Smaller Indiana

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Eric Allen

Thoughts on MLMs, Network Marketing, Referral Marketing, Work at Home Opps, etc...???

Alright, I am hoping for a lively discussion on your honest thoughts on muti-level marketing, network marketing, or whatever you want to term with regard to the "home-based business industry." Many credible publications predict 2009 to be the biggest ever in this sector, so I do feel it to be relevant to our economic reality.

Now, I obviously have a biased opinion because this industry has allowed me a great sense of freedom in the past year and a half, but I also realize that my success is very atypical of most people. Also, it should be noted that having been a high school teacher and coach for seven years, I have been approached with every MLM under the sun! If you would have told me less than two years ago that I would be a "full time" network marketer, I would have told you to "GET LOST!"

Alright, let the discussion begin! ;)

Tags: at, business, direct, home, level, marketing, mlm, multi, network, opportunities

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My thoughts on MLM? Hmmm...'Get Lost' LOL

Not really Eric. I used to have the same mindset but here I am building a Mastermind Group of my own. I'll tell you why.

First: I invited Ben Mack to be interviewed on a webinar series I conducted called "The Action List". He was a great guest and his content is right on the money. (You can follow him on twitter http://www.twitter.com/BenMack ). Anyway, after the project was finished I reconnected with Ben by attending one of his online coaching calls. He had a pretty good grasp of my business and my desire to grow. His advise? "Find a Network Marketing organization that you resinate with and join it. That experience will give you the skills to take your business to the next level".

I didn't give it much thought...remember...I already had a mindset of 'Get Lost'.

Second: A couple weeks later I heard an interview of Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad/Poor Dad). What advice did he give to prepare yourself to thrive in coming years? Join a Network Marketing organization. "The government is not going to take care of you by bailing out Wall Street. You have prepare yourself to thrive in any economy and Network Marketing can do that for you".

Third: I found my grove. I found an organization that resinated with me and complimented my business. A perfect fit.

OK, So now I'm a believer. If you think the corporations are going to take care of you...think again. If you think the government is going to take care of you...think again. If you do nothing, you are going to lose ground.

Don't be a victim. You are the captain of your life, it's time to take action. And there just might be a MLM that is a perfect fit for you.

Larry Kevin
The Actionator!

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I owned my own business for over 12 years when I was approached by a Cosmetic Company to look into what they had to offer. I had tried direct sales when I was younger and was not ready for the challenge at that time. I was not motivated nor had the need when I was in my early 20's to succeed. While running a successful hair salon on the North side of Indy, I found the government did not support small business's. In fact, did everything they could to drive us under with all the taxes and hassles.

The company I went with is not a MLM but and dual marketing company. You cannot "Buy" your way to the top. Everyone comes in at the same level and works their way up the ladder to whatever level they wish to achieve.

I am proud to say that the company I am with is debt free, and still growing after being in business since 1963. They are privately owned and now in over 33 countries around the world. They believe in God First, Family Second and Career Third and follow the Go Give Spirit, not dog eat dog that you find in most MLM.

I have went to several different "Meetings" from different MLM companies out there and was never so glad to see the integrity of the Company I work with.

Not only do we make 50% Commission on our sales, but up to 26% on any teams we build. Yes, dual marketing can have teams but that does not make it a mlm. Dual Marketing means you buy from the Company and sell to the Customer, not what ever level you reach you get to buy at a certain rate and sell it to your down line for a different level.

We also can earn the use of Free Cars and win prizes during the year for whatever we accomplish.

Our National Level even gets a Family Security Program, which means at retirement, they earn 60% of what they earned the top 3 out of 5 past years, each year for 15 consecutive years plus insurance and a free car. And, if something should happen to them, this continues on to the family. I don't know of any other company that does this for their consultants.

I know even with the economy, my sales are up the last two months over what I did last year and the Company as a whole is up world wide. We have Women joining our Company daily for the security we offer.

I am very proud to be a consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics!

Becky Meredith
www.marykay.com/beckymeredith

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Becky,

I'm so glad you found such a great fit. I have a sister-in-law doing the same thing with Mary Kay. She love's it!

I think the best thing about it is you get to hang out with a lot of positive people. That's what I love about my MasterMind group (come for a visit), I get to hang out with great people who love helping each other.

Have an Action Packed Day!

Larry Kevin
The Actionator!
larrykevin.com

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My first thoughts, based on my experiences... When I hear or read MLM, I instantly hear scam.

My business is currently a home based web development company, but only because we have not yet gotten an office.

What are your thoughts on what you've asked?

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I personally use a Network Marketing company for contact management and referral marketing in my business. I think that the concept is great and that everyone should take advantage of the fact that you can get paid for using your own services and recommending them to others.

Often, I feel like Network Marketers aren't taken as seriously as traditional business owners. I've had people think that they are all pyramid or get rich quick schemes. Unfortunately, the people that hound everyone that they know and use the "3 Foot Rule" have given the industry a bad rap.

Christina
www.OutofOfficePros.com

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Christina,

I know what you mean about being taken seriously. I think we are headed toward a large paradigm switch. With the economy forcing Corporate America to dump so many employees into the streets, I think Network Marketing will pick up a huge following in 2009.

Larry Kevin
The Actionator!

larrykevin.com

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Hi Eric - great topic. I am a firm believer in MLM and network marketing. There are good companies and bad companies - just like in the traditional business sector. But, you've been successful. I've been successful. And I know that there are several others who have done unbelievably well. I think that many people share Nicki's view because its an unkown and the early MLM companies made it so hard to succeed. It's the whole "pyramid scheme" stigma. But, if you read Kiyosoki's Cash Flow Quadrant, you'll soon see that you don't want to be in the E, S or B. You need to be in the "I". I just finished a white paper comparing the MLM pyramid with the Corporate America pyramid. If people are content working at the bottom of the corporate ladder without any chance of making their way to the top, then that's just where they are. It's those who are determined to find residual wealth who break away from the confines of the corporate world. If you'd like a copy of my paper, email me at brian@btkmarketing.com.

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Yes, definitely Brian, that would be great! I'll send you an e-mail - knowing you, I am sure it is very detailed and well-organized!

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