MLM Directory

Is there any other so called "home business" that gets more negative connotations than MLM/Network Marketing?

I realize the bulk of those in MLM with blinders on think that MLM gets as much respect as any business, so this question is directed at those outside of MLM. There has got to be something else out there that gets as little respect right? Even the companies calling up for long distance services are at least doing sales to people other than themselves and paying employees, but MLM...not exactly. Can anyone think of any other business like this??? For those in MLM whose emotions get the best of them (as usual) that inevitably feel the need to come in here to answer anyway and calling me names and such, you need to get over it. hoozdaboss - the "bad press" isn't because MLM is illegitimate its because the whole presentation of MLM as some opportunity based on signing other people up as oppose to focusing on sales is a sham. The concept is merely based on the idea of using other people to do the work. And like I said, those in MLM have blinders on as you are a perfect example of one in MLM who is unable or unwilling to grasp the obvious. As far as being jealous because they are not making an effort to succeed, that is pure MLM garbage (more specifically, MLM brainwashing for the naive). So the assumption is that anyone that isn't doing MLM isn't trying to get ahead? MLM is the only business on earth? Gimme a break!

Public Comments

1. Top exec at Enron or Worldcom maybe.
2. Phone sex operator probably has a more negative connotation but just barely.
3. I'm in an MLM and understand exactly what you're talking about. No, I do not think there is any business structure or industry that gets as much "bad press" as MLM's. But, not all of it is unjustified, there have been "scams" disguised as MLM's in the past that have taken many people for a ride. There are MLM's that are legitimate. The general public (those that trash MLM's) are either intimidated by the process (it is hard to get outside of your comfort zone sometimes) or jealous that they don't have the courage to make an effort to succeed in making their life better. I feel the company that I am with has THE BEST opportunity around. The business team that I'm associated with is very integrable and I am proud to be working with them. I feel this even though the company and team have been attacked negatively in the past. One last note: Most of the justified "bad press" is from someone who has been treated unfairly, unjustly by someone else in the business that they were associated with. They shouldn't blame the actual company or the MLM industry, they should place the blame one that individual.
4. Nope, cannot think of one. Most MLM people remind me a cross between a used car sales man and a TV Evangelist. I spent some time looking for a home business before I found Noni juice to sell. I chose it because it is part of the "wellness industry" and is projected to be the next big thing since the "Baby Boomers" are entering the Golden Years and want to protect their health. In my own research, I found several MLM companies selling similar fruit drinks to Noni juice at outrageous prices. It seemed to me that they take advantage of people suffering from medical conditions for which there do not seem to be much hope. Then, the over zealot MLMer who is often that trusted person in their life, convinces them to try this new product. The real problem I found with MLM products was the price verses the actual ingredients in the bottle and that is were I find MLMers shameful and despicable. For example, I looked at Tahitian Noni International, XANGO and Himalayan Goji. All three are very expensive as compared to what you would pay in a Supermarket. However, all three brands use a reconstituted primary fruit and then add water and less expensive juice flavors. If I want to pay $42 per bottle for Tahitian Noni juice I want the best, or if I am going the spend $28.75 per bottle on XANGO Mangosteen I want it pure, as well as, $46.50 for Goji. All of the MLM companies wrap themselves around being exclusive, but the reality is that they prey on trusting unsuspecting people who they take advantage of in the name of money. Direct selling is a method that I think works because you can sell a product at a much lower price with better ingredients. For example, I sell the world famous Tru Noni at half the price of Tahitian Noni juice and it is 100% pure. In addition, it is helping the Hawaiian farmers who grow it. I much rather represent a company that takes true interest in people they help rather than trying to line the pockets of the MLM "Fat Cats".
5. Hmm....I would have to say Real Estate Investors. They are the infamous slumlords who take advantage of underpriveledged people and raise their rents astronomically so that decent, law abiding citizens are left out on the streets all for the sake of the almighty dollar. I speak primarily of the ones who invest in multi-family dwellings. They like to come across as someone who is just making an investment, but the first thing they do is throw the families out on the streets so they can turn a fast buck with no thoughts of compassion whatsoever.