One thing I realized in this industry was that most people only follow PEOPLE. Most people do not really join companies, they don’t really join products, they join other people who they like, who have built a reputation, respect, and TRUST. So no matter how good you think a program is, you can't force people to sign up under you.

One more thing is I considered as MLM Problems.
1. Attrition - Sponsoring people into your M.L.M is one thing, keeping and maintaining them is another task. People in your downline quit too soon specially when they are not earnings but constantly paying for monthly autoship.
2. Monthly out of pocket autoship. - People can only stay for a couple of months maybe but as soon as they are not earning they will quit soon and you dont have control over their decision.
3. Recruiting- only few have the ability to recruit. Mostly bound to quit.
4. Company - Many MLM companies popping out in the interent today and its difficult to distinguish who among them are legit and best to earn residual income.

Now Im glad I have found one company solved those problems.

It is quite true that many people join people, Supermario. Unfortunately, sometimes they only join those people because they are friends, or because they are fast talkers, not necessarily because they fill the shoes of someone in network marketing who's worth following.

1. Attrition is a natural part of business, whether it be network marketing or brick and mortar retail. Some customers just never come back. So the thing to do is look at minimizing that attrition. It's much easier and cheaper to KEEP a customer than it is to GET another one. Likewise with team members under you.

If you are willing to work with your team so that they also earn, then attrition will be virtually non existent. That is what I find among my team members... why would they quit if they are getting paid every week??

As to customers themselves, when your company partners with you and takes on the bulk of the back end marketing by providing first class service, monthly catalogs and journals, weekly emails and special offers that build brand loyalty, the attrition rate will be better than the industry average.

2. In many ways, you actually DO have control over their decision to leave. Your team will not drop out IF they are making money AND if they are enjoying the benefits of the product. Therefore, be sure to ONLY work with a company that has products that people actually WANT & DESIRE and that actually work so they keep buying, get on a team that HELPS YOU earn, and then be sure to help YOUR PEOPLE EARN MONEY.

3. Recruiting is probably the hardest thing for most people to do and you are 100% correct in that if your team members are unsuccessful at this, they will quit. Therefore, it's imperative that you are part of a team that provides a system that ANYONE CAN DUPLICATE and duplicate easily and cheaply.

The networking model appeals to those who can sell. The big problem is that those who can sell are selling to those who can't. Change that and you've solved the biggest problem in network marketing. That is what the right system, the right support and the right team can provide.

4. In my opinion, looking at opportunities that just popped up today is much of the problem. People are falling for big names, fancy websites and smooth talk rather than taking the time to examine the company closely enough to get the real facts behind the hype. I could list several right now that I've examined as a comparison to what I'm in already and in spite of big talk, they come no where near the criteria I've set for myself. Albeit, my standards are high, but why shouldn't they be? We don't have to settle for second best!

Now, that doesn't mean that all well established companies are any better than risky upstarts. Well... they may be better in some ways because obviously they wouldn't have lasted if they didn't have something going for them. But what I mean is, the average person joining them now and thinking they are going to make a living from them is extremely unlikely.

Oftentimes, the autoship requirements are unrealistic for a new distributor, the company may be using an old model where the distributor buys at wholesale and sells at retail (classic recipe for failure), or the product may now have too much competition. And one of the worst things I've seen in many of these supposedly wonderful opportunities is that the company actually works against their distributors by charging so much for their marketing aids that in reality they make more money off their distributor than they do the sale of product itself.

And the hype! Don't even get me started! They rave about the 'best compensation plan in the industry' but on closer examination you see that less than 1% of thousands upon thousands of distributors will ever earn more than a few hundred a month, because the requirements to climb their ranking system are just too difficult for the average person. Some binary plans are set up in such a way that you can even make sales and still not earn commissions!!

I don't know about you, but I don't want to work full time for less than what a part time kitchen helper makes!

No, honestly... there are good companies. There are good products. And there are good leaders and teams to connect with. Educate yourself so that you recognize one when you see it.

Tula

Wow, what a lot of great information in this thread!

I have just joined a networking company. The reason I joined is because I trust the person who offered it. I know that he has many years of experience and would not go ahead and join just anything! Plus he's giving step by step training and really giving people the best chance to succeed.

As to which company is best, I think it's a matter of personal choice. It depends what's important to you. Is it the products, a fair compensation plan, a reputable company, a great team? I guess just do your research, and keep your ears open for the opportunity that ticks all your boxes

Thanks

Good point, Bizdaze.

In my opinion, it's absolutely key to choose your sponsor and team very carefully. Friends may be trustworthy... obviously a great quality... but that doesn't mean they will help their WHOLE TEAM be successful.

In fact, even successful marketers are not always team builders. Think about it. They set up their SEO campaign, rake in the dough through sales. And then move on to the next product. Or they sign up new affiliates and then somehow expect you to do all the work. I'm sure you've all been there a time or two!

I sincerely believe that in my own case, I would not be where I am today with TriVita if it weren't for the leadership my team provides. Well, in fact, even the leadership the company provides. We are never left floundering trying to figure out what to do next! Check out my sig file and watch that video. I'll get back to you with more details so you can really see what I'm talking about. No obligation... no hype. Just pure information that you can use to make an informed decision.

Tula

I am involved in a great company and great team,

Ultra International is a 20-year-old wellness company and operates globally in over 30 countries. In 2008 the company opened up some of their product lines for direct network marketers to sell, creating new opportunities for people who have home businesses.

When compared to other companies, Ultra International has one of the best compensation plans the industry has to offer. Their compensation plan is not dependent on building a team. Also, the plan not only benefits the builder, but also the customer.

What separates the Ultra International product line from the competition is that they offer pure and safe products along with increased performance. All their products are SLS and ALS free and 100% biodegradable.

Consumers like the convenience of being able to purchase their soap, laundry, vitamins and beauty products all in one place. The marketing system runs on auto-pilot so computer and sales skills aren’t required.

These 100% toxic free products are currently being distributed to all 50 states and over 30 foreign countries throughout their extensive network of distributors and dealers.

Also, Ultra International provides a complete support system to assist new distributors. There are live training calls, webinars and the owner is available by email to answer questions.

To learn more about the Ultra International’s opportunity visit: [snip]

When considering MLM ask three questions:
1. Would I buy this good or service myself?
2. Would I pay the price that I am expected to sell it for?
3. Could I make money without recruiting anyone merely by selling?
If the answer to any question is 'no' or even 'probably not' - then forget it.

There are many great MLM companies around. Some are billion dollar companies that have been around for decades.
It is possible to be successful in almost any MLM although some are easier than others.
For example, if you look at the top 10 direct selling companies, most of them are nutrition or wellness companies. That is not to say you can't be successful with the others.
If you are a newbie you need to have a good mentor who can show you the ropes.

Spend time researching and looking into it is my advice. Really research it. Not everyone is positive about any opportunity, but it should be clear what % or people are having success.

In this, I totally agree. But even more important is that your mentor can help you utilize systems.

If your mentor and your company have provided good systems - then anyone can be a success. Most people will not be able to duplicate things like charisma, sales skills or even SEO skills very well. But plug them into effective systems... and they are off to the races.

That is exactly what was done for me and why I'm so enthusiastic about my business. I actually spend more time mentoring now than I do personally building. And what fun to see my people all following the same path of success that led our Presidentials to their 6 figure incomes!

Tula