Network Marketing Business Opportunities - Share Your Experiences

[barman]

Per the area of "Finance" and "Business" this thread created for discussion and information sharing about Network Marketing-style business opportunities.

Likely more than at any time in recent history, such business ideas are likely to be getting a lot more attention from people looking for alternative ways to create income while still working their current jobs or running more traditional full time businesses.

I'm interested in hearing of personal testimonials of any and all experiences you may have had with either:

-- Operating such a business(es) yourself, either currently or in the past

What company(s) and/or products and services do you (did you) represent?

What is (was) the average cost of doing business versus the money you're making (made)?

What are (were) the most positive components of your business?

What are (were) the most notable drawbacks based on your perception or experience?

Does (did) your business(es) operate anywhere outside the USA?



--- Knowing someone else who has operated such a business, either currently or in the past?

Same type questions as above, though it's understandable your direct information about someone else's business might be more limited.

 

[barman]

Disclosure - I've made a few mentions here in past month that I have just worked a deal to join in the expansion of a specific network of businesses who use Amway Global as their primary supplier and their conduit to other manufacturers.

It's certain that as I talk to candidates for expanding our network, I will hear about other types of network marketing businesses.

So the more I can learn about how some of the other NM businesses operate, the better I'll be able to respond to questions, comments and comparisons between them and the specific Network with which I am partnering.

 

[Mistermj]

I worked for Primerica / Citibank back in the middle 90's. It was considered all the rage back then...and very innovative for Primerica to market insurance and financial products with "Multi-level" marketing.

I have to say...I wasn't very impressed. I had to quit right away.

The whole network marketing thing really rubs me the wrong way...just being honest about it.

 

[punter]

My experience with multilevel marketing was that it is a scam. I was warned of this but had to see for myself.

 

[punter]

Sales is a good profession if you can find the proper niche. I made some of the best money of my life when I had a sales rep organization. That was when there were a lot of small manufacturers that could not afford salesmen but could pay commission to a multi line rep in the territory.

In the mid to late 80's all the large companies started buying up all the small ones and I had to find a new career.

If you could work something like that it might work but bear in mind that there are so many trying that people have a resistance to sales but if you can offer convenience and trust you might be on to something.

 

[Fngorh]

Not sure how you would combine the 2. But MLM + gambling would make someone at the top a fortune! Of wait. Thats what Madoff did.

 

[kingbill]

I used to sell Camera's in a camera shop when I was 19, it seemed every week 3-4 guys would try to come in and get me on Amway.

I realized I didn't want to be a guy that was hustling friends and family for $$$

But I know a guy who made enough for a BMW selling it so the potential is there...but he said it took years of hustling to do it.

But to make $$$ you need to be at the top...or have a shite load of people under you.

 

[barman]

I was warned of this but had to see for myself.

Elaborate, please

 

[barman]

Sales is a good profession if you can find the proper niche.....

If you could work something like that it might work but bear in mind that there are so many trying that people have a resistance to sales but if you can offer convenience and trust you might be on to something.

Actually, the project I've plugged into has sales as a very secondary component. But I know that many NM opportunities are very sales driven.

 

[barman]

I worked for Primerica / Citibank back in the middle 90's. It was considered all the rage back then...and very innovative for Primerica to market insurance and financial products with "Multi-level" marketing.

I have to say...I wasn't very impressed. I had to quit right away.

The whole network marketing thing really rubs me the wrong way...just being honest about it.

So the Primerica was your only direct involvement in a NM biz?

 

[barman]

I used to sell Camera's in a camera shop when I was 19, it seemed every week 3-4 guys would try to come in and get me on Amway.

I realized I didn't want to be a guy that was hustling friends and family for $$$

Were you as equally uncomfortable hustling friends and family for camera sales?

(serious question)

 

[barman]

But I know a guy who made enough for a BMW selling it so the potential is there...but he said it took years of hustling to do it.

Well certainly (as noted in my OP) there's plenty of people who make good legitimate money from NM businesses, especially those connected with AG (50 year history now)

Appreciate the shared insights in Replies so far

 

[Mistermj]

So the Primerica was your only direct involvement in a NM biz?

Yes...other than being exposed to other people trying to get me into various other ventures.

 

[Mistermj]

Actually, the project I've plugged into has sales as a very secondary component. But I know that many NM opportunities are very sales driven.

the project I've plugged into has sales as a very secondary component

Thats exactly what Primerica drilled into my head at first...let me guess...it must be recruitment then.

Correct?

It has to be...and thats the start of what I do not like about it.

 

[kingbill]

Were you as equally uncomfortable hustling friends and family for camera sales?

(serious question)

It was retail...I was 19...honestly didn't care...if people came into the store...I'd sell...

 

[brucefan]

Awesome business model.

The problem really is that people in the United States are too stupid to get it! I am sorry if thats too strong for some, but thats the truth

I was with a company for over 10 years, made ok part time income, but the reaction of people that I spoke to about the opportunity was just pathetic.

I was marketing services to people in billion dollar industries, which could feed a lot of families if everyone just worked together and took it serious.

I cant tell you how many people who told me they didnt want to do the business because "they couldn't make money"

I said why? They told me they didnt want to jeopardize their govt check!:think2:

I became a Libertarian overnight.

 

[barman]

Thats exactly what Primerica drilled into my head at first...let me guess...it must be recruitment then.

Correct?

It has to be...and thats the start of what I do not like about it.

*No, it's not

*With regard to your own experience, why did you have a complaint with Primerica expanding their rep base via personal recruiting?

 

[barman]

Yes...other than being exposed to other people trying to get me into various other ventures.

If that was the posture you encountered (people trying to "get you in" to a venture(s)) then I can see why it could leave a poor impression of the general concept.

I've had that happen a few times over past 20 years and it's not very professional or inspiring

 

[barman]

BFan: Awesome business model.

Bar: Which one?

BF: The problem really is that people in the United States are too stupid to get it! I am sorry if thats too strong for some, but thats the truth

Bar: Upwards of two million Americans are involved in some kind of NM business, so someone is getting it

BF: I was with a company for over 10 years, made ok part time income

Bar: Which one?

BF: I cant tell you how many people who told me they didnt want to do the business because "they couldn't make money"

I said why? They told me they didnt want to jeopardize their govt check!:think2:

Bar: Interesting account. The people who are teaching me the Network 21 business model note that those from a middle to upper income class are more likely to have good success building the model. While there's no barrier to show the model to lowest income people, it's harder with that group to find people who still have sufficient ambition to change their way of life.

 

[brucefan]

BFan: Awesome business model.

Bar: Which one?

BF: The problem really is that people in the United States are too stupid to get it! I am sorry if thats too strong for some, but thats the truth

Bar: Upwards of two million Americans are involved in some kind of NM business, so someone is getting it

BF: I was with a company for over 10 years, made ok part time income

Bar: Which one?

BF: I cant tell you how many people who told me they didnt want to do the business because "they couldn't make money"

I said why? They told me they didnt want to jeopardize their govt check!:think2:

Bar: Interesting account. The people who are teaching me the Network 21 business model note that those from a middle to upper income class are more likely to have good success building the model. While there's no barrier to show the model to lowest income people, it's harder with that group to find people who still have sufficient ambition to change their way of life.

I was with ACN.

This statement is a general comment, and not about ACN

With a low entry fee, unlimited upside, a simple duplicatable system, all the tax benefits of business ownership, lthe leverage of having many people responsable for your income, the sign up ratio should be 6 out of 10!

Most dont see it, or want to pay a price for success. Its sad

Many people never understand the concept of having multiple streams of incomes until its too late.

The low entry fee also becomes an excuse to quit.

To win, you need to recruit and groom leaders.

Find them, and you can make money