Why I believe online Network Marketing is the best choice for *newbies*

[Stephen Clark]

I have been around the block when it comes to various business opportunities, like most veteran marketers here, and I wanted to share my opinion and thoughts as to why I would have started in online network marketing a LONG time ago if I knew what I know now.

First let me say that I am in no way promoting my own programs with this thread, but more trying to save the up-and-comers some time, money and frustration. I am merely promoting the industry as a whole.

The main benefit is the simple fact that the upline sponsor has a residual financial interest in the success of his/her team members. Someone starting out brand new can get connected with an experienced mentor that knows how to lead that person to success.

Too many times I remember feeling so lost in this huge world of internet marketing. With all the "code-breaking" products, and millionaire gurus out there saying their product is the best, I didn't know which way was up.

One thing that I wished I always had was a personal coach and mentor that I could call up or email anytime, and would get specific and personalized advice for my specific situation or question.

Network marketing is the only real place I could easily find that. It provides a complete "system in a box", if you will, along with the tools and training necessary to make it work for them.

In essence, it keeps people from having to jump from product to product trying to find the missing puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces are already all there, the person just needs to put it together.


The next reason for my belief in this industry is that a good program will provide a completely functional and high converting sales funnel, personalized for you.

Now, I still am a big believer in branding yourself, and not stay with the cookie-cutter site forever, but it will at least get a newb off to an immediate start and give them a chance to start getting their feet wet with some marketing of their new site.

On a brief side note, that reminds me of something that held me back in the beginning. I never really understood the importance of an effective sales funnel.

I always thought I could just post my landing page, leading to a sales letter, and the millions would come pouring in.

Anyways, I just thought this might help give some direction to anyone that may be kind of in limbo with what exactly they want to focus on.

To your success,
Stephen Clark

[dsmpublishing]

Hi stephen

when i started online (2004) i began my business on ebay and had the traffic and the niches ready to tap into.

But i would have loved to start out right now with the likes of twitter/facebook etc it is just amazing how much traffic is available and what you do with it.

kind regards


sam
X

[TLTheLiberator]

Are you talking about the MLM model??

If so, I strongly disagree.

Why??

90+ % of the people that never make any money online are/were involved with MLM.

The owners of these programs are making a killing but hardly anyone else is making even decent money.

99+% of people that find online success are conducting another online business model - not MLM.

As far as I'm concerned, the proof is in the pudding and I wouldn't recommend MLM to a family member but I would recommend it to a enemy.

TL

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator

90+ % of the people that never make any money online are/were involved with MLM.

This figure I doubt very much, if you'll excuse me, but I can tell you with certainty that more than 90% (and maybe as many as 99%) of the people in MLM who never make any money at all are those who tried to do it online!

There are many interesting explanations of this phenomenon on industry expert Yuliya Mironova's blog, don't forget this url (nothing commercial/affiliate there, no companies named, no opt-in, and nothing promotional).

[TLTheLiberator]

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

This figure I doubt very much, if you'll excuse me, but I can tell you with certainty that more than 90% (and maybe as many as 99%) of the people in MLM who never make any money at all are those who tried to do it online!

There are many interesting explanations of this phenomenon on industry expert Yuliya Mironova's blog, don't forget this url (nothing commercial/affiliate there, no companies named, no opt-in, and nothing promotional).

I thought the guy was talking about doing mlm online.

Where are most of the people that will never make any money online?


The vast majority of them are trying to make money at the traffic exchanges and other advertising outlets like them - designed for newbies.

and...

90% of those people are into some form of MLM because they've been told that mlm is the easiest way to make money online.


TL

[Stephen Clark]

First, let me start by saying that my point is not that EVERYONE succeeds in MLM. Try and show me ANY industry where there there is a 100% success rate.

I understand that people fail in all types of businesses, but I believe my point in the OP was totally missed.

Let me ask this....what kind of "success rate" do you think there is among brand new internet marketers, with NO experience, NO training, NO mentor or coach?

The ONLY reason I never quit during the 2 LONG years that I failed online is either my stubbornness, or my pure ambition.

Either way, online MLM is just like promoting ANY other "success online" or "biz op" program. The only difference is all of the free personal training and coaching that comes along with it.

Can one of you please tell me where the negative in that is?

All I know is this, when someone on my team is frustrated or confused about something, instead of RUNNING TO THE NEXT PRODUCT that promises them all the secrets (like most new marketers do), they come to me for answers and guidance. Of which I gladly and freely give. They stay excited and confident about their business, and it keeps them in the game until they start seeing results.

Not sure how you can see these obvious benefits and still be negative towards it. I succeed by helping others succeed. Its as simple as that.

Can you show me a better option for beginners? I haven't found it yet.

Let me make one last point...

It is the same reason that traditional franchising works so well. If you want to open a McDonalds, how effective would it be if you just jumped into it with ZERO training on how to run it?

The reason traditional franchising is so effective is because you get to learn EXACTLY WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT from the company that has spent YEARS perfecting their business model to bring their franchise owners as much success as possible. Now, what would McDonalds look like if each one was ran by newbies however they felt it should be run? ALOT more would be going out of business.

This is the #1 reason why traditional franchising is one of the most low-risk traditional businesses that anyone can own, and why franchising is a HUGE part of the small business pie. Because there is constant training and support for the individual owners.

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator

I thought the guy was talking about doing mlm online.

So did I. Hence my comments.

Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator

Where are most of the people that will never make any money online?

They're all over the place. Including some here. But to assert that 90% of them are involved in MLM is ... well, let's just say that I don't agree with it, if you'll excuse the dissenting note.

MLM, like all other forms of "own businesses" and "self-employment", has a huge fail-rate. And the fail-rate is highest (by far!!) among those trying to do it online. All discussed and explained at the link I gave above, for anyone wanting a really good, detailed, intelligent, perceptive, well-reasoned read of the subject from a true expert who has both experience and proof of what she's talking about.

Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator

99+% of people that find online success are conducting another online business model - not MLM.

Here I don't doubt your figure at all!

But there are actually large numbers of people making a good and successful living in MLM offline. It's not MLM itself that's necessarily a recipe for failure and disaster. It's online MLM. In my opinion. (And in the opinion of many very highly successful network marketers.)

[Steven Wagenheim]

Let's forget about the success rate of MLM, because as you said, it's low
in many fields.

My problem is that most MLMs are nothing but pyramid schemes. There is
no real product. All it is, is getting somebody to sign under you.

In case you're unaware, the FTC takes a dim view on these. I used to be
into MLM many years ago but will no longer join any program unless it is
actually selling a product and NOT just building a downline.

THAT is MY problem with MLM.

[nicholasb]

I dont know why so many people hate network marketing in this forum,

you use all the same internet marketing strategies to promote it you dont call family or friends, and to top it if

it is the exact same thing as affiliate marketing

you promote another companies site just like affiliate marketing, and you recruit affiliates just like you had your own product.

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by nicholasb

I dont know why so many people hate network marketing in this forum,

you use all the same internet marketing strategies to promote it you dont call family or friends, and to top it if

it is the exact same thing as affiliate marketing

you promote another companies site just like affiliate marketing, and you recruit affiliates just like you had your own product.

The problem is as I stated above. A business that is nothing more than just
recruiting members is illegal. If you don't believe me, look up ponzi at the
FTC site.

An MLM, to be legit, MUST sell a viable product, such as Avon. Avon
sells cosmetics. IT is a viable MLM.

99% of the crap you see online is NOT and eventually gets shut down.

[Stephen Clark]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

Let's forget about the success rate of MLM, because as you said, it's low
in many fields.

My problem is that most MLMs are nothing but pyramid schemes. There is
no real product. All it is, is getting somebody to sign under you.

In case you're unaware, the FTC takes a dim view on these. I used to be
into MLM many years ago but will no longer join any program unless it is
actually selling a product and NOT just building a downline.

THAT is MY problem with MLM.

I agree with you here Steven. One must be choosy as to which company they join.

Most that I am familiar with online though, promote as their main product a thorough Internet Marketing training course.

Which makes perfect sense. They buy into the training product, then they have everything they need to start promoting it (website, training, mentorship, etc) and it is the same thing for EVERYONE who joins. Level playing field.

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

My problem is that most MLMs are nothing but pyramid schemes. There is no real product. All it is, is getting somebody to sign under you.

Indeed. But those aren't MLM's, Steven. They're illegal scams. They're just pretending to be MLM to try to suck gullible people in.

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

In case you're unaware, the FTC takes a dim view on these.

Absolutely. Dim and getting dimmer. And so do US state courts, recently.

Especially at the moment, in this economy with so many people looking for an additional income-source, there are far more of these product-less pyramid scam opportunities around than genuine MLM's.

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

I used to be into MLM many years ago but will no longer join any program unless it is actually selling a product and NOT just building a downline.

THAT is MY problem with MLM.

Mine, also. I was in one briefly, a couple of years ago (good company, genuine products and genuine retail sales) but decided it wasn't for me.

At the moment, the biggest legal issue in the MLM arena is the issue of retail sales.

Recently, it's become universally agreed by the FTC, Attorneys General, industry regulators and the courts that "distributors' personal consumption" does not count as retail sales for the purposes of complying with the "70% rule". This makes even some companies with real products illegal. Selling overpriced products mostly to people joining the business opportunity is not legal any more (and maybe never was, though those laws weren't previously enforced).

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Indeed. But those aren't MLM's, Steven. They're illegal scams. They're just pretending to be MLM to try to suck gullible people in.



Absolutely. Dim and getting dimmer. And so do US state courts, recently.

Especially at the moment, in this economy with so many people looking for an additional income-source, there are far more of these product-less pyramid scam opportunities around than genuine MLM's.



Mine, also. I was in one briefly, a couple of years ago (good company, genuine products and genuine retail sales) but decided it wasn't for me.

At the moment, the biggest legal issue in the MLM arena is the issue of retail sales.

Recently, it's become universally agreed by the FTC, Attorneys General, industry regulators and the courts that "distributors' personal consumption" does not count as retail sales for the purposes of complying with the "70% rule". This makes even some companies with real products illegal. Selling overpriced products mostly to people joining the business opportunity is not legal any more (and maybe never was, though those laws weren't previously enforced).

Yes, exactly, which is why Equinox went under. I was actually a member,
selling their enviromentally safe products. The problem was that there
was more selling to the downline (to qualify for higher commissions) than
there was selling to the general public.

You have to be VERY careful choosing these programs, especially today.

[Stephen Clark]

Originally Posted by nicholasb

I dont know why so many people hate network marketing in this forum,

you use all the same internet marketing strategies to promote it you dont call family or friends, and to top it if

it is the exact same thing as affiliate marketing

you promote another companies site just like affiliate marketing, and you recruit affiliates just like you had your own product.

You summed up my point much easier than I did, LOL. I can be long-winded sometimes, ha!

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by Stephen Clark

I agree with you here Steven. One must be choosy as to which company they join.

Most that I am familiar with online though, promote as their main product a thorough Internet Marketing training course.

Which makes perfect sense. They buy into the training product, then they have everything they need to start promoting it (website, training, mentorship, etc) and it is the same thing for EVERYONE who joins. Level playing field.

Here is my problem with those, at least most. Take a look at the training
materials. They suck...big time. They're just a thinly veiled attempt to
come off as legit. And you don't know how good the training materials
are until you actually join...thus the catch 22.

One of my side businesses is reporting on online scams. So I have to sign
up with all these programs and/or buy their products to report on them,
good or bad. What I have seen would make your hair turn gray.

It's disgusting.

[Stephen Clark]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

Yes, exactly, which is why Equinox went under. I was actually a member,
selling their enviromentally safe products. The problem was that there
was more selling to the downline (to qualify for higher commissions) than
there was selling to the general public.

You have to be VERY careful choosing these programs, especially today.

Yes, the offline MLM that I built was with Quixtar/Amway and that starting to become the topic of interest. They started cracking down on all of us to start doing way more retail sales. Most people have a huge problem with trying to peddle products to friends and family.

[TLTheLiberator]

Quote:
Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator:

"99+% of people that find online success are conducting another online business model - not MLM."


Alexa says... "Here I don't doubt your figure at all!"

If the vast majority of online success stories ( 99+ % ) have nothing to do with online mlm why would anyone reduce their chances of online success by trying to conduct mlm?


The last thing I'm going to say in this thread is jump into mlm ( online or otherwise ) at your own risk.

And...

Don't say you have not been warned.

TL

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

The problem was that there
was more selling to the downline (to qualify for higher commissions) than
there was selling to the general public.

I understand. You're well off out of it!

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

You have to be VERY careful choosing these programs, especially today.

Indeed.

If 70% of your income isn't directly derived from the sales of products to people who aren't distributors of the company, then eventually you're going to have a real legal problem. I understand from a lawyer friend that after some of the recent cases and court rulings, companies with almost no genuine retail customers like Global Domains International who have perhaps "got away with it" for many, many years are very anxiously taking legal advice and awaiting developments with great trepidation at the moment!

[Stephen Clark]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

Here is my problem with those, at least most. Take a look at the training
materials. They suck...big time. They're just a thinly veiled attempt to
come off as legit. And you don't know how good the training materials
are until you actually join...thus the catch 22.

One of my side businesses is reporting on online scams. So I have to sign
up with all these programs and/or buy their products to report on them,
good or bad. What I have seen would make your hair turn gray.

It's disgusting.

I agree that there is alot of crap out there. But its the same with ANY infor product on the web. You don't really know if its quality until you pay your money to see for yourself.

The main benefit that I always point out though, isthe personal mentorship that comes along with it (if you are able to connect with a good sponsor).

I just know that I struggled for 2 years, and I know that if I would have had a mentor to go to for answers and direction when I needed it, things would probably have happened much sooner for me.

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by Stephen Clark

I agree that there is alot of crap out there. But its the same with ANY infor product on the web. You don't really know if its quality until you pay your money to see for yourself.

The main benefit that I always point out though, isthe personal mentorship that comes along with it (if you are able to connect with a good sponsor).

I just know that I struggled for 2 years, and I know that if I would have had a mentor to go to for answers and direction when I needed it, things would probably have happened much sooner for me.

Mentorship is another problem...go try and find a good one. Ha!

Look, I've been in this business a long time and I have seen it all. The
percent of "legit" MLMs makes it almost not worth your time to go and look
for one. And taking somebody's opinion, well, we all know what they say
about opinions. I've been recommended MLMs by people I trusted that
turned out to be the biggest jokes going. But some people will drink the
Kool-Aid no matter what's in it or who's serving it.

Besides, I create my own products and services now, so why share my
income with somebody who did nothing for me but just let me build a
downline, which I can no longer do in good conscience because from way
too many years of experience have come to realize that no matter how
good the "product" is, most people will do nothing. That is just plain human
nature.

At least if I put my own product out there and tell them, "Hey, you can
email me directly with any questions" and they don't bother to open the
book or write, my conscience is clear. But it's not when I try to "promote"
some money making "opportunity" because it's the greatest thing since
sliced bread. I can't do that.

In fact, if I ever DO promote an MLM, this is how my ad will read.

"The training materials this company provides, if you use them, will be
more than adequate enough to build you a good income. But if you think
you're going to join this company and get tons of spillover or whatever it
is they're offering for just sitting on your ass...save your money and go
spend it on a good box of cigars."

In fact, I'll provide them with a full 20 page report on the evils of MLM and
why most people suck at it.

How many signups you think I'm gonna get with that kind of approach?

Not many...if any at all.

Which is why I just stay away from the model.

I just can't drink the Kool-Aid anymore.

[Stephen Clark]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

In fact, if I ever DO promote an MLM, this is how my ad will read.

"The training materials this company provides, if you use them, will be
more than adequate enough to build you a good income. But if you think
you're going to join this company and get tons of spillover or whatever it
is they're offering for just sitting on your ass...save your money and go
spend it on a good box of cigars."

In fact, I'll provide them with a full 20 page report on the evils of MLM and
why most people suck at it.

How many signups you think I'm gonna get with that kind of approach?

Not many...if any at all.

Which is why I just stay away from the model.

I just can't drink the Kool-Aid anymore.

LOL, I like that approach too. I agree that human nature means that alot of people will quit way too soon, or just not do anything.

[JohnMcCabe]

I was involved with network marketing for 5+ years, with almost a dozen companies. I don't "hate" network marketing, I simply choose not to be involved with it anymore. I still have friends that are doing well.

My issue with the original post is the part about having an upline mentor. Most of the companies I was with, the upline was every bit as clueless as the new recruit. Especially the binaries, where there was some randomness about who your upline was. You could end up several levels down from anyone who had a clue.

For many companies, training and materials contribute a large share of the profits for the parent company. If I were ever going to get involved with network marketing again, it would be selling the picks and shovels, not the mines.

[Robyn8243]

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

I was involved with network marketing for 5+ years, with almost a dozen companies. I don't "hate" network marketing, I simply choose not to be involved with it anymore. I still have friends that are doing well.

My issue with the original post is the part about having an upline mentor. Most of the companies I was with, the upline was every bit as clueless as the new recruit. Especially the binaries, where there was some randomness about who your upline was. You could end up several levels down from anyone who had a clue.

For many companies, training and materials contribute a large share of the profits for the parent company. If I were ever going to get involved with network marketing again, it would be selling the picks and shovels, not the mines.

You hit the nail on the head. The biggest scandal in Amway had nothing to do with Amway, it was all about distribution and sales of training materials. I was involved in the industry for some time as well, and if you look at what the most successful people do, as opposed to what they say, a lot of their money comes from selling training materials and selling advertising...especially online.

Many people do not provide mentoring because as you point out they are clueless. Sadly, many of the most successful people promise mentoring because that promise sells, but once you pay, you are mostly on your own (except for the recommended training materials you can buy). From what I have observed, those who do actually provide mentoring are working 12-14 hours a day, 7 days a week....not the lifestyle promised.

Best way to make money in network marketing is sell marketing education to network marketers.

In theory the concept that someone will mentor you because they have a financial interest in helping you sounds great. Most people will get better education here and in the war room than from any network marketing training.

Robyn

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by Robyn8243

Most people will get better education here and in the war room than from any network marketing training.

That's for sure. In fact it's even a considerable understatement.

[actionplanbiz]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

My problem is that most MLMs are nothing but pyramid schemes. There is
no real product. All it is, is getting somebody to sign under you.

mlm and pyramind schemes are different.

pyramid schemes = no product
mlm = product

MLM is Great way to Start Earning, learning and building long term JV assests.

Cons of mlm

People often get too cultish with one company. this cause a lot of limitations.

[tush]

TL wrote,

The last thing I'm going to say in this thread is jump into mlm ( online or otherwise ) at your own risk.

And...

Don't say you have not been warned.

I have done affiliate marketing and some of the other on line business models, but I believe that mlm is one of the BEST models to get involved with. If you have a product that you love and it is well priced, a product which you can promote even if there was no opportunity attached, then mlm is amazing. You just have to know how to market it just like we market other products. The residual income you get is simply amazing.

[TLTheLiberator]

Originally Posted by tush

TL wrote,


I have done affiliate marketing and some of the other on line business models, but I believe that mlm is one of the BEST models to get involved with. If you have a product that you love and it is well priced, a product which you can promote even if there was no opportunity attached, then mlm is amazing. You just have to know how to market it just like we market other products. The residual income you get is simply amazing.

The residual income model is one thing but the mlm model is another.

I wouldn't count on mlm'ers to build a business with/for me to save my life.

I stand by my statements.

All The Best!!

TL

[midasman09]

"MLM" or "Network Marketing" is based on ONE PREMISE...Finding Greater Fools than You!

Stay Far away! Why would you allow someone else to control your paycheck? Even if you are one of the one out of a thousand who happens to succeed, someone else determines your commission and signs your checks, and when and how you get paid.

You are NOT "your own boss"! Stay away from this!

Midas Man

[actionplanbiz]

Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator

The residual income model is one thing but the mlm model is another.

I wouldn't count on mlm'ers to build a business with/for me to save my life.

I stand by my statements.

All The Best!!

TL

Many online "MLMers" market the same way everyone else does. nothing different.

and Depending on your Downline or upline to build your business is the wrong perspective. its you building your team and training your team, overall making yourself the one responsible for your own business.

[Branlan17]

Hello all,

Stephen was kind enough to spend about an hour on the phone with me yesterday when I had some questions. I decided to stay with my own direction but he did offer some very helpful input and if this sounds like something you'd be into trying, I have no doubt he'd be a helpful, quality mentor to have.

[actionplanbiz]

Originally Posted by midasman09

"MLM" or "Network Marketing" is based on ONE PREMISE...Finding Greater Fools than You!

Stay Far away! Why would you allow someone else to control your paycheck? Even if you are one of the one out of a thousand who happens to succeed, someone else determines your commission and signs your checks, and when and how you get paid.

You are NOT "your own boss"! Stay away from this!

Midas Man

Traditional MLM teaches to recruit doctors and lawyers and not fools

but the other is true, thats why its wise to build a list while promoting your MLM. and with your list you have more control and dont have to limit yourself to just mlm commissions.

but definitely no reason to stay away.

[Success With Dany]

MLM is the modern day gold rush. But like in the 19th century gold rush, very very very very few found the precious metal ie the elusive mlm income.

Who made money during that 19th GR?

The stores that sold the picks, shovels, pans, clothes, carts, maps, etc! You name it!

That is how you make money in mlm: sell the tools that OTHER NETWORK MARKETERS (only target them) desperately need and make a fortune off of them!

Clueless networkers will need auto-responders, prospect-sifting websites, keyword software, marketing courses, personal coaching, etc. By selling them these items, you're providing a service to them, we can't say that we are scamming them, right?

And if you are personally in a mlm, 99.9% of people who bought from you will NOT join you b/c they are already involved in one but there will be the .1% that MIGHT!

That is HOW mlm should be properly conducted: commissions in the front-end, effortless mlm sign-ups in the BACK-END.

80%-90% of the money is made by selling the (online) mlm SYSTEM. The mlm itself is just a bonus income stream. You could sell the system even w/o having one a networking company.

[JohnMcCabe]

Originally Posted by Success With Dany

MLM is the modern day gold rush. But like in the 19th century gold rush, very very very very few found the precious metal ie the elusive mlm income.

Who made money during that 19th GR?

The stores that sold the picks, shovels, pans, clothes, carts, maps, etc! You name it!

If you look at the local economies of those boom towns, the ones who really ended up with all the money were the saloon keepers and houses of ill repute.

Even the storekeepers who sold the picks and shovels liked to party, and parties were not cheap.

Other service businesses also ended up with a lot of the swag - restaurants, laundries, etc.

The average gold seeker made a one-time purchase of mining equipment, etc., went into the field, failed miserably, and sold his kit to the next hopeful in order to return home.

[mrwoods]

I absolutely agree. When I started out trying to make money online in 2007 this is where I got "curb-stomped" as my daughter would say. With the lack of product, and just trying to get someone to "enroll" as your trainee, if you don't know what to tell your trainee when they ask you how to succeed as a new member, it seems obvious your sponsor who signed up just minutes before you won't be the best guide either.

After further wading through the waters, I believe affiliate marketing has the best chance for success. There is a product, you don't have to keep it in inventory, and you can guide people to buy it, period...

[Cathy Henry]

I think the biggest problem with anyone in ANY market, whether it be MLM or affiliate sales is the lack of knowledge and the fortitude to stick with it through the long haul. So many people just want to get rich quick that they do not give any business model the necessary time and effort to really make it work.
Add to that the number of people giving bad marketing advice and practices and you have a 100% failure rate.
Like any other business it takes time to cultivate and grow. Sources like Twitter and Facebook certainly have increased the exposure people can have, but it still does not replace patience and dedication to the overall plan.

[John Rogers]

Originally Posted by Stephen Clark

The main benefit is the simple fact that the upline sponsor has a residual financial interest in the success of his/her team members. Someone starting out brand new can get connected with an experienced mentor that knows how to lead that person to success.

The problem with this argument is that more often than not, the upline sponsor is nearly as clueless as the person they bring into the business. And if by chance the newbie goes high enough in the upline to find someone who knows what they're doing, that person is more interested in using the newbie as a training tool for someone in between them in the chain.

Most NWM/MLM programs still teach newbies to get their friends on a conference call, then to an opportunity meeting where they can be tag-teamed. In most cases it's an uncomfortable process at best.

I agree that online networking marketing can be lucrative, but not for the newbie. The newbie should learn internet marketing before trying to jump into the deep end of online network marketing pool. Sink or swim isn't terribly effective.

John

[Scott Ames]

Then too a lot of MLM companies will not let you create websites with their name or logo, create your own materials, videos, eBooks, etc. or do anything beyond their supplied materials.

I am a bit jaded with MLM stuff. I like the concept of recurring commissions and earning money off an ever increasing down-line, but many of the "creeps" and "friends" that pitch it turn me off. We had a visitor for a couple of days, a friend of my wife. She was in to an MLM and every second thing out her mouth was "You really should join".. I got so tired of hearing it that I was about to duct tape her mouth.

Still... I see big money in this stuff. Those multi-million dollar buildings these MLM companies had came from profits. I have seen people making a monthly income that would be a good healthy yearly income. I like that part, but the culture just turns me off.

Knowing people in MLM is a bit like knowing a good friend that has some horrible disease. You like the guy, you want to do stuff with him, but you don't want to get too close and you always have that feeling that you must be wary that he will cough on you.

[Rod Cortez]

Hahahahaha......these mlm / networking marketing threads are always entertaining to read. Most of the stuff I read is full of ignorance. Look, I'm no fan of mlm, in fact, I advise people against it. I have every reason to be jaded too. After building a huge download for a company a few years ago they went belly up without so much as a warning. I managed to move some of that downline to another "established" company and 6 months later they changed their commission structure and screwed me out of a 5 figure monthly revenue stream. That's when I said "enough is enough". And that covers about 2% of the crap that I endured in dealing with companies who prided themselves in "training" and "leadership".

Yet for people to say that ALL mlms are scams or that they are all ponzi schemes only shows the ignorance that some people have. That's false. I hate to admit it, but there are legitimate companies out there that do extremely well like Avon and some giant well-known financial planning companies. I was involved with network marketing for a long time and have learned that people who get into it fail as often as people do starting virtually any online endeavor.

I learned that by creating my own products, driving my own traffic, and recruiting my own affiliates that I have far more CONTROL over everything. You couldn't pay me to get back into mlm / networking marketing/ whatever they are calling it now. So my opinion is that it's definitely not a good idea for noobs to get involved with it because they are way too many land mines on the way. I'd rather see them join the War Room and learn about affiliate marketing, creating their own products, building a list, and having far more control over their own business and destiny.

Rod "Coffee-And-Vodka-At-9AM-Is-Not-A-Good-Idea" Cortez

[Robyn8243]

Originally Posted by Scott Ames

Then too a lot of MLM companies will not let you create websites with their name or logo, create your own materials, videos, eBooks, etc. or do anything beyond their supplied materials.

I am a bit jaded with MLM stuff. I like the concept of recurring commissions and earning money off an ever increasing down-line, but many of the "creeps" and "friends" that pitch it turn me off. We had a visitor for a couple of days, a friend of my wife. She was in to an MLM and every second thing out her mouth was "You really should join".. I got so tired of hearing it that I was about to duct tape her mouth.

Still... I see big money in this stuff. Those multi-million dollar buildings these MLM companies had came from profits. I have seen people making a monthly income that would be a good healthy yearly income. I like that part, but the culture just turns me off.

Knowing people in MLM is a bit like knowing a good friend that has some horrible disease. You like the guy, you want to do stuff with him, but you don't want to get too close and you always have that feeling that you must be wary that he will cough on you.

There is an expression in the industry that any long time networker will have heard and most belong to:

The 3 F club

No friends, No family, No funds

Robyn

[ninja newbie]

I have personally been involved with several offline mlm's, and would not try it again any time soon, however I don't have any experience with the online model even thoughI had several people try and recruit me. MLM just left me kinda burntout with the whole thing you know. I tried very hard to follow through with what my sponsors told me to do and I ended spending a lot of money and not making hardly any.

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by ninja newbie

I tried very hard to follow through with what my sponsors told me to do

Understandable, of course, but in reality this is usually a mistake: most sponsors, unfortunately, don't really know what they're talking about. (It kind of follows logically from the fact that most people who go into MLM eventually drop out, having failed to make money from it. Why should they suddenly have a deep understanding of "what works" just because they're sponsoring someone?).

Originally Posted by ninja newbie

I ended spending a lot of money and not making hardly any.

That's "par for the course", for the majority, I'm afraid. The same, of course, is also true of internet marketing and plenty of other "own businesses".