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MLMs...Love them or hate them?
I've heard much feedback about Multi Level Marketing programs and the people who represent them. Some members have even suggested we exlcude them from the network, while some of our best friends are involved in representing them and do a great job.
Let's discuss this form of business and it's role in networking. Please be considerate, constructive and educational in your posts. Below are some questions you might consider when posting to this discussion...
How does the presence of MLMs affect the Tucson Networking Group?
Should we limit the number of members that represent a specific MLM program on the network?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the MLM structure/companies?
What are your personal experiences with MLMs?
What ideas do you have for those currently engaged in representing MLMs?
Let's discuss this form of business and it's role in networking. Please be considerate, constructive and educational in your posts. Below are some questions you might consider when posting to this discussion...
How does the presence of MLMs affect the Tucson Networking Group?
Should we limit the number of members that represent a specific MLM program on the network?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the MLM structure/companies?
What are your personal experiences with MLMs?
What ideas do you have for those currently engaged in representing MLMs?
Tags: MLM, Marketing, Network, Networking, Sales, Social
Views: 23
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by William "Tom" Lickliter on -
I have lived in Tucson my whole life...well not yet actually..and recently joined an MLM. If I may, here is my two cents. For 7/12 years I worked for a very large fortune 250 company. For 9 years I ran my own succesfull business here in Tucson and sold it last year. Whew!! Great move I might add. I also spent 14 years as a member and served as president of an Executive Association here in Tucson.
Every business has its good and bad apples. You cannot judge the value and potential contributions of an individual based on the business/profession they decide to work in. I have friends making great money in MLM and donating a very large portion back to thier communities. The industry you work in is not relevant to how you will impact an organization such as TNG. As a matter of fact my network will eventually grow into the thousands and is that not exactly what we hope to accoplish here?
I think it does make sense to limit the number of members from one specific MLM but dont shut us out. We are people too darn you. (poor attempt at humor)
Wether you are a member of corporate america, a Mom and Pop or simply a home based business a networking group is like a gym membership. You will get out what you put in.
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Permalink Reply by April Tubilan on -
Well, as some of you may have noticed I am an independent Sales Rep for AVON. AVON is considered an MLM. Now, there are alot of scams out there and even pyrimid schemes that are often associated with MLMs. While on the otherside of the coin there are alot of direct sales businesses that offer products tha can not be purchased at any store that definitely offer value. I would agree that limiting membership to just one representative of that company to Tucson Networking Group is a good idea. We don't need 15 Avon Ladies, or 12 Arbonne reps. I don't think shutting us out is helpful. I personally know from my little bit of networking experience have raised money for Breast cancer, Autism Awareness, and Domestic Violence Awareness, which I don't think I could of done without the opportunity to be apart of groups like Tucson Networking Group. I don't see how having a member of a MLM would hurt us. I really think it's the person that you find value in, more so than their company. The person is the one offering personalized service, dedication, and local support of products & services.
Well, thats my 2cents.
~April
Happy New Year!
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Permalink Reply by Jesus H. on -
I personally do not care for most of them. My sister seems to join everyone there is, and they cost the people so much to run and the profit margin is low. I feel for the hardworking people trying to make a living, but I do not like when I am approached to be an employee. I think you should limit the number and say it is okay to sell their products but not to try to recruit us. I don't like pushy people, so there should be some professional guidelines. I was turned off by an event I attended because of the pushiness and haven't been back. Something like Avon I don't mind, but it should be limited to a certain number of sales reps. It will help the ones that are in the few and not overwhelm the rest of the group. Thank you. Jesus
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Permalink Reply by Marty Dobkins on -
Just found this discussion so my response is a little late. I believe TNA should allow MLM reps but limit the number from a particular group. Pushy people should not be tolerated. They can offer what they represent, and let those who are interested respond just like all business owners do. I have been a member of a few MLMs, enjoy it, and have found some really great products, some of which are only sold that way. What it boils down to is being a person who cares about people and their needs, not just trying to make a sale.
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Permalink Reply by April Tubilan on
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Exactly. Agree with Marty 100%
Thank You! =)
Marty Dobkins said:Just found this discussion so my response is a little late. I believe TNA should allow MLM reps but limit the number from a particular group. Pushy people should not be tolerated. They can offer what they represent, and let those who are interested respond just like all business owners do. I have been a member of a few MLMs, enjoy it, and have found some really great products, some of which are only sold that way. What it boils down to is being a person who cares about people and their needs, not just trying to make a sale.
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Permalink Reply by Tucson Networking Group on -
I love the feedback and comments here! There are some good points on both sides regarding MLMs. My position from the very start is that the Tucson Networking Association will be inclusive not exclusive. I am proud that we have a broad diverse selection of business people. Once that diversification tips in one direction or another then we lose the groups integrity. We will continue to limit the number of MLM reps to 10 from any particular company as stated in the membership guidelines. Everyone's feedback and input is always welcome and appreciated!! Andrew
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Permalink Reply by Karl Hasenoehrl on -
Love them or hate them MLM"s are definately a business. Boy have they gotten a bad reputation (for good reason in some cases). Pushy is the common word I see below. Car dealers and real estate agents are also pushy in my opinion, for that matter any sales profession that pays commission. So are you going to ban everyone? Of course not. I am active in a great ground floor MLM, I refuse to be pushy. Mostly becouse if I have to talk you into it are you really going to do the work? The company I am involved in did traditional sales for more than 6 years, sucessfully. They are right now switching to ML M. Part of the reason is to help people thru this tough economy. I love the product lines. Our price is very competative with like products on the open market. We dont charge the over-inflated prices that other MLM companies charge. This company is very very much concerned about building its distributors. Keeping them happy and giving us an honest chance to build both retail sales and a downline. I get product for my money (money I would be spending in an open market anyway). I am more than willing for anyone to give me a better opportunity to make better money with less investment. Unless its the lottery LOL I dont see it happening. I would love to hear from anyone who wants to hear about my opportunity. I use email as a general rule but my phone is open. I let people make their own decisions. For me its a no brainer, I spend money that would be spent elsewhere, I talk to those willing to listen and I work on.
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Permalink Reply by Sherry Fritz on -
Of course there are many pros and cons! However, it seems a new one is popping up every day and probably nearly everyone you know is involved in one way or another. The Good News is that this is still a free country and anyone marketing a product or service can do so through retail store, direct selling, franchise and privately or publicly held company. When you are at a networking meeting, you are there to promote yourself, your products and/or services. Does it really make a difference if you are meeting someone who sells real estate, provides insurance products, mortgage products, nutrition products, beauty products, attorney services, cell phone services or any other product or service. Do we really have such narrow vision to determine as a group what a real business is and keep out the ones that don't meet our what? Standards? How would you determine a 'real' business? Brick and mortar? Is a Jockey Retail store more real than a Jockey personal consultant coming to your home? Is providing personalized service and meeting the customer at his home a bad thing?
And, I believe, if you care to look up the statistics quite a few of business owners earning a high six figure income are in some kind of direct marketing or MLM.
Because there are always scams -- what there is to be ware of is NO product or service being offered -- the old pyramid: The passing around of money and every one getting a piece until it collapses. Or, the being paid to sponsor others in the business. This model the money is coming from the $500 investment to get in and not from any product or service!
Robert Kyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, says that he would choose a network marketing company if he had it to do over. Many financial planners are suggesting a network marketing company to earn an additional $300 to $500 a month to get out of debt, go on vacation, pay for college, etc.
As a group, if we were to choose to eliminate retail, direct selling, network marketing or MLM we would soon become the way of the dinosaur! You may think that I have a MLM business and I do not. However, I know it is another choice available to our capital free market society.
Sherry Fritz
Nutrition Educator for NSA
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Permalink Reply by Sherry Fritz on
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Of course there are many pros and cons! However, it seems a new one is popping up every day and probably nearly everyone you know is involved in one way or another. The Good News is that this is still a free country and anyone marketing a product or service can do so through retail store, direct selling, franchise and privately or publicly held company. When you are at a networking meeting, you are there to promote yourself, your products and/or services. Does it really make a difference if you are meeting someone who sells real estate, provides insurance products, mortgage products, nutrition products, beauty products, attorney services, cell phone services or any other product or service. Do we really have such narrow vision to determine as a group what a real business is and keep out the ones that don't meet our what? Standards? How would you determine a 'real' business? Brick and mortar? Is a Jockey Retail store more real than a Jockey personal consultant coming to your home? Is providing personalized service and meeting the customer at his home a bad thing?
And, I believe, if you care to look up the statistics quite a few of business owners earning a high six figure income are in some kind of direct marketing or MLM.
Because there are always scams -- what there is to be ware of is NO product or service being offered -- the old pyramid: The passing around of money and every one getting a piece until it collapses. Or, the being paid to sponsor others in the business. This model the money is coming from the $500 investment to get in and not from any product or service!
Robert Kyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, says that he would choose a network marketing company if he had it to do over. Many financial planners are suggesting a network marketing company to earn an additional $300 to $500 a month to get out of debt, go on vacation, pay for college, etc.
As a group, if we were to choose to eliminate retail, direct selling, network marketing or MLM we would soon become the way of the dinosaur! You may think that I have a MLM business and I do not. However, I know it is another choice available to our capital free market society.
Sherry Fritz
Nutrition Educator for NSA
www.sherryfritz.com
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Permalink Reply by Priscilla Scott on -
Even though this is a little late as well.... I have been in the alternative health industry for 18 years and have learned much about research. As quoted from a holistic practitioner and life long acquaintance; " Some of the best products are through MLM". My friend and cranial therapist uses a wonder Chinese product you can't find on a shelf. WIlliam Lickliter said it nicely: "You cannot judge the value and potential contributions of an individual based on the business/profession they decide to work in." (Thanks Tom)
Priscilla Scott
Life Vantage Distributor
www.mylifevantage.com/priscillascott
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Permalink Reply by Larry James on -
From my experience, it's not the MLM companies that are to blame, it's the unnfortunate people who are not sufficiantly trained to be in business for themselves. Many are lured with the option of making thousands of dollars each month when - in truth - that is seldom the case. So, let stop the blame game and everyone pitch in to help train "everyone" how to effectively network better.
A major irritant for me is having an MLMer try to recruit me into their fold at networking events without telling me hardly anything about their scheme where I can make $20,000 a month. It seems to me that it should be this way: help someone understand and like the product by being a user of the product and much later. . . introduce them to a way that they might make a few extra dollars in their spare time. I know how it works because at one point in my life I was a very successful MLMer. Networking events are not about recruiting. I doubt seriously if you or anyone you know would consider getting in business with someone they just met. If you are someone who does this, you will soon get a reputation as a "networking pest" and your networking opportunities will soon evaporate.
Sometimes I want to scream, “Stop trying to sell me. I don’t even know you and you certainly have no clue about what my motivation is for being here!”
Networking is about building long-term business relationships. You cannot do that in one meeting. It takes time. Be clear. Networking is using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return! And if a business lead grows from conversation with another networker that’s the bonus! Not the intent.
MLMer's can fit in nicely into "any" networking groups as long as they truly understand the collaborative etiquette of networking!
Suggested article: Networking Events are a Waste of Time. . .
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Permalink Reply by Tucson Networking Group on
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Larry James said:From my experience, it's not the MLM companies that are to blame, it's the unfortunate people who are not sufficiantly trained to be in business for themselves. Many are lured with the option of making thousands of dollars each month when - in truth - that is seldom the case. So, let stop the blame game and everyone pitch in to help train "everyone" how to effectively network better.
A major irritant for me is having an MLMer try to recruit me into their fold at networking events without telling me hardly anything about their scheme where I can make $20,000 a month. It seems to me that it should be this way: help someone understand and like the product by being a user of the product and much later. . . introduce them to a way that they might make a few extra dollars in their spare time. I know how it works because at one point in my life I was a very successful MLMer. Networking events are not about recruiting. I doubt seriously if you or anyone you know would consider getting in business with someone they just met. If you are someone who does this, you will soon get a reputation as a "networking pest" and your networking opportunities will soon evaporate.
Sometimes I want to scream, “Stop trying to sell me. I don’t even know you and you certainly have no clue about what my motivation is for being here!”
Networking is about building long-term business relationships. You cannot do that in one meeting. It takes time. Be clear. Networking is using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return! And if a business lead grows from conversation with another networker that’s the bonus! Not the intent.
MLMer's can fit in nicely into "any" networking groups as long as they truly understand the collaborative etiquette of networking!
Suggested article: Networking Events are a Waste of Time. . .
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