An opinion about multi-level marketing schemes (MLM)

Angela - posted on 02/20/2009 ( 4 moms have responded )

A scheme can be defined as:

1. a plan, design, or program of action to be followed; project.

OR

2. an underhand plot; intrigue.



There are many direct sales businesses out there that follow a scheme (meaning a plan, design, or program) that utilize multi-level marketing to guide the business and all of its consultants. It can involve recruiting others to join a team to sell the same product or service. Sometimes it involves meeting a quota to earn commissions off of those recruited members and the more you sell, the more you earn. That is how sales marketing works.



It just makes good business sense to research any business or job to make sure it is legit and suits your individual needs and interests. Some people are looking for a job they can do from home that earns them an hourly wage. In this case an MLM may not be what you are looking for.



Others, however, may be looking for leadership, freedom to choose the salary they want to earn and other bonus perks such as free trips, jewelry, automobiles, etc. and the freedom of setting their own hours. For these folks direct sales/MLM businesses can be a perfect fit. You don't have to have a marketing, accounting or business degree (or any degree for that matter!) to have your own successful business. The corporate office of a direct sales/MLM type business has generally done that ground work for you providing marketing and training materials as well as sound business advice. There is usually a lot of support among team members and the corporate business as a whole. You are in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The social networking aspect can be quite rewarding in itself too!



In short, MLM is not necessarily a negative term or synonymous with a scam. In any business venture you have to research what you are getting into and for anything to be successful it does take a fair amount of effort, but doesn't anything that is worthwhile? The ultimate key to each person's individual success and happiness is finding that opportunity that fits his/her needs, interests and skills.



Feel free to share your opinions!