Have you been the recipient of an email from your first cousin’s babysitter’s sister who probably never talked to you in high school that starts out with “Hey, girl,” or maybe you have been approached by an overly aggressive person that claims the supplements they are selling will change your life. Perhaps you have received an email out of the blue that starts off with “Hey, I thought of you today and I know how much you care about blah, blah, join my team.” I think most of us can relate. These are some examples why MLM’s have a bad name.
First, what is a MLM company? According to the Federal Trade Commission, a MLM company sells their products or services through person to person sales. A person who joins a MLM generally makes money in two ways:
- Retail sales of the product or service
- By recruiting new people to the company and receiving a commission on their sales
Why the stigma?
Some people still think of every MLM as a pyramid scheme. This is simply not true. There have been some MLM companies out there who have been found guilty of not so legitimate practices. However, most consultants for an MLM earn commission from products sold. This is no different than earning a commission working in retail sales at a department store. The problem is recruiting. If the focus is on finding others to join your team and not the products, that’s a red flag.
Here are some simple tips to stop perpetuating the MLM stigma if you work for a MLM
- Focus on the products. If you live it, they will come.
- Don’t turn every interaction with people into sales a pitch. There is a time and place.
- Quit focusing on the lavish lifestyle you could have. I know first hand that you get what you work for. Making serious bank from an MLM takes hard work and dedication.
- Please don’t try to recruit everyone. People should love a product first before they sell it. Often the potential tribe member comes to you.
- Don’t let your name become synonymous with the MLM. You don’t want to be that girl. Trust me.
- Be honest and genuine. This is the way to find your customers and your tribe.
Here are some tips to stop perpetuating the MLM stigma if you do not work for a MLM
- Realize there are people out there who want to tell you about products because they truly believe in them
- Support does not have to be monetary. If you have a friend who works for a MLM, share their posts and updates. Offer to host a get together so they can share the products with a group of people they would not otherwise reach.
- Sample a product to provide a testimony
- Join their Facebook group and interact for support.
- Don’t immediately assume everyone just wants to recruit you. Recruiting is a factor, but for most relationships come first. If you love the products, maybe the opportunity is right for you. Sharing an opportunity is not the same is recruiting. When done correctly, this is obvious.
- Finally, celebrate each other’s endeavors. I often see women especially not support one another this way. We have to lift each other up in any way we can.
I hope you found this helpful. I find it sad that the MLM stigma overshadows some wonderful products. Best practices and genuine interactions are the best way to overcome this stigma and find your tribe and that perfect product!
With much love,
