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[Cheryl Marie Contribution Level: 1]

The network marketing companies I’ve been involved with are pretty tight with the reins on what or how we could advertise. I remember having to send ads in to customer service for an approval number, which had to be displayed on the ad. This could take weeks, and in the meantime you’re losing sales.
With the Internet, you have to be careful how you write an article, you can’t use their company name anywhere. You certainly can’t use their logos or product names. Some of these network marketing companies will give you a small, generic website for you to use. You can’t edit anything here, it’s all automated. Whoopee! And you can’t put their logo on your website, so we really have no control in this Network Marketing business at all.
I’ve been pitched to so many times from people working in network marketing companies. They wanted to ‘get me’ in any way they could. I was so overwhelmed with information and never did figure out their complicated compensation plans. I grew tired of the 3 foot rule and how they want you to do business, by ‘sharing the product’ or the ‘opportunity’. This is what they teach. Okay, I got that.
But with Attraction Marketing, I no longer need to buy leads, do cold calls, or pitch to my family and friends. Attraction Marketing is much more powerful than that. Once they sign up on your lead capture page or join your blog, they have given you permission to communicate with them, and this is the start of your relationship. Much better than going after someone with your pitch.
The cool thing is I’m building relationships with people first. They are following me, trusting me, watching what I’m doing. I do the same thing by following other successful mentors in my circle of friends, commenting and connecting with them.
As far as Network Marketing being dead, there are many successful network marketers out there. It's not dead. The other Blog posts here are proof of that. But I do feel it’s time for Network Marketing to revise their policies and get onboard. We can work together, can’t we?
By synergistically combining attraction marketing with network marketing, well, the possibilities are endless.
I’m totally getting into this and I’m looking forward to a prosperous new year with this agenda! Thanks for your article and I’ll be following this one

Cher

[Shelly Begarowicz Company: Pre-Paid Legal ServicesContribution Level: 2]

As far as Network Marketing being dead, there are many successful network marketers out there. It's not dead. The other Blog posts here are proof of that. But I do feel it’s time for Network Marketing to revise their policies and get onboard. We can work together, can’t we?

Cher

Cher, you hit the nail on the head here. It really is sink or swim time for many network marketing companies. They must change with the times or go belly up.

Some aren't figuring this out... in fact I was talking to an associate of mine who is in an MLM that won't even drop ship to customers. All product must be mailed to the distributor then repackaged and mailed out to the customer! How long do you think folks are going to put up with that?

However, many of them are making changes... adding dynamic lead capture pages, setting up virtual call centers, online shopping for customers, easier to navigate policies concerning advertising...

Just remember... your MLM isn't your business. You are your business and your MLM is only one income stream. If they don't measure up to your expectations vote with your wallet and find one that does.

Live Your Dreams!

ShellyB
The Rat Race Rebel

[Lane Romero-Reiss Company: MelaleucaContribution Level: 2]

Just remember... your MLM isn't your business. You are your business and your MLM is only one income stream. If they don't measure up to your expectations vote with your wallet and find one that does.

That right there is the biggest shift I see happening in the industry today. When people are the hub of their own business, and the MLM is simply one spoke in the wheel, then the power the companies have over their distributors diminishes. Only the strong companies will survive this shift; those with quality products and a compensation plan that is fair to both distributors AND customers.

Of course, the irony in this is that word of mouth advertising will actually start to mean something again, because you will know that when an attraction marketer recommends a company or a product, it is because they ACTUALLY LIKE IT.

Lane Reiss

[Shelly Begarowicz Company: Pre-Paid Legal ServicesContribution Level: 2]

Of course, the irony in this is that word of mouth advertising will actually start to mean something again, because you will know that when an attraction marketer recommends a company or a product, it is because they ACTUALLY LIKE IT.

Lane Reiss

LOL... yep and as you and I have discussed this is happening already in our circles. When someone is looking for a new MLM or other income opportunity they turn to their marketing friends for an honest evaluation of the company they are with.

This can't happen when folks have a "scarcity" or "Everyone is my prospect" mindset.

[Michael Kane Company: Other / Not ListedContribution Level: 2]

My Twitter Friend Shelly:

You have started a mind provoking post that has helped me by leaps and bounds! MLM Companies that evolve to 21st Century standards of marketing and communicating will WIN! Our great Internet has opened the door to totally BLOWING UP our downlines GLOBALLY and once the MLM's TRULY know this, they will conform.

PS Could everyone check out my lead capture page and give me some advice via PM? Here is the link:
http://www.century21plan.com. There is a broken link for my picture, I will get that once I get back to my home computer.

Thanks,

Mike Kane

[Mirdza Hayden Company: Young Living Essential OilsContribution Level: 2]

Yes, there are some companies like that... I was involved with on. Not fun, for sure. However, there are many wonderful companies out there and I think Network Marketing is the best way to do business. Think about it.... Where else can you get people involved promoting your company all around the U.S or the world? Plus, you get to actually talk to people about the products and let them know how they have helped you personally. Testimonials are the best advertisement; facts tell, stories sell.

I certainly love the concept of network marketing, even if many are skeptical right now. I love the life of freedom that it promises. I love the fact that I can get trained in the best business school out there. I love the fact that I can get to know and help people all around the world. I love being able to get people on my team that will help me meet my goals.

Network Marketing will never die as long as we keep it alive and prove to people how amazing it really is.

[Michael Kane Company: Other / Not ListedContribution Level: 2]

Network Marketing will never die as long as we keep it alive and prove to people how amazing it really is.

This is so true. We must WALK the WALK and TALK the TALK! I love this forum!!!!

[Brian Galloway Contribution Level: 1]

Network marketing is definitely alive; it's just the old methods that are dying out. People want to do business with those they trust. It's really that simple. The old '3-foot rule' 'prospect anyone with a pulse' just doesn't produce the kind of long-term results we want as businesspeople. Once the hype and excitement of that approach wears off, they're gone! Not a good way to build a solid business.

[Ken Kroll Contribution Level: 1]

The newer direct sales companies out there are learning from the issues you present. i.e., being able to sell your business if you want, etc. I expect we will see others adapt or die. A few (like ours) are prospering because they are newer and not playing by many of the old rules. Many others are dying and those reps will want to jump on board where the grass actually is greener. My take, we are in an evolutionary stage with the industry...for the better I might add!

[Shelly Begarowicz Company: Pre-Paid Legal ServicesContribution Level: 2]

The newer direct sales companies out there are learning from the issues you present. i.e., being able to sell your business if you want, etc.

You said a mouthful with that one Ken! Can you imagine any business person outside the network marketing industry working to build a business they weren't allowed to sell or will to their heirs? It's amazing to me how far "off base" the network marketing industry has been. I guess they got away with it because their work force weren't "business" people and didn't know any better.

Thank goodness for the internet and sites like BetterNetworker for educating us. Because of it the whole industry is getting a much needed spring cleaning!