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Multi-level marketing - is it for you?

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Multi-level marketing
          You will inevitably be invited from time to time to join a multi-level marketing business (MLM). The opportunity to boost your income selling jewellery, household products, telecoms or food supplements may tempt you. Introducing your friends and family to your ‘business’ will, as the projections inevitably show, bring you a very healthy income.
          There are very strict rules now that govern the way these schemes are constructed. Pyramid selling schemes are illegal. If you are approached, make sure first that the company is a member of the Direct Selling Association (www.dsa.org.uk) and abides by their code of conduct.
          The appeal of MLM is that you are following a proven formula and can build your direct selling business without giving up the day job. Here are some questions to ask yourself before joining an MLM scheme.
  1. Do I like following rules? – To succeed, indeed to get on at all, you have to follow the MLM company’s methodology. You won’t succeed if you decide to do it your own way. You must accept the rules.
  2. Do I like motivational tapes? – For many of these firms, motivational tapes, books, seminars and conventions are virtually compulsory! They know that if they develop you, they’ll develop your sales.
  3. Will my friends be impressed, or disappointed? – Your friends are worth more to you than money. Ask them if they’d buy these products from you or join your network themselves. It’s too easy to get over enthusiastic and become a social pariah.
 
Do not however, form the opinion that I am against multi-level marketing. For some people it is a great way to make new friends, earn a second income, develop self confidence and learn new skills. For many people it works incredibly well, for others it is a disappointment.