Network Marketing(MLM) has an awful reputation for most people. I remember before I was even introduced to Network Marketing, I had this negative impression of what it was. Of course, once I learned a little more, I relaxed my opinion. There is definitely a lot of pluses to MLM, but on the other hand, there are reasons for the bad reputation.

Maybe I can shed some light on why people think so poorly of it.

1. They think they have to bug family and friends

One of the first things that most people hear when they first get started in their Network Marketing business is “make a warm market list” of friends and family. Although your friends and family are going to be your most local customers and they are an excellent referral source, you should NOT be recruiting them. However, traditionally, new distributors are encouraged to set up 3-way calls with their sponsor and each person on the list. If you’ve been on one of these calls, you know how awkward it is. Some high pressure sales guy trying to get your friends and family to join your business. You might as well just subscribe your friends and family to a bunch of telemarketing lists… it feels the same way to them. There are much better ways to find people to talk to.

2. They think it is an illegal pyramid

There are definitely illegal pyramids that exist. A pyramid scheme has no product/service involved or the product/service is bogus. MLM is not a pyramid. MLM is legal all over the world and there are extremely strict guidelines to keep things ethical, fair and legal. All you need to do is consult the Direct Sellers Association (DSA) for a list of legitimate MLM businesses.

3. Overpriced/Scam Products

There are scams out there that have a bogus product in order to attempt to appear legal and legitimate. However, this should be obvious by just looking at the product. On the other hand, the MLM companies that thrive have extremely high quality products. Otherwise, people wouldn’t be able to refer them. The idea is to have a product that is so good that you just have to tell someone.

4. Spamming

There are tons of people who spam their opportunity. Sometimes this is lack of knowledge, but I think most of the time it’s people hiding behind their computers trying to be “anonymous”. They post junk in all the forums under some profile that doesn’t even contain their name. They aren’t really serious about running a business, they just throw their money at something and then take the “easy way” of spamming forums hoping to get something for nothing.

5. The general closed mindedness of some people

There is not much that people hate more than stepping out of their comfort zones and admitting defeat. When they realize that this business takes work and you really have to change as a person, instead they quit and blame their sponsor, or company or whoever they can lash out at. This of course, adds to the list of people bashing MLM.

I can go on and on, but these are the big ones that I can think of. The key is to get informed and treat your evaluation carefully. MLM can definitely be your way to get ahead if you work hard at it.