Can Multi Level Marketers Work Successfully Together?

What do you think? Can Multi-Level-Marketers from different MLM companies find common ground to work together successfully? 

It is no wonder that MLM in recent years is being called Relationship Marketing . It is if anything a business about people and building relationships.

I ask the question because today I attended an online business conference and got some news about the future of our company that could bring some useful benefits to my business. Yes it was great news and yes it was only useful if I could spread it fast enough, and get others to see the benefits it would accrued them, if they got on board with the idea.

Immediately I started making a list of all the people who I could think of that this upcoming offer would benefit most. One of the persons among the first five that I thought about, was an acquaintance who is involved with another MLM company. We met about a year ago when I had a look at her MLM business opportunity.

We have both looked at each other's businesses and acknowledged that, if we were not already with our chosen MLM company we may have happily joined the others' business.

I called her and we had a great conversation, about the upcoming offer my company was having. I enquired whether she would take a look at it once it was rolled out and ready to go. She said yes and told me to send it to her as soon as it was available. 

We connected again later via Facebook and she was very encouraging sharing with me some inspiring tips and ideas about staying motivated and positive about my MLM business. She even shared some of the things that she would do daily to keep herself motivated and positive. Presently she is totally fired up, inspired and motivated. This of course is transferring into the success she is enjoying in her business right now.

I told this story to emphasise the fact that we as Multi-Level-Marketers can work together even if we market for different companies. Truthfully I believe deeply that we should be supportive of each other whenever possible, as we know first-hand what it entails to build an MLM business. 

I have never subscribed to the idea that we all have to be in bitter competition with each other, because we are involved with different companies. Considering that many of us market different products, I think, we should feel free to offer our product to persons in other companies, if we believe that it could be useful to them. 

We should also be supportive and encouraging to each other, whether we are on the same team or with the same company. I doubt that we lose anything by offering a kind word of encouragement, or by taking a look at a product, or even buying a product form someone from another company. 

On the other hand, if someone is not interested in our product at the said time, we should not be offended or feel discouraged. They may honestly have no use for the product at the moment.

Though I believe that we should try to be more tolerant of each other, even if we market for different MLM companies, I do not agree with trying to entice someone away form their MLM company onto our team. 

There are people who market for more than one company, and that's okay if they are capable of doing so successfully.  But encouraging someone away from their company to join ours, to me is unethical.

MLM is a growing and diverse industry, with more and more companies and products coming on board, as fast as they are thought of.  

We may well find that we have to do business among ourselves, more often than in the past. It is therefore imperative that we find that common ground, and begin learning how to work with each other for the greater good of the industry. 

We need to embrace the idea of Relationship Marketing fully into the MLM industry.

Step Up Your MLM Game Plan! Challenge Yourself

It is a bit weird for me to think of myself as "getting started" in my MLM business since I have been around the industry for many years. Yet! in some ways I feel like I am doing exactly that.

I must admit that I have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge over the years being in the industry, though I am yet to achieve the success that I would like to. Looking back, I can now understand some of the reasons why my progress has been slow to materialize.

To succeed in MLM, it has become necessary that we step out of our comfort zone. Was I ready to step out of my comfort zone? I don't think so! All these years later, I had to admit that this has been my major weakness. My inability to step out and do the things that were required, to take my business to the next level resulted in minimal growth.

Connecting and meeting with people, making calls to prospects, doing the business presentation and always taking consistent action are all things required to give an MLM business momentum.

In the present market place, if you are using the Internet to promote your business, you need to have an even more aggressive approach. Writing blogs, being active in social sites, making videos and updating your YouTube channel, advertising your business and promoting at every opportunity are all necessary actions that must be taken.

Recently, I have considered doing video marketing, for the first time. I have been inhibited from doing so, because of a unfounded fear of being on camera. There is no reason why I should have this fear, except, lack of confidence. This is what I mean about being afraid to step out of our comfort zone. The fear holds us bound, and we are unable to take the next necessary step to realizing our dreams.

To move beyond this paralysing fear, I have decided to take up a challenge issued by one of the leaders at Internet Lifestyles Network a few months ago. He challenged the members that if they did one video daily, for one hundred (100) days, they will make a sale. If they did one videos daily and posted it to there YouTube channel, Facebook and Google+, and were unable to make a sale in that one hundred days, he would give them one hundred dollars ($100.00). Chuckle!

After connecting with a few members who were already doing this challenge I became interested. Their confidence, motivation and enthusiasm encouraged me to take up the challenge myself. I feel convinced that by taking action and doing this, I would be better positioned to get past any fear I harbour about being in front of a camera. Generating income while doing it, would of course be an added reward.

Cisco the Networking Equipment giant published in their Visual Networking Index that "Globally, customer Internet video traffic will be 69 percent of all consumer Internet traffic in 2017, up from 57 percent in 2012" 

Considering that this is true, it becomes imperative that anyone intending to make an impact online in the future, will need to utilize the use of video, to get their message out, and to attract the attention of their desired audience.

Are you ready to take on the challenge of stepping up your MLM game plan? If you are, then challenge yourself to do something you were afraid of doing before. Something that you know, that by doing it, it would make a great difference for your business. Whether it is - starting a blog, creating videos or making calls to prospects. 

Whatever it is, make a decision to do it today. We all carry our individual fears, but I have learned that, those fears take away our power to step out and do the things that could make a difference in our lives and business.

If we make a commitment right now to step up our game plan, we may be able to look back and recognize that, making that commitment was the pivotal moment, when our MLM business began to deliver the results we always wanted.

Challenge yourself right now, make a plan to step out of your comfort zone and start creating your own videos. We all now know what a powerful marketing tool Youtube could be.We all have to start somewhere so lets do it together. 

Below is a sneak preview of my first video.

"See you on the beaches of the world" ...Worn out MLM hype?

Me looking out at a breathtaking view on the Island of Carriacou

Is it time to take a hard look at what has become cliché in  MLM (Multi-Level Marketing)?

Telling someone who live on a Caribbean or Tropical Island "See you on the beaches of the world" is like telling an bird; "see you in a tree"

I live in the Caribbean on a tropical Island, yes! sun, sand and sea is a common experience that we live daily on one level or another.

Actually it was looking out of my window this morning that made me realise how hollow such a statement might be to many people who are in MLM and live on Tropical Islands.

I do not doubt that it may hold some motivation for someone who live in a different part of the world but to someone who live on a tropical Island there is no wow factor in such a statement.

Having access to some of the most beautiful beaches and experiencing them first hand is a privileged we enjoy and I must say I am grateful for. An MLM pitch that says: "See you on the beaches of the world", therefore, sound worn out and overuse to me. Maybe the statement had its hay day when the world was a "smaller place" and we lived much more remote lives secluded from each other.

In the early days of MLM, before the advent of the internet someone might have gone dreamy eyed after hearing such a statement. Today we live in an ever shrinking "global village" where there are less and less degrees of separation between us.

Many people have access to MLM and are starting their own business thanks to the internet. These people live scattered across the globe Tropical Islands included. Therefore, many things that held any mystique in the past fail to do so any more.

Due to this shrinking of the globe people in the Caribbean and other people who live "on the beaches of the world" now participate en mass in the MLM industry.

Things have changed dramatically and it is time the language of the industry change too. If you live on a tropical Island; "See you on the beaches of the world" has a very hallow ring to it. Considering any number of beaches are just a short drive away.

I know I am not qualified to speak for everyone but I also am sure many people have thought of this and may agree.

This is not to say that there is no appreciation for an all expenses paid trip like the ones many MLM companies give out as bonuses for high achievement. It just seem that such statements have become cliché and in the present environment may have had their day. They therefore hold no real power to motivate and encourage as they did previously.

It is becoming apparent that we are in a time of new "MLM speak". Thankfully many leaders in the industry are aware of this and they are speaking to "the meat of the matter". They give value by discussing the truths of the industry and what it takes to build an MLM business. This I continue to believe is what people are interested in and want to hear.

People want to hear what it entails to achieve what is necessary to get to "the beaches of the world".
They are aware that it is not all just glitz and glamour one need to put in some "blood sweat and tears" to coin another cliché.

Changing the way we present MLM, seems to me to be the the way forward. Those who support the industry and are invested in it need to see the value in changing the language with the changing environment.

"See you on the beaches of the world" is only one of the hallow worn out statements that Network Marketers and MLMers continue to use. We are definitely on the cusp of change. A change that is rapid and driven by ever advancing technology

The very survival of the MLM industry may well hang on how we adapt to that change. Maybe it is time to review the language. Time to talk about what holds real value for the listener in this environment of hyper-change
 



Written By: Lylette Primell














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MLM Can Overwhelm You. The Importance of Staying Focus

I must admit that I am no MLM (Multi- Level Marketing) expert or guru. Nor am I aspiring to become thus. Whatever I blog about regarding this subject comes mainly from my day to day experience with building my own MLM business.

Yes! I do appreciate the MLM model of business very much. That I have confessed to often enough both on and offline. Therefore, when I bolg about different aspects of building an MLM business I strive to share my own honest and objective opinion based on what I have experienced.

If you have been around the industry long enough and have used the internet as a means of reaching prospect and customers, who are interested in what you promote, then you understand the importance of having an undivided focus.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the information coming at you via your inbox or social sites such as Facebook, Google+ and Twitter? Are you bombarded daily with invitations to join one MLM business after another?

We are without a doubt living in an age of  "hyper information" or some would say information overload. The question is how do we maintain a single-mindedness of focus in the face of this seemingly unavoidable intrusion?

In my early days of MLM online I found it difficult to stay focus and became prey to every new shiny business that captured my imagination. Before very long I was inundated with more information than I could logically process or filter. Fortunately for me I found a mentor who taught me that lack of focus is one of the main reasons why people never succeeded in marketing online.

He stressed the need to stay focus on the business you are invested in and promoting. In the face of all the shiny new daily start-ups online, this is obviously difficult for most of us. I know this because just in the last forty-eight hours I was contacted and invited to join about six new opportunities both by long time acquaintances and a few new ones. I therefore, ask the question; how do we reconcile this and remain focus on our present business?

My only suggestion would be this gem of wisdom shared by Bob Reina the CEO of Talk Fusion. His advise to associates is that we give our business at least one year of unobstructed focus and attention. He advise that we use the system provided by the company as a guide to building our business. He argues that if this is done, coupled with giving at least seven (7) to ten (10) hours weekly to building our Talk Fusion business, by the end of the first year we would not want to quit.

Listen to Bob Reina in his own words:

                                                      Talk Fusion CEO Bob Reina

The obvious reason being that with consistent effort and focus on your business you stand a greater chance of deriving the benefits you desire. You begin to see a greater likelihood of achieving your goals and dreams. This of course would motivate and encourage you to stay the course.

Bob Reina's advise therefore, seem to be a practical and sensible approach that anyone serious about building an MLM business can adopt. It is a principal that can be useful regardless of which company you are affiliated with.

Many people argue that we all need multiple streams of income and I agree to an extent. Even experts like Robert Kiyosaki weigh in on the importance and necessity of this. Ultimately I believe that choosing to have more than one means of earning an income is an individual choice.

What I think is necessary for succeeding in your MLM is to focus on building a solid foundation for one business before moving to others. That may be the easiest way to avoid becoming overwhelmed by having to cope with too many things at the same time.

When we feel inundated because we are pulled in too many directions simultaneously we lose focus and defeat sets in. When this occurs we are much more inclined to give up. This cause us to feel a sense of failure caused mainly by confusion.

To avoid this I suggest taking Bob Reina's advise and focus on one opportunity for at least one year. Allow it time to grow and develop. By doing this we give ourselves a better opportunity of experiencing progress and success. Which in turn would give us the drive and motivation we need to continue to build our business.

Most of all MLM like any other business need time and nurturing to develop and grow. If you believe all the hype about getting rich in one month then MLM is not for you. Any right thinking person will know that it is not possible to get rich overnight in any business MLM or otherwise.

To avoid being overwhelmed and losing focus on your goals and dreams make a commitment now to develop a "tunnel vision" approach to building your MLM business

Hmmm! Why the passionate sometimes frenzied hatred toward MLM"?

Yes! Why the passionate sometimes frenzied hatred towards the MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) industry? It may be difficult to believe but this is a very genuine question that came to me after reading quite a number of contributions by different commentators both for and against the MLM industry.

When one think of business models it is obvious that there are a variety of them know to us. Some we like some we dislike. Some we support some we avoid at all cost.

Those of us with a burning desires to be independent of a "job" at some point in our lives dream of owning our own business. Of course the resources to own our own business is most times outside the reach of ninety percent of us who desire to do so.

Owning your own business requires some necessary resources such as start up capital, knowledge of the specific industry of choice, some basic management skills and time to give full attention to the business and its ongoing requirements. Putting all this together is daunting even to the hardened dreamer with the driving desire to be independent of a job and become his/her own boss.

The MLM business model has become an attractive prospect to many throngs of people around the world. It has done so by finding ways to minimize some of the challenges of starting a business. Thus, making the idea of owning one's own business seem more plausible and doable to the ambitious dreamers of our day.

Getting started in the MLM industry requires a low start-up investment, your business comes fully loaded with all the training and getting started material you will require. You literally have a business in a box complete with team support and mentors. This may vary in quality and standard based on the MLM company of your choice. As is commonly said in the industry "you are in business for yourself but not by yourself" You can build your MLM business and still continue to do whatever you were doing to support your life financially. Hence you control the time you spend and dedicate to building your business.

The major arguments put forward by those who are "up in arms" against the MLM industry is that compared to conventional small business the success rate of those in MLM is woefully low. Many have sighted things such as market saturation, having to attend regular meetings and exploitation of relationship with family and friends. Others have even liken participants in the MLM industry to mobsters and gangsters. These I sighted here are just a few of the many accusations levelled against the industry in a kind of roaring "battle cry" of "down with MLM"  In my opinion all of this seem mostly done with the deliberate intention of spreading fear of the industry among would be prospects and even some of us already invested in an MLM business.

All business models have their high and lows and the MLM industry is not immune to this. There would obviously be those within the industry who would use some measures that are totally unethical unflattering and even detrimental to the overall image of the industry. There will obviously be differences of opinion among those both within the industry and persons outside the industry. Some have been know to deteriorate into long drawn out lawsuits that have in many ways tarnished the image of the MLM industry and continue to do so. This though is not exclusive to the Multi-Level Marketing industry, it would be safe to conclude that wherever people gather in large number with a common interest "head butting" is expected and is a given.

I must acknowledge that I do agree with some of the shortcomings sighted about the MLM industry by some contributors. However what I have observed is that some seem to go to great lengths to prove and overemphasise these shortcomings. They then set themselves up as the voice of reason, the saviour of the unsuspecting dreamer who would be taken in by all the promises and allure of the MLM industry. It begs the question; why are they so eager to protect me form "wasting" my money,? Is their concern about my welfare as genuine as they claim or is their a more sinister and hidden agenda in this frenzied attack on the MLM industry?

Having read many articles, blogs and the like for and against the MLM industry some of which I found enlightening and educating. Among the many arguments against the industry there was a very noticeable common thread. They all at some point seem to deteriorate into a frenzy of fear-mongering, even injecting quotes from the "Good Book" to show those who participate in the industry why what they do is not right in the sight of God. It was at that point that I truly realizes that many who criticize the MLM industry have more than an "axe to grind". I am yet to read one article or critique that was totally objective without being abusive, accusatory or making personal attacks on the industry and its participants.

Whether these commentators are disgruntled X MLM participants or just people with their own personal agendas determined to discredit the industry, is anyone's guess. After reading some of these commentaries you come away feeling emotionally spent wondering what experience could have brought the writer to such a state of anger, disdain and aggression towards the MLM industry and those who participate. Participants whom they scornfully dub "MLMers".

Well if you are an MLMer and believe you can achieve your dreams and goals using the industry as a vehicle then good for you. If  you are a disgruntled X MLMer or you just downright hate the industry and have to spew your frustration at least do it so you do not come across as the "grim reaper" of the industry. Ask yourself honestly if it is right to frighten another person out of having an experience that you have no knowledge beforehand whether it will turn out good or bad for them. Your having a bad experience for whatever reason in your MLM does not cast the idea in stone that it will be the same for everyone else.

This blog was not written with the intent to attack anyone, that is why I refrained from putting any links or naming anyone in particular. All I am doing is trying to get some objectivity. There is no objectivity in writing an article with a title like "Arguments for and against the MLM industry" then you proceed to write an article that is ninety percent against the industry. Where sixty percent of that is spent spreading fear. It would be more honest to just write an article purely against the industry.

It feels much better getting some of that off of my chest and having a good rant about it. Now I will rest my case on this issue. If anyone reading this want to do their own research or have a look at some of the articles and blogs I am referring to just Google MLM or Multi-Level Marketing and take your pick.

MLM - "You mean that pyramid scheme thing"

If you are like me living in the Caribbean and are attempting to build an MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) business there are some experiences that I can guarantee you that are inevitable. One of the most persistent experiences that has become so typical on some Caribbean Islands is the response you get from people when you attempt to introduce your business to them. This I believe is due to the trust levels regarding the MLM industry which in many cases stem from ignorance about the business model.  At least four out of ten people will ask you the same question and your conversation with them would go something like this.

"Hi John what's up. I'm calling to invite you to take a look at a business idea a friend shared with me. We're having a meeting on Friday at 6:00 pm at "Happy Day Hotel" meet me there so you can get to check it out for yourself" The typical response that you are likely to get from "John" run mostly along the lines of:

"Hey buddy what is this about, I hope it's not one of those pyramid scheme things. Them things don't work. I know because I was in "such and such company" ten years ago and I ain't make any money."

Or "I hope it's not "such and such company" or one of those Pyramid scheme things. I don't like them things at all, people don't ever make any money in them things.

Or "I will come only because it's you that invite me, but I'm not really into them pyramid scheme business".

In many cases this is how the conversation evolves when you try to invite people to take a look at your MLM business presentation here in the Caribbean. This is not to say there are not folks out there who will accept your invitation with a genuine interest in what it is you want to share with them. The above example though, is a real and persisting scenario that you are likely to be faced with sooner or later.

How each individual deals with this issue is entirely up to them or based on the training they receive from their individual MLM company. Whether someone accepts your invitation to view your business or not will be determined by many varying factors. Some of which include - the level of trust between you two, how professional you present yourself, the person's prior experience with MLM businesses, the person's level of suspicion about the industry and the person's interest in being involved in any business at the moment. Ultimately I believe each contact is unique and comes down to the individuals and how they interact with each other.

What I will suggest is that you educate yourself about the difference between a legitimate Multi-level Marketing business and a "Pyramid Scheme", because you will be asked the questions I mentioned above. A good place to start is to familiarize yourself with what the DSA (Direct Selling Association) has to say about the difference between legal MLM companies or Direct Selling Companies and Pyramid Schemes. What I have found is that when the question arises, educating people about the difference is the best way forward. This allows them the opportunity to make a qualified decision about whether they want to be involved in your MLM business or not. To get more information about direct selling companies your can also go to Direct Selling 411.

What I have noticed is that many people in the MLM industry here in the Caribbean are totally unaware that there is a difference between a legal Multi-level Marketing business and a "Pyramid Scheme". Therefore when faced with the inevitable question "Is it one of those pyramid scheme things"? they become dodgy and uncomfortable thus adding to the other person's suspicion and ultimately hurting there business and even their relationship with that person.

With the the internet as a driving force in recent years in the MLM industry this is hopefully changing. With this change the hope is that more and more people in the industry are realizing that educating themselves is advantageous to growing a successful business. I have found that having the right mentor and team support also help in educating associates on pertinent issues and how to deal with them in a professional, open and honest manner. For instance in my case I am connected with a very supportive team of both Caribbean and International members of the company I am affiliated with. We have both public pages on Facebook like the links I shared above and also private groups for registered Independent Associates to interact and share ideas, goals and accomplishments.

As I said before and I will reiterate, the legal MLM business model is a business like any other. Individuals are free to participate or not participate, therefore, educating people about the industry and how it works is the best way of determining who will get involved and who would not. Misleading people into joining your business has one outcome; that is mass attrition added to that it also destroys some friendships and relationships.

Like everything else there are people who will see the MLM industry as the right fit for them and will approach it with positive intention. While on the other hand there will be people that want nothing to do with the industry and that to me is quite okay. There will of course also be people who will get involved for all manner of reasons, then decide along the way this is what they were looking for or it is not exactly what they wanted. That too should be respected.  It is my belief that peoples' right to choose, regardless of whether they choose to partner with you or not, should be respected at all times.

Here is an Audio by Jerry Clarke, one of the industry's most respected coaches and trainers, which gives a quick overview of the industry and discusses the difference between a legal MLM business and a "pyramid scheme".

Your MLM is not a charity

To anyone reading my blog for the first time MLM wherever used is short for Multi-level Marketing. If you need more information on what Multi-level Marketing is Google is a great place to start. On that note I will get to what's on my mind for today.

There are experiences in the MLM business that cause you to understand in a profound way why some "Leaders" in the industry promote certain activities while others continually impress upon us to avoid them at all cost.

Many people who have been around the business for a long time are totally against selling the MLM concept to family and friends. While others think this is the best and easiest way to grow your business, by targeting the people closest to you. Hence the genesis of the term "Relationship Marketing"  In my opinion the jury is still out on which of these is the best model to follow. Therefore, I am not promoting any of the above models of marketing your MLM business as a better choice than the other, since both models have been proven to worked effectively.

In many ways a person's personality and ability will dictate whether marketing their MLM business to friends and family or otherwise will work best for them. Time, trial and error and experience will give you a good indication as to which of the two works best for you and yields the best results.

Over the years the "blueprint" for building an MLM business has gone through all manner of metamorphosis. The advent of the Internet bringing the most dramatic and dynamic changes the industry has ever seen and been faced with. Social media ranking high among the forces of change. Many of these changes happening in very short spans of time. Presently to survive the MLM industry you have to either catch up, keep up or stay ahead of the curve.

In an earlier post I mentioned that I started this blog to create an avenue to have an open conversation about the things everyone avoids talking about in the MLM industry. Yet these seem to be the very things that are on everyone's' mind and thus can be liken to the proverbial ten ton elephant in the room. What I have notice is that any time a discussion about Multi-level Marketing ensues there are always clear "battle lines" drawn, nerves gets rattled and tempers flare.

Speaking for myself I must say that I have had my share of getting upset and offended. This most often happened when I heard people, who I knew have zero knowledge of the industry and have never been in the MLM business, mouth off inaccuracies about the industry with an air of assumed authority. I have since learned to listen to what others have to say and if possible try to contribute something positive to the conversation that could prove helpful all around.

You will quickly learn that you get the most flack, rejection and least support from family and friends when you join an MLM company. I have been fortunate, in recent years, to get support from some members of my family.  This might be mainly because of my unwavering commitment to this business model over the years. Some people in your family will join you simply to "support" what you are doing, others will join you just so you stop "pestering" them. There are others who will join your business with their own ulterior motives.

It has been my experience that within the groups mentioned above most or none of them will ever commit to truly building an MLM business. A very select few within your friends and family will sign up seeing the potential to own their own business and advance themselves financially. These people therefore, are more likely to make a genuine effort to grow their business and realize the financial rewards it could offer them.

Building an MLM business requires some amount of toughness. It takes a certain amount of grit to stand up to what can and is many times meted out to people in this industry. What seems worst is when it comes form our love ones and friends. This alone I am sure, even without statistics to show, is one of the main reasons why many people quit or never make a genuine effort towards following up on their investment and building their business. It is one of the main reason also why some "talking heads" in the industry advocate never talking to friends and family about your MLM business.

Some of your loved ones will join you in good faith thinking that by doing so they are "supporting" or "helping" you. They may even say this to you by letting you know that they have no interest in the business. You may take this on in good faith but later learn that their true sentiment about what you are doing and about the MLM industry is not very flattering. This could prove painful for you and cause you to feel hurt and treated like a charity. Do realized that this is a grave disservice to your business and to you.

The MLM business model is a business like any other business. If someone cannot appreciate that then they are free to refrain from participating. Grudgingly investing because they think they are "helping" you because "they care about you" in my opinion is insulting and demeaning both to the industry and to you. At all cost avoid allowing your MLM business to be treated like a charity.

A professional approach to building your MLM business is always the best way forward. Therefore partner only with people who are genuinely interested in being involved in the MLM business model or in buying your product. Avoid anyone who is just joining your business to "support"  or "help" you. Refrain from coercing  people to join your business by making promises you cannot keep. Your business may grow at a slower rate but it will definitely have a higher rate of retention thus benefit you much more in the long run. Remember your MLM business is not a charity it is your business so be professional and the results you desire will in time be realized.