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PeterB
Member
Joined: 29 Aug 2007
Posts: 32
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# Posted: 11 Sep 2007 12:15
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In my mind it's not all too difficult to identify MLM scams, or at least companies trying to just get the money out of you.
Some programs try to convince you how easily you can become a multi-millionaire � forget it! And it doesn't make sense if you fall for "BEST Compensation Plan Ever", or "Greatest Marketing System Ever" or something like that.
Many NM companies out there might even have the "Coolest & Best Product of All Time", but in fact have little to offer in terms of real value for your future customers.
Rather go for substance, go for scientific proof behind the products, go for well written- and sold books (e.g. written by the founder of this company) and go for unique selling points. Concentrate on a few high quality products, backed by strong scientific research.
Don't decide on a company too fast but take your time and choose wisely and find out which program is suitable for you.
Regards, Peter
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Power_Advisor27
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Joined: 29 May 2007
Posts: 62
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# Posted: 11 Sep 2007 14:35
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Quoting: PeterB Rather go for substance, go for scientific proof behind the products, go for well written- and sold books (e.g. written by the founder of this company) and go for unique selling points. Concentrate on a few high quality products, backed by strong scientific research.
I agree 100%. Just as a side note though, just because a book or system or training course is written by the found of a NM, MLM or Direct Sales company, doesn't mean it's well-written or well-sold. There is a program out now which boasts of all of the marketing content and courses being created by the founder. It is not a successful program.
But yes, do go for a program with substance, and something YOU can benefit from as well as any future customers you may have. You can sell it best when you have personal experience with it! So choose a program with a product or service that you find useful. Then share your experience/testimonial with your potential customers!
-PA27
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jerrymyers
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Joined: 11 Sep 2007
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 12 Sep 2007 00:05
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What are your deepest INTENTIONS at the core of who you are? Are living to fullfill those intentions in your everyday life? Are you being driven to accomplish those foundational intentions or are you floating down a river of EXPECTATION that is taking you anywhere it ends up at? I ask you these questions as I know that many people including myself at times tend to get off course towards my true intentions in life. It is easy to find yourself wondering how you got to where you are today or becoming depressed or feeling loss because of your EXPECTATIONS! You know...like where you felt you should be at a particular moment doesn't line up with where you are at, at the present time and or you find yourself in circumstances that seem to have crushed your goals, dreams, and EXPECTATIONS.
It is very important that you evaluate what your INTENTIONS are for your life. EXPECTATIONS come and go and often change. Expectations are like shooting an arrow at a target...sometimes you hit them and sometimes you don't. If that is all you have then it will be easy for you to lose your focus on why and who you are in your life.
INTENTIONS on the other hand are more like a very well deeply rooted foundation of purpose and meaning in your life. A foundation is strong enough to face all kinds of storms. If what you have built on it gets destroyed you can always rebuild on it because the foundation rarely gets shifted or destroyed when everything else does. Therefore you can start again...not start over-start again...get back up and keep moving when you have a deep and strong foundation to base your life and your decisions on.
So, again what are YOUR INTENTIONS? Live on purpose and live in the quality of your intentions and you will always be ready to face every blessing, storm, and challenge that life brings your way. You deserve to be free of guilt,shame,past hurts,missed goals,scewed vision,and lack thoughts, and especially just floating down a river of expectation that can end up anywhere at all and where you never intended to be in the first place.
INTEND to create a great day and INTEND to love every step in the process knowing that no matter what comes or goes you are staying the course of your intended dreams...what ever they may be.
I believe in YOU! Jerry Myers
[Signature removed - Admin]
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Jerry Myers / Coastal Vacations
CSG Leadership Success Coach and Trainer
Level 3 International Director
www.teamthriveinfo.com
[email protected]
1-888-638-3865 or 1-417-438-1513
"Most people change jobs, mates, friends, church |
affiliatesheree
Member
Joined: 31 Aug 2007
Posts: 27
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# Posted: 22 Sep 2007 04:12
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Quoting: gary99 Pretty much the answer is that age old adage. If it seems too good to be true, it is. Starting your own home based business is a lot of work.
I completely agree. It is a lot of work.
I'd also like to add something to the scams, please.
"Cookie Cutter" free websites.
If you have the same website as everyone else, how are you going to get people to visit?
Then, one offered a hosted site that you have to pay for a year in advance and it's over a hundred dollars plus, 21.95 to have your domain registered! All this to promote something that you have no idea whether it's going to work or not.
That is why I only promote things I believe in. That way, whatever I say on my website comes from the heart.
By the way, this is my favorite forum because everyone here seems very real and not just out to promote their 'opportunity.' It's just what I've been looking for.
In the "work at home niche," there is so much advertiser competition that I feel the number 1 priority should be giving your website readers great information. If you really have something relevant to offer them, the profits will come eventually. That takes a lot of work (research, writing, building a good site packed with information) but it's well worth it because you won't end up getting stuck in some fly-by-night get rich quick sceme.
You'll have a lasting home business you can be proud of. That's worth more than a quick buck any day.
Sheree
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jerrymyers
Member
Joined: 11 Sep 2007
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 22 Sep 2007 09:12
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The only SCAM is your own thoughts!!! Any program with the right committment and heart WILL work. You have to be smarter than the average person and actually treat your business like abusiness and not a hobby. Not to say I have'nt felt scammed before myself. I have. I realized in time though...that it was my dis-belief in myself andmy dis-belief in whether I truly desrved to be successful that pushed away my success at home. Once I overcame that and really gave it my all...I was able to FIRE MY BOSS in just 5 short months!!!
Hers the deal...you need to have a strong support system and work with the right leader to win in this game...my leader was awsome and with her support i made it!
I believe in working with my team and supporting them like my leader did.
"You deserve to have it all!!! I believe in YOU!!!" Jerry Myers
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Jerry Myers / Coastal Vacations
CSG Leadership Success Coach and Trainer
Level 3 International Director
www.teamthriveinfo.com
[email protected]
1-888-638-3865 or 1-417-438-1513
"Most people change jobs, mates, friends, church |
Power_Advisor27
Member
Joined: 29 May 2007
Posts: 62
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# Posted: 22 Sep 2007 11:27
Reply
I completely agree with what both Sheree and Jerry have said.
First off, the key to success in any home business opportunity is branding. This comes even before driving traffic to your website. It's simply not enough to get involved and advertise. If you have nothing to offer that's any different from the next distributor, you cannot hope to win over those interested in joining. Further, if you do not take action to separate yourself, you have little hope of even being noticed or taken seriously, no matter how much you put into advertising.
Next, we all know (I think) how vague replicated sites can sometimes be. Though I have seen companies with sites that are getting better about providing information, it is still not at the level that it needs to be (with some companies still requiring interested individuals to fill out a lead form before they can find out any valid info, so that someone has the opportunity to spam that poor person to death). Your goal, as Sheree said, should be to provide as much info about your program on your website as you possibly can, and without requiring anything in return from website visitors. If you know nothing else about business, know this. The ultimate way to succeed and increase sales is to create positive, lasting relationships with your customers. How do you expect to do this if you're not providing them with anything? You have to give a little to get a little, right? Well with home business and the challenges it faces, you have to give a lot to get a little. Think that, and you can't go wrong!
And in reference to what Jerry has said, there is no bigger scam then our own thoughts! We are our own biggest enemies. We are capable of talking ourselves into or out of so much more than any other person on this earth. What is a scam is believing in a system that does so little for you at present. What is truly a scam is the belief (that society has planted in your heads) that if you work hard enough at your job, you will get promotions, you can build up a huge 401 (k), and that you will have a full and happy retirement. I'm sorry to burst any bubbles, but the world just doesn't work this way anymore. Despite the fact that the working world is so competitive as it is (while paying folks only peanuts in comparison to what their experience, education and skill sets are truly worth), there are actually systems set in place that will keep you from ever reaching the point you desire. IMHO, that is the biggest scam of all!
If nothing else, trust in yourself. Success is attainable with anything, it has been done by others before you. Why then, is the fear of failure so strong in your minds? Do you honestly feel you are that insignificant, that uneducated, that success would never come to you? Trust in the fact that you have made it this far by sticking to what you believe in, by taking risks and by putting your all into whatever you do. Just try it some time...I'm sure if you really put that much effort into anything, you will achieve your desired outcome. Why? Because people are doing this and realizing their dreams every day! Home business, or success in it, is nothing new or unheard of. So stop acting like it, and see what you can do about getting your own share of the pie. There's plenty for everyone, I promise!
-PA27
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affiliatesheree
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Joined: 31 Aug 2007
Posts: 27
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# Posted: 22 Sep 2007 11:29
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When I say scams, I mean that you can really lose a lot of money fast if you're not careful.
There are plenty of ways to do it with good old fashioned work instead of just throwing money at a program in order to make money.
I'm happy that you've been a success. I think anyone can work from home full time if they really want it and are willing to work.
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Power_Advisor27
Member
Joined: 29 May 2007
Posts: 62
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# Posted: 22 Sep 2007 11:31
Reply
I agree, and good luck to you!
-PA27
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PeterB
Member
Joined: 29 Aug 2007
Posts: 32
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2007 03:36
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Quoting: Power_Advisor27 First off, the key to success in any home business opportunity is branding. This comes even before driving traffic to your website. It's simply not enough to get involved and advertise. If you have nothing to offer that's any different from the next distributor, you cannot hope to win over those interested in joining. Further, if you do not take action to separate yourself, you have little hope of even being noticed or taken seriously, no matter how much you put into advertising.
I agree completely, yet even if you make evrything right, you can (unfortunately) never underestimate the power of laziness.
That means you have to create momentum, constantly! Momentum is built through consistency, and it is vitally important in this business.
Therefore, everything you do for your business should be done regularly. While you are in the process of enrolling someone, still identify people elsewhere, and still share your offer elsewhere.
If some people disappoint you by changing their mind you want to make sure you have several other prospective people "in the line".
If you consistently do the job, you will consistently have momentum. If you consistently have momentum, you will consistently have good results.
Regards, Peter
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Power_Advisor27
Member
Joined: 29 May 2007
Posts: 62
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2007 04:51
Reply
Well said Peter,
Consistency is key! I just posted an article in my blog about how we should never stop building our businesses. Building a business isn't like a task that is started and completed. It is ongoing, and so should your efforts be. Eventually, everything slows down and starts to lose steam. Those who keep on pushing will weather the storm and maintain a steady level of success despite the market or season. Those who don't, will find that their success dies as quickly as an ad posted on Craigslist!
-PA27
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LuckyRon
Member
Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 60
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2007 05:29 · Edited by: LuckyRon
Reply
When someone has a good product then they don't need to sell you their marketing secrets. They give you all the marketing tools, advise and training FREEEE!!!!!
A good company will want you to succeed selling their product. It's a simple plan "you make money for the boss and the boss gives you some." You also shouldn't have to prepay for a product. In the real business world there are 30,60 and 90 day terms for accounts receivable. Very few successful businesses pay upfront for merchandise.
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CSGWAHM
Member
Joined: 30 Dec 2006
Posts: 273
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# Posted: 9 Oct 2007 21:19
Reply
So much great advice given here! I think alot of us have been scammed and it's such ashame. Anyone new to network marketing listen to the advice given here, it will save you a ton of money and heartache.
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drm050067
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Joined: 10 Oct 2007
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 11 Oct 2007 08:20
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It is mainly a problem with a lot of people who just want to make money and they are not well educated about these scam programs. One thing that always sticks out in a scam is when tey tell you that you can make $10,000 in a few days. To be honest this is possible but, they do not tell the person that it takes a serious amount of work and commitment.  I have seen many people give up after buying into one scam and seeking another that "seems" better. A couple months ago I would have bought into any scam, but today after learning about them, it is a lot easier to pick them out from the legitimate opportunites.
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joepep
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Joined: 11 Oct 2007
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 11 Oct 2007 12:59
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Most of the best programs I have found are free or cost very little. Every person trying to start a home business has at some piont or onother gotten involved in some lame deal. The key is to learn from your mistakes. I have been marketing online for over 2 years now and I can honestly say that I can pickuot the bad from the good.. I always use clickbank as they will refund your money if you ask for it. 
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Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 1488
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# Posted: 11 Oct 2007 13:33
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It never ceases to amaze me when, once again  , another poor noob has visited a few get rich quick guru sites and comes here thinking they can learn some program in a week, put a junk site on the net, and then gets angry that they don't have a million dollar check from it a few days later.
Poor noobs...you can tell them it won't happen. You can even go through a lot of trouble telling them why in detail. Still, they are angry and impatient.
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pcwork
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Joined: 12 Aug 2006
Posts: 1627
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# Posted: 11 Oct 2007 19:23
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Anything that sounds too good to be true is probably a scam
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Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 1488
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# Posted: 11 Oct 2007 21:05
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...and...talk such as pass 2 up and/or a big sign up fee
forget about it.
how is it right that you should pass up a commission or two?
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Ace83
Member
Joined: 12 Oct 2007
Posts: 5
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# Posted: 12 Oct 2007 01:38
Reply
I tried one of those "envelope stuffing" things before. All it was was a sales pitch chain letter. It's sad, envelope stuffing is a great concept if there was an actual product.
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LuckyRon
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Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 60
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# Posted: 17 Oct 2007 04:52
Reply
Quoting: Ace83 a great concept if there was an actual product.
Anyone serious about long term profits should be looking at the product they are selling. If it's just another marketing plan and no real product to sell then save your money. I will give you the big marketing plan FREEE!!!
"Tell everyone you have the secret to huge online profits and then make people pay you for it"
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Brooke
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Joined: 7 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
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# Posted: 18 Oct 2007 10:19
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As a newbie (and late to this thread) reading a site that says "I believe in you" and "you deserve it" sounds scamish to me. That person doesnt "know me". That says your out to get a buck and you will say anything to get it!! In my opinion, I would stear clear away from that because its just not honest.
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Monalisa
Member
Joined: 11 Oct 2007
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 18 Oct 2007 18:17
Reply
Ha anyone heard of HITS4PAY or Multiple Stream Media. It doesn't ask for a start up fee but I just don't want to waste my time.
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Monalisa
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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 669
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# Posted: 18 Oct 2007 22:57
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I think what happens in the home based business arena is that many of us are too anxious. With good reason though. We work too many hours for too little pay and need a way out. As we have these pressing needs it gives many that are not the nicest characters the opportunity to prey on those vulnerabilities. I was in law enforcement in NYC and the one thing I learned on the streets is that people can feel and smell fear. Its an instinct we dont use as much anymore but just like the animals we have it.
Alot of "predator" smell that fear on us and then promise us the world. Now I want you all to understand that abundance is out there. Whether like me you are a Christian and follow its philosphy of abundance or maybe you arent and are just spiritual and follow the teaching of those that talk of The Secret and the Law of Attraction there is an oppotunity to get rich and to do it quickly.
To get rich quickly all you need is a good idea and the ability to show it to alot of people. For example think of the record industry. Now on each CD sold the artist might only make .50 to $1 but if they get one million people to buy it and go platinum then they can get rich quick. I know someone is saying well they have to work hard and long at it. I agree with then hard work part but I disagree about the time frame it takes to be successful. In this day and age with exposure tools like Youtube you can be discovered overnight. Again all you need is a good product and an audience base.
But back to the scam stuff. Recently ive seen alot of new businesses that are free. My Power Mall is one of them. I bet its going to do great as the years go by because everyone will join as they arent worried about being scammed. Im in Coastal Vacations as well as having MPM and the challenge ive had in Coastal ( even though I am retired from working for others and made over 10k in our first 7 weeks) has been having people spend their hard earned dollars after having been scammed b4. Well I figured a way around that and as not to blatantly just promote my free way of getting in Coastal on here I suggest contacting me to talk about it. The program I have created works for any opportunity you have as well.
Im not afraid to share my idea with you all for free either as I believe that their is more than enough for everyone out there. Im also not into the trend we have of just making money off of getting people into your opt. We should really be marketing products that people want and getting that product in front of the masses. Its a easy formula. Think about how getting in front of a mass of people can get you rich quickly. Here is an example. Go on Oprah with your product and I bet you get rich. Why ? Because if you have something good and you get in front of her huge client base you have to make money. Its a simple formula.
I think that when we start marketing good products at good prices and get it in front of a mass of people we will see a bunch of truly successful people. Im going to champion this cause and stay tuned as you see us rise to the top.
Adam Frederick
Entrepreneur
Coastal Vacations Level III Director
302 476 2753
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karls1973
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Joined: 30 Sep 2007
Posts: 54
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# Posted: 19 Oct 2007 11:25
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Quoting: Monalisa Ha anyone heard of HITS4PAY
Hits4Pay as well as Dealsncash are all about promoting your referral links. You Get paid $0.02 for reading and visiting it's advertiser's messages sent to you and you get paid $0.01 from your referrals reading their messages.
They will pay you $10.00 sign up bonus, but you can only cash it in after you accumulated a minimum of $25.00.
You will receive an average of 2 - 8 websites to visit/day. Some days there are none.
It takes some time to make some money here, but you have to recruit and build your referrals first.
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Success100
Member
Joined: 22 Oct 2007
Posts: 17
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2007 15:19
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I can certainly agree with ateamfuntime..
Aside from that, I think one of the biggest things when identifying a scam is; legitimate recourse in case things turn sour. I look for names, addresses, direct phone numbers, etc. Someone or a "company" that doesn't publicly offer this information is usually an indication of some sort of scam. If a company or person has a good product/idea, why would they need to hide their information? This is one of the main things I look(ed) for. I would just suggest before signing up with any program, to look for an actual person to speak with, and from that you can gauge if their just solely trying to get you to pay them , or whether their honestly interested in helping you succeed. With that, I feel that anyone who mentions me paying them something in the first or second interaction is clearly out just for the money, sales pitch or not. Also, almost any information you want or need to know about the opportunity can be found on google or any search engine out there. For the person who is reading this, and doesn't know whether or not something is a scam or not, I say follow your gut feeling, as it is usually right, and do your research, and if it seems too good to be true..it *usually* is! Any home based business will take work, and if there are claims of making you rich overnight, then don't waste your time or money. I hope this helps!
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cebarber2
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Joined: 29 Oct 2007
Posts: 55
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# Posted: 1 Nov 2007 10:10
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A big red flag to a scam is a poor product or the lack of a product altogether. A legitimate business will market a unique product that will benefit everyone. That, teamed with a mentor who is already "walking the walk" and willing to teach you everything he/she knows and the right mindset, makes you nearly unstoppable.
Systems are in place for a reason. Follow them!
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aplina
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Joined: 5 Nov 2007
Posts: 252
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# Posted: 8 Nov 2007 06:19
Reply
l think that we have all learnt from our mistakes. its very easy to get caught up in the get rich home biz esp` if you are new on line.
l too have spent alot of money on this. the problem is they donot tell you how to market and sell.
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Success100
Member
Joined: 22 Oct 2007
Posts: 17
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# Posted: 8 Nov 2007 09:25
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Quoting: aplina # Posted: 8 Nov 2007 06:19 Reply Quote l think that we have all learnt from our mistakes. its very easy to get caught up in the get rich home biz esp` if you are new on line. l too have spent alot of money on this. the problem is they donot tell you how to market and sell. __________________ acollection of gardening tips, idea and basics to your garden care.http://www.gardening-tips-idea.com
Well, it all depends on which program you choose, I am in EDC, and when I got started, my sponsor showed me how and what to do to market and sell my products. I strongly suggest anyone investing in a home business, to make sure that you have someone who can show you how to succeed, or at least get you pointed in the direction of success. As stated before, it is important to find this before forking over your money, because there are people out there who just want to take your money. If you have any questions, you can give me a buzz and I can help you out if you would like it.
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fsagarnaga
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Joined: 8 Nov 2007
Posts: 14
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# Posted: 15 Nov 2007 20:56
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As a beginner I'm in a lot of forums and this one has helped me a lot, everybody shares and in most cases i find answers.
It's very helpful to have all the information shown in this thread, all the experiences are important and we all can learn from each other and avoid making mistakes.
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mycats
Member
Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 62
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# Posted: 28 Nov 2007 14:50
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If you take some time to research the company and the CEO you reduce your chances of being scammed.
Make sure you look into the product and price. Is it a good product and it is not over priced.
Are you being pushed into buying a whole lot of product upfront to get into a better paying position? Do you really want to put that kind of money into something that you never tried and have no idea if you like or can sell. This is where the garage full of products happens. Been there and done that, still have the products, but the company is gone closed down by the US gov.
Another thing to watch out for are those signup fees to join the company. They are charging you for the ability to get started selling there products this does not make sense to me. Some one just showed me an opportunity that had a $199 join fee and then $49.95 a month and I still have not figured out the product except the company was guaranteeing you 2 paid referrals, I think not.
There are pleny of legitimate MLM companies out there that do not require a sign up fee or front load products. So find one that has a product for you. This took me time to learn make sure that you want to use the product yourself. It takes time to build a home business so if you do not use the product you are more likely going to drop out if you do not get success quick.
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suresh
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Joined: 9 Nov 2007
Posts: 17
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# Posted: 6 Dec 2007 08:47
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Free as well as paid signups are both problematic. If it's free, it's free for everyone, which means intense competition. Let's say you come across a biz opp XYZ, you notice that it has a free as well as paid option. You sign up for the free option, hoping someone else might sign up for a paid option under you, doing which you make money.
But guess what? That 'someone else' also has similar ideas, and so the list goes on. Bottom line, no one makes money, because they're waiting for 'someone else' to become a paid member.
Compulsory paid membership resolves this problem. Of course, some people may not like to spend money to earn it, but that's another pair of shoes.
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