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changemylife
Member
Joined: 2 Nov 2007
Posts: 25
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# Posted: 28 Nov 2007 12:47
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Hello Everyone,
I would like to open by saying I am an advocate for the Direct Selling Industry (Internet Marketing, NLM, MLM, RM).
I was involved in MLM's and am now a full time Internet Marketer.
I hold no bad or indifferent opinion of MLMs to say making a list of 100 friends and family is grinder old school marketing.
Essential Question: Are MLM dead?
As an Internet Marketer I hear peoples complaints about MLM's all day. They don't have the time to run from here to there; they can't afford the autoship the list goes on and on.
Many MLMers are jumping ship and or taking a serious look at Internet Marketing opportunities.
YOUR THOUGHTS...
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opendomain
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Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 531
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# Posted: 28 Nov 2007 14:19
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A fusion of the two would seam best. Online MLM which is more or less what i am involved in. MLM's still will hold weight in the "real world" only because MLM's will always be around, But much like every other industry MLM's are now and have been for quite some time going digital.
Dead??? No.
Evolving? Absolutely.
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pcwork
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Joined: 12 Aug 2006
Posts: 1627
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# Posted: 28 Nov 2007 18:22
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The problem with MLMs is that people who join later are at a disadvantage.
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 1488
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# Posted: 28 Nov 2007 18:23
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New MLMs pop up every day. I'm not a big MLM fan but I have joined a small handful over the years.
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 895
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# Posted: 28 Nov 2007 20:48
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I've never been a big fan of MLM's either, but I must admit I am about to join one in a few months time as a joint venture type of thing with a friend of mine who has been involved in a health related mlm for about a year.
My side of it is going to be to sign up under her and then build a content based website relating to not only the products but also related conditions. She is going to do most of the one-on-one follow-up with the individuals.
I like the products and she is really keen, so it may make for a good opportunity for the both of us. I'll get the income generated from the site, and she will get a good % because I will be directly under her. She seems quite happy with that, even though I offered to make it more equitable.
I will be the one doing most of the work in the beginning building the site, but then the tide will turn and she will have to do most of the work with the follow-up. Who knows? Maybe I'll change my mind and get involved in that side of it eventually, too.
We'll see how it goes. I really don't think MLM's are dead. There seem to be an awful lot of them everywhere you look. 
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mikepressnell
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Joined: 5 Nov 2007
Posts: 83
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2007 02:14
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MLM is definitely not dead.
The problem with so many mlm companies is that they pay money for recruiting more than they pay for sales.
Also, most MLMs are selling products that not many people actually want to buy...they only buy them so they can make their monthly quota to receive their check that month.
And there is a fee to join most MLMs.
The company I'm associated with came up with an intelligent way to promote what everyone (not just a few) people do and is continuing to do online more and more every year as the computer age advances. And we are doing this without requiring any money to join.
Actually, it's neither a true MLM nor a true Affiliate program because there are differences from this company and the Fee Based MLMs and it pays 9 levels deep unlike the Affiliate programs.
So, if a company is harnessing the power of the internet to sell products that everybody buys anyway...and if there is no fee to join...and if all the training is free...and if all the tools are free...then I say...NO, MLM is not dead...but, hey, this is not true MLM.
Thanks,
Mike Pressnell
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Dianeblogs
Member
Joined: 5 Dec 2007
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 6 Dec 2007 09:28
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I don't think MLM's are dead. You just need the right marketing approach. I do believe the "old"ways of seling are dying off.
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cheryljones
Member
Joined: 12 Dec 2007
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 12 Dec 2007 12:07
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People are getting wiser about mlms. They've joined the high priced ones on the promise of making money and after a couple of months with no results, they quit because they can't afford to continue. Companies are being forced into making payplans that favor the reps. People are getting smart as "mlm consumers."
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vyking
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Joined: 9 Dec 2007
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 12 Dec 2007 19:07
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I don't think MLM is dead, it's just that so many people complain so loudly when they don't get any where. Of course there are a number of MLM opportunities that base their comp plan on recruiting, and I don't agree with that.
I think it's important to look at how quickly the company rises, the percentage of members actually making sales, AND the quality of the product. Upper management should also be considered, but sometimes you aren't privy to that information.
I've heard from a number of well known online marketers that it's just as easy to sell a high ticket item as it is to sell small items. That being the case it makes sense to go for the big commissions if you have confidence in your marketing abilities.
There are two types of marketers these days. The old school - face to face (or one on one over the phone) type. And then there's the Internet marketer who gets involved in forums like this and other online discussions. I personally prefer the later
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netbiz
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Joined: 3 Nov 2007
Posts: 64
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# Posted: 12 Dec 2007 20:53
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The trick is to find an MLM that is honest, ethical, and that offers and excellent product or service. Oh and one more thing it helps if you believe in it!
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mikepressnell
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Joined: 5 Nov 2007
Posts: 83
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2007 10:51
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Well said netbiz. If you believe in the company and in the product/service and are passionate about it, you chances of success are much greater.
Mike
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dreed
Member
Joined: 9 Nov 2007
Posts: 12
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2007 20:26
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Well since I really feel life is a balance I do think MLM as we know it is dying off. With the new technologies we are discovering everyday, some of the old ways must "die off" or be replaced and the new ways take over.
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mikepressnell
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Joined: 5 Nov 2007
Posts: 83
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2007 22:01
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Quoting: dreed Well since I really feel life is a balance I do think MLM as we know it is dying off. With the new technologies we are discovering everyday, some of the old ways must "die off" or be replaced and the new ways take over.
That's why the old way of getting in your car and driving all over town to do your shopping is dying off, too.
That's why the merchants are willing to pay a commission for the customeres some drive to their sites instead of having to pay the bukoo buks's for the media advertsiing.
That's why inovative mlm companies who can adapt to the change will still grow and even thrive...especially when they find ways to maximize the commissions the merchants pay.
Consider this..the merchants pay a certain % commission and a gift certificate/card company pays a certain % for the certificates/cards purchase from their site for the merchant cards. Put the two together and what do you have?....You have the highest % being paid out by combining both.
hmmmm....
Check it out....I did.
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MLM Librarian
Member
Joined: 12 Dec 2007
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 14 Dec 2007 14:33
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Hello, MLM's are not dead. However I believe the traditional marketing approaches that the majority of MLM companys teach are not that effective. Tell me if this makes sense to you? Most people who want to do a business like MLM are told it doesn't take much time and they can work part time/spare time and make a lot of money. After this they tell them about the 3foot rule and how everyone needs your product/service or business opp. If network marketers are beating the bushes sharing and trying to recruit at random how long do think it will take the average person to build up enough business to pay their bills much less break even? I will tell you that I have tried it all, I worked for a year and a half in my company doing the traditional marketing approaches. I need to set the record straight. The traditional approaches work, and I made money, the only problem was I couldn't make money fast enough to offset chargebacks, autoship, cellphone bills, internet marketing bills, membership fees, tools, events, gas, food, etc.
The good thing about MLM is it is not as expensive to run as a traditional business but it still takes "Money". At least $500-700 a month. I could never earn 700 in one month while working full time at my day job. The sad thing is most people are not able to either.
MLM is not dead, we as an industry need to teach new recruits better marketing principles. We need to teach new recruits how to target market and how to set up funded proposals so they can stay in business long enough to produce the profit they are looking for.
this reply is my two cents. Hopefully this helps.
Sincerely,
MLM Librarian
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Soc_Coach
Member
Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 8
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# Posted: 14 Dec 2007 18:47
Reply
Hey All,
I do not agree that MLM's are dead or that they are dying, in fact I only see them as growing. I have been in MLM for around 5 years now and they growth is going through the roof, more and more people are wanting to stay at home and work instead of going into the office every day.
I also do not think that getting into an MLM late is a disadvantage.. it only is if you are not willing to build which is vital to being successful at MLM. People drop out for a number of reasons, but the biggest one is that they are NOT making any money, why? Because they don't have anyone under them, WHY Again I ask? Because they fall for the hype of uplines that promise to give them spillover and they are never taught how to actually build, how to recruit, and that the biggest mistake that people make in MLM is NOT calling their leads and working the system and instead they sit on their butt all day and wait for handouts and when they fail they blame the system, the product, the upline, but not themselves.
To me MLM is alive and doing very well and I only see that gaining!
Pax et Lux,
Michael
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therealshari
Member
Joined: 4 Dec 2007
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 15 Dec 2007 13:30
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Whether you call it Network Marketing, or MLM, or Multilevel Marketing... it is alive, and well and growing.
Consider this, with the advent of the computer and really inexpensive telecommunications, it's now possible to work from home in a network marketing business.
You still do "belly-to-belly" but you do it through web conferencing, or by telephone. You don't have to physically go anywhere.
The tactics are changing... and that is because people are tired of being lied to... they're tired of being conned.
More and more, people are looking for ways to save money, save time, get healthier, gain financial freedom, or security. The products offered by most network marketing companies fill those needs.
As a network marketer, it's my job to identify your needs... but tap into your wants. Today it may be a product, tomorrow it may be the opportunity.
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TJamMoneyMan
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Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Posts: 637
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# Posted: 31 Dec 2007 03:12
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I have noticed that many MLM's as of late, try to redefine themselves as ANYTHING but an MLM.
The most recent example I have run into is MELALEUCA, which refers to its business as "Consumer Direct Marketing".
Interestingly enough, Consumer Direct Marketing is a Melaleuca trademark!
One rep. has said that Melaleuca is the ONLY Consumer Direct Marketing company, in the world I guess, since this rep went on to say that they have 'no competition' (no other CDM companies exist!).
So here are my questions:
What is the definition of an MLM?
What defines a company as an MLM (and what is the source of this definition)?
Is Melaleuca itself an MLM?
Is Shaklee an MLM?
Is Liberty League an MLM?
Has anyone ever heard of 'Consumer Direct Marketing'?
What company do you know of that calls itself a Consumer Direct Marketing company?
What companies do people know about that are in fact MLM's but try to define themselves differently?
What kind of terms have they come up with to redefine themselves?
Anyone, any questions.
Any comments...
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Aaronbiz
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 49
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# Posted: 31 Dec 2007 09:17
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Hi there,
MLM works, there are millionaires globally in the industry.
The No.1 obstacle to success in MLM is "YOU and ME". If we work on ourselves and get our heads in the right space we will succeed.
The way we promote is constantly changing, this applies to MLM or whatever you are doing.
Take the "You Tube" and "Bebo" phenomenom.
What we need to do is take it all in assimmilate it and get into action with the next thing in our marketing strategy.
Aaron Riddell
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TJamMoneyMan
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Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Posts: 637
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# Posted: 1 Jan 2008 04:08 · Edited by: TJamMoneyMan
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Quoting: Aaronbiz MLM works, there are millionaires globally in the industry.
Nobody denies there are millionaires in this industry.
That only means it works for them!
The issue seems to be that MLM's do NOT work for MOST of the people who try to become 'millionaires' via MLM.
Most people don't even seem to become 'thousandaires'!
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Aaronbiz
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 49
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# Posted: 1 Jan 2008 08:21
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Hi there TJamMoneyMan,
Have you got any statistics on people who become millionaires doing a 9 to 5 job?
I believe you will find 5-10% of salary earners become financially independent and the rest are still working after age 65.
At the end of the day we all need to push out beyond our comfort zones if we are ever going to achieve anything.
It is so so easy to give up, but it's our "strong" WHY and desire that will keep us going through the good and more interesting times.
Happy New Year
Aaron Riddell
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TJamMoneyMan
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Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Posts: 637
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# Posted: 1 Jan 2008 10:09 · Edited by: TJamMoneyMan
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Quoting: Aaronbiz At the end of the day we all need to push out beyond our comfort zones if we are ever going to achieve anything
I don't know what your point is, but I agree with what you are saying.
(It may be better to push beyond our comfort zones at the BEGINNING
of the day though!)
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Aaronbiz
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 49
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# Posted: 1 Jan 2008 18:33
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TJamMoneyMan,
Fair comment.
My point was, everything in life works! It's not MLM, or a job or whatever that hold us back........it's ourselves.
If we work more on ourselves than anything else, thiings will fall into place.
Not sure if you are a fan of Jim Rohn. Have a listen to his CD "Building Your Network Marketing Business" sometime.
Aaron Riddell
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TJamMoneyMan
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# Posted: 2 Jan 2008 00:41 · Edited by: TJamMoneyMan
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Quoting: Aaronbiz My point was, everything in life works! It's not MLM, or a job or whatever that hold us back........it's ourselves.
It seems to me the topic of most of these threads in the business sections have to do with sorting out viable business models that pay off as advertised, and those that don't. Legitimate business ventures v. scams.
Sounds like you are saying there is no such thing as a scam.
One thing I know about scams is that they typically blame the 'scammee' when things go wrong instead of the scammer.
People are told that the problem is with themselves and not the business they are hopelessly pursuing.
The record of MLM's, and the vast majority who wind up losing money, speaks for itself.
My purpose has been to get those who are in favor of MLM's to explain all the bad press they have received over the years, and to clarify certain aspects of the MLM business model.
If there is so much success to be had working with the MLM model, the numbers should support it.
There should be a degree of success that matches any other successful business model out there, not just a few people who have had millions, when most people lose lots of money - which seems to be the case.
If that is not true, please show me the evidence.
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itsallgood
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Joined: 2 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 2 Jan 2008 01:04
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MLM's are not dead...The model is proven and will continue to work and has worked for along time. The problem is W-O-R-K...
Most MLM's promise the sweet life without being real upfront about the work involved to get it off the ground. The other problem is you should not put all your eggs in one basket...MLM's tend to come and go and so do downlines....when the wind blows on a new company, you can lose your income overnight....
I think the key is finding a company that promotes the Product first and is something you love....If someone leads with compensation, then it is usually a sure bet that it wont work out...
Its all Good
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Aaronbiz
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 49
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# Posted: 8 Jan 2008 07:02
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TJMoneyMan,
.....itsallgood has touched on a couple of good points.
1. MLM requires W-O-R-K...real work.
2. You must love the Product.
Also, how many years has the MLM been operating? Is there a sound training and management structure in place?
For the majority who run their MLM interests part-time around their jobs it is not get rich tomorrow, next week or even next year.
But if you can stand back and say that you have followed a consistent plan of action say for 90 days at the end of those 90 days you should have noticed some activity. (Assuming you have allocated 2hours per day after your day job).
Is any one doing this ???
Aaron Riddell
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BillChechel
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Joined: 8 Jan 2008
Posts: 159
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# Posted: 8 Jan 2008 12:40
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MLM,Network Marketing and Direct sales companies are far from dead. A great guy to listen on this is Todd Falcone. He has some podcasts on this very topic and interviews some major talent that are still rocking it old school with minimum internet marketing.
That being said, he still advises you mix in "old school" methods with newer internet methods to market these types of businesses. Personal connection is what still drives this business even in this day and age. If you look at statistical data on this industry it has actually grown in numbers. So no it is not dead and will probably never be dead.
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WARRANTIES4LESS
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Joined: 20 Feb 2008
Posts: 221
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2008 19:59
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Interesting,
People have been saying MLM is dead for decades, and they were all wrong then, as they are now. It is not MLM that is dead, it is most products which are overpriced which is dead, or near dead.
MLM business model is alive and well as leverage is the only way for the average person to succeed in their own business, but make sure you have a product or service of value, and if not, it better be exclusive, verifiably so, and then you have a chance to see success. Without the above, MLM will not overcome the old school higher prices and inome hype which has given it a black eye for decades.
Good luck to all, MIke
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stellarlady
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Joined: 8 Jan 2007
Posts: 6
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# Posted: 6 Mar 2008 01:25
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I have an Exclusive interview with a former chief economic strategist for two US President -- who definitely does NOT think MLM's are dead.
Although, I do think people are getting a bit more savvy, and realizing that the comp plans for some companies are weighted towards the top players only (can anyone say Binary 
So, if you are looking at this model, make sure it's not one where you have to have a huge downline before you see a profit.
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Greg82
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Joined: 15 Mar 2008
Posts: 13
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2008 19:47
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I think mlm has come to a cross roads. I agree that a fusion of both the old old school, warm market list of 100 people ect is still a effective way of building a down line however why not talk about internet marketing at your hotel meetings and give people the option and knowledge required to work both or either. That way people with a large ciricle of influence can bring the associates out to a meeting to learn about internet marketing and still build a business with out investing a ton of money and those with out and warm market still have a way to find prospects and succeed. I think calling leads is out. It s either new new school or old old school or both..
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Aaronbiz
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 49
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# Posted: 19 Mar 2008 06:28
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Greg82,
You have touched on a good point, why don't they talk about internet marketing at the hotel meetings?
Lets face it, most newbies going into their first MLM business probably could not handle the internet straight away (Unless you are young one).
We are given the basics, make a list, talk to friends and family, use the product, promote with testimonials.
It's a formula which works, but of course not everybody works in the same way. These people will try and fail or disappear or search out a way that works for them.
With social networking over the internet exploding someone will need to write a few new chapters in the MLM manual.
Aaron Riddell
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