Here are the Top 10 Targeted Scams

Internet Auction Fraud
Internet Service Provider Scams
Internet Web Site Design/Promotions
Internet Information and Adult Services
Multi-level Marketing/Pyramid Scams
Business Opportunities and Work-At-Home Scams
Investment Schemes and Get-Rich-Quick Scams
Travel/Vacation Fraud
Telephone/Pay-Per-Call Solicitations
Health Care Frauds

I am sure there are opportunities which do offer training, as evidenced by a letter of defense I received as follows:

"I am presently working with a wonderful woman owned and operated company that can be worked MLM if you choose, or you can retail or just be a customer. We are doing a lot of community work such as free classes and we do not look at our customers as "easy targets".  We are very concerned with proper nutrition and have developed a Nutritional Certification Class. We are all very well educated women and are helping other people to become healthy." --Verena Zbinden email:  verena@iglobal.net

Michelle of Choice Promotional Products http://www.choicepromotionalproducts.com writes:  "I would not want to offend anyone in any way, but I personally do not know of anyone who has made money in MLM's. I agree that those at the top are the only ones I see profit.  This is true, also, of many work-at-home "opportunities". You really have to do a lot of investigating before getting into anything like this.  I would suggest that a women in business group like our mailing list would be a good sounding board for those who are considering any type of MLM business opportunity, to get feedback before taking a plunge."

I seem to find more of the work at home scams consider multi-level marketing or MLM the easiest business opportunity to solicit stay at home moms for.  To sell any product or service, you must have a potential user.  You must find how your product can remove pain from their lives.  You should provide them with testimonials, product information and samples to allow them to try the product first (removing the fear), and then you should give them at least 5 benefits that will actually make their life/lives better than before they met you, and were introduced to your product.  It has also been my experience that most MLM participants utilize email solicitation in mass spam mailings which has caused many an angry person to attack the presentation style of MLM...as they all believe it is just a "number's game."  Hit millions of people with spam and you are sure to find someone who will respond to you.  That's how they build their downline!

If you have a business, you must have experienced sales personnel to help you or you must have the salesmanship skills.  If someone gave you a computer and told you it was for you to go into business, but you didn't know how to turn it on, how much business could you generate?  If a company gives you a product and you don't know the art of salesmanship, how are you going to generate sales?

There are many successful women in business.  Each person has her own technique in building her business.     In order for any business to be successful, you must have a product or service that is needed.  You must, must, must do demographic studies on the industry you plan to open a business in!  What is your competition?    How long have they been in business?  Do they specialize in a specific aspect of the business or are they "all around general service/product?"  Can you co-op with someone in this business? 

You must secure a base of clients who will utilize your services or purchase your product.  From that root base of clients/customers, you will receive referrals and within the structure of your business plan you will plan to add clients/customers to the root base in a timely manner.    All of this is developed when you decide you are serious about your business and begin with a projected budget for operation, produce a solid business plan, and factor in seasonal flow within your business. 

The success of being a business owner lies with you, and what you are willing to do to plan for its success.  Please, please, please start your business on solid ground.  There are many coaches online who can assist you.  If your personality is one who does not wish to interact with other people in an open and friendly way, then hire someone to do the outside sales or public relations for your company. 

Just make sure you investigate any homebased business opportunity before investing your hard earned money and time.  Be careful.  There are many unethical people who want your money.

To your success,

Deb Nyberg