The MLM Morons
It’s funny I wrote my manifesto on MLM at the start of the year and it was translated into many languages and sent around the world. It almost crashed our server there were so many hits. (If you haven’t read it yet, find it here.) I wish I could say it created a shift in consciousness, but I wonder…
As I look at my Twitter feed, I see about 200 Spam a day for just the Trump Network alone. A couple hundred more for other companies. And then a few hundred more pitching lead programs to build MLM. I’m afraid all of the gains in credibility we’ve made in the last ten years will go down the drain because of all the MLM Morons on the social networking sites pitching and spamming everyone they come in contact with. So what’s the answer?
-RG
In my opinion Randy, you do a wonderful job at helping us all. On behalf of all, I thank you very much. It seems though, that the “three foot rule” is being forced to become the only way to go. For those who don’t know what the “three foot rule” is, it means that anyone withing three feet of us will get a chance to share in our program. With this approach folks can see the genuine interest we have in helping them with there situations. They can feel the warmth that comes from those who are really wanting to give to others and while doing so helping themselves. I use the “three foot rule” all the time and people seem to be more interested than if I punch a few keys on the computer keyboard. Internet is fine, but there has to be a relationship build before there can be any trust. Network Marketing isn’t overnight. Just like building a house. It isn’t overnight. I hope folks will start realizing that so they won’t be sucked in by the ones that say they can make huge sums of money in the next 24 hours.
Thanks for all you do Randy.
Dave
Randy
I feel that there is a tremendous need for not just a “guru” of sorts but some one that truly has the masses in mind. Just to navigate the portal and find the target of information. Everyone is worried about the monetization and for most “guru’s” th are like farmers milking the herd offer enough grass to exist but never really opening the coral. I once heard learn-teach get-give!
I want to succeed in this endeavor but distracted by this proclamation and this holding on to the money even tighter for all those that over promised and under delivered.
I am sure that as I extol nuggets here and there I will eventually get on the treadmill and provide for my family. I think that the “guru’s have in their own way created this pervase society where they are trying to tap the well rather that harness the power. Give a man a fish and he will eat teach a man to fish and he will feed he and his family for generations.
Warmly and seeking,
Rich
I’m afraid there will always be these morons out there trying the “shortcut” to success. As we know, there is no shortcut. As a result, we’ll always have to deal with the negative perceptions these idiots cause. That’s the new rules, we just have to figure a way to win playing by them! Thanks for all you do Gage!
Randy, in my opinion, I believe the biggest downside to our industry is the lack of an interview process to weed out the morons in the first place. All anyone needs to do is make a small investment and they are in business. The MLM’s -or most of them – do not make strong efforts to make sure their distributors are compliant in their advertising, claims or conversations about the product or services they are selling. Therefore, you are hit with hundreds of MLM morons selling their opportunity. As far as your Manifesto is concerned. It was an excellent read but, as usual, the people who needed to read it didn’t.
I know I definitely do an interview process with new people. I wish would.
-RG
Morons will be morons.. on and offline. Just its easy to get to us now and you are a prime target! It does detract from the Twitter experience and I just try to forget about those guys.
Unless they are REALLY annoying and then I send them a Tweet attack. LOL.
No one can say you haven’t done everything in your power Randy to make the networking experience a good one. 🙂
Gains in credibility in the last ten years might have been achieved, but the MLM concept has not changed much and there are basically no variations to the theme. If 80% of the customers are distributors, I can understand the pitching and spamming.
And as with every “issue” there is an opportunity. So, who will innovate and adjust to become or start the first ever truly “outside the box” MLM company and turn things around, perhaps even growing into an entirely new concept? MLM feels old, even with new clothing, or is it just me having a bad hair day?
Randy:
Welcome to humanity. Since humans appeared in this world(Lucy),There is always been conflict and disagreement.
I think people do what they do because they don’t know how to do it diferently. You keep on trucking and forget about them
Randy,
I had a thought that I will try to articulate hear on this comment section. Is there a way that those who have been in NM for a long time like you and Erik Worre and others can get together and make some kind of joint statement that brings the companies that have these morons promoting their stuff to a place of accountability. Such as we are joining together to draw a line in the sand. Those who are wanting a professional image and are committing to protecting that through training, education, etc… and willing to warn against such distasteful practices right in the sign up process stating that such and such activities will not be permitted. Maybe a petition or manifesto that leaders and companies can sign on to. Kind of like a code of conduct that we agree to and we are setting ourselves apart from those practices and people we don’t feel hold our interests or promote our profession in the best light. That way those who continue to pursue those unethical and stupid practices will be seen for who they are and those who choose to sign on so to speak to the Network Marketers code of conduct will be able to set a standard in a united effort irrespective of company or opportunity being promoted. Just some thoughts that I believe could be brain stormed into a real solution. Let me know what you think.
Seth
Randy, As a 20 year veteran of network marketing I agree with much of what you say and teach. It’s all about duplication. The internet is a powerful tool, but show me a network of people who are actually building a big network of thousands and thousands of people who are using products and making good income using these ‘push button’ internet systems alone. If you know of any such real networking business that duplicates, let me know. I do not know of even one.
I comes down to fundamentals and a real product that benefits people and a do-able system that you almost anyone with desire and persistence can do, online or even offline. It’s People Power.
Continue the good work.
Bo Tanas
Hi Randy
I had to block a guy on facebook because he was spamming me big time I guess when we get these morons we will block them.
Thanks for all the teaching and integrity Randy. As for the spamming and ‘morons’, isn’t focusing on them just giving them and ‘it’ more power. Don’t you teach to focus on the prosperity and positive side of things? Maybe that’s the answer. Take away their power by not recognising it. Focus on ‘our’ effort to be different, teach right principles and encourage good practices. Just a thought… Take care.
Found what I think is a relevant post by Seth Godin about the problem, no solution really but relevant nonetheless: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/10/the-tacky-techie-conundrum.html
I also think we need to legislate the business and the code of behaviour in it all over the world. The new, merely profit oriented companies attract the above mentioned people, even create them by not telling newbies how to work properly, ethically. They’re merely interested in their profits, not at all in good reputation of the company, not even it the longevity of it. Attract people massively and instantly by promising them fairytales, squezze some amount of money out of each one and when the problems start, move to another territory or start a new business… I’ve seen it happen so many times.
Lucky Italians who have legislated the MLM business and can work merely with certified representatives. They have almost swept all the garbage out of our profession. I’m lobbying in Slovenia, may it happen here soon and in your country as well!
By then, let’s go ignore them who are so shortsighted they can’t even see their unpolished shoe or may they avoid you like plague : )