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Staying Relevant in Today’s Marketplace: Social Media Policies and Procedures and Consultants – New Video

Charity — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:02:01 +0000

There are two issues that have surfaced in recent years: 1) social networking, and 2) frequent migration of distributors between companies. With social networking concerns, companies have had to decide on positive protocol for consultants who socialize through technology. In terms of the migration of consultants, companies have often found themselves constantly revisiting policy that both protect the livelihood of all its distributors while also protecting the interest of the company. These issues are constantly under review. Most companies continue to revisit these issues multiple times.

Certainly, it’s not a good idea to make frequent changes in a compensation plan because it undermines faith in the company. Companies should also try and limit the number of changes in basic agreements and also be able to justify any of the changes being made. Companies that claim to be partners with their consultants should walk the talk. They should be saying that their interest lies in protecting distributors and consumers, not just the company. They have a responsibility to protect the livelihoods of thousands, or millions, of consultants who depend on income from the company. This is important because when companies disassemble, consultants who have spent all of their time building organizations and find them being stolen or taken elsewhere are deeply hurt.

In the direct selling industry, the word ‘change’ can send a certain group of people into orbit. Companies that are making adjustments or enhancements to their policies and procedures or compensation plan must carefully communicate those changes to sellers, especially the leadership of the company. Leaders need to be prepared to deliver messages and to have the messages palatable to the rest of the sales force.

If you are interested in attending the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Companyconference visit our conference page, view our speaker list, or get more details. All executives/owners of direct selling companies are welcome to attend. Call 800-231-2162 to register.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

MLM Company Policies on Social Networks and Distributor Raiding

Charity — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 20:36:53 +0000

A post on Facebook is really no different than a mass email.

Clearly, while consultants are with a company they are asked not to get involved in raiding activity. Network marketing companies have mixed opinions on post-termination behavior. Most companies ask that consultants not raid the downline for a certain period of time after they stop consulting for the company. Companies that ask this of their consultants argue that the consultant’s Facebook profile is basically an email list; a post on Facebook is really no different than a mass email. Not many companies specifically outline post-termination rules in their policies and procedures; however, most companys’ position on the issue is effectively the same as if you started sending emails to everyone in your downline once you left the company.

Several approaches have been noted, including the drafting of agreements where companies and distributors have bifurcating social media pages. Basically, consultants would have a personal and professional Facebook page. This causes a bit of a dilemma because many consultants will make close friends with those in their downline. Perhaps not everyone fits into a personal or professional-only account. Companies look at it as more black and white. Companies see it as a consultant holding a lengthy email list, whether it be on Facebook or Twitter, etc., and once they’ve sent our an announcement saying “come join me at my new company…” then it is just as if they are sending a mass email to their downline. Both perspectives are understandable, and so far, there is no industry-wide solution to the problem.

Your best educational resource on the web: check out the hundreds of articles, videos, company profiles, and more at MLMLegal.com.

If you are interested in attending the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company conference visit our conference page, view our speaker list, or get more details. All executives/owners of direct selling companies are welcome to attend. Call 800-231-2162 to register.

Our next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference takes place in Las Vegas. View our conference flyer and speaker list online. Participate in our Innovation Campaign for your chance to receive TWO FREE TICKETS to attend our next conference.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Sign up for the MLM News Global newsletter for top headlines, news stories, scam alerts, videos, articles, and more information on the network marketing industry.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

21 Ways to Provide Legal and Ethical MLM Training to Distributors

Charity — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 21:22:53 +0000

You can look at MLM companies from several perspectives to get an idea if they are running a legal business or a pyramid scheme. In this post, we cover how legal MLM companies approach training their distributors. Legal direct selling companies will encourage distributors to run their business with ethical standards and realistic expectations.

A good MLM company, seeking longevity in the marketplace, will put a lot of effort into training their distributors on how to manage and build their business. Businesses will provide online training, event training, and incentives.

Not every MLM company has the same opportunity, or compensation plan. There are many types of compensation plans and many variations on the original compensation plans (stairstep, unilevel, breakaway, matrix, binary). Each compensation plan and MLM company is unique in how it approaches consultant training.

Regardless of what compensation plan you’re using, there are common distributor training techniques among all companies and compensation plans. From a legal perspective, MLM companies must be realistic about their distributors’ statistics for success. It is not easy to become a MLM multimillionaire. Only a small percentage of distributors achieve such high success. Therefore, when legitimate direct selling companies present their training, management and support programs to encourage and train distributors they use some (or all) of the techniques in the list below.

If distributor training in your company sounds a little like this list, then it is likely looking good from a legal perspective. A MLM company opportunity should prioritize some or most of the following:

Enhance distributors’ self-image.
Enhance the image of the network marketing industry as a whole.
Educate distributors about the direct selling, MLM industry.
Create a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed in operating a network marketing business.
Help distributors understand the responsibility of being in business for themselves.
Make product education paramount in training programs.
Develop business management skills.
Help consultants understand the dynamics of people-interaction or person-to-person relationships.
Teach (or encourage the learning of) new business technology application to the business, such as computer software programs and website platforms.
Help distributors understand the basic concepts behind the network marketing method of distribution.
Create an appreciation of ethical standards.
Teach distributors how to run a small business, such as managing taxes, distributor networks and accounting.
Work on goal-setting and planning; develop one, two, and three plans, rather than promote unrealistic instant success schemes.
Develop the art of prospecting (finding and recruiting new distributors for your downline).
Help distributors understand the concept of commitment.
Learn to value the contribution of others in their home business.
Prepare to give effective presentations.
Learn how to deal with objections, rejections, and discouragement; helping distributors understand that an objection is nothing more than a question in disguise.
Develop an understanding of the legal issues impacting the network marketing industry and the individual distributor business owner.
Help distributors understand the art of duplication and the power of setting an example (in recruiting).
Help consultants understand that people are involved in network marketing for different reasons; allow those who are interested in the business opportunity to develop at their own pace and resist the urge to pressure satisfied consumers to engage in the business opportunity if they simply want to remain customers.

When MLM companies work to encourage their distributors to work hard, learn about the business, and have realistic expectations, then they are working to support a network of distributors that will last a long time.

If a direct selling company tells you that you’ll become a millionaire in a month then the chances are likely that they are not operating a legitimate business. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, then get out quick!

Would you like to learn more about distributor training, legal MLM compensation plans, or the MLM industry in general? Watch some of MLMLegal.com’s videos, presented by MLM Attorney, Jeff Babener. Visit MLMLegal.com for the most trusted MLM legal information on the web.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

Limited-Seating, One-Day MLM Startup Conference – May 20, 2016

Charity — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:35:48 +0000

LIMITED SEATING – CALL AND REGISTER: 800-231-2162

May 20, 2016 – Las Vegas, NV

Friday: 9am-5:30pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm one-on-one with the speakers

The 72nd National Conference of:

Sponsor and Chair:

MLMLegal.com and MLMOne.com

Conference Chairperson: Jeff Babener, Babener & Associates

Babener & Associates Law Firm

Conference Co-Chair: Michael Sheffield, The Sheffield Group

Learn it all from those who have advised (and started many), including Avon, Herbalife, Amway, USANA, Melaleuca, Nerium, Excel Telcom, ACN, Team National, Shaklee, etc.

Seven hours of Seminar – 30 hours of one-on-one consultation.

Each Attendee Recieves a Free MLM Startup Manual:

Each attendee receives a FREE copy of the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company manual. Some chapters include:

~ Legal Issues

~ MLM Law in 50 States

~ FDA Health Claims: The Final Rules

~ The Snail that got Mugged: FTC v. Direct Selling

~ Start-up Issues

~ Incorporating the Network Marketer

~ Five Dynamics that Drive a MLM Company

~ Product

~ Creating Your Next Million Dollar Product

~ Treasure Hunting for New Products

~ Compensation Plans

~ Compensation Plan Conversion: Direct Sales to MLM

~ Your Compensation Plan’s Competitve Edge

~ Communications and Media

~ Focus on the Mission… Not the Commission!

~ When the Media Calls… Who Answers the Phone?

Check out our speakers and get more information.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

Next MLM Startup Conference is February 25 and 26, 2016

Charity — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:48:28 +0000

With the costs of the compensation plan, attorney’s fees, software, hiring staff, recruiting consultants, creating/designing products, the list goes on… starting a direct selling company can be expensive and difficult! We understand how complex it is to tackle a MLM startup. That’s why we offer the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference.

We offer MLM entrepreneurs a way to network with experts from all sectors of the direct selling industry: legal, recruiting, technology/software, compensation plans, funding, generate leads, website and back office, business model, and more – all in one place, for one affordable price ($195 for the first attendee, each additional is $150).

So, if you’re starting a MLM, network marketing, direct selling company, or just thinking about starting a MLM company, come join us at the MLM Startup Event/Seminar in Las Vegas! The Hosts are Business Consultant and MLM Legal Expert, Jeff Babener, and MLM Compensation Plan Consultant, Mike Sheffield.

Our next conference takes place February 25 and 26, 2016 in Las Vegas (who doesn’t want a good reason to go to Las Vegas?). We even offer the Innovation Campaign for those who are on an even tighter budget.

Visit our website, www.mlmlegal.com, or our conference page to learn more and to see the full line-up of speakers. Read testimonials and watch our invitation videos. Anyone who is starting or running a MLM, network marketing, direct selling, party plan company is welcome to attend.

Call us at 800-231-2162 to register.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Sign up for the MLM News Global newsletter for top headlines, news stories, scam alerts, videos, articles, and more information on the network marketing industry.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

How to Fund your MLM Startup Company – New Video

Charity — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 21:15:53 +0000

Raising capital to fund your network marketing startup company can be tricky. In fact, there is no clear-cut answer to finding funding. However, there are options available to MLM company owners. There are several giant direct sales companies operating today that began with a very limited budget, just like you: in their basements, bathtubs, garages, and space bedrooms. Many of these companies grew organically to the huge size that they are now. You, however, may be in a different situation, where an influx of capital is absolutely necessary to keep your business afloat.

This article will help to provide you with details about how you can get free and trusted information about how to fund your MLM business. Experts generally suggest that it costs around $100-$200 thousand to start up a direct selling company. This article will provide you with some ideas as to where to find startup funding and links to information online, written by experienced MLM industry experts who’ve been asked thousands of times, “Where can I find funding to start and grow my MLM business?”

Here are three of the most common options MLM business owners consider when they are looking to fund their network marketing startup:

1) Do you have a substantial recruiting background? If you are a seasoned recruiter and are able to attract a strong line of consultants then your need for capital will decrease considerably. Expert MLM Attorney Jeff Babener always says, “Your need for capital is in direct inverse proportion to your ability to recruit.” If you are able to attract a strong sales force then your need to raise capital outside of the company may greatly diminish. Consultants will be the key to your success. If you are not a seasoned recruiter, then you may want to consider hiring someone who does have recruiting experience.

2) Do you have personal capital? MLM startups often find the capital that they need in their own bank accounts, or the bank accounts of family and friends (often referred to as your ‘warm market’). In some cases, an angel investor will be willing to invest in the company (a wealthy uncle, perhaps?). These sorts of investments are based primarily on the personal relationship, as well as trust and loyalty.

3) What about public financing? Unfortunately, not many venture capital firms are interested in investing in startup network marketing companies. The startup MLM company has the tendency to be run by inexperienced business owners needing only a few hundred thousand dollars, which isn’t very attractive to large investors. In nearly all cases, investment into the company will come from a close source. Once your business is worth millions, then the investment firms will take notice. You can read about some of the most famous MLM success stories on these pages: Silpada, Herbalife, Pampered Chef, and Visalus.

Another great place to get information on raising capital for your business is at the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference where industry experts will provide you with individual, one-on-one time and attention. Each speaker will sit with you and discuss your personal situation and specific needs. The easiest was for you to attend the conference on a budget is to visit the page of our Innovation Campaign. The October 2015 Innovation Campaign offers network marketing company owners the ability to receive two free tickets to the next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference in Las Vegas (a $345.00 value!). All you have to do is fill out a brief survey at our sister website: www.mlmattorney.com, and we will contact you right away to confirm your free tickets to the event! Attending this event will give you direct access to several MLM industry experts, including capitalization experts and MLM legal expert, Jeff Babener. Visit our Innovation Campaign page for complete information about the conference, including the topics that will be covered, the speaker/expert list, videos, and much more. For additional questions call 800-231-2162.

It won’t be easy raising capital to fund your MLM startup, but we hope that we’ve given you some ideas on where to start. We also hope that you better understand that it is possible to start small and make it big in this industry. For more information on raising capital visit www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

If you are interested in attending the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company conference visit our conference page, view our speaker list, or get more details. All executives/owners of direct selling companies are welcome to attend. Call 800-231-2162 to register.

Our next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference takes place October 22 and 23, 2015 in Las Vegas. View our conference flyer and speaker list online. Participate in our Innovation Campaign for your chance to receive TWO FREE TICKETS to attend our next conference.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Sign up for the MLM News Global newsletter for top headlines, news stories, scam alerts, videos, articles, and more information on the network marketing industry.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

Top MLM Headlines, Scam Reports, Videos, Articles, and More – September, 2015 Issue of MLM News Global

Charity — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 17:14:40 +0000

The MLM News Global E-Newsletter offers top MLM news, recent scams, videos, company profiles, and timely articles delivered to your inbox on a bi-monthly basis. The e-newsletter contains top news stories in the network marketing industry, the most recent MLM scam alerts, timely articles on the direct selling industry, and so much more. Make sure that you’re not the last to know about top MLM news stories, or to hear about the latest MLM scam reports. Our timely headline reporting will keep you up-to-date on stories that affect everyone in the network marketing industry. In addition, important press releases, directly from MLM/network marketing/direct selling, party plan companies, will keep you current on trends and direct selling company developments in the industry.

New Newsletter – August 18, 2015 – Headline News, Video of the Week, Articles, Scam Alerts – Sign up Today!

Charity — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 20:18:35 +0000

The MLM News Global E-Newsletter offers top MLM news, recent scams, videos, company profiles, and timely articles delivered to your inbox on a bi-monthly basis.

Has There Been Cases Won or Lost on the Topic of Social Media and Distributor Raiding?

Charity — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:31:07 +0000

Has There Been Cases Won or Lost on the Topic of Social Media and Distributor Raiding?

There have been legal rulings both ways on this subject. Some companies have argued that when distributors communicate their intentions to leave a company and begin with a new one on Facebook then they are targeting. Others have argued the opposite point of view. At some point there will be a resolution to this debate at the appellate case level. At this point, most companies would ask that people not promote to people on their Facebook page who’ve been in their downline; however, many distributors would disagree arguing that their Facebook friends are not the friends of the company.

In other cases, consultants want to be “friends” with top leaders and company executives on Facebook in order to stay in the loop and then find themselves in a conflicting position when they want to leave to another company. A deciding factor is yet to be made on this point.

Your best educational resource on the web: check out the hundreds of articles, videos, company profiles, and more at MLMLegal.com.

If you are interested in attending the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company conference visit our conference page, view our speaker list, or get more details. All executives/owners of direct selling companies are welcome to attend. Call 800-231-2162 to register.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Sign up for the MLM News Global newsletter for top headlines, news stories, scam alerts, videos, articles, and more information on the network marketing industry.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

New Video: How Do I Create a Compensation Plan That Guarantees That I Am Legal?

Charity — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 16:45:46 +0000

This is a question that might take one thousand pages to answer. You will find endless articles and videos at www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com on differentiating a legitimate direct selling company from a pyramid scheme.

Key features of a legitimate compensation plan include a program which offers quality product/service at a reasonable price, which is purchased by ultimate users (of end-consumers), who use the product/service and who purchased it because they want it. The product stands on its own in the marketplace as opposed to purchases or payments that where the predominant intent is merely to buy into the program. Pyramids are characterized by bogus products (think wishes and prayers), high investment from consultants to buy-in to the company, inflated pricing, inventory loading and where the primary intent of the compensation plan is to cause individuals to pay money for the right to qualify for the program, causing others to do the same and so on.

Sign up FREE for our newsletter, MLM News Global, and keep updated on industry news, scams, video highlights, and relevant articles.

Learn more about the network marketing business at www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

If you are interested in attending the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company conference visit our conference page, view our speaker list, or get more details. All executives/owners of direct selling companies are welcome to attend. Call 800-231-2162 to register.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.