Debunking the stigma of MLM/Network Marketing

I am a smart woman.  I am business savvy as well as street smart.  I am spiritual while also being level headed and practical.  Most of all, I’m honest and trustworthy. 

My decision to join a Multi Level Marketing company at age 40 was one of the smartest moves I’ve made.  There’s really only one hang up in my love for this business and it’s when people respond something like this:

“I’m not interested in a pyramid scheme”.

Blah!  First off, this response implies I’m involved not only in something illegal, but totally shady.  Thanks a lot!  For anyone who knows me, illegal and or shady are the farthest notions from the authentic, loving, trustworthy and innovative soul I am.  For those of you who may be one of these people, please consider this response instead:

“How is this different from a pyramid scheme?”

My answer is this:

Great question!  Pyramid schemes do exist and yes, there are some MLM/Network marketing companies that underneath are nothing more than an old crooked scheme. You can already imagine the symbolic image of some fat pocketed chump sitting at the top collecting and getting rich off his/her pyramid of minions.  It is smart to differentiate the two when considering joining an MLM company.

A Pyramid scheme involves the exchange of money without the sale or exchange of product or services.  These schemes or companies receive their monetary compensation through focusing on signing up more affiliates, consultants, distributors, etc., with no basis on product sales and customers.  Because of this, the model will grind to an end because there is no market or customer base to sustain the scheme.  They eventually crumble.

Pyramids schemes and shady MLM’s are quickly becoming a thing of the past as Network Marketing is making its rise to become the desired business model of the future.  There are stricter regulations on MLM/Network Marketing companies that require valid product and customer focus over “recruitment”.  Today’s regulations in this market make it harder for shady companies or all out schemes to actually get any play.

So what is a legit, healthy and lucrative MLM/Network Marketing model?

Not only are there great MLM companies in the world, but some of the absolute best products available to date are only offered through the Network Marketing platform.  This is because you cannot parallel the power of person to person sharing and education.  No expensive commercial or fancy brochure can come close to the affects of first hand experience and sharing through network.  It’s proven!

A legit company not only has a legit product, but has an incredible product!  The products and their impact on the planet and or its people are at the heart of the brand.  The Focus is on educating about the product and sharing it with the world.  These companies do not spend millions on advertising; instead they spend millions on people who want to control their careers and income through sharing the same mission and passion for the products.   Usually these people have had an impactful experience with the products and feel passionate to share them with others.  A legit MLM/Network Marketing company invests in its professionalism, transparency, research, product line and most of all, it’s Affiliates.  While the model on paper may appear to have a pyramid type shape, it is far from a pyramid scheme. 

First things first, anyone from any walk of life or economic background can join a Network Marketing company and is in an equal playing field.  Jim can make more than Carol or vice versa.  It does not matter who signed up who or who got involved first.  A person could have someone a hundred levels down in their team make way more money than them.  Just because a small portion of proceeds trickle up to support the person who brought you in, doesn’t mean the person above you will always make more money.  The money goes to the people who work for it!  Level 6 could make a million dollars while the person at level 2 makes a few grand.  People are compensated for the level of work they put in, not their rank or position. 

People who are drawn to MLM/Network Marketing are people who are just all out tired of the 9-5 grind and dollars for hours model of making a living. 

I personally believe it’s a crumbling model.  Not to mention, 99% of economic models ARE the ultimate pyramid!  The CEO sits at the top and collects from the managers who collect from the workers who collect from the consumers.  No worker can make more than the manager and no manager can make more than the CEO!  Often there is a glass ceiling on what anyone down the line can financially tap.  Every single brook and mortar shop, mall, restaurant, and business, is an actual pyramid.   A legit Network Marketing company is an equal playing field.  The control and possibility is in the hands of the affiliates alone. 

Some people ask, after a period wont the market become saturated with distributors?  The answer is yes.  Once a Network Marketing company has climaxed in it’s prime of affiliates or distributors, it will naturally slow down in the growth of the business opportunities available. This is natural and it’s okay.   This is why there is a golden window of opportunity with Network Marketing in terms of getting in while the demographics are not too saturated and team growth potential is still strong.  However, the mark of a reputable MLM is that the product will continue to thrive.  The market will continue to purchase the stellar products and support those who have taken an affiliate position within the company.

This is why it is important to really assess the company you are considering joining.  How long have they been around?  Is the brand so prominent that it will be difficult to grow your team?  Or is the company in that golden window of opportunity where momentum is at the door and the market is in demand. 

These are all smart things to consider and it is up to the person to do the homework and make the smart decisions.  A good MLM will have low risk enrollment and requirements so that it’s affiliates do not lose money if they should not succeed in building a business. 

We each have control over our life and choices.  Schemes happen to people who follow the heard and listen to hearsay. 

Incredible business opportunity happens to people who do their research, ask the right questions and most of all, who are always open to new possibilities. 

A new paradigm is under way.  Dollars for hours is beneath us.  There are those who will stay put and those who will think outside of the box.  There are those who will continue to barely get by and those who will take their financial nutrition into their own hands.  We have been patterned and hypnotized by the structures of the past.  We have limited ourselves by working for other people and punching the clock for some one else’s dream.  It is time to take back our lives, our time, our passion and our right to thrive financially.  Thank goodness we have options.