Multi-level Marketing
Companies – MLM’s:
A Commentary by Char Tara Albert
In 1974 I joined my
first multi-level company, Sunasu, a pioneering company selling the
first ever vitamin, mineral and herb formulation in cellophane packets.
It was a phenomenally energizing produce which I sold successfully
for seven years. Next I joined Dr. Christopher Hills, a scientist
who brought Spirulina to the forefront. For 14 years I marketed Light
Force Products, selling the green stuff long before it showed up in
grocery stores. By then I had developed a strong customer base and
I added Kaire Pycnogenol, an antioxidant from pine trees for its strong
anti-inflammatory properties. I enjoyed a steady income for some 28
years and loved the flexible hours as I cared for my family and raised
three sons during this time frame!
In 1998 I came to work for Dr. Floyd
Taub, founder of the Taurox™ Companies and I put aside MLM as a career.
I was employed as Director of Corporate Communications and involved
in fund-raising along with research and product development. To this
day I remain committed primarily to the expansion of Taurox.
In 2007 I re-entered network marketing
after I learned of the remarkable mercury and toxin removal properties
of Waiora liquid zeolite, trademarked as Natural Cellular Defense.
Liquid Zeolite beautifully compliments Taurox usage. Waiora is a MLM
company.
MLM companies put into action a principle
I wholeheartedly agree with, small business people supporting small
business people helping to channel money into the grass roots of our
economy where it makes the most difference in people’s lifestyle.
However, by 2007, MLM had become an internet-based big business venture
and this presented new opportunities and new challenges. As you know
the advent of the internet has changed the playing field of most business
so here are some of my thoughts on MLM’s today.
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Multi-Level Marketing Companies
• MLM’s who sell health products often
offer higher quality and unique formulas but the cost tends to be
higher than other type internet marketed offerings.
• Some companies require a fee to
receive the lowest price, some don’t. You can choose to deal strictly
with companies that offer the same low price to consumers and distributors.
Signing up for Auto Ship arrangements usually saves money or shipping
costs.
• If you are simply looking to buy
excellent products and not wanting to get involved in the business
aspect realize that most MLM will send a ton of marketing emails to
market their business opportunity. Naturally you can unsubscribe if
uninterested.
• The MLM industry is far more competitive
than ever and there is the additional competition from look-alike
products available through more price competitive, non MLM companies
and on eBay.
• If you do decide you want to operate
a MLM type home business, make sure the person you are signing under
is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, committed and willing to support you.
• MLM’s require some capital to play.
Generally there is some minimum monthly purchase of $100 or more to
receive bonuses. Sales aids, special websites, conferences and other
business tools require money.
• If you do a MLM business you will
realistically need to set aside both some time and space in order
to develop it. An appropriate office space is needed and some organization.
• Income can be substantial and that
is why people get involved. However, the vast majority of distributors
earn a modest income, they break even or spend more than they earn
statistically. So be realistic and become involved primarily because
you personally appreciate the products or services.
• MLM compensation plans tend to
be mathematically complex and may take time to figure out. Some people
with highly logical minds love it while others are confused. You can
still play the MLM game even if you don’t understand all the rules
but not as effectively of course. MLM companies also have the right
to change the rules and they do, which you may or may not like.
• Excitement for different companies
peak and subside every year, the MLM market can be trendy and volatile.
Interest can swing wildly. Select a company with some history and
a proven track record that has already survived its’ own set up costs
and growth pains.
• It is fantastic that you can receive
a business education by attending seminars and other events geared
to help MLM distributors succeed all while deducting the expense.
• Many companies are going international.
That may be a turn on to some who want to travel and write off business
expenses or could be a turn off in how it can complicate life.
• Tax Savings! One of the best reasons
to operate a home business is to realize tax savings which can be
deducted on the Schedule C.
• Lifestyle! Folks I know who are
successful in MLM companies enjoy a lifestyle most hunger for with
time for their families and control over their own time and destiny.
They travel, feel free and do work they love
CONCLUSION
Therefore it is my recommendation
to use network or multi-level marketing type rewards as a hobby or
second income that supports a stable, already established full time
income through other means. I know of people who were once earning
large MLM bonuses and watched it collapse. Some people go bankrupt
this way. These non-brick-and-mortar style business structures are
very volatile.
If you are lacking in time, money
or energy, focus on the MLM products versus the business. Buy products
or services that are clearly extraordinary for you and even though
they maybe costly you are genuinely pleased with the value for your
money. Consider carefully before investing your money, time or reputation
in promoting any business opportunities. Remember the market is flooded
with opportunities; many people are overwhelmed with being pitched.
Statistically, the majority either break even or lose money in these
ventures. It’s a game, a gambling game.
If you are adequately capitalized,
have extra time plus pure passion for the MLM products or service
then select a strong company you can trust with people you love to
work with. In this field, opportunities come and go, empires rise
and fall but the important thing I believe, is to not lose focus upon
the primary goals of personal peace and joy. Observe any situation
in which you feel pressured to “get in now”.
Stay tuned to your own happiness,
health and financial balance and listen to your gut feelings before
proceeding in all matters. Life is a learning experiment. It is my
intention to be an inspiration to others, to you, my reader in your
journey towards ever expanding robust wellness and measureable financial
harmony.