What's the issue with MLM or Network Marketing..?

[GaMom]

You know I keep seeing people say they are looking for a work at home job and always post no mlm, no schemes, ect....

I do not see what the issue with mlm or network marketing is. I have been in network marketing for 8 years with different companies. All which offer a completly legit opportunity.

During this time I have moved through a few companies when I found somthing I liked better.

Here is my question...What is the problem? Do people not realize that these party plan companies are the same exact thing?

Multilevel Marketing is selling products by using independent distributors and allowing these distributors to build and manage their own sales force by recruiting, motivating, supplying, and training others to sell products.

That is the exact same thing a party plan company truly is! So what is the problem? If you want to make big money with a party plan or direct sales company you have to recruit.....

The difference in the 2....A party plan business if you want to make good money you have to go to parties. No parties no money. A network marketing business you can work online or offline. You are not required to pack up a bunch of stuff and go into peoples homes....

Sorry for the long post, but I just do not get why people seem to have such an issue with network marketing....

[allmylovecrafts]

Tara,
I am so glad I found this. I do not understand this either. Even car lots and electronic stores are allowing their sales people to have web sites. If a costumer is refereed to a salesperson through your site you earn commission. Is that an affiliate or MLM, and your on the net so is it network marketing???? My Farmacy site - you can buy directly through me at my site, I could have a home demo, or you can become a business builder with your own site - what category does it fit in???
If you look up these terms you get so many different meanings.
Hope someone can explain this to me,
Sheryl

[GaMom]

Hi Sheryl,
I really think the thing of it is just this...

People are not educated on what it really is so they assume it is a scam. Becuase there are so many scams out there they have to point a finger at something...

Network marketing is a generic term that covers the realm of direct sales and multilevel marketing. As a network marketing agent, you would sell products through your own network of friends, neighbors, co-workers and so on. In some instances, you may gain additional commissions by recruiting other agents.

What is so not legit about that? If that is the case, party plan companies are a MLM too!

The term network marketing is used in two ways. In popular usage it is a synonym for multi-level marketing and often mistakenly considered the same as a pyramid scheme.

Multilevel Marketing is selling products by using independent distributors and allowing these distributors to build and manage their own sales force by recruiting, motivating, supplying, and training others to sell products. The distributors' compensation includes their own sales and a percentage of the sales of their sales group (downline).

That sounds like a party plan to me and almost any home business! I recruit you and make money off you. So I do not get the big deal!

Pyramid schemes usually have no products. Chain letters in which you send money to the person who sent you the letter, then you forward the same letter to a number of others is an example of a pyramid scheme.

If people took the time to actually find out what all these terms actually were meaning they would have a different look on it!

I get pay checks every few days so how does that fit into a scam? I offer people somthing that can really use! Heck I use the benefit too.

So it really boils down to, someone talking about somthing they do not really know anything about..

[allmylovecrafts]

Tara,
I hate looking stupid!! I do it soooo often!!!
If your Ameriplan (or my Farmacy) is an MLM, why would it not be considered a work at home job? If you make money and do not cheat, steal... then I conceder it legitimate work.

As far as networking - isn't that what we do on forums - we are are meeting people and building relationships?! There are people that I have met on forum that I would not buy from because I just don't like them. I have sent emails to people that I like when I see someone looking for a product that they sell.

I think alto of people are looking for free money. I see alto of " I want a job or business that is free". Duh - I want a tree that grows money!! I spend time on my business but, I do not get an hourly wage. Maybe I should say it's piece work, every piece I sell I get paid a certain amount for.

I think if people take time to research companies they would be less likely to get scammed. I also think if people realized that most legit business or jobs take time and effort. I know of so many people that have given up on there new business because they did not make ___$'s in the first 3 months.

Sorry, now I'm just ranting on my soap box!!
Thank you Tara for explaining this to me,
Sheryl

[GaMom]

Hi Sheryl,
You do not look stupid at all!
I totall agree with this...
I think if people take time to research companies they would be less likely to get scammed. I also think if people realized that most legit business or jobs take time and effort. I know of so many people that have given up on there new business because they did not make ___$'s in the first 3 months.
In my experience, any business that you can join for free is not going to be a good one. I have been through my share of companies, and those free to join are free to a reason!

[MGB]

I think that people post that not only because they are afraid of scams, but because they are intimidated by recruiting and trying to push products they aren't familiar with. The party plans are a bit different, in that there isn't such a sales push and the 'party' atmosphere relaxes things, and there are tangible products that are easy for you-- and your customers/recruits to easily become familiar with. I don't mind sales and recruiting, but I do know that I can't do it if I'm not familiar with how something works or if I don't truly believe in what I'm pushing. I imagine it is the same for most people.

[mcbeth59]

I have found that most people have unrealistic ideas about working at home. I remember once, when calling a cold lead, they said they were very interested in having a internet business but they didnt want to sell anything, or have to speak to anybody. Lol... I was left speechless I must admit.

I personally think MLM's are a great way to make money. It is true, that it takes a lot of time and tenacity.... but it is well worth the effort.

I would also add to only work with one company at one time. I must admit, on my venture out into the MLM world I tried to do too much to fast... and just fell on my face. Now I am focusing on one thing, and sticking with it.

[GaMom]

I agree with that totally!

I have had a few of those people who want to work at home, but dont want to call anyone and dont want to sell anything or they dont want to do somthing...LOL

It is funny! But then when that certain company gets ahold of them and makes them think they don't have to "sell" anything, they think it is some god send company....LOL

I am sure you know what I am talking about....

You know I have found that when I call prospects, that when I am completly upfront with them about EVERYTHING those are the prospects I want to recruit. I worked with anyother company for a few years and we were training to tell people as least as possible...

Now, you were able to recruit, well wait they do not call it that (LOL) you were able to mentor people like crazy, but as soon as they came in the business and realized all the work it really took and what was really involved for the little amout of money you could make they quit.

So, that person was a complete waste of time.

When I talk to people about joining my business I always tell them, "I want people to join my team that are willing to work, willing to be trained, and willing to invest some time into a business. If they are not willing to do those, I end the conversation. I stop right there and I am done....

Not quite sure how I got off on my little trip here, but I typed way to much to delete it! LOL