Interstate 40 Oil Man

Yesterday someone asked me if Multi-Level-Marketing (Network Marketing) worked and whether it was still popular. I started to think about the question and that brought up some thoughts from quite a long time ago.

When I was a kid living on Route 66 in New Mexico, every other Wednesday around 2:00 in the afternoon a woman would come walking up our walk with a small bag in her hand. My Mom was expecting the woman and they would sit and talk quietly in our living room for about 15-20 minutes. The woman would give Mom a small bag that contained some lotion or cosmetics of some kind and Mom would look over a catalog and order another small amount of cosmetics and give the woman some money. I think the entire transaction could not have been worth $2.00. The money paid for the new delivery that would arrive in a couple of weeks.

That woman was an Avon representative in our area. She worked her way around the neighborhoods on a regular schedule and provided a valuable service to the people living there. Most of the ladies were like Mom and did not have a car and could not easily get to shopping, etc. Mom used Avon products for years. She appreciated the convenience and the quality of the cosmetics. I think when she died last year at the age of 100, she still had some Avon containers in her stuff.

This all happened from 1946 til now. Avon has always used MLM as a distribution method for their merchandise. They have had a good name in that industry and for all I know still have folks selling Avon in neighborhoods around the country.

When you evaluate doing business with a company it is necessary to first decide if the product suits your needs. Analyze the benefits of the products and compare them to the competition. Secondly, consider the availability and convenience of aquiring the merchandise. Usually, a Multi-Level-Marketing company will provide more personalized service and timely delivery of their goods. You deal with a friend or neighbor who usually has plenty of good solid advice about which product best fits your needs. The independent dealer knows the products well and knows his success relies on repeat business from people like you so he will go out of his way to make sure you are satisified with the sale.

Some folks have a bad taste in their mouths about MLM. These businesses are not "Get Rich Quick" schemes. Those are down the road at the next casino. I think if you do not expect too much and approach the business with realistic demands you will not be dissatisified. Whether you want to be a customer or a dealer, reputable companies using MLM to distribute their products will supply you with quality goods and great service.

MLM works. It enables you to be independent, and yet have the backing and resources of a big organization. You can remain at your current job while you try out the business. You can work as much or as little as you want. It does not cost an arm and a leg to get started and your earnings are directly related to your performance. Give it a shot!!

Send me an e-mail if you have any questions about MLM: roadrunner@canyontraders.com.

Category: General