Let me preface this article by being entirely open and honest.

I am not an MLM “Golden Boy”. I’m not a network marketing “Superstar”.

At least not yet.

I’m an active participant in a networking business and I think it’s the greatest business opportunity in the world today. I will achieve financial independence through MLM.

This is not to say I’ll drive a new Jaguar every year or that a Hollywood producer will want to use my dream mansion to film movies. I DO believe I’ll have more than enough to pay my bills, enjoy my life, friends, and hobbies, and I’ll be able to pay for three teenagers college tuition.

One of the things that turns lots of people off about network marketing is that so many sponsors make it sound like a GRQ, a Get Rich Quick opportunity. The truth of the matter is that NOT EVERYONE ASPIRES TO BEING RICH. Why don’t more people understand that? (Don’t get me wrong. I LIKE material goods. I LIKE “toys”. But being rich in and of itself isn’t the most important thing to me.).

I think money motivation is one of the primary reasons people get into MLM, but there are other reasons that need to be respected, too. It would be wise to give those things some thought if you’re trying to recruit someone or if you’re being recruited. Consider that

…the vast majority of MLM participants make less than $500 per month. If they hear about making $10,000 to $50,000 per month, they simply can’t see it as a realistic possibility.

…most people aren’t “driven”, type-A personalities who would sell their soul for wealth.

…even though America was built by small businesses, they need time to think of themselves as business owners. 78% of all MLMers have always been employees and the responsibilities of owning a business can seem intimidating.

I recently attended an opportunity meeting that made me cringe. It was truly a nightmare of lies. The presenter was a lying idiot who was hell-bent on convincing the prospects they could easily make $60,000 per month in his company. (this dude has never made over $600 per MONTH in MLM!) He did everything his sponsor told hm to do–draw circles, smile real big, use all the right words–and some of these poor folks ready to sign up. The rest of them were wondering where the bathroom was and who was going to win America’s Got Talent.

I knew how things would turn out. A few, maybe 10% of them sign up. 90% of them would lose money and drop out in 6 months because they were spending more than they were making. the rest of the audience would wonder why their friend had gotten involved in this obvious scam. This happens every night of the week. Stop by any Holiday Inn.

Just ONCE, I’d like to hear someone tell the truth at a recruiting meeting. I’d love to hear the speaker say,

“you’re not going to make much money for three to six months. whatever money you make, you’re going to reinvest back into your business. It will be work hard and you’ll have to do things that are outside of your comfort zone. You can take it at your own pace and I’ll be here help you whenever you need me. If you follow my proven plan, you can create a full-time income in six to eighteen months and you won’t have to worry about money again.”

That’s what I’d tell you if you came to me.

Network building requires a focused commitment over a long period of time. The truth is that there are a few opportunities where you can make some money right away, but they never last more than a few months. If building a business was easy, everyone would do it.

If you’re thinking about joining a network marketing business, don’t be afraid to ask your sponsor some tough questions. Do your due diligence. Find out what you’re getting into BEFORE you sign on the dotted line. You’ll be doing yourself–and your sponsor–a favor.

MLM is a fantastic opportunity for “average” people to participate in the free enterprise system. It can provide you with all the material success you’ve ever wanted. But it’s not for everyone, and you deserve to know the truth before you sign up.

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