Earlier this week I asked my readers to send me their questions about building a home business. I wanted to know what their biggest issues were in the industry so I could lend a hand to just some of the 97% of us that are failing out there.
Here is one that I got from Clara…
Hi Erica, it is hard enough to get our business going but the local paper printed a story from the local BBB rep and she slammed MLM’s because of one bad company out in Phoenix. Any ideas how to ideal with this since we are new to this MLM stuff?
Best Regards, Clara
Here’s what I would do Clara.
First don’t worry about the local paper and the BBB.
Why? Because what they print doesn’t matter.
You’re marketing efforts should be targeted to people who ALREADY believe in MLM.
Stop trying to convince! You’re only wasting your time.
Anytime you spend on explaining how wonderful this industry is or that it is legitimate, is time down the drain!
Get in front of other people who are ready to build a business but need help on how to do that. Then you give them advice and guidance (be a leader) and you will sponsor more reps.
This is the difference between opportunity buyers and opportunity seekers.
Here is a link to a blog post I did a short while back on that exact topic…
Opportunity Buyers vs Opportunity Seekers
Basically stop thinking about the “old school” methods and take your business to where people are actively looking for you.
Chasing and convincing will only make you poorer and more frustrated.
I would also have on hand some literature (videos, ebook, etc) about your personal company that explains the basics of the plan, the products and the benefits. That way when someone comes to you and asks about your company you can give them honest info (not pitching or selling) about what it is all about. Let them make their own decision and come to you.
Have you got a question you need answered?
Drop me a line at joneskennyerica(at)gmail.com or just click the Ask Erica button on the side of this page and submit it there.
To get the latest answers to the biggest home based business questions drop your details into the form on the right. Great free stuff back there too…
January 26th, 2010 at 7:04 am
People will believe that MLM’s are a scam because they have tried it in the past or know somebody that did and lost there shirt trying to make money the old way. badgered friends and family and just about anybody else that had a pulse and didn’t get anywhere. these people where not looking to buy anything “people hate being sold” there are also the circle of friends waiting to see you fail so they can say “I told you so”
January 26th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Hey Peter- I couldn’t agree more. We just did a post on that very subject. http://kennyanderica.com/mlm-mvp-com/a-typical-mlm-scam-story-why-mlm-has-a-bad-name/
It’s a vicious circle- people that don’t know what they are doing teaching others the same tired old crappy methods of failing. Gives us all a bad name! Thanks for the comment
Cheers
Erica
February 5th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Hi Kenny and Erica,
Great post.
Regarding the BBB, it is a fairly worthless organization anyway…I understand that the BBB is not really the point here but I think everyone needs to take responsibility for their own daily actions and take on the role of being an empowered leader and in turn the right people will be attracted to them.
Outside obstacles, like the irresponsible BBB Rep, will never go away until we open our minds to the realization that we put these negative feelings and roadblocks upon ourselves.
Bad apples fall from the tree everyday. Are we going to eat the rotten apple off the ground or reach for the ripe ones ready to be plucked.
Thanks again for a great site and inspiring me to want to travel again. haha.
Seth V
February 5th, 2010 at 9:48 am
Hey Seth- I love your idea about opening our minds and realizing that we are the only reasons for our roadblocks. It’s only negative if you let it effect you. And if your feelings for travel include a trip to India let us know- the more the merrier! Cheers! Erica
February 18th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Love your blog! I hate hearing that the BBB gives MLM & network marketing a bad rap. Great post. Thanks a ton.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:51 am
I appreciate the helpful tidbits you have here on this blog.
It’s a shame the BBB focuses only on the crumby MLMs.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:16 am
Hey Tyson- I couldn’t agree more. But the media loves to be negative and the BBB has a reputation to uphold so they are going to do whatever it takes to make an example of MLMs. Just seems one sided. There are people who do well but they always choose to focus on those that don’t. We’ll change that when more people start to get a real education on how a home business should be built. Sharing helpful content and always adding value will bring change, we just need more people to do it. Thanks for reading Tyson.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Well Andrew it’s up to us to find the people that do believe in this industry and give them all the help they need to be successful. That is the sweetest revenge- a team of people that know, trust and understand the opportunity they have before them and sharing that passion with others. Powerful stuff that even the BBB can’t touch. Thanks for reading. Cheers!
February 20th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
I restored my business with the help of Kenny & Erica!
Seriously!!! I’m committed to making my MLM work and since I’ve found you via BN I’ve been making HUGE strides with my business.
I don’t know how I’ve managed without your help.
I agree – if your trying to “convince” skeptics that your business is legit – you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Pay attention to these guys – they’re real leaders!
Great post and thanks again.
March 19th, 2010 at 5:56 am
Kenny and Erica I want to take this oppertunity to tell you that you guys are the BOMB!!!
I’m dialed. Your posts are always super informative and have helped my biz out tremendously!
You’re the best. Thanks again for the awesome info. Pleeeeeeeeeeease never stop!
March 21st, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Thanks Marcos!
And have no fear, we don’t intend to stop…maybe in a couple years we’ll be retired on a beach in the caribbean somewhere. but until then – stay tuned!
March 28th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Hey Guys,
I’ve read many posts on various articles or questions and most of the time I came to find that the content was not up to the mark. This article is actually related to the topic and features unique information relevant to the question. And for that, I am extremely grateful.
I found it after a similar thing happened in me in my biz. Only it wasn’t the better bbb, it was actually “friends” of mine that my daughter goes to school with.
Anyway, I spare you all the details and just say thanks again for an excellent post. You’ve got excellent info on this entire blog.
TS
April 3rd, 2010 at 7:08 pm
there are many great network marketing businesses out there. don’t let an article by the better business bureau get you down or inhibit you in anyway.
and stick with kenny and erica. they will teach you to market your business ONLINE! it won’t matter what the folks in your town are saying.
the key is don’t give up.
good luck!
April 7th, 2010 at 1:47 am
Hey Tyson thanks for reading. The BBB doesn’t control your success- you do – so go for it!
April 7th, 2010 at 1:59 am
Hey Thurman- we rely on word of mouth so much in this industry and get bogged down when someone doesn’t like or understand what we are doing. When you find the right people you won’t have to worry about a bad review in the newspaper or what your “friends” have to say. Keep your chin up and keep learning. When you’re driving around in your new car and taking month long vacations, they will be begging to know your secrets. Then you can tell them- “NO, I don’t think you’re qualified to be in my business.” How great will that feel!!! Cheers!