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[Chris Tryon Company: Jerky Direct Contribution Level: 4]

I have been observing a lot on this site lately. I am hearing a lot about using "systems" for promoting your business. I recently read a disturbing sentence from a recent "convert to systems." He said and I quote, "you can have the worst product with the worst compensation plan" and still be successful if you are using the right system. Is this correct?

Do you believe it is more about the "system" or the "business" you are promoting? I know most of you will say it is about both. However, I am beginning to believe that the only people on this site that are making any real money are the ones that are "selling the systems." (Or the tools to help you dig for the gold).

Please tell me I am wrong on this assumption. My gut instinct tells me that I'm right.

[Mike Scalise Contribution Level: 2]

I believe that a lot of people that get into network marketing do not know how to market. So the system can help work for them and teach them how to market. With that then they can integrate that with their primary business. I dont think that will always be true for a business with a bad comp plan. If it was bad then why would you get into it in the first place.

[Justin jr Contribution Level: 2]

most business that fail... 90%+, fail because they do not have a proper system in place. according to edward demmings, a top management consultant. something to think about...

[Chris Tryon Company: Jerky Direct Contribution Level: 4]

I agree with you Mike. Unfortunately a lot of people get caught up in the "money" aspect of a company and do not research the company and the compensation plan thoroughly. They buy into the dream and into the hype of the person selling the product or system and believe that if that person is successful they will be too. Not all of us have the same talents or abilities. Too many people want to be successful without working. The only place that you will ever find success before work is in the dictionary. So do your homework before investing your time or money. You will be glad you did in the long run.

[Warren Veach Company: State Continuing Education Contribution Level: 4]

Hi Chris,

Interesting observation. You mentioned someone said "you can have the worst product with the worst compensation plan" and still be successful if you are using the right system, and by your response, I get the feeling you don't totally agree with the statement.

My take on this particular scenario is that if the system is geared towards a massive number of contacts and is supported by an extensive list to put through the system, then yes, even the worst product with the worst compensation plan can be successful because it is built on volume versus quality.

However, I believe the attrition rate would be very high in this instance due to the fact that the vast majority of people that come into the venture are not going to have the list, nor the skills to build such a list, to maintain their own growth in the system. And to compound the issue, most will not have the tenacity to follow through even if the system provides instruction on marketing and follow-through.

In most cases, I also believe the persons making the money are the ones at the top of the system. I can think of more than one example of systems that once a person signed up, they were left in the lurch by the system promoter. No valid contact method, no real customer support and no help.

I would rather have a product beyond reproach, a solid compensation plan and excellent support via phone, email, or live chat with a real live trained-in-the-product person.

If your opportunity encompasses those things, your system is not nearly as important.

[Joyce Penner Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 8]

Hey Chris. The only ones making big money are those who use a system is wrong. At least if you are talking about network marketing as a whole.
You've read Richard's recommendations I'm sure. Lots and lots of work but I believe it would work for someone who was committed to that kind of hours online. It all depends on how much you want to put in to get what kind of results.
To your success,
Joyce Penner

[Jerome Ratliff Company: Nu Skin Enterprises Contribution Level: 4]

Your system is the source for making your "franchise" or your "you inc.". More people initially will make more money off the systems they are selling, but as their MLM business is being built, they will earn far more in residual income with their business. And in this case, your system and business are your sources of income, both very important.

What is so key though is, if your MLM company every goes belly up or decides to close their doors, you can take your system and apply it any another company. Your system doesn't have to be so elaborate like you see other internet marketers having, although it could be. All it really has to be a means by which you can teach others to do the same thing. As you know, this is our friend "duplication". This is what true entreprenuers do. That's why you hear the stories of those people who can easily move to a new company and build their team. They use their system and those people see the value in what that leader is doing and continues to do.

The system is the foundation to creating a masterpiece of a business.

Jerome Ratliff

[Sue White Contribution Level: 1]

It seems to me that the key to making money - online or offline - is leverage, and one of the best ways to gain leverage is via systems (now, I'm a project manager by trade, so recognize my bias here).

I personally really enjoy the fact that "systems" (i.e., automation, technology, leverage) enable me to be actively marketing products and services on the internet while I'm sleeping, watching tv, on vacation, etc.

Regards,
Sue
NetBizSuccess4U.com

[Elizabeth Johnson Contribution Level: 1]

Sadly I think you are correct. I am new to mlm and have not had a bad experience at all thus far but it has been evident that people are more interested in how easy you will make it for them to make a profit (system) than the quality of the product or company. Sometimes it is the superficial aspects that bring people into business rather than the reality of the business itself. I wish you the best!

[Dave Kotecki Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 5]

I'm all about systems.
It's the way I think about things.
Check out how I bill myself on my profile.

Using marketing systems for network marketing
is still very new. I know, people have been using
systems for a long time; I"m saying that the online
marketing stuff and the systems that employ these
strategies are fairly new.

There is much refinement that can take place.
The thing is, there's no need for anyone to have to
start from scratch anymore.

Most people will not reach their dreams of financial
freedom even with the systems that exist. How could
they possibly build their own? If you start with an
existing system you can much more easily make
some adjustments and tweak it to make it better,
than you can build one yourself from the ground up.

Systems have made it much easier for new marketers to
succeed, cost very little in relation to what you get and
speed up the process considerably. I think a lot more
people start network marketing businesses now because
they look at the system and think "I can do that!".

Overall, the sales and marketing system will be very
important to the success of any business. An inferior product
can trump a better one with better marketing.

Think Windows vs Apple.