Network Marketing also called Multi Level Marketing (MLM) is a dynamic, vibrant, rapidly expanding channel of distribution for the marketing of products and services directly to consumers.

Network Marketing provides important benefits to individuals who desire an opportunity to earn an income and build a business of their own; to consumers who enjoy an alternative to shopping centers, department stores or the like; and to the consumer products market. It offers an alternative to traditional employment for those who desire a flexible income earning opportunity to supplement their household income, or whose responsibilities or circumstances do not allow for regular part-time or full time employment. In many cases, Network Marketing opportunities develop into a fulfilling career for those who achieve success and choose to pursue their independent Network Marketing business on a full time basis.

The cost for an individual to start an independent Network Marketing business is typically very low. Usually, a modestly priced sales kit is all that is required for one to get started, and there is little or no required inventory or other cash commitments to begin. This stands in sharp contrast to franchise and other business investment opportunities which may require substantial expenditures and expose the investor to a significant risk of loss.

Consumers benefit from Network Marketing because of the convenience and service it provides, including personal demonstration and explanation of products, home delivery, and generous satisfaction guarantees. Moreover, Network Marketing provides a channel of distribution for companies with innovative or distinctive products not readily available in traditional retail stores, or who cannot afford to compete with the enormous advertising and promotion costs associated with gaining space on retail shelves. Network Marketing enhances the retail distribution infrastructure of the economy, and serves consumers with a convenient source of quality products.

An important component of the Network Marketing industry is multilevel marketing. It is also referred to as network marketing, structure marketing or multilevel Network Marketing, and has proven over many years to be a highly successful and effective method of compensating direct sellers for the marketing and distribution of products and services directly to consumers.

Network Marketing should not be confused with terms such as direct marketing or distance selling which may be described as an interactive system of marketing that uses one or more advertising media to effect a measurable response and/or transaction at any location, with this activity stored on a database. Some commonly known types of direct marketing and distance selling techniques are telemarketing, direct mail, and direct response.

Although Network Marketing organizations occasionally use some direct marketing or distance selling techniques and technology to enhance their businesses, the primary difference between the two methods of marketing is the face to face, or personal presentation that is always an aspect of the Network Marketing relationship.