Is it seriously Possible to be a Part-Time Agent

[rousemark]

"in most cases it is not the system that is at fault, it is the "consultant" unwilling to do what it takes to be successful."

Interesting you quote directly out of the MLM playbook. That line of reasoning was a key component of the FTC's charges against Herbalife. It resulted in a $200M fine, and a 7 year operating injunction with close auditor supervision. It was proven beyond doubt that regardless of effort, the results were the same. In fact, those that put in the most effort, attended all training, bought all the books, seminars, conferences and conventions actually had a greater investment to lose.

The problem with herballife and at one time Amway was no one actually sold the products other than the new rep kits....Don't know that Avon was ever that way.. As far as my quoting from the MLM script, just because they also say it does not mean it is not true. Most sales people that fail do so because of lack of work ethic and failure to prospect.

 

[toolbelt]

The problem with herballife and at one time Amway was no one actually sold the products other than the new rep kits....Don't know that Avon was ever that way.. As far as my quoting from the MLM script, just because they also say it does not mean it is not true. Most sales people that fail do so because of lack of work ethic and failure to prospect.

Interesting to note that while Avon is the least scammy MLMs, their stock price has fallen to near penny stock status. As for saying effort equals success, it is also dependent on the right opportunity. Im sure we'll agree that if we wholesaled someone a million Frisbees and told them to go out and become rich, their chances are slim, regardless of effort. Now if we did the same 40 years ago, their chances are much better. The first to market a product are typically the most successful. So the game becomes showing those recruits how much money is "possible", without mentioning timing. Bonus if you can sell them training materials or get them to pay to attend your seminar featuring a good "rags to riches" story.

 

[goillini52]

"But those in the second level may also recruit others and create their own "downlines."

Until, eventually, the market is flooded with downlines, essentially competing for the same clients, at which time the focus becomes recruiting, then selling to those recruits. A McDonalds on every street corner is seldom a good strategy for the franchisee's, but great for corporate, who collect franchise fees whether or not the location is successful.

Not a good example. Mcdonalds desn't like to close stores. I think I can remember ONE Mcdonalds closing in 60 years.

 

[toolbelt]

Not a good example. Mcdonalds desn't like to close stores. I think I can remember ONE Mcdonalds closing in 60 years.

McDonalds doesnt close stores because full disclosure of the opportunity is required, under franchise laws. Fully audited financial disclosures are required upfront. Contrast that with the FTC's Business Opportunity Rules, and how the MLM industry successfully fought being included under them, but more importantly why.

 

[goillini52]

McDonalds doesnt close stores because full disclosure of the opportunity is required, under franchise laws. Fully audited financial disclosures are required upfront. Contrast that with the FTC's Business Opportunity Rules, and how the MLM industry successfully fought being included under them, but more importantly why.

McDonalds doesn't close stores because they do their homework.

 

[DayTimer]

Not a good example. Mcdonalds desn't like to close stores. I think I can remember ONE Mcdonalds closing in 60 years.

The single best example of market saturation is Subway Sandwich Shops. I can think of a dozen Subways that have closed around me in the last dozen years, and there are still a dozen Subway locations left within a dozen or so miles of me.

If it were possible to flood the market with downlines, it would have been flooded long ago, and we'd all be Combined Insurance agents.

Because Toolbelt fails to appreciate how difficult any direct sales business truly is - whether selling insurance or make-up or telecommunication services or pest control or roofing and siding - and how much very hard work is required, he places too much responsibility for failure on the marketing organization and far too little on the individual who thought he could but couldn't.

 

[toolbelt]

If it were possible to flood the market with downlines, it would have been flooded long ago, and we'd all be Combined Insurance agents.

Aren't you forgetting that the MLM exit door is the same size as the entrance door? MLMs don't recruit to grow, they recruit to survive. Without recruiting, most would have no salesforce within 2-3 years.

 

[toolbelt]

McDonalds doesn't close stores because they do their homework.

Exactly so, and you need more than just money to qualify for a franchise. Or in the case of MLM, no criminal record and a wallet.

 

[goillini52]

The single best example of market saturation is Subway Sandwich Shops. I can think of a dozen Subways that have closed around me in the last dozen years, and there are still a dozen Subway locations left within a dozen or so miles of me.

If it were possible to flood the market with downlines, it would have been flooded long ago, and we'd all be Combined Insurance agents.

Because Toolbelt fails to appreciate how difficult any direct sales business truly is - whether selling insurance or make-up or telecommunication services or pest control or roofing and siding - and how much very hard work is required, he places too much responsibility on failure on the marketing organization and far too little on the individual who thought he could but couldn't.

I remember a few years ago Subway was the fastest growing chain. I guess they opened too many stores too fast.

In Chicago, it seems like there's a Starbucks on every corner. I'll take McDonalds coffee over Starbuck"s any time.

 

[toolbelt]

I can think of a dozen Subways that have closed around me in the last dozen years,

And to think that on a daily basis, more people require food than an insurance policy. And yet, Subway, with 22,000 U.S. locations pales in comparison to the number of MLM insurance reps.