The MLM Whole Truth, Network Marketing Super-Site
Some say that all MLMs (aka multilevel or network marketing companies) are nothing more than endless chain pyramid schemes.
They are wrong.
Others say that that all MLMs are good, moral, and legitimate businesses that are the last best hope for the average person without huge capital to achieve the American Dream.
They are wrong too.
As in most areas of life, the whole truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Welcome.
I am Lou Abbott, founder of this site and a 12 year veteran of the network marketing profession. Believe me when I say that I’ve seen the very best of multi-level marketing and I have seen the very worst of it. I’ve been in the top 1 percent of distributors. I have also experienced the train wrecks.
My mission here?
New revised 2010 edition now available
I want you to be well informed because ignorance in the MLM profession can cost you a lot more than money. It can also cost you your friends, family, hopes and dreams.
You need the whole truth about MLM, the companies, the industry, and what it really takes to make significant income with a network marketing business! Our goal here is to bring it to you as effectively and objectively as is humanly possible.
Consider my Special Report/Course/Book, MLM the Whole Truth.
This free solution from Mark Joyner teaches valuable success concepts in such a delightful way. More than that, I use the free system it teaches to stay focused, productive, and on target for my most important goals... 
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
This is some of the best educational materials for MLM success available online today! Thanks Lou for making it available!
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LOU IS THE TOP GUN OF MLM. WHAT HE OFFERS IS “THE BEST OF THE BEST” THANKS LOU!
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Hi Lou,
Wow…what a wonderfully sharp & captivating video introduction you created with Animoto. I absolutely love that service.
Network Marketing or as some people know it MLM is an industry which has come of age. No longer is the Network Marketer selling soap door to door or needing to hound their family and friends to build a thriving online business.
Today’s Professional Network Marketer has a very specific skill set which includes Social Media & Direct Marketing Strategies, Blogging, Pay Per Click Advertising, and a steady stream of positive reaffirming Self Development. This specific skill set allows the participant to actually put the MARKETING in network marketing.
Network Marketing is a business first and foremost. It is the only vehicle of which I know on a personal basis the average person who has the self discipline to acquire the requisite skill base can within a relatively short period of time (2-3 years) create a multiple six-figure annual income.
This is the only industry of which I am aware that lends itself to not only being the method of choice for today’s active lifestyle but in fact has become the separator between the New Rich and the masses.
The New Rich understand leverage and why not being bound to any one geographic location allows them greater freedom in designing their lifestyle and in turn enjoying a greater quality of life.
I invite all those professionals who will read this message to closely examine this industry on its own merits. Study how by taking the time to learn and apply proper marketing principles you can step away from the corporate ball & chain to a life of freedom, friendship, and adventure.
To Our Massive Success,
John Chatman
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Thanks for the nice comment, John. Good points all.
I would caution folks about thinking that an “average” person can make a multiple 6 figure income in 2 to 3 years. In my 12 years in the business, I have not one average person that has accomplished that. I have met a couple of extraordinary people that have done so.
Part of my goal for this site is to tone down any type of exaggerations that lead to expectations that lead to disillusionment with the industry. One of the common exaggerations, in my opinion, is how easy it is is to make huge money and how quickly it can be done.
That said, I love your point about not being bound to “one geographic location.” That is one of the huge reasons I started in network marketing!
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Hey Lou,
You make a valid point there my friend. I guess it really depends on what you consider to be “Average”.
In my view the average person is going to be putting in 3 hours 5-6 days per week of well focused, planned, and executed marketing & relationship building to get their business off of the ground and profitable.
Obviously there are those who will be able to devote more time and resources to their projects as it is also true that there are those who will only be able to divert less than 2 hours to their business per day.
By no means should anyone reading my comment infer that this is an easy process. Just ask yourself whether or not it was an easy process graduating from college? It took 4 years (minimum) and LOTS of hard work, study, and skill set development. This industry is no different.
If you will discipline yourself to take daily action then measure and make adjustments so that you are seeing the results that you want to see there is no reason someone couldn’t hit six figures in 2-3 focused years.
Thanks for your leadership Lou and providing a forum for those who are truly interested in “The Truth” behind Network Marketing.
To Our Massive Success,
John
http://AskJohnChatman.com
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Network Marketing has come a long way from when it first started. Yes, there are still some that does not look out for the new rep. The high income builders are the only ones that make the money. There are some Network Marketing Companies today that the new representative can succeed as well as the heavy hitters.
One of the keys to making it in the Network Marketing Business is, know the company you are in. Have a great mentor that will take you by the hand and lead you until you reach the goal you desire.
Network Marketing is a relationship building business. If you build a good relationship with a person and they have trust in you, they will join and follow you in your business. The key here is TRUST. Ask yourself when you are sharing with someone, “Am I trying to impress or am I trying to bless. This will rid yourself of any motive.
Be educated in what you are sharing and feel that it is the best. There is a lot of FREE educational tools, including this site, that any Network Marketer can find today on the internet.
If everything is done right and the company offers you a walk away residual income, you cannot lose. Read all your Compensation Plans and know what the Terms and Conditions are saying. If you have doubt, get answers from someone you can trust.
The income may not happen overnight but it will be lasting. With the right company, you will be able to retire and walk away from the business and the check will still come to you.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share. This is important knowledge.
God Bless
Maggie Kress
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Education is the key to an improved industry and Lou leads our industry in this endeavor. Keep it up my friend!!!
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Dude I love that video on “some say….”
Thanks for your insight Lou. We’ve often heard that ‘Knowledge is Power”, But I say only ‘Applied knowledge’ is power.
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Great new site Lou, and a great video intro. All of us committed MLMers need to join forces to re-position the industry and a legit, sincere & honest industry of people helping poeple. It’s not about how much money you can make as quickly as possible, it’s about building relationships.
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In my research on those who have made it, the ‘numbers’ are nearly all the same for those at the top. One in a thousand really makes it big. This is a six to eight year plan if you want to reach $100K/month or more. It is a minimum one year to just figure out if you want to pursue that dream or not. It will take four to five years to change who you are enough to make the final climb.
I spent a year in Amway ‘core’ in the early 90’s and recently found Bill Britt’s numbers. Do a search and you will discover a ton of info about him. Bill saw the opportunity while a City Manager and came into contact with a lot of people. He was not shy and had the skill of self assurance. Still he didn’t expect to show this to 10 people and wait for the money.
His plan, as I have backed it out from his numbers was to invite 40 people a week to look at his opportunity. That is 10 people a day, four days a week. He also took a break one week every quarter. There was no internet in the 70’s and 80’s either. In ten years he invited over 18,500 people to look at the opportunity.
Only one in five took a look. He showed the ‘plan’ on average to 27 people every month for 10 years. The industry has improved immensely since then too. Then it was a personal one on one or a meeting. Now you can provide the best quality CD/DVD’s to as many as are willing to look.
Over 10 years Bill sponsored 621 people. That is about one out of five who looked and 5 every month for 10 years. Persistence pays huge dividends. This is where who you are will tell the tale. The more you invest in personal growth the better this set of numbers becomes.
Over half quit with only 304 sticking long term. This appears to be common to other industries as well. How many people go through all the trouble to acquire a real estate license, a law degree, an insurance license and in one year… disappear to something else? Yet no one claims there is anything wrong with those professions.
61 of those who stayed, or about 10% of those he sponsored, worked it to $500/month profit or more every month. Again do some research on other industries and this is not out of line. How many people pursue a medical degree and never make it?
From the 61, 14 are very special. 11 made him a very rich man. 3 made him millions. Looking for someone to make you a millionaire? You will have to talk to at least 6000+ people. NOT send them an email but actually talk to them. I suggest you get started right now.
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Hi Lou, what would we do without you. You are the watchdodg of the Industry.
You understand the mechanics of how it works.
Good Work. Kathy Hancock Lindgren
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Hey Lou:
Love your new site (Blog) + Video (wish I had some of your ‘technica’ skills :>)
I’d like to share a few thoughts with you on this, your first issue of your Web-02 format…
First, I greatly appreciate the VALUE you provide our industry with ‘MLM-The Whole Truth’.
MLM Industry news, and continuing education, are essential for all of us in order to be well informed and to grow – both personally and with our Home Businesses.
INDUSTRY – As a 23-year veteran in this great industry – I too, feel I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly of Network Marketing.
DRA – It’s one of the reasons I’ve proudly served for almost 4-years on the Board Of Directors of our Distributor Rights Association, representing my country of Canada. Our DRA is the “only” organization in the world that serves to educate, protect and preserve the ‘rights’ of Distributors and Direct Sales Reps everywhere. This is a non-profit organization, and we all contribute on the Board voluntarily, without remuneration ( http://www.OurDRA.com ).
Our main mission in the DRA is to bring about a much better, and fairer, “business partnership” between Distributors and Companies – because of the ‘carnage’ we see (sadly) between Companies and Distributors, on a weekly basis (wrongful terminations / bad Policies & Procedures (P&Ps) / lawsuits / companies ‘hitting the wall’, etc, etc). As well, we are tirelessly working ‘behind the scenes’ interacting with government regulators, like the FDA and FTC, etc – to protect, and to advance, our cause within this industry.
BEGINNINGS – Like Michael Eisbriner above, I was associated with Amway back in the mid-1980’s. I was with the Yager Group, and have been in one of Dexter Yager’s many homes in NC (where I believe Bill Britt lives as well). My early training came from Amway – and man! – “have we come a long way since then”! :>)
‘BALANCE’ In BUILDING – There’s a lot of debate raging out there right now about – OLD School -vs- NEW School marketing strategies – about ATTRACTION MARKETING – about SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING – PPC – SEO, etc, etc. Even though I was brought up under (so-called) OLD methodology – I do both old AND new TODAY – I believe strongly, that the healthiest approach is to apply (and to promote) a “balance” between ALL marketing strategies, as each of us will have different skills, interests, time constraints, finances, technical abilities, etc.
MLM – Personally, I have a deep respect for the MLM-Network Marketing business model – and I say that, both as a professional Financial Advisor and as a Network Marketer and a Coach in this industry.
But there are indeed “realities” that we must face in this industry – as know, only too well, Lou. I do believe the future is very promising for our industry – and that currently, given the grim economy – we will continue to see a surge in its growth. I also believe that the INTERNET will be the major driver for MLM – but that we need to treat it respectfully, as a TOOL only.
REWARDS – Where else today can one find – wrapped up in ONE business, the opportunity for – leverage – residual income – self development – friendships – tax incentives – recognition – travel – leadership growth – a sense of belonging – more fun – the chance for a better life — to name only a few?
CHALLENGES – Yes, the challenges are out there – they always will be – we cannot hide from them. But knowlege + human ingenuity will empower us. Resolve + positioning will cause us to win – big. The opportunities will be there, for those of us who are ready to CHANGE, as we enter 2010.
PASSION – We are a resourceful industry. We should have a ‘passion’ for its purpose. We need to believe in our dreams. We need to act on our vision. We will build even greater successes in future, together. I truly believe this.
WHY do I believe this?
INDUSTRY MISSION – Because of what we DO in our Network Marketing world — because of the CAUSE we represent — because of the HUMANITY we serve.
We in this industry — reach out to more people — we touch more lives — we bring more good — we spread more WELLNESS (personal / financial / business / legal / spiritual / + +) — than just about any other calling on this earth.
I believe that we should RECOGNIZE this — that we should be PROUD of this — and that we should do whatever is absolutely necessary to PRESERVE this heritage, as it is an awesome responsibility we hold in our hands.
Thanks Lou, for all that YOU do for our industry.
Warmly / Peter A.
Peter Arnold, CLU, CFC / Founder
Business Achievers Academy / Canada
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Is Market America the best MLM system?
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Hey Michael,
I am sorry to break it to you my friend but there is no “best” MLM System. There are several out there which are being used quite effectively to produce some outstanding results.
The bottom line is that the “Best” MLM System is the one you use daily. It’s the one that you enables you to create leverage through a specific set of daily actions taken on your own behalf to create the desired outcome.
To Your Massive Success,
John
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I’ve been following you for about 5 years now and I’m so thankful and blessed since reading your articles. I wish I would have known all this 18 years ago when I first started into network marketing. Thanks again Lou – Keep up the good work!
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Hey Lou,
Great site and nice idea to include us ‘users’
Recently, Mark Yarnell took on one of the naysayers in a public forum. I put both the original naysayer post and Mark’s reply up on my blog. Good thing too since the original source was removed after Mark’s rebuttal!
Here is the link to my blogpost:
Enjoy!
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I agree – when it comes to personal development – there is really no better place to get the education a person needs to succeed. And when it comes to making money, it’s really like any other business. You need to invest time and money to see the fruits of your labor come to fruition.
Jerry Clark
Internet Network Marketing Consultant
“Pay it Forward
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Hi Lou,
I couldn’t agree with you more. Network Marketing is no different from any other industry. It’s usually the most persistent, strong-willed innovators that make it to the very top. Then you have the individuals who are lucky enough to find those people and learn from them. Here’s some facts! Network Marketing is not for everyone. Network Marketing is centered around sales and volume. If you don’t like (abhor) selling, recruiting and training, chances are, you might not be too successful in this industry. There I said it; no sugar coating about how this industry is about sharing. I am personally looking for people who are ready for a new career, a change from the old, but most of all, individuals who are winners and not quitters. First, I would challenge you to research any company thoroughly before getting involved. Perform your due diligence, then find a good trainer and sponsor. A good place to start is at this website. Lou offers a wealth of insight and industry knowledge.
Anthony Laurent
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Great site you have in here with very informative articles. Thanks for the useful info
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Hi All . . .
I just had the pleasure of meeting Deb Bixler and reviewing some of her excellent blogs and websites. If you are looking to increase your online presence and branding, you would do well to check our her sites.
But most of all, Deb seems to be a real expert in Direct Sales Marketing.
Check out her site and work at the link above.
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Lou, I re-found you again! I love your site…it gets better all the time. You are the go-to person for what’s happening in the industry. Keep up the awesome work.
Corrisa;-)
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I looked all over the site and under search but could not find a company called iNetGlobal (inetglobal.com). I believe it falls under a MLM scheme. I have not been able to find a lot of information about this company, I’m wondering you have checked this company out before?
cookiemonster
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Hello cookiemonster,
As you might imagine, questions like yours come in regularly and I simply can’t afford the time to answer each one in detail.
Not to mention that just about every week we hear about a couple of new startups. There are just too many to keep track of. If they don’t come with a strong reason to even look at them, I don’t.
May I strongly recommend reading everything about our criteria for what really works and what can cost you a fortune in time, money and relationships before you
make any further steps?
Consider: http://www.critical12.com
For those that do that, I also am available for consulting – 1/2 hour included in the investment price!
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Cookiemonster, If I could not find anything on the internet about the coumpany, I would be very skeptical. I would think that most reliable companies would have a website with comp plan and terms and conditions so you would be able to evaluate the company completely.
I would find a company that gives you complete support from when ever you need it. I have a question that I will always ask before starting. It is called a 10K question. How many people do I need in my downline before I can expect 10K per month. The answer can run from 500 to 5000. Most need about 2500 to have that kind of income. This question can save you a lot of time and frustration. Some companies make it difficult to make a dime.
I want a company that I can visualize my dream. I want to be with a company that has total support for all and that support continues until I no longer need it. Some recruit you in and you never see or talk with them again. I really think this is sad. It leads to dropouts and not retintion. I feel companies should work hard to retain instead of recruit.
There are all kinds of Network Marketing companies and most are legit but their comp plan are written for the top only. I will work hard but may not be at the top but still want to be compensated for my efforts.
Let me know if we can share ideals on these companies.
Wishing a great future and God Bless
Maggie Kress
maggie@maggiekress.com
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Lou, you are always right on target about MLM. There are many companies out there wanting you to sign up with them. The type company you need is a company that will give you long term reoccuring residual income. This company must have a long term plan in place and keeping that long term in mind if any changes need to made.
They must ask themselves the question, Will this change help or hurt the representatives that are making this happen? If the representatives are not first in mind when making this plan, it will soon fall apart. The representative/distributors are the backbone of any company. The management will be nothing without them. They must be their number one focus.
For a representative to know if the company has a long term plan, you must Ask. Read the Compensation Plan, Ask questions, Read the Policy and Procedures, Ask questions. Read Terms and Conditions, Ask questions.
If you do not get the answers you want, then move on. Remember Business Model drives the behavior in the field. That means if everything is compensation for the management and not the representatives, you are just making money for them and not you.
MLM is a good direction to go if you are informed and know how to choose the one that fits you best. I can help you find the information determination and give you a way to find out the information you need. There is no cost, it is just my way of giving back. If you help others find success, you will find success.
Thanks and God Bless
Maggie Kress
417-426-5931
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What’s the truth about VOIParty?. Is it the perfect opportunity for residual home income? Or is it differnet than other MLMs because you don’t have to sell products?
I am interested but don’t know if I want to put other friends and family members at risk of loosing their money and getting embarrassed for taking the risk.
What is your advise about VOIParty?
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My “professional website” will be published in lets say 2 weeks from now.
I am building it myself – (I find it difficult but I’ll get there). I am a Renegade Professional (smart beginner) living and working near Brussels, Belgium and I am following your emails since last year. I just bought your book and I am really looking forward to it. I’ve been in and out of MLM business, since 2003 ( now in again of course). But you are so true about everything you say in your emails. I was not going to buy it at first, but the information you gave was so helpful that I can’t wait to see the whole thing.
Thanks Lou
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Wonderful site. Just cruising through it lets me know the effort put into it to make it very useful and valuable to Network Marketers.
Ced Reynolds
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Lou: It’s really great to have one place to come to for information on MLM, exchange ideas and get the facts behind the headlines. Before anyone gets into a MLM company they really should thoroughly investigate it, and MLM The Whole Truth is a good place to start. I would also like to recommend The Better Networker as a research source.
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