The glory behind network marketing (or MLM - multilevel marketing, in English - multilevel marketing) was fixed unwholesome: many consider this kind of activity to be fraud, and people who have been trained in network companies are "recorded" in sectarians. Is it so? And is it worth it to choose as an additional income network marketing? We'll figure it out together.
Help! I'm losing a girlfriend. A year and a half ago she started doing business in one of the network companies. While still pregnant, she went to seminars, paid money for them, bought cassettes and books about success. Now the terrible pressure has begun: the girlfriend calls to me, invites already on the seminars. She forgot how to communicate on other topics! During our conversations the young mother speaks 2-3 words about her baby, all the rest of the time - about the miraculous effect of "business" on the success of a person and on the level of his happiness. I began to have a feeling that I'm talking to a zombie!
Almost every citizen of our country has acquaintances who are connected with the network business, and some of their stories are very similar to the one given above.
What is network marketing? Is it really a sect that suppresses the will and destroys consciousness, or is it just one of the types of entrepreneurship? Let's try to understand.
With the world on the thread.
USA more than half of the total volume of goods and services are sold through the network marketing system. The distribution of goods through online sales resorts such large concerns as Coca Cola, Colgate, Gillette and many others. The basic principle by which any network company is built is the so-called product promotion through personal recommendations. Simply put, the seller not only has to be able to highlight all the profitable aspects of the product, but also involve the buyer in the process of further sales. The income of the distributor directly depends on its activity - for each client involved, it receives bonuses from the firm, and the network pyramid continues to grow. "If you decide to do online sales," says psychologist Maria Baulina, "you need to clearly understand what exactly you want from this type of activity. It is clear that the top management, which occupies key positions, will be interested in the constant inflow of new customers. But for the seller itself, the main thing is to understand what its benefits are. Think about what this work attracts you. Do you like it? Looking for pocket expenses? Or maybe you are interested in a free schedule and new connections? Be sure to analyze what you want to get. "
Mostly Russian network agencies are women (and age is not an obstacle - in the company Mary Kau is a pretty successful 70-year-old participant), because they lack self-realization and career growth in life and work. Network companies also promise each client a magical transformation into a real businesswoman.
Attention, at the start!
"Almost all network firms work according to the following scheme: a novice is offered to buy a starter set of products, as well as educational literature (its cost can range from quite acceptable to unjustifiably high.) Then ask to listen to the lecture course (for free or fee, it depends on the company) .
"There are a lot of myths associated with network marketing," says Maria Baulina. - There must be a person who heard how his friend was dragged into the "network" sect through hypnosis or NLP. And on the question of network marketing "wealth or deception?" He will certainly answer the second. Of course, this does not correspond to the truth: neurolinguistic programming in the scientific community is very skeptical. Many psychologists believe that the significance of these practices is greatly exaggerated. But there is a strong ideological side in network companies. At seminars, listeners are convinced that they are engaged in important business, and at some point you begin to feel more confident, get rid of complexes, get a new circle of acquaintances. "
On the other hand, the personality cult of the founder is certainly present in any network company. For some reason, compulsory knowledge of his biography is just as important a factor as knowing the product itself. Think about whether you need such a tough corporate ethic?
All in your hands.
As in any field of activity, you will have to work hard to "pull the fish out of the pond." Unlike in Russia, Western network marketing schools give their students clear guidelines and goals, quite rigidly weeding out those who can not sell at the initial stages. After all, the main value of the distributor lies in his ability to bring profit to the company. So if you decide to build a career in an MLM agency, remember: to become a networked Margaret Thatcher, you will need a long and hard work.
Personal experience.
GORYAINOVA Olga Viktorovna, 50 years old
Like many, I came to the network agency, because I was interested in the product itself. Later I chose as a supplementary earnings network marketing. Gradually realized that sales - not my hobby, but did not become particularly upset. Although I can not make money on the distribution of products, I find the pros in the fact that I am constantly engaged in something, I communicate with many interesting people, including specialists (doctors), attend presentations, go to training, expand the circle of acquaintances
Advantages and disadvantages of network marketing.
PROS
+ Free schedule. It is very advantageous if you are sitting at home with your child or you have free time after work.
+ Products at a discount. Working in the company, you can buy goods cheaper.
+ New knowledge. Working as a distributor, you will attend many trainings, forums and seminars.
+ Communication. You surely will get many new useful acquaintances and become much more confident in yourself.
MINUSES
- inconsistent income.
- The need to purchase starter packets, literature.
- A cautious attitude to you relatives and friends.
- Negative reaction of potential buyers. You can be rude, and in a fairly impartial form.
Tips for beginners.
Network sales seldom bring stable earnings, so immediately make it clear what kind of product you would like to deal with. If sales are more of a hobby for you, it is desirable that the products are to your liking.
Even if you are confident in your abilities, do not buy too much goods for distribution. Observe what means your family, friends use, think over the strategy of sale.
Read the terms of the network company, do not hesitate to clearly formulate the requirements, do not forget to conclude a contract.
Look for information about the product yourself - go for additional training, buy specialized literature. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to attract customers.
Safety precautions.
In Russia, the activity of network agencies is considered legitimate, if the company is properly registered in the relevant state bodies and has a clear legal address. However, to protect yourself from scammers (which are more than enough in any area of business), it is better to follow a few simple rules. Council gives the deputy director of OOO "Law and consultation" Pavel Monakov.
When applying for a job, you have the right to familiarize yourself with the constituent documents of the company. Even if you are not particularly strong in legal matters, the response to your request will be indicative. By law, you must provide the charter, foundation agreement, certificate of registration with the tax authority (or their certified copies) for review.
When selling cosmetics, remember that these are products that require mandatory certification (by law they must comply with medical and sanitary epidemiological standards). The sale of such goods without certificates is punishable by considerable penalties. In addition, a beginner distributor distributes products among his relatives, which means that it is worth to be attentive doubly. If you do not have the certificate itself, it is desirable that at least one of their certified copies is on hand.
When you start working, be sure to remember the need to conclude a contract. It can be either labor or civil. In the first case, your work book (which means salary, vacation, medical insurance, social package and lack of problems with the tax inspection) will be in this company, and in the second - you are required to register with the tax service as an individual entrepreneur (that is, you will be paid money on the fact and the amount of work done). Without entering into an agreement with a merchant (no matter what marvelous personal relationships you may have), your activities will be fraught with many problems.