Network Marketing- EXPOSED! Here We Go Again...
Company: Numis Network
Read More: Oh, I’m sure this will really hack some people off… but what the heck! I’m writing my opinion, so here it goes…
Tonight I was reading several posts on an MLM message board, allegedly designed to discuss Scams- one of which, of course, was about the Numis Network scam. After reading several pages of posts, I decided that I had had enough with the trash-talking about how all MLMs or Network Marketing companies are scams.
Actually, I’d estimate that less than 10% of network marketing companies are truly "scams". The reason why this industry has such a bad reputation, I believe, is due to the marketing methods used by many in the industry.
What methods?
- The glossy brochure or video that highlights people making six-and seven-figures, driving around in Ferraris, standing in front of their mansion, sailing in their yacht or boarding their jet.
- The person up on stage flaunting power point pictures of their palatial home and matching his and hers Range Rovers, the diamond-encrusted Rolex…while….
- Telling folks that all they need to do is talk to everyone they know about the business, take them to a hotel meeting to hear someone talk about the millions they made, and that's it- they’ll start rakin’ in the dough.
- Telling people about super duper bonuses when you get when 3,000 people join your business.
- Sharing how THEY got the super duper bonus in just 2 months…and if you can just get 3 people who get 3 people who get 3 people, etc., you will make the super duper bonus too.
Let’s be honest here…the vast majority of people won’t achieve those kinds of results. In fact, I believe that the marketing style above is one of the very reasons why there’s a high attrition rate in network marketing.
Why?
Well, that form of marketing primarily appeals to people who:
(1) Are in a desperate financial situation or
(2) Want to make a quick buck.
In my opinion, neither one will stay in the business for the long haul, and here’s why:
Type (1) Desperate Financial Situation People:
Network Marketing is a business not a job. Businesses take money to grow. Period.
I don’t care what anyone else says, to grow a business you need money.
Yea, I know….there are SOME exceptions to that statement….but I’m not talking about that small group- I’m talking about the majority of people.
I believe that you need some money to make money.
(Note: I didn’t say you need a ton of money, I just said some….)
And by the way…if you don’t have ANY money, you won’t be in business for long. So my suggestion is, get a job, any job because your chances of succeeding in this industry increase if you’ve got some cash flow coming in!
Most of the Type 1 people end up dropping out because they spend themselves out of the business. After all, many:
- Didn’t know it would take money after the initial sign up fee or product purchase.
- Didn’t realize that if they want to grow the business that they would likely have to buy leads, advertising and/or marketing materials.
- Had no clue they may need to purchase some training materials
These people make up, I would guess, close to half of the people who drop out of the business.
Type (2) “Make A Quick Buck” people:
In addition to requiring some money, businesses take time and effort to grow.
A major problem with our industry is that many leaders don't tell people that their friends and family might not see the business for the great opportunity it is.
They also don’t tell people that when that happens, they either must talk to every person they can about the business, purchase business opportunity leads, or generate their own leads.
To introduce the business to a lot of people takes time.
Want to know what REALLY gets my goat? When top earners are quick to tell people that they made the Super Duper $100,000 bonus in just 6 months, while conveniently failing to disclose:
- The number of companies before this one, in which they tried and failed.
- The REAL reason they got that Bonus in just 2 months was because they brought a downline of 500+ over from another company, that took them YEARS to build.
- That they sponsored one super-star who brought in a boat load of people
- That they have a list of 50,000 people that took them years to build or cost them a ton of money!
This lack of information gives most opportunity seekers a false expectation of the time and effort it takes to succeed…which, not surprisingly, is the reason that the FTC now requires disclosures on advertising materials that include results.
Typically Quick Buck people quit shortly after the reality of the time commitment sets in.
These people represent the other huge portion of people who drop out of the business.
To eliminate these results, I firmly believe it’s my duty to tell people who are interested in joining our business, what I believe it really takes to make it in the business. That’s why I’m writing this article.
I don't want a single person to join my team without knowing my views on what it takes to succeed based on their particular financial goals.
With that said, you’re probably wondering… is this girl going to say anything good about Network Marketing?
You bet!
Unlike traditional businesses, which take a lot of start-up capital (typically between 10s of thousands to hundreds of thousands) for things like rent, insurance, inventory, legal fees, licenses, etc., network marketing allows people to have their own business for a fraction of the cost.
PLUS:
- It's the most affordable way for someone who wants to be his or her own boss, to start a business.
- It gives the little guy a chance to make way more money than he ever could at his 9 to 5.
- It gives people a better chance at living the American Dream than a lottery ticket.
- The best part is, there are TONS of average people like you and me, making MILLIONS in network marketing. It’s a real possibility, if you’re willing to do what it takes to succeed.
Consider this before signing up with any network marketing company:
What are you willing to do to grow your business once your contacts or “warm market” has been exhausted?
In my opinion, you’ve pretty much got three choices:
A. Talk to everyone in a 3-foot radius about your business, place drop cards all around town, pass out flyers/magazines, etc.
You must be willing to talk to people day-in and day-out for months or even a year or more in order to get a significant amount of money coming in consistently. And, yes, I’m aware that there are exceptions to that rule too….but I’m not talking about them, I’m talking about what I believe MOST people can expect based on my personal experiences.
B. Purchase Leads.
This means you'll make hundreds of cold-calls to business opportunity seekers, a large percentage of which will be rude and hang up on you. This method has been proven to work, but it’s truly a numbers game. You’ll need to buy a whole lot of leads and make a whole lot of phone calls to grow your organization this way.
C. Generate Leads Online.
This method takes time and of course, some money. (Yes, there are free content-based traffic generation strategies to build your business online.)
But, if you want to market your business on the Internet, you must accept the fact that for the vast majority of people, it takes several months or more of consistent hard work, learning and implementing to lay a foundation before you even start seeing consistent results.
It takes time to get your presence out on the Internet. Although with Blogs, Better Networker, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and some other online tools- if used properly, you can get your presence out much faster than ever before.
You also must be willing to invest time and some money in educational materials, if you’re new to this industry and/or this style of marketing.
After all of this, you’re probably wondering why I’m being so brutally honest about what I believe it takes to succeed in Numis Network.
In fact, I'll bet a lot of Network Marketing veterans who use the “traditional methods” of marketing will be pretty mad at me for writing this article. They’ll say that I’m scaring people off. I may be. But, the people who do make the choice to join Numis or any other MLM company, will at least go into the opportunity with their eyes wide open- as opposed to dropping out and then bad-mouthing the industry and writing on those obnoxious forums about how Numis Network or any other MLM company is a scam.
My other reason may be a little selfish….
We don’t want to waste our time personally mentoring people who are unwilling to do what it takes to succeed. I’m not afraid to tell someone “NO” if I don’t think they are right for our business.
That’s because we want a team of entrepreneurs who:
- Are serious about building their own business;
- Acknowledge that it takes time, effort, and money to grow a business; and are
- Willing to do what it takes to reach their goals.
If I haven’t scared you off yet, then you’re the kind of person we want on our team!
Because we’re so straight forward about what we believe it takes to succeed in this business, we know that the people who join our team are true entrepreneurs, and that’s why we’re happy to dedicate our time and resources to help others achieve their goals.
Like this Article? Please vote for it (in the top left- corner of the article) and comment below.
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To Your Success,
**Want to Connect With Me?** GO HERE
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Views: 3,478
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Comments: 77
I think your right on!
Hello Natasha,
I agree with what your saying and think that the way people promote this industry is what keeps giving it a black eye in many people's minds to begin with.
Also with all the flashy cars, homes, and piles of money that you see on many web sites including directly from mlm company replicated sites does nothing but cause even more harm to the industry.
This industry is good enough without having to use HYPE what so ever to build it. Every where I go online people use the scam word for I guess so called marketing purposes but it does way more harm than good.
I guess what they don't realize is that while these tactics are used, while they use them it just keeps hurting themselves as well as those that DO NOT use those tactics in the long run by putting the industry down once again. But they just don't get it.
At my blog I write many posts debunking all this crap! Its no wonder with many people as they go about trying to build their business they keep hearing comments from many people they approach about the business as being some scam or pyramid deal or scheme.
Many in the industry have shot their own foot and continue to keep doing it.
Anyway...Your post did not make me madd what so ever. Hey, the truth is the truth no matter how you slice and dice it!
So keep speaking your mind and telling it like it is.
Wishing you all my best:)
Re: I think your right on!
Larry,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and raising these great points. Over the past few years, I've seen SOME progress towards hyping a little less....but we still have a long way to go!
Natasha
Thank You!
Natasha,
You put in writing what so many of us know to be true. I especially connected with the idea that once your warm market is exhausted you have about 3 choices: Cold contact, buy leads or market online. Generating my own leads online is definitely most appealing! I love your blunt-ness!
Keep it up!
Stacia
http://ThinkandGrowYourMLM.com
Great summary, Natasha, of
Great summary, Natasha, of what it takes to succeed in any kind of business. The good thing about MLMs is that there are people like you to hold someone's hand if they truly want to learn the skills to become a successful entrepreneur.
Thanks for your mentoring.
Joe Jacobson
http://internet-mlm-training.com
@Joe- Thanks for your kind
@Joe- Thanks for your kind words! You raise a very great point about what sets MLMs apart from other business models- the emphasis on mentorship (and I would also add that there are so many people in this industry that are just willing to give- for the sake of giving to others- which is pretty neat!) :)
@Stacia- You're totally right- generating your own leads is WAAAAAY better :)
How Long will people Keep Eating HYPE
I have been Screaming this forever. But People want a Get Rich quick Scheme. And then they plug in and find out it takes work.
which is to bad for them. Then they cry. I know I was one. I bought leads it does not work for the newbie. But now I generate my own leads built my whole team on line not one person was warm market except my son!
It is work but it is worth it!
Your friend for life Juanita Waterman
Spot on.
Your opinion is spot on Natasha. Absolutely true. I've been preaching this since 2008..even wrote a book about it "network marketing Exposed" believe it or not. It's good to see I'm not alone and there are others willing to defend our industry by exposing the real reasons people don't make money and then go trash the industry as a scam. Job well done.
UR vs TR
For 70-odd years the "industry" as it's incorrectly referred to (companies across many industries with a similar distribution channel and sales compensation structure) has taught and practiced UR - UNtargeted Recruiting
To this DAY, most companies still do - make a list, 3-foot rule, vapor breathing test, yada yada - all embedded in company literature and doctrine. Enough to make a target marketer cry!
Beginning in the 90's, with the de-regulation of the telcos and vastly cheaper long distance rates, TR (Targeted Recruiting) began to rear its head, albeit with a tremendous amount of pain attached as Natasha accurately depicts. You could finally buy "geneology lists" of (usually former) network marketers, or a list broker could sell you a phone list of oppty seekers.
Once the broadband revolution gained critical mass (circa 2005) we suddenly gained free or absurdly cheap TARGETED RECRUITING MECHANISMS - MySpace, YouTube, Warrior Forum, EzineArticles, Associated Content, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Squidoo, Hub Pages, Digg, StumbleUpon, and more.
What is RARELY taught, even to this day in MLM is that 90% of the names on EVERYONE'S warm group list show up with a great big E tatooed on their forehead - and it does NOT stand for entrepreneur - instead, it is Robert Kiyosaki's top left quadrant - Employees - and despite what anyone wants to admit, nearly all of them will remain in that quadrant until the social security administration steps in to take care of their basic needs for the final 20-30 years of their lives.
All the current and past emphasis on duplication is based on UR - dumb the system down - go after prospects who are unlikely to push the envelope, blaze trails, devise new marketing strategies, or become a professional in the business to any meaningful degree.
Want to be successful in today's MLM world? Take it from Natasha and become a TR. Your business will never be the same.
Here are 3 huge weaknesses I see in the "industry" :
1. Failure to INSIST that new people develop a really, really big WHY. I mean IN COLOR, ON THE WALL, including daily scripting (that Napoleon Hill T&GR novel concept) - A big enough WHY gets recruits past spousal abuse, day job pay cuts, teenage daughters getting pregnant, death, family illness, the works
2. Failure to adopt a professional HOUSE for your business. 99% of the MLM world is operating out of the equivalent of the trunk of a rusted-out 1960's sedan. They hold themselves out to the world as "rep for Company XX" instead of the owner of a professional network marketing company (preferably a MULTI-DEPARTMENTAL one millions mess this up by riding a single horse)
3. Failure to adopt the behavior of a professional follow up artist. Fortunes are made in the followup, yet few ever do it properly. Hardly any last past one or two contacts with prospects. Fewer still use snail mail or video to follow up. Ask 100 MLMers what CRM tool (customer relations management) they are using and 99 will look at you like you are from some other planet.
Great Points!
Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts!
Juanita- Glad to know others are saying the same thing... :)
Anthony- You wrote a book called this?!? NO WAY! I guess great minds think alike! Would love to read it sometime!
Steven- I absolutely LOVE your description as Untargeted vs Targeted Marketing. You made some extremely insightful points!
Right On! Couldn't have said it better myself :)
Being on both sides of the story I know from personal experience that you're 100% correct. Another big point is when anytime during or after the overview the word "easy" is mentioned. "It's as easy as talking to everyone you know" in the world of business and money there is nothing easy about it. Everything worth keeping requires effort and discipline.
This is why we have a BIG problem!
Natasha. Your post is very interesting and eloquent but I have to tell you that unfortunately a lot of people promote some MLMs as get-rich-quick ventures. And that's partialy why MLMs in general are ofen described as scams. Although I am sure Numis is not a scam but the way it is being promoted by many/some gives me goosebumps.
In the recent couple of weeks I got 5 emails with a link to a Web Tour. The tour promotes Numis and it is full of hype, images of cars and flying money etc. (http://richteambuilder.com). Have you seen it? I don't know if this web tour was designed by Numis or some distributors, but this is exactly why we have a problem in MLM.
Yes NWM a real business folks....
Good post.
Many folks outside the relm of NWM
meaning my family and friends...not yours
of course...really don't get this NWM thing.
Only one reason...they don't do their due
dilegence.
How true
Yes it is amazing how many people think NWM is a scam. That when you talk to them about your business and you tell them Network Marketing. Thay say O that one of those pyramid scams, your just trying to take my money. Or some one joins and in one month they don't get a check they are gone and calling you and telling you this business don't work.
How true! Look for those that really get it!
Re: This is why we have a BIG problem!
Luke- Haven't seen that presentation, but can say with certainty that I won't ever use a presentation with that kind of imagery.
As with any company where you have independent distributors, you have to look at the team you intend to join with IN ADDITION to the opportunity. That's why I've been fortunate to have a team of business builders and true entrepreneurs- because I make to sure to market the opportunity in a way that I end up attracting like-minded people.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
My Thoughts
Raphael- I agree that making a bunch of money requires effort- but I don't think it is "hard" or complicated. It is a fairly "easy" concept- but too often people use easy & effortless interchangeably...which is where the problem comes in. Making money online isn't rocket science- you just need a plan!
Nicholas- Another reason may be- they just don't want to be entrepreneurs. It takes more than one kind of person to make the world go-round. Sometimes trying to get a family member to join your opp. is like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole... Some people just aren't interested in this model, and that's ok. Just know when to move on from those kinds of people because there are plenty of others who ARE entrepreneurs and who are looking for an opportunity. Those are the kinds of people you need to be going after!
Robert- That's why if someone asks me if it's a pyramid scheme- I tell them that I don't think they're a right fit for my team. I don't need to waste my time trying to convince ANYONE about the legitimacy of the business model- and you shouldn't either! When you change your posture and become more selective in who you do business with, I've found that you end up attracting more of the "right" kind of people to your business.
All the Best,
Natasha
Aaahh, a breath of fresh air... :)
Thank you Natasha for saying it like it is. It's true, very few "leaders" are upfront about the reality of NWM.
Yes very true..
Natasha,
I strongly agree with this. I just had a member drop out of my business because he didn't have enough time or money to build his business. He was looking for a quick buck. So it is best to let everyone know up front! In business, it takes money to make money along with some time, training, and effort!!
Very True
Josephine- You're right....and the funny thing is, they then wonder why their downline is disappearing or *gasp* not duplicating! I hope that I was able to shed a little light on a couple of reasons why that happens.
Jeremy- Yea, i've had a few of those... which is what inspired me to be even more upfront about what it takes- so that it's a "good fit" for both parties involved : )
Terrific Article
Hi Natasha,
I am a big fan of people like you who aren't afraid to tell it like it is about succeeding in Network Marketing. And, like you, I am so tired of all the "scam" articles out there. It drives me crazy because...Network Marketing is NOT a scam!
The Internet has changed the game for Network Marketers, but not in a way that makes building a profitable organization any easier. This is a simple business, but not an easy business. That's why it pays so well to the people who do the work!
Thanks for this article. I appreciate your views on this topic.
Mary Lou
Finally
Bravo Natasha,
I have been telling this to people for quite sometime. I will share your article so the truth gets out.
You're a Rock Star for speaking the truth
Jay
Reality Bites..For Some!
Natasha, I agree whole heartedly, I like to ask people, what they are looking for in a home based business, If they are looking for just quick money, I let them know this may not be for them...then I explain that network marketing is a lifestyle, and a great one at that, the benefits are priceless, but there is a price to pay to be successful..personal development, time and yes some money. Alot of people don't understand why personal development is so very important to their success. Their "Why" has to be so Strong, a burning Desire..to see them through. Once you get it and live it...the sky is the limit!
Wishing you all the best that life has to offer...it doesn't fall out of the sky, you have to attract it to you!
Bev Bojarski
I'm glad somebody finally said this!
Network marketing is NOT a scam or a get rich quick plan. And network marketers are more guilty of perpetuating this myth than anyone else! Thanks for having the guts to say so.
Dr. Dick
Well said!
Hi Natasha, I had the same sentiments myself, but you have beat me to it. I'm new to network marketing and have joined many different programmes that offer XYZ and you are right, the one ingredient they all fail to mention is that it isn't as easy as 123 in 30 days.
My mission is also to tell the truth so that people know what they are getting themselves into. It is because I'm a determined person who can see what's ahead of me that has stopped me from quitting. Thank you for your valuable insight.
Michelle
http://www.facebook.com/michellejames66
http://www.michellejames-mlm.com
"The Numis scam"
I wholeheartedly agree with all that you have written, Natasha.
There is no point whatever in trying to kid people that Network Marketing is a 'get rich quick option', especially for the majority who are only able to work part-time. Yet with proper training, it can be simple. It is far better to tell the truth. But again, one should say that the prize is beyond compare for those who are prepared to be coached and work consistently hard over time.
Thank you being honest and clear in your article.
Build People and People will Build Your Home Base Business.
Kind regards
Don Southgate
That. Was. Worth It.
Angry truth sometimes sinks deeper into your soul and I'm glad you came out both guns blazing.
I RARELY read content this long, but you got me with the headline and delivered in the content.
Numis Network is blessed to have a soldier like you on their team. God bless.
Larry Beacham
"The Stonecold Millionaire"
www.LarryBeacham.com
Numis Network
I agree with you 100%. Most people who starts a home based business think they will become millionaires overnight. But if they don't succeed they always blame the company they joined. In order to have a home based business, you must have money to invest to get your business off the ground. Nothing is free. But some people are always looking for those miracles that simply doesn't work. Hard work is the way to have your business succeed and attracting the right people to you. Branding and marketing you is the way to go. Great info. Keep up the good work.
The Numis Scam
Great article, love your honesty. I learned a lot from the article. Thanks.
Robert
Super Fantastic Post
Natasha,
Great post! I couldn't agree with you more... the only comment I thought was a little misleading was that less than 10% of the businesses are scams. From researching over 4,000 of them over the past few years I've found that 95% of them are not worth the time or the investment and many of them ARE scams! Unfortunately the good companies and the ethical, honest people building real businesses get thrown into the mix by the general public.
Solution - posts like yours to help influence and stop the un-business like behaviors.
Always the best,
Andrew Van Valer
www.andrewvanvaler.com
www.cashflowpotentials.com
Network Marketing - Exposed
I like your article on this subject. I am new to the industry...since May/June and seem to spend more of my available time on learning than I do making any money right now. I feel better knowing that my situation is not unusual.
Network Marketing-Exposed
I totally agree with you in this article. We need more people who are upfront and tell it like it is. Thank you for posting this!!!
Audrey Johnson