With hundreds of direct sales companies out there, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are a few tips to make sure you choose the right one the first time:

1. Find your passion

Before you even start looking for the "big money", you need to decide what type of products interest you. Do you want to improve your health? Like to home decor items? Love different types of foods? List everything that you love!

2. Find the business

Take your list you made and seek out those programs that offer these types of products. Don't join the business yet - right now you are just making a list of all the companies. Don't worry about two different businesses that offer the same products, just write them both down.

3. Try out the Products

I'm not saying go into debt buying from all these businesses. Try to choose from just a few that you would buy from even if you weren't doing your research. Make sure they are products you are going to use!

4. Compare businesses

Now that you have tried out the products, check out the details of the program. Look closely at the retail prices, cost of the kid, and finally the compensation plan. Ask yourself questions such as "Could I stand behind this company?", "Is the income possibility there" , and "Are the products what they say they are?".

5. Ask the experts

Stop by a few message boards and groups to ask the experts what they think of the businesses you've narrowed in on. Ask lots of questions about how well the products sell and how good the company's customer service is.

It may take a lot of time to do all this research, but it's well worth it in the end. Just remember to always look at the products first and income second. Follow your instinct and you will find the perfect business for you.

Kara Kelso is a work at home mom of two, and the co-owner of Direct Sales Helpers, which is dedicated to helping mothers succeed in direct sales. For more information, visit: http://www.DirectSalesHelpers.com