Even if the company that you have discovered is reportedly100% credible, YOU, the enrollee and now distributor et al., must also do your own personal checklist to make sure that you have the dynamo for the job.  These are difficult and stressful economic times.  Only the wise and strong survive. 

Know yourself before you engage with any MLM company.  If you have the earnest desire and ability to dedicate your time, energy and money to the effort you will stand a better chance of surviving.  If you don’t – cut your losses up front and look elsewhere – MLM’s are not the route for you.

Many individuals continue to commit themselves and their finances to “get rich quick” business models [schemes].  Remember, the typical character that is enticing you is generally very charismatic, dynamic, articulate, and well studied.  They know who to prey upon and who to leave alone.  They seek the insecure, unsure, and wandering souls who want to “get ahead,” but have no actual goals or plans for their future.  The MLM model seems so comforting because the recruiter embodies every personality characteristic that the “prey” (you) wish so much you had! 

Do not be deceived by business models that offer complex compensation plans, prizes, gifts, and promises to deliver you to a higher level with a mere endorsement, contract sign-on, and monetary commitment.  

One of the first things that I notice in several of these MLM companies is their complex compensation plans!  My gosh – you actually need a degree in finance and extended studies in statistics  to figure out what your gross income COULD be.  With terms like “binary” -  “unilevel” – some kind of “matrix” plan, you could spend the next two weeks trying to figure out what you actually have to do to get paid!  In the meantime you will  wear your mailman (FedEx, etc) out!!!  Because you will have more product delivered to your home than you can ever possibly use, distribute, or even store!  In the meantime I have heard – from all too many “victims” that they are cashing monthly bonus checks for $45.00!  But all the while the network marketing company continues to grow larger and profit more - all this while you and similar others are led down the Yellow Brick Road being told to:  work harder, be patient, understand, and wait – but while waiting you will always be reminded to make sure you pay those monthly DUES!!! 

Well your bank account has probably already been entered for automatic withdrawal thereby enabling the MLM to extract those monies – monthy.  With that, if you dare question the Wizard you will aways be reminded by the recruiter (monkey- as in “Monkey See Monkey Do” – or, the theory of Replication) that you are not paying dues, because you are receiving PRODUCT!  SERVICE!  MEMBERSHIP! 

And by the way, if it’s product you are receiving – you must now begin your search for storage (FYI: the economic downswing has opened this business up, therefore many storage companies are offering the first 3 months free with a signed contract for 12 months of storage). 

Sounds absurd? Ridiculous?  Let me know, because I believe there is a venerable business model available for re-selling the abundance of product (baskets, candles, make-up, energy drinks…etc) that can at least line your pockets with actual income while servicing all the prey who are saddled with product!

I am sure that this entry sounds cynical and a tad sarcastic – but at the end of the day I can assure you that fewer than 2% of the MLMers ever really turn an income – an income that is large enough to truly alter your life in a positive way.  Do the math, monitor yourself, examine your motivations and take a long hard look at your recruiter – isn’t there a better and more secure way of earning a living?

The MLM concept has received “bad press” for years due to its indoctrination model, enticements and encouragements to continue to fill a “power team” while diminishing the importance of working to sell a venerable product or service.  Many MLMers are people who are lost – waiting to be found!  There are numerous individuals who have great business minds but lack the “skills” to develop a business and fly without the overbearing and narcissistic leadership that an MLM delivers.  I really took a moment to ask myself – How does one extract themselves from an MLM  and thrive, given they enjoy the business model, endorse the product or service and truly want their business to grow? 

I believe these people should take the leap – get off that Yellow Brick Road and elevate themselves e.g., develop, grow and purport a business that is not multi-level – rather single level – the Individual has a business and thrives/succeeds without the auspice of an overriding, controlling, manipulatve and narcissistic Leader.  Can this be accomplished? 

I do believe it is possible. I credited one person who attended the meeting.  She had gotten her start from an MLM however branched off, acknowledging the bitter taste that an MLM generates in many people’s business minds.  I lauded her work in launching and developing a credible, legitimate business that is not dependent on pixie sticks.  A business that I felt will thrive and survive without the “pep rally” found in an MLM.  What do you think?

Home-Based Business-

Without the “Wizard’s” Fairy Tale Promises  

Exploring home-based business modelswithout the false promises of a “narcissistic wizard”

REQUIRES:

Time, Exploration, Data Analysis, Observation and Decision-Making:

Time – Your time is valuable and should only be spent on things, people and places that have the potential to elevate you personally and professionally.  When you begin the process of exploring home-based business opportunities you should designate uninterrupted time for exploration.  You need time to look at facts and figures, to observe and make a well researched decision.  Most importantly – Take Your Time.  Do not sign on with a company because of the influence of your friend, a family member or a fast-talking recruiter.

Exploration – Begin your business search by exploring the multitude of options available.  Determine which business model (Network Marketing, Direct Sales, or Retail Sales) fits your lifestyle, interests and wallet.  Utilize expert resources to acquire names of home-based businesses that sell products or services that appeal to you.  Look for Leaders in the industry.  There are many resources to help you in your exploration on-line.  I have found a large list of home-based businesses on the web site: Grimes & Reese, P.L.L.C.  This legal organization specializes in representing formidable network marketing organizations and home-based business leaders.  Additionally, this firm offers essential information and training.  You may obtain a list of companies and leisurely explore this resource at: www.mlmlaw.com.

Data Analysis –Generate a list of criteria that you have identified as necessary for you to contemplate and ultimately own a business.  These essential business characteristics must be proven before you determine which business model/company is worthy of your investment.  Although everyone must identify what they feel is absolutely essential, I have identified “check points” that my research has deemed as absolutely critical to determining whether the network marketing business (or other business model) is viable, profitable; has low overhead and is a low risk.  My checklist formula uses a grid format [Appendix A of E-Book].  You should evaluate each prospective company by checking either a “+” or “-” next to each of your critical necessities (I have identified 20) before buying a distributorship in any business model.  Closely examine companies that you are seriously interested in.  Google etc. the company.  Read the positives and the negatives.  Use your own critical thinking to separate “fact from fiction.”Observation – Having completed your data analysis step back and observe what is currently happening in the economic climate of three (3) companies that scored high on your priority check list (a high number of +’s ).  Now you must INTERACT with the company:

(a)  You must explore and interact with each company’s web site.

(b)  You should interview the “leaders” of the company.

(c)  You must attend company meetings, listen to conference calls and/or web casts.  

(d)  You should obtain and watch the company’s DVD(s).

(e)  You must learn the “language” of your prospective company. 

(f)   Observe to see if the leaders offer “mentoring” for new recruits OR are merely interested in adding numbers; signing on new recruits (ultimately propelling the “upline” further ahead while leaving the new recruits “in the dust”).

(g)  Observation is not decision-making.  Broaden your mind.  Permit yourself to examine the day-to-day business operation of your prospective company. 

(h)  Remember, you are a valuable and desirable recruit. 

During this observation phase do not allow a prospective company to “Brainwash” you into believing you need the company.  In the final analysis you will discover: the company needs you.  Therefore you will only purchase a distributorship if:  a) You can justify the purchase and b) The company meets YOUR requirements.

Decision-Making – Having done your homework: Consulted with leaders of your prospective company; identified the positives and negatives of ownership; and explored and examined the product/service in the overall economic environment.  You are now poised to make an educated and well thought out decision. 

Remember:  You don’t need or want indoctrination.  You don’t need to be swayed into a decision.  If you do your homework and determine what YOU need to operate your home-based business you will propel yourself forward and “start with answers instead of questions.” Having followed this model you will ultimately commit to and stick with the business model that you researched, contemplated and selected. 

Psychological research suggests that people who do their research and carefully contemplate their decisions ultimately fair better than whimsical, impulsive counterparts who easily sign onto a business model that does not fit their wallet, lifestyle, interests, or knowledge. 

Falling victim to a smooth talking, charismatic person who lauds a business that you neither know anything about or have ever had any experience in selling can be disastrous!  For every successful entrepreneur in the home-based business arena there are thousands MORE who sit tonight: overstocked with product, no customers, no hope for success, and further hold a negative self-evaluation: in their own eyes and those who love them – they have undeniably been duped. 

True or False?

*** The recommendations above have been gleaned from select people who have been successful in a home-based business.***

Think for yourself, do your homework, release yourself from the veiled promises that are exaggerated and without factual basis.  Energize your own thought processes and stop blindly believing anything that comes your way (powerpoints that are laden with blatant lies).  Now more than ever YOU have the opportunity to do your homework.  Utilize Google, PIPL, etc. and uncover/discover the biographies of your Leaders.  Remember the past is the best prediction of the future.  If your Leader/Company has a questionable past – it is likely they have a disatrous future.

I truly believe that MLMs can be beneficial for a select few – but the bottom line is that MLMs are built on pixie sticks and the Leaders are dependent upon the following -e.g., You.  If there is no following - no payments – there are no monies to your upline – no elevation monetarily.  No bonuses, perks, benefits… no business – this spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R- [disaster!].  Do recruits understand that they are the food for the person above them?  Do recruits understand that the Wizard wants the Witch’s Broom? – the money? the dollars? New recruits are brought in with the promise of being elevated, but in actuality new recruits put money in the Leaders pocket!  It is a business model that can collapse overnight.  

Always remember – the person that brought you in or is currently wining and dining you depends on YOU to survive.  You provide the sustenance – the food for your upline to live.  With every hard-earned sale that you make, your upline cashes in with a strong percentage.  With every step you take, you are brainwashed into thinking you are evolving and creating your own business - but in actuality you are supporting the person that brought you into the business!  It is parasitic because your Leader is dependent on you to survive.  If you pull every distributor out from underneath their Leader – the Leader will immediately crash and burn.  You are the food for the parasite above you.  Hence, if you duplicate this business model you in turn will become a parasite that rides on the back of everyone beneath you. 

Is this how you want to earn a living?  Is this the work that you envisioned for yourself?  Is this the way you want to exist?  It is “One Flea Riding Piggy Back Upon Another!”  BUT WAIT!  There is a better approach – a way that you can earn a living, own your own business and not prey upon those who do not have the ability to discern the parasitic trap…  I have ideas, suggestions, and ways for people to take their inbred strengths, capitlize on their abilities, and not surrender their talents to an entity that is built on brainwashing, deceit, and parasitic behavior!   Remember!  Before you take off on the “Road to See the Wizard,” you MapQuest your destination.  Look at the route, define your goal, identify the objectives to reaching your destination and most importantly – Think For Yourself.  You have the power to design and achieve your business goal without -”The Wizard.”

Clicked Her Heels and Made it Home!

Let us take ourselves to the wonderment and brilliance of the film, “The Wizard of Oz.”  From the beginning we meet Dorothy.  A personality analysis of Dorothy leads us to observe the following characteristics of her personality [Reference former blog: “Indoctrination.  A Sophisticated Word For Brainwashing”]:

• When Dorothy left home (with Toto) she was in the midst of personal turmoil [familial upheaval].
• She had conflicted feelings about her future and was contemplating “running away from home” [conflicted about the future].
• She had the desire to “belong” to a family; a group [need for belongingness].
• She wanted to be helped, understood, guided, and directed [dependency].
• She felt estranged from her family, as they were contemplating removing Toto from the household [estranged].
• She felt worthless and had the need to be elevated – to have someone understand her special personality strengths [poor self-worth].
• She was impulsive as illustrated through her admonishment of the woman who wanted her little dog destroyed [impulsivity].
• She did not question the woman’s right or demand to have her dog, Toto removed from the household [critical thinking].
• She was looking for someone to Lead her and was relieved when she stumbled upon the man who foretold her future [she was a follower].
• Once in the Land of Oz she relinquished her own thinking to a knowledgeable, exalted, and successful “Good Witch.” [trust based on unproven; false claims].
• She visualized returning home – that was her goal.  However she did not have her own  plan and placed her destiny in the hands of others [she wanted the Wizard to get her home].
• She aligned herself with other “lost souls,” who in turn did not recognize their strengths – yet were hyper-focused on their individual weaknesses [rejection of norms and standards for success].
• We will never know her academic talents, but if she had them she certainly did not use them!
• She had not been acknowledged by her family or community and was exalted when she landed in the Land of Oz – she was revered as “special” [had never been acknowledged before for her strengths; now she was elevated to the top by simply landing on and crushing the heretofore “bad witch”].
• She displayed the need for protection and defense.  She welcomed the assistance of her comrades – those whom she collected on the way [she wanted to feel defended and protected].
• She relinquished her decision-making to a one-time encounter with a “Good Witch.”  [She was told to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”].
• She wanted to get back to Kansas, be loved and connected to her family; be admired and protected from the onslaught of predators.  She wanted to be comforted, supported and believed in – even as she awoke once back in Kansas, her first plea was for someone to “believe” her. 

Imagine this!  Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz embodied all of the personality traits of a stereotypical network marketer.  BUT at the end she pulled back the curtain and confronted the man with the microphone – exposing him as fraudulent, self-absorbed, narcissistic and only consumed with his own self-elevation.  Dorothy was a hero! 

Yet having unmasked the Leader as a Fraud, she gave the Wizard yet another chance only to find, as the balloon that was to transport her home came unhinged and departed without her, that she had been duped again!  For the second time she discovered that the wondrous Wizard, the man who was going to transport her to her designated dream was merely interested in his own lift to freedom and success.  Dorothy was left behind.

Paradoxically the same “Good” witch who sent her on the path to the Wizard delivered her from her delusion and taught her a valuable lesson:  “The power and strength to elevate yourself; to put yourself home (wherever your heart desires) lies within you – not outside of you.”  Therefore at any given moment You have the power to take yourself where you want and need to be.  You need to click your own heels and utilize your internal strengths and gifts to get you where you want – where you need – to be. 

This can be translated to:  Stop elevating the purported leader and take a close look at your own internal strengths – which are multifaceted and MANY.  The answer to your personal success lies within yourself.  Elevating the next person above you gives you some small satisfaction (monetarily and personally), but it does not propel you faster and further to YOUR ultimate destination. 

Each one of the personality characteristics that Dorothy possessed were seen as weaknesses in my previous blog entry – but if you understand the paradox you will see that having these characteristics can make you a valuable business entrepreneur – One who is able to capitalize on your strengths, minimize your weaknesses and discern between where you need to exert yourself and where you need to manifest your critical thinking.  Thus you can choose to either elevate a Leader or Yourself.  Here is the ultimate question: 

Do YOU have the ability to deliver yourself home – to your personal Goal and Destination?

This is tough stuff to comprehend, but if you follow the trail you will veer off the “Yellow Brick Road,” and begin to use your personal strengths in a new and commanding way.

Don’t Follow The Yellow Brick Road – Write the script for Your own Future and Proceed Forward

A Sophisticated Word For Brainwashing

Many articles, books, and scientific journals have explored and studied the concept of “brainwashing” as it applies to business opportunities that are predominantly focused on recruiting e.g. Multilevel Marketing.  Indoctrination depends heavily upon the frame of mind, life circumstances and level of stress occurring in the “victims” life at the time of initial contact.   One of the most important attributes that victims tend to possess is a “need to belong.”  Research has clearly documented and established that those most easily persuaded possess similar personality traits.  The prime candidate for the predator or MLM Recruiter is an individual who is easily influenced or is “gullible,” and is in the midst of some inter-personal turmoil or stressor.  These factors tend to reduce an individual’s ability to think clearly and objectively examine the business model.  Instead, they are often bedazzled by the lure of success, the promise of earning large amounts of money, and the ability to enjoy a celebrity lifestyle that occurs seamlessly, quickly, and without the typical stress or strain of our capitalistic society.  Common personality traits of those who easily succumb to this business model follow.  This list is not all inclusive, nor does one have to possess every trait to be considered an “easy mark.”  Hence those individuals who are most easily indoctrinated exhibit:

• A tendency to be in the midst of personal, occupational, social or familial upheaval at the time of the Recruiter’s approach and their subsequent purchase of a distributorship.
• A tendency to have conflicted feelings about the future and/or their personal ability to make an impact on their future.
• A tendency to want a social connection; a longing to “belong” to a group.
• A tendency to be dependent as established by the need to be “helped,” guided, directed, and taken care of.
• A tendency to not have an occupational connection or network – to feel estranged from an established business connection/community.
• A tendency to have low self esteem and to thrive on any words of encouragement or acceptance from others who appear firmly established or more “worldly.”
• A tendency to be impulsive and to possess a history of poor judgment.
• A tendency to not possess or utilize “critical thinking [the ability to question].”
• A tendency to be a follower, not a leader.
• A tendency to trust those who purport themselves as highly knowledgeable, successful and accomplished, while having no factual base to support their claims.
• A tendency to visualize and dream the end result while possessing an inability to identify the real and necessary steps to achieving achievable goals and dreams.
• A tendency to reject the standard norms and expectations of the culture and society.
• A tendency to perform poorly on standardized tests, to be academically challenged, and to have disdain for formal education.
• A tendency to never having been acknowledged e.g., never on stage, never high-lighted or exalted for special feats, skills, or accomplishments.
• A desire to feel connected protected and defended.
• A desire to relinquish decision-making and follow a Leader.
• A desire to be wealthy, rich, successful and “acknowledged,” as such.
•  A desire to be loved.
• A desire to fill the empty void: financial distress, interpersonal failures, social disconnection, occupational failure, and fear of the future.
• A desire to feel safe and protected.
• A desire to be connected to a group that is homogeneous and occupied by other individuals who feel lost.  With indoctrination into the group they have found comfort.
• The desire to have a cheerleader who is always encouraging, supporting, and believing in the recruit’s success independent of reality.

Having observed, noted, experienced, exchanged and interfaced with the MLM world; having crept through the entanglement of network marketing on the inside while very much on the outside, I have decided to express my opinions, comments, and reviews of what I feel are very “cultish” behaviors flying under the “guise” of legitimate businesses. 

While all MLM’s may not be “cults,”  I truly believe that many “distributors, owners, agents, representatives, etc.,” possess several of the personality traits listed above, hence have been duped into the belief that they are on the precipice of success when in actuality they are on the threshold of disaster.

Most of these individuals have bought into and received the indoctrination of multiple MLM’s – always seeking the rainbow’s end while “dreaming of sugarplums dancing in their heads.” 

In this “Blogsphere” I endeavor to help, educate, and illuminate this fairy-tale landscape.  If you signed into an MLM; if you are within the <1.0% that have actually been able to turn a profit in one of these business models this Blog is not for you.  But if you fall within the range of business operators who have more product than money in your pocket, get up every morning believing what you have been encouraged to believe, and continue to cling to the fantasy of success knowing all the while that this is a “pie in the sky” dream – well this Blog may lend some insight and assistance.  It might just enable you to take hold of your personal identity and seize your individual strengths; capitalize on your own ability to generate a handsome income while operating in a manner that is sound, secure, and not smitten with fairy- tale dreams, hopes and promises.

              Has this happened to you?  True or False?

This is how it all began:

A Charismatic person (friend, relative, or network marketer) enticed you with their stories of success: 

• They told you that they had just come upon a great new business model and wanted to “share” this information with you – because they would like you to have the same “opportunity.”
• This person promised you a connection with other like-minded people who have experienced the rewards, benefits, success, and even more importantly – the opportunity to be “free.”  You were told that you could achieve “Financial Freedom!”  You could “Fire Your Boss!”  They told you about a membership in an Elite group of caring and connected individuals who have cut the ties to traditional business models and have capitalized on a business opportunity that is so hard to believe – yet so true!
• You are invited to an exclusive and special meeting e.g., a “Business Opportunity Meeting” or “Red Carpet Day;” an exclusive training, etc.   You are made to feel “special” because you have been selected as a “Guest.”  You have been invited to attend the meeting at no cost.
• You are told that you should “Just come and take a look at the business and feel free to walk away at any time.” 

At the “Business Opportunity Meeting:”

Prior to the actual meeting you are phoned, texted, e-mailed, etc., ensuring your commitment to attend.  You may even be transported via air or private car – because YOU are so special.

• You are told that there are limited seats available – again you are told that YOU are important and a special seat will be held for you.
• When you arrive you are introduced to many people who are friendly and engaging.  There is a lot of interpersonal energy in the room.  Everyone is excited to meet you. 
• Everyone takes a seat and the meeting begins.  A dynamic and persuasive person opens the meeting and proceeds to tell the group about the opportunity to make a fortune.
• You are exposed to all the rewards that recruits receive by being a part of this exclusive group. 
• The participants are excited and “moved,” by the presentation.  From the corner of your eye you see the participants growing enthusiasm as heads nod in agreement, there is clapping, and some people are even repeating buzz words that the leader keeps inserting.   
• The meeting continues and other people are brought up front to speak to the group.  The enthusiasm continues to build and there is no break in the presentation as you are exposed to DVD’s, testimonials, flip charts, music and the repetitive and persuasive insistence that NOW is the time to join! 
• You are exposed to the fearful pitch that those who do not take immediate advantage of this opportunity will lose!  The intensity builds and you are unable to stop the fervor and really think for yourself. 
• The Leaders and members illustrate how they are exclusive; they offer a product, benefit or service that is far superior to all others.
• The business model is vague and nebulous.  You have large earnings and dollar figures flung in front of you, estates and homes to die for – cars, boats, trips, vacations… all the things you always dreamt of but could never afford.  You are told how much you have to invest but never told how much money you will make.
• You hear outrageous sums of money being earned by the company’s top leaders.  In contrast no one talks about how much money the start-up people earn.
• You are repeatedly told how easy it will be for YOU to own and operate a piece of this business despite never having even thought about having a home-based business!
• As the presentation ends people gather together and talk enthusiastically about what they have just heard.  You contrast and compare this to the real world -no one cares who you are, where you came from or where you are going.  It feels good to be noticed, liked, appreciated, and DESIRED.  You are asked by many of the attendees “How long have you been in the business?”
• You notice that members display insignias of their success (pins, badges, titles etc.).  You note that there is a Rank ordered system here, and now you begin to “put two and two together” to discover that with the exception of a few people, everyone in the room is ALREADY a recruit! 
• Continuing, you feel a little guilty as business associates talk about how they have been able to help their wives, their children, their mothers and fathers – they have finally been able to “give back” to those they love.
• You reflect on your own paltry existence.  Who have you given back to?  How much are you able to contribute to your destitute sister?  your nursing home mother, your son who needs a new car…?
• You are reassured numerous times that you will be supported, aided, guided, and directed throughout the initial set-up of your business.  You are reassured that you will never be alone in this business model.
• This feels so comfortable.  In a way you feel like a child who is part of a family who will take care of you because you are valuable, worthy, and SPECIAL.
• The individual that invited you to this friendly event introduces you to (albeit – turns you over to) a leader who has “all the answers,” and is there to “close” the sale.
• You are told that the “opportunity” for your success is time-limited because so many other people are entering into the business and may potentially take your coveted “spot.”
• Feelings of guilt abound, you have been selected to be a part of this very important meeting.  You must think and strategize as you plot your trip to use the bathroom.  These people are so charismatic, concerned and involved in your success that you can’t help but feel guilty removing yourself to go to the bathroom.  Thus you persist and stay with the meeting silently searching for the correct moment to extract yourself without offending anyone.  Everyone is so nice and accommodating that you cannot walk away without feeling guilty.
• If you decide to sign on tonight – well there are special rewards for those who sign on following the meeting.  You think you should perhaps check in with your mate, partner, etc., but time is of the essence and if you wait you will lose ground.  Waiting one moment, one hour, or one day could cost you a fortune.  Remember you are being given a “Business Opportunity,” to elevate yourself and finally prove to those you love – you are successful!
• As you pull away from the site of the event you look up and notice one of the Level 1 Leaders in the vehicle ahead of you – they are driving a five-year old SUV and arguing with their partner.  But wait – they just stood on stage and told the group how they were free of corporate America… How they “Fired their Boss!”  They just gave a testimony about their NEW life!  They just described the freedom that they experience each and every day!     

You are have just been Recruited Into

A

“CULT”