If you’re considering joining an MLM or are looking for alternatives, this post is going to explain what you need to know beforehand including:
- How they work (hype vs reality)
- If MLMs are really a scam or if they’re legitimate
- The pros and cons
- Better alternatives to MLM
As someone who runs a full time online business and has practiced a bunch of different business models, I have a “bit” of experience in this field as a whole and honestly, MLM is “one of those” models I stay away from and cannot endorse. Before I explain why that is the case, let me first explain some basics:
How MLMs work:
MLM is a business model where you can earn money not just by selling things, but also by getting other people to join as sellers.
When those people sell anything, you get a bit of their sales too. The more people you recruit through your downline and the more they sell, the more money you can make.
Why this model is more hype than reality:
- In my experience, the products most MLM programs have are overpriced and thus difficult to sell.
- Most MLM programs also turn into mostly/entirely recruitement schemes where instead of promoting the products, it just becomes a pyramid type promotion that cannot be maintained and eventually freefalls (these are the biggest red flag).
- When this happens (and it happens often with MLM programs) 99% of members loses their money but the ones who do make it out ahead are typically the owners and the initial members who joined at the top of the pyramid.
Pros:
- There are some legit MLM programs out there: Look at the oldest ones as they are typically the most legit.
- It’s possible to make money: If you have sales skills.
Cons:
- Hard to Make Money: 99% of people in MLMs don’t earn much.
- Need to Keep Recruiting: You often have to keep finding new people to join to make money.
- Costly to Start: You usually have to buy products first before you can start selling.
- Too Many Sellers: Too many people end up selling the same thing, so it gets harder to sell.
- Can Hurt Relationships: You might end up annoying friends and family by trying to sell to them or get them to join.
- Pyramid schemes: Many of them have come from MLM programs (thus the bad reputation).
- False hope and promises: Many MLM programs pitch how you’ll change the world with their products and a bunch of other garbage to get you to join (don’t fall for the shiny object syndrome).
My final thoughts on MLM (and better alternatives):
In my opinion there are far more cons than pros to MLMs in general which is why I personally do not engage in it and don’t endorse it either. The whole idea that you can just make money from selling overpriced products and getting an infinite amount of people to join under you and others under them is also extremely unlikely if not impossible to maintain, making MLMs a risky investment that I personally think isn’t worth it!
What I recommend instead of MLM:
Since 2007 I have been running an online business, first part time and then full time (till today in 2023). I learned how to succeed thanks to one program and that is the Wealthy Affiliate program which people can actually join for free to test out:
Their main specialty is helping people create a profitable websites on any passions you have in life. For example:
If you love mountain biking for example, they’ll show you how to create a profitable website on mountain bikes (promoting them, putting ads on the site, selling it, etc…). Any passion you have in life can be turned into a thriving online business and this is exactly what they show you how to do.
Here are some of my personal income reports from what I have learned inside this program:
Now to be completely honest with you, this took me time and effort. This is business like any other (with way more benefits over traditional business and certainly MLM businesses) and that means it takes time to build and grow. My earnings didn’t come overnight but through hard work, perseverance and using the guidance in WA I was able to achieve these results.
And I’m not the only one. Here’s a bunch of their success stories (you can see more inside the program):
Here’s a few reasons why this is the place to be to build a business:
- It’s free to join (literally, no CC required).
- It’s NOT an MLM.
- Beginner friendly.
- It teaches multiple ways to create an online business.
- Way better than MLM.
- More success stories than any other program in the business.
- Very high Trustpilot rating (4.9 out of 5 stars).
- You get the best support including expert coaching.
- And there’s much more.
Bottom line: You don’t have to invest crazy money with Wealthy Affiliate or in general to succeed online. It’s free to try and only $49/month (or for the best membership, $99/month) if you decide to stick around. The upgraded memberships provide you with more tools, resources and expert guidance on further expanding/building your online business.
Here’s how to get started with Wealthy Affiliate:
The value of the Wealthy Affiliate (WA) speaks for itself and if you have any doubts (which is totally normal), test drive them risk free.
Here’s what you get when you try the program today (all included):
- Access to the Starter Membership of Wealthy Affiliate.
- 5 lesson getting started course.
- Access to the WA community (help/support).
- 7 days coaching from me, Vitaliy (one of WA’s top experts).
- And much more (join WA today and see it all for yourself).
The program does have an optional upgrade called Premium after the Starter Membership that I do highly recommend, but more than that, I recommend you first:
- Try it for free.
- Immerse yourself in the program so you get the most out of it.
- Use my 7 day coaching! You can contact me directly inside WA.
Wealthy Affiliate works, but it is also not a get rich quick scheme.
It will teach you how to build a REAL online business of your dreams and if you apply the training they have and work hard, you will become one of it’s MANY success stories.
And frankly speaking, I want to see you do just that. As your coach, one of my goals is to see just hat and I’ll help you along your journey there too).