In recent years there has been a rise in the level of interest and participation in home-based businesses and in alternate methods of creating income. While traditionally the domain of consumer product-focused multi-level marketing, or network marketing companies, home-based businesses now enable individuals to run their own travel agencies, engage in timeshare sales, buy and sell financial products, become a real estate agent, and much more. While the specifics of the business or business opportunity may differ, a person’s first substantive exposure to most home-based businesses or alternate forms of creating income will usually be at a free business presentation.
Many individuals who would be potential prospects choose not to investigate an opportunity or go to a free business presentation because of the uncertainty of what to expect at a presentation. This is unfortunate because many business opportunities do offer positive income potential. The first thing that someone invited to or interested in attending a free business presentation should remember is that, while the presentation itself may be free, a prospect will probably be asked at some point during or after the presentation to make a buying decision. For example, attendees may be asked if they want to make an investment, purchase materials based on the presentation, or purchase a sales or business kit to get their business opportunity started.
The next thing that someone attending a business presentation should know is that there will be some type of formal presentation given. Often, this means that a speaker will talk for a period of time about the virtues of the opportunity and why prospects should make a decision to become involved. Speakers may use tools such as handouts, brochures, video, audio or power point presentations to reinforce this point.
After the business presentation is over, attendees will probably be asked questions that are designed to gauge their interest and to encourage attendees to make a buying decision. These questions may include “What do you think about this opportunity?” “What did you like best about this business opportunity?” or “Would you like to get started?” To better prepare themselves to answer these questions, attendees should take detailed notes and write down questions and concerns during the presentation. Once the presentation is over, attendees should take the time, if they are interested in the opportunity, to have all questions answered and concerns addressed before making a final decision.
Finally, someone who attends a free business presentation should expect to be followed up with either by the person who invited him or her to the presentation or by another representative of the company. Many companies have different guidelines for the time frame of the follow-up process, but in general, attendees should expect some form of follow-up contact within 72 hours of the presentation. During the follow-up process prospects should expect to be asked questions similar to those asked at the end of the business presentation. Attendees should also expect that the follow up process will continue until they make a definite decision about whether or not they will get involved with the opportunity.