You've looked around, read a whole heap of stuff and you've talked it through with a few people.

It definitely seems kosher, everything checks out ok and you're happy. So, mind at rest, you've decided to try your hand at this network marketing thing and you are now looking for the right opportunity.

The questions for you now are, which are the best MLM companies and how do I choose one?

So far you've considered everything, but bear in mind as you're looking through all the hyped-up sales pitches and profitable goodies on offer that what's "right" for someone else might not necessarily mean it is "right" for you. One fit doesn't suit all, so think about it carefully.

Also, when you're checking out reviews for your shortlists, keep in mind the possible motives of the person who is recommending the "best". Are they really that impartial? Do they have some interest in one or more of the companies they are pushing? Seriously consider this point.

Don't get me wrong here. I'm not saying be suspicious of everybody involved in MLM. On the contrary, there are many brilliantly successful MLM opportunities around that may just be what you're after and many genuinely upfront and impartial reviewers.

The point is to do your homework. Also, whatever you choose must fit comfortably with your personality. If it's not there will always be some dissonance and it will never work for you.

For example, I once tried to sell a rather expensive range of women's lingerie. Now, seriously, do you think a young guy with a big nose and skinny legs knows anything worthwhile about women's lingerie? Not surprisingly I bombed.

Also, it must be business you could happily explain to your mother and neighbours without feeling self-conscious or red-faced with embarrassment. I failed on that score too.

Ok, with that said, here are some very general criteria you can use to judge which MLM best fits with you.

First of all, has it been in business for a while? MLM is generating more and more interest, especially since being endorsed by non other than multi-millionaires Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump. So, new types of MLMs are cropping up every day. This is not necessarily a bad thing, and many people prefer to get in on the new launches because they feel that they can make more money this way.

However, exercise a little caution because the newer the business (any business), the higher the risk of failure. I would say a good benchmark to use would be five years.

Pick a company that sells consumable products or services.

Next, it's important to avoid an MLM that sells products so well made that they will last forever. Why? Because you'll find you have to work a hell of lot harder to make money in the long run with a one time sale, even if it produces a high profit, than with an MLM that sells products which must be continually replaced. Repeat business is the key.

Also choose an MLM which markets interesting and unusual products and services that needs you, the distributor, to sell it. An MLM that sells commonplace and unimaginative products you see all around will struggle more to make sales than one that needs a little interplay between you, the seller, and your prospect.

"Show Me the Money"

Last, and most importantly, you do want to have a general idea of the compensation plan of the MLM that you want to join. In other words how much do you get paid and how often do you get paid. Remember, you're in this to make money so make this a priority.

The money side can seem a complicated topic as there are many types of compensation plans. But I wouldn't be over concerned here. You can do well in any type of compensation plan.

However, if you think you'd prefer to sell only the products, you might want to choose a compensation plan that rewards you more for the sales of the products than one that rewards you more for bringing in other distributors under you.