there are lots of genuine opportunities out there
There are many genuine work from home jobs and home business opportunities out there, don’t assume that everyone is out to scam you. Put trust in your gut instinct and do your research and then GO FOR IT! take action to achieve your dream of a profitable, flexible work from home lifestyle.
Have you been burnt by a scam or do you have a recommendation of a reputable company to work for? Please share your experiences below….
About Tom White
