Latest and greatest "deals"

[Kurt]

The newest rave going around the Internet are these "secret" systems
that someone tells you about as a 'hot tip'. They heard it from
someone who is connected with a proven guru who has made a lot of
money in network marketing.

The story goes that there will be this launch coming, usually in 30 to
45 days, so get in now while it's free. The product may not be know,
the people who started the system may not be known at this time, but
that's ok. Never mind the details, just register NOW!

After all, it's free, what do you have to lose? Makes sense to that
greedy little guy on my left shoulder, so what are you going to do?
You join, right?

If this type of "deal" sounds good, then you just may be an MLM
addict!

I am on the road to realism, but yes, I too find it hard to resist a
good "deal" when I see it, or hear about it as a "hot tip".

The lessons I've learned over the years include these:
--- Pick one company and stay with them
--- Join a company with at least a 5 year track record (If you can
stick by this one alone, you'll spare yourself of many frustrated
attempts that lead nowhere)
--- Pick a good comp plan that pays RESIDUAL income, ignore the ones
with a "Fast Start". They attract the sales people, and MLM is about
building relationships, not making money using the hard close tactics
of sales people.
--- Ignore what "They" say. Your broke friends can not tell you what
works and what doesn't. How do you know your friends qualify as
"broke"? If they have a job and debt, they are broke. And yes, debt
includes their home, too.
--- Totally and completely ignore anyone on the Internet who says
"that doesn't work". You wouldn't go down to the local Interstate
restroom and take the advice written there. That's so obvious that
it's a worth a chuckle, yet most people will check with their friends
to see what "They" think about 'such-and-such' an opportunity.
--- Separate the people, i.e. "The Team" from the supplier, i.e. the
"Company". A classic example of this is illustrated by the history of
Amway. They have a terrible reputation and it's basically from what
various groups of people, i.e. teams, have done to people over the
years. Amway simply makes products and gives members points for the
volume that flows through their business. That is basic, MLM 101,
every company does some form of this, but yet Amway did not separate
themselves from the so-called "Tools Business" over the years, and now
their reputation is in the toilet. To be successful, you have to
examine both aspects, the people and the supplier.

There are many other checkpoints to gauge yourself, but these alone
will help you avoid the bulk of the deals.

I enjoy the search for financial freedom, and while I've learned a lot
in the past 15 years, I'm sure there is still a long road ahead. It's
my goal to keep having fun with it and to use it to sharpen myself as
a person.

All the best,

Kurt