Death of the MLM Travel Business?
| Posted in Home-Based Business, Network Marketing | Posted on 02-02-2010
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Bad apples are what gives network marketing or mlm a bad name. These phony companies are trying to ruin it for the rest of us. However, just like there are more good people in this world than bad people, there are also more good mlm companies out there than bad. Just think of Avon, Mary Kay or Tupperware to name just a few.
The mlm or network marketing industry had been fighting for acceptance for over 50 years. And now, that it finally gets the recognition it deserves as the most brilliant business model, companies like YTB come along and try to ruin it again all just because they can’t get enough. They just don’t get it. For them it’s just all about the money.
Can you tell I’m upset?
It is just so sad.
When I was first introduced to network marketing in the early 90ies, my husband and I came across some of those shady companies. I was under the impression that network marketing was just that…shady business. At one point I told him, “If you ever join any of those ‘things’ again, I am going to leave you.” I was dead serious. I did want no part of that. I was ignorant, I had not taken the time to find out more about this industry. It was years later when I finally “got it” thanks to such great people like Tim Sales and Kim Klaver. Today I am a very passionate network marketer and I get upset at companies like YTB who tarnish our industry.
Please read the article in MLM Watchdog and then please come back and leave me your comments in the comment box below. I am interested in your thoughts.
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Hi Ilka,
Great post! I agree that network marketing has had a bad rap largely through the “bad apples” as you say and through misunderstanding. But now, as you say, I believe network marketing is finally coming into its own.
I disagree however, with the MLM Watchdog article in that I don’t believe any MLM opportunity that sells products can be called a pyramid scheme. In a pyramid, there are no products. Actually, gifting comes closer to being a pyramid than MLM.
As to YTB, I know several people who have made great money with it by getting people to book their travel through their websites and by recruiting, which is essential to any MLM success story. The products were travel packages, airfares, etc. at a reduced rate.
Anyway, my take on it. Keep up the good work!
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Ilka Flood Reply:
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments. I truly appreciate your great input.
I may be wrong, but what the article is calling a pyramid scheme is not the ’selling travel’ part, but the fact that distributors had to purchase a costly website with an additional monthly commitment, and then recruit others to do the same. While that could still be considered ’selling a product’ I can see where the AG takes issue with that. Distributors signed on to sell travel not a travel website.
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Hi Ilka,
It doesn’t matter what industry you look at. There are good companies and there are bad companies. What matters is that you know you are with a good company. I know some people think because one company is not doing something right…they automatically place every company in that category.
It takes individuals like you and I to educate people. The ones that are willing to withstand the hits are the ones that are going to win.
Chat with you later…
Josh
[Reply]
Hi Josh,
You are so right. One company doesn’t make the whole industry bad. But, some people see it that way. They just don’t understand that. I’m sure they had a bad meal at a restaurant before, but are they giving up eating out because of that? Of course not. That would be silly.
And as you pointed out, other industries have bad companies as well. Just think Enron. However, because this is a NETWORK MARKETING company that messed up (some) people see things a lot different.
I am really thankful, that the network marketing industry is getting more attention from influential people such as President Clinton, Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki, etc.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment! I truly appreciate it.
[Reply]
I agree that companies like YTB hurt the travel and travel MLM industry. I was YTB for a short time until their legal troubles. I have now started with a new travel AND fishing MLM that seems to have some great ethical leaders, not scmmers like the “Coach”.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your comment. I’m glad that you found a new company you can be happy with. That is so important!
Good luck to you!!
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