I had an interesting chat with a fellow entrepreneur today and he planted the seed of an idea that I thought might be helpful as I know this is something that many Networkers that I have come across in the past have done. One business or more?
Years ago, I had a guy from the States approach me about this new strategy he had developed to build his MLM business. Naturally I was intrigued and dug a bit further. His marketing ideas certainly looked sound and his slick and stylish approach I must admit did impress me (if you didn’t already know, I’m a tough nut to crack – seen most things out there so on occasion I can be rather cynical). After a bit of digging, I discovered his main ‘modus operandi’ was targeting other Network Marketers. At first, I was a little disappointed, in fact angry to be perfectly honest. Why would I do that? It’s highly unethical! But it got worse …
This guy was quite literally teaching people to join multiple network marketing businesses and getting everyone in their teams to do the same. He figured that if everyone did this, you would receive multiple cheques from different companies. Needless to say, I didn’t stay with him for very long given the endless problems with this approach.
First off, who the hell wants a cupboard full of all kinds of products??? Most of them I can bet you will never use. I was sent anything from health products, to drink and lotions and potions. What an unbelievable waste of money! Now unless you have a massive team, how the hell could you possibly be expected to make your money back if you’re buying all of this stuff yourself to begin with? It’s false economy.
Secondly, I’ve learned that some companies don’t allow you to do business with other MLM companies. It’s written into their initial T&Cs that you can terminated simply by signing with another company (despite doing nothing). So it is fraught with danger – particularly if you have a large organization. Are you willing to risk that income?
Thirdly, how much focus do you think you will end up having on your own deal, if you are so busy ordering from so many other companies? And don’t think you won’t be just a little bit tempted to have a closer look at the others and compare it to your deal. It’s just instinctive human nature to be curious. It’s a fair expectation that some people in your team will quit – as per yesterday’s post on “Shiny New Object” Syndrome – sadly, there are a lot of people that have it.
Fourthly and lastly, it’s just plain unethical. It’s unprofessional, dishonest, lacks integrity, credibility and just isn’t solid business etiquette. Not to mention whatever the opposite of entrepreneurial is. It certainly doesn’t utilize any type of marketing or communication skills does it?
Now I know there are a lot of Networkers out there who actively seek out other Networkers with the intention of recruiting them into their deal and I won’t say it’s fine, but I think it is always going to happen in an industry left largely unregulated. What I will say, however, is if it works for them, whatever. The really important thing is for you is to get proper training on how to market yourself and your opportunity and products. That is why I am here. Focus on what you are doing with absolute pin point accuracy and commitment, and you will achieve whatever it is you set yourself out to achieve when you got started with your company.
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