Nothing Sneaky Here

jvn · #1 (**permalink**) 09-13-2003, 01:26 AM

Several comments posted on this forum deal with the "sneaky" or curiosity appproach used in MLM prospecting. This article presents some interesting points for us (network marketers)

http://www.cemleadcoach.com/archive/sep5_03.asp

A quote to peek your curiosity from: A Call to Arms

Quote:

Throughout history, these luxuries were only available to the precious few. Today, while the percentage of massive success hasn't changed all that much from the past, the people have.

The full article covers more than who's buying luxury items. So, after reading the article, please post your own comments. (Rate it if you like.)

aplusoptions · #2 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003, 05:53 AM

As a network marketer of some 3 years, I enjoyed reading the article - yes I agree we should celebrate network marketing.

We get to choose who we work with, and we do that by being sociable with people. One of the most successful people in my upline always says "make friends first, then talk business". I have made some very good friends over the last 3 years, and whether they are successful or not they will always be friends.

Network marketing is becoming recognised as the most powerful way of recommending a product or service, but this business is not for everyone. There is no compulsion to sign up - just go for it if you want to, it's your choice !

malcolm · #3 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 12:23 PM

I agree but of course MLM had a bad start and still attract some cowboys and monry pyramids. We must disassociate real Network Marketing from this.

There are many great companies now using Network Marketing, it's a great way of growing a business.

kjohnson5576 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 12:34 PM

I'd say the article was a lot of fluff. The article builds up MLM without taking a look at the majority of MLM: the scams. I've yet to see a person become rich off of Avon, Shakly, Jewelway, Big Dogs, Happenures etc. or any other such upline-downline mechanisms but I've seen a lot of money dumped into these things from unsuspecting people (ok, I've dumped money into them also). I've got a Yacht, but I've never met anyone at the Marina who made their money from MLM. I wonder why that is?

Webmaestro · #5 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 12:48 PM

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but I always like to present an opposing view for sake of argument.

This is long, but well worth the read if you're considering becoming an MLM-er:

http://www.vandruff.com/mlm.html

Enjoy... and good luck.

webmasta · #6 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 02:04 PM

I don't think your raining on anyone's parade, MLM should be blasted for what it is... A continuous massive recuitment of unsuspecting newbies that will never stop, every day a new sucker is born....

That article above is a winna!

webM

kstien1959 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 02:16 PM

I have been involved in mlm or rather network marketing as I choose to refer to it for many years.

I have experienced great success with two companies although one went out of business and the other did several things that caused me to lose income and decide to leave the particular company. The first was due to company mismanagement and the other because my successful upline who was helping me and other people in his downline got "booted out" because of generic advertising he was using. He had got verbal approval from the vice president of marketing but nothing in writing. The company president said no more advertising from you and so my upline left the company. He did manage to sell his business for $2 million and move to another company before eventually starting his own.

Anyway I now have an ezine which teaches people how to promote online and I am learning how to promote in an entirely different fashion. Before it was direct mail only, but now the Internet comes into play.

This business does work but it isn't for the faint hearted or those who get discouraged easily.

Keith P. Stieneke
webmaster@opportunityassistance.com
http://www.opportunityassistance.com - business opportunities and resources
http://www.adsforlife.com - co-op advertising techniques and other advertising resources
http://www.inthespiritofthebuffalo.com - motivational poetry and short stories

Maliburepcom · #8 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 03:21 PM

The common answer is; the marketing of goods and services through a network of people. My answer is; the development of leadership who harness their creativity and influence in duplicable systems and programs. They provide hope to people who may otherwise have no opportunity. MLM is a hope providing business. In no other field of endeavor does a leader have the ability to significantly touch people.

You are what you think!!

aplusoptions · #9 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 03:35 PM

I'm glad my posting caused some responses. As I said in my original posting ".. it's your choice." I've just skimmed through the massive article in webmaestro's posting above. Strikes me somebody has got an axe to grind. Yes there will be unethical people in MLM, as there are in every other walk of life. Yes the MLM system adds commissions etc. to the price of the product - strangely enough that wealthy business man who owns the warehouse adds an amount for profit before selling his goods to the distributor. The distributor adds the same before selling to the chain store. The chain store etc. before the individual buys the product which originally cost a fraction of the price.
Nobody will deny that in MLM you are trying to make money. That's what all business is about is it not ? I know a number of people who have made substantial incomes from MLM. They achieved it through hard work. I also know people who have made very little or no income. Like many others in the World they blame the MLM system, not the fact that they didn't put any effort into their business.
Once again though I will say if it's not for you, fine - don't get involved. But don't continue to knock people who are successful.
If you are going to get involved make sure you 'check' the business out as being genuine and legal - the same as you would if you were going to take on a franchise or open a shop. The difference is that usually the MLM opportunity comes your way through somebody that you know. So to all MLM'ers Good luck !

ksanders · #10 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003, 01:58 AM

You can make loads of money in MLM.

I was making thousands every month in Amway.My upline owned a multimillion dollar home in Hawaii.They were great humble people that worked very hard to get where they are. You have to be ready to be successful.Most people will not change their habits enough to become a success,they quit and blame MLM,the company,the upline,ect..ect..ect..
I'am now in Excel. A check will be in my pobox this month whether I do anything. Our services are great not over priced. I'am willing to bend over backwards to help people in my downline. I like MLM its great.
I ask people hey you want to make some extra money?
They say yea. I show them what I do. You can make money in excel just marketing the the services and never sponsor a soul. Get in with a company that you like. Find what you do well. Put your head to the plow and do'nt look back.
www.excelforlife.biz
www.excelforlife.biz www.globalsuccess2000/zeal
www.meetjoebillionare.com (Password zeal)

adebold · #11 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003, 06:57 AM

My wife and I represent a UK network marketing business that is completely ethical, is well managed and is a PLC meaning that it's financial results etc and published.

I understand that MLM/Network Marketing isn't for everybody and that some companies have given the industry a bad name, but that doesn't mean the entire industry or the people that work in it should be slated. It's just an 'altenative' method of allowing people the chance to be self-employed. What's there to be afraid of with that?

dbowen58 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjohnson5576

I'd say the article was a lot of fluff. The article builds up MLM without taking a look at the majority of MLM: the scams. I've yet to see a person become rich off of Avon, Shakly, Jewelway, Big Dogs, Happenures etc. or any other such upline-downline mechanisms but I've seen a lot of money dumped into these things from unsuspecting people (ok, I've dumped money into them also). I've got a Yacht, but I've never met anyone at the Marina who made their money from MLM. I wonder why that is?

Well i guess you have never met anyone from Excel Tellecommunications becuase there are plenty of people who have made alot of money through them.

CLK Group · #13 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 07:03 PM

Thought our current Team newsletter was ontopic:

"Corporate America Embraces Direct Sales

Last night I was reading this month's Power Issue of Fortune Magazine (the one with Bill Gates on the cover) and ran across a section worth quoting.

The article of interest focuses on the sputtering economy, and the independent contractors (distributors) who are reenergizing the U.S. retail industry through the art of direct selling.

Here are a few key paragraphs that are particularly interesting:

" Call it the age of direct selling. With its emphasis on personal, one-on-one relationships between distributor and consumer, convenience, and a high degree of consumer education, the industry may be tailor-made for today's consumer—and company.

"The result: The industry, with U.S. sales of $28.7 billion in 2002, up 7.5% from the year before, has become a magnet for both corporate behemoths lured by its efficiencies and dozens of entrepreneurs attracted by the lower cost of market entry...

"Last year, for example, Warren Buffett's biggest purchase was The Pampered Chef...Hallmark's Binney and Smith is launching its own direct-selling company, called Big Yellow Box by Crayola...

"Most direct-selling businesses now employ a multilevel system, in which distributors earn money on their own sales in addition to those of people they recruit (called the 'downline') and individuals brought in by their personal recruits. That's different from the single-level approach, in which you only make money on your own sales. In 1990, about 20% of the Direct Selling Association members in the U.S. used the multilevel plan; today, it's about 80%...

"'I saw...something that I could do with my sons,' said Russ Widger Sr., a former manufacturing company owner...'I thought, with this business, they could do in about 10 years or less what had taken me more than 20 years with conventional business. The key was that they could start building a long-term residual income.'

"'[Direct sales] provided me with financial security that I would not have achieved if I had continued working a regular job, ' claimed Meg Kelly-Smith, a (former) banking executive. 'I compressed an entire career's worth of earnings into about five or six years.'

"A growing number of distributors are placing orders through their company's website instead of using the usual faxes or snail-mail orders. Distributors are using...web sites for help in recruitment and training...and as a channel for customer reordering.

"In 1990, Lisa Wilbur was laid off from her $15,000-a-year secretarial job, living in a 12- by 70 foot trailer with her husband, and trying her best to stave off creditors. Then she decided to sign on with Avon. Over the past ten years she's made more than $1.4 million in bonuses...not every representative makes nearly that much money—or wants to. Many reps...get into the business with the intention of working part-time or even, say, earning a little extra cash around the holidays.

"Although today's economic times offer a variety of challenges, solutions are available for those individuals willing to seek them out. With direct selling companies providing alternate avenues for income generation, more and more people are able to give their current jobs the pink slip."

- Fortune, The Power Issue, vol. 148, No. 3

So, Is MLM Really Legit?

After seeing that corporate america is quickly embracing the methods and strategies of network marketing (direct selling), it's important for many people to make the differentiation between a legitimate marketing strategy used by companies releasing legitimate products, and illegal pyramid schemes that scam innocent people.

I know every single one of us has heard at least once, "Oh, one of those pyramid things." It couldn't be further from the truth in XanGo's case.

To quote a government website (Division of Consumer Protection):

"Multi-level marketing companies differ from pyramid schemes because they are usually legitimate business opportunities. The sale of legitimate products is what distinguishes multi-level marketing operations from pyramids. Pyramid schemes want to make money from you, not the product sales."

"Pyramid Scheme vs. Multi-level Marketing

• Compensation based on recruiting vs. Compensation based on sales
• Few or no sales to consumers vs. Sell legitimate products to established markets
• Substantial start-up costs vs. Generally small start-up fee
• Potential to be stuck with large amounts of unsold goods vs. Will buy back unsold goods if you decide to quit the business
• Make money from you vs. Make money with you"

It's nice to know that XanGo™ meets every criteria for being a legitimate marketing company. To top it off, our CEO is the former chairman of the board of the Direct Sellers Association, the organization that establishes the ethics in which contractors introduce product in to the market."

jvn · #14 (**permalink**) 09-27-2003, 12:55 AM

Isn't it amazing to see the passion as people respond to articles about "network marketing" or MLM.

I've been suckered before when buying a car.

Does that make every company that makes cars wrong? Not at all.
Does that mean everyone who works in or for a car manufacturer should quit and get a real job?
Again the answer is no.

The main point of the article was the value of working in a business you enjoy (rather than a job you hate and are afraid to leave) without acting like it has to be a secret. Now please don't misunderstand. There are millions who enjoy the company they work for and enjoy their work. This is good for them as well as all who need their product or service. At the same time, many people find satisfaction and freedom as well as extra income for their family.

Will everyone "get rich"? NO! Neither will everyone "get rich" in the auto industry! Some will and some won't. But honestly now, if someone provides a valuable product or service and earns the extra that they wanted, isn't that a good thing? Since when does "they didn't get rich" become the measure of the product or the company? How many of your neighbors haven't gotten rich doing their regular or "acceptable" job?

Network Marketing is simply a different way of doing business. Different doesn't mean wrong ~ Different means "another way"

For those of us representing quality companies ~ present your company & services with high standards. There's no point in hiding behind slick stories or trying to surprise people with your opportunity. Wishing you the success you desire and are willing to work hard to achieve.

flood6 · #15 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webmaestro

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but I always like to present an opposing view for sake of argument.

This is long, but well worth the read if you're considering becoming an MLM-er:

http://www.vandruff.com/mlm.html

Enjoy... and good luck.

Good article. I'm not a "closer" so I know direct sales and MLM isn't for me, I'm just not that good at looking someone in the eye and convincing them to buy my stuff. Anyway, the article seems a little heavy with the religious references, but I think it makes some very good points, and asks some pointed questions that I would be interested to hear answered by an MLM advocate.

rlpotter · #16 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 05:38 PM

My name is Rob of justicewasgreen.com consulting personal and business services, I’m new this forum here is some of my input on MLM’s and Network Marketing. Remember just because you my fail at one don’t mean it does not work! From the mouth of Robert Kiyosaki all business are not for everybody you need to find what works for you not your neighbor, friend or the person you meet at the mall. 16 Tip’s to help look for in a home based, small business, networks /mlm.

1) Get a Legal plan/service to make a sound judgment(s) to over look your personal and business affairs before getting into them! One law suite you could lose your business and home always have legal service even for personal or business needs some legal services have it part of there personal plan!

2) Are they public traded?

3) Do they cost more then free to 200 to join and do I have pay a yearly fee to stay in the business?

4) Do you have to pay extra for online sales no more then 19.95 a month some are free

5) Do I have to meet a monthly quota (remember this your business make your own quota)

6) Do they offer online back office for ad’s and self study courses to help with your business (Free)

7) Do I have to make cold or warm local or long distance calls/ faxes Warning your personal phone service may charge you more money when the volume of calls go up even if you have a unlimited plan. For more info please email me fypc@freeautobot.com

8) Do you have to keep stock on hand this is a warning/no no.

9) How long have they been in business?

10) Check better business bureau?

11) If they offer meetings go to two or three different meeting’s with a different speaker each time do not rush if they say you need to decide right now walk away!!

12) Do you need to have a license to sell this in your state or in other states maybe other countries Remember Ask your lawyer these questions.

13) Remember IRS audits home based, self employed and small business more then larger company’s Remember Legal services help with this!!

14) Do you have to do your own bill and collections always use your legal service for this some have this part of the plan!!

15) It’s okay to do more then one network/mlm at one time. You will here you can’t service to masters at one time, if these business’s master you go back and get a job you are sub pose to love what you are doing!

16) Get a will field out if you have a business or not and get one that you can update yearly email me for tips on what kind to get before you get one always have a lawyer over look your will. Most legal services have will not all their wills are very good. Simple wills may not cover all your and protect your assets with or without a business. Most lawyers will charge 500.00 to 3000.00 plus for a good/full will. Some legal plans have this part of their plan and get a plan you can update your will yearly with their service. Deeds cost extra it’s okay to have both done.

Here are some suggestions for service you may want to look into before you get started in a business email these links

For advice and for services that could help you get started and save money for personal and business services email me at rob@justicewasgreen.com

chandrika · #17 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 12:33 PM

Its funny how we name things, we are like walking talking xml schemas arent we.

Lets rename pyramid marketing and call it something more lovely, like icecream cone marketing, or toblerone marketing, then people will like it more. It is obviously teatime, as the only triangle shaped things I can come up with are all edible.