Multi Level Marketing Attracts Parasites And Slime…
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you also spend some time in the wonderful forums over at Better Networker.
Well, this morning while I was downing my coffee, taking a stroll with Carl “the cop”, I noticed a slimy post.
A wonderful lady confessed:
“Maybe this is really dumb but I sort of struggle with some of the aspects of MLM and find some of the things people do to be slimey.”
I thoroughly agree.
But I don’t think it’s a problem with Multi Level Marketing as an industry. I think it’s a problem with the slimy opportunity seekers who think they can make a quick buck by ripping off unsuspecting “newbies” and everybody else within three feet.
As one reader points out: lawyers, used car salesmen, and politicians are also known for being “slimy” or “slimey”. Depending on who you ask, you could add debt collectors, ex girlfriends, and priests to that list too, but that might be going a little too far.
The point is, it’s not the industry that makes MLM slimy. It’s the parasites that are attracted to easy money and power. It’s a little like Star Wars, we have Jedi Knights and Sith Lords. It’s the same “force”, but it’s up to you to use it for good or evil.
They say power corrupts, but I think it’s more accurate to say:
“People corrupt power.”
I know men and women who go out of their way to help everybody they can. I also know men and women who go out of their way to hinder everybody they can. In general, the ones who help others selflessly are making the most money. And the ones who delight in spreading misery, are usually poor as a church house mouse.
I’m not saying that cheery, positive, helpful people attract success and wealth by some magical “law of attraction” and that “evil doers” attract flying fish and horse manure. But in the long run, through the scientific law of cause and effect, we attract what we create.
Castles In The Sand
Scammers want to build their castle in a day, so they build it out of sand. Sure, they attract a lot of people to their castle, while you slave away building yours out of solid rock. But who do you think the people will turn to as soon as the tide comes in?
They will turn to you.
Jason The “Better Networker”
The Jason Better Blog
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P.P.S. Here’s the link to that forum post I was telling you about. I haven’t had time to read it all, it’s a long one, but it totally rocks.
Anyone else struggle with the “slimey” aspect of MLM?
50 Comments
Dwayne Huggins on January 28th, 2010
Hey J
I have heard that the ‘average’ human is programmed to self destruct. This is based upon their ME only mentality. I believe this to be true.
It’s much more rewarding to help others than it is to help only me.
Slime attracts slime, so let them have it. They won’t prosper.
Value will seek out value and great relationships will be formed these relationships will have no bounds!
Dwayne
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 11:37 am
I like how you worded that Dwayne.
If only we could find the red wire and cut it.
[Reply]
Donna Hoffman on January 28th, 2010
Great point. I have been with this company that just merged with another company. I never seen 2 companies as supportive and Great as xyngular and world light. But I am sure more companies are starting to be more helpfull and honest. After so many people are being busted for their sceams and bad dealings. But there is still slime out there and always will be. So we need to be alert and smart to it. But we can’t look at every thing as a scam as some people have their mind set that every MLM is a scam. We need to pray for our people that have been taken in and now are set in their ways of sterotyping.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Donna,
That’s the problem, I think.
Once bitten, twice shy.
So many people blame the industry for
their failures when they were ripped off
by a person, not an MLM.
[Reply]
Mitchell Dillman on January 28th, 2010
Hello Jason,
There’s something to be said for time…
It takes time to establish who you are and what you stand for, in any business…There’re “slime balls” in every industry.
Weather you’re simply out to screw over the next guy, or you truly care about those around you, it will take time for your colors to shine through and for others to see you for who you really are.
I’ll bet if you look at some of the most successful Network Marketers you know, none of them just started out.
They’ve all been working at it for some time. I’ll bet ‘cha if you take a good look at it, the real slime balls get squeezed out over time and the true leaders prevail.
Thanks for this thought provoking post.
Mitchell Dillman
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Mitchell,
I like the positive spin you put on things.
But it wouldn’t hurt to squeeze those slime balls
out a little faster. 
[Reply]
Freda Douglas on January 28th, 2010
I agree 100%. When I moved I was forced to change my email address. All was quiet for a few weeks until the spyders for unscrupulous ‘merchants’
found my address. Now I have to delete my scammers before I look further for the welcome email.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Freda,
My e-mail is the same too.
Gosh, half spam, half scam.
Although most of it hits the trash
folder. So that’s a plus.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood on January 28th, 2010
Good Morning Jason,
Great post and oh so true. Slime attracts slime, as Dwayne points out. You get out what you put in. And as Mitchell says ‘it will take time for your colors to shine through.’ Well those colors of the slime ball are very visible from the start…and no, they don’t shine. They’re actually quite dirty.
For the rest of us who work honestly and give from the heart our time will come and our star will shine brightly from the top. We build our business one brick at the time. It’s rock solid, because it’s made up of people just like ourselves. It takes time to find those people who have the same values and work ethics as we do. But we will be here long after all those slimy people have fallen.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Ilka,
Sooo true.
If only we had a slime-dar
or slime radar.
[Reply]
Rebecca Geiger on January 28th, 2010
Funny that when your a kid slime was fun. They even made a TV show about it. Sad to think that on TV it is entertaining and nature it is there for a reason but when it comes to a personality type it is undesirable.
I think that the people who are slimemy are either unfortunately socially inept or incredibly selfish and don’t know how to play with others.
It is too bad that when they were impressionable someone didn’t take them aside and explain things to them.
Perhaps there should be an e-course… how to not be an e-slime
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Rebecca,
I actually remember a commercial
where they were selling slime with action
figures. Gosh, now the slime tries to sell us.
[Reply]
Richard Walsh on January 28th, 2010
I think a lot of people get burned because they lack focus on their business. Instead of sticking to one or two methods of marketing and mastering those methods before they move on they jump at every easy money opportunity out there and the cycle continues.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Richard,
Then they have the nerve to blame everybody
but themselves for their lack of success.
So true.
[Reply]
Gary-- on January 28th, 2010
Most Slime Balls I know are desperate and therefore they attract the wrong element. I have to confess to being a recovering Slime Ball myself in previous careers. I sold cars, mortgages,investments and insurance. All along the way some manager would take me aside and tell me in so many words:
“Look, Dean, if you want to make any money you have to screw a few people. It’s a fact of life.”
True story.
At some point, after several self inflicted wounds, I had to take a long hard look at the Man in The Mirror and take corrective action with various personal development courses, therapy, etc.
At first, my sales plummeted, but today, things have never been better.
The best thing is that I can look myself in the mirror and say: “Damn I’m good!” — and mean it!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Oh man Gary,
Are you serious?
You really had a manager like that?
I would have seriously lost faith in humanity
after that little bit of advice.
But I have met people who think like that
too. People with belief systems that are
downright slimy.
[Reply]
Derek Alvarez on January 28th, 2010
Hi Jason,
It seems to me that the only people who make it are the ones who have found a way to create a system that not only benefits them,
But also benefits their team.
That’s the aspect I love about MLM — you can’t be successful unless you help other people be successful, too.
It’s hard to feel slimy when you do this!
[Reply]
Mike B. on January 28th, 2010
Hi Jason, boy you hit that one with a bulls eye, just go on-line and look at all the opportunities that are out their, it can be confusing especially for the rookies like me. If your looking for a product line or an opportunity be careful, everybody has been burned, so just watch out and be careful.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Mike,
Solid advice.
And then we wonder why it’s so hard
to get people to believe anything we say.
[Reply]
John Rothstein on January 28th, 2010
Hey Jason,
I love this post. It immediately reminded me of the Zig Ziglar quote:”You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want”.
All the Best,
John Rothstein
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
John,
That is totally one of my favorite
quotes. Old Zig is one of the greats.
[Reply]
Dave Marsh on January 28th, 2010
Just about everyone touts the integrity of their MLM company, and that’s as it should be. After all, not many of us want to work with/for a sleezy enterprise. And most of us wouldn’t be very effective at marketing and recruiting if we didn’t have a strong belief in our organization.
By and large, I believe MLM companies have the kind of integrity we want to display ourselves, but often we must deal with people’s long-term memories from the 70’s and 80’s. Those of us who were around then can’t help but recall the obnoxious neighbor who wouldn’t take NO for an answer because he was trying to sell his garage full of product before the end of the month.
The industry is vastly different now, but memories linger. Sometimes it’s hard to get past that. Our actions speak volumes to overturn those perceptions.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Dave,
I think in many cases…
The whole MLM slime thing exists
in myth. I’m not saying that real slime balls
don’t exist…
But like you said,
There’s a lingering memory.
A bad taste.
[Reply]
emil st quentin on January 28th, 2010
Hi Jason this is sure to cause a storm ,but if you want to meet some conartists try religion. Mlm’s are babes in arms compared to those guys. How ever I think the internet in general attracts the worst but also some of the best people.The problem is that it is just so dificult to tell the difference on the net
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Hey Emil,
Always open to controversial comments, but
watch out for those stones.
[Reply]
Rhonda Miller on January 28th, 2010
John’s Zig quote is right. Whatever business you’re in is not about you or how many people you can sign up, get their money and say “next”…
It’s about sifting and sorting thru the numbers until you find that handful of Alpha’s that think just like you do and ain’t nothin gonna stop you from achieving success.
I’ve been involved in several business ventures and I’ve never seen anyone at the top categorized as “slimy”. It just doesn’t happen. You can’t be a slimeball in a truly ethical business and be successful.
Just read the old testament and see what happened to the “slimeballs”. Yep, they even had them back then.
Here’s to all you awesome Alpha’s who are ready to reach your “G”o “O”ut “A”nd “L”ive “S”uccessfully
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Rhonda,
I have the same feeling too,
The slime balls get sorted out… if only
it could be done faster.
[Reply]
Peter Grimes on January 28th, 2010
Jason,
Sad but true eh? Fact of life I figure and will continue to be so. Given current financial climate, good chance we will see even greater numbers. You mentioned Cause & Effect, I can also see the law of Sowing & Reaping coming to play here. Thanks again for another thought provoking post.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Peter,
Whenever somebody mentions sowing and
reaping it reminds me of Jim Rohn’s take
on that whole parable.
What a guy.
I’m sure there’s many who miss him.
[Reply]
Jason Jahr on January 28th, 2010
Hi Jason. Fabulous article. Yes people corrupt power, and we ultimately attract what we put forth. If more people would learn that true leadership is servitude and not dictatorship, then we would likely have far fewer slimeballs out there. And rest assured, the more power and influence that you wield, the more accountability that you have as well. Be forewarned!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Hey Jason,
Nice to see you here.
Scary announcement though.
“Be forewarned.”
Reminds me of that whole…
“With great power comes great
responsibility.”
[Reply]
Meriam on January 28th, 2010
Hi Jason,
With the mug of coffee beside me and with my cat doing a number in my living room and having a good time at it, your post today prompted me to strike the “Leave a Comment” button.
Just the other day a friend of mine was telling me about this new product and new MLM venture that recently launched in his country. “A good time to join” he said, and his upline even promised him XXXX XXXXXXXXX by June. OMG… haven’t I heard all that before???
They are here and they are everywhere, J and nothing whatsoever will stop them from making use of these newbies.
I will share your post today with my friend and I hope this will serve him a reminder. It can be quite sticky if the slimey have gotten to his head already, but I can try with your post eh?
Thanks Jason. Stay Blessed!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Hey Meriam,
I’m glad to have you here.
I hope your friend uses due diligence
and doesn’t make a big mistake.
But I guess, we all learn from our
mistakes too.
[Reply]
Wayne on January 28th, 2010
A famous chinese saying: “The Fish Rots From The Head Down.”
The company directors and a company’s business model also contribute massively to the behaviour of the distributors.
You must have good people at the helm.
Very recently a well established MLM company filed for bankruptcy – the distributors were claiming that the company was debt free.
The bad news is the distributors can get in big trouble for making that false claim.
Cheers,
Wayne
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Wayne,
That type of thing terrifies me.
In a way, it’s a good thing that distributors
are now being held accountable for false
claims.
Although I worry that it affects everybody else
too.
[Reply]
Timothy Willan on January 28th, 2010
Hey Jason! I just got this after going though 100 emails! People who think like that are not true business minded or not very good business people! and will find in the long run that “don’t just let your business make something for you Let it make something of you!” We must risk going too far to discover just how far we can go!
[Reply]
January 29th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Hey Timothy,
I know that feeling…
Gosh, some days I have more e-mails to
read and write than minutes in the day.
Glad you made it through though.
I have to agree with you.
These are not businessmen or women.
Slime balls have no place in real business.
[Reply]
Keith D Shrock on January 29th, 2010
An e-Slime course….
I love it ! Rebecca. ;-D
Let’s add a Facebook spammer’s module–to it.
This is a FUN rant, thanks guys.
[Reply]
January 29th, 2010 at 9:45 am
Keith,
I think we need at least one chapter
on auto direct messages and Twitter too.
Those things are the worst…
I’ve seen a few good ones, but usually it’s
just lame spam.
[Reply]
Dee Light on January 31st, 2010
Yup right on Jason. I remember as a little kid building sand castles at the edge of the tide. The wave would come in and wipe that thing out over & over. Its like that when building a biz too. Build on a firm foundation—-put time & love into each action—-then our efforts have a better chance of weathering the waves of life.
[Reply]
Derek Fobert on February 2nd, 2010
Great topic, Jason. What I enjoy most about the industry of MLM is that regardless of what company you do business with, everyone is working together as a team. That is what business is all about… doing business with other businesses.
Bringing value to another business, sharing your interest in helping others prosper, and in return… it will bring value to your own business. There is no need to walk on people’s feet to get to the top.
By all means, the competition is out there in Network Marketing, but it is not a cut throat industry.
We can learn ‘What To Do’ from those inspirational leaders, as well… we can learn from those slimy crooks, ‘What Not To Do’.
There is always something to learn from somebody, good or evil.
Lets Prosper Together!
[Reply]
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Derek,
I totally agree man.
I learn from everybody I meet…
even if it’s “what not to do”.
[Reply]
Mary Thayer on February 3rd, 2010
Yeah I think you went a little to far on the list by adding priest. I had a hard time reading after that. Yes Slime is abundant but so is greatness. Always be aware of the good:-)
Life Great!
Mary
[Reply]
Jason on February 3rd, 2010
Hey Mary,
I don’t know if I would count priests
on that list, but from the current negative
publicity they’ve been getting. I’m sure
some people do.
Always looking for the good
Thanks Mary.
[Reply]
Heidi Walker on February 12th, 2010
My last blog post was about how it hurts to take it slow but to build a real business that is strong you must go slow.
Thank you for this insightful article. I am sometimes frustrated by those that will believe every scammer out there and refuse to listen to those of logic.
Some folks are just not ready for the long haul but it is no help having the easy money guys out there selling snake oil.
[Reply]
February 12th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Heidi,
Thank you too.
I’m very frustrated by people who use
scammers as an excuse too.
I mean, how many times ca a person
get ripped off before it becomes their own
fault?
Deep thoughts.
[Reply]
Best Of The Jason Better Blog…Network Marketing Business Blog on February 15th, 2010
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Hey Jason,
Good point, I see a lot of high ticket opportunity sellers out there only looking for the fast buck and no support to their team after the sale.
Worst still are the out and out scammers. As you say they will get found out.
Its all about adding mad value!
I decided to drop a video on my blog today and post up on Better Networker (finally registered there) Just to give some real value back to the community.
Nice post.
Wayne Vassell, signing out….
[Reply]
January 28th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Hey Wayne,
Awesome man.
I have a second so I’ll check that
out.
[Reply]