In the midst of raising two young children, high-school teacher Cyndi Zoolkoski developed debilitating health problems and decided to find a stay-at-home job, instead. Not sure where to start, she began researching companies and stumbled upon Paul Devlin, owner of the Exodus Marketing Group-a business that rated home-based and network marketing companies.

That's when Zoolkoski discovered the 29-point screening system created by Devlin-an analytical tool to help part-time distributors find sound companies where they can make profit without extensive startup costs. The system worked so well that Devlin ended up working for the company that consistently and effectively pass his 29-point screening-the same company Zoolkoski now works for-Life Force International.

"I not only found a great company, but a product I could stand by," said Zoolkoski. "Body Balance and Life Force's line of nutritional products gave me my health back."

Life Force International is a highly-successful direct sales company. With world headquarters in the U.S. its famous for Body Balance-a liquid supplement blend of nine varieties of sea vegetables and Aloe Vera recommended by thousands of healthcare professionals to promote health. It was a health-saver and an avenue to financial success for 42-year old Zoolkoski.

"Products are only as good as the company that makes it," she said, "and the 29-point screening confirmed that I made the best choice."

Zoolkoski's background in pharmaceuticals helped her understand their products, and Life Force's business plan (in-house training, mentorships, and core commitments) further convinced her she had chosen well. She is now their wellness coach.

The 29-point screening system can work for you, too. There are four sections in the screening module, each with several principles to aid in evaluating companies. Here's a brief list:

Financial and Corporate: in business for at least three years; debt-free or with very low debt/asset ratio;  history of consistent expansion and sales volume growth; have funding to sustain growth, and a high credit rating; forthright about who they are (and their processes); have a clean track record; clear written code of ethics (with track record of enforcement).

Products and Services: both are consumable and unique; compelling story-line that sets them apart; prices at fair market value; in compliance with regulatory agencies; products and services have a results-oriented track record.

Marketing Plan: offers low to no cost entry fees as a distributor; products, services, and business opportunities truly beneficial to everyone (not based on sponsoring); effective marketing plan (at least 35-percent gross profit). 

Support Services: courteous customer service; significant resources for support systems (conference calls, Internet, online ordering and tracking, direct access to leadership); sales aids and marketing materials reasonably priced or free; commitment to building a satisfied customer base; holds meetings and training regularly.

These principles have been adapted into a tool-chest of "What to look for in nutritional tools checklist" that includes tips on rating a nutritional product/company. For details on this and the 29-point screening system, contact Zoolkoski at cyndizoo@comcast.net or call (253) 370-0235. For Life Force, visit www.lifeforce.net .