The MLM Dream

MLM - Also known as multi-level marketing. Far removed from outdated and illegal pyramid schemes. (Basically, companies who sell products which are used to hide the pyramid structure. Shhh! Nobody will ever know.)

It's a midweek evening and you're checking your social media. A friend of a friend pops up...someone you've seen a lot of recently online; motivational quotes, lavish hotels - that sort of thing. She asks you to trial some products she knows you'll love, especially as they're 'vegan'. A very informal, friendly chit-chat. She seems nice. You agree.

Within a couple of days your new friend arrives, armed with products. They're nicely packaged, apparently free from all sorts of nasties and get good results. She casually drops the pretty package in your lap, mid-conversation about anything non salesy or product related (clever!), and then heads off to a meeting with a new consultant. Effortless.

You feel intrigued. One point to her!

You try the products and give feedback on her profile, as promised. The goods are fairly nice. Not notably better or worse than other products you've tried. A bit expensive, but worth it for the benefits to customers and the environment. You leave a few positive comments and order a product or two.

A week passes. She collects her goods and brings your new purchase round. You talk. She weaves in a bit about herself. How the business has massively improved her life and income. She mentions "time freedom" a bit - key words that get repeated and stick in your mind. She praises you for everything you do. Appears very interested and genuine, even leaves some free products for you. She says you'd be an amazing fit for the company. Easily flattered, you thank her and agree to talk it through over a herbal tea and fizz stick.

A couple of weeks have come and gone and you've done it! You've signed up for a slice of 'the dream'! To create that 'time freedom' everybody's talking about and to generally achieve all round greatness and fulfilment. It's a step towards a brighter future for yourself and your family. Amen.

Of course, you're a product of the product, so you have to be seen to be using them to be completely authentic. You're the shop front remember?! That will cost you. You place an order. It costs around £140. You then attend meetings, conference calls, join online groups and become coachable.

Within two weeks, you've booked a conference and accommodation that you're told is non-negotiable and essential if you're serious about the business. That's cost you another wad of cash, plus the mini business order for your upcoming launch...taking your total spend to over £500!

This is all wonderful. You're mostly upbeat about your new journey...until you start to question it a bit more and discuss it openly with friends, some of which happen to know this business model very well.

Alarms bells start to ring. You read up, watch documentaries, listen to audios and take advice from someone better informed. This opportunity is starting to make less sense as more facts and figures come to light. Why didn't you think of this before?...put a bit more research in. Simple. Because you were the perfect target. Sucker for a dream! A way of jumping off the hamster wheel...

Knowing that only 3% of all consultants are top earners and most make very little, you decide to pull out. You inform the consultant, who you're just a few hours away from launching with. You let all the people down you've roped into supporting you and back away.

Your upline is disappointed but positive. She says when you're 'stronger',  you'll be welcomed back at any time. She reminds you, you still have the business you signed up to and encourages you to continue to use the products.

You thank her and wonder how quickly you can retrieve some money. Yes, the money....