Is Network Marketing a Pyramid Scheme?

Network marketing, multilevel marketing (MLM), direct sales, relationship marketing - while there are different names for this industry, one thing is constant: if offers the average person a chance to see his/her dreams come true, if he/she is willing to learn and dedicate the necessary time and energy.

Whether it be Avon, Scentsy, Thirty One Gifts, Pampered Chef, Epicure, Essential Oils, there are many great GREAT products that are sold via Direct Sales.  

This is a form of getting GREAT products into consumers hands.  I have never been disappointed with any direct sales products.  I've boughten great quality Thirty One bags and Pampered Chef kitchen gadgets.  I've gotten unique scents from Scentsy and amazing spices from Epicure.  The quality of ingredients in Shakeology and the proven results seen from nutrition and exercise programs form Team BeachBody.  There are great companies that make GREAT products and a lot of work goes into developing these great products for consumers.  These companies have just decided to take the direct sales approach to getting their products out there and into peoples hands by sharing and getting the word out through consultants than just plunking the product into stores.  People can hear first hand from consultants who actually use the products and love them themselves.  They promote them because it's a great product.  

Sometimes people get confused or leary when learning about different MLM business opportunities.  They think it's a pyramid scheme.  When I was approached with the coaching opportunity, I was a bit leary about joining.  I didn't think that this was a true business opportunity because I immediately thought "pyramid scheme"

So I did some research on it before I jumped into this venture.

The main idea behind the MLM strategy is to share products.  Consultants that are involved earn a commission on their sales of the products, and they are compensated for the team of recruits that they have helped train and motivate.  When you work in direct sales, the amount of income you make is from how many lives you help and touch, this includes customers AND your team.   

In the case of a pyramid scheme, money is charged simply for enrolling other people into the scheme and no real product is actually sold.  Only a few individuals (those involved in starting it) make money.  

It's a wonderful thing when you start to fall in love with a product and their company.  Maybe you have been asked in the past about the "opportunity" of joining a team with a business.   If you love the company's product and you can dedicate some time to working on your business, and you are also open to sharing the product, there are wonderful opportunities for you.  The key is to pick a product you love, a company you trust, and something you feel comfortable about talking about and sharing with people.  

In the coaching opportunity, there are doctors, nurses, trainers, people who have quit their jobs to join in this business.  The beauty of it, is that you can dedicate as little or as much time to your business.  You are in the drivers seat on how successful you want it to become.  It can be a hobby OR it can be a full career for yourself.  Why work for anyone else when you can get out there and make your own business, determine your own hours and be your own boss!  You don't have to work for anyone else again, how cool is that.

The Top 10 Benefits to Network Marketing

1. The initial investment, compared to most businesses, is relatively low.  This categorizes it as an almost "rick-free" opportunity
2. Building your business offers you the opportunity to meet many new people who will often share your passion for entrepreneurship and promoting a particular line of products or services
3. as your business grows, you will be offered exciting travel opportunities to help support your team or attend training functions in exotic locations
4. You succeed in this business by helping others win, too; a major point in difference when it comes to the way other industries may operate
5. You earn the income you're willing to work towards.  There are no barriers to your commissions, as long as you are prepared to work toward creating the sales volume required.
6. As you develop a bigger income, you can choose to build the business solely and forego other employment requirements.
7. Companies and team leaders go out of their way to recognize top achievers.  If you 've always felt your efforts were not recognized, network marketing will provide you with ample opportunities to be in the spotlight.
8. The personal and leadership development offered is second to none, allowing you to strengthen your people and communication skills.
9. You'll have the change to inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and reach for their own personal dreams and goals.
10. The industry is on a rising curve, growing yearly.  The sooner you get involved and get active, the stronger possibility you have of taking advantage of a thriving business trend.

If you've always been curious in these MLM business's I hope this can give you some insight and kind of put that Pyramid Scheme thought to the side because there are many people that have total control of their lives and income from building a business they are proud of.  The days of struggling to find work or make more money are over.  You can make your own income, save for a vacation, pay off your mortgage faster, or just work your way out of debt by investing some time in a company who's product you love.  There's no real limit on where you can take this thing, it's exciting to think about.

If you are interested in hearing more about the coaching opportunity, I hold presentations at the beginning of each month.  You can message me on Facebook to hear more, and there is no obligation to sign up at all.  I will share with you what it has done in my life and in the lives of our team and the doors that have opened because of it.