Over the years it is likely you have run into people who hear the words network marketing or MLM and instantly condemn those home-based businesses as scams or pyramid schemes.

In my case those innuendos started when I first looked at network marketing opportunities over 30 years ago.  Even though those voices were always echoing when the subject arose, I spent a lot of time researching the scam/pyramid scheme claims and derived my own conclusion.

My conclusion ….

Although there are some fly-by-night, get-rich-quick companies promoting themselves as networking marketing companies, there are plenty of legitimate network marketing – direct selling companies out in the marketplace today.  A few of those companies have been in business selling quality products for over half a century!

Do you still have doubts? … Then consider this …

Several years ago, billionaire investor, Warren Buffett’s company, Berkshire Hathaway purchased a network marketing company, The Pampered Chef.

Earlier this year (2009), “The Donald” a.k.a. Donald Trump launched a new network marketing-based health and wellness company.

Need More Proof?

Then watch this video from a top business leader, Robert Kyosaki, author of Rich Dad – Poor Dad, and hear his take why network marketing – direct selling maybe a great fit for many people:

There is little doubt that MLM – network marketing opportunities are not for everyone but those with real product lines are not just viable; they also offer many people the perfect home-based business opportunity.

Being a “baby boomer” and looking out to the future towards retirement, evaluating options to protect my income has been steadily on my mind.

Given the economic upheaval of the last few years, many of us have been faced with this very question.  As last year’s election cycle wound down, even the politicians were finally admitting we were indeed in a recession.  Although recessions are not uncommon, this one is the worst in decades resulting in substantial impacts to a large portion of our society.

Further evidence of continuing economic strife was signaled in a Business Week article indicating:

• Retail sales decreased in July compared to June and
• Unemployment claims rose in the second week of August compared with the first.

So how does anyone better prepare to avoid a financial heart-ache and make your income recession proof?

Many people are starting to look very seriously at ways to lessen impacts from job loss or income reductions by evaluating home-based business opportunities.

Thoughts of service-based businesses (home repair, accounting, financial planning, specialty retail shops, etc.) often come to mind when thinking about home-based businesses since they are commonly operated from home.

But this my friend is the information age meaning a whole new and bold world of home-based business opportunities awaits on the horizon.  Those opportunities wait for anyone willing to use even simple computer skills (already possessed or readily learned with the proper coach) to tap into the power of the Internet.

Why is the Internet so powerful?

Mainly through a combination of ever growing number Internet users (~360,000,000 in 2000 rising to almost 1,600,000,000 by 3/31/09) and the amazing social resources including open social media sites like blogs, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

Every person willing to connect with the right team, find the right home-based business opportunity and work to develop their business can literally have the “world” at their fingertips!

Taking the proper steps will help protect and recession proof your income which is something everyone (baby boomers, genx and millennials) should be considering.

Now the big question is ….. Where to begin?

One of my business associates and online marketing mentors, McKay Earl recently produced a two-part video series “Recession Proof Your Life”.  Through these videos he provides a wealth of information about the different ways to tap into the power of the Internet as part of numerous home-based businesses.

Complete the form below to gain complimentary access to this awesome, information-packed video series and begin to unravel the secrets of using the Internet to identify and grow potential home-based business opportunities!

You’ll be glad you did ….