[VernieOnAMission]

People quite naturally are going to hate what they don't understand. And while it behooves to see the amount of ppl who speak down upon MLM companies, but have never given one a try, in defense of those people looking from the outside in, I can understand why people have a bad connotation of MLM because chances are they're average people who want to do business.

Average people who don't like hard work. So they see the possibility for great income but they don't understand paying their dues.

Yet they still become independent representatives and and believe it's a get rich quick scheme. When they are not rich overnight, when they don't even attend one training, when they quit on the people who introduced them to the company.... they say that it doesn't work and they call it a scam!

But is network marketing the scam? Or are they the scam: expecting something for nothing....I say the latter.
MLM capatalizes off the greatest form of promotion known to mankind, word of mouth and is built upon a foundation of leverage. Any person who is willing to come into a company, learn the system, work hard, they WILL climb up their company's compensation plan!

I can not speak for all companies. It is an industry and like any other industry, there are your good companies and there are your not so good companies. It all comes down to the leadership! I work with an MLM that's working in an explosive industry and I love it!

For those who have had a not so good experience, liken it to dating...if you go out on a date with one guy and it's horrible, R u gonna stop dating guys? Or are you just gonna try another one?....

Check out the following video. It gives more insight on the industry:
MLM BRILLIANCE ONLINE MOVIES

[DPayne]

MLM's are for poser entrepreneurs

\thread.

[Check-m]

Originally Posted by DPayne

MLM's are for poser entrepreneurs

\thread.

That is not true. An entrepreneur is someone who undertakes the organization and management of an enterprise involving independence and risk as well as the opportunity for profit. That's the definition of the website and that's what an MLM let's you do.

[davids]

Wow. Contentious topic. Here's my two cents -

#1. It depends what company you're involved in,
AND
#2. It depends how seriously you take it: You can travel world-wide and run meetings, talk to people, meet people, grow your Networking business, and make more money than most startups could dream of. Conversely you can fail by only contacting 2 people, and concluding that it "doesn't work".

I truly believe success is contingent on two factors, one, who you are, and two, who is running the company you choose to deal with.

[car103cinti]

I have to agree that I had tried a few MLM's in my past years and got nowhere for all the time and effort. A few months ago a friend got me into what I am doing on the side now. Sometimes it's a matter of luck as to weather you will have success or not. Like how many people you know, how big your social circles are, etc. Not one shoe will fit all so I guess when it comes to business not all MLM's will fit all.


Just be yourself

[Lew999]

Why I hate MLM - here is an example. I do independant consulting and frequently sit at Starbucks for extended periods of time as my office away from home.

More than once I have been chatted up by some stay-at-home mom or young naiive student and after an extended period of "what do you do" "you work for yourself, that's great" yada yada yada...invariably they tell me they ALSO work for themselves and it's this great product and I really should look into it and here is their card and WHATEVER.

It kills me. I'm a businessman and it OFFENDS me when people bullshit me just to try to sell me this great "opportunity".

It's happened more than once, it gets annoying, and more importantly, I WILL NEVER BE SOLD THIS WAY. If you have something to sell, at least present yourself as a LEGITIMATE business person.

Most MLM is just a variation on the "Avon Lady" from 25 years ago. Rather than spouse all the THEORY behind network marketing, the truth is it just pulls in people that have no CLUE what they are doing.

THAT SAID - a LEGITIMATE business person, with motivation and skills, probably could kick-ass at it and make some $$$. 99% of the people that get involved in these SCHEMES are NOT business people.

[cutebeast]

MLM - from my observation and personal opinion

User Group Target: Young Adult, Fresh Grad, House Wife

User Group Common: Want to make Fast & Big Bucks without having to spent too much time

Value: Non - since each product tent to be at least few hundred percent more than their original cost due to the commission paid out

Return: Only to the upper level of the pyramid - having said this, all business is a pyramid however the level of pyramid on MLM goes a lots deeper than any other business.

Do I want to start a MLM company? Sure but I don't feel good due to the value it bring to the community. I believe if one have a good product that is beneficial to the people, it should be made accessible cheaply for the people.

Do I hate MLM? Yes because they take advantages of the weak minded to work on their sales and advertisement for free. Free here refer to no salary payout needed, no advertising fee required, no social benefits provided and on top of it those so called "member" are required to pay the MLM company for the "membership". I don't know about you but I really don't like the idea to pay money to a company to work for it.

[byeutter]

It makes me angry to think that great forums like this one are breaking down into an I am better than you because I do this mentality.

Entreprenuership is something that is enjoyed by all. Entreprenuers are risk takers. Does it really matter if it is some business savy executive level business school graduate risking millions of other peoples dollars everyday, or a housewife with no sales skills terrrified of people stepping out of her comfort zone daily to discuss her business with others in the hopes they will buy.

The reality is no matter what type of business you operate, success is dictated by determination, drive, and creativity. Even in network marketing those not suited for business will be gone in a few weeks, days, months or years. Most leave when they find out it is harder to decide what to do next when the sales are not coming in than to listen to some idiot entreprenurial boss who has everything at stake.

I thought that this forum was so that we could all share ideas and become more successful, no matter what line of business we are in.

[byeutter]

Originally Posted by Nigami Enterprise

MLM is exactly that Multi Level Marketing how can you call yourself an entrepreneur when all you are is a salesman for somebody else.

The worst thing about people involved in MLM is they look at every new person they meet not as a friend but as an opportunity.

Ever looked at how a typical bricks and mortar retailer works? it is multi level marketing. The manufacturer sells to the whole saler who in turns sells to you. You in turn sell the product to your customer. In MLM, the middlemen that jack up the costs are simply the upline of the retailer.

[Nigami Enterprise]

Originally Posted by byeutter

Ever looked at how a typical bricks and mortar retailer works? it is multi level marketing. The manufacturer sells to the whole saler who in turns sells to you. You in turn sell the product to your customer. In MLM, the middlemen that jack up the costs are simply the upline of the retailer.

Have you ever seen an MLM company say no to someone selling and representing there company. People who are involved in MLM's never have friends they only have what they see an opportunity. I just hate seeing them pick on the unemployed and house wives ect who tehy no will not succeed at selling the product.

Being in an mlm is similar to running busienss but dont think ur a businessman cuase ur in one.

[webgal]

MLM pays the lowest commissions of any style business model except for the collapsible pyramid. And the trouble is, most MLM companies are disguised pyramid schemes. If they emphasize "you'll make millions" more than the product, they're more into recruiting to move up and not moving product. So they're pyramids in disguise. If you want legit direct sales opportunities, check out DSA, the ethics police for the direct sales industry.

Direct Selling Association

[executivewealth]

OK well I feel I must have a say on this. I am a Network Marketer. And a successful one at that. I am not at the "top" or anything like that. However, the majority of the programs out there are absolutely trash. The product has to have a good demographic, and actually have a demand for it.

That is the one thing that nearly all MLM's lack. A good product with a high value. Also, it has a bad reputation because of all the ads out there, and the market is very saturated. Most of those ads are for the scammy programs, which, in turn, gives the whole industry a bad reputation. It is sad that there are scams out there that ruin the market for all the legitimate people.

Just my take on it. :-)

[The Stealthy One]

^^ You are very right. Network marketing / MLM is a very hard industry to succeed in, because it is perceived to be filled with con artists. In reality, there are a lot of honest people in this category of business, but very few succeed, because very few know to treat their involvement as a real business, because very few are in legitimate networks.

[vacationofwealth]

I hope everyone is having an amazing 2008 and is creating cash flow for them that will allow them to retire in style. There are so many bogus opportunities out there that are now catering to baby boomers and soon to be retirees. You have to really do your due diligence to weed through all the offers out there. So many of them are just glorified money games that have products that have no value. Many get sold on the hype and fall for the promise of fast riches.

To be able to have a successful business you can do from home that can create real cash flow you need to have three aspects. Number one a foremost a product. A product that is a STAND ALONE product that sells itself. That doesn't need an opportunity attached to it. Secondly you need a system that allows the distributor to make the sales without being a super salesman or a master marketer. Lastly you need a compensation plan that makes it worth your time and energy. If you cannot see yourself netting $10k+ a month with a business then it probably isn't a good investment to get started with.

The travel industry is a booming industry. I work with a company called Global Resorts Network that offers lifetime timeshare membership to those who want to save 70-80% off retail prices staying at 4 and 5 * Resorts. It is backed by a 22 year old leader in the timeshare industry. This is the perfect alternative to those that do not want to spend $15k-30k+ on a typical timeshare and then get saddled down with maintenance fees etc. The PRODUCT SELLS ITSELF. We earn $1000 per transaction and it is easily a business where you can potentially earn $100k+ in year one. It is not for everyone but it is really a great alternative to those that have no options. Whether they want to have a willable product to pass down that will save their family tens of thousands of dollars over time or they are looking to create more cash flow.

Do your due diligence and stay away from the money games! Enjoy your retirement. Travel and splurge. That is the American Way!


Chris

877-776-7503

[r2rprofits]

Too bad the people making money in MLMs have one of the best lifestyles in the US. While other entrepenures are out there working 80 hours a week in their business, Network marketers and MLM leaders are hanging out on the beach earning residuals.

I think people think they can have it too quick. Then when they dont get rich in 5 days they call it a scam and think it doesnt work. Well if you got rich in 5 days chances are you scammed someone. But the fact is it takes a little longer to have success with an MLM. The lazy people who make excuses or the ones who dont have the guts to talk to people are the ones who hate them.