Network marketing or Direct Selling gets a fair bit of press, some of it good, some if it bad. Just like any other business model it has it’s fans and critics and if you Google it then you’re sure to fine plenty of both. So is it a legitimate business model, or is it all just hype? Are you missing a trick in generating a secondary revenue stream if you’re not already involved in a network marketing or direct selling business, or have you made a luck escape? Well ultimately that’s for you to decide… here at Beyond Health we’re fairly big fans of it as a business model, so we’d say that you’re probable missing a trick, however we would assert that in reality it’s not just about the business model or concept, but equally if not more so, it’s about the Company you decide to join as a distributor, and which distributor team you join within that Company.
Just like with most other businesses and traditional business models, there are good and bad. For example, there are some really good accountants, some really bad ones, and most are somewhere in the middle; there are also some really good builders and building companies, some really bad ones, and most are somewhere in the middle… you get the gist right. And, within organisations there are high performing teams and low performing ones. So ultimately within the direct selling industry it’s not much different – there are some really good direct selling companies, some not so good ones, and most are somewhere in the middle, and the same is true for the distributor teams within those companies.
So is there big money to be made? Should you be jumping on the bandwagon and getting involved?Read the rest of this article and decide for yourself. We’ve included some videos, links and quotes from various organisations, well known business people, publications and thought leaders who are fans and advocates of this method of taking a product or service to market – so you can discover more about the opportunity that exists for generating wealth through network marketing and find out more about some of the top companies in the industry, some of whom have been in business for over 100 years.
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
Network Marketing or Direct Selling is continuing to grow all over the world and is becoming more and more mainstream. Globally it has experienced 91-percent growth in the last 10 years with annual sales in generates over $100 billion dollars in revenue each year. If you are ever in doubt whether this is a credible business model simply take a look at some of the endorsements and facts on this page.
FAMOUS PEOPLE THAT OWN/HAVE OWNED A NETWORK MARKETING COMPANY
Anthony Robbins (one of the worlds top personal growth experts)
Warren Buffet (2nd Richest person in the world) – The Pampered Chef
Richard Branson (Multi £ Billionaire) – Virgin Vie Cosmetics
Donald Trump (Multi $ Billionaire) – The Trump Network
Brian Tracy (famous sales trainer business consultant and author of several
best-selling books) – iLearningGlobal
best-selling books) – iLearningGlobal
BEST SELLING AUTHORS/AUTHORITIES AND THOUGHT LEADERS THAT ENDORSES NETWORK MARKETING
Vic Conant
“As good as the products are in network marketing, they are really secondary to the personal development. Go to any network marketing convention: what are they talking about? They talk about the freedom they’re enjoying, the fabulous growth they’re experiencing, how wonderful their relationships are, how much they’re learning about life and about themselves.
It’s not the supplement or the skin cream that did that. Sure, in many cases, you do have life-changing products. But what’s really changed is their entire life.”
Vic Conant is President and CEO of Nightingale-Conant Corp.
Paul Zane Pilzer
“More than any other business, network marketing starts with the core: not with the product or the service, but with helping other people by teaching them how to succeed, regardless of their education or what business or field they’ve been in.
“More than any other business, network marketing starts with the core: not with the product or the service, but with helping other people by teaching them how to succeed, regardless of their education or what business or field they’ve been in.
What’s so exciting about network marketing is that you can offer this opportunity to anyone, and people can maximize the value of their life experiences instead of having those life experiences limit their opportunity.”
Paul Zane Pilzer is author of the New York Times bestseller God Wants You to Be Rich AND Nobel Prize winning economist.
Stephen M R CoveyTo me, the most interesting dimension of network marketing is the focus on building relationships of trust. All parties must be able to trust one another, or nothing moves forward. Accountability, transparency and other high-trust behaviours clearly flow out of your character and competence, which in turn help to improve, solidify and create better relationships. Those relationships are powerful fruits that enable you to enjoy greater collaboration, a better reputation and shared accomplishment. When done well, network marketing is the speed of trust in action.
Stephen M R Covey is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Speed of Trust
Michael GerberNetwork marketing [provides a] purely democratic, highly entrepreneurial, deeply authentic and simple model for successful living. In network marketing your success or your failure is completely up to you… [In network marketing,] you’re not in the business of simple selling products or a business opportunity, you’re in the transformation business.
Micheal Gerber is author of New York Times bestseller The E-Myth
Senator Orrin Hatch
During these difficult economic times, there is not doubt that the entrepreneurial spirit of network marketing companies and its sellers helps keep the American dream alive. It is this same spirit that will lift our country out of our current economic crisis. The hard work, tenacity and boundless energy of our country’s direct sellers never cease to amaze me. We need you now more than ever.
During these difficult economic times, there is not doubt that the entrepreneurial spirit of network marketing companies and its sellers helps keep the American dream alive. It is this same spirit that will lift our country out of our current economic crisis. The hard work, tenacity and boundless energy of our country’s direct sellers never cease to amaze me. We need you now more than ever.
Orrin Hatch is a six-term (and current) Republican Senator from Utah and former Chairman of the Senate Labour and Human Resources Committee
Frank Maguire
“I believe America’s economic future, the health of its commerce and service, is rooted in effective network marketing. People are sick and tired of the deprivation of human dignity they experience at the hands of so many of today’s corporations, which in the past ten years have scooped up all the quid for the guys on top, leaving behind some very talented people without a future.
“I believe America’s economic future, the health of its commerce and service, is rooted in effective network marketing. People are sick and tired of the deprivation of human dignity they experience at the hands of so many of today’s corporations, which in the past ten years have scooped up all the quid for the guys on top, leaving behind some very talented people without a future.
Network marketing is turning off the spotlight of working for a corporation, and turning on the floodlight of the greatness that we all have within us. I love what you’re doing in network marketing, because you’re creating an opportunity to affect the self-esteem of many, many people. You’re giving people hope and providing a launching pad for them to discover their own greatness. I think network marketing is potentially the greatest economic opportunity that has ever existed.” (Sep 06)
Frank Maguire is former senior executive for FedEx, KFC, ABC and American Airlines
Sharon Wilson
“People who are attracted to network marketing tend to be more open; they’re already “outside the box” thinkers, looking for a better way … a way that gives them a better sense of balance. This goes hand in hand with an inquiry into more spiritual values.
“People who are attracted to network marketing tend to be more open; they’re already “outside the box” thinkers, looking for a better way … a way that gives them a better sense of balance. This goes hand in hand with an inquiry into more spiritual values.
I think network marketing provides a fertile ground for spirituality. The concept of network marketing itself is all about creating an opportunity for collaboration, for win-wins, for everyone achieving their dreams.”
Sharon Wilson is founder of the Coaching from Spirit Foundation
Denis Waitley, Ph.D.
“Network marketing is a tremendous way to cross boundaries and eliminate prejudice. This business offers an opportunity to transcend cultures, geography and even belief systems. It gives you the opportunity to deal with your global neighbors around the common idea of being more self-determined. It gives you the opportunity to eliminate or at least sidestep hierarchies—politics, ethnicity, culture, any barriers—and do business with one another, directly and globally. It doesn’t really matter whether you speak the language or whether you eat differently or pray differently.” (Jan 04)
“Network marketing is a tremendous way to cross boundaries and eliminate prejudice. This business offers an opportunity to transcend cultures, geography and even belief systems. It gives you the opportunity to deal with your global neighbors around the common idea of being more self-determined. It gives you the opportunity to eliminate or at least sidestep hierarchies—politics, ethnicity, culture, any barriers—and do business with one another, directly and globally. It doesn’t really matter whether you speak the language or whether you eat differently or pray differently.” (Jan 04)
Denis Waitley is author of the New York Times bestseller Seeds of Greatness
Brian Biro
“The beauty of network marketing is that if you are an effective coach, if you really do build people and help them break through their fears, it becomes a complete circle of success. You feel great, they’re going to do better, that feeds your business and your income—and you’re also providing a model for this person, who’s now also going to become a coach.
“The beauty of network marketing is that if you are an effective coach, if you really do build people and help them break through their fears, it becomes a complete circle of success. You feel great, they’re going to do better, that feeds your business and your income—and you’re also providing a model for this person, who’s now also going to become a coach.
You don’t have to be the most articulate; you don’t have to be the most educated; you don’t have to be the greatest speaker.” (Apr 04)
Brian Biro is author of Beyond Success
Cameron Johnson
“In the past few years, the model of affiliate marketing and click-through plans has helped legitimize the model of network marketing for a whole new generation. Network marketing is huge. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising.” (Jul 04)
“In the past few years, the model of affiliate marketing and click-through plans has helped legitimize the model of network marketing for a whole new generation. Network marketing is huge. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising.” (Jul 04)
Cameron Johnson is author of the international bestseller You Call the Shots
David Bach
“The simplicity of network marketing is that you find something you deeply believe in, then use it yourself and tell other people about it.
“The simplicity of network marketing is that you find something you deeply believe in, then use it yourself and tell other people about it.
I believe God put each one of us here to do something special. Most of us aren’t doing whatever it is we were put here to do, because we’re living paycheck to paycheck. Network marketing is a chance for you to make a little extra money, and with that, to buy your freedom. Do that, and you’ll spend the rest of your life doing what you were put here to do.” (Mar 05)
David Bach is author of six consecutive New York Times bestsellers, including The Automatic Millionaire
Robert Kiyosaki
“Network marketing teaches basic, critical life skills. It teaches people how to overcome their fears, how to communicate, and how to handle rejection and maintain persistence. This kind of education is absolutely priceless.
“Network marketing teaches basic, critical life skills. It teaches people how to overcome their fears, how to communicate, and how to handle rejection and maintain persistence. This kind of education is absolutely priceless.
Here’s what I tell people: “Even if you don’t like it, stay with it for five years and you’ll be better equipped to survive in the real world of business. And you’ll be a better person.”
The people who are successful in network marketing have a spiritual cause. They genuinely want to help better others’ lives. If you don’t have that, if you just want a paycheck, then work for the post office!” (Mar 05)
The people who are successful in network marketing have a spiritual cause. They genuinely want to help better others’ lives. If you don’t have that, if you just want a paycheck, then work for the post office!” (Mar 05)
Robert Kiyosaki is author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad
T. Harv Eker
“The unusual and wonderful thing about network marketing is that everyone around you is working to help you grow, instead of trying to keep you down! In what other business do you have people making $50,000 and more a month—and they’re willing to tell you exactly how they did it?” (May 05)
“The unusual and wonderful thing about network marketing is that everyone around you is working to help you grow, instead of trying to keep you down! In what other business do you have people making $50,000 and more a month—and they’re willing to tell you exactly how they did it?” (May 05)
T. Harv Eker is author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
Scott Allen
“Network marketing has so obviously been such a successful business model, there’s a good deal here that mainstream networkers can learn. The top network marketers know that the three-foot rule is not what you do. If there is a three-foot rule, it’s this: Anybody within three feet of you is worth getting to know a little better.” (May 06)
“Network marketing has so obviously been such a successful business model, there’s a good deal here that mainstream networkers can learn. The top network marketers know that the three-foot rule is not what you do. If there is a three-foot rule, it’s this: Anybody within three feet of you is worth getting to know a little better.” (May 06)
Scott Allen is coauthor of The Virtual Handshake and is Entrepreneurs Guide for About.com
Jim Turner
“The significant thing that people often miss about network marketing is that it’s in the vanguard of a major consumer movement, in which consumers and producers are merging and becoming the same thing. In a way, multilevel marketing companies are the first generation of what Alvin Toffler calls prosumers [producer-consumers], because the marketing network is also the customer network. Every individual produces and consumes; it’s like breathing—exhale, inhale. The more balanced you can be in production and consumption, the better your life is. And the more people who are balanced that way, the better the society is.
“The significant thing that people often miss about network marketing is that it’s in the vanguard of a major consumer movement, in which consumers and producers are merging and becoming the same thing. In a way, multilevel marketing companies are the first generation of what Alvin Toffler calls prosumers [producer-consumers], because the marketing network is also the customer network. Every individual produces and consumes; it’s like breathing—exhale, inhale. The more balanced you can be in production and consumption, the better your life is. And the more people who are balanced that way, the better the society is.
There are now some fifteen million people in network marketing [in the U.S.], and this is making a huge difference in the maturation of what it means to be a consumer, because you are by definition playing a more involved role in the production / consumption cycle.
If you made this the leading story of what multilevel marketers are doing, it would really help fuel the further growth of the community. And in doing so, you could easily become a significant part of the majority of households in America.” (Nov 06)
Jim Turner, Esq. is cofounder of Swankin & Turner and Chairman of the Board of Citizens for Health
Bob Proctor
“The beautiful thing about network marketing is that it is the most moral form of compensation there is. And it follows the very best income-earning strategy: you’re leveraging yourself and you’re providing great service. You’re waking people up. You’re showing people how to spend their days doing what they love to do, while at the same time earning an excellent income.
Properly executed, network marketing gives people time and money freedom. It gives them liberty, which is their birthright.” (Mar 07)
Bob Proctor is author of You Were Born Rich
Brad Sugars
“The reason I think network marketing is the best business for so many people is that you don’t have to learn everything about business to start. You don’t have to learn production, shipping and so many other aspects of business. You’ve got to learn sales, marketing and team-building. If you can get those three things down, you’ll be all right.
Your first year in network marketing is your apprenticeship. If you don’t make any money in your first year, who cares? You’ve spent a year learning the trade.” (Jul 07)
“The reason I think network marketing is the best business for so many people is that you don’t have to learn everything about business to start. You don’t have to learn production, shipping and so many other aspects of business. You’ve got to learn sales, marketing and team-building. If you can get those three things down, you’ll be all right.
Your first year in network marketing is your apprenticeship. If you don’t make any money in your first year, who cares? You’ve spent a year learning the trade.” (Jul 07)
Brad Sugars is author of Billionaire in Training
Gregg Braden
“Every species in nature benefits from cooperation. When they behave cooperatively, they consistently produce more offspring, live longer and live more successfully. And [researchers have] found the same thing within indigenous human populations throughout the world: longevity and quality of life increases when they cooperate in the gathering and sharing of food, water and other resources.
“Every species in nature benefits from cooperation. When they behave cooperatively, they consistently produce more offspring, live longer and live more successfully. And [researchers have] found the same thing within indigenous human populations throughout the world: longevity and quality of life increases when they cooperate in the gathering and sharing of food, water and other resources.
The same principles apply in business: the more we can cooperate, the better we’ll do. That’s what network marketing is all about.”
Gregg Braden is author of the New York Times bestseller The Isaiah Effect
Dr. Leonard Laskow
“Network marketing is really about love. What makes network marketing more successful and in many ways more efficient than many other forms of marketing, is that it’s based on one-to-one relationships.
“Network marketing is really about love. What makes network marketing more successful and in many ways more efficient than many other forms of marketing, is that it’s based on one-to-one relationships.
Most successful network marketers sooner or later recognize the role of connectedness or relatedness—which is to say, love—in network marketing. The top people in networking are very much in touch with their hearts. The heart’s intelligence is the recognition of the oneness and the unity of all. If a business is going to be successful, it’s ultimately going to have to come down to a recognition of unity.” (Nov 08)
Dr. Leonard Laskow is author of Healing with Love
