Part 1 of 2

Let's face it--Network Marketing has had a bum rap for years, partly due to the business model of the original companies that started it, partly through unethical distributors, and partly due to stereotyping and ignorance.

I know there are questions you have been dying to ask about this industry, but were afraid of opening a can of worms or getting an unwanted presentation from a friend or relative, so here's what I'll do. I'll ask the burning questions you're bound to want to know, or think you know the answer to, but are probably wrong. You can just read the answers and we'll set it all straight. Deal? OK...

1. Q - "Is this a pyramid scheme where only the people at the top make any real money?"

A - First off, pyramid schemes are illegal, so any company that's around longer than a year probably isn't one, or they would have been charged and would no longer be in business. The longer a company has been around, the less chance that it's a pyramid scheme.

I can only speak for my company, but we are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange on the NASDAQ. If we were operating a pyramid scheme, we wouldn't be there, now would we?

Regarding who makes the money; I invite you to show me a company where the President, CEO and Executive DON'T make more money than the mail clerks and administrative assistants. Having said that, however, in Network marketing, it is ENTIRELY possible that a distributor can surpass the income of their SPONSOR if they work hard, develop the skills and make consistent efforts to grow their business, and their sponsor doesn't. In fact, it happens all the time. Some people don't have what it takes to work long enough to see results and drop out.

2. Q - "How much money do you make?"

A - How much I make has no bearing on what YOU would make. I am me, and you are you. I bring a specific, unique skill set to my business, and so will you, to yours. There is no way to predict what you are capable of making, and anyone who makes you a guarantee, is either an idiot, or they're lying.

How much we make depends on many things, least of all, experience. However, training is key, and the more training you do, the more you work at being a leader, the more money you CAN make. The more time and effort you put into INCOME-GENERATING tasks, the more money you CAN make. The more creative you are, the more money you CAN make. The better job you do of training your business partners, the more money you CAN make. There is no way you can duplicate me and my efforts, so don't even bother asking how much I make. Besides, it's against company policy to quote any income because it could be construed as a guarantee. It's happened.

When was the last time someone asked you how much you make? How did you like it? It really isn't polite, is it?

3. Q - Would I have to sell anything?

A - That depends on the company, however the whole concept of Networking, if done correctly and with tact and sensitivity, can eliminate the need to 'sell' products. It's all about sharing the products and the opportunity with people who may express a need for them. If you know the right questions to ask and the right conversation, you can let your prospects decide if either or both are right for them, and avoid rejection. When we tell people sincerely what the products and opportunity have done for us, we're sharing and networking, and that's what it's all about.

See Part 2 for more...