Network marketing is a type of business opportunity that is very popular with people looking for part-time, flexible businesses. Network marketing programs feature a low upfront investment--usually only a few hundred dollars for the purchase of a product sample kit--and the opportunity to sell a product line directly to friend, family and other personal contacts. Most network marketing programs also ask participants to recruit other sales representatives. The recruits constitute a rep's downline,and their sales generate income for those above them in the program. The ability to use social media to get people’s attention, build an engaged audience and express your personality is becoming an essential digital skillset in the 21st century knowledge-based economy.