Should I join an MLM?
That’s the same question I asked myself over a decade ago, and I never seemed to get the answer I wanted.
No doubt, we all want to make more money this year, especially if we had a rough financial year prior.
I feel your pain, and there are many other opportunities out there.
But is multilevel marketing the way to go?
Do we need that monthly auto-ship payment that we probably can’t afford?
Or is the possibility of earning a living and being your own boss worth the risk?
Many thoughts will run through your head, and anything is worth a shot with the lack of money in your bank account.
Whether you were presented (literally) with an MLM or stumbled upon one by “accident,” you have probably been thinking if this is something you can do.
That’s great because you don’t want to make bad decisions.
So, before you go telling your future up-line that you’re in, you might want to ask yourself these questions first.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Joining an MLM
If you are seriously considering joining a multilevel marketing company, these are some questions you must ask yourself first.
If you can’t justify your reasons, you might want to hold off on this business venture.
I have had my share with network marketing, and although I don’t do it anymore, I am happy to share my thoughts.
Then again, I am in the middle of testing one in the oh-so-popular essential oils niche.
Can you guess which one it is?
While you’re thinking, let’s review some of the questions you must ask yourself before joining ANY network marketing business.
1. Do You Know What You’re Getting Yourself Into?
Everyone will be introduced to some multilevel marketing company, whether they like it or not.
According to Fundera, 1 in 13 Americans has participated in multilevel marketing, which is much more than I thought.
That’s an incredible number, and it only tells you that there is potential in the network marketing space.
However, there’s a lot more to this business than just that, and it’s something you must know.
MLM is not the prettiest of businesses.
It’s not sought after and doesn’t have a good reputation.
Most consider them Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, or even scams.
Regardless of whether it is true, you at least need to know the stigma behind the business.
And that’s just a piece.
Don’t forget that you need to do some recruiting, and you will have to talk to people, showcase your products, and all that good stuff.
I can do an entire post on this, but the basics of running an MLM business are not easy; they are all you need.
2. Do You Have the Time to Run an MLM Business?
Time.
It’s something a lot of us don’t have.
It’s one thing that passes you by and does not wait for anyone.
Before joining an MLM, think about how much time you DO NOT have.
Do you think you’ll be able to run a multilevel marketing business?
Are you tied up with your job, four young kids, and sports like myself and most people?
If not, consider holding back for now.
Not to say you can’t do it (because I think it’s better than any regular job), but to say that you should put some serious thought into it.
This thought goes hand in hand with the next question.
3. Are You Into Business?
Whether you like network marketing or not, it isn’t going anywhere.
Ask yourself if you have the passion and work ethic to run a business.
Ask yourself if you can deal with the headache and stress of any investment.
Businesses are all the same, whether brick-and-mortar or even online business.
We all need to make a living, which usually requires work and a 9-5 job.
That idea doesn’t sit well with some of you, which is probably why you’re considering joining an MLM.
Don’t worry, I was once in your shoes until I learned that you could make money on the internet.
But, before that, I was also on the hunt for the latest and greatest multilevel marketing.
If you aren’t interested in business, you probably need to stay away from MLMs.
4. Who Introduced You to Network Marketing?
The idea of joining an MLM did not land on your head while walking in the park.
The idea came from another human being who wanted to see if they could “help” you with your current situation.
Maybe it was health-related, or perhaps it had to do with your finances.
Regardless, the thought crossed your mind, and now you are considering joining an MLM.
Me, I’ve had many people pitch their MLM to me.
I was introduced to the latest and greatest coffee MLM, the many health and wellness MLMs, and even some health and fitness.
They all sounded amazing, but Melaleuca was the first one that I joined.
Their lotion was supposed to help my son’s eczema, so I joined.
It was more like my wife forced me to, but it was worth a shot.
For you, the introduction of an MLM is most likely from a family member or a close friend.
Talk about it, consider it, but most significantly, think about it.
5. Are You Joining an MLM For Financial Reasons?
Making money is a part of life, and we need to do it.
The problem is that we don’t ever make a lot of it.
We make a decent amount and are gobbled up by many unnecessary purchases, leaving us living the fantastic paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle.
So, what do we do?
We dig up that inner entrepreneur to create a business that makes us millions of dollars.
Or, we do what happens and turn to whatever the heck someone else is doing.
In this case, it’s MLM.
You need to understand that money is not the best motivational factor for making a living.
Your life will most likely revolve around your J-O-B, and that’s fine.
Whether you like it or not, you will work way more than you play, and that’s how it is.
So, if you want to join an MLM for financial purposes, think about things briefly.
Don’t let the get-rich-quick mentality win you over; you might accumulate some debt if you’re not careful.
6. What Do You Plan to Sell?
Joining an MLM is only half the problem.
What product or service do you plan on selling?
I’ve been introduced to “It Works” in the past, and I may not be the healthiest of people, but I don’t need some wrap around my body to make me look thin.
However, I did wrap myself up to support my wonderful niece, but that idea didn’t work.
The point is this.
If you plan to join an MLM, use the products and market them yourself.
If you’re a man, Mary Kay won’t work.
Pick one that suits you and, if possible, one that sells itself.
Wait, is there any MLM that sells itself?
Probably not, so find one with decent products that you can sell.
Not even the best MLM can sell itself.
7. Are You Willing to Follow Suit?
Remember that person who introduced you to their MLM business?
Picture yourself in their shoes.
Think about how you will talk to others to promote the same products presented to you.
Can you sell them better?
Can you sell anything?
This is a critical part of your decision to join the network marketing world, so put a lot of thought into this one.
It might sound like the best idea, but is it something you see yourself doing?
So, Should You Join an MLM?
Of course, the final decision is on you.
There are pros and cons with MLMs and you need to think about these questions and see if MLM is really for you.
I am not against MLM, but I know it isn’t for everyone.
If you decide to join, give it your all, and don’t let anyone dictate where you go.
If you can make a nice monthly income, you might be able to kick that 9-5 to the curb.
Also, remember that besides your immediate family, no one wants you to succeed.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make it.
Please do what you feel is right, and give it 100%, or don’t do it at all.
Now, you tell me.
Should you join a multilevel marketing gig?
