Network Marketing Myths

What is a myth? A popular belief or story that has become associated with a person, institution, or occurrence, especially one considered to illustrate a cultural ideal. And so, let’s discuss a few myths surrounding network marketing.

Like most people today, I guess you belong to one of the following groups: involved in network marketing (also known as Multi-Level Marketing or MLM); have been presented with an opportunity to get involved; you’ve heard about network marketing; or you know someone who was or is involved in the industry … anyone who does not belong in at least one of the above, I would say you probably lives in another planet.  Like everything else that has been around for years, especially with the recent explosion in home business ownership there are quite a few myths surrounding this industry of mlm …. some of which will surely make you laugh. We're keeping it real. Let’s address a few.

1. The only ones who make money are those at the top, those at the bottom don’t.

Simply not true. In legitimate network marketing plans – yes, there are illegal pyramid schemes out there - but in true, legal programs, everyone makes money when they or their organizations generate the activities that trigger bonus payouts. The people at the top generally have built larger organizations and it is only fair that their commission checks be bigger in certain instances. MLM compensation plans tend to reward individuals more as they move up leadership positions for the simple reason that building a progressive organization requires hard work. By the way, you normally get to the top by helping other people succeed. Can’t buy your way to the top, can’t bribe your way to the top, talk your way to the top, or stunt your way to the top … takes focused action. How else should individuals be rewarded for adding more value to the lives of others?

The great news is, anyone with a good work ethic can make it to the top, unlike in corporate job set ups where the top is only reserved for a select few executives. Also, what folks don’t realize is that in most network marketing plans, it is possible for downlines to earn more than their uplines, depending on the activities they generate. May I add that no one’s motivation should be to out-earn the other?  Find ways to maximize on the bonuses in your position and 'run' up the compensation plan so that your checks only get bigger. The view from the top is generally always better … even in network marketing.

Most successful men have not achieved their distinction by having some new talent or opportunity presented to them. They have developed the opportunity that was at hand - Bruce Barton

2. All I am required to do is bring in a few people, sit back and watch my organization grow as I get to the top.

Now that you see this in writing, doesn’t it sound ridiculous? Yet this is the success strategy for thousands of distributors who have joined MLM over the years. This is probably the biggest of the myths that has plagued this industry for so long. Many who have believed it, of course have ended up disappointed.

The truth is, it is possible to build a great MLM business with a handful of LEADERS, not a handful of people. These leaders however, are not easily found; they are the go-getters, extremely motivated individuals who know how to get things done.  Most people we know do not fall into this category and so, introducing them to your MLM business will not take you to the top. It sometimes takes months to find true leaders, for some folks, it takes years. Remember that MLM is a business and no business grows over night, especially with the business owner sitting back and watching with folded arms. 

The only place where success becomes before work is in the dictionary – Vidal Sassoon

3. My upline will do the work for me. All I have to do is sign-up, make a list, hand it over to them and watch my money tree grow.

Yes, most people who start in MLM do so on a part time basis. Some (the reasonable ones) are not looking for much because they are not putting in much; others do expect much while putting in little or nothing. The upline leaders who are in business full-time are sometimes expected or assigned the responsibility of making the above downline successful. There are two things wrong with this picture: 1 - The truth is, no one’s going to work for another in this industry. 2 - No pain, no gain – that’s life and network marketing happens to be a part of life. Don’t expect to reap where you did not sow.

This vehicle to financial freedom called network marketing needs a driver who is alert, determined and focused … otherwise, folks might as well just park it to the side and go to sleep. But when they finally wake up, should not be surprised to find themselves in the same spot! 

Success does not come to those who wait … and it does not wait for anyone to come to it – Anonymous.

4. They give out ‘free’ cars, vacations, expense accounts, etc ….

Let me tell you something that everyone should know by now: nothing is free …not even freedom, they say. I wish we would stop using this word 'free' in network marketing. It has caused a lot of damage. MLM companies have gotten in trouble for enticement; it is something the Direct Selling Association frowns heavily against.

Yes, you can be rewarded with these things, yes the company can help you make payments on them … but they are not free or just handed over to you. They come at a price … continuous hard work and production requirements. Read the fine print.

Simply do not get carried away by elaborate promises of perks. The truth is, underneath the hype and unreasonable promises, network marketing is a solid and highly profitable business plan. Make adult evaluations, and have reasonable expectations, you will not be disappointed. Mlm works if you work, and there is no such thing as free. 

Blind belief is dangerous – Luyia, Western Kenya

5. Anyone can make it to the top.

This is a tough one. Yes, anyone can make it to the top who is teachable, has a great work ethic and is hungry for success. How many people do you know possess these qualities? Several, yet how many are actually willing to activate them by put their heads down and go to work? The fact is, most people who come into network marketing are looking for an easy way out. They may not admit it, but they hope against all odds that this would be the magic wand that brings success quickly. It very simply is not.  Everyone wants to be successful, but very few are willing to pay the price … especially in network marketing. 

Be self-reliant and your success is assured - Anonymous

As the search for answers, success tips and personal development continues for most who are researching this industry, we hope articles like this help in your decision making and / or network marketing journey. As you can see, most network marketing myths are largely due to a general misunderstanding of the industry and also because of untrue claims that have been and continue to be made by those involved to attract business partners. I have come to believe that you can never say the wrong thing to the right person, and so network marketing stars will be attracted to the industry irrespective of what is said, or not said. We pledge to keep it real always on face2face. Thanks for reading.

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