Multi-Level Marketing and Arbonne
My post on the Arbonne business has continued to generate a great deal of interest. So I’ve decided to post my take on multi-level marketing in general here to start a new thread.
What are the problems with Multi-Level marketing?
1) Most people are not mature enough to work the business truly looking out for other people. Greed is a huge motivator in MLM. There is the facade of “I have something to tell you about that will change your life”, but beneath the surface many MLMers are really just hoping to change their own lives.
2) I HATE the “warm market” principle. The first thing you are told to do is to tell your family and friends. AAARGH! I had a friend call and invite me to a meeting a couple weeks ago. It put me in a position of having to say “no”. I don’t want to go to meetings. I don’t want to hear about the latest pill to make me look like Sean Connery. I don’t want to hear hype. And I don’t want to be in a business where it will depend on me to pump up others. Been there, done that. MLM can change the way you view family and friends. Be careful.
3) Most people don’t have the skill set to do MLM. It is easy to get excited about world-changing product and incremental revenue graphically displayed on the white board. It’s another to actually get out there and DO IT. People skils. Sales skills. Marketing skills. There is much more to MLM than meets the eye.
4) I have a business. If I can dabble in something on the side and make a few $$$, I’m all for it. But so many MLMers make MLM their lives. Suddenly, all their friends are in the same business. If you aren’t in the business, you simply aren’t with the “in” crowd.
5) There is usually an enticement to build inventory. In order to succeed with an MLM, you have to sell product. Most MLMers will encourage you to BUY an inventory of product when you first sign up. The reason? It will help you get to a higher commission level faster. This is true, but it is also indicative that the MLM wants you to promote to higher levels because it promotes the people above you to higher levels. Thus, the focus is taken away from retailing product to interetested parties to moving product for the sake of moving product. Again, good product will move itself anyhow, but even in Arbonne, the new recruit it encouraged to spend money to “fast track” their business.
Again, this is not an indictment of Arbonne. It is simply some truthfull observations regarding the MLM industry. Granted, there ARE people who CAN handle MLM. I like to think I know some of them. But the fact is that it is only for a minority of people, but it operates on the backs of the majority in order to survive.
But isn’t that what the free market is all about, anyhow? 🙂
Kurt-
This is kind of off subject but I work in finance and today I recvd a referral with your same last name weird huh?
The main person in my area who has been doing Arbonne for 3 1/2 yrs now is Lynn Hagedorn – she lives in Blair Ne – a town of around 6000 people or so. I’ve attended her meetings and even seen her webstats – she’s in the 40-50k income per month club – she’s quiet and humble, a wife and a mother. Now she travels quite a bit speaking and encourging others – how wonderful. It’s true you do build a team which is the same in any sales or distributor business from Cell phones to the Schwan food company – you build a team of go getters but you yourself don’t stop working it. It’s best to get revenue from all venues – you learn this as you go and glue yourself to your upline and duplicate what they do. You can sell it straight from the catalog – or offer your own discount, say 10-20 % off. I think in your area it may be somewhat challenging if the avg income is that low BUT think outside the box – venture in to the next big city and hit all the salons and spas. Do you know people in other states – call them up ask them for the simple favor “to just listen” all you want is for people to try the products and listen – they decide from there. I have people that refuse to get online so of course I order for them and I extend them my discount because these orders help toward my monthly personal retail volume. I know I’m talking alot but it is a good company – the products are great (i’ve used clinique, lancome, Obaji, skinceuticals) I actually see results and they have so many products and many are geared toward health and wellness. The bottom line is – you can do this or your wife can IF she is willing to step out of her comfort zone and run it like a real business – especially if you are supportive. You can email me if you have more direct questions or just need to learn more. [email protected]
Attention Arbottes:
You can kid yourself all you want about helping others, the product, etc. The reality is that you could care less if anyone really buys the product, just sign up more recruits. That’s how you keep the money coming in. So what if a recruit doesn’t have the money to get started. They can just “get a credit card and put it on that.” How do they live with themselves! It is all about greed, from the top to the bottom. And if any of you Arbots took the time to do real research instead of believing what they spoon-feed you, you’d know that the “Swiss Lab” making only Arbonne is a hoax. There are many products that come out of that building, not only Arbonne.
I just shake my head in disbelief. You can make a lot of money selling cars, and you are really selling cars, not trying to get someone else to sell them.
I purchased my website a couple of days ago. I put in a request yesterday for them to cancel my website. I have not heard back– not even a notice that they received my email. I sent another cancellation request today… And also a customer service request stating I would like to cancel my website account. Has anyone had any problems with cancelling their website within the 30 day grace period?
Your comments are very insightful and as I read them I thought I could have written them myself. I would add that the reason most people do not succeed with it is the programs encourage people to take advantage of others because ideas are presented in a way to make people think they can be lazy and do well.
I too have been in this industry, and also in some other MLMS….and have worked very hard. I am the type to put 110% into everything I do…and when you see $14 checks, you do get discouraged.
I now found my company which is set to launch this spring, and I will just say that in my first month I supplemented my full time salary!
If you would like information on a truly ground floor company, with a lot of recognition and notariety, that is sure to be a guaranteed success, please email me at [email protected]
You keep your commissions, it is easy to mantain, and receive a great check on your downline. It is very easy, honest, and straight forward…not to mention manageable! 🙂
I am so glad that I am in Sendout Cards. If all of you successful Arbonne reps will send me your mailing address and birthday I will send you a card. Thats my MLM sending hugs and congratulations in the mail. Keep on Arbonneing.
You must believe in what you do, not what others believe. I sometimes don’t approve of Internet marketing but I do it.
Again, I have known many family and friends who have been in this particular company…and have worked hard for small paychecks…
Anyway, my company just launched this past month…and it is with the 2 of the most noted Dermatologists in America…their products were #1 in retail, and continue to win numerous awards…they are well-established, and professional…they are the creators of Proactiv!
Anyway, I surpassed my full-time income, and am here to stay! I think there is true beauty in a non-saturated market, and being on the TRUE ground-floor like we are.
Be cautious, do research, choose a company with a proven track record…and remember, timing is everything!!! Statistically those who start a company in their first couple years are those that make notable incomes.
Best wishes to all!
Feel free to contact me:
[email protected]
I have realized that for me being an Arbonne Independent Consultant is a great way to meet fun and interesting people, get a discount on products that really work for me (and make great gifts), and can provide a few bucks with not a whole lot of work for me, as I know people who love the products — so I started with a few customers already. I think it would be a lot of work to get to that white Mercedes level, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? 🙂
http://exclusiveskincare.myarbonne.com
I read this post before and I know I am very late in commenting but I wanted to let you know that I used to be hesitant about any of the MLM businesses. That is until I discovered a business that is truly cutting edge technology. The company is called enlyten and the products are strips’ of advanced technology that delivers nutrients faster and more effectively, with reduced side effects.
This is an awesome product and and awesome business.
I believe that MLM is amazing. Not to be confused with pyramid scheme – pyramids were outlawed in the 70’s (Amway paid 4 million and took 4 years to prove in court that MLM is not a pyramid scheme. Pyramid schemes do not have products to distribute)
I am in Neways International – we don’t sell door to door, in Auatralia we are not able to advertise. This is not even primarily about products – even though according to the founder of the Cancer Prevention Coalition Dr Samual Epstein (winner of alternative Nobel Prize for his work in the areas of safe ingredients) who says they are and I quote “the safest in the world’ We are passionate about the issue. Our message is about creating a healthy home for our families, helping with the environment, supporting global communities in crisis and helping families make extra income. We lead with the mission to educate everyday mums and dads about the nasty chemicals in many many products(even some of the ones who claim to be natural and organic) When you start using the products – you can replace EVERYTHING in your home from cleaning to skin care to toothpaste and make-up – replacing the ones that may have nasties in them Neways begin to pay you straight away. You can earn a bonus even if you don’t want to network. We have the FREE car – comes very early on and you don’t have to sell millions to do it. Just a group volume of $24,000au for 3 months. You really can help others and improve their lives and get paid to do it.We are all about making a differance. Happy to give you the information so that you can all make informed choices (and make money too if you want to) Email [email protected]
I found this site when I googled arbonne to check if it had a college and retirement plan as I wanted to compare it to the Juice Plus+ franchise, for a potential distributor. After viewing the comments here, I am so happy that I found a product with university research behind it showing that it does help people on the cellular level. Because of the Healthcare crises (not the skincare crisis), Juice Plus+ (fruits & veggies in a capsule form) is uniquely positioned to help people with their health and to also suppliment their income. http://www.lifesaverjuiceplus.com
There definitely seems to be a big shake up going on with Arbonne which is unfortunate because there are real people doing the business BUT having said, I think if you are getting into a network marketing company, you really need to do your homework. There are no excuses because information is so readily available and if the person that’s recruiting you is telling you something that doesn’t make sense or sounds too fishy, contact corporate office of the company directly. A newbie doesn’t always know and will easily trust the upline’s opportunity spiel. There is no such thing as an easy business, or you don’t have to sell anything, it’s a business and the products have to move somehow. I’m a fan of the direct sales business and have learned to do a thorough research before joining a company.
Great posts from so many people here!
Janette
If you are going to recruit for the primary opportunity you should really educate yourself. For Arbonne representatives, do you have a magnetic personality?
I don’t mind recruiting in the warm or cold market, the key is do not pitch your Arbonne business. You need a sales funnel like a capture page or DVD and show your prospects the knowledge you have about recruiting and your opportunity. I have been able to turn my business around after learning about attraction marketing and setting up a sales funnel. If you click my name, you will understand what I mean. I specialize in coaching network marketers ways to double their check whether it’s offline or online, cold market or warm market. You need a plan and short term goals that build up for an ultimate reward. If anyone is struggling, contact me, we have a new DVD that is Free to view. Have a great day.
Arbonne is no different then starting any other business as far as the effort and dedication that you must apply to succeed.It is different from the aspect that the products are cutting edge, and Now as of 2010, again the leaders in “Premium Skin Care” Their prices are very cheap as far as I’m concerned, in comparison to products in the same caliber, which by the way, are far and few in between. I love using the Arbonne products, but the just released launch of the Re9 Advance where its clinically proven to show results in as little as 24 hrs…WOW! I’m not about hype girls, but the product is truly living up to its promises, and is blowing me away! If anyone wants to try a sample, visit my blog, or Google my name Katrina MacPherson. I can’t send you a free sample,the product is worth the $3.00 I’m charging.It’s the highest end you will encounter, and I’m not prepared to give it away like candy, I’ll even show you how to buy it for up to 80% off the suggested retail.If you can’t afford to spend a few bucks, then I don’t want to waste my time. Arbonne is for those that care about their body, and want to regain their youth, If you cant afford to look good, then you’re right, you can’t afford it!…I finally have found a product that works! and I also joined the business.It makes 100% complete sense…If anyone else wants the facts about this well preserved company,Look for me, I’m not that hard to find. 🙂
Hi, I’ve really enjoyed reading all the comments on here.
I joined Arbonne for £17 a few months ago, just to get discount on products I was buying for myself.
I have upgraded to Consultant and in June and July completed sales to become District Manager!
I don’t have a huge team, I retail the products to friends and family when they need them and before using these products I had no interest in Network Marketing or selling Skin care!
I realise I am building my business at a much slower pace than most out there but I know my business will last.
It just demonstrates that it CAN be done without huge investment (if you call a few hundred pounds for your own business huge?)
Hi my name is marie i do not ever blog, i guess you can call me oldschool. I just have one thing to say i have been working my arbonne business for 2 years and i should be qualifying for the mercedes level this month! When i started my business i was not about to be scammed,so i purchased only what i needed to do shows….10 books for $9.00 and an re 9 set at 40% off so about $200.00 plus my sign up of 35$ i have followed my uplines recipe for success….8 shows per month and be on the training calls, one per week. In my 1st month i made about $500 between my commission at shows and paycheck. So my investment was well worth it! My earnings for the last year have been about $2000 to $4000 per month!!!! I do love the products too. I feel sorry for anyone who has been misinformed about arbonne,simply because they are missing out on an incredible oppertunity. If anyone is interested in an honest upline email me at [email protected] please only serious people as i do not have time for complainers, because i have a mercedes to earn!!!
WOULD LOVE SOME HELP WITH MY ARBONNE BUSINESS
What are some of you mean when you are say “puppy dog”.
I live in the UK and have never heard this before.
I would also love to know what “puppy dog” means.
puppy dog. is your gold bag with products in, and what do you do with a puppy dog take it every where with you.