[ Reply to Message | Success Maniacs Message Board ]
Posted by Tim "Fric" Johnson MLM stands for Multi-Level Marketing. It is also commonly called network marketing. An MLMer is just someone who sells a particular company's products or services and who can also recruit others to do the same. The first person then earns an additional commission on the sales of those people. Basically it's like being a real estate broker in that the head person has a team underneath him selling. He makes commission on those sales. The difference is that if Jane goes off and starts her own office, he loses all commissions on her sales. In MLM, he wouldn't. He would still get a commission on her sales as her business grew. And instead of being in competition, they are in reality... PARTNERS. There's a lot more to it, but that is the basic premise. There are probably hundreds of different MLM companies. Some do nutritionals, others telecommunications, others baskets, candles, kitchen products, scrapbooking or stamps. This business model can be applied to almost any product that generates regular sales. Keep in mind that there are a lot of detractors of MLM. Not everyone is cut out for it and not every opportunity has worked out. Many have been outright scams. Currently, I would say the VAST majority of MLM companies are legitimate and forthright. Even ones that do get in trouble, most likely do so out of ignorance, rather than intent. To be legitimate there are some basic rules: 1. It MUST have a product or service to sell other than the business opportunity itself. 2. Someone MUST be able to make money by selling retail (to consumers rather than just opportunity seekers). 3. The products/services must be priced relative to similar products. For instance, it would probably be wrong to sell a bottle of hair tonic for $500. Unless it were in 55 gal. drums! Additionally, it is a good idea to seek a company that has been in business for at least 5 years to work with. You should seek a product or service that really interests you or excites you. The company should have a good training program of some kind. You should have local support in the form of the person who recruited you if possible. Or another group from the same company. It's not absolutely necessary, but in person training and support goes a long way to your success. Finally, find a company that you like and whose goals match up with yours. Same goes for picking a sponsor. You don't have to sign up with just anyone in a particular company. I advise people to look for someone they can partner up with. That goes for the person doing the recruiting and the person doing the looking. MLM is one of the best personal development programs too. There's usually lots of training available and recommendations on how to improve yourself. That is one of the best advantages MLM has to offer. And what you learn or become, you take with you even if you leave the industry. I'm in Louisville, KY too. Give me an email and we can hook up in person if you like. Thanks and have an OUTSTANDING day! Tim "Fric" Johnson --Previous Message--
Link: SuccessManiacs!
on 5/7/2003, 4:32 pm, in reply to "What is MLM"
12.220.246.153
John, 
: I just discovered this web site, and I'm not
: real clear just what MLM is, or how to get
: started in it. Please explain.
: I currently own a web site development
: company in Louisville KY and would like to
: start working the web in any way possible.
:
Message Thread:
« Back to thread