Start the Revolution!
Ok guys, it’s time to start the revolution. It is my wish that this blog will serve as a community gathering place, where all of us network marketing professionals can introduce ideas, discuss things, and brainstorm to make things better.
I’ve started the process with “The MLM Revolution,” my manifesto on what we need to do. I don’t expect you to agree with everything I say, and hope you won’t. I simply wrote that to get the dialogue started. Now it’s your turn.
Once you’ve read it, check in below with your insights. (Get it at www.GageManifesto.com if you haven’t read it yet.)
One note: Please guys, this is NOT a recruiting forum. Everyone here is already in the biz. This is meant to be a GENERIC place we can gather and work together for the betterment of the profession. Please keep it professional.
Viva the Revolution!
-Randy Gage
Wow .. ~ this Rocks. !! Happy New Year . !
I hope we meet …
June
It’s apparent that you get this, I get this, now it’s time for the masses to get this.
Rock on with Gratitude
This is a great start for 2009 !
Wow, Randy! You really hit this one out of the park! I love your insights, humor and direct approach. Actually, your MLM Revolution http://www.GageManifesto.com was pretty tame for you.
Thank you Randy !
HAPPY NEW YEAR !
Hey thanks Randy for the “manifesto.” I look forward to our many discussions. I truly believe that we all will make a massive difference for others. The more we serve others, the more successful we will be. Thank you again for taking your time for all of us.
Hey thanks Randy for the “manifesto.” This is a great start for 2009 !:-)
Thanks for joining the movement for respectible MLM, Randy. Your voice is an important one, and will save many people from falling into the various traps you’ve targetted.
Ann Sieg, Cristine Comaford Lynch, John Milton Fogg, John David Mann, Bob Burg, and countless others are more thab worthy of your support – which you have contributed here.
Great read! Let’s light this candle!!!!
Hi Randy,
Excecent Manifesto! Happy 2009!
Randy,
A fabulous piece of work! Just this week alone I spoke to two women who have been lured into illegal deals. One for $160,000 over the last few years and the other is selling “air” and believes it is legit because they told her it was legal.
It is long overdue that we speak out against the corrupt whores who enjoy soaking people for everything and leaving them with a pile of debt and squashed dreams. It is about time we join the few that have been fighting this battle alone and become watch dogs of our awesome profession.
I am sure if your neighbors house was being broken into you would call the Police. I believe their are 2 types of people in these bogus deals those that have no idea that what they are doing is illegal and those that don’t care. If we reach out we can help the first type and with education we can keep others from falling prey.
Randy thanks for bringing us together and providing a place to launch the revolution.
Your Friend,
Paul
Over the past forty years I have been in my own businesses, where I had to do it all myself – product development, sales and marketing planning and implementation, warehousing, administration and long term planning etc.
My decision recently to become a distributor for an MLM company, that does most of it for me, has been the right one. We are developing a business that is providing residual income that I have not enjoyed in my past businesses.
My only regret is that I did not listen to those who promoted MLM as the practical distribution system years ago.
Thank you for reinstating my MLM decision. And thank you for your efforts to bring honesty to our profession.
Randy,
I’ve been looking forward to this manifesto since it was first announced and it was worth the wait! I’ve been around network marketing companies since the early ’80s and I’ve seen everything you mentioned…and more! This manifesto is timely and needs to be widely distributed among the top ranks of all the network marketing distributors and corporate folks alike. Great job! I look forward to seeing you soon.
Thanks!
John White
Randy
Good stuff. It brought to mind a problem that exists in any organization, affiliation, or government… if we don’t monitor and regulate ourselves, someone else will. Then the problem arises… who is going to regulate the regulators? The present state of our government is a case in point.
People get hurt without self-regulation. We deserve exactly the criticism we are getting. We can’t sit around and wait for leaders like yourelf to get this accomplished. Each and every one of us has a role to play no matter what our experience.
This is great and I personally thank you for this “manifesto” out to this group to spread. It is exactly what I have learned in the last year and six months with the Mentoring for Free Training, with my Mentor and good friend, Michael Dlouhy. I learned this and more that we need companies that have FIVE Pillars for our success or success is not happening. SO refreshing to see everyone here on the same page and now others may not be as confused as they have been in the past. Through helping others, we help ourselves!
This is a great start in the direction long needed!
You say “Network Marketing is perfect for everybody. Everybody is not perfect for Network Marketing”.
Geez Randy, how many times have I heard you say that in your trainings, over and over and over again. Then just now you add: “Like trying to offer a hamburger to a vegetarian”.
I feel like I just got smacked in the head by a baseball bat. That is how much I so just ‘got it’….
Thank you!
Tony Scarcia
Love the manifesto Randy!
Happy New Year from Singapore!
Dennis Bay
Forgot the website.
Thanks Randy!!!…this will help us…happy new you
Forgot a website.
Hi Randy, I’m new to this industry, a Single Mom and I totally agree with everything you say. I’m one of only a few women at the top. I run my business by building long term relationships. Manifesto is some great stuff.
very nice.. its about what i thought it would be. im glad because i know i did not use my brain to put it out. thank you Randy for doing this. your the man.
we all know the same things. and need to teach our brothers and sisters. when they catch up to us in our simple businesses we will strengthen the revolution. so many slaves choosing the thousands of pyrimids that are really out there. what they have before hearing about our mlm company. you know ralphs(kroger),Vons(Safeway),Albertsons(previously lucky grocery)and Alpha Beta before that. These are the ones with the leaches. Vendors putting there filler in the stores with the companies that all have the same things but with a different label there name alongside the worldwide guys.have a nice day and see you at the top.. All it takes is one simple powerful concept. transfer buy. God Bless and vic out add me in paltalk.its just the beginning.
G’day Randy,
Thanks for a most timely manifesto.
I’m very fortunate to now be with a company whose leaders and associates have ideals that match the standards you’re promoting. I’ve begun circulating your Manifesto to my Aussie colleagues.
Randy,
In essence Networking is a worthy. The whole thing boils down to those that take responsibility to improve their life while mentoring others to do the same.
I have been in a few companies, stood out in some and mediocre in others. The compensation plans of some companies are tricky and can be manipulated so that at the end of the month you have to be Einstein to work out what is due to you.
I wonder if you have come to the same conclusion as my self?
Reading the manifesto and will engage in discussion.
Hey Randy,
Leave it to you to provide something so valuable for us in this industry. I haven’t gotten all the way through it yet, but what I have read is very informative. I appreciate the work you put into this for us all.
I will write in again when I have finished reading it.
Thanks again Randy.
Lucinda
Very thoughtful and right on the money. Let’s get this started!
Thanks Randy!
Have been and will keep reading to continue learning more.
Best wishes from Tokyo,
Shawn
Hi Randy,
Your Manifesto is just Great, and shows what the MLM Industry needs to do collectively, to show the Profession in its true light. , Given that the state of the Global Financial Crisis will cause people from all walks of life to look at, or perhaps, revisit Network Marketing, timing is perfect!
Many Thanks Again
David Rand
This is great Randy!
I especially loved how you emphasized building our business with integrity and honesty.
2009 can be the best year ever for network marketers, with the economy being what it is….. more people than ever should be receptive to our message. I think it is important to keep in mind what you have stated here.
Thank you for telling it like it is!
Joanne
fantastic you have done good job
Hello Randy
What a Dynamic and to the point document. It is about time the real truth about MLM came out and that we really cleaned up the industry.
It is so much easier to tell the truth and believe in the MLM industry than not. This makes it just so much easier to share
Thank you for bringing it home to us as MLM is such a great business opportunity
Gerard
I think you have published what’s in the heart of MLM’ers, who seriously want for themselves and their downline the truth to be made known.
I’m just getting started in the business and your manifesto has touched every core issue. My priority is Integrity not only for myself but for all that I build relationships with as we follow our dreams to freedom from the box of despair.
I look forward to learning more and sharing the truth about MLM.
Great piece Randy but a revolutionary work? I don’t think so. As long as money is involved you’ll always have all the problems that you outlined in this industry. It would have been good to include this one very important fact: Most people join an MLM business because they want easy money for little or no effort.
Let’s work to make that clear and to inform our prospects that this is going to mean HARD work and dedication. This would be the best starting point when we explain what this business is all about.
Hi Randy,
This Is great!!! at last the MLM will go out from the shadows to daylight!!!! your Manifesto will make us even more proffesionals and we all should work together to make the world a better place and give people the gift of MLM.
may god bless you and all our MLM proffesionals.
Ron
Hi Randy,
The Manifest is great and in big terms I agree with you! But there is one point where I do not. You say dont build buyers clubs because it’s not legal. I hope that you are talking about buyers clubs where you pay a membership fee to get discounts for purchases with diffrent shops. I know, that is not legal.
BUT! – like with my company – You can become a partner (distributor) simply by makeing a first order of 20 USD or by buying one of the bigger business packs. NOW, if prospect Dave says “Sorry this business is not for me but I would like to use your products” – should I then say, okay then you have to buy retail with me? NO way….I would allways give him the option to buy the products at the cheapest rate possible – and buying wholesale is the cheapest way possible.
So by signing up members who are buying wholesale for their own consumption and is satisfied with that, yes I build a buyers club, same time as I go look for business builders. My customers gets best possible price and even the products Dave buys ends with the end consumer, since he is the end consumer and has no intention of ever selling one single product. If Dave lives far away from me this also gives me the advantage of not having to deliver, since the company does that for me. But anyone who’d prefer that I take the order and deliver at Retail price is ofcourse free to choose that option. This also works well hand in hand with your own point in “How to make a multi level money machine” that customers should be placed on auto ship.
So Randy….it can be legal to build a buyers club, and it can be very rewarding, it all depends on how and why you do it – and it’s vital that you dont get any commission without a product sale.
I just wanted to make this clear!
Michael
Randy
What you have created is more than a Manifesto, it is a seminar that we have been invited to participate in for free. I am one of those people who has struggled to build my business, now I know why. I am going about it all wrong. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this eye opener. Much better than coffee lol.
Have a superb day, I know I will.
Donnie
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to the dialogue.
Happy New Year, Happy New You, & happy New Future.
Melvin
Great Stuff Randy. ATTITUDE is the key. Most people do not understand, this is a real business and it does take skill set to achieve success. The great thing about network marketing is it allows an average person who currently has no skill set to get a skill set over a period of time. It is a chance for them. Not a guarantee for them to have success. You must work extremely hard on yourself to achieve success. Most people are looking for the how to’s of the business; they should focus on the mindset. We now have a current mindset document. A philosophy from which you can build your belief and become a leader in network marketing. This document will only be what you allow it to be for yourself. I will review this regularly and show the world when they deal with me what a professional network marketer is like and hopefully change some people’s life for the better.
Have a Great New Year!
Darrell
This is a great start for 2009 ! I love the idea.
Great piece of work Randy! I just have 1 question though…
Are you making residuals promoting the netwok marketing magizines?
Happy New Years Everybody!
The place where expectations are lowest: leadership. Everyone expects you to get in line and follow, not lead. The opportunity this year is bigger than ever: to lead change, to create a movement in a direction you want to go. – Seth Godin .
Great article. Like anything in life, we must work with integrity to get the long term results we’re after for ourselves and those we introduce to our businesses.
This is a very helpful and great way to start the year. I am glad to be part of this revolution. This is a timely move for all of us who are professionals in MLM or would like to be one.
Our industry is the hope for survival in the coming world economic tsunami. Unfortunately, majority of people just simply close their minds to it.
It’s about time that we rise to the occassion to become catalyst of change on how our industry is perceived by the general population. We may differ in companies, but we are essentially singing the same song.
Bravo to Randy Gage!
Hi Randy
This manifesto has obviously taken a lot of time and effort to produce, yet you have given it away free!
You are the perfect example of true network marketing – what can I do to help you? – that is the maximum of every successful person in the business.
Thank you for giving me the tools to make my business more successful and if I can ever do anything for you, please do not hesitate to ask!
Happy New Year
Linda
Good Morning and what a refreshing way to start the New Year……a challenge to help many step-up, stomp the egg shells and enter the “Marketplace of Ideas” and help folks come to the realization that Prosperity is Earned and Posture is Learned!! Thanks for all you do Randy….we may not agree 100% but then again that wouldn’t promote growth or New Perspective
Hi Randy,
An excellent read. I have been involved, on various, increasing levels of activity since the middle of the 90’s.
Thankyou for making this publication. Setting the record straight for the whole industry is a must, and yes, sadly, there is an overload on facebook of people puching their opportunities to seekers of knowledge.
It has now become apparant to me what I lack in becoming an MLM leader and thus my new year resolutions have been rewritten.
From the bottom of my heart: Thankyou
Allan Haastrup
Randy,
Finally somebody has the balls to tell the truth. You are right on the money with this.
Very refreshing, there is hope for our industry after all.
Blessings,
Jeff Cosgrove
Randy
This information that you provided us was right on point. We need to stop trying to convince people to join our dream crusade I like to say that if they are (SOS)then move on.
Alonso
Well Randy:
I guess it is time to start naming of these junkies MLM and start policing our industry.
Randy:
Great info and loved most of what you wrote. Only thing I have to disagree on is about Twitter. While some of your comments on Twitter I agree with I don’t think you can ignore it. It has become a very effective media to market through and think right now it is a valuable tool.
Otherwise great info and thank you so much for sharing.
Roger
Thanks Randy.
Excellent work, I am glad you put the Donald Trump myth to rest.
Agree with you and other commentators above that if our industry does not police itself, we will have a bigger problem when governments at all levels decide to do it.
Hi Randy
It’s great to read an honest evaluation of the industry.
One of the practices that really irritates me and I feel completely lacks integrity, is the way that so many online marketers are now using legitimate company names to run negative adverts to try to lure distributors on to their own prospect list, by discrediting the company and practices of other leaders. Some of these guys even have websites specifically tailored to poach team members from other companies.
This kind of marketing casts a very dark shadow over the business and new prospects looking at the business, google for more info about your company and the first thing they see is why.. blah blah left and joined so and so company instead.
I have no issue with competition but feel this really creates a very low standard and reflects on all of us. I guess this is in the arena of the ‘creating a bigger pie?’
What can we do about this? There doesn’t seem to be any regulations to prevent this misuse of company names etc. We can’t write to the internet editor!
I’d be very interested to hear what you think we can do about this Randy, and also to hear what other people think.
Thanks and as always you make me feel proud to be in your downline and also to be in this amazing industry.
Happy New Year to you all
Rachel
Ranting Randy,
Out here in the Great State of, we’ve an old saying: “If you think that pile shit stinks now just kick it.” Son, not only did you kick it, you’ve been a doing that for years. You have now jumped up and down in it, coated your boots with it, probably splashed some on your Wrangler’s and now you’re sharing the odor with anyone that has their nose to grindstone.
I just hope we raise enough stink to reach up into the ivory towers of MLM and NM founders and execs. Some of these guys are acting like politicians, looking the other way while their WallStreet falls. With their legal departments slapping the piss out of little newbie distributor because they didn’t put “independent rep” on their cards. But they look away, don’t say anything to that new Diamond that is doing the bate and switch with their start up kit. What about that Ultra Diamond that just spend $50000 on a facelift telling everyone at conference that she looks great because, “it the product honey, you gotta use it.”
The changes need to start here, go to the top then down through the ranks to the streets. If it doesn’t we’ll end up with some “marketing czar” next year telling us to lower start up kits to stimulate the economy. Like we have with interest rates, to which I say wrong! Raise the interest rates so you reward the savers and punish the borrowers.
What a way to start the New Year! WOW!!! this should be translated in all languages. There are a few things that I would like to clarify for myself. Hope you have a chance to help me with this.
On page 15, you say: “If you were not in the pay structure and you wouldn’t be buying that product at that price anyway, get out!”. If I would have waited that I could afford to buy the products that I am taking right now, I would have never been able to join Network Marketing. I had to beg and borrow (like some people I know) to start the business, and that is my story. If people read the Manisfesto and read this part, they will say Carole went against the logics. I now it is a Manisfesto and not a book, but this part should have more explanation.
“The Celebrity Lead Magnet” – Here again, I joined a specific company because you were the person that opened my eyes to Network Marketing. You will always be the person I turn to for explanation and formation. For me you are a Celebrity and for many out there. You have not hearned the title Messiah from a Craker Jack Box. You worked for it, you shared your secrets, you are there for us always. For me you are a great Celebrity.
“That Network Marketing is taught at Harvard” – now here I felt very stupid because I really believe that, and I really like Tim Sales’ presentation. Scratch that out of my presentation….
Like Enrique, I really believe that we should start scouting out the bad companies and leadership. I have always been Ms. Nice Gal, but Mr. Buster that buys loads of a certain product from a certain company just to turn around and sell it cheaper that what it would be on your autoship and preferred custormer plan, should be told to stop or else…
We need to teach people the right way of doing it. We have to inform people of what should be. It should be one of our main objectives for 2009.
In closing, I really would like to translate your Manifesto in French. Do you give me the permission to do it?
Please let me know.
Carole
Randy,
I’m just getting out of the foggy hype of illegal and non-legitimate programs. Thank you for being a leader in cleaning up what is wrong in MLM and helping people like myself get it right.
Happy New Year!
Paul
This work is fantastic. I believe it needs to spread to critical thinkers, period. Why should we limit its distribution only to a select few in our industry? Any comments elaborating on this idea will be appreciated.
We all know that the economic culture of this world is going throught some of the most historic changes we will see in our lifetime.
MLM sponsors are in my opinion the “Minuteman” of our economic revolution to fight back the FORCES in our economy that has driven our economy into the state we see around us today. People are finding the need to “wake-up” and take back their economy but have not found the tools to do so in a Walmart/Wallstreet driven economy.
If we need a “Why” this reason is FAR larger than our own spectrum of being wealthy and owning a “bigger boat”! The cause for the many outweighs and outlasts the causes of ourselves! We need to create our own success model based on integrity, quality of life, knowledge, and yes – hard work to create our own REVOLUTION against the economic models that have broken this country down.
I agree that we need to adhere to the high standards of ethics Randy is stating in his Manisfesto. Leave the “hype” and over-stated claims with the low-lifes and lets create our own legacy without regrets. Set the example. Live like a mentor for the Cause.
We can truly change this economy through the re-birth of personal growth and strength that we gain when we set sail to learn the things we need to know to survive our MLM business in the early phases and prosper thereafter. When we change, the country changes – one individual at-a-time!
Randy,
I enjoyed reading your ebook, I agree with the vast majority of what you wrote, and I appreciate what you are attempting to do for our industry.
The one major exception is you comments regarding the binary compensation plan and that one’s upline uses the tactic that they will be placing people in your downline to cause you to join their company. I think this argument could be made with all compensation plans. It is not the compensation plan that causes this objectionable behavior, but the individual doing the prospecting. I have been with my present company since 1995, it switched to a binary in May of 1993, and no one in my upline has used that tactic and of all the people in my organization only one has come from my upline. My company is very strong in product development (many of the products’ quality has been verified by third party laboratories) and has a provable 53 percent payout of Sales Volume in commissions and incentives. The plan works very well as I am sure the other plans work well too. It is the people in the plan that makes the difference, either for good or for bad.
We all have our beliefs and in many cases they are wrong. I see it as beliefs vs. facts. We must get the facts to back up our beliefs, notwithstanding, the power of the subconscious mind to produce something from nothing, and I believe that is what you are helping us do.
Thanks for what you do.
Respectfully,
Duane Spears
I think you make a good point when you cite those whose income is based on hawking training and marketing materials. The heart of the business should be based on the products, not on the ancillaries.
There are some companies that allow higher diamond levels to create and distribute their own materials, and that some companies have allowed whale distributors to “provide” key marketing materials on the company’s behalf with no disclosure. Sometimes these materials do have worth; but often they’re just another way to make money off the downline. That’s an ethical bomb crater we should avoid.
These big guys then promote using their materials in prospecting, encouraging distributors to leave bundles of magazines at business establishments. There’s nothing wrong with this, as long as everyone is aware that the marketing products are a revenue stream for the person recommending them. And as long as the little guy knows that their marketing investment may go out in the trash at the end of the work day, not out in someone’s hand, which is where it belongs. Otherwise, at the least it creates the potential for a perceived conflict of interest.
Personally, I’d prefer to see marketing materials provided to the distributors by the company at cost, or near-cost, since the companies are already getting in excess of 50% of revenue instead of the normal 4-20%.
If the products are good, priced competitively and the company is well-run, boosting the distributors by minimizing the marketing costs and providing high-quality materials should be a no-brainer.
And I’d like to see relationships between major distributors and industry sites and publications disclosed.
Thanks for pointing out all the ways we need to clean up our act and promote this as a profession, not as a “get rich quick” culture with a cult mentality. We need to get better, and in order to do that we need to BE better, more ethically observant and ever circumspect.
Randy,
Great Manifesto! You have hit on major issues that have been haunting our industry for years and have only been getting worse.
Many of the issues you talked about, I have seen in the past 20 years in the industry. What bothered me are the examples you gave in the manifesto, I could put names and examples of these issues as well as others that I have seen just in the last 12 months. I am sad to say at a very alarming rate.
I had just posted an article on my blog about the high cost of products that a new company is offering. I went to see the presentation given by a friend that I had just showed my opportunity to. This new, latest and greatest program had an enticing compensation plan but when you looked at the cost of products and the cost of offing the fast start bonus it was outrageously priced.
It really bothers me to see these programs that entice people to join. When you really get down to the numbers they are just paying more for the product just so they can pay the high fast start bonus and the high commission level. Talk about smoking mirrors.
This friend fell for the smoking mirrors program in stead of the program I presented to him. He would rather go for the program that promoted fast money more than a stable opportunity that would change his life. NEXT
Thank you again for a great manifesto and starting the revolution.
May we all find true prosperity in the years to come. 2009 is only the start of great things to come.
Craig
Randy,
My hat is off to you Bro! This is a great way to move our Tribe into the new year, and to create a revolution where the voice of those in the trenches can be heard by those just getting started and those who claim to be leaders.
Thank you for taking action and rallying the battle cry!
Never Give Up,
Troy
Dear Randy
I love your work, this is amazing.
I have an important question and I need your answer and no one else’s! Can I have your permision to translate this into Spanish, so that I’m able to share it with my people? I’m from Chile, and many people I know don’t speak English. And I don’t want them to miss out on this.
Thank you Randy.
Keep it up!
Carolina
Great read! MLM has been my industry of choice for the past 3 years..and I came to it by way of Kiyosaki books. I got in for the personal freedom but have been really impressed with the personal development that takes place. I have stayed put in 1 company..and I have been, many times, approached to jump ship similarly to how you described it. Thank goodness, in my MLM infancy, I didn’t succumb! And I am forwarding this to my leaders and desire critical thinkers to be part of my journey. And together we can stand tall & speak the truth & bring credibility by example to this industry.
Thanks for writing this
Brenda
ps. guess this isn’t a good time to pitch my biz eh!! 😉 LOL
Dear Randy:
When your Team can upload EL MANIFIESTO GAGE EN ESPAÑOL
MUCHAS GRACIAS Y QUE VIVA!!!! LA REVOLUCION!!!!!!!
Four ideas I noted:
1. Dream job or dream life, the two are inseparable,
2. As we understand more about business, our consciousness expands to a much bigger picture.
3. The real product is freedom, freedom from lack, freedom to fully live.
4. Network marketers lead because they believe in a better way; that conviction comes with a responsibility to share it with a bigger group.
Networkers are entering a New Year filled with unprecedented opportunity for growth in all areas.
Randy is playing full out. Who else will join? Count me in.
Randy,
Thanks for your “tell it like it is” manifesto. I have been in this industry full time for 33 years and it has been a wonderful experience for me and my family. If you are going to really build a business it takes time, knowledge (which you can aquire), hard work (you must supply), persistence, and a little pinch of luck always comes in handy. MLM junkies beware the real MLM professionals just might be on to something good. Let’s all spread the word. I generally get to train tens of thousands a year and profess your same philosophy. Great way to start 2009 and help the economy.
I have been in the industry for just under 2 years now. I was brought in by an MLM junkie and sold every new biz opp down the pike being told I didn’t want to put all my “eggs into one basket” I took me less than 9 months to figure out out what your manifesto is trying to get to the world. But not before most of my financial resources were sucked up bu my upline. Randy I do agree with everything you say in this. I have since joined a company that I can be proud of and have an upline that tells it like it is. I can guarantee you I will be one of the Ladies who will be at the top of the pay plan in my company! I thank you for putting this out there is such a concise manner. It’s time the top Leaders in the industry come together like this. Network marketers lead because they believe in a better way; that conviction comes with a responsibility to share it with a bigger group. Thank you Randy!
Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
You hit the nail on the head a few times. I am about up-to-here with many of the antics that I also find are ruining the industry. We both know people that leave carnage behind when they leave a company, it is pointless, damaging and without reason. Totally selfish, not servant. I am also fed up with everyone trying to prospect from the same pool. There are so many people to sort through, PLEASE everyone get a clue.
Finally, my personal favorite…
Why aren’t there more women in the top of the payplans???? I have the answer to that one: Because the women I know choose NOT to be. Including myself. I stopped myself from getting rich, reaching the top. We spew all the wisdom about self empowerment; but we didn’t buy it ourselves. I’m changing that; first the change had to be within myself, then I can share with other women that Epiphany.
So why haven’t leaders come together before? I think those that are true leaders, those that have servant attitudes, those that have integrity and ethics, they have. Art has a great list of leaders (including me) on his mlm cruise. Then there are those that have such a big ego, but are so insecure… well, they won’t join you because you are their competition. You remind them of what they wish they had.
I’ll stand with you in the Revolution.
And let’s blast the Beatles in the background.
Live well,
Donna Valdes
Randy, you blew the whistle on network marketing and told the true story in a compelling and thoughtful way.
This is a must read for everyone in network marketing. It is also a great way to dispel the myths around network marketing for neophytes considering an opportunity.
The next time someone asks me “Is this network marketing?” I’ll proudly tell them, “Why yes it is but it sounds like you don’t understand exactly what that means. Let me email you a book that tells the true story about this profession.”
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience and congratulations on a fine tool that can help all serious MLMers achieve the success they so richly deserve for all the hard work and dedication they accomplish every day.
Learning to live with balance, satisfaction and profit with freedom
Bill Gluth
I have been blessed to be a part of the MLM business for the last 10 years, but working and creating an organization for the last 3 years. During this time Randy Gage has been a very powerful and clear voice with the should’s and don’t of the business. He has been a mentor, a master, a teacher and a very important person in my life and those of over 4 thousand that are part of my group.
Today I start in the business once again. Why? Clearly I have missed the point in many areas and this greatly written and powerful manifesto has put me in touch with the vision and the dreams that came to life December 23rd, 2003 when I decided to joint the MLM Company I am a part of today.
I needed to get my a#@ kicked again and get on track to my declration of becoming a Diamond Director this year. AS Randy has told me many times, I have the tickets to become a Diamond, I just have to cash in the chips and play the game the wau it is supoose to be played.
This manifesto comes at the perfect time, given the times the World is living and I am totally clear (as a life coach I am) that the best way to empower people to be accountable is to be a leader in their life. MLM offers that and much more.
Thank you Randy for this and much more to come…
Dear Randy,
I were really pleased to have the honour to read your great work !.
Since I started as one of your downline members last february I did not have any idea about MLM and the only little things I knew were not so good. So thanks for teaching and training us and let us see MLM as a well reputation way to reach our financial freedom. Each day passing I am so much happy with the decision I took to join a MLM company as my alternative.
I think, due to the big quantity of spanish speaking networkers, this manifesto should be translated into spanish to reach as much people as possible.
Thanks again for your worthy contribution !
Joan Arqué
Spain
Hi group,
So here’s my 2 cents worth.
I’ve been on the front end of “promises made by uplines”, on the middle of watching the “skip to another company, follow me please”, and on the back end of “there goes 1/2 my downline following another ‘this is it’ deal”.
Who was at the centre of all that mess? Me!
One for the group – lets stop hiding behind the ‘how do I do this business’ tag and really start building ourselves up so we can become aligned with what we are wanting. I see so many people (me included I have to say) that have laboured hard over:
1 – what is the best way to approach a prospect
2 – What words should I use
3 – Buy another book, listen to another seminar. The answer will be there
4 – Oh, it’s not working? Ok, lets buy another book, goto another seminar
5 – Oh, it’s STILL not working. Must be the program at fault.
In the end, the MLM profession is an awesome way to achieve what is sitting in your head as your abundance mentality. If that is not clear, no matter what you do, it aint going to happen.
Lets get our head straight, raise our abundance consciousness and then we won’t need to lie, deceive, or cheat our way to a bigger bonus check.
Cheers
Chris
Thanks Randy,
As my good friend Michael Dlouhy says – The truth is the truth is the truth.” I believe we do need to regulate ourselves and the industry. I commend you for doing this and
will definitely be sharing this with a lot of people.
Happy New Year,
Dianne
Hi Randy
Thanks for this excellent manifesto. It was great to read what I have been preaching for so long laid out before my eyes! Kind of self-validating!
You are so right in all you say in there, especially with regard to calling what we do a ‘profession’. I do. I always have and always will.
I also teach all my leaders to be more than just distributors for our company, but to be ambassadors for the greatest profession around.
If we clean up this industry and get the tone improved, then everyone will win, especially those who (understandably) won’t even look at what we do because of the misinformed ‘received wisdom’ telling them that they shouldn’t.
Great stuff randy and keep it coming.
Once again a massive thanks for putting this together!
Chris Jordan
England
There are two paragraphs which say it all – Our Ultimate Product is Freedom – the freedom from lack, the freedom to really live a life of meaning, significance, and abundance – in color and OUT LOUD. The second one is “They lead because they have belief: Belief in a better way, belief in contributing to other and belief that prosperity is everyone’s birthright, and they know that conviction comes with a responsibility to share that belief with the larger community.
The references that were not necessary and really detracted from your message were the swings at Mr. Donald Trump and Tim Sales and Dr. King. I think most of us understand that
network marketing is not taught at Harvard but this is not to say that the course taught at the University of Illinois
in Chicago is not worthy. Mr. Trump does not deserve the implications when he is really trying to “legitimize” the industry to those who are still in the caveman era.
I think it would be better to give credit to those people who are trying to help not destroy.
Just my opinion.
Randy, in these days of obscene actions at the highest levels of traditional business in the likes of Freddy and Fannie you bring clarity and honesty to our industry. MLM is still widely misunderstood by most people and perhaps it is time to start teaching its principles at higher institutions and business schools. I was recently invited by a business instructor at the university I am associated with to give a talk on network marketing. I was amazed at the lack of knowledge and misconceptions he had about our industry. Thank you so much for this manifesto! It has been long overdue!I think we are in the perfect storm of opportunity to help so many around the world. I wish you and your loved ones all my best in 2009 and the years to come.
Fred Valdes M.D.
WOW! Randy G. you are fricking amazing! In my last 6 years I have never heard anyone “tell the truth” like you. It totally describes my experiences in the Industry of Network Marketing. So much truth in it that I’m sure some will find it hard to swallow.
I thank God for people like you and all that you have given to us. Keep enlightening us! Keep the faith and the “Young Guns” alive!!!
Thanks so much,
John Parker
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!. I wish you a happy new year.
Network Marketing is moving into the 21st Century and the paradigm is definitely shifting. Looking forward to dialoging with like minded people in this forum and thanks for a great start to the New Year.
Randy,
Great stuff! I have been a fan of yours for many years but have just now reached the right opportunity for me and have been reading a lot of your training materials.
I believe you are correct in your analysis of this internet and web 2.0 issue when it comes to “true” networking. Maybe I am old-school but the successful people in my company who did not roll over a group, built belly-to-belly and in the living rooms/kitchens of their teams. That is the way I am building my group (I too am a huge fan of Mark Yarnell) and this is the ‘truth’ that new people should know – you want an extra $1000 a month: devote 10 hours a week for 6 months, you want $10,000 a month: devote 25 hours a week for a year, you want $100,000 a month: devote 40-50 hours a week for 2-5 years.
Thats my plan.
Stay true Randy. We all need you.
Ellis
Thank you, Randy, for re-establishing in me the notion that the principles that govern network marketing (when applied properly) are superior to those that govern conventional business, and for reassuring me that even though the respectable mentor who taught me this has recently violated these principles in an egoistic and arrogant manner, I am still in the right place.
May the revolution begin. Long live the revolution.
Happy 2009
Galy
Tel Aviv, Isr.
Thank you so much for this manifesto Randy,
This is something we needed and will help new marketers learn not to sell but to market.
I wish this year, 2009 is a kick ass one.
See you soon,
Best wishes,
Adil A. Amarsi
Randy,
You are the man!
This manifesto was well written and long over-due.
I am glad you had the balls to start this revolution. And my goal is to back you up 100%.
Carlos
Good work- very similar to Ann Seig’s funded proposal e-book, with that extra Gage forcefulness and experience.
I actually think it’s better for someone just taking a look at the industry versus the people already in it. Kind of an
“insider’s look” that might help a new person stay away from the hype.
Happy New Year! Thanks for the Manifesto Randy, great piece of work. I have realized many of these concepts throughout my years. My question: clearly most of the old ways are not working as effectively such as attacking family and friends and becoming part of the NFL club and some of the newer concepts on the Internet as you mentioned are acting as spam on Web 2.0 and Social Sites, so how are we to pursue this incredible profession to manifest the life we were destined to achieve.
Cheers.
Very good and good start for 09
Happy New Year Randy.
Great Manifesto you produced Randy. With this kind of movement Randy, I really believe you have shaken this industry to some degree from the personal side for each and everyone. I can just feel it with the way people are all excited about it.
Lets all lock arms and make it our best year yet for our industry, with profesionalism and Intergrity.
T.I
Hello Mr. Randy Gage,
My name is Paco Carreño. I’m from Spain and am following your posts in your blog, Network Marketing, and… your Manifesto.
First of all, with the best English I can show, I want to thank you for your inspirational actions on blogs and the manifesto… I wish I could express my critical thoughts as clear as I can do it in Spanish. I agree 100% with the Selfishness as a wonderful way of living and sharing.
Truth be said, there are lots of reasons why I’m writting to you but It’s been your AMAZING MANIFESTO that moved me to do it.
Just after my first read I said to my self that, although I’m a fresh man in the Industry (it’s been just 8 months since I saw this vehicle as the one I want to drive my life), I feel I will talk about my startings on the MLM during the Golden Era… I have checked that I’ve got 100% belief in this industry…
I want to comment that, in my opinión, NLP has been misunderstood because, as far as I’m concernid, NLP is intended for the interpretation, communication and way of working deep oneself, Isn’t it?
I agree with the point that trying to use NLP to manipulate people to say “yes I want to become a distributor for your program” is kind of stupid and far from the standing block of this industry: Duplication…
On the other hand, as well as we’ve recognized the power of Self-Development for the inherent process of a person within this profession since the very beginning up to the master level that is possible to achieve, we should make a clear distinction to the different applications of NLP. I mean, If a person uses it for him/herself, that’s fabulous because It will probably result in a better version of him or herself, but If that person thinks that NLP is the Holy Grial of other’s behavior modification techniques… OMG that person should apply for Pavlov Dogs’ Fan Club and it’s part of a another type of herd.
Once again thank you for the manifesto… I’ll keep reading it and shaking some of my thoughts. See you in Dallas!
Paco Carreño – Spain
Aloha Randy!
I just could not stop reading your Manifesto! Maika’i No (Great)! I agreed with what you had to say and have been motivated to work harder and put in more hours into MLM. I really want that dream job you spoke about to be able to stay at home with my children. Please keep up the motivation, it really helps when you feel like you are getting no where!
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Kristi Martines – Hawaii
Fantastic Randy.
The bit about FREEDOM is the reason I have a Network Marketing Business. Yes, the money was the main reason initially but that changes when you realise that to be successful you need to help others. You need to forget about the knockers and the dream stealers and believe in where you want to go and what you want to be – FREE. Spending time with our family is the most importatn thing to us and that is why Network Marketing is for us. Just need to get it to the stage where we can give up our jobs. I’ll be reading this Manifesto several times.
Thanks for the plain talking Randy.
I’m speechless! I’ve been in MLM for a few years and witnessed how the fakes, the misguided and the ignorant can cause damage to the development of this wonderful business paradigm. I’ve been discussing with my sponsor onthe need to give our people “the real deal” and now here comes this Manifesto.
Randy has said it all – it will take the 3-fold Success Principle – Integrity, Integrity, Integrity – to do this business right and reap the rewards, not just the profits.
God Bless You, Randy! I count it a priviledge to be part of this vanguard.
Randy,
What a great Manifesto! I’ll definitely be sharing it with my team. Thank you for writing it. You’re so right, there are so many scams, and “next big things”. Some of these things are so out there, it makes you wonder how anyone falls for it but they do.
Maybe if we all join forces, to spread your book around to everyone we can, as quickly as we can then we can help some others to be able to see the difference between a real, geniune network marketing opportunity, and a pyramid scheme or matrix, from falling victim to these things that give our profession a bad rap.
Again, thank you for writing it. It’s obvious that you have put a lot of time and work into this to help the profession of Network Marketing. Kudos!!
~Kristine
Wow. thanks randy. you are brutally honest adn i love that. no need to sugarcoat the truth. say it as it is. it is this truth taht will save our industry. thanks a million.
John from Nairobi Kenya
Interesting and communicative, but would make something more on this topic?
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Your are Great. And so is your site! Awesome content. Good job guys! Interesting article, adding it to my favourites!
This document could become the foundation for a better world!
I mean it!
If we could all stop for a minute and think “us”, what have this society achieved in terms of espirituality, we would probably reached the conclusion that… not much.
Pleasure is much more than shopping, going to the movies or having sex (and not obligatory to be on this sequence).
Spiritual welness is probably the outmost human nature can achieve, and assuming such impressive posture, would very much help us getting to that level.
I am with you, if you really mean it!
Love you all
Alfredo Rodrigues
Hey Randy.
Just took the time to STUDY “The MLM Revolution”
Better than excellent!!!
I am continually spreading your message to anyone who will listen.
While we have not met personally, all of your teaching has led me to see you as one of my mentors. Your directness has helped me to see a difference with others in the industry. I will protect our industry through example, as well as share the information you and many other leaders have shared with me.
Do you understand that it’s high time to get the loan, which will realize your dreams.