What is MLM?

So what Is MLM?
MLM is more than just an industry, it's a journey.
June 26, 2004
© By Karen Umstattd

So, you want to be successful in your new Network Marketing, MLM business, huh?

But you're overwhelmed by everything you hear, everything you see?

You've got all this information and all of this product and you don't know what to do next?

You're wondering how you can fit this into your daily schedule?

Everything your mentor tells you you need to do to build your business takes away from your time or money?

You've talked to a few people about your product and no one seems interested?

You've talked to a few people about your opportunity and they told you you were crazy?

You're embarrassed to talk to your family and friends about your new business venture?

You're beginning to wonder what you got yourself into?

You're wondering if you did the right thing?

You're thinking of quitting?

I did a search on google.com for "what is MLM?" and this is the first thing that came up

MLM: Multi-Level Marketing. These are the pyramid schemes your teachers warned you about in school. They promise you'll make money with almost no effort. Don't believe them, and don't advertise where they do.

According to the FTC
http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/other/dvimf16.htm

Some people confuse pyramid and Ponzi schemes with legitimate multilevel marketing. Multilevel marketing (aka network marketing) programs are known as MLM's, and unlike pyramid or Ponzi schemes, MLM's have a real product to sell. More importantly, MLM's actually sell their product to members of the general public, without requiring these consumers to pay anything extra or to join the MLM system. MLM's may pay commissions to a long string of distributors, but these commission are paid for real retail sales, not for new recruits.

In 1979, Network Marketing Sales was proclaimed a legal and viable method of distribution and sales in the U.S. courts (FTC versus Amway, 1979). Rules and Good Business Practice guidelines were established and all legitimate Networking companies adhere to these standards and practices.

After doing some searching on the net, I stumbled on an mlm message board and saw these posts:

I am thinking about trying mlm part-time while I work full-time until I can afford to quit my job. But, it is very confusing sifting through all the different businesses out there.

I am relatively new to working at home. In fact I am still doing a full time job and this on the side. Any advice on how to balance?

Well, here I am doing something I've never done before and wondering how to do it. I'm excited about finding this forum. I just started MLM. I have no experience, but I am excited. I'm keeping my full time job, until this turns into something. I'd love any and all advice. I believe in learning from others. Teach me.

Hi everyone - I have just joined a network marketing company. My first 3 attempts at recruitment have gone nowhere. I know it is very early days but does anyone have any tips on how to stay motivated and not lose heart when you are just starting out?

And when I saw these posts, I realized.....

They have NO idea what MLM is, do they?

For days, after seeing those posts on the mlm board, I sit here in front of my computer trying to come up with words to share that would explain MLM to the market place. I read, I listen, I try to compose and still can't find the right words.

Then today, I listen to an audio conversation and NOW I understand why I have been struggling to find the words.

Because MLM is more than just an industry.

It's a process.

It's a lifestyle.

A journey one must choose to take.

And I know many will begin that journey and more will choose to go back to where they came from than those who choose to continue the journey to the end.

The journey will challenge our beliefs, who we are and what we think we know.

The journey will challenge our character, our values and our vision of our future.

The journey will challenge our strengths and our weaknesses, and only those who choose to take this journey, to the end, will be those who will fully understand....................