Does anyone know anything about direct sales or MLM?

[Delicia]

Merry Meet!

Co-creators, I need some information. What are "Direct Sales" and "MLM"? Are these ventures real and worth someone's time?
I'm a fairly intelligent, college-educated, former military officer, modern woman. Would anyone recommend either of these, and if so, why?
I'm asking because surfing the net I came upon these terms. I have been looking into them for the past few days and all I'm getting is a headache trying to figure it out. So I am reaching out for help in understanding.

Thank you and blessed be!
Delicia

[Emha]

I could give you a lecture about what the concept is but that would bring back memories I would rather not think about. My recommendation: stay away!!! It is all about promissing heaven and delivering hell. I was in MLM five years ago and escaped bankruptcy only because my boyfriend was kind enough to step in and help out.

[Greg]

"MLM" is kind of a no-no word these days; the new term is "Network Marketing". Basically the same concept applies - you recruit your friends, family members, or whoever you can find to sell products for you and you get a cut of their sales.

This topic peaked my interest some time ago because while listening to recordings of Law of Attraction and success/motivational seminars I noticed a lot of the attendees said they were in the network marketing business.
I also noticed that a lot of Law of Attraction and Success gurus endorse network marketing as a way of getting rich. I'm not sure if its because they have a direct financial stake in these companies or the stuff actually works.

One such network marketing program called SGR was created by three of "The Secret" teachers - Jack Canfield, Bob Proctor, Michale Beckwith. Its a package of audio CD's (costing several hundred dollars) which contains their LOA teachings but from what I hear the way it teaches you to be rich is by selling this SGR package to others or getting others to sell it for you!

If anyone has gotten rich from one of these programs please let me know.
There may be some legitamate network marketing programs out there, but I would do some serious research before investing in them...

Good luck!

P.S. - Also try googling "pyramid scheme."

[Delicia]

Thanks for responding.
And you are right! I notice that when I look up LOA info I find network marketing stuff attached to it as well. I was wondering about that and find that kinda funny.

And another thing, why do these personal empowerment programs cost so bloody much when I can go to Borders Book store or wherever and get similar books and CDs for much less?

There is this one group that interests me but I still don't know much about them. I'm doing alot of research at the moment. Maybe someone here can tell me about LifePlan Unlimited.

Thank you again!
Blessed be!

[Sue]

I know a couple of people who do well with multi level marketing but its not only a lot of hard work it is, in my opinion, non-stop bugging people to buy stuff or join up to your downline. I tried too years ago and HATED it. I think you have to be doggedly persistent and maybe a bit thick skinned to do well at it.

[Create the life you want!]

My experience with direct selling has been positive. The key is not forcing someone to buy something. Instead find out how you can better serve you customer. If you operate from a place of service, your potential customer or team member won't filled stressed or overwhelmed. It really is that simple! You get out of it, what you put into it.

[Chaim]

It's all about bringing more value to the market place. It's never the product that you're selling that's going to get you rich or a lot of money! It's you as a person that works with people (giving them the value they are needing)
A lot of people don't realize that MLM is a legal and good way to do business in. When people fail they blame it on the product, on the payout system, on the people. It is a business like another. Don't expect do get rich overnight maybe there are a lot of gurus that say otherwise but it is still a mather of growing in different matters (personally, leadership, business etc) Goof luck to you and hope you find what you're looking for

[Michele Grassi]

Hi Delicia...I may be able to shed some light for you. There are lots of MLMs or network marketing companies..the trick is to really evaluate them to see if they are stable and if they are right for you. I have done it in the past, and while with that company I did not make alot of $ I value the experience because I learned so much about myself and found that when you are a close knit team it is pretty wonderful to see the way people can be...the way you wish the world could be! The relationships you make are as valuable as the income! I am now working with a network marketing company called Zrii. Again, the people all work as a team to support and encourage each other to stretch beyond their limits, the product is endorsed by the Chopra Center for Wellbeing and is making profound changes in people's health as well as creating recession proof income with a very aggressive compensation plan we call the Prosperity Plan. I would invite you to look it over at the corporate site www.zrii.com and pay special attention to Zrii Radio and Zrii TV. Hope this helps some and if I can answer any questions just let me know.
I do know personally quite a lot of people, just regular folks, who have been able to replace their working incomes and changed their lives for the better in more ways than just the $. As to pyramid schemes...think about it...what isn't? Corporate America, the government....
Have a great day!
Michele

[Delicia]

I've almost given up on the online business path. However, I am attracted to the aspect of working from home, being on the computer, the efficiency and scope of the prospect of having a business on the world wide web. I just can't get excited by the opportunities I am finding. They have a few things in common which do not suit me at all:

1. The products seems secondary in making money
2. The products are disproportionate in price to what you think it would "normally" cost
3. They all seem like pyramid schemes: cheesy and tacky
4. They all seem like you have to "get leads" to make the real money. I don't like annoying people because I hate being annoyed. If the stuff is that good they'll come to me.
5. They all seem like you have to dole out alot of money at the onset without you really knowing what you are doing. I don't like that. I want to know what I am doing BEFORE I spend my money.
6. Their marketing tactics seem to be all the same: go to Youtube and make unprofessional looking videos, have your own cookie cutter or cheap looking site, go to Myspace, etc.
7. When it comes down to it, all their compensation plans seems convoluted
8. I'm not a salesperson nor do I like to "sell", no matter what kind of semantics you use

I know there is an opportunity out there for me, I just have to keep on searching.

My problem isn't my desire, drive, focus or dedication. When I have my mind set, it's set and I will do what I need to do. I'm used to dealing with forward thinking, broad-minded, tough, passionate, positive attitude professionals. I enjoy it and thrive in their presence. The problem is I can't get excited by any of these direct sales or MLM schemes I've come across online.

I want to thank you all for your comments to my question. I appreciate your thoughts. For the record, you guys have helped me sort a few things out.

[Alix Fateh Mathias]

Howdy,

I have been researching MLM or Relationship Marketing for the past month. I can tell you that it is the fastest growing form of business on the planet. I can also tell you the MLM companies are as different from each other as Whole Foods is from Walmart. You cannot paint them all with the same brush. You must do your research. What is the product or service? Can you get behind it? How long have they been around? Do they have a solid infrastructure? What are their values?

I have an article with comments from Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki on MLM and I'll send it to you if you like.

Alix

[Lisa Berkovitz]

Hi Delicia,

To add to what's been offered so far, my view is that Network Marketing is a powerful business model that works really well for people who have leadership qualities - or are ready to learn to develop theirs fully - and the willingess to take 100% responsibility for their results. Read the two chapters towards the end of Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump's book "Why We Want You To Be Rich" to see why they endorse it and what to look for in a company worth working with.

In a good company, there is a strong emphasis on personal development and developing your potential which is mirrored in the results of your business. I believe network marketing shows up strongly in Law of Attraction circles since it's an avenue for people who believe 100% that they create their reality, do not want to work for anyone else and want to become financially self-sufficient.

MLM and Direct Sales are two different business models that both fall under the umbrella "Network Marketing." In MLM, you share your profits from every sale with others in your "upline." In Direct Sales, one person makes one profit from one product and profit is not shared with others. I personally prefer the Direct Sales model as each person is rewarded fully for their efforts and it is a faster route to profitability. Note that "pyramid schemes" are illegal and have nothing to do with legitimate Network Marketing. In those schemes, money changes hands but not in exchange for product.

A lot of MLM companies have trained people to chase after friends, family and anyone they meet to push their products. The approach I prefer is attraction-based marketing. Connect with like-minded people through professional marketing, interview them to be sure there is a potential fit between you, then provide them with the information they need to make an informed decision and let them make up their own mind in a relaxed way. Very different approach with an emphasis on providing real value and service and ensuring mutual fit.

Yes, there have been companies with poor practices, and also people who would rather blame the company than take responsibility for their own results, that have affected the reputation of the industry. That's no different than in any industry. If you want to explore it for yourself, do your due diligence and look for a company with longevity and a culture, values and products that really resonate with you and that you feel passionate about.

Peace and prosperity to you!

[Shayla]

I do direct sales currently and I am very very successful at it. I love it, I work from home and I neve recruited any of my family members. If you have any questions you can send me a message. Hope this helps.

[Delicia]

Thank you ladies!

I agree with you, Lisa. I like the attraction-based marketing better. It works with my sense of independence and maturity. I don't like chasing or being chased after I make up my mind. And I completely believe in being 100% responsible for your actions or lack thereof. I believe in treating people with respect and as adults; giving them the facts and letting them make up their own minds.
I have read the article of Mr. Trump and Mr. Kiyosaki and I couldn't agree more with their statements.
And thank you for clarifying the MLM and Direct sales differences. I wasn't exactly sure of their differences and based on these several weeks of research, was confused on them. It all comes off as such a scam. So far, ALL opportunities sounded the same, saying the same things and in several cases they use phrases or paragraphs word for word.

However, I feel online network marketing is fascinating and something to learn.

Bottom line, I sat down and visualized myself in those positions/jobs and none of them made me smile. Why do something that ultimately I knew didn't fit me and wasn't for me?

I would like to say, however, that I think I've found what I've been looking for and I AM SO EXCITED! At the moment, I am doing preliminary study and research but it feels right. It clicks! *lol* I believe this is precisely what I asked for from the universe and I am grateful.
Shayla, I would love to talk to you some more on your direct sales experience. I hope you don't mind if I contact you sometime soon.

Ladies, I'm excited and I can't wait to share more! You guys have no idea how much you have helped me!
*a big kiss*

THANK YOU and BLESSED BE!

Awesome © Safe Tags From CILM