So you've decided that you want to earn an income with a home based MLM business, you've researched and found a company that is a fit for you and you're in the process of sponsor shopping.

You've identified a few people who you think might be potential sponsors either through online or offline methods and if you haven't already, you plan to contact them.  If the person is local, you can set up a meeting with them at a convenient location like at a coffee shop.  Or maybe you plan to set up a time to talk on the phone if the person lives a distance away.

You probably have many questions about the company, the business opportunity available, working at home, how you'll earn money, the products, etc. 

But you'll also want to ask some questions about the individual person to get to know them better and find out if this person is a fit for you and has the resources to support you as you get started and grow your new business.  So here is tip #3 in the process of sponsor shopping--

Sponsor Shopping Tip #3-Evaluate a Potential Sponsor

To help you evaluate a person as a potential sponsor, here's a list of questions to consider asking:

• What training is offered to me as a team member? This is an important question to ask because you don't want to be left hanging in the dark when you start your new MLM business.  Also find out what method of marketing your sponsor uses because this is primarily what you will be coached on so you'll want to make sure it is in line with how you want to build your business.
  
• How accessible is the person?  Do they answer their phone?  Call you back?  How long does it take to receive a return phone call or e-mail message? 
  
• How long has the person been with the company and what is their position?  It's not necessary that they are at the top of the compensation plan but make sure that they have the tools and resources in place to support you and train you.
  
• What support system is available?  Will you be left hanging to build your home business by yourself or is there additional support available and what is that support?  Is it a team of local business builders or on online community to turn to for answers to questions or business building ideas?  Whatever the support, just make sure it is available to you. 
  
• Are you being pushed to join?  Or is the person more interested in getting your questions answered so that you can make an informed, confident decision about starting your new home business?  You should never be pressured to join anything.  A good leader is willing to get all your questions answered. 

Of course these questions are just are starting point and it may trigger more questions--great!  Just be sure to get all your questions answered.

As you near the end of sponsor shopping, remember that your sponsor is there to guide and support you as you grow your new MLM home business.  In the end, you are personally responsible for your own success.  No sponsor, no matter how seasoned or knowledgeable, will help you succeed if you are not committed to your own success and do not take action to grow your business!

Expect Success!

Kendra Rahne

So, you've researched an MLM company that you feel is a fit and you've begun the process of sponsor shopping, interviewing and researching potential people who will sponsor you and support you as you start and grow your business.

If you discovered a person online, you've probably already read through their website and have received an initial feel for the person as an individual. If you discovered the person offline, such as at a retailing event or business presentation, you've had first hand experience watching this individual in action. Either way you still want to learn a little more about a potential sponsor and how they view their business and if this person is someone you would like to assist you as you grow your new home based business.

Now, it's time for the next step--

Sponsor Shopping Tip #2--Make Contact with Each Person Separately
This can be done several ways.

Offline: If the person is local, you can phone and see if you can set up a meeting with them, maybe at a local coffee establishment. This will give you a chance to meet one-on-one with a potential sponsor and get your questions answered about the company, the products, and business opportunity available. It will also give you chance to learn more about this person as a potential sponsor. If you haven't seen this person in action, ask if there are any upcoming retail events or business presentations that you can attend. This also will give you a better idea how the potential sponsor views and runs their business.

Online: Chances are if you've discovered a potential sponsor online, they probably live a distance away from you so setting up a one-on-one meeting is unlikely unless you're willing to drive or fork over the money for a plane ticket. You can still make contact with a potential sponsor by phone or e-mail. Most distributors who are serious about their business are willing to set up a time that is convenient with you for a phone conversation to get your questions answered. Also ask if there is an information packet that you can receive either online or through the mail providing you with additional information.

Bottom line is to take your time and get all your questions answered. Don't be afraid to contact more than one person. There's nothing wrong with this. You want to feel comfortable with the person who will become your sponsor because this is the person who will be your first point of contact as you look for a quick start in the business.

My next blog post will give suggestions of questions you can ask to help evaluate potential sponsors as you sponsor shop.

Expect Success!

Kendra Rahne