It’s no secret that MLM / Network Marketing often carries a tarnished reputation in the eyes of many critics.

You could even say that some super hardcore critics appear to believe that it has spawned directly from the Devil’s Anus populated by unscrupulous individuals within a cult-like environment who are yet to be ‘saved’ and ‘freed’ from the punishing chains of a truly unethical and predatory industry hell hole.

But is it truly all that bad?

Can we honestly paint the entire Network Marketing world with the same broad brush?

Are all its practitioners just unscrupulous money-hungry pricks out for a quick profit with no regard for anyone but themselves?

After all, isn’t Network Marketing about helping others by sharing quality products or services and having the opportunity to build an income?

There must be some truth to that, right?

The industry has seen numerous success stories, with individuals achieving financial abundance, enviable flexibility, and freedom that many can only dream of. I personally know some intelligent, kind, and genuine people who have accomplished these remarkable feats. They have impressive results to show for their efforts, indicating that there might be more to Network Marketing than meets the eye.

So, what’s the catch?

Is there something more you should know?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone approaches you, uninvited, and tries to sell you on the idea of joining a network marketing business opportunity? If you have, you might have experienced a range of thoughts and reactions:

“Screw that. That’s one of those Pyramid Scheme things!”

“There’s no way in hell I’d ever get involved in something like that!”

“I don’t want to be known as one of ‘THOSE’ people!”

“I hate selling. I wouldn’t be suited to that sort of thing!”

But why do so many people react this way? Is it just a knee-jerk response, or is there a deeper reason?

“Because it fucking sucks!” some may say.

“Okay… tell me how you REALLY feel!”

But they’re not entirely wrong.

It’s frustrating because when you’re immediately denied the opportunity to explore something at your own pace, it’s infuriating. Instead, you’re thrust into an online call, webinar, or meeting without the chance to evaluate the opportunity on your own terms.

These high-pressure tactics, often coupled with statements like “limited numbers available,” play on the fear of missing out”, attempting to force decisions prematurely. However, it’s well-known that there are no actual limits on recruitment. Every network marketer who follows the recruitment model is looking for quality downline distributors, a rare find, making it a numbers game achieved through consistent recruiting efforts.

*Handy Tip… Everyone knows there’s no limits on recruitment, so don’t treat them like they’re stupid. Every network marketer who embraces the recruitment model is after quality downline distributors who are going to stick around and they are super rare to find, hence being a numbers game from consistent recruitment efforts. If a prospect wants to know more, then give me what they want to know and they will reach out and request further info without being exposed to ‘limited numbers available’ and all sorts of other ‘time sensitive fear of loss’ horse shit.

So, why does this aggressive approach to recruitment persist?

The assumption appears to be that individuals can’t make their own informed decisions without the input of a third party to back up the opportunity. These tactics suggest that potential recruits lack the discernment to see the bigger picture without persuasion.

It’s a troubling practice that many people, even within the Network Marketing industry, find disconcerting. It makes individuals feel exploited, used for the profit of others, and leaves them with a sour taste in their mouths. It’s even worse when these recruitment efforts are carried out by friends or family members. Those involved in Network Marketing, who engage in such practices, risk hurting the people who love them the most and irritating others.

If someone really needs that sort of thing to happen to get them on board, would you really want them as a customer, let alone as part of a sales team you’re planning to build?

HELL NO!

That’s like a beautifully dressed bride standing alone in the street desperately approaching and begging anyone and everyone to marry her, no matter who they are!

Does that sound like a particularly bright thing to do?

Not really.

So why is it so widely accepted and often promoted as the way to do things in a network marketing venture?

Where’s the courting?, Where’s the qualifying?

This is not a reality TV show. This is real life operating in the business world where professionalism, knowledge, skills and experience counts for the win!

And think about this for a moment…

I’m involved in a network marketing venture and it still really pisses me off being on the receiving end of this sort of garbage. So that should really be telling you something…

It’s unprofessional, makes me feel used and simply a target for someone else to make money. Talk about a shitty thing to do to someone and making you feel completely exploited!

But here’s a word of caution: did you know that approaching others without qualifying first can backfire on you big time because some network marketers, upon encountering others who are already involved in another Network Marketing venture, will happily seize the opportunity to promote and sell their own products or services to you?

Now, both parties engage in an awkward battle to “out-sell” each other, attempting to force the other to submit and make a purchase or join their downline. It’s not an intelligent or effective way to establish a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

*This actually happened to me once a looooong time ago when I first got involved in a network marketing company. In fact, someone with good intentions who wasn’t involved in NWM told me to contact another network marketer because they thought it may be of interest to them. But the other network marketer quickly realised what was up and used that opportunity to try and sell me their stuff instead. Hence, we both parted ways not only frustrated, but also empty handed.

That really pissed me off at the time, but I hold myself 100% accountable for that situation and feel very grateful for it happening because it was a bloody good wake up call and the kick in the arse that I needed at the time to stop me doing stupid stuff like that again.

So, remember to maintain your dignity. Keep your standards high, and don’t settle for less than you’re worth. Seek out individuals who genuinely value what you have to offer and have the capacity to make their own informed decisions.