Showing posts with label Lean Startup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lean Startup. Show all posts

How To Track Startup Marketing Campaigns

tracking success startup marketing metrics

Building a new lean startup from scratch is no easy task for any founder or CEO. If you are among those founders that have done this, you understand that every process from developing your product to marketing to consumer satisfaction can be tricky. And don't even get us started on the financial aspect of launching, maintaining, and growing a startup business in today's economy. 

We know how it is running the lean startup lifestyle, including wearing multiple hats and being worn incredibly thin. One minute you think you have things figured out, and the next a new event flips your business or industry on its head. Marketing is unfortunately one of those areas that tends to fall by the wayside for startups with focuses on operations, sales, and finances.

Running a startup is a warzone with landmines to avoid everywhere and fires to put out constantly, even when it comes to the marketing department. Even marketing best practices can be potential PR crisis in the current climate. And now with rising prices and cut ad spend during a recession, marketing budgets are getting reduced really fast.

So how can startups track important details when they are working on the big picture issues and fixing frequent problems? What are ways that a startup can monitor their marketing campaign progress?

Startup Measurements And Mistakes

Startups function a lot differently from an already established company when it comes to marketing, advertising, and branding. The types of marketing strategies utilized, the way they are conducted, and how the results are measured all differ. This can be difficult to record and analyze properly for lean startups, where founders and employees where multiple hats and everyone is stretched on time while avoiding burnout. Sometimes freelancers are hired from around the world, in person or remotely, for short periods of time. 

There is always a lot going on in a startup company so it's easy for founders or employees to drop the ball on some of the basics. So tracking the right analytics and marketing measurements often gets lost in the shuffle for many lean startups.

Tracking Time

If you can't track your lean startup marketing results, how do you know what's working and what needs adjusting?

When setting up your lean startup business, you need to ask yourself some serious questions: 

- Do I know and understand what my small business’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are? 

- How much understanding do I possess about the startup processes? 

- How do I measure a small business's marketing success? 

There are different startup metrics to consider, but let's focus on the important ones for measuring success.

startup marketing metrics measurement

Startup Marketing Campaign Metrics And KPIs 

To ensure a startup business runs at an optimal level, there are many metrics and KPIs that need to be taken into account. Simply put, your business metrics are, by definition, the various means of measurement used to acquire accurate information about different business processes. 

The key metrics for SMB marketing campaigns can be used to: 

- Give you performance data like the number of people reached and conversions recorded by such campaigns. 

- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the SME campaign. 

- Know what marketing campaign yields the most results. 

With the information obtained, you can easily track the success or failure of all the strategies that the startup uses with KPI or OKR. The right software will help your startup business measure success accurately. Collaborating with a virtual executive assistant is also an option to ensure accurate tracking and actionable insights without overburdening yourself or your existing team members.

Having said that, let us examine some of the key metrics startups can use to track the success of their marketing campaigns. 

1. Marketing Return On Investment (ROI) 

In measuring the success of your startup's marketing efforts, you have to consider marketing ROI. Marketing ROI refers to the return on investment that is made from any marketing campaign. 

When you know the marketing return on investment, it becomes easy for you to determine whether the marketing strategy is a success or not for an SME or LLC startup. It is also a good way of comparing marketing campaigns to determine which was the most effective. One way to test multiple campaigns for success is through A/B testing. 

Marketing Return on Investment for startups can take different forms and they include the following options below: 

ROI On Social Media Ads 

In the digital world that we live and do business in today, social media plays a vital role. It is not just a tool that is used for social interaction, but can also be used to market products and services that are being offered by a startup. 

If social media ads are one of the marketing strategies that you employ for your startup, then one key metric of measuring success is ROI on social media ads. To achieve this, you have to carefully analyze how much is spent to run these ads and compare it to the return on sales it brings to the startup. 

For example, let's say you spend $200 on social media ads on Facebook. If that ad gets 500 clicks with 10% conversion rate, that means 50 people are buying your product. If that product is sold at $10, total sales recorded will be $500. You ROI on $200 spent for that ad is $500. You are making $2.50 on each $1 you invest into social media ads, which is a 250% profit. A better way to measure ROI is to also look at the payback period. This is particularly useful in subscription based services or products that drive repeat purchases like a social media marketing tool or CRM.

social media marketing metrics measure smm roi

ROI On SEO And Content Marketing 

A common marketing strategy among many businesses, both small and large, is SEO and Content Marketing. 

SEO is Search Engine Optimization and refers to all the efforts put in place to rank high (the goal is always to be on the first page) on search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, Baidu, Yandex, DuckDuckGo, and YouTube. These efforts can include web optimization, content optimization, and keyword placement in articles, among others. 

Content marketing, on the other hand, refers to the act of using content to attract leads and sales. This type of content is usually written to inform prospects and existing customers about a particular product or service offered by a startup. The end goal is so that after reading information on the startups website or elsewhere on the web, users can engage with the startup through a call to action provided in the content. 

If you use SEO or content marketing for your startup, then you can also measure the return on investment this marketing effort is bringing to the startup. 

ROI On Paid SEM 

Search Engine Marketing is a combination of search engine optimization and paid search ads. The aim of this marketing campaign is to draw more customers to your startup while still retaining existing ones. 

Paid SEM with Google Ads (formerly AdWords) or cheaper Bing Ads makes it possible for people who are searching specific keywords relating to your startup to find you. To drive sales using paid SEM, the focus is on choosing the right keywords to connect your startup to its customers. Utilizing a paid service to find the right keywords can save you time and marketing efforts. While you can do this yourself, it can be quite labor intensive; this job can be outsourced with a dramatic ROI in sales when done properly. You have to be strategic and experienced when bidding on keywords and analyzing ad conversion rate to optimize your PPC ad results while reducing costs.

In measuring the ROI on paid SEM, you have to look at its impact on the ranking of your startup in organic search results. You also have to pay attention to how many new customers are finding and engaging with your startup online. The higher the number of new customers your startup records from organic searches, the more effective paying someone to conduct keyword research and SEM is. 

Paid ads help rank you higher quickly and temporarily, but are not organic search results in nature. Once you stop paying for the ads, your ranking will dissolve, although the extra website traffic and potential subscribers you gained from the ads could help your website's long-term organic results indirectly. Organic search results through SEO tend to have long lasting rankings once you get to the first page of Google or other top search engines. 

ROI On Traditional Media Ads 

Traditional media ads include television, print, radio, billboards, flyers, direct mailers, kiosks, banners, etc, and they can still be used by startups to market their products and services to prospects. However, it is important to mention that tracking the ROI on traditional media ads and its effectiveness can be very difficult. 

To determine the success of traditional means of advertising, you can conduct a brand survey asking people how they heard about your business. You can also pay attention to social media mentions immediately when the campaign is launched or promoted on traditional media to know what people are saying about it. Make sure your applications are working to get accurate data.

2. Increase Or Decrease In Sales 

Sales metrics are data points for measuring the performance of a startup. These metrics help to track a business' performance based on its goals and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of such performance. 

This metric of measuring marketing efforts is vital and must be treated as such. Sales metrics are typically measured over days, weeks, months, and yearly can tell you whether or not customers are interested in your products or services. 

Some examples of essential sales metrics include: 

Opportunity-To-Win Ratio: 

Sometimes referred to as win rate, this ratio is used to measure the success of sales recorded when there is an opportunity. This is particularly useful for B2B startups and businesses. 

Average Deal Size: 

Average deal size, as it relates to business sales, gives you an idea of how much you are making on an average per deal. It is difficult to increase sales without knowing your average deal size. 

Churn Rate Of Customers: 

Churn rate refers to how good you are at keeping existing clients. Churn rate is a good sales metric because how well you can retain customers determines how much sale you can make over a specific period. This is particularly useful in cases where repeat purchases are expected such as subscription based businesses. Always remember that it is a lot cheaper to retain existing customers than it is to acquire new ones!

3. Conversion Rate 

Conversion rate, as a key metric for measuring the success of your startup's success, refers to the total number of visitors who have carried out certain tasks on your business website and blog. When there is a high conversion rate compared to what was previously recorded, that's an indication of a successful marketing campaign. 

In determining conversion rate, several factors must be considered such as the number of visits, interactions per visit, and the value per visit. The best way to boost conversion rates are to add clear calls-to-action and design smart landing pages.

Startup Success Metrics Conclusion 

Running a lean startup is no easy feat in this day and age. We deal with it everyday and sometimes during the Lean Startup Life it is hard to see the forest through the trees. Luckily there are numerous metrics used to monitor the success of your startups with new analytics tools. The few startups success measurement metrics outlined above will serve you well to ensure your startup retains or acquires the new potential to reach greater heights.

Financial Survival Kit For Startup Employees

financial survival kit startup employees

Working at a startup can be exciting. There is energy in the air, a sense that something big might be around the corner, and maybe even equity on the table. But along with that excitement comes risk. Paychecks might be small or irregular. Benefits may be limited. And the company you are pouring your heart into could fold tomorrow. 

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work at a startup. But it does mean you should have a plan. Think of this as your no-fluff, straight-to-the-point financial survival kit for life at a startup. 

1. Build a Cushion You Can Count On 

Start with this: your emergency fund. If you don’t have one yet, now is the time to fix that. A startup job can be unstable. Your team might miss payroll or decide to pivot and cut roles. An emergency fund keeps you from relying on credit cards when things get shaky. 

Aim to save enough to cover 3–6 months of your most important expenses—rent, utilities, groceries, and minimum debt payments. It doesn’t need to happen overnight, but even a small buffer gives you breathing room. 

If saving up feels impossible right now, that is okay. You don’t need to go all in at once. Just focus on getting something started. You could look into short-term ways to earn a little extra on the side. There are plenty of flexible options out there—like freelance tasks, reselling stuff online, or gig work—that show you how to make cash fast when you are in a pinch. 

2. Understand Your Compensation Package 

Let’s talk about equity. If you are working at a startup, there is a good chance your offer letter includes more than just a salary. You might have stock options, RSUs, or profit-sharing in the mix. These can sound impressive, but they don’t always mean quick money. 

You need to know what you are actually getting. What type of equity is it? When does it vest? Can you sell it if you leave? Is there a cliff? What happens if the company never goes public? 

If you are unsure, ask your HR person. Or talk to a financial advisor who understands startups. Your equity might be worth something—or it might not. Either way, it is smart to know where you stand so you can plan your budget around your actual take-home pay, not future potential. 

3. Automate The Basics 

When things get busy—and they will—it is easy to forget bills or skip saving. That is why automation matters. 

Set up auto-pay for your rent, utilities, student loans, and credit cards. Use apps to track your spending. If you can, automate a small monthly transfer into savings, even if it is just $25. The goal is to take as many decisions off your plate as possible. That way, even when your workload spikes or your stress level rises, your money stays on track. 

Some tools even round up your purchases and save the difference. Others give you reminders when you are about to overspend. Use whatever feels easy and helpful. Don’t try to be perfect—just aim for consistency. 

4. Avoid Lifestyle Inflation 

Startups often celebrate when they raise money. That is great. But just because your company gets a new round of funding doesn’t mean you should upgrade your lifestyle. 

Avoid the trap of lifestyle inflation. That is when you start spending more just because you are earning more—or think you will. Maybe you spring for a new apartment, or start eating out every night, or grab the latest iPhone even though your current one works fine. 

It is okay to treat yourself occasionally. Just don’t build new spending habits based on money you might make in the future. Keep your core expenses low and stable. Save or invest the difference. You will thank yourself later. 

5. Keep Health And Insurance In Check 

Startups don’t always have the best benefits. Some don’t offer health insurance at all. Others might offer a plan with high deductibles or limited coverage. 

Take a good look at what your company offers. If there is a Health Savings Account (HSA), consider using it—it offers triple tax advantages. If your plan is too basic, look into other options through the healthcare marketplace. You might qualify for a subsidy if your income is low. 

Don’t skip insurance altogether. A medical emergency can wreck your finances. Also, look into renters insurance if you are leasing your home, and check if the company offers life or disability insurance. 

And don’t forget mental health. If your startup offers therapy benefits or subscriptions to wellness apps, use them. If not, explore affordable online therapy platforms. 

6. Make A Backup Plan 

No one likes to think about layoffs, but they happen—especially in startup land. Being prepared doesn’t make you negative; it makes you smart. 

Keep your resume updated. Save a list of your recent accomplishments. Set a reminder to check in with past coworkers or mentors every few months. You don’t need to job hunt constantly—but staying connected makes it easier if you ever need to move fast. 

You should also have a plan for what you would do if your startup shut down. Would you freelance? Look for another tech role? Move back home? Having a backup plan doesn’t mean you don’t believe in your company. It just means you are taking care of yourself too. 

7. Keep Taxes On Your Radar 

This part gets overlooked often. Equity can make tax time more complicated than you expect. Stock options, RSUs, and other forms of deferred comp might mean you owe taxes—even if you haven’t seen cash in hand yet. 

If you are a parent, it is important to familiarize yourself with the available tax credits for children. For the 2025 tax year, this credit can be worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child. A portion of that—up to $1,700—may even be refundable. That means you could receive a refund at tax time which can provide a potentially significant financial boost for families.

Talk to a tax pro, especially if you have exercised options or received a large bonus. Make sure you understand what forms to expect, what you will owe, and if you need to make estimated payments. 

If you wait until April and realize you owe thousands, that can create a real problem. It is better to be prepared—and avoid penalties. 

Startup life is full of ups and downs. Some days, you will feel like you are part of something incredible. Other days might feel uncertain or stressful. That is all part of the experience with startups as a founder or leader. 

But your personal finances shouldn’t feel like a gamble. With a few smart moves, you can protect yourself from the downside and take full advantage of the upside. Build your cushion, know your benefits, and keep things simple. You don’t need to have it all figured out today. You just need to take the first step.

6 Steps For Starting A Small Business

steps starting small business how to launch lean startup

Are you looking to launch a new business soon, or are you in the process of doing so? Starting a new business when you have never done it before can be an intimidating task. Launching a lean startup can be one of the most complicated and challenging things you will ever do. It takes guts, hard work, sacrifice, education, and a little luck to start a new business. Things are only more difficult now for entrepreneurs and startup founders since we are in a recession.

However, you can make it less intimidating by breaking it down into a series of steps. Small and achievable goals is a smart strategy for a successful SMB launch strategy. These six steps will help you get started building a biz successfully. 

6 Steps To Start A New Small Business Successfully

1. Beef Up Your Business Skills

If you are brand new to the business world, it is a good idea to build a strong foundation of business-related skills before you try to run your own business. There are a variety of business-related degrees you can pursue at a traditional or online college. Areas of study include communication, marketing, business administration, technology, accounting, finance, and more.

2. Come Up With A Unique Business Idea

All businesses start with an idea. You may already have one in mind for a product or service. If you don't, start by thinking about what type of business you would enjoy running. What are your hobbies and passions? What is your educational background? What type of work have you done in the past? For instance, if you have worked in the beverage industry or have a passion for wine, you might consider starting your own wine brand or boutique bottling venture. In that case, investing in premium packaging elements like wine capsules could help your bottles stand out and appeal to customers. Reflecting on your background and interests can reveal industries you naturally understand, and within those, opportunities to offer something fresh, well-crafted, and different from what's already out there.

3. Assess The Market

Once you have some ideas, the next step is to determine whether there is a market for the type of business you want to create. Does your product or service solve a problem that people are willing to pay money to solve? Is anyone else already competing for the same customers? If so, is there a way you can make your small business unique or serve an underserved segment of the market? You need to objectively determine if there is room in the market for your product or service unless you can realistically create a new market.

4. Choose And Register Your Business Name

Your business name is how your customers will know you, so choose wisely. Pick something short, memorable, unique, easy to spell, and that makes sense for the type of business you are starting. Be sure you pick something that isn't already being used by another business. Complete a trademark search in all of the countries you plan to do business in. Then, do a domain name search to make sure someone else hasn't already purchased the domain you want for your website. Once you have your name, you need to register it in the countries you plan to do business in. 

5. Test Market Your New Business Products

Before you fully launch your products into production, it is a good idea to test market them. You can try taking pre-orders to gauge customer interest before you start developing your product, as long as you can follow up fully on fulfilling those orders or potentially issuing refunds. You can also create a small batch of products and sell them to people in your local area at farmers' markets, craft fairs, or other appropriate venues. Or do some digital giveaways and downloads if you have an internet-based product like online video games or a software program. To support these digital efforts, make sure you have access to reliable small business internet that can handle customer interactions, product uploads, and online payments seamlessly. A strong connection ensures that your business is always online when your customers need you.

6. Create A Comprehensive Business Plan

Writing a business plan will help you solidify your idea and is one of the things lenders and investors will probably want to see from you when you are trying to get financing. Your business plan will help you outline your path from where you are to where you want to be. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail with your new small biz. That includes what to do with investing your profits when you do successfully maximize your business plan. Some companies are so busy grinding and hustling and planning that they forget to plan for success!

Build The Best Business

At this point, you still have work to do on your burgeoning business, but you should be off to a good start. Once you have your business plan written, you have a guide to follow the rest of the way to achieving your goal. 

Work For Yourself: 5 Steps For Becoming Self Employed

ways work for yourself steps becoming self employed entrepreneur the lean startup life

Have you recently lost you lost your job or just lost interest in your regular office gig? Are you ready to leave the grind of your 9 to 5 and become self employed? If you would like to leave it all behind and finally do what you love, we have all the information you will need on self employment and starting your own business. 

GROW YOUR OWN ONLINE BUSINESS HERE WFH

In today's tumultuous times, you can take some control back and be your own boss. You can follow the steps to becoming self employed as an epic entrepreneur. Fire your current boss and work for yourself! 

Who's The Boss?

While you can expect to work harder and longer to set up your new small business, many people who choose to make the leap can’t believe that they waited so long to make their dreams of being their own boss become a reality. When you become your own boss, you'll finally have to do what you like, whether it's just relaxing at home playing slot sites or catching up on things that you don't usually have time for.

If you want to learn more about becoming self employed, read on!


1. Determine What Fulfills You (and Your Legal First Steps)

Often the key to small business is doing what you love. While this may seem like a no brainer, it’s not.

Choosing something profitable that doesn’t particularly appeal to you can spell disaster for those looking to begin working on their own. Why is this the case for self-employed professionals?

If you aren’t truly passionate about what you are doing, you are likely to resent the long hours you will spend working.

Working for yourself doesn’t come with the normal time constraints of a typical job. You will find yourself working late into the night getting ready for trade shows or shipping product.

After you've finished day dreaming, you'll need to explore some of the potential snags you may hit on your way to success. If you are a planning on starting a meal delivery service, for example, you'll need to become familiar with the regulations you will need to follow before opening your doors for business.

The more connection you have to your business endeavor, the more likely you are to see it through to fruition.


2. Use the Internet to Your Advantage

One of the most positive things about the internet age is the connectivity and exposure afforded to entrepreneurs. Unlike the generations of the past who had to rely on a work skill that was marketable trade within the local area, entrepreneurs today have a much broader market available.

If you are a master guitar player, for example, you no longer have to keep your day job and play local gigs at night. Platforms like Skype or FaceTime can afford you the opportunity to teach lessons to anyone with internet access.

If the business that you plan to run requires additional employees, the internet can also help you to better understand what you will need to know about payroll obligations and what sort of insurance and benefits you will need to provide your workers. You can find more information on that at this blog.


3. Reduce Your Chance of Bankruptcy: Mind Your Budget

One of the most common mistakes made when launching a business is going over budget. You are not a major company (yet) so don’t spend your money like you are. Don’t spend money on anything that you don’t absolutely need yet.

Digital art and website design are two of the areas that you MUST do for yourself when first starting out. Check out YouTube for great tutorials that will help you save your valuable cash for the essentials.

You will also want to avoid getting your company into debt. Loans that you may receive or qualify for are not free money! Loans and business credit cards aren’t permission to overspend, in fact, they could cost you your business if you are unable to pay back the money you borrowed. A smart idea is to bootstrap your business instead.

Credit cards can also cost you big time in the long term. If you’re only able to make the minimum payments for a card you’ve run up, you will likely be paying the lender without making any significant dent in your credit debt. Do you want to give your business’ valuable profits to you lender just to pay the interest on what you originally borrowed? We didn’t think so.


4. Getting to the Customer

You will need to find new and creative ways to market your skills to avoid getting lost in the crowd, however, because starting your own business has become such a popular choice, you will certainly need to find a way to make you and your services stand out.

Let’s consider the same guitar virtuoso for example. He can’t simply quit his day job and wait for potential emails to reach out to him. He will need to begin marketing his skills immediately. If you have the luxury of beginning to market your skills before leaving your 9 to 5, this can be exceedingly helpful as well.

Creating a YouTube channel and building an audience can be a great way to start. You can begin to build your following with people who are interested in what it is you have to offer.

Creating a blog can be another great way to grow your online presence. If you have got a story to tell, put it online. Learning some key SEO insights can help you boost your online presence as well.

Take it from marketing guru Gary Vaynerchuk and stop worrying about creating content online, just start documenting! Document your journey into the small business world, just be sure to add value for your viewers along the way. 

If you need to physically get to your clients and customers, you will need a personal or company vehicle. That means you might need a loan to buy your car or truck if you don't have one already. You could use that loan capital to get a better company vehicle or money to invest in another aspect of your sole proprietorship business.


5. Incorporating the Dream

Choosing to wait on some of the important legal requirements necessary for a small business can have big-time costs in the long run.

This can be especially the case for self-employed people who are looking to work in specific industries like food and beverage. Regardless, you’ll need to look into creating a corporation to help afford you the legal protections you’ll need as a small business owner or sole proprietor.

Without these, you risk personal exposure that could cost you everything. Without corporate protections that you will have through creating a Limited Liability Corporation (also known as an LLC), a single lawsuit or slip and fall case could cost you your business and everything else.

Be sure to search online for any requirements that may be specific to your choice of self-employed business as well.


Becoming Self Employed: Are You Ready?

Now that you’ve learned everything you need to know about becoming self employed, it’s time to make the leap and be your own boss!

If you have the luxury of beginning your business plan before leaving your day job, be sure to use this time to your advantage. It will pay major dividends when you become completely self-employed. 

Want to learn more about being self-employed and running a successful business? We are here to help at LeanStartupLife.com! 

The Lean Startup Life Blog is here to help you make money online and offline on a tight budget.

Be sure to visit more of The Lean Startup Life website for more great ideas to help you take your small business to the next level.

Buying A Distressed Business Vs. Starting A New Business

buying distressed business vs starting new businesses

Each person, for at least once, should own a business. Whether you make it or break it, it will be a rewarding experience. Becoming an entrepreneur might not be everyone’s dream but letting this kind of opportunity pass has been proven as a very common regret later in life, as often mentioned by the older generation. In this article, we are going to look at one of the first decision one will be forced to make before going into the world of business. It is to answer the question of finding and buying a fixed upper company or build one from the ground up? 

There are many pros and cons to start a business in the Nordics with Scandicorp vs acquiring a distressed venture. Starting a new company can be a very smart idea for some entrepreneurs or founders if it is done correctly. A lot of people think that distressed businesses should be avoided at all cost, however, there are actually people out there who are experts in turning around companies that are a bit struggling. You are probably confused why would anyone want to take on all the risks? Well, you would be surprised how many millionaires out there have amassed their fortune by collecting companies that aren’t able to turn a profit. They get a thrill in rehabilitating a fledgling business into profitability. 

Generally speaking, plucking out a business out of muck is very risky in nature. If you think that it could be done by anyone, then you are grossly mistaken. This will lead us to what type of entrepreneur gravitate towards setting up shop by buying existing companies that need help. Typically, they are the ones who have vast experience in the business they would like to invest in. And like experienced investors, they love to swoop into opportunities that everyone else is running away from. It is investing 101, buy low and sell high! 

Either you take this as advice or a warning, if you are deciding to buy a business in distress, you must be absolutely sure that you are several times more experienced in that industry than the owner who is selling it to you. Otherwise, if your knowledge is minimal or at par with the current owner in dilemma of losing his business, you are very likely to suffer the same fate. 

Now let’s talk about another big benefit of acquiring a struggling business. It already has trained employees. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find a group of people who shares your vision, have the necessary skills and are willing to give their energy and time in exchange for money? Having an established workforce whom you don’t have to train anymore is a godsend! Rather than finding skilled employees from regular people who you still must pay, while they are getting acquainted with the job is probably one of the biggest expenses in a startup and what usually burns capital the most. 

What Are Things To Watch Out For When Acquiring A Distressed Business? 

The tempting price for one and the promises that will be made by the seller. As a buyer, you have to distance yourself emotionally when making a deal. A seller will say all the right words and will be the most tempting salesman you will ever meet. He will have the perfect pitch; why wouldn’t he? He has spent countless hours building that business and then some more trying to save it. He will be emotionally charged because of all the history he has had with its assets, people and real estate that he now wants to pass on to you. And probably his most important motivator, he is going to be ruined financially if he is unable to find a buyer, which he is praying that is you. 

Listen to what he has to say, stay humble and never come across as being arrogant. But the company’s books will draw a more accurate picture of the business. Doing proper due diligence of the company’s cash flow, suppliers, liabilities, etc. is what you’ll be working on in replacement to building the same business from scratch. Rather than the owner, talk more to employees and find out the ultimate reason why the seller wants to sell. 

Below are some business tips on where to find these hidden gems of a business in distress. 

● Be a long-time player in the industry and follow competitors. Find out the strengths and weaknesses of competitors. 

● Befriend more experienced business leaders who may have already been keeping track of struggling businesses but are unable to swoop in because they’re already tired of the game. 

● Build relationships with suppliers, since they can provide you insights of potential competitors having problems. 

Distressed Business vs New Startup: Which Will You Choose? 

Starting a business usually entails two to three years of bootstrapping before you are really able to bring your hypothesis into actual profitability. You will burn through a lot of capital and will have to become an expert in finding financing until you build a brand and a loyal customer base. Buying an existing business, albeit a struggling one, dodges some of those workloads. However, above we have discussed the risks that replace the replaces learning curve and the struggles of starting a new business.

Startups, Stop Hiding: Why Reputation Comes First

why startup reputation matters orm

Startups live fast, in this economy especially. You are trying to grow, pitch, hire, and survive all at once. But if your reputation doesn’t keep up, the whole thing can fall apart. One bad review, one messy search result, one forgotten blog post from months ago can turn investors cold and customers suspicious. 

So before you chase scale, fix your signal with strategic online reputation management (ORM), modern public relations (PR), and effective search engine optimization (SEO). Here is how startups should think about reputation from day one. 

Why Reputation Is A Core Metric 

You might think product or funding should be top priority. But reputation hits everything else first. 

According to a 2025 LinkedIn survey, 92% of investors said a founder’s online presence influences whether they take a pitch seriously. Over 70% of consumers say they won’t try a new business with a bad online footprint. 

You could be a genius with a world-changing product. But if people Google your brand and see confusing, outdated, or negative info, you are in trouble. 

Reputation builds trust, and trust unlocks everything else. 

Google Is The First Impression 

Let’s be honest. Nobody starts with your website. They start with Google. 

Try it now. Type in your name. Your company. Your product. 

What shows up? Is it clear? Is it accurate? Is it flattering? 

If not, that is a problem. 

Startups are judged fast. You don’t get the benefit of the doubt. You need your top search results to reflect who you are and what you do today—not what you did three jobs ago or that Reddit thread from your soft launch. 

If there is something bad or misleading in those results, you may need help to remove Google search results that don’t reflect your current reality. It is not just about looking good. It is about being seen correctly. 

Founders Are The Face 

In the early stages, the founder is the brand. Your online trail matters more than you think. 

I once met a founder who couldn’t get his seed round closed. Not because his idea was weak, but because the top search result under his name was a 10-year-old article about a failed side project. He didn’t even know it was still online. 

He eventually got it removed and replaced it with new press. Three weeks later, funding closed. 

Lesson: Google yourself. Regularly. Then do the same for your co-founders. If something needs fixing, fix it fast. 

Reviews Aren’t Just For Products 

B2B, SaaS, local services—whatever your startup offers, reviews matter. 

Google, Trustpilot, G2, Reddit, Glassdoor. People are talking. If you're not paying attention, someone else is controlling your story. 

Negative reviews often aren’t about the product. They are about the experience. A late reply. A confusing policy. A rude email. Fixing your operations is important, but so is managing perception. 

Reply to reviews. Report false ones. Ask loyal customers for positive feedback. It is not vanity. It is survival. 

Don’t Ignore Small Platforms 

Startups often chase the big stuff—TechCrunch mentions, Forbes articles, big-name partnerships. That is great, but don’t ignore the small platforms. 

Old blog posts. Outdated bios. Facebook pages you forgot about. All of these can show up in search and confuse your message. 

Clean house. Archive what no longer fits. Update what still matters. The fewer loose threads, the better. 

Privacy Settings And Smart Posting 

If you are building a brand, be intentional with your personal accounts. 

That tweet you thought was funny in 2024? That vacation pic from college? People will find it. Maybe a VC. Maybe a journalist. Maybe your next customer. 

Set your profiles to private or clean them up. Use your public-facing platforms to post content that builds your credibility. 

Think in terms of: Does this post make people more likely to trust me? 

If not, skip it. 

Get Ahead Of The Curve 

Reputation management is often reactive. Something bad happens, then people scramble. 

That’s a mistake. Be proactive. 

Set up Google Alerts for your company and your name. Use brand monitoring tools like Brand24 or Mention to track what’s being said. This isn’t ego—it’s awareness. 

You want to catch issues before they spread. You want to know what people are saying even if they don’t tag you. 

And you want to respond quickly, calmly, and clearly. 

Outsource When It Makes Sense 

You can’t do everything yourself. Especially not while building a company. 

If managing your online footprint feels overwhelming, get help. A good reputation firm will monitor search results, help remove outdated or harmful content, and even help you build stronger, more accurate content to replace it. 

The best ones work quietly in the background, keeping your name clean while you focus on your actual business. 

Reputation Affects Recruitment 

Early hires shape your culture. But smart candidates Google you just like investors do. 

A Glassdoor rating that is too low. A weird Reddit post. An old lawsuit that wasn’t even related to your current team. All of these can scare off talent. 

You don’t need a perfect image. Just a clear, accurate one. 

Make sure your job listings, team bios, and employee content all align. Keep your brand story consistent across every touchpoint. 

Real Stories Make A Real Difference 

People don’t just want to buy from you. They want to believe in you. 

That means telling your story the right way. Press mentions help. So do podcasts, blog interviews, founder videos, and case studies. 

The more content you control, the less control you give to Google’s auto-suggestions or third-party posts. 

A startup founder once told me, “People kept asking about some old forum thread where I had posted a prototype. Once I published a full story on our journey, that stopped being the focus.” 

Don’t let the internet tell your story for you. Own the narrative. 

Final Thought 

Startups move fast. But reputation moves faster. You can’t scale what people don’t trust. You can’t close deals with doubt hanging over your name. 

“You don’t win by being loud. You win by showing up, doing the work, and backing people when it counts,” says Aaron Keay. “Reputation isn’t something you build once. You earn it every time you make a call, show up prepared, or help someone when there’s nothing in it for you.” 

So start early. Clean up search. Watch your reviews. Tell your story. And if needed, remove Google search results that don’t reflect who you are today. 

Your reputation is your first product. Make it a good one.

What Horse Training Can Teach Founders About Patience, Process, And Pivoting

what horse training teaches tech founders startup success

It is natural to have horses in mind this time of year. Early spring gives us the triple crown. Sites like TwinSpires have already started making betting odds for the Preakness Stakes. 

By the time this article is published, the Kentucky Derby in all its pageantry will be complete. 

It is fun to make a bet, order a mint julep, and watch horse racing at its best. But can we also learn from our equine friends? Beyond the spectacle and sport, there are profound leadership lessons embedded in the natural behaviors of these magnificent animals. 

Business owners might be surprised by how well concepts of horse leadership can translate into the business environment. The principles of trust-based hierarchy, situational leadership, and collective awareness could offer fresh perspectives for managing teams and nurturing organizational culture in today's complex workplace. 

Horse Leadership Overview 

Horse leadership is based on trust, empathy, and the common good. In a herd, you will typically find two leadership positions: the alpha stallion and the head mare. The head mare is usually an older female horse that leads with wisdom and experience gained over many seasons. She will determine the direction the herd travels in. She will also help set the pace, carefully balancing the needs of young foals with the urgency of potential threats. 

The stallion, meanwhile, "herds" the other horses. He will run alongside the group keeping all of the other horses on task and also looking for subtle changes in the environment that might signal danger. The goal is to create cohesion and establish optimal situational awareness. This dual leadership creates a comprehensive safety system that has evolved over thousands of years. 

The positions—a female that sets the pace, and a male that keeps everyone moving in the same direction—are pretty much fixed. This pattern is observable in wild herds all over the world, from the mustangs of North America to the brumbies of Australia. 

What horses fill those positions can change dramatically throughout the day based on circumstance. The head mare that leads in the morning may be different from the one that leads in the afternoon. 

The Value Of Dynamic Leadership In Business 

Horses are willing to sacrifice personal power for better group results. Is that a lesson that could apply well to your business? Company hierarchies certainly make sense—to an extent. Certain roles are simply very niche. More complicated, say, than the head mare's job of walking in a certain direction at a certain pace. However, there are benefits to fostering an environment in which more people feel able to contribute. 

For one thing, introducing aspects of dynamic leadership into your business will give employees a more invested interest in what they are doing. It is the old wisdom that a person on an assembly line will do better if they can work on the entire car—not just a few bolts. It is in watching something come together that many employees will take their greatest satisfaction—particularly when they are given the chance to contribute at a high level. 

As an owner, you are also benefiting from a greater diversity of ideas. When team members from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are empowered to lead in their areas of strength, they bring innovative solutions that might never emerge in a rigid hierarchy. This cognitive diversity improves problem-solving capabilities and helps organizations adapt more quickly to changing market conditions. 

Empathy And Communication In Leadership 

The lead horses also maintain constant awareness of all of the other animals in their herd. This emphasis on empathy has several purposes. For one thing, it reflects the fact that all of the horses contribute at a high level to the herd. To lose one would be to lose a tangible asset. The interconnectedness of the group means each member represents both physical security and collective intelligence that strengthens the entire herd. 

It is also an extension of the lead horses' need to communicate. A herd can include 20 or more animals, each making their own observations. By constantly circling back, lead horses can acquire information from the herd. Shifts in behavior might indicate a nearby predator or environmental hazard that warrants attention. This distributed awareness system allows the herd to process far more environmental data than any single horse could manage alone. 

In a business environment, fluctuations in behavior have different meanings. An unhappy employee could indicate internal policy problems. An ineffective employee could indicate poor hiring practices, or possibly internal environmental issues that could be getting in the way of success. 

By listening to individual perspectives, business leaders can develop a stronger understanding of company-wide problems. Horses, of course, live different lives than CEOs. At the end of the day, though, they have a common goal: Get everyone where they need to be as safely and efficiently as possible.

Startups And Cyber Risk: Why Attack Surface Monitoring Is Non-Negotiable

startup cyber risks attack surface monitoring

Have you heard of attack surface monitoring? It involves continuously tracking all potential points of entry in a company's systems or network where hackers could gain access. As cybercrime continues to rise, this monitoring is becoming more important than ever. In fact, the FBI's Internet Crime Report revealed that cybercrime caused $12.5 billion in reported losses last year, marking a 22% increase compared to the previous year. With these alarming statistics in mind, let's break down the cyber risks that startups face and discuss whether attack surface monitoring can help protect them. 

Startups And Cyberattacks 

Many people assume that cyberattacks primarily target large, well-known corporations, but in reality, startups are often more vulnerable to these threats. This vulnerability stems from the limited resources that startups typically have, which means a significant portion of their budget is directed toward product development and marketing. 

As a result, security often takes a backseat, with the focus shifting to speed to market and growth. On top of that, small teams often lack dedicated security personnel, and internal policies, along with employee training on cybersecurity, may be underdeveloped. 

The risk becomes even greater as a startup's brand gains recognition and its operations begin to scale. At this stage, many startups may not have the resources needed to effectively address major threats, leaving them particularly susceptible to serious consequences from a cyberattack. 

Where Cyberattacks Usually Strike 

Cyberattacks typically target various vulnerabilities, including: 

Public Websites And Subdomains 

Internally used development or test subdomains might unintentionally remain publicly accessible. These test environments often have weak security settings, outdated systems, or easily guessable passwords. Even if the content is removed, the subdomain itself can still be vulnerable to subdomain takeover attacks. 

Open Ports 

Exposed open ports are common targets for brute-force attacks, where attackers attempt numerous password combinations to gain access. 

Publicly Accessible APIs 

APIs used in mobile or web applications might be left open to the public. Without proper authentication in place, anyone could potentially access user information or other sensitive data. 

Source Code 

A common mistake is uploading code to a public repository along with sensitive files, which may contain passwords or API keys. If attackers obtain these credentials, they can explore the codebase for weaknesses and plan targeted attacks. 

What Can Startups Do? 

You can take a few straightforward steps to improve your startup's attack surface management. These actions are simple to implement, but remember that consistency is key. 

1. Identify all entry points: List all the tools, cloud services, domains, subdomains, and assets your company uses. While manually checking for vulnerabilities can be difficult and time-consuming, using an attack surface monitoring service can provide a clearer, automated view of what is exposed. 

2. Limit access rights: Restrict access to sensitive resources to only those who absolutely need it. Ensure that API keys, passwords, and secret keys are securely stored and managed. 

3. Reduce your attack surface: Remove any services, ports, or APIs that are no longer used. Eliminating unnecessary entry points makes your system much harder to breach. 

4. Monitor regularly: Create a routine to run scans and check for vulnerabilities. An attack surface monitoring tool can help automate this process, ensuring early detection and preventing small issues from becoming serious problems. 

5. Train employees: Provide regular cybersecurity training to all employees. A simple human mistake can lead to a major breach, so education and awareness are key. 

Why Prevention Matters 

It is completely understandable that startups may be hesitant to invest time and money in security, especially when resources are limited. However, even if you don't see immediate threats, a cyberattack could already be in progress. 

Consider your startup's cybersecurity in the same way you think about your health. Just as we go for checkups and practice healthy habits to prevent serious illnesses, your startup should prioritize cybersecurity. Prevention is not only more effective but also significantly less costly than dealing with the aftermath of a cyberattack.

The Startup Supplies That Make A Difference

startup supplies making difference start-ups equipment

When launching a startup, every decision you make—no matter how small—has the potential to influence your business's momentum and success. While much attention is often placed on big-picture strategies like funding, marketing, and growth hacking, there is another area that deserves just as much consideration: your everyday tools and supplies. 

These foundational items, often underestimated, can directly affect how smoothly your team works, how professional your brand appears, and how much time (and money) you save in the early days. The right setup can empower you to operate with lean precision—maximising productivity without overcomplicating your process. Here is a look at the startup supplies that truly make a difference and how to choose them wisely. 

A Functional Workspace Setup 

Startups are built on speed and adaptability. Whether you are working from a co-working space, home office, or small rented unit, your workspace should be set up for efficiency. That doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot—what matters is how each item helps streamline your daily tasks. 

• Ergonomic Furniture: Invest in a comfortable chair and a desk at the right height to prevent fatigue. Productivity is directly tied to comfort, especially when you are working long hours. 

• Adjustable Lighting: Natural light is best, but if that is limited, use adjustable LED lamps that reduce eye strain. 

• Multi-Purpose Storage: Mobile drawer units, stackable shelves, or pegboards can help keep the area clutter-free, which boosts focus. When your workspace is well-organised, you reduce the mental friction that comes from visual clutter and inefficient setups. 

Technology That Scales With You 

You don't need the most expensive tech gear to get started, but choosing tools that can grow with your company will save you future headaches. 

• Laptops And Monitors: Go for reliability and performance. Fast processors and decent memory will support multitasking and reduce lag. 

• Cloud Software Subscriptions: Tools like Google Workspace, Notion, Trello, and Slack are great for collaboration. They are affordable, scalable, and ideal for remote or hybrid teams. 

• Printers And Scanners: Even in today's digital-first world, startups often need to handle contracts, receipts, or marketing materials physically. A reliable all-in-one printer can cover all your needs without taking up much space. 

Essential Office Supplies You Shouldn't Overlook 

You might be surprised how often basic supplies can make or break your workflow. These items might not make headlines in your business plan, but they will absolutely show their value in your day-to-day operations. 

 Notepads And Whiteboards: For brainstorming, to-do lists, and quick sketches, nothing beats the ease of pen and paper or a wall-mounted whiteboard. 

 Stationery: Quality pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and folders help keep your thoughts and documents in order. 

 Shipping Supplies: If you are delivering products or sending samples, don't forget boxes, tape, and labels. 

And, of course, make sure to keep your printer stocked and ready to go. Delays caused by something as simple as running out of printer ink can disrupt client meetings, proposals, or legal submissions. Ordering your ink and supplies from reliable providers saves you from last-minute scrambles and ensures your startup runs without unnecessary interruptions. 

Branding Materials That Show You Mean Business 

Physical branding materials can leave a lasting impression even in a digital landscape. Whether you are attending networking events, pitching investors, or connecting with clients, having a consistent brand presence can set you apart. 

• Business Cards: Professionally printed cards make networking more personal and show you take your brand seriously. 

• Presentation Folders: When handing over proposals or onboarding documents, having everything neatly organised in branded folders gives off a polished image. 

• Promotional Materials: Stickers, flyers, or brochures may sound old-school, but they are still effective, especially for startups with local audiences. 

Mindful Purchasing With Lean Startup Principles 

At the core of the lean startup method is the principle of using resources wisely. This doesn't mean going cheap—it means spending smart. Every supply you bring into your workspace should serve a clear purpose. Evaluate purchases based on functionality, versatility, and long-term value. 

Avoid the temptation to "gear up" too early. It is easy to fall into the trap of buying every tech gadget or high-end organiser just because it looks productive. Instead, start with the essentials and build from there as your needs evolve. 

Conclusion 

The right supplies make your workspace look more professional and actively contribute to your startup's daily performance. From keeping essential tools well-stocked to investing in functional workspace essentials, these small decisions add up. As you build your startup from the ground up, don't underestimate the power of a well-equipped, intentionally designed environment to support your success. 

In the fast-moving world of startups, simplicity, speed, and smart planning are your biggest assets—and the right supplies are a quiet but powerful part of that equation.

Top 20 Best MLM Companies 2025 Worldwide Ranking

top mlm companies 2025 best network marketing business new startups join direct selling 2025

Hoping to invest in a top MLM company in 2025? Interested in making an unlimited income from the comfort and safety of your home, or from anywhere on the road? Sick of the 9-5 grind with no way of getting ahead? Not interested in heading back to the office or work site with the rest of the sheep? Are you curious about earning multiple revenue streams and passive income while you sleep or vacation? Ready to finally take the reins of your career and be your own boss? Want to get started with the top network marketing business to make your mark on the world?

If any of these important questions resonate with your entrepreneurial spirit or lean startup lifestyle, it may be time to join the world of network marketing and direct selling. MLM is an exciting business model that works well, despite its sometimes negative reputation. A lot of MLMs get a bad reputation because there are many distributors and reps that failed to make a profit, with some of them even losing money on their multi-level marketing investment. 

Winners in MLM never complain, but losers in network marketing sure do. Successful individuals can live the lean lean startup lifestyle and make major money with multi-level marketing no matter the obstacles in their way. They find a way or make a way even in an unpredictable 2025 economy! If opportunity doesn't knock, these MLM experts will build their own door and window!

Maximizing MLM Money Making

MLM (multi-level marketing) companies are great business outlets if you want a good lean startup platform for selling premium products. It is because MLM companies give you the means of earning through product sales and getting other people to do the same (building your downline). This diversified revenue stream including passive income is enviable for any business professional or entrepreneur. And MLM is also the ultimate lean startup because the costs are incredibly low, so you can easily bootstrap your first few months or years in business.

But if you have no experience in the multi-level marketing field, you won’t know the best MLM companies around. There are literally thousands of MLM businesses to choose from, and not all network marketing companies are created equal. Crucial criteria must be examined to understand the difference between a top MLM company and a pyramid scheme or Ponzi scam. Picking the right MLM business could mean the difference between losing money and becoming a millionaire after several years. Don't worry, no pressure!

Don’t feel hopeless yet with the often-times overwhelming selection of top MLM companies available around the world. With thousands of network marketing businesses out there, finding the top company to join can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That is why we created this top MLM companies guide around the world for aspiring network marketers. Do you have what it takes to launch a successful MLM business for epic earnings in 2025?

What Makes A Top MLM Company In 2025? 

Not all MLM companies are created equal. Here are some criteria for choosing the top MLM company to join, and not a sketchy organization that might go out of business any day now or get labeled as a pyramid scheme scam:

- Overall Business Earnings 
- Rep Earnings
- Company Stability 
- Unique Selling Proposition
- Length Of Time Established
- Number Of Countries It's Available In
- Distributor Training 
- Board Of Directors
- Product Selection 
- Legal Business Structure (not a pyramid scheme) 
- Success of MLM distributors 
- Past Or Pending Legal Actions Against Company 
- Stock Price History And Dividends (if a publicly held corporation) 

There are countless more areas of criteria to consider when choosing a network marketing company in 2025. While you should do your own due diligence, the twenty top MLM companies in the world we mentioned below are smart choices that have stood the test of time compared to many other businesses in the network marketing or direct selling industry.

MLM: This Is The Way To Go All The Way

With this guide, you will learn about the top MLM companies of 2025. That way, you won’t feel lost and have a definite idea of where to start when seeking the best network marketing company globally. While some aspiring network marketers want to join the newest MLM companies, others want to join the highest-earning and most successful MLMs in the industry on a global scale.

Read on and find out more about our best ranked top multi-level marketing businesses for 2025: 

Top 20 Best MLM Companies Of 2025 Worldwide

1. Savings Highway Global 

The MLM company Savings Highway Global (SHG) has just re-launched to take the industry by storm in 2025. Prosperity Highway MLM sells products and services that help you live good, feel good, and earn money. They have a propriety line of unique products and cost-saving services are second to none. And while their offerings are premium quality, their prices don't break the bank. You can earn large commissions selling digital products, services, and memberships while building your team and cutting personal costs.

This makes it easier to join this direct selling company, build your downline, sell more products, and avoid attrition. Their best products and memberships cost only a fraction of what their network marketing competitors charge. With long-term spillover and manual matrix placement, members can potentially earn extra money over time.

Watch the quick video to see what is unique and powerful about the new Savings Highway Global platform. With Prosperity Highway and Sparky AI you can indeed live good by earning big money per month without having to recruit new members! Join the fastest growing team today so you can live good with increased wealth and improving your overall health.

2. Amway

That is correct, Amway is still a giant MLM organization. Amway is still one of the biggest MLM companies in the world, and it is also the oldest and most stable. After all, Amway is the largest direct-selling MLM company globally with over $6 billion in annual sales. They make and distribute products related to beauty, personal care, nutrition, and home goods. 

Over 100 countries sell this company’s products using their Amway Independent Business Owners (IBOs). They hold over 800 patents and spent $300 million on new R&D facilities across both Americas recently. That is hard for any new MLM company to beat. They also recently expanded by a million square feet in their California, Michigan, and Washington plants. 

Amway doesn't always make a lot of news since it has been around forever, but it is a safe bet for a successful MLM business model. Amway will be around in 2025 and thriving long after that, which you can't say about many upstart MLMs. While other MLM organizations are going bankrupt, declining, or switching to affiliate only compensation plans, Amway keeps chugging along with reps succeeding worldwide.

3. doTERRA 

The top MLM company doTERRA sells essential oil products, as well as supplements and personal care products. This MLM company gives you the tools to achieve your dream business, even on a lean budget. They have multi-level marketing experts that guide you using a comprehensive plan, giving you more freedom in the network marketing landscape. 

This is a top MLM company because you get a 25% discount off retail prices and commissions. This allows you to sell their products and earn more profits in 2025. 

4. NeoLife 

This MLM company makes whole food nutrition products while helping people to succeed with startups. Take note, this is an important feature as most businesses fail within the first 18 months. The best part is that the bar is low when you join the network since they give you the means to ensure your success. 

They give you consumable products and a remarkable compensation plan. This ensures that you need not invest thousands of dollars to start with this top MLM company. 

5. Norwex 

Norwex specializes in microfiber, household, personal care, and family products. It is a great company to join as a beginner because of its positive reputation as an MLM company. Furthermore, their products enjoy a high degree of quality, meaning they are easier to sell for MLM success. 

When you make personal retail purchases, you will get a maximum of a 35% discount. When you join the Norwex Program, know that the company funds it entirely after your first sale or recruit. This means you won’t pay anything to join this leading network marketing business in 2025. 

6. Young Living 

This top MLM company has one of the largest and most cutting-edge essential oil distilleries in North America. That is what enables them to make the best essential oils across the globe. They have an inclusive culture, extending to all their employees, customers, and business builders. YL is still one of the most popular MLM business opportunities for women. Females have been empowered by the Young Living business opportunity again and again.

You can either be a preferred customer or a business builder as part of the Young Living direct selling and affiliate marketing opportunity. The former enjoy member benefits without joining its business opportunities. The latter has a generous compensation plan if you enroll other people to join. 

7. Avon 

This leading network marketing company owned by parent company Natura is the best if you are looking for a business in the women’s beauty products niche. It is the best fit if you are a skincare expert aiming to work from home. This company has great incentive trips, backed by an incredible MLM community primarily of women. 

Avon is a household name in the MLM industry, making them very trustworthy in the network marketing space. You can sell their products either full-time or part-time. This flexibility of this leading network marketing company makes it a great source of income without interfering with your other responsibilities. 

Avon is a publicly traded company on the stock market in 2025 under its parent company Natura, which acquired Avon about five years ago now. It is so successful that they even pay a dividend on their stock, although it is an ADR so there could be an annual fee.

8. Forever Living 

This multi-billion-dollar MLM company makes and sells lots of beauty and wellness products worldwide. If you start a business with them, you will get a remarkable income stream. At the same time, you will gain more time and freedom to improve your life. 

Buy their products at a discount as an MLM rep and sell them as a retail store with marked up prices for profits. Also, if you can recruit or sponsor another person to sell or buy Forever products, you get compensated. Take note, you can’t earn from recruiting other people, but you get double income when the people you recruit buy Forever MLM products. 

9. Valentus 

Founded 8 years ago by Dave Jordan, a 25 year MLM veteran himself, Valentus offers cutting-edge weight management products, including SlimRoast Optimum Coffee with Dynamine. The top MLM company Valentus has a very similar if not identical email recruiting system as Skinny Body Care and Brain Abundance had. In fact, Dave knows Ben Glinsky (former owner of SBC & Brain Abundance) very well and has taken over some of the SBC MLM products.

This top MLM company is famous for its weight loss coffee called the SLIM Roast. Its MLM structure is standard with its slim roast coffee and weight loss products. You earn 25% commission for every network marketer that joins. As you move up the sales ranks, you gain more bonuses. 

The products Valentus sells are for people who want to become super-human. Aside from the coffee, they also have a keto creamer, immunity supplements, and energy vials. If you are a health junkie, you benefit the most by selling products made by this MLM company in 2025. 

10. New U Life 

This is a new MLM mastermind startup company offering anti-aging products. What sets it apart from others is its key ingredient: a homeopathic human growth hormone. If you are 35 years and older, know that you are the perfect candidate for a business in New U Life MLM. 

The reason this new MLM company is growing so fast is that they have SOMADERM gel. This product can bring your growth hormone level back to the one you had during your 20s. A non-prescription HGH booster is a game-changer for network marketers and would be a great product to sell to athletes or fitness enthusiasts. You can expect weekly payments for your MLM retail commission, with bonuses acting like milestones as you progress in this top network marketing company. 

11. Sparky AI 

The rebranded MLM company Savings Highway Global (formerly Prosperity Highway) has reached monumental levels of success with a modernized website, updated compensation plan, new revenue opportunities, and the powerful Sparky AI platform. SparkyAI is one of the greatest MLM business opportunities of 2025 and 2026, so you will hear more success stories about it coming soon! Sign up now and get in early as it is almost like a ground floor opportunity again, with new programs launching very soon to make millionaires!

12. My Daily Choice (MDC) 

The top MLM company My Daily Choice was founded by Josh Zwagil 6 years ago and Josh knows about marketing. He has used the same MLM software as Skinny Body Care and Brain Abundance. This leading network marketing business helps build your downline with automated recruiting emails. The emails operate using a fear-of-loss dynamic and FOMO because they use a cut-off point where all the paid affiliates leapfrog the free tour takers. If you don’t lock in your spot and become a paid member then you could potentially miss out on potential network marketing commissions in the future from people you didn’t even recruit to your downline. You don't want to miss out on this MLM opportunity to sell premium CBD, vegan supplements, sprays, and other top-quality health products.

Their Hempworx MLM product line is potently powerful and everyone loves CBD Oil. You can't deny it is an ultra-stressful, painful, and inflammatory world so CBD can help to fight these fiendish forces naturally. Cannabidiol and MLM are a winning combination for making money and helping others get healthier. 

They have expanded their company into fuel injectors for improved car gas mileage performance as well as a variety of lifestyle products. And their brand new Akashx crypto platform is both unique and groundbreaking in the MLM industry. These two components alone seal the deal that My Daily Choice is certainly one of the best MLM companies in the world for 2025. 

13. Herbalife 

You can't have a top MLM companies list without including Herbalife Nutrition! In reality, Herbalife is one of the largest and most successful MLM companies worldwide. It also happens to be one of the only significant publicly held network marketing company with shares that can be bought, sold, or shorted on stock exchanges. That is very significant for both the company and the MLM industry overall since it must be compliant with the SEC and FTC among other regulatory agencies around the world.

Despite countless investigations, lawsuits, a damning documentary, and stock short strategies, Herbalife continued to survive and thrive in 2025. This top MLM business continues to expand its product lines and enter into more growth markets with new countries accepting independent distributors and product sales for 2025. 

14. Entre Institute 

Entre Institute is a direct selling business with MLM characteristics. In simple terms, it offers educational platforms to help entrepreneurs to build businesses online, including network marketing downlines. This direct sales company teaches aspiring MLMers to recruit more reps, sell more product, and also profit from affiliate marketing in 2025.

15. Arieyl 

Arieyl is a new MLM company that launched a couple years ago but has already recruited tens of thousands of distributors. Their affiliate marketing management team is also top-notch with MLM veterans running the company. This exciting direct selling company sells wellness products such as CBD oil and are primed to grow fast in 2025. 

16. Jeunesse Global 

Among many antiaging MLM companies out there today, Jeunesse Global finds itself as one of the more successful on the network marketing platform. Helping people reach their full potential is the goal of Jeunesse Global as they try to build a network of support, much like a family, among its clients. The company fully embraces longevity in the multi-level marketing space. With such a mantra, this top MLM company is set up for a lifetime of success and great things to come in 2025! 

17. Zrii 

Zrii has been aiming to transform lives with financial freedom, wellness, and personal development, Zrii sets out as a health and wellness company that has to set itself apart from many others in the network marketing world. With leading MLM products spanning both wellness and skincare areas, Zrii already has a diverse outlook that hopes to empower people to do better for themselves and live productive profitable lives. Add in the power of network marketing and Zrii is a top MLM company sure to continue to thrive and grow for years to come. 

18. Reico & Partner

As a pet care and nutrition business, Reico & Partner stands out in a crowd of competing similar MLM companies in the grand scheme of things. This unique network marketing company has seen a great amount of success that translated over to direct sales when the company took that approach two decades ago. Since then, there has been remarkable growth in the company and success in the business. Staying true to their standards of high quality and great flavors, Reico & Partner is sure to continue on the path of success for new and existing distributors. 

19. iBuumerang 

iBuumerang has made it possible to stand out among the crowd of network marketing companies, by letting you make money just by sending emails. The company is focused on travel incentives and savings, all you have to do is share the information and you get paid every time a trip is booked using the link you provided. The link you share is unique to your account, so only you can be credited for trips booked through that direct link. It is a great way of making a profit by doing very little work from absolutely anywhere you are! iBuumerang is changing the way you can build a business and rewarding you every step of the way. 

20. Monat 

Monat MLM is still offering a competitive compensation program, Monat has emerged as one of the leading personal care direct sales companies. As the first company to market hair care as a direct sales initiative, Monat is making their mark in the hair care industry, which is a multibillion dollar industry in itself. Marketing nontoxic and safe products, Monat offers a continuous product profit margin with the popularity growing for these types of products.

More Top MLM Companies For 2025 

Here are even more of the best network marketing businesses to consider for distributors around the globe in 2025: 

Anovite
- Save Club
- LiveGood
- Mint Builder
- USANA
- Perfect 
- Infinitus 
- Market America 
- Vorwerk
- Quanjian
- Perfect
- Mary Kay 
- Juice Plus 
- Le-Vel 
- Partner.co 
- Primerica
- World Financial Group (WFG) 
- People Helping People (PHP) 
- Coway 
- LifeWave 
- Medifast 
- Optavia
- APL Go 
- MetaMax 
- SunRun
- Utility Warehouse
- Ambit
- Vivint
- Omnilife
- Betterware
- EXPRealty
- Global Premier

Don't forget about new MLM companies like Elomir, Farmasi, OLSP, Matrix Empire, Pure, David Allen Capital, List Infinity, LivePure, and QuiAri with huge growth potential! There are other pre-launch network marketing companies in the works that could blow these ones away as well going into 2025.

Do not let this globally ranked network marketing list stop you, there are plenty of other new top MLM companies to consider joining as well! If another network marketing business product line or company culture suits you better, then by all means join that MLM organization! Just be ready to put in the work and treat network marketing like a real job for optimal results in 2025. If you build it, they will come (and buy your products or join your downline!).

More Qualities To Look For In A Global Top MLM Company Going Into 2025

As we have established there are great global MLM companies out there and not so great. Some have a great product or service, but lack a solid compensation plan that really benefits the distributor; and likewise, there are companies that have a great comp plan but their product or service is below par. I have been in a couple network marketing companies and know what to look for. We have studied the MLM industry diligently and understand the perfect formula for a distributor’s success. We need to instill a core set of values the network marketing company needs before joining in 2025, including: 

a) Leadership And Compensation Plan – Does the MLM company you want to join have solid Leadership? How do you know? Look around on the Internet and YouTube. Do you see network marketing thought leaders talking about your desired MLM? What about critics of your chosen MLM business?

Compensation plan is also key for a successful MLM business. If the company has a complicated compensation plan, like the unilevel plan, which usually only pays 5 to 10% on each of their first levels, which usually isn’t enough payout to keep new MLM distributors going, or the breakaway plan that requires the distributor to get tons of distributors to make any money. Most new MLMers can't get tons of new downline members right off the bat, so this plan doesn’t pay most people. These plans are outdated and potentially indicative of a pyramid scheme, so watch out for any MLM company displaying these characteristics in 2025. You want to find MLMs that offer binary and/or matrix comp plans and a variety of payment methods.

b) Premium Products – Network marketing products must be top-notch. They should be superior to many retail products on the market, because the best MLM companies spend a majority of their money on research and development. If comparable products can be purchased on Amazon or at Wal-Mart, then why would anyone pay premium prices from network marketing distributors? Amway is a great example of this. They have a facility and a team of top scientists working on breakthroughs every year. You want to choose a product that can benefit customers immediately. Put yourself in your customers' shoes. If you need to lose weight, you will buy a weight-loss product. If you want to sleep better and focus better, buy a brain supplement. The more effective and unique these products are, the more the MLM company will profit. I would advice avoiding an MLM company that offers generic products, overly expensive product lines, or huge auto-ship requirements for affiliates.

c) Massive Marketing – You want to join a top MLM business that has some of the marketing tools for you. In the old days, you were left alone and had to invoice, calculate the expenses, and run the order per customer. Today in the modern MLM era, everything should be done for you, especially now that you know about indirect vs direct marketing. The current MLM marketing system and CRM should have “Lead Capture Pages” for you to use in getting leads and prospects. They should have scripts you can use. The multi-level marketing company should even have an automated email system that emails your prospects for you. You should get your own personal website to promote as well if you are doing direct selling and have hopes to become a wealthy success story. If you are doing network marketing PPC or SEM campaigns with Google Ads, then it is advised that you utilize a reputable Google Ads Audit service for optimal performance.

d) Top Training Tactics – The company should have a quick-start guide that you can follow in the beginning to get your multi-level marketing business going on the right foot for 2025. The company should have weekly webinars where you can listen in on corporate updates. There should be third-party testimonials of other users of the product that you can draw from when prospecting. Avoidance is essential if your MLM company of choice does not offer any time of useful training to succeed with your passive income journey.

e) Financial Stability – A top MLM company should be debt-free and if they have had problems in the past with lawsuits or the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), investigate it further until you understand if the problems were resolved sufficiently for 2025. Avoid these MLMs like the plague to reduce your risk of a rug pull.

Increase MLM Business Brand Awareness With Promotional Products 

Businesses need to promote their products as a cost-effective way to reach more potential customers. It is a low-cost way to market an multi-level marketing company. In addition to increasing leads, sales, and more, promotional items such as a custom lanyard can help you build campaigns around them. The right products can make your brand stand out from the crowd in the competitive global MLM industry. Businesses can attract more customers by using customized promotional gifts, such as custom lanyards, to promote their products. Avoid an MLM company that is hard to promote or is overly critical with their compliance department.

Join One Of The Best MLM Companies In The World Today!

These are some of the best MLM companies you can join this year and beyond around the world. Use this as a lean startup guide when you are thinking about improving your direct selling success or financial situation in 2025. 

Did this guide help you find a top MLM company globally to work with in 2025? If so, read our other multi-level marketing business posts and learn more valuable tips and tricks for direct sellers worldwide today. It is time to master MLM and build your business to go global in 2025 for powerful profits!

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